Evaluation of the Beam-F3 method for locating the F3 position from the 10–20 international system

Electromagnetic brain transcranial stimulation techniques have emerged to treat certain pathologies that require precise anatomical localization in the scalp to access the underlying cortical targets. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder when targeted at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) [[1],[2]]. The 10–20 international system of electrode placement has been increasingly applied to locate the DLPFC, allowing the placement of a stimulation device above the F3 position. The Beam-F3 method [[3]] is commonly used by clinicians for targeting this area of the brain [[4]]. Advantages of this method include its cost-effectiveness and its ease of implementation, as it does not require neuronavigational systems for target localization.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Analysis of a new tool for electrode positioning on the scalp according to the international 10/20 system

The emergence of non-invasive electromagnetic brain stimulation techniques, together with the improvement of electrophysiological recordings, has led to the need to increase the precision of the localization of cranial points close to their cortical target. In the clinical practice, the most common technique for locating there points on the scalp is the International 10/20 system and tape measure and a marker pen are used to carry out the marking process, before the placement of the electrodes. In this study, we have compared the marking for different electrophysiological tests between the conventional method and a new method based on the EPlacement device. The comparison was made taking into account the time spent on each test, the mean distance error per electrode, the direction of the error using the coordinate sign and, finally, a survey of healthcare staff to get their opinions on the 1S-EP and 2S-EP variants of EPlacement. The study involved 10 healthcare workers, 5 of whom had experience in conventional marking and 5 had experience in using the EPlacement device. 90 markings on dummies and 10 markings on volunteers were performed. Once each marking was completed on the dummies, the distances between the experimental points (marked with the EPlacement and tap measure) and the reference positions from 10/20 system determined by a 3D printed template were measured. The results show that with EPlacement, marking accuracy is increased, marking time is reduced, and healthcare personnel is receptive to adopting this technology.We would like to thank the collaborating healthcare staff of the Clinical Neurophysiology Service of the Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus and Ismael Ávila for their support in the clinical research plan. This project has obtained funding from the Research to Business call (R2B2021-02), co-funded by the URV and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).Postprint (published version

Comparison of electrode position marking procedures on the cranial surface

The study aimed to compare the conventional method of electrode marking with a new system, EPlacement, to improve accuracy and reduce the time burden on health care professionals. Ten health care professionals marked mannequin heads and adult volunteers using both methods. Time, accuracy, and usability of each method were analyzed. Three neurophysiological diagnostic tests were performed on mannequin heads: reversal pattern visual evoked potential (three electrodes required); somatosensory evoked potentials from the upper and lower extremities (five electrodes required); and standard intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for spine surgery (nine electrodes required). Precision scanning of the mannequins with structured light and a printed hull were used to determine the actual locations of the electrodes of the 10/20 system. The new method based on the EPlacement device represents an improvement on conventional tape measure (TM) marking and may be considered within the group of advanced methods such as navigation systems since it leads to improvements of 34% (1.7 mm) for electrode positions in the Nasion-Inion and Left tragus–Right tragus lines and 77% (12.5 mm) for electrode positions using the approximate method. It reduces the time spent per test by an average of 1 min compared to the TM method. Health care staff survey results show a positive feedback regarding usability of the new method. The study showed that the EPlacement device improves accuracy, reduces time, and is easy to use compared to the conventional method of electrode marking. The EPlacement method can facilitate the complex task of electrode marking and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes. It has the potential to be widely accepted and implemented in clinical practice.We would like to thank the collaborating health care staff of the Clinical Neurophysiology Service at HUSJR and Ismael Ávila for their support with the clinical research plan. The projects that led to these results received funding from “la Caixa” Foundation under grant agreements LCF/TR/CI21/52650005 and LCF/TR/CC22/52500009 and from Research to Business call R2B2021-02, co-funded by the URV and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Asymptotic behavior of positive radial solutions to elliptic equations approaching critical growth

Depto. de Análisis Matemático y Matemática AplicadaFac. de Ciencias MatemáticasTRUEMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN)Universidad Complutense de Madridpu

Laboratori 3.0: virtualització del laboratori amb una metodologia centrada en l'estudiant

