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In this work we combine logic programming and temporal constraint processing techniques. We propose TCLP, which augments logic programs in Temporal Constraint Networks are applied. We identify a decidable fragment called, Simple TCLP, which can be viewed as extending Datalog with limited functions to accomodate intervals of occurrence and temporal constraints between them. Some of the restrictions introduced by Simple TCLP are overcome by a syntactic structure which provides with the benefits of reification. The latter allows quantification on temporal occurrences and relation symbols.

This paper presents a formalism for representing knowledge in the legal domain with an explicit account of time. We do not propose an original contribution on temporal representation, but we present a temporal representation method for Legal Reasoning Systems based on some techniques proposed in the area of temporal logics for AI which happen to adequately fulfill some other representational requirements from the legal domain as well.A central notion of our approach is that of temporal token. It allows to make direct reference to specific temporal occurrences, supports talking about temporal occurrence without the technical problems of reification, avoids the ontological problems of temporal types, allows for a neat separation of the temporal component - which eventually will be processed by a specialized temporal resoner -, and turns out to be very appropriate for expressing references to legal propositions, which is an important issue in representing legal knowledge, while staying within standard many-sorted first-order logics.

Time is fundamental in representing and reasoning about changing domains. A proper temporal representation requires characterizing two notions: (1) time itself, and (2) temporal incidence, i.e. the domain-independent properties for the truth-value of fluents and events through-out time. Formally defining them involves some problematic issues such as (i) the expression of instantaneous events and instantaneous holding of fluents, (ii) the dividing instant problem and (iii) the formalization of the properties for non-instantaneous holding of fluents.This paper discusses how previous attempts fail to address all these issues and presents a simple theory of time and temporal incidence which satisfactorily overcomes all of them.Our theory of time, called IP, is based on having instants and periods at equal level. Our theory of temporal incidence is defined upon IP. Its key insight is the distinction between continuous and discrete fluents.

Despite the ubiquity of time and temporal references in legal texts, their formalization has often been disregarded or addressed in an ad hoc manner. We address this issue from the standpoint of the research done in temporal representation and reasoning in AI. We identify the temporal requirements of legal domains and propose a temporal representation framework for legal reasoning independent of (i) the underlying representation language and (ii) the specific legal reasoning application. The approach is currently being used in a rule-based language for an application in commercial law.

Abstract Background It is a priority to achieve an adequate nutritional status of iodine during pregnancy since iodine deficiency in this population may have repercussions on the mother during both gestation and post partum as well as on the foetus, the neonate and the child at different ages. According to the WHO, iodine deficiency is the most frequent cause of mental retardation and irrreversible cerebral lesions around the world. However, few studies have been published on the nutritional status of iodine in the pregnant population within the Primary Care setting, a health care level which plays an essential role in the education and control of pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of the present study is: 1.- To know the hygiene-dietetic habits related to the intake of foods rich in iodine and smoking during pregnancy. 2.- To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency and the factors associated with its appearance during pregnancy. Methods/design We will perform a cluster randomised, controlled, multicentre trial. Randomisation unit: Primary Care Team. Study population: 898 pregnant women over the age of 17 years attending consultation to a midwife during the first trimester of pregnancy in the participating primary care centres. Outcome measures: consumption of iodine-rich foods and iodine deficiency. Points of assessment: each trimester of the gestation. Intervention: group education during the first trimester of gestation on healthy hygiene-dietetic habits and the importance of an adequate iodine nutritional status. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis of all variables will be performed as well as multilevel logistic regression. All analyses will be done carried out on an intention to treat basis and will be fitted for potential confounding factors and variables of clinical importance. Discussion Evidence of generalised iodine deficiency during pregnancy could lead to the promotion of interventions of prevention such as how to improve and intensify health care educational programmes for pregnant women. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01301768

Summary: Background: Population studies on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions are costly. The pharmacy dispensing (PDR) and diagnosis (DR) registers allow us to study the epidemiology of these pathologies in a simpler way. Our aims: 1/Estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Catalonia based on data from the PDR and the DR, 2/to evaluate the concordance of the results obtained by both strategies. Methods: The population studied was the one registered with the public health system in Catalonia(Catsalut). In the PDR analysis, the information obtained through the Pharmaceutical Provision file (during 2012, 2013, 2014) was used regarding the number of patients under treatment (NPT) (levothyroxine and antithyroid medication). The DR analysis (2014) was performed by ICD‐9 codes (hyperthyroidism 242 and hypothyroidism 243, 244). Results: According to the NPT in the PDR analysis, the prevalence of treated hypothyroidism increased over 3 years: 2.81%(2012), 2.92%(2013) and 3.07%(2014) (P <.00001). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in treatment was 0.14%(2012), 0.13%(2013) and 0.14%(2014). According to the DR analysis in 2014, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 2.54% and 0.35% for hyperthyroidism. The PDR analysis estimated a higher hypothyroidism prevalence compared to that estimated by the DR (P <.0001) and vice versa in the case of hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Both PDR and DR prevalence estimations of thyroid dysfunction show some degree of discordance probably due to undercoding bias in the case of DR and the absence of subclinical pathology in the case of PDR. However, both approaches are valid and complementary for estimating the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]