Deep recommender engine based on efficient product embeddings neural pipeline

Predictive analytics systems are currently one of the most important areas of research and development within the Artificial Intelligence domain and particularly in Machine Learning. One of the "holy grails" of predictive analytics is the research and development of the "perfect" recommendation system. In our paper, we propose an advanced pipeline model for the multi-task objective of determining product complementarity, similarity and sales prediction using deep neural models applied to big-data sequential transaction systems. Our highly parallelized hybrid model pipeline consists of both unsupervised and supervised models, used for the objectives of generating semantic product embeddings and predicting sales, respectively. Our experimentation and benchmarking processes have been done using pharma industry retail real-life transactional Big-Data streams.Comment: 2018 17th RoEduNet Conference: Networking in Education and Research (RoEduNet

An Investigation on Sheeting Acting as a Diaphragm on a Reinforced Precast Concrete Frame

It is well-known that for single-storey steel structures, the framework is greatly strengthened and stiffened following the attachment of the roof, floors and walls. The panels in the roofing, flooring and side cladding are also known as “shear diaphragms” by virtue of their resistance to being deformed into parallelograms. This has been verified by on-site practical experience of many structures and design provisions are available for structural engineers. Despite the fact that for single-storey structures, the corrugated steel sheets are the standard elements in constructing the envelopes, in what concerns the reinforced concrete frames there are no guidelines nor recommendations on how to consider the diaphragm effect in structural analysis. In order to better understand the interaction between the corrugated steel sheets and the reinforced concrete frame, a real precast reinforced concrete frame structure was built for experimental testing. The aim of the experimental test is to study the diaphragm effect for reinforced concrete structures and based on the results to identify the discrepancies identified compared to steel structures. The investigation attempts to provide a starting point for future research on the stressed skin design acting on reinforced concrete frames. At the end of the article conclusions are drawn based on the experience obtained during the experimental test

Romanian ancient gold objects provenance studies using micro-beam methods: the case of "Pietroasa" hoard

Abstract Five fragments of ancient gold objects belonging to Pietroasa "Closca cu Puii de Aur" ("The Golden Brood Hen with Its Chickens") Romanian hoard were analysed using the micro-PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) technique. The purpose of the study was to gain some more knowledge regarding the metal provenance by determining the presence of PGE (Platinum Group Elements) and other high-temperature melting point trace elements (Ta, Nb, Cr) at a micrometric scale. Ta and Nb inclusions (micrometric areas of composition different from the surroundings) on three samples and Pd inclusions on one sample were found. The measurements led to some conclusions for the possible gold ore sources of Pietroasa treasury: the South-Ural Mountains, Nubia (Sudan) and/or Anatolian deposits and Roman imperial coins

Studies on Romanian prehistoric bronze artifacts at ATOMKI Debrecen

Compositional studies on ancient bronze artefacts and on the possible provenance of their copper and tin contents are performed all around the world. For South-Eastern Europe, Balkan Bronze Age artifacts have been studied in relation to the compositional pattern of ancient mines from Serbia and Bulgaria. We decided to start a similar investigation on Bronze Age bronze artifacts found on Romanian territory and to compare the results with already published data on old regional mines – Austria, ..

Neurobiology of Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is, in its current conceptual form, a distinct type of dementia with a spectrum of specific clinical and pathophysiological features. However, in a very large majority of cases, these alterations occur in an already aged brain, characterized by a milieu of cellular and molecular events common for different neurodegenerative diseases. The cell signaling defects and molecular dyshomeostasis might lead to neuronal malfunction prior to the death of neurons and the alteration of neuronal networks. In the present paper, we explore some of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain malfunction triggered by cerebrovascular disease and risk factors. We suggest that, in the age of genetic investigation and molecular diagnosis, the concept of vascular dementia needs a new approach

Micro-SR-XRF and micro-PIXE studies for archaeological gold identification – The case of Carpathian (Transylvanian) gold and of Dacian bracelets

Abstract Trace-elements are more significant for provenancing archaeological metallic artifacts than the main components. For gold, the most promising elements are platinum group elements (PGE), Sn, Te, Sb, Hg and Pb. Several small fragments of natural Transylvanian gold – placer and primary – were studied by using micro-PIXE technique at the Legnaro National Laboratory AN2000 microbeam facility, Italy and at the AGLAE accelerator, C2RMF, Paris, France and by using micro synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (micro-SR-XRF) at BESSY synchrotron, Berlin, Germany. The goal of the study was to identify the trace-elements, especially Sn, Sb and Te. A spectacular application to five Dacian gold bracelets authentication is presented (Sn and Sb traces)

Quality of life and special issues in women with inflammatory bowel diseases

Introduction. The impact of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) on the quality of life (QoL) of patients is significant and it has important social and professional consequences. Materials and methods. We aimed to describe the patients’ perspective regarding the impact of IBD on their overall QoL and to evaluate the differences between men and women. An observational cross-sectional study, that included 180 patients with IBD in clinical remission, was conducted. All the patients completed a number of 3 questionnaires in order to evaluate the general aspects of their QoL. A separate questionnaire was created regarding gender-specific issues in women with IBD encounter. Also, particular features such as the incidence of anemia and osteoporosis among IBD patients were documented. The data obtained were analyzed and compared between the two gender-classified groups. Results. According to the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), patients had a general perception of a good QoL, but the impact was higher in women. Fatigue and tiredness were severely perceived almost to the same degree regardless of their gender, whereas anxiety and unemployment were more present in men. No significant differences in women with IBD during the active disease and during disease remission were found. Conclusions. The overall quality of life of IBD patients is affected in many aspects, leading to the deterioration of their social and professional lives, for both men and women, but some aspects remain gender-specific and require a personalized standard of care

