Portail des publications scientifiques IMT Mines Alès
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A combined analysis of spinal mobility and gait spatiotemporal parameters in axial spondyloarthritis using wearable sensors
No full textInternational audienceBackground: Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic rheumatic disease which impacts spinal mobility and physical functions, including gait. However, current clinical assessments mostly rely on composite indices and questionnaires which involve a degree of subjectivity. This study aimed to assess the discriminant validity of wearable sensors for objective monitoring of axial spondyloarthritis in clinical practice.Methods: Twenty participants with axial spondyloarthritis and 20 healthy controls were included.Spinal mobility alongside gait were assessed while data were collected using inertial measurement units. Data were compared between the two groups and classification performance was assessed by performing receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Finally, correlations between parameters measured through inertial measurement units and clinical measures were also evaluated. Findings:The axial spondyloarthritis group showed significantly reduced trunk maximum angles in all planes and direction of motion. Gait was characterized by a reduction in cadence (P = 0.004) and speed (P = 0.015). The combination of gait cadence and trunk kinematics enhanced the classification performance (sensitivity = 95% vs. 55% with trunk sagittal range of motion alone).Trunk kinematic variables were correlated to mobility items of clinical measures while spatiotemporal gait parameters showed correlations with the disease activity and its functional impact in daily life.Interpretation: The present study demonstrated the ability of inertial measurement units to effectively discriminate axial spondyloarthritis individuals, with an enhanced classification performance while combining trunk kinematics and gait spatiotemporal parameters. These findings highlight the potential of wearable sensors as valuable tools for assessment and follow-up in clinical practice.</div
Immersive Virtual Reality Learning and Cognitive Load: A multiple-Day Field Study
No full textInternational audienceImmersive virtual reality (IVR) has the capacity to act as a complement to skill training. Nevertheless, discrepancies in outcomes persist, and field studies evaluating the use of IVR during multi-day training remain scarce. Furthermore, cognitive load has the potential to provide valuable insights into the instructional framework. Yet, it is often overlooked in practice. This study examines cognitive load and its interaction with other individual features (i.e., self-efficacy, presence, cybersickness and learning outcomes) when using IVR during a multiple-day training programme in molecular biology skills. The primary objective is twofold: firstly, to enhance comprehension of the role of cognitive load during multiple day training and, secondly, to refine the instructional framework for the utilisation of IVR within authentic classroom settings. A total of 54 undergraduate students were recruited for the study. Participants were split into three groups: one with only practical training, and two using IVR either before or after the hands-on training. The findings demonstrated no discrepancy in self-efficacy, cognitive load, and learning outcomes between the IVR groups after training. However, IVR groups demonstrated higher levels of cognitive load but lower learning outcomes and self-efficacy scores in comparison to the CTRL group. Correlations were also exhibited between cognitive load, self-efficacy and cybersickness. The moment of implementation of IVR did not have an effect on the assessed variables. However, in contrast to the CTRL group, the implementation of IVR increased the associated cognitive load, which may have influenced the learning process.</div
Améliorer la connaissance et la reconnaissance des interventions non médicamenteuses : implications pour la santé publique d’une étude participative et de consensus
No full textInternational audienceIntroduction: In the absence of a consensus on the definition and evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions (NPI)-despite the use of the concept by the World Health Organization, the French Health Authority, the Ministry of Health, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control-this study has co-constructed a consensus-based paradigm aligned with international health research standards. This article outlines its relevance and limitations for public health.Method: Over a two-year period, the study engaged all stakeholders, i.e., more than 1,000 participants. Participatory workshops based on international health research recommendations and experiential knowledge, and consensus sessions were conducted under the guidance of a multidisciplinary committee and with the logistical support of the Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society. These efforts helped to identify the key descriptive and evaluative invariants specific