Juozas Raistenskis

Recommender System to Analyze Student's Academic Performance

A sufficient amount of studies worldwide prove an interrelation linking student learning productivity and interest in learning to physiological parameters. An interest in learning affects learning productivity, while physiological parameters demonstrate such changes. Since the research by the authors of the present article confirmed these interdependencies, a Recommender System to Analyze Students Academic Performance (Recommender System hereafter) has been developed. The Recommender System determines the level of learning productivity integrally by employing three main techniques (physiological, psychological and behavioral). This Recommender System, developed by these authors, uses motivational, educational persistence and social learning theories and the database of best global practices based on above theories to come up with recommendations for students on how to improve their learning efficiency. The Recommender System can pick learning materials taking into account a students learning productivity and the degree to which learning is interesting. Worldwide research includes various scientists who conducted in-depth studies on the different and very important areas of physiological measurements and intelligent systems. We did not manage to find any physiological measurements or any intelligent or integrated system that would take physiological parameters of students, analyze their learning efficiency and, in turn, provide recommendations.

Objective parallel-forms reliability assessment of 3 dimension real time body posture screening tests.

BackgroundScreening tests play a significant role in rapid and reliable assessment of normal individual development in the entire population of children and adolescents. Body posture screening tests carried out at schools reveal that 50-60% of children and adolescents demonstrate body posture abnormalities, with 10% of this group at risk for progressive spinal deformities. This necessitates the search for effective and economically feasible forms of screening diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of clinical evaluation of body posture compared to objective assessment with the Zebris CMS-10 system (Zebris Medical GmbH).MethodsThe study enrolled 13-15-year-old pupils attending a junior secondary school (mean age 14.2 years). The study group consisted of 138 participants, including 71 girls and 67 boys, who underwent a clinical evaluation of the body posture and an examination with the Zebris CMS 10 system.ResultsStatistically significant discrepancies between the clinical and objective evaluation were noted with regard to lumbar lordosis in boys (n = 67) and thoracic kyphosis in girls (n = 71). No statistically significant differences in both groups were noted for pelvic rotation and trunk position in the frontal plane.Conclusions1. The finding of significant discrepancies between the results of assessment in the sagittal plane obtained in the clinical examination and Zebris CMS-10-based assessment suggests that clinical evaluation should be used to provide a general estimation of accentuation or reduction of spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane.2. The clinical evaluation of posture is reliable with regard to assessment in the frontal plane.3. The Zebris CMS-10 system makes the clinical examination significantly more objective with regard to assessment of the physiological curvatures and may be used to make screening tests more objective with regard to detecting postural defects.

Liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as successful therapy for pulmonary Lichtheimia corymbifera zygomycosis in a pediatric patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia on antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole

Pulmonary zygomycosis, also referred to as mucormycosis, is a fungal infection of lungs caused by fungi of the order Mucorales in the class of Zygomycetes. It is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old girl with pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) on antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole, who developed pulmonary Lichtheimia corymbifera (formerly Absidia corymbifera) zygomycosis. She was successfully treated by means of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) and surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first published report on pediatric APL and pulmonary zygomycosis in the English language literature. At present, the patient is in complete remission of her APL and without any signs of recurrence of zygomycosis. This report suggests that efficient diagnostics, increased physician awareness, and reliance on adjunctive surgical therapy can result in a favorable outcome of pulmonary zygomycosis in immunocompromised children with hematological malignancies.

Multiple-Criteria Analysis of Life Cycle of Energy-Efficient Built Environment

For a broader application of the life cycle of energy-efficient built environment in the practice of various countries, more attention needs to be paid not only on the selected most rational processes and solutions, the interest level of the stakeholders, but also on the micro-, meso- and macro-level factors. The authors of this article developed the life cycle of energy-efficient built environment model and different decision support systems over the course of two international projects (IDES-EDU and LEAN CC). Based on this model, professionals involved in design and realization of life cycle of energy-efficient built environment can develop a lot of the alternatives as well as assessing them and making the final choice of the most efficient variant. The model and two systems (Energy Efficient House DSS for cooling and decision support system for assessment of energy generation technologies) are briefly described in this chapter.

