Due to the varying conditions in traffic and resource availability in networks nowadays, maintaining continuity of network service and satisfying QoS and QoE requirements became a challenging task. If considered in a highly diversified environment in terms of technology and administration, it gets even more complicated, and appropriate service and resource management solutions are mandatory. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present our specific perspective of the ongoing European H2020 5G-CARMEN project, addressing the importance of proactive reconfiguration of network services and their migration between different domains. Leveraging 5G technology and MEC platform, our management platform for automated low-latency-aware VNF placement and migration will enable orchestration of network services and resources across different administrative and technology domains.
We thank dr Yuanjun Dong for his interest in our publication.1 Dr Dong points out that previous and current stressful life events mod‐ ulate gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),2 which is indeed based on recent findings.3 In addition, we would like to note that abdominal pain is the predominant symptom in IBS, as per Rome IV definition. The primary treatment outcome for IBS in clinical tri‐ als, in accordance with FDA and EMA requirements, is reduction in daily abdominal pain.4 Whether a successful treatment, based on these criteria, improves patients’ life satisfaction and QoL remains an item of debate. In the current study, we performed an extensive prospective evaluation of the natural course of IBS which included demographics, gastrointestinal symptoms, symptoms of anxiety and depression, GI‐specific anxiety, satisfaction with life, and QoL. With regard to QoL, we showed among others that general anxiety and depression levels at follow‐up were independently associated with mental quality of life scores at the same time point. Furthermore, no associations were found between GI symptom severity, including abdominal pain, and the change in QoL scores over time.1 With regard to a possible interaction between GI symptoms and stress, in Table 1 we provide data on specific questions and answers from the database of Maastricht IBS cohort regarding the patients’ perspective on this matter. No statistically significant differences were found between Rome‐positive and Rome‐negative IBS patients at follow‐up. However, the current understanding on the relationship between abdominal pain and stress, whether current or related to life events, may be limited by the methods used to assess these factors. Traditionally, data from retrospective reports have been used to de‐ scribe this relationship, but it is known that these questionnaires are limited by recall and ecological bias.4 We therefore believe that the best available method to study the relationship between GI symp‐ toms, comorbid psychological complaints, and daily life stress is re‐ peated momentary symptom assessment.5 Such methodology has been used recently to assess the temporal relationship between ab‐ dominal pain and (preceding) daily life stress.6 We have developed and are currently validating specific questionnaires based on experience sampling method (ESM) which may provide additional leads in this matter.7 In a recently completed study, we demonstrate that real‐time stress scores are positively associated with concurrent abdominal pain scores in IBS, but not in healthy subjects, whereas abdominal pain could not be predicted by preceding stress levels, and vice versa, suggesting an in‐the‐moment rather than a longitudinal association.8 Taken together, we postulate that reduction in abdominal pain is not necessarily accompanied by long‐term improvement in quality of life in patients with IBS. This may indicate that the primary treat‐ ment focus in IBS should shift from solely abdominal pain reduction and improvement of bowel habits, toward a holistic approach, which includes quality of life, comorbid psychological symptoms, and im‐ provement of coping strategies with regard to GI symptoms as well as daily life stress. However, the evidence to support a change in the approach of IBS management is still inconclusive, and further research is needed.
Abstract Paper discusses financial inclusion of youth focussing on effects of remittances on financial inclusion of youth (usage of debit card, credit card, savings and borrowing instruments) in South East Europe. It is argued that remittances, as stable sources of income (capital), contribute to savings and lead to an improvement in financial inclusion of individuals who receive remittances. We test our hypothesis that remittances contribute to increase in savings and in the level of financial inclusion of youth in South East European countries. We estimate probit regression models with a set of dummy dependent variables for financial inclusion: having a debit card, having a credit card, borrowing and savings, and regress them on receipt of remittances controlling for age, gender, education and income level. Results show negative impact of remittances on youth financial inclusion in selected countries with respect to having debit card, credit card and borrowing. On the other hand, results show positive effect of remittances on savings among youth that receive remittances.
