bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment of locally advanced, nonmetastatic prostate cancer: practical experience and a review of the clinical trial evidence
Authors: Aoun Fouad , Bourgi Ali , Ayoub Elias , El Rassy Elie , van Velthoven Roland , Peltier Alexandre
Published: March 2017

Following new scientific insights, initial management for patients with high-risk nonmetastatic prostate cancer has changed considerably and rapidly over the last few years. Several clinical and pathologic variables should be taken into account when deciding the best treatment choice for those patients. These variables are summarized and discussed in detail. High radiation doses to the prostate are essential to achieve good local control in patients with high-risk nonmetastatic disease. Addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to radiation therapy has significantly improved overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared with radiation therapy alone without significantly increasing toxicity. Long-term neo(adjuvant) ADT (2–3 years) to radiation therapy significantly improved cancer-specific survival compared with short-term ADT (4–6 months). Radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection is considered a reasonable option in experienced hands. ADT alone is an inappropriate treatment option for patients with high-risk nonmetastatic disease. Management decisions for these patients should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team.
A survey of people with foot problems related to rheumatoid arthritis and their educational needs
Authors: Graham Andrea S. , Stephenson John , Williams Anita E.
Published: March 2017

Background

Up to 50% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have foot symptoms at diagnosis, hence early foot health intervention is recommended and this should include patient education. This study identifies, for the first time, the foot health education (FHE) needs of people with RA.

Methods

An online survey of people with RA (n = 543) captured quantitative data in relation to the aims, methods of delivery, content, timing and accessibility of FHE.

Results

The majority concurred about the aims of FHE. Verbal delivery and websites were the most common methods. Written and verbal FHE were perceived to be the most effective methods. The point of diagnosis was the preferred time to receive it. Lack of access to FHE included minimal focus on foot health during consultations by both health practitioners and patients with RA. Participant gender, age, disease duration and living situation had a statistically significant influence on the results.

Conclusion

Foot health education is rarely considered within the medical consultation. There is a lack of patient and/or health professional awareness of this need with a detrimental impact on foot health. Patients require health professionals to identify their foot education health needs. Tailored foot health education should begin at initial diagnosis.
Model-based pore-pressure prediction in shales: An example from the Gulf of Mexico, North America
Authors: Han Tongcheng , Pervukhina Marina , Ben Clennell Michael , Neil Dewhurst David
Published: March 2017

Accurate pore-pressure interpretation and prediction play important roles in understanding the sedimentary history of a basin and in reducing drilling hazards during hydrocarbon exploitation. Unlike typical reservoir rocks, in which pore pressures can be directly measured, pore pressures in shale must be inferred via their state of compaction. We have used the shale acoustic properties to accomplish this. Shale P- and S-wave velocities were first calculated using an anisotropic differential effective medium model. This model was built using elastic properties of wet clay mineralogy, and the total porosity of the shale was obtained from basic open-hole well-log measurements. These simulated shale velocities were systematically higher than sonic velocities observed on a test data set from a Gulf of Mexico well, penetrating a 1200 m vertical section of overpressured shale. The difference between the modeled velocities and the sonic measurements was then evaluated to estimate the abnormal pore pressure based on an exponential relationship between the pore pressure and the ratio of measured to modeled velocity. Using a reasonable exponent, the predicted pore pressure was shown to be in good agreement with direct pore-pressure measurements either made in adjacent sand layers that are thought to be in pressure equilibrium with the shales or inferred from drilling mud weights.
Age-specific acceleration in malignant melanoma
Authors: Diffey Brian L , Frank Steven A
Published: March 2017

Background:The overall incidence of melanoma has increased steadily for several years. The relative change in incidence at different ages has not been fully described. Objective:To describe how incidence at different ages has changed over time and to consider what aspects of tumour biology may explain the observed pattern of change in incidence. Methods:The slope of incidencevsage measures the acceleration of cancer incidence with age. We described the pattern of change over time in the overall incidence of melanoma, as well as in acceleration. We used data for males and females from 3 different countries in the 17 sequential 5-year birth-cohort categories from 1895-99 to 1975-79, from which we derived the incidence patterns. Results:Over time, there has been a tendency for the overall incidence of melanoma to increase and for the acceleration (slope) of the age-incidence curves to decline. The changing patterns of melanoma incidence and acceleration differ between males and females and between the countries analysed. Conclusions:The observed pattern in melanoma of rising incidence and declining acceleration occurs in other cancers in response to genetic knockouts of mechanisms that protect against cancer. Perhaps some protective mechanism with respect to melanoma may be less effective now than in the past, possibly because of more intense environmental challenges.
Cause and age-related mortality trends in Bangladesh (2000-2008)
Authors: Sarkar Aziza Sultana Rosy , Islam Nurul , Hoque Aminul
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze mortality trends in Bangladesh from 2000 to 2008, to identify the main causes of death, and categorize them by sex and age group.

