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
15764 research outputs found
Sort by
Power system simulation tool for quick benchmarking of innovative MVDC grids in e-mobility applications
The rapid development of Solid-State Transformers enables a future for microgrids that features the connection of various sources, loads, and storage elements to a common MVDC bus. The simulation of such systems present various challenges due to their growing complexity caused by the large amount of connected power converters and diversification of sources and loads. Quick benchmarking in booming areas such as E-Mobility typically require simulation models that feature superior speed with a dynamic response that fits real hardware. Within this context and objective in mind, a simulation tool has been developed with system level average models of elementary SST cells for DC grids. The implemented models are built with controlled current/voltage sources which embody dynamic behaviors of real SST systems. They may be arranged in various modular configurations, and they feature a basic failure mechanism that allows bypass of failed cells to study their impact on the full power system
Le travail neurocognitif en kinésithérapie : vers une rééducation fonctionnelle optimisée
En kinésithérapie du sport, la prise en soins s’oriente de
plus en plus vers des approches globales qui intègrent
les contraintes écologiques de la pratique sportive. Le
travail neurocognitif, en tant qu’interaction entre perception, attention, mémoire, anticipation et prise de décision, offre un levier pertinent pour optimiser la rééducation et favoriser un retour au sport performant et sécurisé
Training workbench for fuel cell hydrogen mobility
In order to promote the use of fuel cell technology for transportation, a simple training workbench was developed, so that it can be used by the “neophytes” in the field of fuel cells. Equipped with a ~500W PEM open cathode fuel cell, a DCDC converter, a LiFePO4 battery and a dynamic electrical load, this platform can be used to test load scenarios similar to those characteristics for a car or a small truck (by a scale factor). The technical characteristics, the safety precautions taken during use and the cost of the platform are presented, in order to provide a complete, yet simple example that could be used for introductory courses or labs. The main advantage of the setup is the fact that it is less complex than those usually used in research yet slightly more complex than those commercially available on the market. This setup was developed within the Interreg GreenSKHy project, which, unlike the common EU funded projects, is not focused on research, its goal being the development of “open-source” trainings and platforms
Influences of season, ventilation, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic protective measures, and energy-shortage on VOC levels in Western Switzerland’s primary schools
Indoor air pollution is a major threat to human health, contributing to both acute and chronic diseases in exposed individuals. School environments are particularly at risk, as they host vulnerable populations which spend a considerable amount of time indoors. Among the myriad pollutants found in indoor settings, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are especially common and some of them have been associated with health effects from irritation to cancer following prolonged exposure. In this study, we assessed the presence of VOCs in 24 primary schools in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. VOCs were passively sampled at each school in three locations (twice indoors and once outdoors) for four one-week campaigns conducted across different seasons. These campaigns also captured variations due to SARS-CoV-2 protective measures and energy-saving restrictions. Overall, indoor air quality was found to be good in most of the monitored classrooms. However, elevated levels of alcohol (ethanol and isopropanol), reaching up to 40,000 µg/m3, were observed in classrooms during the enforcement of pandemic-related protective measures. Mechanical ventilation systems were associated with a general reduction in VOC exposure. Regarding indoor air reference values, most of the regulated compounds were in line with Switzerland’s or neighboring countries’ guidelines. This study demonstrates that although VOC concentrations generally remain low and within recommended limits, their consistent presence indicates numerous potential sources of exposure for both children and teachers, who spend extended periods in these environments
Swiss national radon database ::impact of building and environmental factors
