Partitioning Interpolant-Based Verificationfor effective Unbounded Model Checking

Interpolant-based model checking has been shown to be effective on large verification instances, as it efficiently combines automated abstraction and reachability fixed-point checks. On the other hand, methods based on variable quantification have proved their ability to remove free inputs, thus projecting the search space over state variables. In this paper we propose an integrated approach which combines the abstraction power of interpolation with techniques that rely on AIG and/or BDD representations of states, directly supporting variable quantification and fixed-point checks. The underlying idea of this combination is to adopt AIG- or BDD-based quantifications to limit and restrict the search space and the complexity of the interpolant-based approach. The exploited strategies, most of which are individually well-known, are integrated with a new flavor, specifically designed to improve their effectiveness on difficult verification instances. Experimental results, specifically oriented to hard-to-solve verification problems, show the robustness of our approach

Evaluation of sixty-eight cases of fracture stabilisation by external hybrid fixation and a proposal for hybrid construct classification

Background: Hybrid external fixation (HEF) is an emerging technique for fracture stabilization in veterinary orthopedics, but its use has been reported in few papers in the veterinary literature. The linear and circular elements that form hybrid fixators can be connected in a very high number of combinations, and for this reason just referring to HEF without any classification is often misleading about the actual frame structure. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate fracture stabilization by HEF in 58 client-owned dogs and 8 cats, and to extend the already existing classification for hybrid constructs to include all frame configurations used in this study and potentially applicable in clinical settings. Animal signalment, fracture classification, surgical procedure and frame configuration were recorded. Complications, radiographic, functional and cosmetic results were evaluated at the time of fixator removal.Results: Sixty-eight fractures in 58 dogs and eight cats were evaluated. Two dogs had bilateral fractures. Fifty-one percent were radio-ulna, 34% tibial, 9% humeral, 3% femoral and 3% scapular fractures. One ring combined with one or two linear elements was the most widely employed configuration in this case series. Radiographic results at the time of frame removal were excellent in 59% of the cases, good in 38% and fair in 3%, while functional and cosmetic results were excellent in 69% of the cases, good in 27% and fair in 4%.Conclusions: HEF is a useful option for fracture treatment in dogs and cats, particularly for peri and juxta-articular fractures. It can be applied with a minimally invasive approach, allows adjustments during the postoperative period and is a versatile system because of the large variety of combinations that can fit with the specific fracture features. The classification used enables to determine the number of linear and circular elements used in the frame

Why laparoscopists may opt for three-dimensional view: a summary of the full HTA report on 3D versus 2D laparoscopy by S.I.C.E. (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e Nuove Tecnologie)

Background: Three-dimensional view in laparoscopic general, gynaecologic and urologic surgery is an efficient, safe and sustainable innovation. The present paper is an extract taken from a full health technology assessment report on three-dimensional vision technology compared with standard two-dimensional laparoscopic systems. Methods: A health technology assessment approach was implemented in order to investigate all the economic, social, ethical and organisational implications related to the adoption of the innovative three-dimensional view. With the support of a multi-disciplinary team, composed of eight experts working in Italian hospitals and Universities, qualitative and quantitative data were collected, by means of literature evidence, validated questionnaire and self-reported interviews, applying a final MCDA quantitative approach, and considering the dimensions resulting from the EUnetHTA Core Model. Results: From systematic search of literature, we retrieved the following studies: 9 on general surgery, 35 on gynaecology and urology, both concerning clinical setting. Considering simulated setting we included: 8 studies regarding pitfalls and drawbacks, 44 on teaching, 12 on surgeons’ confidence and comfort and 34 on surgeons’ performances. Three-dimensional laparoscopy was shown to have advantages for both the patients and the surgeons, and is confirmed to be a safe, efficacious and sustainable vision technology. Conclusions: The objective of the present paper, under the patronage of Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery, was achieved in that there has now been produced a scientific report, based on a HTA approach, that may be placed in the hands of surgeons and used to support the decision-making process of the health providers

Luminex technology for anti-HLA antibody screening : evaluation of performance and of impact on laboratory routine

The recent introduction of new technologies such as Luminex has provided alternative methods to the Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC) test for HLA specific antibody detection. In this study we compared the results obtained with CDC to those obtained using a Luminex method with the aim of evaluating the impact of this new technology on antibody screening policies in our transplant setting. A total of 1,421 sera, acquired from patients on the waiting list for a kidney transplant or following transplantation, were tested by both methodologies. CDC was performed using a whole lymphocyte population comprising a panel of 52 cells. The percentage panel reactive antibodies (PRA) and antibody specificity were evaluated using Lambda Scan Analysis software. For the Luminex method sera screening and identification of antibody specificity were carried out using the LABScreen Mixed and LABScreen PRA respectively. The overall concordance between the results obtained using the CDC and the Luminex methods was 85%. HLA antibody specificity was confirmed in 96% of the sera which tested positive using the Luminex system and serum positivity corresponded with a previous sensitisation event in these individuals. Using the Luminex method 18% of patients on the waiting list were considered and managed as sensitised as compared to 7% when testing with CDC alone. The Luminex method was able to detect a number of antibody specificities significantly more frequently than the CDC method and in addition the CDC method failed to detect some of the antibody specificities detected by the Luminex system. Based on this comparison study we have incorporated the Luminex methodology into our screening strategy

FinTech revolution: the impact of management information systems upon relative firm value and risk

The FinTech or ‘financial technology’ revolution has been gaining increasing interest as technologies are fundamentally changing the business of financial services. Consequently, financial technology is playing an increasingly important role in providing relative performance growth to firms. It is also well known that such relative performance can be observed through pairs trading investment. Therefore pairs trading have implications for understanding financial technology performance, yet the relationships between relative firm value and financial technology are not well understood. In this paper we investigate the impact of financial technology upon relative firm value in the banking sector. Firstly, using pairs trade data we show that financial technologies reveal differences in relative operational performance of firms, providing insight on the value of financial technologies. Secondly, we find that contribution of relative firm value growth from financial technologies is dependent on the specific business characteristics of the technology, such as the business application and activity type. Finally, we show that financial technologies impact the operational risk of firms and so firms need to take into account both the value and risk benefits in implementing new technological innovations. This paper will be of interest to academics and industry professionals