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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Electrical signaling in fungi ::past and present challenges
No full textElectrical signaling is a fundamental mechanism for integrating environmental stimuli and coordinating responses in living organisms. While extensively studied in animals and plants, the role of electrical signaling in fungi remains a largely underexplored field. Early studies suggested that filamentous fungi generate action potential-like signals and electrical currents at hyphal tips, yet their function in intracellular communication remained unclear. Renewed interest in fungal electrical activity has fueled developments such as the hypothesis that mycorrhizal networks facilitate electrical communication between plants and the emerging field of fungal-based electronic materials. Given their continuous plasma membrane, specialized septal pores, and insulating cell wall structures, filamentous fungi possess architectural features that could support electrical signaling over long distances. However, studying electrical phenomena in fungal networks presents unique challenges due to the microscopic dimensions of hyphae, the structural complexity of highly modular mycelial networks, and the limitations of traditional electrophysiological methods. This review synthesizes current evidence for electrical signaling in filamentous fungi, evaluates methodological approaches, and highlights experimental challenges. By addressing these challenges and identifying best practices, we aim to advance research in this field and provide a foundation for future studies exploring the role of electrical signaling in fungal biology
Two-Eyed Seeing and other Indigenous perspectives for neuroscience
No full textThe integration of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge with biomedical approaches in neurosciences can significantly broaden the understanding of the human brain and mind. Drawing upon the writings of Elders in Canada, we refer to this integration as Two-Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk. We discuss how Two-Eyed Seeing and other dual perspectives can bring both breadth of knowledge and humility to the development of research and clinical practices for brain health. In this forward-looking discussion, we include both traditional academic and non-academic traditions and the work of Indigenous scholars on methodologies, life, health, culture, language and history. To describe challenges and consider solutions, we offer broad strategies for allyship, humility and universalism and situate them in four specific examples pertaining to disability, suicide, migration and the environment. We further advance the power of Two-Eyed Seeing in the context of new considerations for communication and public engagement. Two-Eyed Seeing, per se, is only one approach, but as neuroscience becomes ever more global, inclusive and ethically proactive, it must universally see the world of brain and mental health through the eyes of both reductionism and holism
Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pregnant women ::the COROPREG population‐based study
No full textBackground : Population-based data are needed to reliably assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Objectives : To estimate the population-based incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its severe forms in the obstetric population, identify risk factors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (severe COVID-19) and describe delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes by disease severity, using a definition of severity based on organ dysfunction. Methods : A prospective population-based study conducted over the three first pandemic waves between March 2020 and April 2021 in 281 maternity hospitals in six French regions included all women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or within 7 days post-partum, whether symptomatic or not, hospitalised or not. Severe COVID-19 forms were defined a priori using clinical, biological and management criteria of organ dysfunction. We calculated infection and severe infection rates and studied associations between sociodemographic, medical and pregnancy characteristics and severe COVID-19 by univariate and multivariate modified Poisson regression modelling. Results : From a population of 385,214 deliveries in the participating regions, 6015 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified, including 337 severe cases. The rates of severe COVID-19 were 1.1, 0.9 and 3.6 per 1000 deliveries during the first, second and third pandemic waves, respectively, and the proportions of severe COVID-19 were 8.6%, 3.4% and 9.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the risk of severe COVID-19 was associated with younger and older age, migrant status, living with > 4 people, overweight or obesity, chronic hypertension or diabetes and infection ≥ 22 weeks of gestation rather than earlier in pregnancy. Neonatal morbidity occurred mostly with severe maternal infection. Conclusion : Using an organ-based definition of severity and population-based data, rates of severe COVID-19 appeared lower than in previous studies. A permanent perinatal surveillance system is needed to assess efficiently and rapidly the impact of future pandemics
Herausforderungen der Pflegekinderhilfe ::Partizipation, Begleitung, Akteure, Strukturen = Les défis du placement d’enfants en famille d’accueil : participation, accompagnement, acteurs, structures
No full textWie beurteilen Pflegekinder ihre Partizipationsmöglichkeiten? Was sind Merkmale und Bedingungen guter Begleitung? Welchen Einfluss haben Organisationsstrukturen auf Pflegeverhältnisse? Die Schweiz mit ihren 26 Kantonen erweist sich als Glücksfall für diese interdisziplinäre Untersuchung von Wechselbeziehungen zwischen rechtlichen und organisatorischen Strukturen, professionellen Praktiken sowie den Sichtweisen und Handlungsbedingungen von Akteur:innen. Der Band bietet tiefe Einblicke in die Pflegekinderhilfe und unterbreitet Vorschläge zu ihrer Weiterentwicklung.Comment les enfants placés évaluent-ils leurs possibilités de participation? Quelles sont les caractéristiques et les conditions d’un bon accompagnement? Quelle est l’influence des structures organisationnelles sur les relations de placement? Avec ses 26 cantons, la Suisse est un cas exemplaire pour une étude interdisciplinaire des interactions entre les structures juridiques et organisationnelles, les pratiques professionnelles ainsi que les points de vue et les conditions d’action des personnes impliquées. Cet ouvrage offre une compréhension approfondie du placement en famille d’accueil et fait des propositions innovantes pour son développement
