Showing papers by "Altran published in 2009"

Effect of the consumption of a fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 on constipation in childhood: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (NTRTC: 1571).

Abstract: Constipation is a frustrating symptom affecting 3% of children worldwide. Randomised controlled trials show that both polyethylene glycol and lactulose are effective in increasing defecation frequency in children with constipation. However, in 30–50%, these children reported abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and bad taste of the medication. Two recent studies have shown that the fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis strain DN-173 010 is effective in increasing stool frequency in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients with a defecation frequency < 3/week and in constipated women with a defecation frequency < 3/week. Goal of this study is to determine whether this fermented dairy product is effective in the treatment of constipated children with a defecation frequency < 3/week. It is a two nation (The Netherlands and Poland) double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised multicentre trial in which 160 constipated children (age 3–16 years) with a defecation frequency <3/week will be randomly allocated to consume a fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 or a control product, twice a day, for 3 weeks. During the study all children are instructed to try to defecate on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after each meal (3 times a day) and daily complete a standardized bowel diary. Primary endpoint is stool frequency. Secondary endpoints are stool consistency, faecal incontinence frequency, pain during defecation, digestive symptoms (abdominal pain, flatulence), adverse effects (nausea, diarrhoea, bad taste) and intake of rescue medication (Bisacodyl). Rate of success and rate of responders are also evaluated, with success defined as ≥ 3 bowel movements per week and ≤1 faecal incontinence episode over the last 2 weeks of product consumption and responder defined as a subject reporting a stool frequency ≥ 3 on the last week of product consumption. To demonstrate that the success percentage in the intervention group will be 35% and the success percentage in the control group (acidified milk without ferments, toilet training, bowel diary) will be 15%, with alpha 0.05 and power 80%, a total sample size of 160 patients was calculated. This study is aimed to show that the fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis strain DN-173 010 is effective in increasing stool frequency after 3 weeks of product consumption in children with functional constipation and a defecation frequency < 3/week.

Transport mechanisms controlling soot production inside a non-buoyant laminar diffusion flame

Abstract: This study integrates new and existing numerical modeling and experimental observations to provide a consistent explanation to observations pertaining flame length and soot volume fractions for laminar diffusion flames. Integration has been attempted by means of scaling analysis. Emphasis has been given to boundary layer flames. For the experiments, ethylene is injected through a flat porous burner into an oxidizer flowing parallel to the burner surface. The oxidizer is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen, flowing at various velocities. All experiments were conducted in microgravity to minimize the role of buoyancy in distorting the aerodynamics of the flames. A previous numerical study emphasizing fuel transport was extended to include the oxidizer flow. Fictitious tracer particles were used to establish the conditions in which fuel and oxidizer interact. This allowed establishing regions of soot formation and oxidation as well as relevant characteristic length and time scales. Adequate scaling parameters then allow to establish explanations that are consistent for different burner configurations as well as “open-tip” and “closed-tip” flames.

Discovery of a large and bright bow shock nebula associated with low-mass X-ray binary SAX J1712.6-3739

Abstract: In a multiwavelength programme dedicated to identifying optical counterparts of faint persistent X-ray sources in the Galactic bulge, we find an accurate X-ray position of SAX J1712.6−3739 through Chandra observations, and discover its faint optical counterpart using our data from EFOSC2 on the ESO 3.6-m telescope. We find this source to be a highly extincted neutron star low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) with blue optical colours. We serendipitously discover a relatively bright and large bow shock shaped nebula in our deep narrow-band Hα imaging, most likely associated with the X-ray binary. A nebula like this has never been observed before in association with a LMXB, and as such provides a unique laboratory to study the energetics of accretion and jets. We put forward different models to explain the possible ways the LMXB may form this nebulosity, and outline how they can be confirmed observationally.

Testing for a multivariate generalized Pareto distribution

Abstract: It has recently been shown by Rootzen and Tajvidi (Bernoulli, 12:917–930, 2006) that modelling exceedances of a random variable over a high threshold (peaks-over-threshold approach [POT]) can also in the multivariate setup be done rationally only by a multivariate generalized Pareto distribution (GPD). The selection of a proper threshold is, however, a crucial problem. The contribution of this paper is twofold: We develop first a non asymptotic and exact level-α test based on the single-sample t-test, which checks whether multivariate data are actually generated by a multivariate GPD. Secondly, this procedure is utilized for the derivation of a t-test based threshold selection rule in multivariate peaks-over-threshold models. The application to a hydrological data set illustrates this approach.

