A Domain Specific Language for Enabling Doctors to Specify Biomechanical Protocols

“©2013 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.New technologies are entering medical practice at an astounding pace. However, these technologies often cause to doctors learn and use difficulties. Then, doctors require assistance of a biomedical engineer. This is currently happening in a local hospital that has new technology to analyze biomechanical protocols in patients. Protocols are used to measure performances and identify changes in human body movements and muscles. Doctors are neither familiar with the concepts nor tools used, so biomedical engineers carry out descriptions of protocols rather than doctors. In this paper, we present the design of a domainspecific language that enables doctors to specify biomechanical protocols by addressing learning barriers (using design patterns). We also make doctors’ descriptions compatible with the existing tools, and we also support legacy biomedical descriptions (combining meta-modeling and model transformations).This work has been developed with the support of Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) under the project EVERYWARE TIN2010-18011 and cofinanced with European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).Pérez Pérez, MF.; Valderas Aranda, PJ.; Fons Cors, JJ. (2013). A Domain Specific Language for Enabling Doctors to Specify Biomechanical Protocols. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/VLHCC.2013.6645251

Combination of Interleaved Single-input Multiple-output DC-DC Converters

This paper analyses, simulates and verifies an experimental prototype of a four-phase interleaved DC-DC converter. It is based on a SEPIC-Cuk combination. The developed prototype ´ has been used in single-input multiple-output (SIMO) applications. This combined converter allows obtaining dual output voltages of the same value, from a single input DC voltage and with only a power switch. Multiphase interleaved DC-DC converters achieve a better dynamic response and low ripple, maintaining their efficiency. Each converter is connected in parallel, thereby managing their losses by distributing them between more components, which facilitates the thermal management of the multiphase converter and allows handling high power values in small sizes with respect to solutions for a single phase. Two control strategies were applied: synchronous operation mode (SOM) and interleaved operation mode (IOM). The simulation results allow the comparison of both operational modes, verifying that the IOM presents advantages with respect to the ripple at the input and output currents. The experimental prototype was designed for a distributed power architecture and bipolar DC microgrid (MG

New single-input, multiple-output converter topologies: combining singleswitch non-isolated dc-dc converters for single-input multiple-output applications

This paper presents a methodology that allows the development of new converter topologies for single-input, multiple-output (SIMO) from different basic configurations of singleinput, single-output dc–dc converters. These typologies have in common the use of only one powerswitching device and they are all non-isolated converters. Sixteen different topologies are highlighted, and their main features are explained. The 16 typologies include nine two-output-type, five threeoutput- type, one four-output-type, and one sixoutput- type dc–dc converter configurations. In addition, an experimental prototype of a three-outputtype configuration with six different output voltages based on a single-ended primary inductance (SEPIC)- Cuk-boost combination converter was developed, and the proposed design methodology for a basic converter combination was experimentally verified

Key determinants of intention to use virtual reality in medical training

Experts have called for virtual reality (VR) training and learning applications that can facilitate the changes needed in training programmes for years to come. To help expedite the adoption process, this study used a mixed-methods approach to identify the key factors that promote intentions to use VR technology in medical training. The qualitative research was based on interviews with five doctors and medical students, which focused on identifying the most significant determinants. Next, a survey was conducted to collect data from 154 medical interns and students in Spanish universities and hospitals, whose responses were processed using partial least squares-structural equation analysis. The limited sample size means this study is exploratory. The results indicate that perceived entertainment significantly strengthens behavioural intention to use VR technology in medical courses. The findings also underline the potential uses of VR learning tools in healthcare contexts and the need to incorporate this technology into medical training.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

Optical router for optical fiber sensor networks based on a liquid crystal cell

Optical fiber sensor networks are evolving rapidly. They are used because of the inert nature of optical fibers allowing no electromagnetic interference and safe applications in inflammable atmospheres; other relevant characteristics are their low weights and wide bandwidths as a transmission medium. In any case, it is very interesting to have specific components such as optical routers for selecting a certain path in a network with no optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversions. In this paper, we propose an all-optical router based on liquid crystals, polarizers, and a spatial split polarization beam splitter. The implemented device is designed to operate with visible light and it has been tested with plastic optical fibers. It has a crosstalk of 14 dB between selected ON channels and nonoperative OFF channels and 11-dB insertion losses. An average switch time of 100 ms is measured. The device checks the optical power level in each channel and, in case of failure, automatically switches to an operative channel while an alarm is activated.Publicad

Hotels’ online reputation management: benefits perceived by managers.

