Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece
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Data acquisition and analysis for cancer antigen discovery in clinical immunopeptidomics
No full textGrammaire française de l'intersubjectivité. Théorie du langage, description grammaticale, pratiques didactiques.
No full text« Pourquoi du langage articulé plutôt que rien ? » : ce livre de linguistique générale s’ouvre sur cette interrogation. « Quel modèle d’enseignement/apprentissage pour une grammaire de l’intersubjectivité ? » : c’est la question didactique traitée dans le dernier chapitre.
Entre les deux, le lecteur découvre, depuis les possibles origines du langage, une inédite théorie anthropologique du langage. Psychanalyse, socioconstructivisme, narratologie, philosophie du langage ordinaire et pragmatique posent, au cœur de l’activité langagière, la relation d’intersubjectivité.
De là découle une vision originale du langage, composé d’opérations à la fois cognitives et langagières. Chacune constitue une entrée pour une grammaire systématique du français écrite du point de vue de l’intersubjectivité.
Un parcours inédit qui offre de nouveaux regards sur la langue en faisant dialoguer linguistes, grammairiens et didacticiens de la langue
Click, Print, Shoot, Investigate: Identifying and navigating investigative challenges of 3D-printed firearms
No full textPolice forces have encountered privately made firearms since the last century, making them no longer an unusual sight. Initially, these firearms were rudimentary and improvised, such as zip guns. However, advancements in manufacturing methods and technologies have led to more reliable and robust models. A significant evolution occurred around the 2010s with the advent of commercially available 3D printers. The 2013 release of the 3D-printed Liberator marked the beginning of international attention to this topic, which has periodically re-emerged and been officially recognised as an emerging issue by several law enforcement agencies in the 2020s. This technological advancement not only enhanced manufacturing methods but also fostered a highly connected and active community. Over the past decade, 3D-printed firearms have evolved significantly and can now be compared to conventional firearms in terms of reliability and functionality.
Although the issue of 3D-printed firearms has been recognised, scientific research in the field of forensic sciences was slow to emerge, creating a gap between forensic knowledge and the actual state of affairs. Nevertheless, these initial research projects laid a critical foundation for further studies. This doctoral thesis aims to bridge this gap by building on the existing knowledge. The research focuses on two primary areas: Intelligence and forensic investigation. The intelligence component aims to describe and quantify the phenomenon of 3D-printed firearms, examining their development as well as their prevalence in real life cases. The investigation component seeks answers about the source of these firearms, which can be uncovered through a detailed examination of 3D-printed objects and firearms.
The intelligence projects tracked the evolution and prevalence of 3D-printed firearm designs in police cases, revealing a significant rise since 2020. Despite their increasing presence, these firearms remain a marginal issue compared to other concerns. Notable regional differences include the dominance of hybrid models in Europe and PKCs (Parts Kit Completions) in North America due to varying laws. The projects underscore the shift from F3DP (Fully 3D-printed) to more reliable hybrid and PKC designs, highlighting the growing importance of this issue and the need for heightened attention.
The investigative component involved firing tests of various F3DP and hybrid firearms, confirming their functionality while noting reliability issues in some cases. Notably, hybrid designs demonstrated improved performance and reliability. For the subsequent forensic examination of the traces produced by the firing, a novel approach based on forensic profiling and coupled with a multi-criteria method was implemented. This approach enabled the creation of profiles for the analysed traces, which are designed to contain information on the manufacturing conditions. Initially serving as investigative leads, these profiles help define and narrow down the 3D printing infrastructure used in firearm production. Subsequently, these same profiles were employed for comparison purposes, successfully associating traces with a selected set of 3D printing infrastructure (software and hardware).
This research has provided foundational knowledge for future projects, emphasising the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to effectively address the challenges posed by 3D-printed firearms. It also underscores the need for collaboration across various forensic disciplines, including digital forensics, analytical chemistry, and firearms and tool marks examination. Continued advancements in understanding and addressing 3D-printed firearms will be crucial for law enforcement and forensic science communities moving forward
Opportunities and challenges for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity in the robotics age.
No full textWith biodiversity loss escalating globally, a step change is needed in our capacity to accurately monitor species populations across ecosystems. Robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) offer technological solutions that may substantially advance terrestrial biodiversity monitoring, but this potential is yet to be considered systematically. We used a modified Delphi technique to synthesize knowledge from 98 biodiversity experts and 31 RAS experts, who identified the major methodological barriers that currently hinder monitoring, and explored the opportunities and challenges that RAS offer in overcoming these barriers. Biodiversity experts identified four barrier categories: site access, species and individual identification, data handling and storage, and power and network availability. Robotics experts highlighted technologies that could overcome these barriers and identified the developments needed to facilitate RAS-based autonomous biodiversity monitoring. Some existing RAS could be optimized relatively easily to survey species but would require development to be suitable for monitoring of more 'difficult' taxa and robust enough to work under uncontrolled conditions within ecosystems. Other nascent technologies (for instance, new sensors and biodegradable robots) need accelerated research. Overall, it was felt that RAS could lead to major progress in monitoring of terrestrial biodiversity by supplementing rather than supplanting existing methods. Transdisciplinarity needs to be fostered between biodiversity and RAS experts so that future ideas and technologies can be codeveloped effectively
Venous Thromboembolism Outcomes by Geographic Region and Self-Reported Race: Insights from the RIETE Registry.
