Optimization-based reproduction of diffuse audio objects

The creation of a diffuse sound event from a single audio signal is an important signal processing task, for instance in spatial audio reproduction or audio coding. Current algorithms based on decorrelation filters or frequency-dependent panning typically cause artifacts due to transients or time-domain aliasing. In this paper, we propose an optimization-based approach to diffusion that creates a set of filters to approximate a desired distribution of frequency-dependent propagation directions to create the perception of a diffuse sound field with a multi-channel audio system. Thus, the diffusion can be optimally adapted to a specific reproduction scenario. In addition, the transient response can be purposefully improved by imposing constraints on the time-domain filter coefficients

Politiques de santé en Europe : quelles perspectives pour demain ?

No man is an island,Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thy friend’sOr of thine own were : Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls ; It tolls for thee. Aucun homme n’est une île, un tout, complet en soi, tout homme est un fragment du continent, une partie de ..

Astrophysics datamining in the classroom: Exploring real data with new software tools and robotic telescopes

Within the efforts to bring frontline interactive astrophysics and astronomy to the classroom, the Hands on Universe (HOU) developed a set of exercises and platform using real data obtained by some of the most advanced ground and space observatories. The backbone of this endeavour is a new free software Web tool - Such a Lovely Software for Astronomy based on Image J (Salsa J). It is student-friendly and developed specifically for the HOU project and targets middle and high schools. It allows students to display, analyze, and explore professionally obtained astronomical images, while learning concepts on gravitational dynamics, kinematics, nuclear fusion, electromagnetism. The continuous evolving set of exercises and tutorials is being completed with real (professionally obtained) data to download and detailed tutorials. The flexibility of the Salsa J platform tool enables students and teachers to extend the exercises with their own observations. The software developed for the HOU program has been designed to be a multi-platform, multi-lingual experience for image manipulation and analysis in the classroom. Its design enables easy implementation of new facilities (extensions and plugins), minimal in-situ maintenance and flexibility for exercise plugin. Here, we describe some of the most advanced exercises about astrophysics in the classroom, addressing particular examples on gravitational dynamics, concepts currently introduced in most sciences curricula in middle and high schools.Comment: 10 pages, 12 images, submitted to the special theme issue Using Astronomy and Space Science Research in Physics Courses of the American Journal of Physic

Gestão escolar num processo educacional mediado pelas tecnologias na área ciências da natureza

The use of technology in school mediation is a major factor in the process of teaching and learning in the contemporary world. Thus, this paper has the main objective to show the characteristics and uses of ICT in Natural Sciences area in the State Preparatory High School Guia Lopes located in Candelaria - RS. Qualitative through case study, the research was carried out with direct observations made on site and also by a questionnaire sent via e-mail to eight teachers of the surveyed area. The analysis presented evidence that there were incentives on the part of school management in the integration and inclusion of ICT.Key-words: school management, natural sciences and technology.O uso das tecnologias na mediação escolar é um fator principal no processo de ensino e aprendizagem no mundo contemporâneo. Deste modo, o presente artigo tem o objetivo principal mostrar a caracterização e formas de utilização das TIC na área Ciências da Natureza na Escola Estadual de Ensino Médio Guia Lopes, localizada na cidade de Candelária - RS. De natureza qualitativa por meio de estudo de caso, a pesquisa foi realizada com observações diretas realizadas no local e por um questionário enviado via e-mail a oito professores da área pesquisada. A análise apresentou indícios de que houve incentivos por parte da gestão escolar na integração e inserção das TIC.Palavras-chave: gestão escolar, ciências da natureza e tecnologias

Health Surveillance: should it be a public policy?

Tendo em vista que a Vigilância à Saúde pode se constituir como um potente modelo para o monitoramento de condições de saúde-doença, o objetivo deste trabalho é refletir sobre a possibilidade de instituir a Vigilância à Saúde como política pública. Para tanto, apresenta-se o conceito de política pública e discorre-se a respeito das potencialidades e limites de os modelos assistenciais se transformarem em mediadores entre as dimensões técnicas e políticas. Os dados que embasam essa discussão derivam de um projeto de pesquisa, desenvolvido entre 2005/2007, sobre a proposta de Vigilância à Saúde no município de São Paulo. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, onde os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e análise documental. Utilizou-se para análise dos dados a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Nesta perspectiva tomou-se o município de São Paulo como base para se discutir uma proposição de Vigilância da Saúde como processo intersetorial. Conclui-se com esse trabalho que o enfrentamento das condições adversas, provocadas pela desigualdade social, deve ser considerado como objeto da área de saúde, contudo este enfrentamento tem que se partilhado por profissionais de saúde e população, investindo principalmente na intersetorialidade como tecnologia.In view of the fact that Health Surveillance could be an important framework to monitor health-disease processes, the aim of this paper is to discuss the possibility of transforming Health Surveillance into a public policy. We present the concept of public policy and approach the potentialities and limits of health models becoming mediators between the technical and political dimensions. The data that underpin this discussion come from a research project, developed during 2005/2007, about Health Surveillance in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. We utilize the example of São Paulo to discuss a proposal for surveillance as an intersection between different areas. The conclusion of this study is that, in order to solve problems created by social inequities we have to understand health like a social question and make actions in health that should involve or articulate different areas of society. That is why we understand that Health Surveillance has to be treated like a public policy.CNP