High-performance protocol for ultra-short DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT)
No full textIn recent years, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) has gained substantial attention across various domains of nucleic acid research, owing to its unique advantages over other sequencing platforms. Originally developed for long-read sequencing, ONT technology has evolved, with recent advancements enhancing its applicability beyond long reads to include short, synthetic DNA-based applications. However, sequencing short DNA fragments with nanopore technology often results in lower data quality, likely due to the absence of protocols optimised for these fragment sizes. To address this challenge, we refined the standard ONT library preparation protocol to improve its performance for ultra-short DNA targets. By utilising the same core reagents required for conventional ONT workflows, we introduced targeted alterations to enhance compatibility with shorter fragment lengths. We then benchmarked these adjustments against libraries prepared using the standard ONT protocol. Here, we present a comprehensive, step-by-step protocol that is accessible to researchers of various technical expertise, facilitating high-quality sequencing of ultra-short DNA fragments. This protocol represents a significant improvement in sequencing quality for short DNA sequences using ONT technology, broadening the range of possible applications
Towards accurate RISC-V full system simulation via component-level calibration
No full textFull-System (FS) simulation is essential for performance evaluation of complete systems that execute complex applications on a complete software stack consisting of an operating system and user applications. Nevertheless, they require careful fine-tuning against real hardware to obtain reliable performance statistics, which can become tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming with typical trial-and-error approaches. We propose a novel, streamlined, component-level calibration methodology to address these shortcomings to validate FS simulation models. Our methodology greatly accelerates the validation process without sacrificing accuracy. It is Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)-agnostic, and can tackle hardware specifications at different levels of detail. We demonstrate its effectiveness by validating FS models against both open-hardware and IP-protected (closed hardware) RISC-V silicon, achieving a mean error of 19-23% for the SPEC CPU2017 suite in the two cases. We introduce the first open-source RISC-V-based FS-validated simulation models with a complete and replicable methodology
Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in Africa ::a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textFemale Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial health issue influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Despite a global prevalence of ,10–63 %, FSD is underrecognized in African contexts due to cultural taboos and limited healthcare access. This review and meta-analysis aim to assess FSD prevalence and risk factors across Africa, guiding culturally sensitive interventions, policies, and future research to improve women's sexual health. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and African Journals Online (AJOL) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies reported FSD prevalence in African women aged 18 years and older. A meta-analysis of pooled prevalence was conducted using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using I² and Cochran’s Q tests. Thirteen studies involving 11,585 women from five African countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of FSD was 52.1 % (95 % CI: 45.7–58.4 %), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 97.1 %). Regional prevalence rates ranged from 39 % in East Africa to 61 % in West Africa (p = 0.051). The pooled prevalence was 76.2 % for desire disorder; 59.7 %for arousal disorder; 73.7 % for lubrication; 73.1 % for orgasm disorder; 60.6 % for sexual dissatisfaction and 51.6 % for pain/dyspareunia. The diagnostic tool used influenced prevalence estimates, with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) reporting lower rates (44 %) compared to other tools (70 %) (p < 0.001). FSD affects over half of African women, underscoring the need for standardized diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and culturally appropriate interventions to address this pervasive issue and improve women’s quality of life
Engineering of the magnetic cooling systems ::a promising research axis for environment and energy saving
No full textWith the growing concerns about global warming, ozone depletion, and energy resources scarcity, the major challenge of the refrigeration industry is the reduction of energy consumption and direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For this purpose, a large number of regulations were adopted by the international community or under discussion. In this paper we present an innovative cooling machine based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). The magnetic cooling is a new promising technology in refrigeration systems presenting many advantages when compared to the standard gas compression technology, such as a decrease of energy consumption (high efficiency) and reduction of the acoustic and environmental pollution (elimination of the standard coolants). In this paper, we also present the basis and the various aspects of the magnetic cooling