Clarification of the Hall effect as an energy transfer mechanism in a theory of the Earth's magnetic field and sunspots

International audienceClarification is offered of the energy transfer role played by the Hall effect in a recent paper: de Paor, A., A theory of the Earth's magnetic field and of sunspots, based on a self-excited dynamo incorporating the Hall effect, Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 8, 265-279, 2001

Calculation of the parameter "deflection" in a new theory of the Earth's magnetic field

International audienceIn a recent paper on the theory of the Earth's magnetic field and key features of Sunspot activity (de Paor, 2001), a central role in the calculation of secular variations of the geomagnetic field was played by a newly-introduced parameter called the deflection (abbreviated def ). In this note, the significance of def is elucidated and the method used to calculate it is explained

On the control of balance during quiet standing

A computer-interfaced balance board, with facilities for data capture and analysis, and with provision for various forms of biofeedback, was built primarily as a balance retraining aid for stroke and head injury victims and for amputees. The opportunity was taken to do a modelling study of the human balance control system as it presents itself during quiet standing; to apply principles of optimum stability; and to try to identify patterns among those recorded which might be indicative of predominant visual/somatosensory control on the one hand and predominant vestibular control on the other

Non-linear quenching of current fluctuations in a self-exciting homopolar dynamo, proved by feedback system theory

International audienceHide (Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 1998) has produced a new mathematical model of a self-exciting homopolar dynamo driving a series- wound motor, as a continuing contribution to the theory of the geomagnetic field. By a process of exact perturbation analysis, followed by combination and partial solution of differential equations, the complete nonlinear quenching of current fluctuations reported by Hide in the case that a parameter ? has the value 1 is proved via the Popov theorem from feedback system stability theory

On the control of balance during quiet standing

A computer-interfaced balance board, with facilities for data capture and analysis, and with provision for various forms of biofeedback, was built primarily as a balance retraining aid for stroke and head injury victims and for amputees. The opportunity was taken to do a modelling study of the human balance control system as it presents itself during quiet standing; to apply principles of optimum stability; and to try to identify patterns among those recorded which might be indicative of predominant visual/somatosensory control on the one hand and predominant vestibular control on the other

Image processing used to harness blinking as a channel of communication and control for physically disabled people

ÐSophisticated mathematical algorithms (such as differencing, thresholding, aggregation and statistical analysis of skin colours) are used to compare successive frames of computer-captured images of the face. From these, changes in state of the eyes are determined and are used to detect blinks. A recognition performance of 83.74+0.03% is achieved over ®ve subjects with a low rate of false positives 2.71+0.01%. A logical decision rule identi®es purposeful blinks and applies them to control either a custom-designed communication package or an external device

Image processing used to harness blinking as a channel of communication and control for physically disabled people

ÐSophisticated mathematical algorithms (such as differencing, thresholding, aggregation and statistical analysis of skin colours) are used to compare successive frames of computer-captured images of the face. From these, changes in state of the eyes are determined and are used to detect blinks. A recognition performance of 83.74+0.03% is achieved over ®ve subjects with a low rate of false positives 2.71+0.01%. A logical decision rule identi®es purposeful blinks and applies them to control either a custom-designed communication package or an external device

Legislation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Europe: a fragmented regulatory landscape

Despite the increasing availability of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, it is currently unclear how such services are regulated in Europe, due to the lack of EU or national legislation specifically addressing this issue. In this article, we provide an overview of laws that could potentially impact the regulation of DTC genetic testing in 26 European countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Emphasis is placed on provisions relating to medical supervision, genetic counselling and informed consent. Our results indicate that currently there is a wide spectrum of laws regarding genetic testing in Europe. There are countries (e.g. France and Germany) which essentially ban DTC genetic testing, while in others (e.g. Luxembourg and Poland) DTC genetic testing may only be restricted by general laws, usually regarding health care services and patients’ rights

A review of the benefits and drawbacks to virtual field guides in today’s Geoscience higher education environment

Virtual Field Guides are a way for educators to tackle the growing issue of funding pressures in areas of higher education, such as geography. Virtual Field Guides are however underutilised and can offer students a different way of learning. Virtual Field Guides have many benefits to students, such as being more inclusive, building student skills and confidence in a controlled environment pre fieldtrip and can increase engagement in the topic studied. There are also benefits to the educator, such as reduced cost, more efficient students on fieldwork tasks and the ability to tailor and update their field guides to suit their needs. However there are drawbacks in the challenge of creation and their outcome as educational standalone tools. This paper reviews the literature around the benefits and draw backs to the creation and incorporation of virtual field guides in geoscience education. © 2017, The Author(s)

Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness? A randomised Controlled trial of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE (ALIC4 E): the ALIC4 E protocol

INTRODUCTION: Effective management of seasonal and pandemic influenza is a high priority internationally. Guidelines in many countries recommend antiviral treatment for older people and individuals with comorbidity at increased risk of complications. However, antivirals are not often prescribed in primary care in Europe, partly because its clinical and cost effectiveness has been insufficiently demonstrated by non-industry funded and pragmatic studies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness? An rCt of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE is a European multinational, multicentre, open-labelled, non-industry funded, pragmatic, adaptive-platform, randomised controlled trial. Initial trial arms will be best usual primary care and best usual primary care plus treatment with oseltamivir for 5 days. We aim to recruit at least 2500 participants ≥1 year presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI), with symptom duration ≤72 hours in primary care over three consecutive periods of confirmed high influenza incidence. Participant outcomes will be followed up to 28 days by diary and telephone. The primary objective is to determine whether adding antiviral treatment to best usual primary care is effective in reducing time to return to usual daily activity with fever, headache and muscle ache reduced to minor severity or less. Secondary objectives include estimating cost-effectiveness, benefits in subgroups according to age (64 years), severity of symptoms at presentation (low, medium and high), comorbidity (yes/no), duration of symptoms (≤48 hours/>48-72 hours), complications (hospital admission and pneumonia), use of additional prescribed medication including antibiotics, use of over-the-counter medicines and self-management of ILI symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Research ethics committee (REC) approval was granted by the NRES Committee South Central (Oxford B) and Clinical Trial Authority (CTA) approval by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. All participating countries gained national REC and CTA approval as required. Dissemination of results will be through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations