Design, Repeatability, and Comparison to Literature Data of a New Noninvasive Device Called "Rotameter" to Measure Rotational Knee Laxity

in International Scholarly Research Notices Orthopedics (2015), Volume 2015, Article ID 439095

The present paper deals with the design, the repeatability, and the comparison to literature data of a new measuring device called “Rotameter” to characterize the rotational knee laxity or the tibia ... [more ▼]

The present paper deals with the design, the repeatability, and the comparison to literature data of a new measuring device called “Rotameter” to characterize the rotational knee laxity or the tibia-femoral rotation (TFR). The initial prototype P1 of the Rotameter is shortly introduced and then modified according to trials carried out on a prosthetic leg and on five healthy volunteers, leading therefore to an improved prototype P2. A comparison of results obtained from P1 and P2 with the same male subject shows the enhancements of P2. Intertester and intratester repeatability of this new device were shown and it was observed that rotational laxities of left and right knees are the same for a healthy subject. Moreover, a literature review showed that measurements with P2 presented lower TFR values than other noninvasive devices.The measured TFR versus torque characteristic was quite similar to other invasive devices, which are more difficult to use and harmful to the patient. Hence, our prototype P2 proved to be an easy-to-use and suitable device for quantifying rotational knee laxity. A forthcoming study will validate the Rotameter thanks to an approach based on computed tomography in order to evaluate its precision. [less ▲]

Designer Bloch plasmon polariton dispersion in grating-coupled hyperbolic metamaterials

in APL Photonics (2020), 5

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are anisotropic optical materials supporting highly confined propagating electromagnetic modes. How- ever, it is challenging to tailor and excite these modes at optical ... [more ▼]

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are anisotropic optical materials supporting highly confined propagating electromagnetic modes. How- ever, it is challenging to tailor and excite these modes at optical frequencies by prism coupling because of the unavailability of high refractive index prisms for matching the momentum between the incident light and the guided modes. Here, we report on the mechanism of excitation of high-index Bloch plasmon polariton modes with sub-diffraction spatial confinement using a meta-grating, which is a combined structure of a metallic diffraction grating and a type II HMM. We show how a one-dimensional plasmonic grating without any mode in the infrared spectral range, if coupled to an HMM supporting high-index modes, can efficiently enable the excitation of these modes via coupling to far- field radiation. Our theoretical predictions are confirmed by experimental reflection measurements as a function of angle of incidence and excitation wavelength. We introduce design principles to achieve a full control of high-index modes in meta-gratings, thus enabling a better understanding of light–matter interaction in this type of hybrid structure. The exploitation of the spectral response of these modes can find applications in bio-chemical sensing, integrated optics, and optical sub-wavelength imaging. [less ▲]

Designing (In) finite-alphabet Sequences via Shaping the Radar Ambiguity Function

in ICASSP 2019-2019 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP) (2019)

In this paper, a new framework for designing the radar transmit waveform is established through shaping the radar Ambiguity Function (AF). Specifically, the AF of the phase coded waveforms are analyzed ... [more ▼]

In this paper, a new framework for designing the radar transmit waveform is established through shaping the radar Ambiguity Function (AF). Specifically, the AF of the phase coded waveforms are analyzed and it is shown that a continuous/discrete phase sequence with the desired AF can be obtained by solving an optimization problem promoting equality between the AF of the transmit sequence and the desired AF. An iterative algorithm based on Coordinate Descent (CD) method is introduced to deal with the resulting non-convex optimization problem. Numerical results illustrate the proposed algorithm make it possible to design sequences with remarkably high tolerance towards Doppler frequency shifts, which is of interest to the future generations of automotive radar sensors. [less ▲]

Designing a framework for digital KYC processes built on blockchain-based self-sovereign identity

in Information and Management (2022), 59(7),

Know your customer (KYC) processes place a great burden on banks, because they are costly, inefficient, and inconvenient for customers. While blockchain technology is often mentioned as a potential ... [more ▼]

Know your customer (KYC) processes place a great burden on banks, because they are costly, inefficient, and inconvenient for customers. While blockchain technology is often mentioned as a potential solution, it is not clear how to use the technology’s advantages without violating data protection regulations and customer privacy. We demonstrate how blockchain-based self-sovereign identity (SSI) can solve the challenges of KYC. We follow a rigorous design science research approach to create a framework that utilizes SSI in the KYC process, deriving nascent design principles that theorize on blockchain’s role for SSI. [less ▲]