Abstract Employment has been identified at the top of the list of young people’s concerns across Europe. Given the fact that in Bosnia and Herzegovina youth is one of the most vulnerable group, mainly due to the high unemployment rate, the main goal of this paper to determine the key individual and household characteristics of young people that influence their employment probability in order to support further development of decision-making policies in the labour market of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By using the USAID MEASURE-BiH National Youth Survey data set we analyse the effects of various individual and household characteristics on the probability of youth employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis has revealed that education, age, gender and certain household characteristics have an impact on the probability of youth employment. The paper is expected to produce useful pieces of information that might be helpful for government decision-makers in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of creating employment policies to support young people.
Speaking of the biggest innovations for the manufacturing industry of the day, we are talking about intelligent production systems with “self-aware”, “self-contemplative and” self-sustaining “capabilities. Building such an intelligent system that is adapted and predictable provides the aforementioned capabilities in production, processes and machines. The intelligent system is able to combine various technologies and techniques for mixing statistical data, data, and artificial intelligence methods. Cigarette production is selected because it is highly serial. In such production, the use of expert systems in quality management in this area is not sufficiently developed, and with direct management, it generates great savings. Mistakes and errors are inversely proportional to productivity. This paper deals with the application of an intelligent system that uses the key principle of lean production. We need to build an adaptive system for predictive error and reduce the machine’s failure time in the cigarette industry.
This letter concerns the problem of learning robust LQ-controllers, when the dynamics of the linear system are unknown. First, we propose a robust control synthesis method to minimize the worst-case LQ cost, with probability $1-\delta $ , given empirical observations of the system. Next, we propose an approximate dual controller that simultaneously regulates the system and reduces model uncertainty. The objective of the dual controller is to minimize the worst-case cost attained by a new robust controller, synthesized with the reduced model uncertainty. The dual controller is subject to an exploration budget in the sense that it has constraints on its worst-case cost with respect to the current model uncertainty. In our numerical experiments, we observe better performance of the proposed robust LQ regulator over the existing methods. Moreover, the dual control strategy gives promising results in comparison with the common greedy random exploration strategies.
Reactive agility (RAG) and change of direction speed (CODS) are important determinants of success in football (soccer), but there is an evident lack of information on reliable and valid football-specific testing procedures which will be applicable in defining sport-specific RAG and CODS in youth players. This study evaluated reliability and construct validity of newly developed tests of football-specific RAG (FS_RAG) and CODS (FS_CODS), which involved the ball kicking football technique. Additionally, factors associated with FS_RAG and FS_CODS were evaluated. The participants were youth football players (n = 59; age: 13.40 ± 1.25 years) divided according to their age into U13 (11–12 years of age; n = 29), and U15 (13–14 years of age; n = 30) categories. Additionally, performance levels (starters [first-team] vs. non-starters [substitutes]) were observed in each age category. The dependent variables were newly developed FS_RAG and FS_CODS tests. The independent variables were sprinting capacities over 10 and 20 meters (S10M, S20M), countermovement jump (CMJ), the reactive strength index (RSI), and a generic CODS test of 20 yards (20Y). The newly developed FS_CODS and FS_RAG were observed as dependent variables. Results showed appropriate intra-testing and inter-testing reliability of the FS_RAG and FS_CODS, with somewhat better reliability of the FS_CODS (ICC=0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Additionally, better reliability was evidenced in U15 than in U13 (ICC: 0.82–0.85, and 0.78-0.80 for U15 and U13, respectively). Independent samples t-test indicated significant differences between U13 and U15 in S10 (t-test: 3.57, p < 0.001), S20M (t-test: 3.13, p < 0.001), 20Y (t-test: 4.89, p < 0.001), FS_RAG (t-test: 3.96, p < 0.001), and FS_CODS (t-test: 6.42, p < 0.001), with better performance in U15. Starters outperformed non-starters in most capacities among U13, but only in FS_RAG among U15 (t-test: 1.56, p < 0.05). Multiple regression calculations indicated nonsignificant association between independent and dependent variables in U13 (FS_CODS: 19%, FS_RAG: 21% of the explained variance, both p > 0.05), but independent variables explained significant proportion of both dependent variables in U15 (FS_CODS: 35%, FS_RAG: 33% explained variance, both p < 0.05). The study confirmed the applicability of newly developed tests in distinguishing studied age categories of players. Results indicate that superiority in all studied fitness capacities is translated into performance level in U13. Meanwhile, FS_RAG seems to be important determinant of quality in U15.
