bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRHS Equation Systems that can be Solved in Polynomial Time
Authors: Zajac Pavol 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In this article we study the difficulty of solving Multiple Right-Hand Side (MRHS) equation systems. In the first part we show that, in general, solving MRHS systems is NP-hard. In the next part we focus on special (large) families of MRHS systems that can be solved in polynomial time with two algorithms: one based on linearisation of MRHS equations, and the second one based on decoding problems that can be solved in polynomial time.
Strategy for Research Development in the University. Case Study of Transport and Telecommunication Institute
Authors: Kabashkin Igor , Yatskiv Irina , Savrasovs Mihails 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The paper represents Transport and Telecommunication Institute research programme for period of time 2016-2020. Developed research programme should insure sustainable development of TTI as research institution and should raise research capabilities of the organization by planning and further implementation of the collaboration activities with national and international partners. The analyses of main technology development in the area of TTI research activities, framework for development of research programme, the structure of key TTI strategies and main directions of TTI research activities are described in the paper sides.
Using the Min/Max Method for Replenishment of Picking Locations
Authors: Apsalons Raitis , Gromov Gennady 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The irregularity of removing quantities from a definite picking location in a warehouse very often results in the stock out in the particular picking address. In practice, the Red Card principle is used to determine a critical level for each picking location when it is necessary to start the replenishment of stock in the picking address. The question is how to calculate an adequate critical level. The guidelines in this paper explain in detail the solution of the problem using the Min/Max stock control method and mathematical algorithms adjusted by authors. In order to check the validity of these mathematical algorithms of the Min/Max method, the simulation modelling has been also done and presented.
Validity of Ruffier Test in Evaluation of Resistance to the Physical Effort
Authors: Zanevskyy I. , Janiszewska R. , Zanevska L. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The Ruffier test is used to evaluate the resistance of a heart to physical effort and is intended for adults. The aim of the research in this paper was to create a model of the Ruffier test adapted to school sport and physical education, i.e., for 6–16-year-old pupils. It was shown that two well-known models of correction of the Ruffier test to the age of young patients were in conflict and thus not reliable in the practice of physical education. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation were used in this research. Inter- and extrapolations of the assessment scales based on the Ruffier index were employed. Calculations were done using MS Excel® and MathCAD®. Two methods of the adaptation of the Ruffier test assessment for the health status of young patients were proposed. In one of the methods, the value of the Ruffier index was corrected, and in another, the scale of assessment was likewise. A normal value of the heart rate at rest was accepted as a parameter of correction in both models. In general, the proposed model of correction of the test assessment courses a statistically significant difference with a corresponding result determined according to the original model (p &lt; 0.001). The results of this correction showed a considerable increase in a basic group of physical education (normal physical activity) and a decrease in a preparation course group (decreased physical activity) and a special group (poor physical activity). This age correction increased the test score validity for children and adolescents to a level of the originally test score validity for adults.
Wear Response of Walnut-Shell-Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Doddamani M. , Parande G. , Manakari V. , Siddhalingeshwar I. G. , Gaitonde V. N. , Gupta N. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Present work utilizes agricultural by-product, walnut shell, as reinforcing filler in epoxy matrix for investigating dry sliding wear behavior using a pin-on disc wear-testing machine. Effects of sliding velocity (0.5–1.5 m/s), normal load (10–50 N), sliding distance (1000–3000 m) and filler content (10–30 wt. %) on wear rate (Wt), specific wear rate (Ws) and coefficient of friction (μ) are investigated. The experiments were planned as per design of the experiments scheme and the wear characteristics were analyzed through response surface modeling (RSM) method. The lowest Wt of 1.1 mm3/km was noted for 1.5 m/s sliding velocity with 30-wt. % filler content. Sliding distance did not have a significant influence on Ws above a critical load of 40 N. The minimum μ was observed at 1-m/s sliding velocity, 40-N load, 1000-m sliding distance, and 30-wt. % filler. Lower values of Wt and μ at higher walnut-shell loadings support feasibility of using such composites in wear-prone applications. The wear mechanism was determined in the composites using extensive scanning electron microscopic observations.
Tuberculosis in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Report of Eight Cases During a Five Year Period
Authors: Póvoas Diana , Machado João , Perdigoto Rui , Morbey Ana , Veloso Júlio , Glória Helena , Mateus Élia , Martins Américo , Maltez Fernando , Barroso Eduardo 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Tuberculosis incidence in Portugal ranged from 20 to 22 cases per 100 000 inhabitants between 2010 and 2014. Tuberculosis incidence in liver transplant recipients is not precisely known, but it is estimated to be higher than among the general population. Tuberculosis in liver transplant recipients is particularly challenging because of the atypical clinical presentation and side effects of the antibacillary drugs and their potential interactions with immunosuppressive therapies.Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of liver transplant recipients with post-transplant tuberculosis occurring from January 2010 to December 2014 at a liver transplantation unit in Lisbon, Portugal. Demographic data, baseline and clinical features, as well as treatment regimen, toxicities and outcomes, were analyzed.Results: Among 1005 recipients, active tuberculosis was diagnosed in eight patients between January 2010 and December 2014 (frequency = 0.8%). Late onset tuberculosis was more frequent than early tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was isolated from cultures in almost every case (7; 87.5%). Extra-pulmonary involvement and disseminated tuberculosis were frequent. Two patients developed rejection without allograft loss. Crude mortality was 37.5%, with 2 deaths being related to tuberculosis.Discussion: Despite the uncertainty regarding treatment duration in liver transplant recipients, disease severity, as well as number of active drugs against TB infection, should be taken into account. There was a need for a rifampin-free regimen and immunosuppression adjustment in patients who experienced acute graf rejection.Conclusion: Although the number of cases of tuberculosis is low, its post-transplant frequency is significant and the observed mortality rate is not to be neglected. The cases of hepatotoxicity and graft rejection seen in this case series demonstrate the challenges associated with tuberculosis diagnosis in liver transplant recipients and management of the interactions between immunosuppressors and rifampin. This study strengthens the recommendation of latent tuberculosis infection screening and treatment in liver transplant candidates or recipients.
Impacto da Corionicidade nas Complicações Perinatais da Gestação Gemelar
Authors: Machado Marta , Lima Teixeira Elsa , Ferreira Lígia Maria , Rodrigues Filipa , Henriques Raquel , Afonso Eulália 
Published: February 2017

Introdução: A incidência da gestação múltipla tem vindo a aumentar em todo o mundo e vários estudos têm demonstrado taxas de morbilidade e mortalidade mais elevadas nos gémeos monocoriónicos comparativamente com os bicoriónicos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: caracterizar a população de gémeos fruto de gravidez bifetal nascidos num hospital nível três e avaliar o impacto da corionicidade na morbimortalidade perinatal.Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de todos os gémeos fruto de gravidez bifetal nascidos num hospital nível três entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2013.Resultados: Neste período nasceram 1051 gémeos, fruto de 540 gestações (26,7% monocoriónicos; 73,3% bicoriónicos). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos no respeitante às complicações obstétricas. No grupo monocoriónico verificou-se uma incidência mais elevada de restrição do crescimento intra-uterino (20,5 vs 11,3%, p < 0,001), idade materna mais baixa (29,9 vs 31,9 anos, p < 0,001), idade gestacional mais baixa (33,4 vs 34,3 semanas, p < 0,05) e peso de nascimento mais baixo (1943 vs 2147 g, p < 0,001). Os gémeos monocoriónicos tiveram uma incidência mais elevada de doença de membrana hialina (7 vs 4%, p < 0,05), sépsis (10,3 vs 5,8%, p < 0,05) e anemia (9,5 vs 5,4%, p < 0,05). Não se encontrou diferença estatisticamente significativa relativamente à ocorrência de enterocolite necrotizante, hemorragia intraperiventricular ou retinopatia da prematuridade. A mortalidade perinatal foi mais elevada no grupo monocoriónico (5,2 vs 2,9%, p < 0,05).Discussão: Os gémeos monocoriónicos representam um desafio para obstetras e neonatologistas, devendo a vigilância pré-natal e o parto ser realizados em centros de referência.Conclusão: A gemelaridade tem atualmente um importante impacto nos nascimentos, pelo que seria interessante desenvolver protocolos que uniformizassem a prática clínica na abordagem a estes recém-nascidos.
Anastomose Biliar no Transplante Hepático: Com ou Sem Tubo em T?
Authors: Carmelino Janine , Rodrigues Susana , Marques Hugo Pinto , Ribeiro Vasco , Virella Daniel , Alves Marta , Martins Américo , Barroso Eduardo 
Published: February 2017

Introdução: Complicações biliares ocorrem em 10% - 30% dos transplantes hepáticos. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar as incidências dessas complicações nos transplantes hepáticos em que foi ou não utilizado tubo em T na anastomose biliar.Material e Métodos: Análise de dois grupos de doentes submetidos a transplante hepático entre 2008 e 2012. Consideraram-se os doentes em que o tubo em T foi utilizado (G1) e em que não o foi (G2). Procuraram-se depois modelos explicativos da ocorrência de complicações biliares por regressão logística, incluindo as variáveis identificadas na análise univariável.Resultados: Estudaram-se 506 doentes consecutivos submetidos a um primeiro transplante hepático (G1 = 363; G2 = 143). A incidência global de complicações biliares foi 24,7% (IC 95% 21,1 - 28,6): 27,0% no G1 e 18,9% no G2 (p = 0,057). As incidências de estenose e de fístula biliar foram tendencialmente mais elevadas em G1: 19,6% (IC 95% 15,7-23,8) vs 15,4% (IC 95% 10,1 - 22,0) (p = 0,275) e 6,6% (IC 95% 4,4 - 9,5) vs 2,8% (IC 95% 0,9 - 6,6) (p = 0,091). Não se encontraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas taxas de colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica, reoperação e retransplante. Verificaram-se dois óbitos no G1. Não se encontrou associação entre a ocorrência de complicações biliares e os diâmetros das vias biliares ou o tempo de isquemia fria. O modelo explicativo ajustado à idade do recetor e do dador, e ao diagnóstico de base identifica o uso do tubo em T como aumentando a possibilidade da ocorrência de complicações biliares (AdjOR 1,71; IC 95% 1,04 - 2,80; p = 0,034).Discussão e Conclusão: A utilização do tubo em T deve ser uma decisão tomada caso a caso e baseada no julgamento intra-operatório de cirurgiões experientes.