to NPIs. Four phases followed: development, improvement, voting, and consultation.Results: The term NPI refers to prevention or care protocols with a physical, nutritional, or psychosocial focus, targeting a health issue and personalized by a qualified professional. The evaluation framework comprises 77 invariants—14 ethical and 63 methodological—distributed across five types of study: mechanistic, observational, prototypical, interventional, and implementation. The NPIS Model paradigm was endorsed by 31 learned societies and three French health authorities.Conclusion: The term NPI should be reserved for prevention and care protocols that are described, explainable, effective, safe, and implementable. The consensual framework for co-constructed evaluation should promote the transfer of NPIs from research to practice, their interprofessional coordination, contextual adaptation, continuous improvement, training, and, finally, their recognition. This scientific paradigm strengthens the role of public health professionals in developing targeted, efficient, and potentially fundable interventions for at-risk or ill populations. It paves the way for the development of an open registry of intangible health care practices that can be codified, shared, traced, and improved, informed by user feedback. This paradigm does not, however, cover all areas of public health.Introduction : Devant l’absence de consensus sur la définition et l’évaluation des interventions non médicamenteuses (INM) malgré l’utilisation de la notion par l’OMS, la HAS, le ministère de la santé et le Centre européen de prévention et contrôle des maladies par exemple, une étude a co-construit un paradigme consensuel répondant aux standards de la recherche internationale dans le domaine de la santé. L’article présente ses intérêts et ses limites pour la santé publique. Méthode : L’étude a mobilisé durant deux ans toutes les parties prenantes, soit plus de 1000 personnes. Des ateliers participatifs s’appuyant sur les recommandations internationales de la recherche en santé et l’expérience et des sessions de consensus ont été menés sous le pilotage d’un comité pluridisciplinaire et la logistique de la société savante Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society. Ils ont permis d’identifier les invariants descriptifs et évaluatifs spécifiques aux INM. Quatre phases se sont succédé, élaboration, amélioration, vote, consultation. Résultats : Le terme INM désigne des protocoles de prévention ou de soin ayant une dominante corporelle, nutritionnelle ou psychosociale, ciblés sur un problème de santé et personnalisés par un professionnel qualifié. Le cadre d’évaluation comporte 77 invariants, 14 éthiques et 63 méthodologiques. Ces derniers sont répartis en cinq types d’étude : mécanistique, observationnelle, prototypique, interventionnelle et d’implémentation. Le paradigme NPIS Model a reçu le soutien de 31 sociétés savantes et trois autorités de santé françaises. Conclusion : Le terme INM devrait être réservé aux protocoles de prévention et de soin décrits, explicables, efficaces, sûrs et implémentables. Le cadre consensuel d’évaluation co-construit devrait favoriser la transférabilité des INM de la recherche à la pratique, leur coordination pluriprofessionnelle, leur adaptation au contexte, leur amélioration continue, leur formation, et finalement leur reconnaissance. Ce paradigme scientifique renforce le rôle des professionnels de la santé publique dans le développement d’actions ciblées, efficientes, et possiblement finançables au bénéfice des publics à risque ou malades. Il ouvre la voie au développement d’un référentiel en accès libre de pratiques immatérielles de santé codifiables, partageables, traçables et améliorables par la prise en compte des retours d’expérience. Ce paradigme ne couvre en aucun cas tous les domaines de la santé publique
Comportement mécanique de tissus périnéaux porcins: essais cycliques et observations microstructurales
No full textInternational audienceLes déchirures périnéales concernent jusqu’à 90 % des accouchements par voie basse et peuvent avoir des conséquences fonctionnelles sévères.La prédiction de ce risque est essentielle afin de mettre en place des manœuvres conservatrices lors de l’accouchement.Cette prédiction repose en partie sur une compréhension fine du comportement mécanique des tissus périnéaux. Des essais de traction-relaxation-décharge uniaxiale cyclique ont été réalisés dans le sens circonférentiel sur des tissus de muqueuse rectale et de sphincter anal interne issu d’un périnée porcin. L’évolution de la contrainte pendant la relaxation met en évidence une dépendance plus importante à l’étirement pour le sphincter anal interne que pour la muqueuse rectale. Des observations par microscopie électronique à balayage ont permis de mettre en évidence une structure continue pour le sphincter anal interne, tandis que la muqueuse rectale présente une structure avec des pores fermés (~50-100 microns)
A 3D Convolutional Neural Network for Real Time Car Crash Detection in Road Traffic Videos
