Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing safety climate in naval aviation and hospitals: Implications for improving patient safety

Background: Evidence of variation in safety climate suggests the need for improvement among at least some hospitals. However, comparisons only among hospitals may underestimate the improvement required. Comparison of hospitals with analogous industries may provide a broader perspective on the safety status of our nation's hospitals. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare safety climate among hospital workers with personnel from naval aviation, an organization that operates with high reliability despite intrinsically hazardous conditions. Methodology: We surveyed a random sample of health care workers in 67 U.S. hospitals and, for generalizability, 30 veterans affairs hospitals using questions comparable with those posed at approximately the same time (2007) to a census of personnel from 35 squadrons of U.S. naval aviators. We received 13,841 (41%) completed surveys in U.S. hospitals, 5,511 (50%) in veterans affairs hospitals, and 14,854 (82%) among naval aviators. We examined differences in respondents' perceptions of safety climate at their institution overall and for 16 individual items. Findings: Safety climate was three times better on average among naval aviators than among hospital personnel. Naval aviators perceived a safer climate (up to seven times safer) than hospital personnel with respect to each of the 16 survey items. Compared with hospital managers, naval commanders perceived climate more like frontline personnel did. When contrasting naval aviators with hospital personnel working in comparably hazardous areas, safety climate discrepancies increased rather than decreased. One individual hospital performed as well as naval aviation on average, and at least one hospital outperformed the Navy benchmark for all but three individual survey items. Practice Implications: Results suggest that hospitals have not sufficiently created a uniform priority of safety. However, if each hospital performed as well as the top-performing hospital in each area measured, hospitals could achieve safety climate levels comparable with naval aviation. Major interventions to bolster hospital safety climate continue to be required to improve patient safety.
Asthma in a Primary Health Care Center Serving a Poor Population: A Descriptive and Interventional Study

Asthma is a common chronic disease. Due to difficulties in accessibility to the health care system, asthma affects severely to minorities. This study's objective is to describe the morbidity of asthma on a poor population and its modification after abolishing assistance barriers.Thirty-four asthma camps were carried out between May 2004 and May 2007. Patients' socioeconomic conditions, asthma history, and symptoms in the last month were determined during the camps. Patients received free medication and were invited to come to follow-up. Fifty-six children younger than 12 years old and 53 adults with persistent asthma were evaluated in 783 visits. The mean monthly income per capita was US $28.57. At baseline, 50% of children and 34.5% of adults received inhaled corticosteroids. After intervention, 92.7% children and 98.1% adults received inhaled corticosteroids. Treatment was associated with a significant reduction of daytime and nighttime symptoms, absences to school or work, and emergency room visits and admissions. Patients referred less interference and more control of their disease in their everyday life.Our results suggest that this population receives an insufficient treatment of its asthma severity. For such population, moving specialized assistance to the primary health care center resulted in a better control of their illness.
Group key management in wireless mesh networks

Group key management (GKM) refers to the actions taken to up-date and distribute the group key upon members joining and leaving a multicast group. Although there exist several GKM schemes, they are not readily applicable to wireless mesh networks (WMNs) due to many differences between WMNs and wireline networks. We present a review of existing GKM protocols and identify their applicability to WMNs. Based on the review, we propose a framework for scalable and efficient GKM in WMNs, and a GKM protocol named CCoKA (Centralized COntributory Key Agreement) for use in a WMN. CCoKA is based on the scalable and efficient key tree approach and the well-known Diffie-Hellman cryptographic protocol. The proposed framework and CCoKA protocol take into account the characteristics of mesh network operations, wireless routers and mobile devices. We also suggest directions for future research on GKM in WMNs.
Improving temporal resolution in ambient noise monitoring of seismic wave speed

[1] The use of ambient seismic noise has been intensively investigated to perform passive tomography at various scales. Besides passive tomography, passive monitoring is another application of seismic noise correlation as was shown by the recent observation of postseismic velocity changes around the San Andreas Fault in Parkfield, California. One of the drawbacks of using ambient noise correlation for passive monitoring is the need to average the correlations over a long time period in order to obtain a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the phase fluctuations to be measured accurately. For the application to passive monitoring, one wants the possibility of following short-term velocity variations (1 day or less) using noise correlation functions calculated on short time windows. Another difficulty may then appear when the spatial distribution of noise sources also evolves with time. The aim of this paper is to introduce an adaptive filter to the Parkfield data set in order to improve the SNR output of the ambient noise correlation functions. When applied to passive monitoring, the temporal resolution can be increased from 30 days up to 1 day. With this improved temporal resolution, the velocity drop observed at Parkfield is shown to be cosesimic with the 24 September 2004 Mw = 6.0 event. The relationship between the measured velocity fluctuations and the time evolution of the spatial distribution of the noise wavefield is also investigated. Finally, the error bar in the amplitudes of the velocity variations is compared with a theoretical expectation.
Neurofuzzy-Based Approach to Mobile Robot Navigation in Unknown Environments