Methods

This study used vital registration, maternal and child health data collected from Matlab, a rural area of Bangladesh, in 2000, 2004 and 2008.The data were collected and published by Health and Demographic Surveillance System of ICDDR, B.

Results

This study indicates a downward trend in communicable disease, neonatal and maternal, injury and miscellaneous mortality. Only non-communicable diseases (NCDs) revealed an uprising trend for both males and females. Among the NCDs, circulatory system related diseases were most common in Bangladesh. The second major cause of death was neoplasm. The risk of deaths from non-communicable diseases increased with age. The overall death rates were higher for males than females. Males of ages 45 and above were greatly affected by circulatory system related diseases and neoplasm. Circulatory system related deaths were highest (34.01%) in the 70-79 age group. Neoplasm related deaths were highest (34.38%) in the 60-69 age group. Similar patterns were observed for females. Circulatory system related diseases, respiratory related diseases and neoplasms greatly affected females of the 45-59 and above age group. The highest percentage (38.65%) of circulatory system related deaths was found in the 70-79 age group; neoplasm related deaths were highest (29.41%) in the 45-49 age group; and the highest percentage (32.69%) of respiratory related diseases was found in the 60-69 age group.

Conclusions

It was observed that a large portion of the population died because of non-communicable diseases. Public awareness about common NCDs and the risk factors involved should be raised. Promoting health-related content both in male and female education can bring improvements in reducing NCDs.
Aspiration in injections: should we continue or abandon the practice?
Authors: Sepah Yasir , Samad Lubna , Altaf Arshad , Halim Muhammad Sohail , Rajagopalan Nithya , Javed Khan Aamir
Published: March 2017

Aspiration during any kind of injection is meant to ensure that the needle tip is at the desired location during this blind procedure. While aspiration appears to be a simple procedure, it has generated a lot of controversy concerning the perceived benefits and indications. Advocates and opponents of aspiration both make logically sound claims. However, due to scarcity of available data, there is no evidence that this procedure is truly beneficial or unwarranted. Keeping in view the huge number of injections given worldwide, it is important that we draw attention to key questions regarding aspiration that, up till now, remain unanswered. In this review, we have attempted to gather and present literature on aspiration both from published and non-published sources in order to provide not only an exhaustive review of the subject, but also a starting point for further studies on more specific areas requiring clarification. A literature review was conducted using the US National Institute of Health’s PubMed service (including Medline), Google Scholar and Scopus. Guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, Safe Injection Global Network, International Council of Nursing, Center for Disease Control, US Federal Drug Agency, UK National Health Services, British Medical Association, Europe Nursing and Midwifery Council, Public Health Agency Canada, Pakistan Medical Association and International Organization of Standardization recommendations 7886 parts 1-4 for sterile hypodermics were reviewed for relevant information. In addition, curricula of several medical/nursing schools from India, Nigeria and Pakistan, the US pharmacopeia Data from the WHO Program for International Drug Monitoring network in regard to adverse events as a result of not aspirating prior to injection delivery were reviewed. Curricula of selected major medical/nursing schools in India, Nigeria and Pakistan, national therapeutic formularies, product inserts of most commonly used drugs and other possible sources of information regarding aspiration and injections were consulted as well.
Recent advances in the link between physical activity, sedentary behavior, physical fitness, and colorectal cancer
Authors: Namasivayam Vikneswaran , Lim Sam
Published: March 2017

Physical inactivity is a well-established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have characterized physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and cardiorespiratory fitness as distinct, interrelated constructs that influence the risk of CRC and related outcomes. PA levels required to confer protection against CRC may be higher than previously thought. Sedentary behavior, defined as time spent sitting, increases CRC risk independent of PA and may require novel interventions distinct from those targeting PA. Finally, cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with CRC risk and mortality and may provide a potential tool for risk stratification and intervention.
Effects of Low-Frequency Alternating Magnetic Fields on the Human Body (Analytical Review)
Authors: Коробенков  , Korobenkov A. , Коробейников  , Korobeynikov S. , Акрамова  , Akramova M.
Published: March 2017

Domestic and foreign publications on the problem of low-frequency alternating magnetic fields effects on human being have been considered and analyzed in this review. The low-frequency magnetic field is biologically active factor whose effects and its result depend on many others factors, both external (magnetic fields’ frequency and intensity, exposure duration), and internal and individual ones, such as health of the person being subject to impact, nervous system’s state at the moment of exposure, the person’s nervous system excitability level, etc. The magnetic field may have either a positive (therapeutic) effects in certain modes and doses, and the negative one, adversely affecting person’s health (the negative effects, unfortunately, much more common and is considered as a harmful production factor and a factor of environmental pollution).
Educational Programs Creation Concept for “Technosphere Safety” Direction
Authors: Каверзнева  , Kaverzneva T. , Леонова  , Leonova Natalya
Published: March 2017