No full textInternational audienceCar accidents are perilous incidents occurring in all countries across the globe. Detection of such incidents plays a crucial role in improving road safety and facilitating timely emergency response. Hence, vehicle accident detection methods using road traffic videos are desired. In this study, we propose an effective car crash detection technique using a 3D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture. CNNs are able to extract crucial features from imagery and video data and use them to obtain excellent results in regards to classification problems. Our approach involves training a 3D-CNN to analyze spatio-temporal features in video data in order to detect car crashes in real-time. The data is taken from dashcams as well as surveillance cameras in order to cover multiple perspectives. The model achieves promising results in terms of multiple evaluation metrics representing a high accuracy and a low false alarm rate with the latter being difficult to decrease in these cases as can be seen by previous studies. Subsequently, the proposed 3D-CNN has the potential to enhance surveillance systems, aid in accident prevention and improve resource allocation for accident management
Integrating Biological Treatment and Electro-Oxidation in an Anaerobic Biomass Membrane Bioreactor for Innovative and Integrating Urban Wastewater Treatment
No full textInternational audienceThe global population's increasing demand for clean water has driven a shift towards reclaimed and reused water. Anaerobic Membrane BioReactor (AnMBR) stands out as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, offering advantages over traditional methods. However, as AnMBR gains recognition, the need to prioritize comprehensive removal of organic matter and micropollutants becomes critical, aligning with evolving environmental regulations like the European Water Framework Directive. This study focuses on an inventive AnMBR configuration, aiming to remove persistent organic micropollutants and harness energy from urban wastewater. The setup integrates biological treatment and electro-oxidation within a specialized AnMBR featuring granular sludge (e-GAnMBR), intensifying reactions and addressing AnMBR challenges. Specifically targeting diuron, carbamazepine, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, the study explores their degradation pathways and toxicity, marking a significant step in sustainable wastewater treatment
Federated Learning for ICD Classification with Lightweight Models and Pretrained Embeddings
No full textThis study investigates the feasibility and performance of federated learning (FL) for multi-label ICD code classification using clinical notes from the MIMIC-IV dataset. Unlike previous approaches that rely on centralized training or fine-tuned large language models, we propose a lightweight and scalable pipeline combining frozen text embeddings with simple multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifiers. This design offers a privacy-preserving and deployment-efficient alternative for clinical NLP applications, particularly suited to distributed healthcare settings. Extensive experiments across both centralized and federated configurations were conducted, testing six publicly available embedding models from Massive Text Embedding Benchmark leaderboard and three MLP classifier architectures under two medical coding (ICD-9 and ICD-10). Additionally, ablation studies over ten random stratified splits assess performance stability. Results show that embedding quality substantially outweighs classifier complexity in determining predictive performance, and that federated learning can closely match centralized results in idealized conditions. While the models are orders of magnitude smaller than state-of-the-art architectures and achieved competitive micro and macro F1 scores, limitations remain including the lack of end-to-end training and the simplified FL assumptions. Nevertheless, this work demonstrates a viable way toward scalable, privacy-conscious medical coding systems and offers a step toward for future research into federated, domain-adaptive clinical AI
Differential effects of concentric and eccentric contractions on the primary motor cortex in healthy young and elderly participants
No full textInternational audienceIntroduction Aging is associated with a decline in musculoskeletal function, particularly muscle weakness, which affects a significant proportion of older adults and is associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Two major contributors to age-related muscle weakness are muscle atrophy and cortical alterations. Eccentric exercise has been identified as a promising intervention to counteract these declines, as it has the potential to increase both muscle mass and cortical activity in young people. However, while the benefits of eccentric contractions on muscle mass in older adults are well documented, their effects on cortical activity, particularly in the lower limbs, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare cortical activity during concentric and eccentric quadriceps contractions of young and older adults. Methods