Abstract Complex training (CT) is a strength training intervention performed by completing all the sets of a resistance exercise followed by a series of high-velocity/plyometric exercise/s. The purpose of this novel study was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of CT on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to CT and the VJ. Studies needed to include randomized trials comparing CT with traditional resistance training (RT)/plyometric training (PLYO)/control (CON) lasting ≥ 4 weeks and the VJ as a dependent variable. Seven studies qualified for the meta-analysis with two studies differentiating VJ performance from CT and RT, two studies comparing VJ performance of CT and PLYO, and two studies establishing the difference in VJ performance between CT and CON. Results indicated similar improvement in VJ performance from CT and RT (p = 0.88). On the other hand, greater VJ performance in CT than PLYO was identified (ES = 0.86; 95% CI 0.24, 1.47; p = 0.01). CT also showed significantly greater enhancement in VJ compared to CON (ES = 1.14; 95% CI 0.60, 1.68; p < 0.01). In conclusion, CT can serve as alternative training from RT in improving VJ performance. On the other hand, CT is a better option in VJ enhancement than PLYO and CON.
Background Neuroanatomists have long been fascinated by the complex topographic organization of the cerebrum. We examined historical and modern phylogenetic theories pertaining to microneurosurgical anatomy and intrinsic brain tumor development. Methods Literature and history related to the study of anatomy, evolution, and tumor predilection of the limbic and paralimbic regions were reviewed. We used vertebrate histological cross-sections, photographs from Albert Rhoton Jr.’s dissections, and original drawings to demonstrate the utility of evolutionary temporal causality in understanding anatomy. Results Phylogenetic neuroanatomy progressed from the substantial works of Alcmaeon, Herophilus, Galen, Vesalius, von Baer, Darwin, Felsenstein, Klingler, MacLean, and many others. We identified two major modern evolutionary theories: “triune brain” and topological phylogenetics. While the concept of “triune brain” is speculative and highly debated, it remains the most popular in the current neurosurgical literature. Phylogenetics inspired by mathematical topology utilizes computational, statistical, and embryological data to analyze the temporal transformations leading to three-dimensional topographic anatomy. These transformations have shaped well-defined surgical planes, which can be exploited by the neurosurgeon to access deep cerebral targets. The microsurgical anatomy of the cerebrum and the limbic system is redescribed by incorporating the dimension of temporal causality. Yasargil’s anatomical classification of glial tumors can be revisited in light of modern phylogenetic cortical categorization. Conclusion Historical and modern topological phylogenetic notions provide a deeper understanding of neurosurgical anatomy and approaches to the limbic and paralimbic regions. However, many questions remain unanswered and further research is needed to elucidate the anatomical pathology of intrinsic brain tumors.
PURPOSE To compare the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision and the patient-reported outcome after ACL reconstruction with a concomitant non-surgically treated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury with regard to 3 ACL graft choices; the use of semitendinosus (ST), the use of semitendinosus-gracilis (ST-G), and the use of patellar tendon (PT) autograft. It was hypothesized that the use of ST-G would be associated with a greater risk of ACL revision and poorer patient-reported knee function. METHODS Patients older than 15 years of age registered for a primary ACL reconstruction with a concomitant non-surgically treated MCL injury in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry were assessed for eligibility. Three groups were created according to ACL autograft choice; the ST, the ST-G, and the PT group. The primary outcomes were ACL revision and the 1- and 2-year Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), including the KOOS patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). Cox regression analysis was applied to determine the proportional hazard ratio (HR) of primary ACL reconstruction survival. The KOOS was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS A total of 622 patients (mean age 29.7 years, 42.4% women) were included. There was no difference in the risk of ACL revision for either the ST group (HR 1.354; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.678-2.702 or the PT group (HR 0.837; 95% CI 0.334-2.100), compared with the ST-G group. The ST group reported a greater mean 2-year KOOS sports and recreation (68.5, standard deviation [SD] 28.5) than the ST-G group (57.4 [SD 27.6], P = .010) and the PT group (54.1 [SD 30.3], P = .006). The ST group was superior in terms of achieving PASS in sports and recreation (55.3%; 95% CI 44.1-66.1%) compared with both the ST-G (37.4%; 95% CI 29.8-45.5%; P = .014) and the PT group (33.9%; 95% CI 22.1-47.4%; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS The risk of ACL revision did not differ between HT and PT autografts in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with a non-surgically treated MCL injury. However, the use of ST-G was associated with poorer 2-year patient-reported knee function compared with the ST. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Retrospective comparative trial, Level III.