Purpose – This study aims to develop a measurement model to help hotels manage their reputation within the context of online reviews and ratings platforms and evaluate the impact of this reputation management on the benefits derived by the hotels, as perceived by their managers. Design/methodology/approach – Partial least squares was used to assess the model and make a causal predictive analysis, using data from a survey of a random sample of 335 Spanish hotel managers and personnel involved in reputation management. Findings – This study shows the operationalization of hotel reputation management as a superordinate second-order construct affecting six individual first-order dimensions, strongly impacting on three key benefits as perceived by hotel managers (i.e. financial benefits, customer relationship benefits and customerbased brand benefits), within the context of online review platforms. Practical implications – Based on the results of this study, hotel managers can improve the effectiveness of their management of ratings and reviews. They can also learn which aspects they should focus on when managing ratings and reviews. Originality/value – Based on the opinions of hotel managers, a causal model for managing online reviews was developed and validated. This study shows how reputation management affects the benefits derived by hotels as perceived by their managers

Direct interaction between RecA and a CheW-like protein is required for surface-associated motility, chemotaxis and the full virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii strain ATCC 17978

Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen that causes multi-drug resistant infections mainly in immunocompromised patients. Although this gram-negative species lacks flagella, it is able to move over wet surfaces through a not well characterized type of movement known as surface-associated motility. In this study we demonstrate through the inactivation of the A1S_2813 gene (coding a CheW-like protein) and recA (coding a DNA damage repair and recombination protein) that both genes are involved in the surface-associated motility and chemotaxis of A. baumannii ATCC 17978 strain. In addition, we also point out that the lack of either RecA or CheW-like proteins reduces its virulence in the Caenorhabditis elegans and the Galleria mellonella animal models. Furthermore, we show through co-immunoprecipitation assays that the CheW-like protein and RecA interact and that this interaction is abolished by the introduction of the mutation S97A in one of the domains of CheW-like protein that is structurally conserved in Salmonella enterica and necessary for the RecA-CheW interaction in this bacterial species. Finally, we show that the replacement of the wild-type CheW-like protein by that presenting the S97A mutation impairs surface-associated motility, chemotaxis and virulence of A. baumannii strain ATCC 17978

La objeción de conciencia y casos prácticos

Características, requisitos y aspectos mas relevantes de la figura jurídica de la objeción de conciencia. Diferencia respecto de la desobediencia civil. Casos práctico

Analysis of external load and internal load in AirBadminton: A new healthy and recreational sports modality

The aim of this study was to compare internal load and external load between AirBadminton and traditional indoor badminton. The research was conducted with 8 badminton players from the Alicante Technification Centre, including both men and women. The study was carried out based on the recommendations and guidelines of the International Badminton Federation. The procedure included competitions in both 1vs1 and 2vs2 formats, first on sand and then on hard court. Various variables related to players' internal and external load were analysed, using devices such as WIMU PRO for external load and Polar H7 transmitters for internal load. Data analysis was performed using statistical tests such as T-Student and Wilcoxon. Results showed significant differences between indoor badminton and AirBadminton in terms of internal and external load. In the 1vs1 format, indoor badminton was found to be more demanding, with higher intensity efforts, greater distance covered, and higher heart rate compared to AirBadminton. Similar results were observed in the 2vs2 format, confirming that indoor badminton involves greater effort. AirBadminton may be a healthier and more accessible alternative, suitable for different age groups, as it is less explosive and lighter in terms of internal and external load. Future research should focus on technical, tactical, and full-match duration aspects of this new modality