Early detection of idiopathic scoliosis – analysis of three screening models

Introduction The prevalence of lateral curvatures of the spine ranges from 0.3% to 15.3% in the general population. The aim of the study was to develop and compare three different screening tests for idiopathic scoliosis (IS) with respect to their effectiveness and costs. Material and methods The Delphi method was used to assess the efficacy of each screening algorithm in detecting IS in the population. An economic analysis was also performed. Results Diagnostic Algorithm 1 for IS comprised a screening examination performed by nurses and a general practitioner (GP) with verification by specialists. The unit cost of carrying out diagnostic work-up for IS in Algorithm 1 was €94 per child. The second algorithm involved the use of the moiré computer method, followed by verification by a specialist. The lower unit cost of €86 per child of diagnostic work-up according to Algorithm 2 was due to fewer stages compared to Algorithm 1. The highest effectiveness with the highest costs were found for the third algorithm, with only one stage, a specialists consultation (cost €153 per child). Conclusions The number of stages in an algorithm does not correlate positively with its efficacy or cost. The recommended scheme is Algorithm 3, where children are examined by rehabilitation specialists or a physiotherapist using a scoliometer and an inclinometer. The use of the apparently most expensive scheme (Algorithm 3) should result in lowering the costs of treatment of established idiopathic scoliosis and, in the long term, prove to be the most cost-effective solution for the health care system.

The Research of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness for 11-15 Years Old Teenagers

Many studies in different countries show the tendency of decrease of teenagers physical activity and grow of number of health problems, diseases and physically weak pupils. The aim of research work: to examine physical activity and physical fitness for 11-15 years old teenagers, to search for relationship between these factors. The research was carried out in February–December 2011 at Utena Vyturiai Basic School. The study included 11-15 years old teenagers. There were performed the analysis of medical documentation; anonymous questionnaire; anthroposcopy; anthropometry; Eurofit tests; heart rate counting; Rufje test. Data statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010 software package. The results of the research showed, that there are less than one-third completely healthy teenagers who belong to the first health group, most common health problems are: cardiovascular diseases (29,7 percent)., optical disorders (24,1 percent)., musculo-skeletal disorders (14,8 percent). These health problems are more frequent among 14-15 years old teenagers. Physical fitness of 14-15 years old teenagers is worse compared to 11-13 years old teenagers: almost one-third (28 percent) 14-15 years old teenagers are overweight, 15 percent have poor posture and 14 percent - incorrect shape of lower extremities, while 11-13 year old teenagers only: 4 percent, 6 percent and 6 percent. Physical capacity of the majority of pupils is moderate and only 2,6 percent of pupils have high physical capacity. Physical fitness of teenagers is poor: investigated physical characteristics have range from 3,2 to 6,3 points. Physical activity of teenagers is not sufficient: a large part of teenagers avoid the activity in physical education classes, does not participate in after school sports activities, take exercises too rarely or don’t take exercise at all, spend a lot of time for passive recreation. Frequency of physical exercises, activity in physical education and time of passive leisure are factors which have impact to 11-15 years teenagers physical condition: their body mass index, posture and functional capacity of cardiovascular system. Article in Lithuanian