This paper presents an improvement introduced to a laboratory subject by means of a student - centered blended - learning teaching strategy. The implemented virtual tools (videos and questionnaires) help to prepare the practical sessions and allow the sel f - assessment before and after each practical session. Students have shown a great satisfaction with the method. The analysis of the qualifications obtained has allowed an assessment of the degree of correlation between the different techniques used.Postprint (published version

Laboratory 3.0: manufacturing technologies laboratory virtualization with a student-centred methodology

This paper presents a blended-learning strategy for improving the teaching method applied in the laboratory subject Manufacturing Technologies. The teaching method has been changed from a predominantly teacher-centred to an active learning system with a student-centred focus and e-learning activities. In face-to-face classes, a game-based learning platform has been used. This methodology ensured engaging classes at the same time that provided a useful live feedback for students and teachers. The virtualization of the laboratory was achieved by two different e-learning activities, self-assessment tasks and video clips. These e-learning tools have been used not only to improve the students’ learning but also to enhance their motivation. The results from academic outputs show a significant improvement after the new blended learning method is applied. Moreover, a student satisfaction survey shows the positive impact of the methodology on the students’ engagement and motivationPeer Reviewe

Ús de Kahoot! com a eina de ludificació per a la retroalimentació a temps

Es presenta l’actuació duta a terme en les pràctiques de Teoria de Màquines i Mecanismes de l’ETSEIB. S’introdueix una retroalimentació a temps mitjançant l’aplicació Kahoot! la qual cosa permet estimular l’interès de l’alumnat i ajudar a adquirir els coneixements de l’assignatura amb les metodologies típiques de l’aprenentatge basat en jocs. Els resultats mostren millores significatives en els grups on s’ha dut a terme l’actuació i aporten evidències en favor de la ludificació.Postprint (published version

Aplication of a gamification learning system in mechanical engineering studies

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of using a gamification tool as a new teaching strategy. Specifically, Kahoot! is evaluated as a tool for enhancing student learning. We test the tool empirically in a university class setting in an engineering degree, namely as part of the laboratory sessions of the subject Mechanism and Machine Theory during two consecutive academic years. The students were randomly divided into three different groups (control group, gamification group and writing group) and their results were evaluated depending on the learning method applied during the class. In terms of gamification, this project introduces real-time feedback to stimulate the interest of students and help them use the typical tools and methodologies of game-based learning. The analysis of their performance in the laboratory exam shows significant differences between the group that used gamification and the groups that did not. The study concludes that gamebased elements and competitive activities enhanced student performance and recommend their use in educational environments to support the learning process

Program for coordinated dental care under general anaesthesia for children with special needs

Aim: To draw up a program for coordination of dental care for children with special needs between the Course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCMC) (Specialisation in holistic dental care for children with special needs), and the Disabled Children?s Oral Health Unit (DCOHU) within the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS). Material and methods: UCMC Protocol for children with special needs. Design of a clinical pathway based on consensus amongst the professionals involved. Results: Algorithm for dental care for children with special needs. Matrix covering all activities and timing for full dental diagnosis in such patients (general health, oral health and behaviour) to facilitate proper referral of patients requiring general anaesthesia. Inclusion in the matrix of those responsible for each activity. Conclusions: Improved team work (University ? primary health care) in patient evaluation, in provision of information to parents and guardians and in health care quality. From the teaching point of view, students learn to adopt a systematic approach in the decision-making process

Criteria for selecting children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia

Objective: To study criteria for helping to select children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods: Group of 30 children (aged under 18) examined on the Course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) (Specialisation on holistic dental treatment of children with special needs) and subsequently referred to the Disabled Children?s Oral Health Unit (DCOHU) within Primary Health Care Area 2 of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) where dental treatment under general anaesthesia was given during 2005. Relevant data were taken from their case histories with regard to their general health, oral health and behaviour. Results: In most of the children (22 children), it was possible to carry out a complete dental diagnosis. With regard to medical diagnoses, the most frequent pathology was cerebral palsy (8 children), but it was not possible to establish a link between the pathology and the use of general anaesthesia. With regard to oral health, most of the children received restorative treatment in all 4 quadrants (26 children). On the basis of scales for behavioural evaluation and movement, most of the children (17 children) showed clearly negative behaviour, with movements that interrupted or hindered examination. Conclusions: With the exception of certain specific medical problems, the reasons for using general anaesthesia for dental treatment in children with special needs are extensive treatment needs and bad behaviour, both of which can be judged objectively