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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Role of Community Pharmacies in Spreading the Concept of Vascular Aging in Daily Clinical Practice
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Effect of a gamified simulation on nursing students' communication skills in end-of-life care ::a randomized controlled trial
No full textBackground : Communication is essential in palliative care, yet nursing students often struggle in end-of-life (EoL) settings. We evaluated SG-EoL, a gamified simulation to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication. Methods : In a randomized controlled trial (N = 41), SG-EoL was compared with a quiz. Students completed pre/post simulations with a standardized patient; empathetic verbal responses and non-verbal behaviors (nodding, eye gaze, forward leaning) were timed. Results : Forward leaning increased in the intervention group (p =. 02); no significant changes were found for verbal communication, nodding, or eye gaze. Conclusions : SG-EoL improved one non-verbal behavior but not overall communication. Adding feedback, visual cues, and debriefing could enhance learning
Solid‐phase organization and shrinkage properties of some growing media constituents according to particle size
No full textParticle size is a key factor in shaping water and air retention properties and drainage capacity of growing media. Thus, manufactured growing media are made of screened, crushed, or sieved raw materials whose particle sizes are adapted to cropping objectives. The relationships between the particle size distribution of the growing media constituents and the resulting structure are, however, not well known, which requires better understanding of particle arrangement and its change with water upon shrinkage. A proper characterization of the structure would help to guide substrate manufacturing, which is inherently complex due to the use of various materials made up of heterogeneous particles in terms of size and shape. To this aim, we analyzed the shrinkage of white and black peats, coir, pine bark and wood fiber, raw material, and derived particle size fractions extracted by sieving. Hyprop systems coupled to linear vertical displacement transducers were used to determine the shrinkage curves. The dual porosity shrinkage XP model (XP model) was used to analyze the hydrostructural behavior of the different growing media constituents. The possible distinction of interparticle and intraparticle pores, based on the dual pore system assumption of the shrinkage model, was discussed. Interparticle porosity volume represented the major part of the total porosity, whatever the materials and particle size fractions. Greater volume shrinkage of interparticle porosity was observed for the smaller particle size fractions of materials. Conversely, intraparticle porosity volume shrinkage is of the same magnitude for all particle size fractions. The use of the XP model to study growing media is relevant, although no residual domain on the shrinkage curves was observed. This work revealed that particle arrangement and physical behaviors during drying of materials depend on the nature of constituents but also highly on particle size fraction. These results provide a complementary approach for characterizing the pore functional properties of growing media
Realtime 3D radiation pattern measurement ::experimental demonstration
No full textTraditional methods for measuring radiation patterns rely on point-by-point scanning, necessitating large anechoic chambers, robotic arms, and precise positioning systems. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a novel real-time 3D radiation pattern measurement technique based on passive spatial sampling and hardware compressive sensing. By leveraging rich scattering media and a passive sampling surface, the proposed method enables the rapid reconstruction of spatial and spectral information in a single-shot measurement, significantly reducing acquisition time. We validate our approach by characterizing a standard gain horn antenna and a synthetic phased array setup, comparing the results with simulated reference data. The experimental results show strong agreement with theoretical expectations, achieving accurate radiation pattern reconstruction in under one second. This advancement represents a major step toward real-time, cost-effective, and compact electromagnetic source characterization without the need for specialized chambers or mechanical scanning
Neo - a sophisticated multilingual chatbot for a trusted news ecosystem exploration
No full textIn recent years, Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed user interaction with digital content, including news. However, concerns remain about the quality and transparency of information provided by commercial chatbots, which often rely on opaque source selection influenced by commercial interests. To address this, we introduce Neo, a news chatbot that delivers reliable and transparent information using content from Public Service Media (PSM) organizations. By leveraging diverse, multilingual sources from European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members, known for their strict editorial standards, Neo provides users with accurate and up-to-date responses. This paper presents the design of Neo, outlining key scientific contributions such as the optimization of a modular Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline, advanced semantic indexing methods, and support for multilingual input. We also detail the technical implementation, evaluate cost considerations, and share insights from early user trials. Finally, we outline directions for future development and planned enhancements
Life cycle assessment of a chronic low back pain physiotherapy plan
No full textBackground: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common, disabling condition often requiring long-term physiotherapy. With growing attention to sustainability in healthcare, there is a need to understand the environmental impacts of physiotherapy treatments. This study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to a CLBP treatment plan, based on an adapted published case, to identify improvement areas and promote eco-responsible practices. Sustainability considerations in physiotherapy remain underexplored, and this analysis addresses a gap by quantifying treatment-related ecological burdens. Methods: A case-specific LCA was conducted using the ISO 14040 framework. The functional unit was 20 physiotherapy sessions over six months in Switzerland, targeting a 40 % pain reduction (NRPS) and an ODI score ≤ 20. The system boundaries excluded medications and focused on the clinical setting. The Ecoinvent database and IMPACT 2002 + method were used to assess four indicators: climate change (CO₂), human health, ecosystems, and non-renewable resources. Key elements examined included material use (reusable vs. single use), patient transport, and waste management. Data were modelled to reflect typical outpatient rehabilitation practices. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to compare material choice and transport scenarios. Results: Patient transport was the main environmental burden: car use accounted for 71 % of CO₂ emissions, 91 % of impacts on human health, 85 % on ecosystems, and 86 % on resource use. Alternative transport (carpooling, public transport) significantly reduced the footprint. Single-use material production contributed notably to resource depletion, highlighting the benefits of reusable, repairable products. However, reused materials posed end-of-life challenges, mainly through waste management processes. Transport distance and frequency were also key drivers of environmental variation. Conclusion and implications: LCA identified key sustainability levers in physiotherapy: reducing transport emissions, preferring reusable materials, and improving waste strategies. Future research should compare physiotherapy with other CLBP treatments, such as surgery or medication, to integrate environmental criteria into health policy and clinical guidelines. This case study offers practical guidance for physiotherapists aiming to minimize ecological impacts. Understanding treatment life cycles helps make informed choices in daily practice. Results support the inclusion of environmental considerations in future physiotherapy protocols and sustainability frameworks. Training and awareness-raising among clinicians may further support environmentally responsible clinical decision-making