Computational methods towards image-based biomarkers and beyond

Over the last decades the use of artificial intelligence techniques for biomedical data analysis has been incredibly popular and has opened numerous opportunities to improve medical diagnosis. Especially in the recent years, there has been a drastic development of large-scale databases (genomics, proteomics, imaging), which has given the opportunity to apply deep learning techniques. Particularly in computer vision, convolutional neural networks have rapidly become the tool of choice for the analysis of images.

Over the last decades the use of artificial intelligence techniques for biomedical data analysis has been incredibly popular and has opened numerous opportunities to improve medical diagnosis. Especially in the recent years, there has been a drastic development of large-scale databases (genomics, proteomics, imaging), which has given the opportunity to apply deep learning techniques. Particularly in computer vision, convolutional neural networks have rapidly become the tool of choice for the analysis of images.

Affirming the importance of justice as a basic human need

It is a truism that justice is pre-eminently a matter of significance for everyone, no matter their current stage in the life-cycle, social circumstances or nationality. It assures personal and communal security, and is manifest in the way countries deals with crime, civil conflict and social strife within their borders or by agreement beyond.

Yet the topic is much neglected by academic and experimental psychologists, except when their professional and ethical obligations in teaching and research come into question. While the same might not be true for practising child, clinical, forensic, industrial, political and social psychologists, rarely do they address justice formally in either their practice or interprofessional discourse and the topic has yet to appear in formal course-work for their successors.

The aim of the present paper is to remedy the situation and give justice the prominence it deserves in psychological theory and practice.

Stroke prevention with novel oral anticoagulants in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Stroke is a syndrome caused by the reduction or cessation of blood flow to the brain causing neurological dysfunction. While some strokes may be the result of a haemorrhage, majority (85%) are due to ischaemia. Many ischaemic events are cardioembolic, of these the majorities are due to atrial fibrillation (AF).

There are currently four novel anticoagulants (NOACs) which can be prescribed for the prophylaxis of stroke in those with non-valvular AF. These NOACs include dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and the others, rivaroxaban, apixaban and Edoxaban are Factor-Xa inhibitors.

Vitamin K antagonist, warfarin, has certain limitations that NOACs overcome with fixed dosing regimens corrected to renal function, no necessity to regularly monitor coagulation parameters and fewer interactions with food and medications.