In this paper, a neurofuzzy-based approach is proposed, which coordinates the sensor information and robot motion together. A fuzzy logic system is designed with two basic behaviors, target seeking and obstacle avoidance. A learning algorithm based on neural network techniques is developed to tune the parameters of membership functions, which smooths the trajectory generated by the fuzzy logic system. Another learning algorithm is developed to suppress redundant rules in the designed rule base. A state memory strategy is proposed for resolving the "dead cycle" problem. Under the control of the proposed model, a mobile robot can adequately sense the environment around, autonomously avoid static and moving obstacles, and generate reasonable trajectories toward the target in various situations without suffering from the "dead cycle" problems. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated by simulation studies.
Avoiding the Streetlight Effect: I/O Workload Analysis with SSDs in Mind

Storage systems are designed and optimized relying on wisdom derived from analysis studies of file-system and block-level workloads. However, while SSDs are becoming a dominant building block in many storage systems, their design continues to build on knowledge derived from analysis targeted at hard disk optimization. Though still valuable, it does not cover important aspects relevant for SSD performance. In a sense, we are "searching under the streetlight", possibly missing important opportunities for optimizing storage system design. We present the first I/O workload analysis designed with SSDs in mind. We characterize traces from four repositories and examine their 'temperature' ranges, sensitivity to page size, and 'logical locality'. Our initial results reveal nontrivial aspects that can significantly influence the design and performance of SSD-based systems.
A Study of Surface Roughness in the Micro-End-Milling Process

Micro-end-milling is emerging as an important fabrication process. Its benefits include the ability to fabricate micro and meso-scale parts out of a greater range of materials and with more varied geometry than is possible with lithography and etching. It also enables the creation of micro and meso-scale molds for injection molding. Factors affecting surface roughness have not been studied in depth for this process. A series of experiments has been conducted in order to begin to characterize the factors affecting surface roughness and determine the range of attainable surface roughness values for the micro-end-milling process. A 229 ? m diameter end mill was used to cut slots into aluminum (6061) samples. The machining factors studied were chip load (feed per tooth), cutting speed, and depth of cut. A two level factorial experiment was run, and it was determined that while chip load was the dominating factor, the interaction between chip load and cutting speed was also significant. Further experiments allowed the generation of a second order relationship between chip load and surface roughness. The model, which includes the effect of chip load, cutting speed, and the interaction between the two, predicted the surface roughness values with an accuracy of about +/- 10%. The surface roughness values ranged from 600 A all the way to 3800 A over the span of the studied parameters. It has previously been shown that run-out creates a greater problem for the dimensional accuracy of parts created by a micro-end-milling process as compared to parts created by a traditional end-milling process (Lee, et al 2001). It appears that run-out also has a more significant effect on the surface quality of micro-end milled parts. The surface roughness traces reveal large peak to valley variations with a period of twice the chip load. This means that one of the two cutting edges on the tool creates a deeper cut than the other. Cutting marks from the non-dominant cutting edge are also visible on the surface roughness traces as small steps between the much larger marks from the dominant cutting edge. It is postulated that the effect is due to run-out, and that improving machine tool run-out will have a very significant effect on the surface quality of micro-end-milled features.
Deep Inside Convolutional Networks: Visualising Image Classification Models and Saliency Maps

This paper addresses the visualisation of image classification models, learnt using deep Convolutional Networks (ConvNets). We consider two visualisation techniques, based on computing the gradient of the class score with respect to the input image. The first one generates an image, which maximises the class score [Erhan et al., 2009], thus visualising the notion of the class, captured by a ConvNet. The second technique computes a class saliency map, specific to a given image and class. We show that such maps can be employed for weakly supervised object segmentation using classification ConvNets. Finally, we establish the connection between the gradient-based ConvNet visualisation methods and deconvolutional networks [Zeiler et al., 2013].
Efficient Robust Proper Learning of Log-concave Distributions