Designing a multilingual course to support second and third language acquisition

Scientific Conference (2016, September 02)

This paper reports on a multilingual course developed and taught at the University of Luxembourg Language Centre in 2015. The Language Centre offers academic language support in English, French and German ... [more ▼]

This paper reports on a multilingual course developed and taught at the University of Luxembourg Language Centre in 2015. The Language Centre offers academic language support in English, French and German across the universities three faculties, where most study programmes are bi- or trilingual. The question of how to use existing multilingual resources and support the acquisition of multilingual competences has become increasingly important due to the Bologna agreement and internationalisation strategies at many European universities. However, while research on third language acquisition (Cenoz, Hufeisen, Jessner 2001; Hufeisen, Neuner 2003; Jessner 2008) and multilingualism in higher education (Jessner 2008, Hu 2015; Rindler Schjerve, Vetter 2012) is a common theme, little has been published that could guide language teachers in the design of multilingual courses. Teaching methods such as Intercomprehension with GALANET (Degache 1997) or Eurocom (Meissner 2004; Hufeisen, Marx 2007; Klein 2007) and European projects like CARAP (Candelier 2007) and MAGICC document the need for new concepts in language education very well. Informed by the results of a university wide needs analysis of language competences at the University of Luxembourg, the Language Centre developed a trilingual presentation skills course (FR/EN/GE) for MA students to support second and third language acquisition. In this paper, we will present our course design, comment on the running of the course and present findings from our teaching and student course evaluations that can be used to inform the future teaching of multilingual courses. Our aim is to provide insights into how multilingual courses can be successfully designed and run. Candelier, M. et al. (2007). CARAP. Framework of reference for pluralistic approaches to languages and cultures. Graz: European Center of Modern Languages. Cenoz, J. & Jessner, U. (eds.). (2000). English in Europe: The acquisition of a third language. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Degache, C. (1997). Développer l'intercompréhension dans l'espace linguistique roman: le programme Galatea/Socrates. Assises de l'enseignement du et en français, séminaire de Lyon: Aupelf-Uref. Hu, A. (2015). Internationalisierung und Mehrsprachigkeit: Universitäten als interkulturelle und mehrsprachige Diskursräume. In A. Küppers & P. Uyan-Sermeci & B. Pusch (eds.): Education in transnational spaces. Wiesbaden: 257-268. Hufeisen, B. & Neuner, G. (2003). Mehrsprachigkeitskonzept- Tertiärsprachenlernen – Deutsch nach Englisch. Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing. Hufeisen, B. & Marx, N. (2007). How can DaFnE and EuroComGerm contribute to the concept of receptive multilingualism? Theoretical and practical considerations. In J.Ten Thije & L. Zeevaert (eds.): Receptive multilingualism: Linguistic analyses, language policies and didactic concepts. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 307-321. Jessner, U. (2008). Teaching third languages: Findings, trends and challenges. State-of-the-Art Article. In: Language Teaching 41/1, 15-56. Klein, H.-G. (2007). Où en sont les recherches sur l'eurocompréhension ? http://eurocomresearch.net/lit/Klein%20FR.htm: Université de Francfort/Main. Meißner, F-J. (2004). Transfer und Transferieren: Anleitungen zum Interkomprehensionsunterricht. In H.G. Klein & D. Rudtke (eds.): Neuere Forschungen zur Europäischen Intercomprehension. Aachen: Shaker, 39-66. Rindler Schjerve, R. & Vetter, E. (2012). European Multilingualism Current Perspectives and Challenges. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. MAGICC http://www.unil.ch/magicc/home.html GALANET, http://www.galanet.eu/ [less ▲]

Designing an early failure indicator channel for an in-tank hydrogen valve via a fatigue-based approach

in Journal of Computational Design and Engineering (2020)

This study introduced a fatigue-based approach to design and implement an indicator channel into an in-tank hydrogen valve. It was aimed at providing a mean to point out multiple early valve’s damages. To ... [more ▼]