Since the 1980s, radon has been recognized as a public health concern in Switzerland and internationally. In an effort to more accurately estimate the number of lung cancer cases attributable to radon exposure, Swiss health authorities initiated the creation of radon measurements into a centralized national database. As of 2025, this database comprises approximately 300,000 measurements from 150,000 buildings across the country. This study aims (1) to provide a statistical characterization of the Swiss National Radon Database, including temporal and structural aspects (e.g., number of measurements, measurement duration), and (2) to identify key environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing indoor radon concentrations, using various national datasets (e.g., geology, hydrology, climate, seismicity, soil chemistry, building characteristics). Results indicate that elevated indoor radon levels are primarily associated with the presence of uranium-rich geological formations and fault zones, particularly within karstic environments. Among building-related parameters, older constructions and lower floor levels are linked to higher radon concentrations, while building type appears to have minimal influence. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between measurement duration and radon levels, suggesting that shorter measurements tend to overestimate long-term exposure and raising questions regarding the annual representativeness. This study provides a comprehensive overview of radon distribution patterns and their determinants, offering valuable insights for researchers and public health authorities. It contributes to the development of evidence-based strategies for radon risk assessment, management, and mitigation, both within Switzerland and in comparable international contexts
Transition vers la pratique infirmière et développement des compétences en sécurité des patients ::protocole d’une étude longitudinale à méthodes mixtes
Introduction : La première année d’exercice infirmier représente une période marquée par une vulnérabilité professionnelle, constituant un enjeu majeur pour la sécurité des soins. Bien que la sécurité des patients soit reconnue comme une priorité par l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, l’évolution du sentiment de compétence des infirmier·ères durant cette transition reste peu documentée. Afin d’examiner ce processus de transition professionnelle, cette étude s’appuie sur un programme d’intégration de 12 mois, implanté dans un hôpital universitaire de Suisse francophone et inspiré du modèle de Duchscher (2008). Objectifs : Explorer l’évolution du sentiment de compétence perçu en sécurité des patients chez les infirmier·ères au cours de leur première année d’exercice hospitalier et analyser l’influence des facteurs institutionnels, contextuels et expérientiels sur cette évolution. Méthode : Devis longitudinal à méthodes mixtes convergent-parallèle. Le volet quantitatif mobilise le questionnaire Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey (T1, T2, T3) et l’échelle de préceptorat Casey-Fink (T2, T3). Les temps de mesure correspondent aux stades « faire » (1er mois), « être » (5e mois) et « connaître » (10e mois) du modèle de Duchscher. Le volet qualitatif s’appuie sur des entretiens individuels (stade « être ») et de groupe (stade « connaître »), analysés selon les 6 domaines du Cadre canadien des compétences en sécurité des patients. Les données quantitatives et qualitatives seront intégrées dans une matrice d’interprétation croisée. Discussion et retombées anticipées : Une compréhension approfondie de l’évolution du sentiment de compétence perçu des infirmier·ères en sécurité des patients permettra d’identifier les leviers favorisant son développement, afin d’orienter les ajustements pédagogiques et organisationnels liés à la culture de sécurité.Introduction: The first year of nursing practice represents a period of professional vulnerability and a critical phase for patient safety. Although patient safety is recognized as a global priority by the World Health Organization, the evolution of nurses’ competence in this area during the transition to professional practice remains underexplored. To examine this transition process, the present study draws on a 12-month integration program, implemented in a French-speaking Swiss university hospital and informed by Duchscher’s (2008) transition model. Objectives: To explore the evolution of perceived patient safety competence among newly graduated nurses during their first year of hospital practice and to analyze the influence of institutional, contextual, and experiential factors on this evolution. Method: Longitudinal mixed-methods design using a convergent parallel approach. The quantitative component employs the Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey (T1, T2, T3) and the Casey-Fink preceptorship scale (T2, T3). Measurement points correspond to Duchscher’s phases of transition—“doing” (first month), “being” (fifth month), and “knowing” (tenth month). The qualitative component includes individual interviews (during the “being” phase) and focus groups (during the “knowing” phase), analyzed according to the 6 domains of the Canadian Patient Safety Competency Framework. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated through a cross-interpretation matrix. Discussion and Research Spin-offs: A deeper understanding of the evolution of nurses’ perceived competence in patient safety will be useful to identify the key factors supporting its development and guide the pedagogical and organizational adjustments needed to strengthen the culture of safety
Beyond buildings ::assessing the carbon footprint of outoor spaces in construction projects
