Ability of eight multi-joint models to compensate for soft tissue artefacts using global optimisation - An in vivo study of knee kinematics during squats

International Symposium on 3D Analysis of Human Movement (3D-AHM), LAUSANNE, SUISSE, 14-/07/2014 - 17/07/2014Soft tissue artefacts (STA) distort marker-based knee kinematics. Global optimization (GO) compensates for STA, but it lacks of direct validation on subjects. This study evaluates the performance of eight multi-joint models used in GO. Ten subjects were recruited: five healthy and five osteoarthritis subjects. Each subject performed dynamic squats recorded with a motion capture system (KneeKG?), and a quasi-static squat recorded with a low-dose upright biplanar radiographic imaging system (EOS®). The eight multi-joint models were evaluated by comparing dynamic knee kinematics optimized with GO to quasi-static knee kinematics measured by EOS®. The mean RMSE values ranged from 1.5-11.4° for rotations and 1.4-6.2 mm for translations. Some models were able to compensate for STA along one axe of movement but not along another. None of these models seemed optimal for STA compensation along all axes of movement. Future studies should investigate new models based on subject-specific joint geometry

Supporting a Multi-formalism Model Driven Development Process with Model Transformation, a TOPCASED implementation

International audienceThe ASSERT (Automated proof based System and Software Engineering for Real-Time Applications) European Integrated Project (IST-FP6-004033, http://www.assert-project.net/) defined and experimented a multi formalism Model Driven Engineering (MDE) process, enforcing an approach with separated specification and refinement of functional and non-functional properties.• Functional specification, design and development is based on UML profiles to support AADL concepts [2] and behavioural specification.• Real time Architecture properties are based on extensions targeting Ravenscar Computing execution Model (RCM see [6]) constraints upon component interface and ports.• Model transformation is supporting correctness preserving rules towards a Virtual Machine execution environment or a verification dedicated environment.A tool chain called IDEA (Integrated Development Environment for ASSERT) supporting the process was developed by the CS ASSERT team on top of the Eclipse/TOPCASED environment allowing:• Integrated use of several formalisms in a development life-cycle (UML, AADL, IF[4]) .• Model transformation from UML to IF, AADL to RCM and RCM to Ada• Automated code generationThe approach experimented allows combined use of best suited formalisms and features for MDE developments. The TOPCASED tool proved to be a unique integrated toolset for prototyping UML and meta models supporting tools.The main feedback gained from applying the notations and approach on small to medium case studies is that UML profiling is not scalable, and that use of several Domain Specific Languages (DSL) seems far more suitable. Semantic clashes can be limited by raising the abstraction level, and by partitioning properties for verification

Distraction and Boredom: Students Faced to Digital Economy

The aim of this article is to understand the meaning of the emotional experiences students are faced with when giving attention (Beck & Davenport, 2001) to techniques developed by the major players in the digital economy and its consequences on their future professional life. Our goal is to show, from a qualitative study, that the emotional dependence of the youth on digital technology generates a multi-active source of scatter and thus boredom. Only those who have mastered the time spent on these tools are satisfied. The students who are not bored have the ability to manage their time and productivity via digital resources. These results are the outcome of a study conducted over a two years period that investigates the new emotional spirit of capitalism, continuing the work of Boltanski and Chiapello (1999). It questions the emotional experience of students when faced with the dynamic of the economy’s marketing techniques and its effect on attention (Illouz, 2006; Martin-Juchat, 2008, 2014)

Effects of wastewater treatment plant pollution on in-stream ecosystems functions in an agricultural watershed

We studied the effect of point-source and non-point-source pollution on the retention capacity of the stream and its link with the metabolic state (primary production and respiration) and invertebrates assemblages in a third order Mediterranean stream. Two experimental sites were chosen: one in the upper part of the catchment (Monte´gut site) characterized by low concentrations in nitrate and phosphate and one in the lower part of the catchment (Le´zat site) characterized by high nitrate and phosphorus concentrations. Both experimental sites were located on reaches that included a Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) point nutrient source allowing discussion of the relative effects of point-source and non-point-source nutrients loads on ecosystem function (respiration and uptake rates) and aquatic organism assemblages. NH4 +-N, and PO43x-P uptake rates were determined using solute additions conducted at constant rates (short-term nutrient addition procedure) and NO3 x-N uptake rates were determined using instantaneous solute addition (slug addition procedure). Rates of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration were determined using the open system, two-stations diurnal oxygen change method. Benthic invertebrate communities were investigated for species and functional feeding groups diversities measurements. Results show that autotrophy in the river results from nutrients of two distinct origins: point sources for phosphorus (urban area and WWTP) and non-point sources for nitrogen (agricultural zones) with local additions from WWTP inputs. Comparison between the two sites shows that the WWTP did not affect uptake rates, respiration or primary production of the ecosystem in the low-nutrient Monte´gut reach despite increase of invertebrates communities biomass density. Inputs from the WWTP, in the high nitrate and phosphate Le´zat reach, increased respiration, lower benthic biomass and led to changes in the species composition and did not affect uptake rates