In spine deformity surgery, iatrogenic neurologic injuries might occur due to the mechanical force applied to the spinal cord from implants, instruments, and bony structures, or due to ischemic changes from vessel ligation during exposure and cord distraction/compression during corrective manoeuvres. Prompt reaction within the reversible phase (reducing of compressive/distractive forces) usually restores functionality of the spinal cord, but if those forces continue to persist, a permanent neurological deficit might be expected. With monitoring of sensory pathways (dorsal column–medial lemniscus) by somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs), such events are detected with a sensitivity of up to 92%, and a specificity of up to 100%. The monitoring of motor pathways by transcranial electric motor-evoked potentials (TceMEPs) has a sensitivity and a specificity of up to 100%, but it requires avoidance of halogenated anaesthetics and neuromuscular blockades. Different modalities of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM: SSEP, TceMEP, or combined) can be performed by the neurophysiologist, the technician or the surgeon. Combined SSEP/TceMEP performed by the neurophysiologist in the operating room is the preferable method of IONM, but it might be impractical or unaffordable in many institutions. Still, many spine deformity surgeries worldwide are performed without any type of IONM. Medicolegal aspects of IONM are different worldwide and in many cases some vagueness remains. The type of IONM that a spinal surgeon employs should be reliable, affordable, practical, and recognized by the medicolegal guidelines. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:9-16. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.180032
Summary Study aim: The body structure can play a determining role in the achievement of top judo performance, and it seems to influence the type of techniques applied. The aim of this study is to determine the somatotypes in male and female national level judokas across weight categories in order to observe possible differences among athletes. Material and methods: A total of 61 male judokas (23.2 ± 2.7 years old) and 37 female judokas (22.3 ± 3.3 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometric variables were used to calculate somatotypes. Somatotypes were determined according to the Heath-Carter method. Analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test were used to determine differences between weight categories and obtained effect sizes (η2) were presented as well. Results: Somatotype differences among weight categories in male and female judokas were observed. Generally, all categories could be classified in three somatotypes in male and female athletes. Conclusions: The lightest categories were recognized as mesomorphic ectomorphs in females with an exception in the –48 kg category, and ectomorphic mesomorphs in male athletes. The middle ones had the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype and the heaviest athletes presented somewhat more extreme cases of endomorphic mesomorphs, both in male and female judokas. According to the results obtained, judokas have a specific body composition in different weight categories. Therefore, coaches could create a specific training programme for athletes who belong to different somatotypes.
Abstract The objectives of this research were to establish somatotype and hand-grip strength between elite cadet male and female sambo athletes divided by weight categories. A total of 97 elite cadet sambo athletes, participants of the World Cadets Sambo Championships 2018 participated in the study. Male and female sambo athletes were divided by official weight categories. Anthropometrical variables were taken in order to calculate somatotypes and hand-grip strength. A one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare group differences by weight categories. Results of this study provide the first description of somatotype and hand-grip strength of elite male and female cadet sambo athletes in relation to weight category. A typical somatotype in male sambo athletes was endomorphic mesomorphs with a predominance of musculoskeletal tissue, while female athletes differed concerning weight category. Overall, an increase in handgrip strength across weight categories was noted. Hand-grip strength increases linearly from the lightest to the heaviest weight category except in −66 and −84 kg in male athletes. Differences in handgrip strength of female athletes were detected between the lightest group and last six groups in all three variables in favor of last six as well as −44 and kg −48 kg compared with the heaviest. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first normative data of somatotype and hand-grip strength analyses in relation to age, gender, and weight categories of cadet sambo athletes. The anthropometric profile of sambo athletes changed according to their weight category. Mesomorphy was the most dominant somatotype component in male athletes, while female had three different types of somatotype component in relation to weight category. In conclusion, we found differences in hand-grip strength related to weight category, which can be linked to the muscle mass of athletes. Future studies should focus on somatotype and strength handgrip values of international compared to national level sambo athletes.
Nema pronađenih rezultata, molimo da izmjenite uslove pretrage i pokušate ponovo!
Ova stranica koristi kolačiće da bi vam pružila najbolje iskustvo
Saznaj više