Tind Technologies (Norway)
Hes-so: ArODES Open Archive (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland / Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale / FH Westschweiz)Not a member yet
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Endogenous sex steroid hormones, sex hormone binding globulin and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality ::a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
No full textBackground : While abundant research suggests a sex-specific role of endogenous sex steroid hormones in chronic diseases, research on mortality remains inconclusive. We quantified the sex-specific associations of endogenous sex steroid hormones including total testosterone (TT), free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the general population. Methods : Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched and population-based cohort studies investigating the association of interested were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE framework. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model for the top versus bottom tertile of sex hormones and risk of mortality. Results : 53 publications with 359,047 participants were included in the systematic review. A significant association was observed between higher level of TT and risk of all-cause mortality (HR (95%CI): 0.89 (0.83 to 0.97), n=19 studies) in men, while no association was found in women. Dose-response analysis suggested a significant U-shaped association between TT and all-cause mortality in men and a J-shaped association in women. Higher level of SHBG was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in women (1.25 (1.13 to 1.39), n=3) and no association was observed in men. Additionally, higher DHEAs levels were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in men (0.72 (0.57 to 0.91), n=6) and no association was observed in women. Conclusions : This meta-analysis reveals a dose-response link between endogenous sex steroid hormones and mortality, highlighting the need for sex-specific studies on hormone modulation's impact on mortality and longevity
Health disparities among Deaf communities from Colombia ::assessing communication, technology and healthcare access
No full textIntroduction Despite efforts to improve health equity, there is still limited knowledge about the number and characteristics of people with disabilities, particularly the Deaf community. Our aim is to use linguistically and culturally adapted research instruments to measure key health indicators and priorities within the Deaf community from a low- and middle-income country—Colombia, contributing to a better understanding of health inequities. Methods We used data from the Health Survey for Deaf (HSD) and National Quality of Life Survey (NQLS) from Colombia. We included various communication and technology-related indicators—usage of smartphone, modes of interacting with healthcare personnel, along with health indicators—self-perception of health, healthcare quality, hospitalisation and functional difficulties in various domains. ORs were computed to depict the differences in two groups, adjusted for both age and gender, using logistic regressions. Results We included 204 and 877 Deaf participants from HSD and NQLS, respectively. Owning a phone was significantly associated with a better self-perception of health (ORs=2.27, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.17 for NQLS-Deafs; 1.49, 1.43 to 1.54 for NQLS-general population) but also with more functional difficulties corresponding to most domains (all ORs >1). However, for HSD datasets, we found that phone ownership was associated with having significantly less functional difficulties in moving hands (0.34, 0.14 to 0.81) and cognition (0.36, 0.15 to 0.89). Access to professional interpreting services was correlated with increased communication-related functional difficulties (2.02, 1.00 to 4.08), for HSD participants. Better self-perception of health was linked to fewer functional difficulties (all ORs 1). Conclusions We found that Deaf individuals generally experience poorer health outcomes compared with hearing individuals. To address these disparities, we recommend (1) improving data quality that could lead to targeted responses and monitoring of it and (2) implementing personalised health surveys that account for the Deaf population’s fluency in Spanish and Colombian Sign Language and their specific understanding of health issues
Large-scale georeferenced neuroimaging and psychometry data link the urban environmental exposome with brain health
No full textToward architected microstructures using advanced laser beam shaping in laser powder bed fusion of Ti‐6Al‐4V
No full textLaser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) stations mostly use lasers with a Gaussian beam intensity distribution, as it has advantages like small divergence and high ability to be focused. This distribution creates significant thermal gradients leading to high cooling rates, which promote the formation of an α’-martensitic structure in Ti-6Al-4V. While this microstructure offers high strength, it sacrifices ductility, necessitating post-processing heat treatments to decompose the α’-martensite into an α+β lamellar structure. However, these post-treatments are time-consuming, and notably transform the part microstructure in a uniform way. In this study, an advanced laser beam shaping module, based on a liquid crystals on silicon-spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM) is employed, to customize the intensity distribution and reduce the cooling rate with appropriate processing parameters. Thermal camera monitoring, along with finite element modeling (FEM), confirmed a significant reduction in the cooling rate for the tailored beam, compared to the Gaussian profile. This technique is implemented in the LPBF process, resulting in specimens with a mixture of lamellar α+β and α’-martensitic structures site specifically. Beam shaping is thereby shown to provide new degrees of freedom for fine-tuning of microstructures at the melt pool scale, and for LPBF building of 3D architected microstructures
