Influence of muscle preactivation of the lower limb on impact dynamics in case of frontal collision

Accidentology or shock biomechanics are research domains mainly devoted to the development of safety conditions for the users of various transport modes in case of an accident. The objective of this study was to improve the knowledge of the biomechanical behaviour of the lower limb facing sudden dynamic loading during a frontal collision. We aimed at establishing the relationship between the level of muscular activity prior to impact, called 'preactivation', of the lower limb extensors and the mechanical characteristics of impact. Relationships were described between the level of preactivation, the impact peak force values, the minimum force after unloading and the associated loading and unloading rates. The existence of reflex mechanisms that were affected by the level of voluntary muscular preactivation for the lower limb muscles was demonstrated. In conclusion, the existence of specific mechanism acting mainly at the knee level may result from the level of preactivation. Muscle behavior has to be included in numerical models of the human driver to better evaluate the overall stiffness of the body before and at impact

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: Réapprendre à vivre la ville

Affiche de projet terminal, baccalauréat en Urbanisme. Institut d'urbanisme, Université de Montréal

Mid-morning Break and Poster Sessions: Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour within School-Based Prevention Programs for Adolescent Gambling

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the concept of anticipatory negative emotions have attracted considerable research attention in the formulation of effective preventive interventions. This approach has identified several key constructs (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of control, anticipation of negative emotions) as valid predictors of gambling intentions and behaviour. However, no empirical investigation has utilized these constructs in the design or evaluation of a youth problem gambling prevention initiative. Objectives. The current research aims to assess the effects of a prevention video on gambling-related attitudes, subjective norms, control perceptions, anticipated negative emotions, and intentions. The video focuses on a problem gambler’s testimonial and includes dramatic vignettes depicting the potential risks and consequences associated with excessive gambling. Methodology. A sample of 328 high school students were randomly assigned to either a video or control group. Participants were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results. Preliminary results reveal that the video produced changes in students’: (i) attitudes towards; (ii) perceptions of control over and; (iii) negative anticipatory emotions following excessive participation in gambling. Individuals receiving the intervention were observed to have a significant decreases in positive attitudes toward gambling as well as perceptions of control over gambling, and a significant increase in their anticipation of negative emotions for becoming over-involved in gambling. Conclusions. Positive effects of the video were found. Recommendations for future research are discussed

Using COTS Search Engines and Custom Query Strategies at CLEF

This paper presents a system for bilingual information retrieval using commercial off-the-shelf search engines (COTS). Several custom query construction, expansion and translation strategies are compared. We present the experiments and the corresponding results for the CLEF 2004 event

Humanities Research Centre

Humanities; Research; Histor

The breastfeeding experience of women with major difficulties who use the services of a breastfeeding clinic: a descriptive study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many women experience breastfeeding difficulties. Sometimes these difficulties lead to breastfeeding cessation. Breastfeeding clinics provide support for women facing such problems. This study aims to describe the breastfeeding experience of women, particularly those who use the services of the breastfeeding clinic located in the Greater Quebec City area.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a descriptive study based on information gathered through telephone questionnaires that were administered in 2006 to a sample of 86 women and semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 of these women.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Painful nipples/breasts, low milk supply and latching difficulties were the three most frequent major breastfeeding problems identified by women. Their personal characteristics as well as the moral and physical support provided by family and friends and by health professional and clinicians at the breastfeeding clinic were the factors identified most often as having a positive influence on the breastfeeding experience.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results suggest that breastfeeding clinics have a critical role to play in improving the breastfeeding experience of women with major difficulties.</p

Étude de la maturation du précurseur de l'urotensine II humaine

L'urotensine II (UII) est un peptide que l'on retrouve dans le système cardiovasculaire et le système nerveux de plusieurs espèces dont l'humain. Il est suspecté de jouer un rôle important dans le contrôle de la pression artérielle, au niveau du tonus vasculaire, mais il serait également un nouveau stimulant des voies centrales qui médient les réponses au stress et à l'état d'alerte. L'urotensine II humaine est formée par le clivage à un ou plusieurs sites multibasiques de son précurseur protéique, la prourotensine II (proUII). Une famille d'enzymes capables de cliver de tels sites sont les sérine protéases nommées proprotéine convertases de type subtilisine (PCs). À ce jour, 7 PCs distinctes ont été identifiées chez les mammifères. Étant donné la localisation au niveau des cellules neuroendocrines de PC1 et PC2 et que la proUII est une prohormone et un pro neuropeptide, l'hypothèse de ce travail de recherche est que PC1 et/ou PC2 est impliqué dans la maturation de la proUII en UII.--Résumé abrégé par UMI