The OXIMAPA Study: Hypertension Control by ABPM and Association with Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Pulse Oximetry
Authors: Maricoto Tiago , Silva Eurico Alves Rrodrigues , Damião Pedro , Bastos José Mesquita 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device is the best blood pressure evaluation method and sleep apnea syndrome is the leading cause of poor control. Oximetry allows screening these individuals but its usefulness has been poorly explored in Primary Health Care. The aim was to evaluate the blood pressure control at the office and with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device and to relate it to sleep apnea syndrome.Material and Methods: We selected a sample of 50 participants, representative of 3036 hypertensive patients. The variables were: blood pressure value at the office and blood pressure with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device; presence of criteria of sleep apnea syndrome in oximetry.Results: The prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure was 56% on office evaluation and 68% on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device. It was found: 36% of daytime hypertension, 52% nocturnal hypertension, 40% non-dipper profile, 16% of white coat hypertension and 28% masked hypertension. The prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome was 16%. Blood pressure in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device and blood pressure in office showed no statistically significant association (p = 0.761). We found a statistically significant association between sleep apnea syndrome and daytime hypertension (p = 0.019) and non-dipper profile (p = 0.005).Discussion and Conclusion: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by automatic device detected more 12% of uncontrolled hypertension than office blood pressure. Sleep apnea syndrome is strongly associated with uncontrolled hypertension and oximetry may be a good screening method, but should be studied further.
Forensic Medicine and the Military Population: International Dental Records and Personal Identification Concerns
Authors: Guimarães Maria Inês , Silveira Augusta , Sequeira Teresa , Gonçalves Joaquim , Carneiro Sousa Maria José , Valenzuela Aurora 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The first goal of this research was to perceive the global commitment towards the organization and archiving of dental records and to compare it with each country’s security risk rating. The second one was to study dental records in a sample of the Portuguese military population, using the available national dental records.Material and Methods: An e-mail was sent to representative dentistry associations in several countries, requesting some information concerning the professionals’ awareness of this issue. After obtaining permission from the Ethics Committee, the information was collected through the Forensic Dental Symbols® system into the Dental Encoder®, as an extension of a Spanish study, and a generic codification was used (unrestored, restored, missing and crowned teeth).Results: The most common dental record retention period is ten years after treatment. Observing the samples’ dental records (595 files), we found a total of 19 040 analyzed teeth, with the following frequencies: unrestored (89.6%), restored (7.0%), missing (2.2%) and crowned (1.1%).Discussion: There is a wide range of guidelines on how long dentists should keep dental records. Especially for the military population, dental records must include detailed information concerning each tooth situation, in order to support the process of human identification.Conclusion: This article reinforces the need for mandatory quality dental records in all countries, which must be efficiently stored and easily accessible in case dental identification is necessary. For the military population, these requirements are especially important, due to the added risks to which this group is subject.
Síndrome de Neurotoxicidade Irreversível Causada por Lítio
Authors: Silva Ana Luísa , Ourique Carolina , Martins Filipe , Friões Fernando 
Published: February 2017

O lítio é um fármaco com janela terapêutica estreita, exigindo monitorização frequente dos seus níveis séricos e da clínica, pois a toxicidade pode surgir mesmo com níveis terapêuticos. Apresentamos o caso de um homem com intoxicação por lítio, com persistência de alterações neurológicas mesmo após normalização dos seus níveis séricos, permitindo-nos fazer o diagnóstico de síndrome de neurotoxicidade irreversível causada pelo lítio (SILENT).
An Overview of Teaching Communication of Bad News in Medical School: Should a Lecture be Adequate to Address the Topic?
