NETQOS policy management architecture for flexible QOS provisioning in Future Internet

This paper is focussed on the NETQOS architecture for automated QoS policy provisioning, which can be used in Future Internet scenarios by the different actors (i.e. network operators, service providers, and users) for flexible QoS configuration over combinations of mobile, fixed, sensor and broadcast networks. The NETQOS policy management architecture opens the possibility to specify QoS policies on a "business" level using ontology descriptions and policy management interfaces, which are specific to the actors. The business level policy specifications are translated by the NETQOS system into intermediate and operational QoS policies for automated QoS configuration at the managed heterogeneous network and transport entities. NETQOS allows QoS policy specification and dependency analysis considering Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the actors, as well as automated policy provisioning and adaptation. The interaction of the NETQOS components is based on a common po licy repository. The particular focus of the paper is aimed to discuss ontology and actor oriented QoS policy specification and configuration for heterogeneous networks, as well as NETQOS QoS policy management interfaces at business level and automated translation of business QoS policies to intermediate and operational policy level

Proprioceptive postural control and functional outcome after first-time lumbar micro-discectomy: the effect of early individualized physical therapy

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Preliminaire studie over het belang van de opsporing van ademhalingsproblemen bij patiënten met lage rugpijn

The objective of this article was to investigate whether respiratory problems and signs correlate with the intensity of or disability due to low back pain (LBP). Patients with LBP, aged 20-80 years, were asked to take part in a cross-sectional observational study. The following variables were recorded in 104 patients: age, sex, weight, height, daily medication use that can affect the respiratory system, respiratory problems, smoking history and pack years, allergy that affects the airways, breathing pattern, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), isometric handgrip force, Nijmegen Hyperventilation Questionnaire (NHQ) score, numeric rating scale (NRS) of LBP, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire. The total cohort disclosed a low-normal inspiratory muscle strength (79.9%). In 31.8%, a presence of a respiratory problem, mainly hyperventilation, was noted. There was a significant correlation between smoking and NHQ score with the degree of disability due to LBP. By each additional point on the NHQ, the probability of a higher disability due to LBP increased 1.1 times. There was a significant correlation between the intensity of or disability due to LBP and the intake of medication affecting the respiratory system. If an allergy was present, it was six times more likely to have a significant disability because of LBP. Patients with LBP need to be screened and treated for underlying breathing problems. Prevention of LBP in a population with comorbidities might be needed and smoking cessation is recommended in the rehabilitation of LBP. Further studies concerning the link between the respiratory system and LBP have to demonstrate if additional training of inspiratory muscles in a LBP population with low MIP (%) could be beneficial.status: publishe

A Case of Severe Acute Cardiac Failure on Sunitinib After Left-Sided Thoracal Radiation Therapy

publisher: Elsevier articletitle: A Case of Severe Acute Cardiac Failure on Sunitinib After Left-Sided Thoracal Radiation Therapy journaltitle: Clinical Genitourinary Cancer articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clgc.2016.05.015 content_type: article copyright: © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.status: publishe

Response to letter to the Editor ‘Altered breathing pattern valuation relative to dyspnea assessment and treatment for low back pain: Effects of clinical practice

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Postoperative bracing after lumbar surgery: a survey amongst spinal surgeons in Belgium

PURPOSE: Bracing is frequently prescribed following lumbar surgery for degenerative conditions. However, previous studies failed to demonstrate the advantage of postoperative lumbar bracing in both short- and long-term outcome in terms of pain, quality of life and fusion rate. The purpose of this study was to assess the prescription patterns and rationale for postoperative bracing amongst spinal surgeons in Belgium. METHODS: A 16-item online survey was distributed by email to spinal surgeons affiliated to the Spine Society of Belgium (N = 252). RESULTS: A total of 105 surgeons (42%) completed the survey. The overall bracing frequency following lumbar surgery was 38%. A brace was more often prescribed following the fusion procedures (52%) than after the non-fusion procedures (21%) (p < 0.0001). The majority of surgeons (59%) considered bracing after at least one type of lumbar surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons (73%) reported a significantly higher rate of prescribing postoperative bracing compared to neurosurgeons (44%) (p = 0.003). Pain alleviation (67%) was the main goal for prescribing a postoperative brace. A total of 42% of the surgeons aimed to improve fusion rate by bracing after lumbar fusion procedures. A quasi-equal level of the scientific literature (29%), personal experience (35%) and teaching from peers (36%) was reported to contribute on the attitudes towards prescribing bracing. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative bracing was prescribed by Belgian spinal surgeons following more than one-third of lumbar procedures. This was underpinned by beliefs regarding pain alleviation and higher fusion rate. Interestingly, based on the scientific literature these beliefs have been demonstrated to be false. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.status: publishe