Dacian bracelets and Transylvanian gold: ancient history and modern analyses

The recovery of the Dacian gold bracelets was the most thrilling archaeological event of the last years in Romania. The artefacts are exhibited in the Historical Treasure section of the National History museum of Romania, Bucharest, being recovered from the international antique markets through a concerted effort of the Romanian, French, and German authorities. This paper reviews the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyses carried out on these exquisite artefacts. These measurements followed the visual examination of qualified experts, which concluded that the gold spiralled bracelets showed strong stylistic similarities with the Dacian silver bracelets discovered until that date in archaeological contexts. Since the most likely source – for geographical and historical reasons – for the metal used to manufacture these artefacts was the Transylvanian Apuseni mountains, additional measurements on several fragments of natural Transylvanian gold, both from placers and primary deposits, were performed using Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence (SR-XRF) at the BESSY synchrotron, Berlin, and micro Particle Induced X-ray Emission (micro-PIXE) at the AGLAE accelerator, Paris, and at the AN2000 accelerator of LNL, Padova. The conclusion of this study was that the recovered spirals are genuine Dacian artefacts, made by cold hammering, chiselling and punching Transylvanian unrefined gold – gold panned from riverbeds mixed with primary gold, most likely extracted from surface veins.La saisie des bracelets en or de Dacie a été un des événements archéologiques les plus remarquables de ces dernières années en Roumanie. Les objets sont exposés dans le Trésor Historique du musée National d’Histoire de Roumanie, Bucarest, et ont été récupérés du marché international d’antiquités grâce aux efforts concertés des autorités Roumaines, Françaises et Allemandes. Cet article fait le bilan de l’analyse de ces objets exquis, réalisée par fluorescence à rayons X (FX). Ces mesures suivent l’examen visuel par des experts qualifiés qui ont conclu que les bracelets en or à spirales montrent des similitudes stylistiques fortes avec les bracelets en argent de Dacie découverts en contexte archéologique. Comme pour des raisons historiques et géographiques la source la plus probable du métal utilisé pour la fabrication de ces objets se trouve dans les Carpates transylvaniens, des mesures complémentaires ont été réalisées sur différents fragments d’or natif de Transylvanie, provenant tant de placers comme de gisements primaires, par fluorescence de rayons X avec radiation de synchrotron (SR-XRF) au synchrotron BESSY, à Berlin, et par émission de rayons X induite par particules chargées (micro-PIXE) à l’accélérateur AGLAE, à Paris, et à l’accélérateur AN2000 du LNL à Padoue. L’étude à permis de conclure que les bracelets en spirale récupérés sont des objets Daciens authentiques, produits par martelage à froid, ciselure et poinçonnage d’or de Transylvanie non affiné – de l’or de rivière obtenu par batée et mélangé avec de l’or primaire, certainement extrait de filons de surface

The Labyrinth Behind an Acute Respiratory Failure

Introduction: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure may have different causes. Case presentation: We present the case of a 42-year-old woman, with history of recent thyroidectomy and a late history of sleeve gastrectomy, who presented for acute dyspnoea. The chest X-ray revealed hydropneumothorax, and, therefore, an intercostals chest tube drainage was inserted. The evolution was unfavourable, with further respiratory status deterioration. A computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen was performed, that revealed a dilated thoracic oesophagus and stenosis of the esophagogastric junction, with lack of substance in the oesophageal wall and extravasation of oesophageal content in the posterior mediastinum, due to an oesophageal pleural fi stula. An oesophageal stent was inserted under endoscopic guidance and the patient underwent minim-invasive surgical interventions for evacuation of the mediastinal and pleural collections, with a favourable evolution. Conclusions: Acute respiratory failure can be the face of multiple conditions, some of these can be life threatening and in need for rapid detection and treatment

RNA sequencing suggests that non-coding RNAs play a role in the development of acquired haemophilia

Funding Information: Adrian Bogdan Tigu and Ionut Hotea contributed equally to the current manuscript and are both considered first author. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of Sergiu Pasca, M.D. – Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States, for his contribution on the statistical analysis. Funding Information: IH is funded by an internal grant of the Iuliu Hatieganu University – School of Doctoral Studies. BT is supported by a national grant of the Romanian Academy of Scientists (Academia Oamenilor de Stiinta din Romania) 2023–2024. ABT, DG, JTB and VG are supported by an international collaborative grant of the European Economic Space between Romania and Iceland 2021–2023: ‘Cooperation strategy for knowledge transfer, internationalization and curricula innovation in the field of research education at the 3rd level of study –AURORA.’. The experiments were funded by an international grant awarded by the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation to the Romanian Haematology Society—Romania 4. CT is supported by a grant by grants awarded by the Romanian National Ministry of 350 Research, Innovation, and Digitalisation: Project PN‐III‐P4‐ID‐PCE‐2020‐1118. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Acquired haemophilia (AH) is a rare disorder characterized by bleeding in patients with no personal or family history of coagulation/clotting-related diseases. This disease occurs when the immune system, by mistake, generates autoantibodies that target FVIII, causing bleeding. Small RNAs from plasma collected from AH patients (n = 2), mild classical haemophilia (n = 3), severe classical haemophilia (n = 3) and healthy donors (n = 2), for sequencing by Illumina, NextSeq500. Based on bioinformatic analysis, AH patients were compared to all experimental groups and a significant number of altered transcripts were identified with one transcript being modified compared to all groups at fold change level. The Venn diagram shows that haemoglobin subunit alpha 1 was highlighted to be the common upregulated transcript in AH compared to classical haemophilia and healthy patients. Non-coding RNAs might play a role in AH pathogenesis; however, due to the rarity of HA, the current study needs to be translated on a larger number of AH samples and classical haemophilia samples to generate more solid data that can confirm our findings.Peer reviewe