Toward Mobile Web 2.0-based business methods: Collaborative QoS-information sharing for mobile service users

Abstract: Mobile service providers (MoSPs) emerge, driven by the ubiquitous availability of mobile devices and wireless communication infrastructures. MoSPs’ customers satisfaction and consequently their revenues, largely depend on the quality of service (QoS) provided by wireless network providers (WNPs) available at a particular location-time to support a mobile service delivery. This chapter presents a novel method for the MoSP’s QoS-assurance business process. The method incorporates a location- and time-based QoS-predictions’ service, facilitating the WNP’s selection. We explore different business cases for the service deployment. Particularly, we introduce and analyze business viability of QoSIS.net, an enterprise that can provide the QoS-predictions service to MoSPs, Mobile Network Operators (as MoSPs), or directly to their customers (i.e. in B2B/B2C settings). QoSIS.net provides its service based on collaborative-sharing of QoS-information by its users. We argue that this service can improve the MoSP’s QoS-assurance process and consequently may increase its revenues, while creating revenues for QoSIS.net.

Négociation dans une agence publicitaire : l'analyse d'une réunion de travail à partir des actes de parole

Abstract: Resume Cet article se propose de verifier la pertinence de la theorie des actes de parole et des instruments d’analyse associes pour etudier le fonctionnement d’un episode particulier de travail collaboratif : une reunion enregistree en agence de publicite, au cours de laquelle les participants tentent de se mettre d’accord sur le choix de creations graphiques a proposer a un client. Plus precisement, en prenant appui sur une categorisation des actes de parole, on procede a la description des places et des roles interlocutifs adoptes par les participants, d’une part, et des differents types d’episodes negociatifs structurant les echanges, d’autre part.

Skin properties and the influence on electrode design for transcutaneous (surface) electrical stimulation

Abstract: Stimulation electrodes play an important role in interfacing the tissue with an electrical stimulation system. Between the electrode and the excitable tissues a number of obstacles in form of tissue resistivities are present. For transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) skin, fat and muscle tissue properties strongly influence current pathways and distribution. Some of these properties can be experimentally measured, but others are more difficult to be correctly assessed. Modeling can help to analyze and differentiate influences of structures and tissue properties on current pathways. However, non-linearities and active behavior of cellular structures need to be considered. Specifically for TES applications with rather high current densities as they occur in selective muscle stimulation active current pathways are important. Homogeneous electrode materials with high resistivities can improve current homogeneity through skin layers.

Triple-service GPS-DAB/DMB-WiMAX patch antenna for automotive applications

Abstract: In our modern world, there are a number of wireless communication systems and broadcasting services which must be integrated into vehicles. However, there is very limited space for a lot of gadgets, so the need for low-cost, compact but highly efficient antennas without the need of an amplifier is essential. This document describes a low-cost, small and rugged Triple-Service Patch Antenna which features GPS-service for navigation systems, DAB/DMB-reception for sound- & multimedia transmissions in L-Band as well as WiMAX in S-band for mobile internet into vehicles. While GPS-satellite reception requires right-handed circular polarization with a main lobe pointing towards sky, DAB/DMB-and WiMAX-service requires omnidirectional reception in the horizontal plane with vertical polarization. This discrepancy is successfully solved by slot-loading the patch antenna and truncating edges, so that different modes are stimulated. While GPS and WiMAX are used jointly on one coaxial feeding port, another separate feeding point is applied for DAB/DMB reception, so that independent tuners can be attached. As the dual-service slot loaded, corner truncated patch antenna provides an antenna gain of about 5.5 dBi for GPS, a low-noise amplifier is not necessary.

Estimation of the angular density in bivariate generalized Pareto models

Abstract: We investigate a method to estimate the angular density non-parametrically in bivariate generalized Pareto models. The angular density can be used as a visual tool to gain a first insight into the tail-dependence structure of given data. We derive a representation of the angular density by means of the Pickands density and use it to construct our estimator. The estimator is asymptotically normal under certain regularity conditions. We also test it with simulated data and give an application to a real hydrological data set. Finally, we show that our estimator cannot be transferred directly to higher dimensions.