Novel fruit growers’ advisory system using connected fruit dendrometer, micro-climate data and machine learning algorithms
No full textThe climate is having an increasing impact on greenhouse production. Frequent and unpredictable events lead to physiological adaptations of plants to the detriment of fruit quality. Tomatoes, for example, split or even burst in the ripening phase, often in the summer when a succession of hot periods occurs, and the fruit is not elastic enough to absorb the physical changes due to frequent irrigation. This causes important losses for the growers. This project aims to implement and test a real-time connected fruit dendrometer in a soilless tomato culture, combined with a micro-climate analysis and machine learning algorithms. The objective is to detect a typical signature growing curve for tomato crop production and predict a cracking event. The research has three main outcomes: i) improve crop quality; ii) optimize harvest timing; iii) reduce water usage. A field trial took place in 2022 at the research centre of Agroscope, Switzerland. The mechanical and electronic behaviour of 70 fruit dendrometers was tested in a soilless tomato greenhouse, together with the setup of a data transmission and storage system. Six micro-climatic stations allowed to study the dependence between climatic data and fruit growth. Phenological and physiological monitoring of tomato plants and fruit quality analysis allows the characterization of the different climatic environments that could affect the fruit cracking occurrence. The preliminary results revealed promising. The build fruit-growth models can predict the final fruit diameter and the best harvest time. Preliminary analyses suggest dependences between the daily fruit growth measures and the climate conditions. Monitoring continues for generating additional data on the fruit growth behaviour. This contributes to develop precise fruit cracking model, alerting the greenhouse producers about a potential risk that may lead to losses in yield quality
Probabilistic approach and observational method - application to the interaction between tunnel boring machine and piles
No full textUrban tunnel construction often uses pressurized front Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). It is difficult to predict the displacements induced by the pressurized digging of tunnels in proximity to existing piles, particularly when the distance is smaller than the diameter of the tunnel. Limiting the impact of TBM on piles is crucial for the Grand Paris Express project to reduce the risk of damage to neighbouring structures. The TULIP research project (TUnnel boring machines and Limitation of Impacts on Piles), established by Société des Grands Projets, CETU, ENTPE, and UGE, conducted a full-scale experiment on line 16 lot 1. Eiffage Génie Civil, HEIA-FR and GeoMod have developed a probabilistic approach coupled with the observational method. This article presents the application of this probabilistic approach to better understand the mechanism of tunnel/soil/piles interaction, based on the published results of experimental tests. A 3D model is first produced to simulate the tunnel construction, then the sensitivity analyses are carried out to determine the probabilistic input variables that are the most important on the quantities of interest. Using the monitoring measurements in the pile zone, the Bayesian inference allows updating the calculation hypotheses to refine the evaluation of the probability of exceeding acceptable thresholds for both the surface settlement and the normal force in the pile (from a priori to a posteriori), thus optimizing the design if the value of the probability of exceeding these thresholds decreases a posteriori
Fostering transparency ::a critical introduction of generative AI in students’ assignments
No full textThis article analyses a specific strategy designed to include generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in students’ written assignments. While we recognise that GenAI tools represent a challenge for teachers in terms of their classroom use and the development of digital literacy among students, we believe that banning them is not a viable option. In our view, students need to develop a sustainable, critical approach to these tools, informed by the need to be transparent. With this in mind, we have thus developed, tested and evaluated a protocol for language learners in two Swiss universities. In our experiment, students were allowed to use any online tools available for their written assignments, but they were required to clearly highlight in their texts any output derived from text generators (ChatGPT), machine translation tools (DeepL), online corpora and online dictionaries in their texts. They also had to report on their writing process in an additional, meta-analytical paragraph. After submitting their assignments, students were asked to answer a questionnaire investigating their use of, and attitude to, GenAI tools as well as their transparency in completing the task. The data gathered allowed us to gauge students’ trustworthiness as to their self-reported tool use and to determine whether our protocol could help teachers preserve the take-home written assignment in the GenAI era. Finally, the analysis yielded interesting insights into students’ use of GenAI in L2 writing and highlighted different ways in which teachers can foster more transparency. This innovative action-research study brings much-needed data and offers practical guidance to language teachers interested in GenAI
Neuroplastic periodization in tendinopathy
No full textIntroduction: Periodized rehabilitation for tendinopathies integrates principles of athletic training into structured protocols to
optimize tendon healing and functional recovery minimizing recurrence. This review explores the role of concurrent and phasic
periodization strategies in tendon rehabilitation, focusing on optimizing strength, power, and neuromuscular control.