We study the {\em robust proper learning} of univariate log-concave distributions (over continuous and discrete domains). Given a set of samples drawn from an unknown target distribution, we want to compute a log-concave hypothesis distribution that is as close as possible to the target, in total variation distance. In this work, we give the first computationally efficient algorithm for this learning problem. Our algorithm achieves the information-theoretically optimal sample size (up to a constant factor), runs in polynomial time, and is robust to model misspecification with nearly-optimal error guarantees. Specifically, we give an algorithm that, on input $n=O(1/\eps^{5/2})$ samples from an unknown distribution $f$, runs in time $\widetilde{O}(n^{8/5})$, and outputs a log-concave hypothesis $h$ that (with high probability) satisfies $\dtv(h, f) = O(\opt)+\eps$, where $\opt$ is the minimum total variation distance between $f$ and the class of log-concave distributions. Our approach to the robust proper learning problem is quite flexible and may be applicable to many other univariate distribution families.
Periodontal disease status and associated risk factors in patients attending a Dental Teaching Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Background: Investigators have identified an association of socio-demographic and medical factors with periodontal risk. This study observed status and association of periodontal disease and associated risk factors/indictors. Materials and Methods: All patients attending a dental teaching hospital were interviewed for socio-demographic and medical information through a structured questionnaire. Participants were examined for periodontal status using the community periodontal index (CPI), by a single examiner during September to November 2012. An association of age, gender, smoking habit, systemic conditions, and oral hygiene measures with periodontal status ([periodontitis CPI score ≥3]/nonperiodontitis [CPI score ≤2]) was analyzed by applying Chi-square test and forward selection stepwise regression analysis. Results: One thousand nine hundred and eighteen patients were examined during the study period. The findings revealed that 63.5% of the subjects had CPI score ≤2 (nonperiodontitis), while 34.5% were found with CPI score ≥3 (periodontitis). Age, gender, occupation, smoking, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, stress, medications, and oral hygiene habits of using tooth powder or tooth brushing were significantly (P ≤ 0.037) associated with periodontal status. Regression analysis showed a significant association of age, occupation, and smoking with periodontitis. Conclusion: This study observed prevalence of periodontitis in one-fourth of study sample. The study confirmed various socio-demographic risk factors/indictors associated with increased risk of periodontitis.
Towards an Automatic Oral Proficiency Test for Dutch as a Second Language: Automatic Pronunciation Assessment in Read and Spontaneous Speech

This paper describes two experiments aimed at exploring the relationship between objective properties of speech and perceived pronunciation quality in read and spontaneous speech, with a view to determining whether such quantitative measures can be used to develop objective pronunciation tests. Read and spontaneous speech of two groups of 60 learners of Dutch as a second language was scored for pronunciation quality by human raters and was analyzed by means of a continuous speech recognizer to calculate six quantitative measures of speech quality related to speech timing. The results show that quantitative, temporal measures of speech are strongly related to pronunciation quality, in both read and spontaneous speech, although not all variables suitable for measuring pronunciation quality in read speech are as effective in spontaneous speech. In particular, measures that express the rate at which sounds are produced without taking the frequency and distribution of pauses into account appear to be unsuitable for measuring pronunciation quality in spontaneous speech.
Self-Esteem and Perceived Control in Adolescent Substance Use : Comparative Tests in Concurrent and Prospective Analyses

The relationship of positive and negative dimensions of self-esteem and perceived control to substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use was tested with a sample of 1,775 adolescents, surveyed in 8th grade and followed up 1 year later. Esteem and control were highly correlated. Concurrent multiple regression analyses with simultaneous entry indicated internal control inversely related, and self-derogation positively related, to substance use; the unique contribution for control variables was 6.4 times the unique contribution for esteem variables. In prospective analyses, only internal control was significant. Self-attitudes were less relevant in general for substance use among Black adolescents compared with Hispanic and White adolescents; self-derogation was less relevant for adolescents in single-families compared with two-parent families. Previous findings on self-esteem and substance use may be partially reflecting the effect of perceived control.
[Study on matrix metalloproteinase 1, 9, 12 polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among Han nationality in northern China].

OBJECTIVE To study the association between the functional polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS 147 COPD patients and 120 healthy smoking controls were selected. Spirometry and chest X-rays had been taken. Questionnaires including sex, age, smoking history, occupational exposure were completed. MMP-9 (-1562 C/T), MMP-1(-1607 1G/2G), MMP-12 (-82 A/G), MMP-12(-357 Asn/ Ser) alleles were determined using PCR-RFLP method. Independent samples T test analysis was carried out to compare patients' age, smoking index, FEV1 /FVC, FEV1 % pred with that of healthy controlled group. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles between groups were analyzed by chi-square tests and multilogistic regression. RESULTS MMP12 Asn/Asn, CT/AsnAsn were risk factors for smoking-induced COPD. The ORs were 2.361 (95% CI: 1.369-4.017) and 2.433(95% CI: 1.159-5.342) respectively while CC/1G1G/ SerSer seemed to be a protective factor for smoking-induced COPD, with OR as 0.457 and 95% CI as 0.231-0.911. CONCLUSION Asn/Asn, CT/AsnAsn might be susceptible genotypes while CC/GG/SerSer might serve as protective genotype.
Tumoral Displacement into Fallopian Tubes in Patients Undergoing Robotically Assisted Hysterectomy for Newly Diagnosed Endometrial Cancer