The built environment is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, with 37% of total emissions. While efforts to reduce building emissions have progressed, the impact of outdoor spaces remains largely unquantified. Existing carbon accounting frameworks focus primarily on building structures, leaving outdoor landscaping overlooked in emissions assessments. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature addressing the carbon footprint of these spaces, particularly in relation to their contribution to overall building emissions. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the carbon impact of outdoor surfaces and integrating them into construction-related emissions evaluations. A four-step methodology is applied: (1) defining the functional unit as one m² of low-traffic urban surface, (2) identifying commonly used materials, (3) performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine the carbon emissions of each material, and (4) integrating these emissions into the building’s overall carbon budget using urban planning regulations and building archetypes. The results highlight significant variations in emissions depending on material choices. Gravel has the lowest impact, while perforated concrete paving also performs well due to its reduced cement content. In contrast, natural stone can generate up to 10 times more CO₂ than gravel when polished and transported over long distances. In the end, when outdoor areas are fully utilized, they can account for up to 20% of a building’s carbon footprint. This underscores the need for integrating outdoor surface regulations into urban planning. By providing insights for architects and policymakers, this research supports the development of more sustainable built environment
Reconciling embodied and operational carbon ::a split carbon factor methodology for building insulation in Switzerland's energy transition
The decarbonisation of the electricity network is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s 2050 energy strategy. In this context, buildings represent both a challenge and an opportunity, as they account for over one-third of the final energy demand. The increasing use of heat pumps, coupled with a low-carbon electricity mix, is driving down operational carbon emissions. However, this shift introduces a paradox: if electricity is considered fully decarbonised, further insulation may seem counterproductive, as its embodied carbon might outweigh operational savings. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) would suggest that insulation is unnecessary – a conclusion that risks undermining long-term decarbonisation efforts of energy supply. This highlights a critical research gap. Without continued insulation efforts to reduce thermal energy demand, renewable electricity production may fall short of future needs. A new allocation method is thus required to reflect the true carbon impact of excessive electricity use and preserve the relevance of energy sufficiency in a carbon-neutral future. This research develops a Swiss-adapted methodology based on the LETI “split carbon factor” method. It assigns a decarbonised carbon factor (0.016 kgCO₂-eq/kWh) to electricity consumption below a defined electricity use intensity target (19 kWh/m²·year), aligned with the 2050 renewable energy budget, and a non-decarbonised carbon factor (0.175 kgCO₂-eq/kWh) above this limit. Applied to a case study of a renovated residential building, the method emphasizes the value of improving insulation up to a given target. Beyond this threshold, further operational carbon savings remain, but with diminishing returns, supporting a more targeted strategy. It prioritizes high-energy-consuming buildings while reducing pressure on already efficient new constructions. By penalizing poorly insulated buildings, the method reconciles operational and embodied carbon accounting, bridging the gap between LCA outcomes and energy transition goals. It offers a more realistic framework for assessing building performance while supporting both design and policy development within Switzerland’s low-carbon pathway
Enjeux environnementaux des soins de santé
La 30e journée de droit de la santé était consacrée à la question de la durabilité des soins de santé, qui représente un enjeu et un défi majeurs pour les années à venir. L’impératif de la durabilité entraînera en effet une transformation radicale du paysage des soins. Cet ouvrage rassemble les contributions écrites reprenant les idées exposées par les différents orateurs et oratrices lors de la journée.
Les thèmes traités sont les suivants:
Une réflexion critique sur l’interaction entre les soins de santé et la durabilité
Droit du travail, santé et durabilité : survol d’un écosystème complexe
Bâtir l’hôpital de demain : stratégies et solutions pour la durabilité
Réseau de l’Arc : un changement de paradigme dans le système de santé suisse
Observations et vision de l’adoption de pratiques durables par les professionnelles et les professionnels de santé
Enjeux environnementaux des systèmes de santé
Le virage vert des soins : le personnel de la santé comme moteur de changements durables et le rôle du droit
Financement des soins de santé et innovation