Developmental predictors of inattention-hyperactivity from pregnancy to early childhood

Objective The objective of the study was to characterize the developmental sequence of pre- and postnatal risk factors for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in preschoolers. Materials and Methods Longitudinal data came from a French population based birth cohort study (EDEN; N = 1311 mother-child pairs followed from the pregnancy onwards). Inattention-hyperactivity symptoms were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when participating children were 3 years of age. Potential risk factors were classified in four domains (fetal exposures and child somatic characteristics, child temperament, child neurodevelopmental status, psychosocial environment) and four periods (before pregnancy, prenatal/birth, infancy, toddlerhood). Their role as potential moderator or mediator was tested with path analysis to determine the developmental sequence.Results A low family socioeconomic status before pregnancy was the main environmental risk factor for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms at 3 years, and its effect occurred via two pathways. The first was a risk pathway, where lower SES was associated with higher maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy; then to higher maternal and child distress and dysregulation in infancy; and in turn to higher levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. The second was a protective pathway, where higher SES was associated with longer duration of breastfeeding during infancy; then to better child neurodevelopmental status in toddlerhood; and in turn to lower levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. Discussion This study identified psychosocial factors at several developmental periods that represent potential targets for preventing the emergence of inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in early childhood

Intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and adult depression:the CONSTANCES study

Socioeconomic mobility from childhood onwards may predict depression risk in adulthood. Using data from the nationally representative CONSTANCES study in France (2012-2014, n=67,057), we assessed the relationship between intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and adult depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, >=16 in men, >=20 in women) and antidepressant use. Socioeconomic position was ascertained by occupational grade (childhood: maternal and paternal measures prior to age 15 years combined; adult: participant own). Data were analyzed using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, parental history of psychiatric disorders and suicide, health behaviors and chronic health problems. Compared to participants who had persistently high socioeconomic circumstances, those who experienced other socioeconomic trajectories had elevated levels of depression (multivariate Odds Ratios: upward mobility: 1.21, intermediate socioeconomic position: 1.28, downward mobility: 1.66, persistently low socioeconomic position: 1.82). Downward mobility and persistently low socioeconomic position were also associated with elevated odds of antidepressant use (multivariate Odds Ratios: 1.24 and 1.36 respectively). In supplementary analyses, socioeconomic mobility was more strongly associated with depression in women than in men and in younger participants (18-29 years) than other age groups. Factors that contribute to depression risk and socioeconomic inequalities in this area appear at play already in childhood; this should be acknowledged by clinicians and policymakers

D8.4.1 Results of user tests and completed use case studies

WP8 Usability and Business BenchmarkingThe procedures and results of the user tests and validation of the SEKT case study applications are described. Tests with representatives of the future user population of the BT digital library application, and of the IURISERVICE application were conducted. The results show that users are highly positive about the expected benefit of the SEKT enabled applications, as compared to their traditional tools available to them now. We see decisive performance increases as well as improvements in the quality of the information obtained in the search process. On the basis of these results we can state with confidence that the addition of SEKT functionality will be welcomed by users and will produce significant benefits

The distribution implications of selected policy measures of the 2018 budget for Malta

This note provides an assessment of the redistributive impact of some of the main measures announced in the 2018 Budget for Malta. The four main policy measures included in this study are increase in pension rates, introduction of a tax rebate on all persons in employment, tax credit for elderly persons and extension of in-work benefit scheme. Through the utilisation of EUROMOD, a tax-benefit micro-simulation model, we analyse the impact of these policy measures on income distribution and their respective source of income. The overall results indicate that the implementation of these measures contributes to a redistribution of income from higher to lower and middle-income groups whilst lowering the at-risk-of-poverty rate. Increase in pension rates positively affects, and mostly, the bottom three decile groups while the income tax reform leads to an increase in disposable income for the fourth, fifth and sixth decile groups.peer-reviewe