Principles for formation of educational programs in the “Technosphere safety” direction in a technical high educational

institution are considered in this paper. A strategy of the course, providing continuity with other disciplines of the

natural-science cycle, allowing form students’ future professional image on lectures, practical and laboratory sessions

has been defined. It has been demonstrated that the safe behavior culture formation supposes the willingness and

ability to use the acquired body of knowledge, skills and abilities related to safe behavior in any sphere of activity. The

experience related to interactive classes use in the educational process of Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic

University’s

“Health and Safety Training Course” chair has been marked. It has been demonstrated that interactive methods,

without replacing the lectures, contribute to better assimilation of theoretical material and effectively form students’

opinions, relations, and behavior habits. When using the interactive forms, the teacher distributes roles for lesson

participants, gives overview tasks, regulates the brainstorming process, and participates in discussions of assigned

problems.
Logic Pluralism in Mobile Platform Ecosystems: A Study of Indie App Developers on the iOS App Store
Authors: Qiu Yixin , Gopal Anandasivam , Hann Il-Horn
Published: March 2017

The software development field has inherently been identified with two field-level institutional logics, i.e., logic of the profession and logic of the markets. Traditionally, information systems development methodologies have been used to reconcile the competing demands from these two logics. In this paper, we study how these two logics manifest in a platform-based software ecosystem where significant entrepreneurial opportunities are created for independent third-party app developers (indies). Specifically, we study how indie developers manage the two logics on the iOS platform ecosystem under the influence of the platform owner Apple. We first identify practices of indie developers consistent with the two field logics across three entrepreneurial domains, i.e., app ideation, execution, and marketing. Second, we identify areas where the two field logics may be in conflict as well as in coexistence. We show that indie developers enact logic conflict through disagreement and denunciation of the opposing logic. When logics that are inherently opposed appear to coexist, we investigate how app developers manage these opposing demands through a process we call logic synthesis. Using a grounded theory approach, we propose a model of field-level market and professional logics operating in the mobile app platform ecosystem and the practices reflecting such logics in the indie developer community. Our work contributes to the growing literature on platform ecosystems and the processes adopted by third-party app developers in such ecosystems, in addition to furthering the study of institutional logics in technology contexts.
Managing atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery
Authors: Younis Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Open-heart surgery involves the opening of the thoracic cage followed by surgical intervention on the cardiac muscle, arteries, valves, or other structures. It is indicated for many cardiac diseases such as coronary artery blockage, valvular heart stenosis or calcification, aortic aneurysm or dissection ( National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2013 ). As with any surgery, it contains several complications, one of which is dysrhythmia, and atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most predominant of these ( Peretto et al, 2014 ). AF involves an abnormal elevated heart rate and irregular rhythm, resulting from abnormal electrical discharge from the atrium rather than the sinoatrial node (SA). AF post operation is common in surgeries of the heart and chest, as well as other non-cardiothoracic surgeries ( Mostafa et al, 2012 ). According to the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society (AHA/ACC/HRS), AF can be classified based on duration into: paroxysmal AF, which resolves by intervention or spontaneously within 7 days of onset; persistent AF, which continues for more than 7 days; longstanding AF, which continues for more than 12 months; permanent AF, which cannot be restored to sinus rhythm; and non-valvular AF, in which the occurrence of AF is unrelated to rheumatic mitral valve disease, a prosthetic heart valve, or mitral valve repair ( January et al, 2014 ).
Is it beneficial for clinics to offer beauty treatments alongside cosmetic procedures?
Authors: Gorianova Irina , Wade Katherine , Warren Lynn
Published: March 2017

Every sector caters to people with different needs, requiring business owners to know as much as possible about their target audience, and make a concerted effort to not only meet, but also exceed their expectations. Three aesthetic nurses who are involved with their clinic management talk about the array of business benefits associated with providing beauty treatments alongside medical procedures
Sunscreens and their properties for skin protection from solar radiation
Authors: Kaur Bhavjit
Published: March 2017

Extensive promotion on the internet and in the media has led to an increase in public awareness that too much exposure to sun can cause photodamage and skin cancers. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the selection of the right sunscreen, recommended dose and daily application schedule. The labels of sunscreens are often difficult to understand and consumers remain unaware about the potential photodamage caused by infrared (IR) and high-energy visible light (HEVL). Patients are becoming increasingly conscious about skin health and aesthetics, but they often seek help only after a significant amount of sun damage has already occurred. There are still many discrepancies related to the correct method of sunscreen application and the best times for reapplication. Much more research is needed to study the harmful effects of sunscreen ingredients on systemic absorption, if any, in areas such as safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the relationship to various skin cancers and diseases. This article discusses the types and formulations of sunscreens for ultraviolet light, IR and HEVL protection. It also covers sunscreen labels, application techniques, recommended doses, safety and possible health hazards, related controversies, product shelf life and the importance of patient education.
Blending in: cosmetic camouflage in people with an appearance-altering conditio
Authors: Stock Nicola
Published: March 2017

