Search results for " Assisted"

Stochastic collision model approach to transport phenomena in quantum networks

2021

Abstract Noise-assisted transport phenomena highlight the nontrivial interplay between environmental effects and quantum coherence in achieving maximal efficiency. Due to the complexity of biochemical systems and their environments, effective open quantum system models capable of providing physical insights on the presence and role of quantum effects are highly needed. In this paper, we introduce a new approach that combines an effective quantum microscopic description with a classical stochastic one. Our stochastic collision model (SCM) describes both Markovian and non-Markovian dynamics without relying on the weak coupling assumption. We investigate the consequences of spatial and tempora…

Efficiency of the microwave-assisted extraction of hydrocarbons and pesticides from sediments

1997

Abstract A mixture of toluene and water is proposed for the microwave-assisted extraction of organic pollutants, hydrocarbons and pesticides, from marine sediments. The effect of experimental conditions, such as microwave power and irradiation time, on the extraction of linear, unresolved and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as PCBs and DDTs has been evaluated using real marine sediment samples. Values found by Soxhlet and ultrasonic extraction were employed to evaluate the efficiency of the microwave-assisted extraction. Analytical determinations were carried out by gas chromatography using FID, ECD and MS detectors. For 2 g of a dry sediment, an extraction time of 6 min with 10 ml…

Aims vs. technology: Pedagogical view to the use of educational applications in safety critical contexts

2011

Interactive technology for education has formed into a relatively independent domain of research and development. Interactive technology is often seen as a context independent tool. However, we argue that education in different contexts may have so different and incommensurable aims that no single technology can be announced as good or bad per se in terms of learning. The development of educational application should not be based on the technology to be applied, but by careful analysis of learning aims. When formulated in an appropriate way, learning aims work as a relevant basis in all stages of the design process of an educational application. The formulation of aims is therefore critical…

Cellular effects of bacterial N-3-Oxo-dodecanoyl-L-Homoserine lactone on the sponge Suberites domuncula (Olivi, 1792): insights into an intimate inte…

2014

International audience; Sponges and bacteria have lived together in complex consortia for 700 million years. As filter feeders, sponges prey on bacteria. Nevertheless, some bacteria are associated with sponges in symbiotic relationships. To enable this association, sponges and bacteria are likely to have developed molecular communication systems. These may include molecules such as N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones, produced by Gram-negative bacteria also within sponges. In this study, we examined the role of N-3-oxododecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C12-HSL) on the expression of immune and apoptotic genes of the host sponge Suberites domuncula. This molecule seemed to inhibit the sponge inn…

Bilateral thoracoscopic thymectomy using a novel positioning system.

2013

Several techniques of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy have been proposed, and each has its own proponents. We summarize our experience in 20 patients who underwent bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy, using a new patient positioning that amplifies the thoracoscopic view of the cardiophrenic regions which are often difficult to visualize with standard techniques. In all cases, en-bloc thymectomy with complete dissection of the mediastinal fatty tissue was achieved without sternal retractors or additional incisions.

The da Vinci Xi Robotic Four-Arm Approach for Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

2018

AbstractRobotic surgery is gaining importance in complex thoracoscopic surgery, such as robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The RAMIE procedure was designed using the first generation of the robotic system. The latest da Vinci Xi system has substantially increased the dexterity, especially designed for multiquadrant surgery. The original three-arm RAMIE approach was modified including the robotic four-arm use for the thoracoscopic and laparoscopic part of the operation. This extended approach (four-arm RAMIE approach) provides more flexibility and raises the independence of the surgeon.

Corrigendum to: A comparative analysis of Pancoast tumour resection performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery versus standard open approaches (In…

2015

A Context-Aware System for Ambient Assisted Living

2017

In the near future, the world's population will be characterized by an increasing average age, and consequently, the number of people requiring for a special household assistance will dramatically rise. In this scenario, smart homes will significantly help users to increase their quality of life, while maintaining a great level of autonomy. This paper presents a system for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) capable of understanding context and user's behavior by exploiting data gathered by a pervasive sensor network. The knowledge inferred by adopting a Bayesian knowledge extraction approach is exploited to disambiguate the collected observations, making the AAL system able to detect and predict…

An Ambient Intelligence System for Assisted Living

2017

Nowadays, the population's average age is constantly increasing, and thus the need for specialized home assistance is on the rise. Smart homes especially tailored to meet elderly and disabled people's needs can help them maintaining their autonomy, whilst ensuring their safety and well-being. This paper proposes a complete context-aware system for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), which infers user's actions and context, analyzing its past and current behavior to detect anomalies and prevent possible emergencies. The proposed system exploits Dynamic Bayesian Networks to merge raw data coming from heterogeneous sensors and infer user's behavior and health conditions. A rule-based reasoner is ab…

A novel radiation exposure control apparatus for microwave assisted chemical reactions

2004

AbstractA radiation exposure control apparatus is used for microwave (2.45 GHz) treatment of chemical reactions in controlled and reproducible conditions. A spectrophotometer has been interfaced with the microwave set-up in order to monitor the reaction evolution in situ. Both numerical and experimental dosimetries are carried out in order to evaluate the field distribution within the sample. Finally, particular working conditions are suggested.