No full textVenous thromboembolism (VTE) outcomes are influenced by various factors, including race and geographic location. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between race, geographic location, and VTE-related outcomes using real-world data.We analyzed data from 42,206 patients with acute VTE enrolled in the RIETE registry between June 2016 and June 2024. Patients were categorized by self-reported race/ethnicity: White (40,258), Arab (995), Asian (689), and Black (264). Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, treatment strategies, and outcomes (including recurrences, major bleeding, and mortality) were compared across groups and regions. Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for confounders, including geographic location and comorbidities.Arabic and Asian patients were generally younger, had fewer comorbidities, and were more likely to receive direct oral anticoagulants than White patients. In unadjusted analysis, non-White patients had higher rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recurrence and mortality. After multivariable adjustment, most differences disappeared. Notably, White patients enrolled in Asian centers had higher DVT recurrence (4.54 vs. 1.10/100 patient-years, respectively) and mortality rates (27.9 vs. 8.88/100 patient-years, respectively) than those in European centers, and Arab patients in Asia had higher mortality compared to those in Europe (24.1 vs. 8.26/100 patient-years, respectively).Geographic location, likely representing healthcare infrastructure, had a greater influence on VTE outcomes than self-reported race alone
The complementary role of automated brain volumetry to stratify ADNI participants within the ATN framework.
No full textBackgroundThe amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration (ATN) framework provides a biological staging model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers. MRI, being non-invasive, accessible, and cost-effective, holds promise as a biomarker.ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of MRI-based automated brain volumetry in classifying cognitive impairment severity-cognitively unimpaired (CU), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia-as well as ATN profiles, independently.MethodsWe analyzed 394 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. First, we assessed how well MRI volumetry stratifies cognitive stages. Next, we tested its ability to distinguish A + T + N+ from A-T-N- individuals while classifying clinical stages. Finally, we evaluated its predictive power for cognitive severity in A + T+ and A-T- subgroups, irrespective of neurodegeneration (N), to examine the added value of volumetry across AT profiles.ResultsMRI volumetry showed comparable performance to established biomarkers in identifying CU, MCI, and dementia, and offered complementary value when combined with phosphorylated tau. Hippocampal and temporal gray matter volumes distinguished A + T + N+ from A-T-N- classes with accuracies of 0.81 and 0.78, respectively. In A + T+ versus A-T- comparisons, the highest classification performance for cognitive severity was observed in the A-T- group.ConclusionsMRI-based brain volumetry can effectively classify cognitive stages and distinguish biological subtypes in AD. It is a promising tool for clinical staging and predicting impairment severity, especially when used alongside phosphorylated tau
Chemical Disinfection of an Accidentally Contaminated and Irreplaceable Inorganic Element During Orthopaedic Surgery Is a Safe Option
No full textDuring surgical procedures, the accidental contamination of a critical instrument or implant can jeopardize the entire operation. Resterilizing the item is not always feasible and can be time-consuming. Since extending the duration of the surgery heightens the risk of postoperative complications, it is essential to balance this risk with the risk of infection from contamination. Currently, there is no simple, safe, and quickly available method to address this issue. This study explored the efficacy of using chemical disinfection to deal with this problem.
In part 1 of the study, 3 types of discs (cobalt-chromium, titanium, and polyethylene) were contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, disinfected with use of 3 different procedures (2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropanol alcohol, 0.9% povidone-iodine in 46% isopropanol alcohol, or 70% ethanol), and analyzed for remaining bacteria. A control group without disinfection was included. In part 2, the discs were dropped on the floor of an operating room, left on the floor for 30 seconds, and then collected before undergoing the same procedure as in part 1.
In part 1, all 3 alcohol-based disinfection procedures showed a high efficacy, as there was no growth found on any of the discs. These results were highly significant compared with those found for the control group (p < 0.01 for all). In the control group, polyethylene had the highest mean level of contamination (157.3 colony-forming units [CFUs]) and titanium had the lowest (58.4 CFUs). Part 2 confirmed the effectiveness of alcohol-based disinfection, with no growth observed in the test cultures. In the control group, polyethylene seemed to be the most prone to contamination. However, the level of contamination was low for all materials (0 to 8 CFUs per disc).
In the event of accidental contamination of an essential element or implant during a surgical procedure with no possibility of replacing the element, 2 minutes of disinfection in an alcohol-based solution seems to be a safe, simple, and quick option.
In the event of accidental contamination of an irreplaceable inorganic element during orthopaedic surgery, we recommend soaking the element in an alcohol-based disinfectant for 2 minutes and rinsing it with saline solution.
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated
[Cuffless blood pressure monitoring: perspective from Romandy]
No full textCuffless blood pressure (BP) monitors are emerging as a promising solution for measuring BP. Most use the principle of photoplethysmography, and provide a comfortable, non-intrusive way of estimating BP. In Switzerland, as elsewhere, they offer enormous potential for improving hypertension diagnosis and monitoring, as well as for personal health management. Nevertheless, these devices exhibit several limitations : they require calibration using a standard method, their measurement accuracy remains uncertain, and there is presently no internationally recognized consensus regarding their validation protocols. This article reviews the development of these devices and provides guidance for their use in Switzerland
Mise en œuvre d’une méthode d’analyse rapide de stupéfiants dans une optique de drug checking
No full textÀ partir de la fin du 20ème siècle, dans plusieurs pays, une approche différente de la répression a commencé à être introduite. Cette approche, davantage axée sur la réduction des risques liés à la consommation, a ainsi conduit à la mise en place de nouvelles initiatives spécifiquement destinées aux usagers de substances stupéfiantes. Parmi celles-ci, les services de drug checking ont été implémentés dans plusieurs pays, d’abord en Europe puis dans le reste du monde, afin d’informer les usagers quant au contenu des produits consommés, afin de pouvoir adapter le dosage en fonction du
résultat obtenu. En Suisse, différents services de drug checking existent depuis 2001, notamment dans la région alémanique. Aucun service de ce type n’existait toutefois pas dans le canton de Vaud avant 2021,
année où le Conseil d’État a décidé d’inclure un tel dispositif dans son plan d’action. Ainsi, un projet pilote a été mis en place afin d’évaluer l’applicabilité d’un nouveau modèle de drug checking se basant principalement sur des techniques rapides dans trois contextes différents : des festivals (plusieurs styles de musique et plusieurs tailles), une permanence stationnaire et les espaces de consommation sécurisés de Lausanne (« le Passage » et « l’Antenne »). Le projet pilote a été mené entre mai 2022 jusqu’à décembre 2023, il a ensuite été pérennisé en 2024. Pendant ces deux ans et demi, un total de 193 interventions a été effectué, pendant lesquelles 1374 entretiens ont été menés avec 1738 personnes. Un total de 2362 échantillons a été analysé, dont 661 également envoyés en laboratoire pour des analyses ultérieures.
Le présent travail vise à évaluer le déploiement des techniques d’analyse rapides dans le contexte du drug checking (I), leur potentiel à s’adapter à l’environnement évolutif du marché des stupéfiants (II), la méthodologie adaptée aux utilisateurs du terrain (III) et la perception du dispositif par les différents acteurs concernés (IV). Le grand nombre d’interventions, d’entretiens et d’analyses effectués ont permis de mettre en évidence une grande performance, flexibilité et applicabilité d’un service de drug checking basé sur des techniques rapides, en particulier la spectroscopie à infrarouges proches (NIR) couplée avec un software développé à l’Université de Lausanne (NIRLab). Des améliorations du modèle ont également été identifiées et mises en évidence, afin de proposer des modifications qui permettraient d’augmenter encore plus le potentiel et la performance du service de drug checking vaudois à s’adapter au marché évolutif des stupéfiants
Comparison of BoneXpert and IB-Lab-PANDA automated Bone Age Evaluation in Children With Growth and Puberty Disorders
No full textBone age (BA) evaluation in children presenting growth problems is time-consuming. Artificial intelligence (AI) BA assessment programs are increasingly used. However, agreement between different commercially available methods in the same population, or possible age-, puberty- or sex-related differences have not been sufficiently evaluated.
BA assessment of 521 left hand radiographs of patients aged 2-19 years with IB-lab-PANDA® and BoneXpert® were compared. Of the 521 radiographs, 213 were compared to the Greulich-Pyle (GP) reference. We analyzed gender, age, diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) and puberty categories. Accuracy was calculated as mean-absolute-deviation (MAD) and root-mean-square-error (RMSE).
MAD was 0.61 years and the RMSE 0.83 years between BoneXpert and IB-lab-PANDA, with poor agreement in girls over 14 years (MAD 1.18 years).Compared to the manual rating, both methods showed a positive bias in boys (0.28 years BoneXpert vs 0.51 years IB-lab-PANDA) and in children with pathologies associated with BA delay (BoneXpert 0.18 years vs IB-lab-PANDA 0.35 years). IB-lab-PANDA underestimated BA in girls after 14 years (-0.67 years). IB-lab-PANDA had a MAD of 0.64 years and RMSE of 0.85 years compared to manual assessment, whereas BoneXpert had a MAD of 0.63 years and RMSE of 0.82 years.BoneXpert was significantly more accurate than IB-lab-PANDA in prepubertal children (MAD 0.7 vs 0.83 years; P = .027).
The direct agreement between IB-lab-PANDA® and BoneXpert® falls within human inter-rater variability. Their agreement on manual BA determination is equivalent except in prepubertal children, where BoneXpert seems more accurate. Both are fast, valuable tools for determining BA accurately and efficiently.
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society