Having an appearance-altering condition and dealing with other people's reactions can be distressing. Skin camouflage techniques are designed to disguise the condition, and in doing so, reduce anxiety and boost confidence. But could there be disadvantages to ‘blending in’? Nicola Stock looks at the use of skin camouflage services and their impact on patients' quality of life
Reflecting on aesthetic claims trends observed over the past year
Authors: Di-Scala Naomi
Published: March 2017

Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance has 20 years of data relating to claims arising from aesthetic procedures and continues to analyse reasons as to why these claims are made. In this month's medical liability article, Naomi Di-Scala gives insight into the claims trends identified throughout 2016, explores common reasons why they occurred and suggests solutions for their resolution
Behavioral problems in children with epilepsy
Authors: Novriska Dora , Sutomo Retno , Setyati Amalia
Published: March 2017

Background Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that most oftenaffects children. Most cases of epilepsy are found in developingcountries. Children with epilepsy are at risk of behavioral disordersthat can affect their quality of life. Studies on behavioral problemsin children with epilepsy have been limited in Indonesia.Objective To compare behavioral disorders in children withepilepsy to those in normal children, and to assess for possiblefactors associated with the occurrence of behavioral disorders.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 47children with epilepsy and 46 children without epilepsy, aged 3-16years. Behavioral problems were screened with the Strength andDifficulty Questionnaire (SDQ), Indonesian version. Informationabout EEG description, medication, onset, and duration of epilepsywere obtained from medical records.Results Behavioral problems were found in 19.1% of childrenwith epilepsy and only in 2.2 % of children without epilepsy (PR8.8; 95%CI 1.16 to 66.77; P= 0.015). Significant differences werealso found in the percentage of conduct problems and emotionaldisorders. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression revealedthat the factors associated with behavioral disorders in childrenwith epilepsy were uncontrolled epilepsy (PR 13.9; 95%CI 1.45 to132.4; P=0.023) and focal EEG appearance (PR 19; 95%CI 1.71to 214.43; P=0.017). We also found that uncontrolled epilepsywas a factor related to emotional (PR 6.7; 95%CI 1.66 to 26.76;P=0.007) and conduct problems (PR 6.1; 95%CI 1.35 to 27.29;P=0.019).Conclusion Uncontrolled epilepsy and focal EEG results arefactors associated with increased risk of behavioral problems inchildren with epilepsy. Children with epilepsy should undergobehavioral disorder screening, followed by diagnosis confirmationand treatment.
The effect of regular aerobic exercise on urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor in children
Authors: Fediani Yunita , Dewi Masayu Rita , Irfannuddin Muhammad , Saleh Masagus Irsan , Dhaini Safri
Published: March 2017

Background Nervous system development in early lifeinfluences the quality of cognitive ability during adulthood.Neuronal development and neurogenesis are highly influencedby neurotrophins. The most active neurotrophin is brain-derivedneurotrophic factor (BDNF). Physical activity has a positiveeffect on cognitive function. However, few experimental studieshave been done on children to assess the effect of aerobic regularexercise on BDNF levels.Objective To assess the effect of regular aerobic exercise onurinary BDNF levels in children.Methods This clinical study was performed in 67 children aged6-8 years in Palembang. The intervention group (n=34) engagedin aerobic gymnastics three times per week for 8 weeks, while thecontrol group (n=33) engaged in gymnastic only once per week.Measurements of urinary BDNF were performed on both groupsbefore and after intervention. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon ranktests were used to analyze the differences between groups.Results There was no difference in urinary BDNF levels betweenthe two groups prior to the intervention. After intervention,the mean urinary BDNF levels were significantly higher in theintervention group than in the control group, 230.2 (SD 264.4)pg/mL vs. 88.0 (SD 35.4) pg/mL, respectively (P=0.027). We alsofound that engaging in aerobic gymnastics significantly increasedurinary BDNF levels from baseline in both groups (P=0.001).Conclusion Regular aerobic exercise can increase urinary BDNFlevels and potentially improve cognitive function. Aerobic exerciseshould be a routine activity in school curriculums in combinationwith the learning process to improve children’s cognitive ability.
Diferenças entre expectativas e adaptação acadêmica de universitários de diversas áreas do conhecimento
Authors: Porto Ana Maria da Silva , Soares Adriana Benevides
Published: March 2017