Unscheduled return visits to a pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Return visits (RVs) to a pediatric emergency department (ED) within a short period after discharge have an influence on overcrowding of the ED and reveal some weaknesses of the health care system. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of RVs and factors related to RVs to the pediatric ED in Lithuania. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study in an urban, tertiary-level teaching hospital was carried out. Electronic medical records of all patients (n=44097) visiting the ED of this hospital between 1 January and 31 December 2013 were analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who return to the ED within 72h and those who had not visited the ED were compared. Factors associated with RVs were determined by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the overall ED population, 33889 patients were discharged home after the initial assessment. A total of 1015 patients returned to the ED within 72h, giving a RV rate of 3.0%. Being a 0-7-year old, visiting the ED during weekdays, having a GP referral, receiving of laboratory tests and ultrasound on the initial visit were associated with greater likelihoods of returning to the ED. Patients who arrived to the ED from 8:01a.m. to 4:00p.m. and underwent radiological test were less likely to return to the ED within 72h. Diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders or respiratory tract/earth-nose-throat (ENT) diseases and symptoms such as fever or pain were significantly associated with returning to the ED. The initial diagnosis corresponded to the diagnosis made on the second visit for only 44.1% of the patients, and the highest rate of the congruity in diagnosis was for injuries/poisoning, surgical pathologies (77.2%) and respiratory tract diseases (76.9%). CONCLUSIONS RVs accounted for only a small proportion of visits to the ED. RVs were more prevalent among younger patients and patients with a GP referral as well as performed more often after discharging from the ED in the evening and at night.

A Technical Approach to the Evaluation of Radiofrequency Radiation Emissions from Mobile Telephony Base Stations

During the last two decades, the number of macrocell mobile telephony base station antennas emitting radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in residential areas has increased significantly, and therefore much more attention is being paid to RF EMR and its effects on human health. Scientific field measurements of public exposure to RF EMR (specifically to radio frequency radiation) from macrocell mobile telephony base station antennas and RF electromagnetic field (EMF) intensity parameters in the environment are discussed in this article. The research methodology is applied according to the requirements of safety norms and Lithuanian Standards in English (LST EN). The article presents and analyses RF EMFs generated by mobile telephony base station antennas in areas accessible to the general public. Measurements of the RF electric field strength and RF EMF power density were conducted in the near- and far-fields of the mobile telephony base station antenna. Broadband and frequency-selective measurements were performed outside (on the roof and on the ground) and in a residential area. The tests performed on the roof in front of the mobile telephony base station antennas in the near-field revealed the presence of a dynamic energy interaction within the antenna electric field, which changes rapidly with distance. The RF EMF power density values on the ground at distances of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 m from the base station are very low and are scattered within intervals of 0.002 to 0.05 μW/cm2. The results were compared with international exposure guidelines (ICNIRP).

Development of Self-Help Skills of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

One of the major factor influencing functional and social adaptation of the person is aquirement of independance and self-help skills. Ability to take care of oneself and to be less dependent from other persons improves self esteem, enhances adaptation in the environment. One of the most important goals of pediatric rehabilitation is development of independence of the child. So far the were know research studies about the independence skills of autistic children in Lithuania. Goals of the study: to assess development of skills of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders and difficulties, which parents encounter in teaching children self-help skills. Methodology. Target of the study was randomly selected sample of 3-7 year old children with autism spectrum disorders, diagnosed according to the criteria of ICD-10. 33 children were included into the study group. Control group was comprised of randomly selected 3-7 year old children without developmental disorders. Method of the study: Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and parent‘s questionnaire, developed for this study, were used to assess all the children. Results and conclusions: 1. Most children with autism spectrum disorders develop self-help skills later than their peers. Comparison with control group showed, that 91% (N=30) of autism spectrum children developed self-help skills later than their peers (p<0,05). 2. Most prominent delay was determined in the areas of toilet skills and personal hygiene skills. 3. Eating skills was best developed area of self-help in autism spectrum children. Majority of the clinical group (23 children (69,7%) were able to eat independently using table tools. 4. It is most challenging for parents to teach children with autism spectrum disorders personal hygiene and dressing skills.