This study introduced a fatigue-based approach to design and implement an indicator channel into an in-tank hydrogen valve. It was aimed at providing a mean to point out multiple early valve’s damages. To achieve the goal, the study was proposed to handle via three main phases. They included (i) the risk point determinations, (ii) the new valve design and the crack nucleation life estimations, as well as (iii) the simplified crack growth analyses. The obtained results firstly highlighted the construction of the test channel (TC), whose branches were located close to the predicted damage’s sites. The damages could be identified either when a crack reaches the TC (then forms a leakage) or indirectly via the crack propagations’ correlation. The results also pointed out that the TC-implemented valve could perform as similarly as the non-TC one in the non-treated condition. More importantly, this new structure was proved to have a capacity of satisfying the required minimal life of 1.5E5 cycles, depending on the combined uses of the specific material and the pre-treatment, among those considered. In addition, the results emphasized the complexity of the TC that could not be formed by the traditional manufacturing process. Hence, direct metal laser sintering was proposed for the associated prototype and the final TC was issued based on the fundamental requirements of the technique. Finally, it was suggested that practical experiments should essentially be carried out to yield more evidence to support the demonstrated results. [less ▲]

Designing and managing an online, personalised research writing course for postgraduates

in McDiarmid, Carole (Ed.) Exploring pedagogical approaches in EAP teaching (2023)

This paper describes and evaluates a multidisciplinary, online research writing course for PhD students. First, we explain our course rationale and set-up. The core principles are personalised, self ... [more ▼]

This paper describes and evaluates a multidisciplinary, online research writing course for PhD students. First, we explain our course rationale and set-up. The core principles are personalised, self-regulated and peer learning, and the optimal use of class time. This is achieved through the following components: an e-coursebook developed in-house; tasks preparing students for the workshops; workshops; writing and reflection; peer review; and individual consultations. Next, we review participants’ feedback from course evaluation surveys. Many students liked the online format although most would prefer the peer review and discussion of theory to happen ‘offline’. A key finding for course efficacy is that students greatly valued working with their own examples in the workshops. They saw this and independent learning tasks as the greatest drivers of their writing development. They also benefited from multidisciplinary peer review. As regards the writing and reflection, all students chose to write on their own and the writing reflection tool was deemed ineffective. We furthermore discuss our (teachers’) perceptions of the affordances and challenges of this course format. On the one hand, it allows workshops to be devoted to collaborative tasks, reflection and data-driven learning. On the other hand, preparing such workshops is very time-consuming, while the multiple components and regular task submissions carry a heavy administrative burden. The paper concludes with how lessons learnt have been implemented into the current course configuration. [less ▲]

Designing Awareness Tools for Psychological Well-Being in Collaborative Work Environments

in Lushnikova, Alina (Ed.) Designing Awareness Tools for Psychological Well-Being in Collaborative Work Environments (2023)

Designing Compliance Patterns: Integrating Value Modeling, Legal Interpretation and Argument Schemes for Legal Risk Management.

Doctoral thesis (2017)

Companies must be able to demonstrate that their way of doing business is compliant with relevant rules and regulations. However, the law often has open texture; it is generic and needs to be interpreted ... [more ▼]

Companies must be able to demonstrate that their way of doing business is compliant with relevant rules and regulations. However, the law often has open texture; it is generic and needs to be interpreted before it can be applied in a specific case. Entrepreneurs generally lack the expertise to engage in the regulatory conversations that make up this interpretation process. In particular, for the application domain of technological startups, this leads to legal risks. This research seeks to develop a robust module for legal interpretation. We apply informal logic to bridge the gap between the principles of interpretation in legal theory with the legal rules that determine the compliance of business processes. Accordingly, interpretive arguments characterized by argument schemes are applied to business models represented by value modeling (VDML). The specific outcome of the argumentation process (if any) is then summarized into a compliance pattern, in a context-problem-solution format. Two case studies in the application area of startups shows that the approach is able to express the legal arguments, but is also understandable for the target audience. The project is presented in two parts; Part I, the background, contains an introduction, literature review, motivational case studies, a survey on legal risks, and a modeling of business and legal aspects. Part II builds on the interdisciplinary facets of the first part to develop the Compliance Patterns Framework which is then validated with two case studies followed by a conclusion. [less ▲]

Designing Convivial Digital Cities: A Social Intelligence Design Approach

in AI & Society (2009), 24(1), 97114