Os jovens calouros que ingressam no Ensino Superior, muitas vezes apresentam expectativas diferentes em relação ao curso, que podem refletir na sua adaptação e no seu sucesso acadêmico. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar diferenças entre estudantes de diversas áreas do conhecimento em relação a expectativas e adaptação acadêmica. Participaram desse estudo 400 alunos de instituições públicas e privadas do estado do Rio de Janeiro, com idades entre 18 e 59 anos, que responderam a três questionários, sendo um sociodemográfico, um sobre as expectativas e outro sobre as vivências acadêmicas. Os resultados indicaram que os alunos das áreas das Ciências Exatas e Humanas apresentaram mais expectativas em relação aos das outras áreas do conhecimento com diferença estatística significativa para o fator Utilização de Recursos. Entretanto, quanto à adaptação, as maiores médias foram para os alunos das áreas de Ciências Exatas e Sociais Aplicadas na dimensão Pessoal, das áreas de Humanas e Saúde na Carreira e das áreas de Humanas e Exatas na Institucional. Fatores pessoais como habilidades, conhecimentos e competências podem refletir positivamente na adaptação acadêmica, bem como a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos pela instituição, também pode possibilitar a concretização das expectativas dos universitários e assim facilitar a sua permanência.
Escala de Avaliação das Estratégias Sociais: Um estudo de validação com crianças em idade pré-escolar
Authors: Fialho Margarida , Aguiar Cecília
Published: March 2017

A Escala de Avaliação das Estratégias Sociais (EAES; Aguiar, 2007) destina-se a avaliar as estratégias sociais específicas que as crianças em idade pré-escolar utilizam nas tarefas sociais de entrada no grupo de pares, manutenção do jogo e resolução de conflitos. Neste estudo, avaliamos as características psicométricas dos dados obtidos com a EAES e com o Sistema de Avaliação das Competências Sociais (SSRS; Gresham & Elliott, 1990) em 349 crianças Portuguesas em idade pré-escolar. Internamente consistentes, correlacionadas com uma medida estabelecida de competência social, e com algumas variações em função do sexo e idade das crianças, as estratégias sociais de Manutenção do jogo, Iniciação harmoniosa, Iniciação ativa e Resolução de conflitos poderão relevar-se úteis para a investigação sobre relações entre pares.
Prediction of Electromagnetic Fields around High Voltage Transmission Lines
Authors: Kulkarni G A , Gandhare W Z
Published: March 2017

The electric and magnetic fields are present around the High Voltage Transmisssion Lines (HVTL) and reported to affect health of the workers working on these hotlines. The key parameter reportedly responsible for detrimental health effects, are internal induced fields in body. Induction of internal fields in different organs is heavily dependent on the external fields. Prediction of hazardous levels of external fields before measurement or in situations difficult for direct measurement will lead to identify the restrictive situations and working conditions for hotline workers. This work propose a method to model electric and magnetic field for different climbing routes using hybrid technique, formed by combining support vector machine (SVM) and neural network (NN) and also electric field and magnetic field values are predicted using NN for increase in tower height. The result shows the performance of proposed method for prediction of electric field and magnetic field for increase in tower height.
Comparison of Annual Prediction Methods for Spring Flow in the Aggtelek Region
Authors: Mátyás K , Bene K
Published: March 2017

Karst spring flow plays an increasing important role in groundwater resources in Hungary. This paper evaluates three different estimation methods to predict mean annual spring flows in the Aggtelek region, using GIS based catchment area. Annual spring flow was predicted by two regional regression equations, by applying the Budyko equations, and by the original and modified Maucha method. Using measured spring flows, precipitation and temperature data between 1975-1992 each method was evaluated and compared for 12 spring location in the Aggtelek region. Neither method was found significantly better than the others. The Budyko curves gave a good estimation for annual spring flows, with average variance. The non-linear regression method gave the best result, with the smallest median error, and error variance.
Barak’s Purposive Interpretation in Law as a Pattern of Constitutional Interpretative Fidelity
Authors: Marinković Tanasije
Published: March 2017

Political jurisprudence points out that constitutional court judges sometimes act like political actors, and that their decisions are a function of strategic and ideological as much as legal considerations. Consequently, the proper role of the courts, notably in exercising their review of constitutionality, has been one of the most debated issues in modern political and legal theory. Part of the controversy is also how to measure the interpretative fidelity of judges to the constitutional texts, or conversely, the level of their political engagement. This paper argues for the reconsideration of Aharon Barak’sPurposive Interpretation in Lawin that light. Barak’s work was intended to provide, in the first place, judges and other lawyers with a sort of judicial philosophy – a holistic system of legal reasoning, applying both to the interpretation of will, contract, statute and constitution. Nevertheless, these conventions of legal reasoning, modified and readapted, could well be used also as heuristic tools by the academics in measuring the interpretative fidelity of judges to various sources of law. Accordingly, this paper clings closely to the presentation of Barak’s precepts for the purposive interpretation of constitutions, by focusing on the notions of subjective and objective purpose in interpreting constitutions, and how the potential conflicts between these purposes are resolved.
Criminal Policy Challenges under Conditions of Hybrid War: Some Issues and Solutions from Ukraine
Authors: Pysmenskyy Yevhen
Published: March 2017