Authors: Coutinho Filipe , Ramessur Anisha 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Delivering bad news is very common in medical daily practice. Several studies have shown a lack of effective communication skills amongst medical students, particularly concerning how to deliver bad news. The SPIKES protocol allows communicating bad news in a 6-step method. The aim of this study is to investigate the perspective of students related to this subject.Material and Methods: A 45 minute lecture “Breaking Bad News” was given to 160 students in the fifth and sixth years of the Medicine course, using the SPIKES’ protocol training. After the lecture, an online survey was given to all students, and a cross-sectional and descriptive analysis of data extracted from survey was undertaken.Results: Fifty-four students (21% of overall) answered the online survey. Eighty three percent said that theme should have an important role in their further daily medical practice, and most of students rated the physicians’ role as challenging. Sixty percent of students expressed that communicating bad news was an integral part of the medical course curriculum. Regarding the SPIKES´ protocol, 48% felt that the first step would be the easiest to put in practice, and 40% felt that the fifth step related to “Emotions” would be the most difficult.Discussion: In general, the students would like to gain competencies in breaking bad news using a practical approach Conclusions: Students highly valued theoretical and practical approaches in teaching of communication of bad news. Therefore, we encourage a combination approach in pre-graduate medical education.
Motivation to Quit Smoking after Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rocha Vânia , Guerra Marina , Lemos Marina , Maciel Júlia , Williams Geoffrey 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Self-Determination Theory explores the process through which a person acquires motivation to initiate new behaviours related to health and to maintain them over time. This study aimed to determine the overall fit of Self-Determination Theory Model for Health Behavior to the data obtained from a sample of smokers hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome, and to identify the predictors of smoking status six months after clinical discharge.Material and Methods: The sample included 110 participants, regular smokers, hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome. Questionnaires were administered to assess autonomous self-regulation, perceived competence, family support, depressive symptoms and meaning in life. Participants were asked if they were currently smokers six months after clinical discharge.Results: The results showed that the process variables specified by Self-Determination Theory fit the data well. Perceived competence predicted abstinence from smoking six months after clinical discharge.Discussion: Our findings have similar characteristics to other international samples in which Self-Determination Theory models havebeen tested. It is important to facilitate perceived competence, as the patients who continue to smoke have shorter length of life.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering clinical interventions based on Self-Determination Theory to facilitatesmoking cessation.
Transition from Secondary School to Medical School: The Role of Self-Study and Self-Regulated Learning Skills in Freshman Burnout
Authors: Barbosa Joselina , Silva Álvaro , Ferreira Maria Amélia , Severo Milton 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The transition from secondary to higher education is a challenging and demanding period for medical students. The ability to manage study time effectively and to be a self-regulated learner is essential to cope with the exponential growth of knowledge in medical education. Thus, the purpose of our study was to measure self-regulated learning skills and self-study across secondary higher education transition and to explore its effect on academic burnout in the first year of medical school.Material and Methods: We collected data from 102 (43%) freshman medical students on self-regulated learning, academic achievement, and hours of self-study/week relative to last year of secondary school (at the beginning of academic year) and the first year of medical school (at the end of academic year). Burnout data was collected at the end of academic year.Results: Among the 102 participants, 12% were at risk of burnout. Self-directedness at secondary school and higher education, and strategies for learning and assessment at higher education were protective factors against academic burnout. However, secondary selfdirectedness has an indirect effect on academic burnout mediated by self-directedness in the first year of medical school. In addition, self-study during class period was a risk factor for burnout.Conclusion: Our results support the premise that students experience mental health problems from an early stage at medical school. Empowering medical students to develop strategies for learning assessment and self-direction will help them manage their learning and, consequently, promote their well-being. Finally, we found that it is not academic performance that influences burnout but the time dedicated to study.
Biomedical Simulation: Evolution, Concepts, Challenges and Future Trends
Authors: Sá-Couto Carla , Patrão Luís , Maio-Matos Francisco , Pêgo José Miguel 
Published: February 2017

Biomedical simulation is an effective educational complement for healthcare training, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It enables knowledge, skills and attitudes to be acquired in a safe, educationally orientated and efficient manner. In this context, simulation provides skills and experience that facilitate the transfer of cognitive, psychomotor and proper communication competences, thus changing behavior and attitudes, and ultimately improving patient safety. Beyond the impact on individual and team performance, simulation provides an opportunity to study organizational failures and improve system performance. Over the last decades, simulation in healthcare had a slow but steady growth, with a visible maturation in the last ten years. The simulation community must continue to provide the core leadership in developing standards. There is a need for strategies and policy development to ensure its coordinated and cost-effective implementation, applied to patient safety. This paper reviews the evolutionary movements of biomedical simulation, including a review of the Portuguese initiatives and nationwide programs. For leveling knowledge and standardize terminology, basic but essential concepts in clinical simulation, together with some considerations on assessment, validation and reliability are presented. The final sections discuss the current challenges and future initiatives and strategies, crucial for the integration of simulation programs in the greater movement toward patient safety.