Development of a nano-Al/CuO based energetic material on silicon substrate

Nanoenergetic materials nEMs have improved performances compared to their bulk counterpart or microcounterpart. The authors propose an approach to synthesize an Al/CuO based nEM that has several advantages over previous investigations such as enhanced contact, reduced impurities and Al oxidation, tailored dimensions, and easier integration into microsystem. CuO nanowires are synthesized by thermally annealing Cu film deposited onto silicon. Nano-Al is integrated with the nanowires to realize an Al/CuO based nEM. The synthesized nEM is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry

An optimal architecture for a multi-standard reconfigurable radio: A network theory re-formulation

International audienceWe provide a procedure for identifying an architecture for a multistandard reconfigurable radio that is optimal in view of cost and performance (latency) considerations. We examine the trade-off between installing complex self-contained components providing high performance at a high cost (as well as size and weight), versus invoking simpler, reusable low level modules, which reduces cost but increases system latency. In the present work, we show that the the problem of finding an optimal design for a multi-standard reconfigurable radio can be reformulated as a “network design problem”. This reformulation provides a wealth of results, algorithms, and experience already available in the scientific literature. We explain the reformulation, give a simple but realistic design example, and discuss some algorithms available in the network design literature

Highly efficient synthesis of trans-β,γ-unsaturated-α-keto amides

International audienceA highly efficient, metal-free, and selective access to trans-β,γ-unsaturated-α-keto amides is described via peptidic coupling, involving easy to prepare trans-β,γ-unsaturated-α-keto acids and commercially available amines

Is Cystatin C a promising marker of renal function, at birth, in neonates prenatally diagnosed with congenital kidney anomalies?

Assessment of neonatal renal function remains a challenge. This study by Paloma et al. suggest that low-molecular weight proteins may indeed serve as promising markers of renal function at birth and in neonates prenatally diagnosed with congenital kidney anomalie

Deterioration modelling of contact surfaces for a friction drive system

International audienceThis article presents a novel model of surface deterioration for a friction drive. For this basic transmission system, the difference between tangential speeds is linked with the production of contact force and at the same time with an energy transfer that deteriorates the contact surfaces. Thus, an optimal management between health state of components and use of energy resources is required. In a first step, the physics of the system is modeled in a deterministic way. Then, considering either random system parameters or random system inputs and usage, a complete stochastic model for the system deterioration is proposed. The developed model allows to link the deterioration evolution to the inputs and operating modes of the system; to assess the behavior of deterioration in critical stages, such as sharp motion and smooth motion. The advantages to design and to analyze such a model are finally discussed in terms of reliability-adaptive systems

Reflective practice and the role of transformational learning in healthcare

Among possible adult learning theories, transformative learning emerged in the 1990’s with the aim to provide learners an educational experience consistent with the purpose of changing perspectives. Transformational learning theory provides the opportunity to learn, confront, engage and reflect on the possibility of learning through changes in perspective and to explore new meanings, roles, relationships and actions contained within it.Perspective transformation is, therefore, not only intended to create ownership of new knowledge, but its re-integration into new or re-configured ways of everyday living. The readiness to apply new knowledge is triggered by confronting an event, or mode of thought, that moves individuals from experiencing knowledge as a series of facts disconnected from their meaning and context into a relevant context, or one that has a different significance for the learner. New understanding requires that learners assess the meanings behind words, the coherence, truth and appropriateness of what is being communicated as well as the truthfulness, credibility and authenticity of the presenter. Unlike focusing only on instrumental learning in which logical problem solving and inquiry dominate, transformative learning entails the use of metaphor, analogies and reflective dialogue so that learners revise their interpretations of knowledge. In these ways transformative learning might help healthcare providers to change their frame of reference and perceptions to accommodate new and different ways of learning and engaging within a multidisciplinary clinical team.

Person-Centered Care: Perspectives of free dental clinic users in Montréal, Canada

There has been a relatively slow incorporation of person-centered care into dental care. Despite the efforts to sustain this approach in dental health care delivery, the perspectives of patients have yet to be considered, especially those using free dental clinics. Our objectives were: (1) to describe the perspectives of adults unable to access private dental clinics when using free dental clinics, (2) to document their suggestions for improvements to dental care. This qualitative descriptive study included 13 adults using a free dental clinic. To select participants, we adopted a maximum variation sampling strategy regarding age, sex, marital status, education level and employment status. We used in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect data and thematic content analysis to analyze the verbatim transcripts. Participants were generally satisfied with the dental care they received in private and free dental clinics. However, they did not appreciate the long wait times at free clinics, and were bothered by the cost at private clinics. They emphasized a desire for quality time with the dentist allowing for more informed and shared decisions about their care, regardless of the clinic they visited. Participants want to feel cared for through a trustworthy relationship with the clinician, and suggested incorporating a walk-in concept into free clinics to address access to care. Adults using free dental clinics have various experiences with private and public dentistry, but they all need clinicians who adopt a comprehensive approach when providing information. This could improve patients’experiences through a more person-centered approach to dental care