This article studies the specifics of national criminal policy implementation under the influence of extraordinary geopolitical factors on it. Such policy will be reviewed with Ukraine serving as an appropriate example. This country has been recently forced to adjust its own ways of implementation of the state policy against crime based on atypical modern challenges and threats. This refers to the special nature of a hybrid war, which has been actively fought on the territory of Ukraine since 2014. The author examines two key areas of criminal policy (definition of the limits of criminal behavior and establishing criminal law consequences of the committed offenses), implemented under the extraordinary circumstances of hybrid war. Symptomatic features of the hybrid form of foreign aggression are defined in the piece. At the same time, options of criminal law in combating and preventing such aggression are researched.

Special focus is placed on new acts that have been criminalized as well as those that might need further criminalization. Attention is paid to the issues of criminal law protection of national and historical memory, and to the concept of journalism related crimes. The importance of amnesty as an effective tool to resolve conflicts between individual and state is also emphasized in the article.
An image-processing strategy to extract important information suitable for a low-size stimulus pattern in a retinal prosthesis
Authors: Chen Yili , Fu Jixiang , Chu Dawei , Li Rongmao , Xie Yaoqin
Published: March 2017

Background:

A retinal prosthesis is designed to help the blind to obtain some sight. It consists of an external part and an internal part. The external part is made up of a camera, an image processor and an RF transmitter. The internal part is made up of an RF receiver, implant chip and microelectrode.

Methods:

Currently, the number of microelectrodes is in the hundreds, and we do not know the mechanism for using an electrode to stimulate the optic nerve. A simple hypothesis is that the pixels in an image correspond to the electrode. The images captured by the camera should be processed by suitable strategies to correspond to stimulation from the electrode. Thus, it is a question of how to obtain the important information from the image captured in the picture. Here, we use the region of interest (ROI), a useful algorithm for extracting the ROI, to retain the important information, and to remove the redundant information.

Results:

This paper explains the details of the principles and functions of the ROI. Because we are investigating a real-time system, we need a fast processing ROI as a useful algorithm to extract the ROI. Thus, we simplified the ROI algorithm and used it in an outside image-processing digital signal processing (DSP) system of the retinal prosthesis.

Conclusion:

The results show that our image-processing strategies are suitable for a real-time retinal prosthesis and can eliminate redundant information and provide useful information for expression in a low-size image.
Parametrization of an in-silico circulatory simulation by clinical datasets – towards prediction of ventricular function following assist device implantation
Authors: Moza Ajay , Gesenhues Jonas , Autschbach Rüdiger , Abel Dirk , Rossaint Rolf , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Goetzenich Andreas
Published: March 2017

Background:

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has revolutionized the way end stage heart failure is treated today. Analysis of LVAD interaction with the whole cardiovascular system and its biological feedback loops is often conducted by means of computer models. Generating real time pressure volume loops (PV-loops) in patients, not using conductance catheters but routine diagnostics to feed an

Methods:

Routinely obtained hemodynamic measurements to evaluate myocardial function prior to LVAD implantation like pressure readings in the aorta, the left atrium and the left ventricle and simultaneous three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography recordings were assessed to parametrize a reduced computational model of the cardiovascular system. An automatic parameter identification procedure has been developed.

Results:

The results constitute a patient-individual computational simulation model. An exemplary

Conclusion:

The model improves understanding and prediction of the interaction between pump and ventricles. Future modifications in exporting and merging routinely assessed real time hemodynamic patient data are necessary to investigate various clinical and pathological conditions of LVAD recipients.
Fullerol potentiates the brain antioxidant defense system and decreases γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) mRNA during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Darabi Shamsi , Mohammadi Mohammad Taghi
Published: March 2017

Fullerol compounds have potent antioxidant effects on biological systems. Therefore, we examined whether fullerol pretreatment potentiates the brain antioxidant defense system and decreases
Generalization of Pawlak’s Approximations in Hypermodules by Set-Valued Homomorphisms
Authors: Mirvakili Saeed , Anvariyeh Seid Mohammad , Davvaz Bijan
Published: March 2017

The initiation and majority on rough sets for algebraic hyperstructures such as hypermodules over a hyperring have been concentrated on a congruence relation. The congruence relation, however, seems to restrict the application of the generalized rough set model for algebraic sets. In this paper, in order to solve this problem, we consider the concept of set-valued homomorphism for hypermodules and we give some examples of set-valued homomorphism. In this respect, we show that every homomorphism of the hypermodules is a set-valued homomorphism. The notions of generalized lower and upper approximation operators, constructed by means of a set-valued mapping, which is a generalization of the notion of lower and upper approximations of a hypermodule, are provided. We also propose the notion of generalized lower and upper approximations with respect to a subhypermodule of a hypermodule discuss some significant properties of them.
Robust and Reliable Portfolio Optimization Formulation of a Chance Constrained Problem
Authors: Sengupta Raghu Nandan , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2017