Composite Materials for Repair of Pressure Boundary and Structural Components

Abstract: Deterioration of components and structures at power generating facilities has caused unscheduled plant outages, personnel safety concerns, and significant impact on operating budgets. However, new technology is now available that can increase the usable life of components and structures, while significantly reducing the economic burden normally associated with repair or replacement options. This technology, known as “Fiber Reinforced Polymers” or FRP, primarily utilizes carbon fibers and high strength epoxy resins to restore or enhance the structural and or pressure boundary capacity of plant components. The extent of the FRP reinforcement is determined by the targeted equipment operating parameters, and the inter-action of the composite materials with the host component. These repairs are typically accomplished in-place with small crews and completed during a relatively short duration. The material technology and engineering associated with FRP repair methods provides an effective mechanism to rehabilitate piping, pumps, heat exchangers, water boxes, structural shapes and numerous other items while minimizing the cost typically associated with direct replacement. This paper will focus on typical applications, design and installation of FRP technology as it relates to maintenance activities at power generating facilities.Copyright © 2009 by ASME

TelecomI+D07: Business enhancement and creation in Rural Environments thorugh a Control Middleware that introduces NGN enablers

Abstract: This paper describes the architecture designed and developed by the IST FP6 project ldquoC@R: Collaboration at Ruralrdquo which involves all key actors of traditional and new rural businesses in the process of improving its efficiency, productivity and competitiveness through the adoption of information and communications technologies. The solution is based on building collaborative working environments made of interactive services with better usability, utility and ubiquity. An innovative approach is applied since researchers learn from end users in real environments o ldquoliving labsrdquo in an iterative process and cyclic of consecutive designs and implementations. From the technical point of view, the concept of ldquocollaborative networksrdquo is brought up, which consists in defining a control layer or middleware that integrates the enablers of the operator networks with the other hardware and software resources. The result is an interactive CWE that improves the performance of current business and puts the necessary conditions to promote the deployment of new business in the rural areas.

Apport du system usability scale à l'activité d'ergonomie d'évaluation

Abstract: Today telecommunications' market has to face an great competition. This stresses the delays of commercial launches, as it is necessary to be quickly able to position on the market.Simplicity and utilisability evaluations of products or services is crucial to bring fast answers to decision-makers. Good assesment's scores will allow to minimize the risks.To answer this problem, I describe in this article a test methodology that integrates on-line questionnaire sending to users' large number, and proposes the System Usability Scale's questionnaire to produce a utilisability final score directly understandable by the decision-makers.The aim of this paper is to argue about the SUS choice, and give an example of implementation in this context.

Linux: Hacia una revolución silenciosa de la sociedad de la información

Abstract: El presente articulo intenta realizar una demostracion de las cualidades globales que posee el nuevo sistema operativo LINUX a nivel tecnico, y develar el cambio que esta engendrando en el sector economico y en el mundo cultural. Esto se realiza por medio, de un analisis comparativo entre los sistemas operativos: Comerciales (Microsoft) y Open Source (LINUX). El mundo de hoy esta caracterizado por cambios radicales y rapidos, ocurriendo con mayor frecuencia en el sector de la informatica. Actualmente en este sector y especificamente en el ambito del sofware, es LINUX el nuevo sistema operativo que esta modificando el mundo de la informatica. Todo ello se efectuo sobre los lineamientos metodologicos exploratorios, porque la literatura sobre los avances de Linux es escasa, por lo tanto el trabajo responde a la sintesis de un amplio trabajo (Conferencias, Exposiciones en Universidades, Asociaciones de empresas, entre otros) de los autores, llevaron a cabo desde que el producto LINUX es conocido y trabajado por una pequena elite de tecnicos.

Device for packaging liquid or powdery materials with a dispensing system

Abstract: The package has a semi-rigid outer case (1), and a flexible inner bag (2) containing a liquid in a sealing manner, where the case is made of cardboard and the package is made of recyclable material. A liquid distribution system has a valve type distribution device to discharge the liquid or pulverulent material in an open position and to ensure sealing of the package in a closed position. The device includes a neck (4) passing through recesses formed in a tab (3) and a surface of the case. The tab is moved in translation and folds the neck in the closed position.