Areas of agreement: Early phases prioritize pain management and load capacity through prolonged isometric contractions, to
improve neuromuscular engagement without exacerbating symptoms. Heavy, slow resistance exercises, central to progressive
loading, facilitate tendon remodeling and strength development. Subsequent phases incorporate energy storage and release,
sport-specific exercises tailored to individual goals, using externally paced movements to enhance motor control and corticospinal
drive. Neuroplastic training is promising, aligning physical rehabilitation with cognitive engagement to optimize motor learning and
reduce maladaptive patterns.
Areas of controversy: At present, no randomized controlled trials have tested the periodization concept in the management of
tendinopathy conditions.
Growing points: Systematic evaluation, including range of motion, tissue flexibility, and limb biomechanics, is necessary to
identify and address kinetic chain dysfunctions in patients with tendon ailments. Reintegration into sport or activity should follow
clear benchmarks, such as symmetrical strength, pain-free function, and tolerance for high-intensity loads.
Source of data: Analysis of the current literature, and expert opinion.
Areas timely for developing research: This evidence-based framework offers clinicians a practical roadmap for tendon
rehabilitation, combining physiological and biomechanical considerations to support safe return to sport or activity. A structured
individualized approach ensures optimal recovery by addressing movement dysfunctions, monitoring load tolerance, and reducing
the risk of re-injury
Evaluation of biogas production from food waste under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions under Swiss conditions
No full textGreen fuel production from food waste can help manage waste disposal. A study was conducted to test the efficiency of biogas production under different temperature conditions in small-scale anaerobic digesters from canteen food waste and biogas slurry from waste water treatment plant as starter culture of Yverdon Les Bains, under Swiss conditions, which have potential for waste disposal and energy supply in urban areas. This anaerobic digester was operated first at thermophilic then mesophilic temperature ranges with specific bacteria active in each range. Efficiency of the biogas digester was checked with varying the temperature in the digester from thermophilic to mesophilic conditions, with and without stirring for a period of three months. Temperature, methane concentration and biogas flow rate were continuously acquired using a Labview® Data Acquisition System, developed in-house with a lab-scale digester. The digester was constructed of stainless steel with a water jacket heated by an electric water heater with a circulating pump and agitation provided by impellers and baffles. The study shows anaerobic digestion can recover from abrupt changes between thermophilic and mesophilic conditions without intervention or changing the feeding regime. ATP analysis showed that microorganisms stress was higher under thermophilic than under mesophilic conditions. We can conclude that for food waste and mixtures of food-waste and cow-dung under thermophilic conditions result in increased biogas flow and an 11% increase in methane concentration compared to mesophilic condition, without stirring. Results also show biogas production reached 66% of methane at pH of 7.48 and volume concentration within the first month under thermophilic condition (56-580C). Later the same digester was set to mesophilic conditions, i.e. 30-400C with an efficiency of 55%. Maximum and continuous biogas was recorded above 570C until 590C with better solid destruction and biogas yield
FOSTER_DHN : un nouvel outil de simulation open-source pour planifier les réseaux CAD
No full textLe projet FOSTER_DHN a permis de développer un outil de simulation dédié aux réseaux de chauffage à distance. Cet outil peut servir à planifier des réseaux de chauffage à distance intégrant davantage d’énergies bas-carbone, baisser les niveaux de température et identifier les synergies. L’outil FOSTER_DHN constitue ainsi une plateforme idéale afin d’impliquer les différents acteurs d’un territoire dans la planification énergétique