We solve a linear chance constrained portfolio optimization problem using Robust Optimization (RO) method wherein financial script/asset loss return distributions are considered as extreme valued. The objective function is a convex combination of portfolio’s CVaR and expected value of loss return, subject to a set of randomly perturbed chance constraints with specified probability values. The robust deterministic counterpart of the model takes the form of Second Order Cone Programming (SOCP) problem. Results from extensive simulation runs show the efficacy of our proposed models, as it helps the investor to (i) utilize extensive simulation studies to draw insights into the effect of randomness in portfolio decision making process, (ii) incorporate different risk appetite scenarios to find the optimal solutions for the financial portfolio allocation problem and (iii) compare the risk and return profiles of the investments made in both deterministic as well as in uncertain and highly volatile financial markets.
Activated carbon derived from spherical hydrochar functionalized with triethylenetetramine: synthesis, characterizations, and adsorption application
Authors: Tran Hai Nguyen , Huang Fu-Chuang , Lee Chung-Kung , Chao Huan-Ping
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the adsorption capacities of various contaminants on glucose-derived hydrochar (GH) and glucose-activated carbon (GAC) functionalized with triethylenetetramine (TETA). The two-stage synthesis process consisted of (1) hydrothermal carbonization using various TETA concentrations (1%–5%) to create TETA-functionalized GHs, and (2) chemical activation with NaOH to produce TETA-GACs. The basic properties of the adsorbents were examined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The adsorption characteristics of the GH and GAC samples toward two heavy metal ions (Pb
Automated Dental Identification with Lowest Cost Path-Based Teeth and Jaw Separation
Authors: Ølberg Jan-Vidar , Goodwin Morten
Published: March 2017

Teeth are some of the most resilient tissues of the human body. Because of their placement, teeth often yield intact indicators even when other metrics, such as finger prints and DNA, are missing. Forensics on dental identification is now mostly manual work which is time and resource intensive. Systems for automated human identification from dental X-ray images have the potential to greatly reduce the necessary efforts spent on dental identification, but it requires a system with high stability and accuracy so that the results can be trusted.

This paper proposes a new system for automated dental X-ray identification. The scheme extracts tooth and dental work contours from the X-ray images and uses the Hausdorff-distance measure for ranking persons. This combination of state-of-the-art approaches with a novel lowest cost path-based method for separating a dental X-ray image into individual teeth, is able to achieve comparable and better results than what is available in the literature.

The proposed scheme is fully functional and is used to accurately identify people within a real dental database. The system is able to perfectly separate 88.7% of the teeth in the test set. Further, in the verification process, the system ranks the correct person in top in 86% of the cases, and among the top five in an astonishing 94% of the cases. The approach has compelling potential to significantly reduce the time spent on dental identification.
« If you control your nutrition, you can shape your body at will! ». A rational management of food intake by bodybuilders
Authors: Perera Eric
Published: March 2017

Here is how Cédric sees people eating French fries, six month after entering a bodybuilding training room: « If I give it greasy food (speaking about his body), I run the risk of being nauseated by these chips and the organism will not miss out on the chance of stocking all this unhoped for fat, which would ruin 5 weeks of daily efforts. Ridiculous! ». Certain foods become a source of aversion; eating is no longer a pleasure. These words are even more surprising when discovering Cédric’s dietary habits. Indeed, he eats alternatively 33 grams of plain rice and then, one hour later, 100 grams of chicken, which he repeats 16 times a day. In order to stay awake, he takes pure caffeine, in addition to the usual products: vitamins and food supplements. How is such a fast change in food tastes and distastes possible? How does it occur? This can only be understood by examining the logic that governs the world of bodybuilding. Each aspect of life is reorganized around one single aim: maximal muscular development. Thus, increasing muscular mass is the ultimate aim of bodybuilders, which means that pleasure can only come from activities that bring them closer to this aim. Eating becomes a completely instrumental activity; bodybuilders speak of « nutrimentation ». Phases of drastic dieting are followed by calorific orgies. These modifications are the result of the continuous inculcation of puritan ethics which progressively organize every aspect of their life.
The methods used for the diagnosis and evaluation of scoliosis
Authors: Vutan Ana-Maria , Lovasz Erwin-Christian , Amarandei Mihaela , Ciupe Valentin
Published: March 2017