Robotic surgery is increasingly being performed for endometrial cancer. Robotic hysterectomies (RH), like traditional laparoscopic hysterectomies (LH), involve a significant amount of uterine manipulation. The use of a manipulator is thought to possibly increase the incidence of artifactual tumor displacement beyond the endometrium, including the fallopian tube. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between RH and tumor present in the fallopian tube lumina. All RH and LH cases performed for endometrial cancer from May 2007 to August 2009 were reviewed. Of the cases not converted to laparotomy, 137 RH and 184 LH were identified. Age, body mass index, operative and hysterectomy time, type and grade of tumor, stage, pelvic wash results, and the presence of detached tumor fragments (contaminants) in the lumina of the fallopian tubes were recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Of the 184 LH, 4 (2.2%) were reported to have detached fragments of tumor in the lumina of the fallopian tubes compared with 16 of the 137 (11.7%) RH cases (P<0.001). The majority of the patients with RH and tumor present in the tubes had Stage I disease (9/16, 56.2%) and Grade 1 tumors (9/16, 56.2%). Four (4/16, 25%) patients had Stage IIIa disease detected by a pelvic wash. Patients with contaminants had a higher body mass index, but the difference was not statistically significant and was possibly due to small numbers. In conclusion, our data demonstrate an association between RH and tubal contamination. The clinical significance of this phenomenon remains to be determined.
Molecular characterization of the β‐lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The widespread use of antimicrobials has increased the occurrence of multidrug resistant microbes. The commonest mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is production of β‐lactamases such as metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBL) and extended spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL). Few studies have used a molecular approach to characterize the prevalence of β‐lactamases. Here, the prevalence of different β‐lactamases was characterized by performing three multiplex PCRs targeting genes similar to those described in earlier publications. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests for all isolates were performed using the agar dilution method. β‐lactamase was detected in 72% of the isolates, the detection rate being 64% in 2011 and 75% in 2012. The isolates were highly resistant to carbapenems such as meropenem and imipenem and susceptible to colistin and tigecycline. In this study, 22% of isolates contained both MBL and ESBL. ESBL was detected more frequently in Escherichia coli isolates, whereas carbapenemase was detected more frequently in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. These findings suggest the spread of multi‐resistant ESBL and MBL producers in the community. Our results have implications for patient treatment and also indicate the need for increased surveillance and molecular characterization of isolates.
The CD83 reporter mouse elucidates the activity of the CD83 promoter in B, T, and dendritic cell populations in vivo

CD83 is the major surface marker identifying mature dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we report the generation of reporter mice expressing EGFP under the control of the CD83 promoter. We have used these mice to characterize CD83 expression by various immune system cell types both in vivo and ex vivo and under steady-state conditions and in response to stimulation with a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand. With those mice we could prove in vivo that the CD83 promoter is highly active in all DCs and B cells in lymphoid organs. Interestingly, this promoter activity in B cells mainly depended on the stage of development, is up-regulated in the late pre-B cell stage, and was maintained on a high level in all peripheral B cells. We also confirmed that CD83 in those cells is mainly intracellular but is up-regulated after TLR stimulation. Otherwise, CD83 promoter activity in T cells seemed to depend on stimulation and could be found mainly in CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ T cells and in CD4+ and CD8+ memory cells. In addition, we identified the murine homologues of the human CD83 splice variants. In contrast to those in human, those extremely rare short transcripts were never found without the expression of the highly dominant full-length form. So, the murine CD83 surface expression is mainly regulated posttranslationally in vivo. Our CD83 reporter mice represent a useful mouse model for monitoring the activation status and migration of DCs and lymphocytes under various conditions, and our results provide much needed clarification of the true nature of CD83 promoter activity.
A 47×10Gb/s 1.4mW/(Gb/s) parallel interface in 45nm CMOS

The recent emphasis on power efficiency in serial I/O [1–4] reflects the growing need for lower-power chip-to-chip interfaces for computing systems. Board-level transceivers using a variety of low-power circuit techniques have demonstrated power efficiencies as low as 2.2mW/(Gb/s) across four data lanes [1]. Because power efficiency generally degrades as the per-lane data rate increases [2], low-power interfaces with high aggregate bandwidths must combine many parallel data lanes within the silicon, package and board area constraints. Parallel links can also reduce average power by disabling some or all lanes during periods of sub-peak bandwidth demand, but the efficiency and latency of this scheme is limited by wake-up time [4].