This prospective study included 32 healthy participants: 17 young (23 ± 4 years, 6 women, 11 mens) and 15 older (62 ± 7 years, 7 women, 8 mens). Muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic ergometer, muscular activity with electromyography electrodes positioned on quadriceps, and cortical activity using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants performed 40 concentric and 40 eccentric voluntary contractions against 20% of their maximal voluntary isometric contraction. EEG data were processed to analyze motor-related cortical potentials, specifically the negative potential (NP). The NP was divided into two main components: latency and amplitude as indicators of cortical activity during movement preparation and execution. Results There were no significant differences in participants characteristics between groups, except for age. Muscular activity was lower during eccentric than concentric contractions ( p < 0.05). Cortical activity was significantly lower in older compared to young adults, which was reflected in reduced NP latency across several electrodes (Cz, p = 0.03; C4, p = 0.02; FC2, p = 0.02). However, regarding NP amplitude, it was significantly higher during eccentric contractions in Cz, C4, FC5, and C2 electrodes ( p < 0.05) across both age groups. Conclusion This study is the first to investigate cortical activity during eccentric lower limb contractions in older adults. The results suggest that eccentric contractions induce greater cortical activation compared to concentric, even in older adults who generally exhibit reduced cortical activity. These findings support the potential of eccentric as an effective intervention to improve motor function and muscle strength in older adults
Evaluating UV Stability of Miscanthus × giganteus Particles via Radiografting of UV Absorbers
No full textInternational audienceMiscanthus × giganteus particles possess excellent advantages in biodegradability and sustainability. However, their susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) degradation limits wider outdoor applications. In the present work, electron beam (e-beam) radiation-induced grafting was used for the first time to attempt covalent grafting of UV absorbers onto miscanthus particles to address a major challenge in natural fiber stabilization. Two UV absorbers, 2-hydroxy-4-(methacryloyloxy) benzophenone (HMB) and 2-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy) ethyl acrylate (BHEA), were explored using both pre-irradiation and simultaneous approaches. Pre-irradiation grafting did not achieve useful covalent fixation of HMB or BHEA, due in part to the premature decay of radicals at elevated temperatures and with solvent use, and the lignin-based quenching of radicals. Solvent-free mutual irradiation grafting failed due to immobility of the UV absorbers, while grafting of HMB in solvent failed due to radical-scavenging behavior. Grafting of BHEA was successfully achieved under solvent-based simultaneous irradiation, reaching up to 38 wt % DG in a butanone/2.5% H2SO4 system. This condition led to the improved UV stability of miscanthus particles, in which color change was reduced significantly after 1000 h of accelerated weathering; this was mainly linked to a beneficial pre-darkening effect which was induced by the presence of the acid. This work proposes a route of grafting strategy that aims to improve the photostability of miscanthus particles, paving the way for durable bio-based materials in outdoor composite applications
Evaluation à court terme des performances de bétons à base de sédiments de dragage en milieu marin
No full textInternational audienceLe béton est un matériau majeur de la construction, en particulier dans le milieu maritime, mais son empreinte carbone et l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de sable impose une réflexion sur des alternatives durables. Cette étude propose d'intégrer des sédiments de dragage non traités en substitution partielle du sable dans la composition de bétons marins et d’étudier leur durabilité et leurs avantages sur les plans économique, environnemental et écologique. Une campagne expérimentale a été menée afin de caractériser les performances des bétons avant et après immersion (résistance mécanique, porosité, absorption d’eau, perméabilité au gaz), ainsi que leur impact environnemental à travers le suivi de leur biocolonisation en surface et une analyse de cycle de vie. Les résultats ont montré que les bétons à base de sédiments possèdent des propriétés mécaniques et de durabilité comparable à celles des bétons traditionnels après une immersion de 70 jours. Les teneurs en chlorures se maintiennent en dessous des seuils réglementaires. Par ailleurs, ces bétons s’intègrent dans l’écosystème marin et leur biocolonisation à court terme pourrait être accélérée. Cette recherche ouvre de nouvelles perspectives pour une gestion plus durable des ressources naturelles, tout en contribuant à la préservation des écosystèmes marins, à la réduction des déchets industriels et à la diminution de l’empreinte carbone liée aux matériaux de construction