In recent years there multiple studies have been carried out on early diagnosis of scoliosis on school and preschool children. The diagnosis and evaluation of scoliosis is done by carrying out X-rays. A protocol is implemented for tracking the evolution of a scoliosis which involves both clinical control and imaging (X-ray) every 6 months, until the end of the growth period of the child. Because investigations such as X-ray and CT, can have harmful effects on the child's growing body (recent studies have shown that X-ray affects the skin, eyes, hematopoietic tissue, gonads and may cause cancer), new methods for diagnosing and tracking the evolution in time were researched. The present paper tries to present the current methods used in the diagnosis and assessment of scoliosis evolution in time, pointing out the main advantages and disadvantages of each method. There are a few methods developed in recent years in Germany by Zebris Medical Gmbh (using mapping with ultrasonic digital equipment), in Canada by InSpeck (using three-dimensional mapping through digital image acquisition) but used on a small scale. The newly developed methods have the advantage of being non-invasive, painless, non-irradiating and they can be used regardless of health status or gender. Although medical technology has developed very rapidly in recent years, radiology remains the most common method of investigation used for scoliosis. Certainly, in the near future the methods presented in this paper could be used more widely, for the benefits arising from their use.
Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ranjbar Reza , Behzadi Payam , Farshad Shohreh
Published: March 2017

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative motile bacterium causative agent of acute and chronic digestive and extra-digestive human infections. According to different reports worldwide, H. pylori symptomatic and asymptomatic infections are a global problem. The statistical investigations show a percentage of 50 for people who are involved in H. pylori acute/chronic digestive and/or extra-digestive infections around the world. This review focuses on digestive and extra-digestive diseases caused by H. pylori, the related virulence factors, diagnostic techniques including non-invasive and invasive diagnostics and treatment. There is an abundance of diagnostics for detection and identification of H. pylori. The availability, cost, and the condition of test performance may differ from place to place. To increase the level of reliability in association with diagnostic tools for detecting H. pylori, several techniques must be applied at once as multi-diagnostic technique. Furthermore, there are several pharmacotherapies which can be used for complete eradication of H. pylori infection.
CONCEPÇÕES DE FUTURAS PROFESSORAS DO ENSINO BÁSICO ACERCA DO AMBIENTE, DA EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E DAS ESTRATÉGIAS DIDÁTICAS EM EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Correia Marisa Monteiro
Published: March 2017

Este estudo tem como objetivos conhecer as concepções de futuras professoras do ensino básico sobre a educação ambiental e analisar a relação entre as conceções e as estratégias de ensino que demonstram valorizar. As trinta e duas participantes frequentavam um curso de formação de professores em Portugal. Na análise de dados, utilizou-se o método do questionamento e comparação constantes até a saturação das categorias. A análise dos questionários demonstra que todas as participantes possuem uma perspetiva antropocêntrica do ambiente e uma concepção de educação ambiental tradicional centrada no conhecimento de problemáticas ambientais e na preservação dos recursos. As metodologias de ensino destacadas pelas inquiridas estão em conformidade com um ensino centrado na figura do professor e na aquisição de conhecimentos.
Sustainability assessment for urban underground utility infrastructure projects
Authors: Hojjati Aryan , Jefferson Ian , Metje Nicole , Rogers Christopher D F
Published: March 2017

Utility infrastructure systems, designed well, have a pivotal role to play in improving the sustainability of cities due to their critical functionality in urban environments. Equally, utility streetworks – installation, maintenance and upgrading activities – can adversely impact the local and global economies. The inaccurate location of pipes and cables lengthens streetworks operations and can exacerbate traffic congestion, notably resulting in major delays in cases of third-party utility damage, while vehicle emissions and wasted energy are other examples of the adverse impacts of congestion caused by streetworks operations. The total impact of utility infrastructure projects can be assessed only by evaluating all economic (both direct and indirect), social and environmental costs of streetworks. A dedicated tool for evaluating the sustainability impacts of utility streetworks is required. This paper provides the basis for utility streetworks sustainability assessments, and hence full costing, by critically reviewing existing sustainability assessment tools and making recommendations for developing a total sustainability costing model and indicator system.
Making urban design a public participatory goal: toward evidence-based urbanism
Authors: Dyer Mark , Corsini Filippo , Certomà Chiara
Published: March 2017

The paper builds on the evidence of an increasing consensus towards citizens' engagement practices in shaping both the form and functioning of the city, and on the apparent distance between the setting up of governance structures adequate for participatory processes to be performed, and the daily urban planning and design. Against this context, the research investigates whether public participation processes are adequately and appropriately addressed in urban planning and design practices. A bibliometric analysis on participatory processes' connection with urban studies (including urban governance, planning, design and development) is described, together with an in-depth evaluation of some works, which makes it possible to appreciate the complexity of the topic. The bibliometric analysis  shows a significant divide between the traditional fields of social sciences, built environment disciplines and information technologies; and no common understanding or framework to translate aspirations for greater citizen participation into improved planning, design and construction of city infrastructures. Discussion and conclusions provide, thus, some guidelines for an ambitious research agenda to address these shortcomings based on a systems approach, able to integrate the processes and results from direct participatory processes into decision making for urban planning and design.