Association Between Back Pain and Physical Development in Children

Nugaros skausmai (NS) yra aktuali problema sių dienų medicinoje. Per gyvenimą juos patiria iki 80% suaugusių žmonių. NS dažniausiai atsiranda mokykliniame amžiuje, o iki 18 metų pasiekia suaugusių paplitimo rodiklius. Nugaros skausmai patirti vaikystėje padidina suaugusių NS riziką. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti nugaros skausmų paplitimą tarp Lietuvos vaikų bei nustatyti nugaros skausmų sąsajas su vaikų fizinio issivystymo rodikliais. Tyrimo metodika. Tyrime dalyvavo 103 vaikai (54 mergaitės ir 49 berniukai), nuo 7 iki 17 metų (vidurkis (± standartinis nuokrypis) – 12,78±2,58 m.). Tirti vaikai atsakė į klausimą dėl patirtų NS. Vertinti antropometriniai duomenys, liemens raumenų istvermė, laikysena, pusiausvyra. Rezultatai. Nugaros skausmų paplitimas buvo didelis – 62,1%. Su amžiumi daugėja NS patyrusių vaikų: tarp 7-11 metų vaikų NS patyrė 41,9%, 12-14 m.- 62,8%, 15-17 m.- 85,7% (χ2=12,06, p=0,002). Kūno masės indeksas (KMI) svyravo nuo 12,65 kg/ m2 iki 30,53 kg/m2, vidurkis 19,57±3,40 kg/m2. Patyrusių NS vaikų ūgis, svoris ir KMI buvo didesnis nei NS nepatyrusių, taciau, atmetus amžiaus įtaką, rysio tarp NS ir ūgio, svorio bei KMI neliko. Vertinant svorio ir ūgio santykį pagal procentilių metodą patikimo rysio su nugaros skausmais taip pat nerasta. Liemens raumenų istvermė: pilvo lenkėjų – 54,92±51,83 s, nugaros tiesėjų – 77,49±39,91 s, desinio sono raumenų – 34,85±18,91 s, kairio sono – 36,04±21,46 s, santykis tarp lenkėjų ir tiesėjų – 0,74±0,51, santykis tarp desinio arba kairio sono ir nugaros tiesėjų – 0,52±0,33, santykis tarp desinio ir kairio sonų – 1,20±1,05. Amžius teigiamai veikė visų keturių raumenų grupių istverme. Tarp berniukų buvo didesnė soninių raumenų istvermė. Atlikus regresine analize ir atmetus amžiaus įtaką, gauta, kad liemens raumenų istvermė neturi patikimos įtakos NS atsiradimui. Vaikų laikysenos įvertinimai svyravo nuo 22 iki 48 balų, vidurkis 39,79±5,22 balo. Blogą laikyseną turėjo 3 (2,9%) vaikai, patenkinamą – 39 (37,9%), gerą – 45 (43,7%), puikią – tik 16 (15,5%) vaikų. Laikysenai teigiamos įtakos turėjo visų keturių liemens raumenų grupių didesnė istvermė. Vaikų laikysena neturėjo įtakos nugaros skausmams. „Flamingo“ testo metu pusiausvyrai islaikyti vaikams reikėjo nuo 1 iki 16 bandymų, vidutiniskai 5,48±4,63 bandymo. Geresne pusiausvyra pasižymėjo vaikai turintys didesne liemens raumenų istverme. Rysio tarp pusiausvyros ir NS neradome. Isvados. Nugaros skausmus vaikystės laikotarpiu patiria dauguma vaikų, paplitimas didėja su amžiumi. Liemens raumenų grupių istvermės santykiai skiriasi nuo rekomenduojamų. Daugiau negu trecdalio vaikų laikysena yra patenkinama arba bloga. Didžiausią susirūpinimą kelia pecių juostos bei kaklo ir virsutinės stuburo dalies segmentai. Laikysena tiesiogiai priklauso nuo liemens raumenų istvermės. Tirtų vaikų pusiausvyra vertinama 7,29 balo is desimties. Pusiausvyra tiesiogiai priklauso nuo liemens raumenų istvermės. Antropometriniai duomenys, liemens raumenų istvermė, laikysena ir pusiausvyra neturi įtakos nugaros skausmų paplitimui vaikų amžiuje. doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.042