Aim To analyze the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome in patients with cauda equina syndrome caused by lumbar disc herniation. Methods A retrospective, non-randomized clinical study included 25 consecutive patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by lumbar disc herniation. All patients were operated within 24 hours after hospitalization at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between January 2000 and December 2010. All patients were evaluated before surgery on the basis of complete history, neurological examination and neuroimaging evaluations using CT (computed tomography)and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Results Statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative bladder (p=0.05) and bowel (p=0.05) function was found. A significant number of patients had bladder and bowel recovery after surgery, nine (36%) and 11 (44%), respectively. Significant recovery of muscle strength was noted with complete recovery(5/5) in 12 (48%) and partial recovery in 13 (52%) patients. Complete sensory recovery was noted in 16 (64%), incomplete in four (16%), and in five (20%) patients there were no changes. Most commonly, patients with complete sensory recovery were operated within 48 hours of symptom onset. In most patients early surgery was associated with better outcome. Conclusion This research showed that early decompression correlated with better outcome. Patients with cauda equina syndrome must be cleared for surgery in optimal conditions and, if it possible within optimal timing for recovery (within 48 hours).

Aim To establish presence of segmental instability in patients operated with standard discectomy comparing measurement of translation and rotation on postoperative functional radiographs of lumbosacral spine with reference values,and to explore difference between patients operated on one or two levels. Methods The study included 71 patients, who were operated due to herniated lumbar disc. They were divided into two groups operated on one level (group A) or two adjacent levels (group B). All patients had been imaged in a standing position with functional lateral radiography. Radiographic images were digitized and then computerized measurement of translation and rotation was made. Measurement data were compared between the groups and with reference values obtained in healthy adults. Results Standard lumbar discectomy leads to an increase in translation, however, it reached statistical significance only for L4/L5 level and a decrease of rotation, which showed statistical significance for all samples, relative to the reference values. There was no statistically significant difference in the values of translation and rotation between the groups for corresponding levels, except for the value of the rotation for L4/L5 level as adjacent, unoperated level. Comparison of translation and rotation between the operated and adjacent levels did not show a statistically significant difference. When it comes to comparing the measured and predicted translation, there was a statistically significant difference only at the L5/S1 as anunoperated level. Conclusion Standard discectomy does not lead to radiologically significant segmental instability, and two-level surgery has not caused more pronounced signs of instability comparing to onelevel surgery.

This paper aims to address more confident mathematical laws to explain a literary phenomenon. For this we studied the play "O scrisoare pierduta (Lost Letter)" written by Ion Luca Caragiale, in order to establish some connection between the characters but also to show certain aspects hidden by the author under the personality of the characters. We use transdisciplinary research to get from measurements and calculations results who will demonstrate objective of the proposed research. The challenge is to find those favorite characters by the author. Information and communications technology is a tool for research that will integrate this knowledge for modeling and interfacing.

The amount of data at the global level has grown exponentially. Along with this phenomena, we have a need for a new unit of measure like exabyte, zettabyte, and yottabyte as the last unit measures the amount of data. The growth of data gives a situation where the classic systems for the collection, storage, processing, and visualization of data losing the battle with a large amount, speed, and variety of data that is generated continuously. Many of data that is created by the Internet of Things, IoT (cameras, satellites, cars, GPS navigation, etc.). It is our challenge to come up with new technologies and tools for the management and exploitation of these large amounts of data. Big Data is a hot topic in recent years in IT circles. However, Big Data is recognized in the business world, and increasingly in the public administration. This paper proposes an ontology of big data analytics and examines how to enhance business intelligence through big data analytics as a service by presenting a big data analytics services-oriented architecture. This paper also discusses the interrelationship between business intelligence and big data analytics. The proposed approach in this paper might facilitate the research and development of business analytics, big data analytics, and business intelligence as well as intelligent agents.

The popularity of solar heating systems is increasing for several reasons. These systems are reliable, adaptable and pollution-free, because the renewable solar energy is used. There are many variants of solar systems in the market mainly constructed with copper pipes and absorbers with different quality of absorption surface. Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of existing solutions, in order to increase efficiency and improve the design of solar panel, the innovative solution has been done. This new solar panel presents connection of an attractive design and the use of constructive appropriate materials with special geometric shapes. Hydraulic and thermotechnical tests that have been performed on this panel showed high hydraulic and structural stability. Further development of the solar panel will be done in the future in order to improve some noticed disadvantages.

The paper presents the traffic control system controlled through a PLC which takes the signals from different sensors on roads. The global system developed ensures the coordination of four intersections, setting a path that respects coordination type green light, the integration of additional sensors, the implementation of probes radar to inform traffic participants about recommended speed for accessing the green state located in the intersection that will follow to cross.

Although it is widely accepted that robots will be used in everyday contexts in near future, many people feel anxious and hold negative attitudes toward robots. This negative reaction might be stronger when users come into direct physical contact with them, particularly when touch is required between robots and humans, (e.g., when using robots as assistants to help elderly people at home). Intergroup contact research in social psychology has proposed various forms of contact as a means to reduce negative feelings toward outgroup members. The present study examined how Contact Type (Actual vs. Imagined) and Contact Modality (Look vs. Touch) with a NAO robot would impact attitudes toward NAO compared to a no-contact control condition. Results showed that nearly any type of contact effectively reduced negative emotions compared to the control condition. However, for participants with preexisting negative emotions toward robots, contact sometimes produced more negative attitudes. We discuss these findings and the resulting implications for future research.

This paper investigates whether empathy towards an interactive trash bin, particularly empathy induced by the bin's anthropomorphic appearance and behavior, affects people's evaluations of the artifact and their intention to use it to recycle. We performed an online survey in which 344 participants viewed a video showing a person interacting with a recycling bin in one of three conditions: non-interactive/control, non-anthropomorphic interactive, and anthropomorphic interactive. We measured people's perceptions of the bin's anthropomorphism and animacy, their empathy and anxiety towards and enjoyment of the bin, their perceptions of its sociability and usefulness, and finally their intentions to use the bin. The results suggest that the level of anthropomorphism attributed to the artifact by participants positively affected their empathy towards the recycling bin, which in turn directly influenced their intentions to use the bin.

Assistive robots designed to support independently living older adults are expected to solve diverse physical, social and mental challenges related to aging. This paper presents how older adults-the potential users of assistive robots-interpret robotic technologies in terms of their usefulness and fit in their everyday lives. We interviewed 7 older adults aged 57-72, showing them photos and videos of assistive robots designed with their age group in mind. Most participants saw the robots as potentially useful in general terms, yet also commented that “those robots are not for me.” An analysis of their discussion about the robots identified several aspects of robot design that participants found problematic, particularly negative representations of aging depicted in robot use scenarios. Participants saw issues related to aging as important daily problems, but did not appreciate the manner in which robotics was expected to address those issues. They were particularly sensitive to the dominance of stereotypes defining aging primarily in terms of disability in robotics discourse and design. Based on participant feedback, we suggest a broader understanding of the experience of aging as the basis for future assistive robot design for this population, and conclude by discussing related robot design possibilities.