It's the Human that Matters: Accurate User Orientation Estimation for Mobile Computing Applications

Ubiquity of Internet-connected and sensor-equipped portable devices sparked a new set of mobile computing applications that leverage the proliferating sensing capabilities of smart-phones. For many of these applications, accurate estimation of the user heading, as compared to the phone heading, is of paramount importance. This is of special importance for many crowd-sensing applications, where the phone can be carried in arbitrary positions and orientations relative to the user body. Current state-of-the-art focus mainly on estimating the phone orientation, require the phone to be placed in a particular position, require user intervention, and/or do not work accurately indoors; which limits their ubiquitous usability in different applications. In this paper we present Humaine, a novel system to reliably and accurately estimate the user orientation relative to the Earth coordinate system. Humaine requires no prior-configuration nor user intervention and works accurately indoors and outdoors for arbitrary cell phone positions and orientations relative to the user body. The system applies statistical analysis techniques to the inertial sensors widely available on today's cell phones to estimate both the phone and user orientation. Implementation of the system on different Android devices with 170 experiments performed at different indoor and outdoor testbeds shows that Humaine significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art in diverse scenarios, achieving a median accuracy of $15^\circ$ averaged over a wide variety of phone positions. This is $558\%$ better than the-state-of-the-art. The accuracy is bounded by the error in the inertial sensors readings and can be enhanced with more accurate sensors and sensor fusion.Comment: Accepted for publication in the 11th International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Systems: Computing, Networking and Services (Mobiquitous 2014

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Cosmetic Potential of a Recombinant 50 kDa Protein

Collagen and its derivative proteins have been widely used as a major component for cosmetic formulations as a natural ingredient and moisturizer. Most commercially available collagens are animal-derived collagen type I and other forms of collagen, such as type III collagen, are far less prevalent in animals, making extraction and purification extremely difficult and expensive. Here, we report the production of a 50 kDa protein produced in yeast that is 100% identical to the N-terminus of the human type III collagen. This recombinant protein has a larger molecular weight than most incumbent recombinant collagen proteins available for personal care applications. We report the industrialization of both the fermentation and purification processes to produce a final recombinant protein product. This final protein product was shown to be safe for general applications to human skin and compatible with common formulation protocols, including ethanol-based formulations. This recombinant collagen type III protein was also shown to uniquely stimulate both collagen type I and type III production and secretion by primary human dermal fibroblasts. The unique combination of biostimulation, compatibility with beauty product formulations and demonstrated commercial production, make this novel recombinant type III collagen a good candidate for broad application in the cosmetics industry

Effect of contaminated phase I data on the phase II – EWMA control chart performance under non-normality

Estimation of unknown process parameters is critical in statistical process control/monitoring (SPC/M). Retrospective data is usually used to identify the process in-control state behavior in terms of estimating the process parameters. Practitioners analyze the retrospective data in order to handle out-of-control observations before estimating the parameters. However, chances to overlook some out-of-control observations do exist; in which case, the Phase I data is said to be contaminated. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of having contaminated retrospective data on the performance of the EWMA chart; assuming non-normal processes. Two distributions are considered; the t-distribution to represent a symmetric heavy-tailed distribution with two contamination scenarios, and the Gamma distribution to represent a skewed one. A weighted variance EWMA chart is used with the Gamma distribution to account for the skewness. Our results revealed that under the t-distribution a contamination with respect to the mean is more serious than a contamination with respect to the degrees of freedom. Under the gamma distribution, the estimation effect generally and contamination effect specifically are more serious on smaller shape parameter values (heavily skewed).</p

Transcranial ultrasonography as a predictor of disease progression in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background Development of novel biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) is of utmost importance to improve the capability to predict disease progression and disability. Transcranial ultrasonography (TCS) is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows the visualization of major parenchymal structures. This study aimed to evaluate the role of parenchymal transcranial sonography as a predictor for disease severity and progression in MS patients. Sixty patients with clinically definite Multiple sclerosis divided into two groups, relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) group and chronic progressive MS (CPMS) group were included. Results There was a statistically significant increase in the mean diameters of the third ventricle, both frontal horns of lateral ventricle in RRMS and CPMS group compared to control values, and in CPMS group compared to RRMS group. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was significantly positively correlated with the diameter of right frontal horn of lateral ventricle in CPMS group. Linear regression analysis revealed that diameters of right frontal horn of lateral ventricle and third ventricle were independent predictors for MS severity. Conclusions TCS can be used as a simple noninvasive tool for prediction of disease severity and progression in MS patients

Ceramic conversion treated titanium implant abutments with gold for enhanced antimicrobial activity

Introduction: Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory process around dental implants that is characterised by bone loss that may jeopardize the long-term survival of osseo integrated dental implants. The aim of this study was to create a surface coating on titanium abutments that possesses cellular adhesion and anti-microbial properties as a post-implant placement strategy for patients at risk of peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: Titanium alloy Grade V stubs were coated with gold particles and then subjected to ceramic conversion treatment (CCT) at 620 °C for 3, 8 and 80 h. The surface characteristics and chemistry were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The leaching profile was investigated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for all groups after 7, 14 and 28 days in contact with distilled water. A scratch test was conducted to assess the adhesion of the gold coating to the underlying titanium discs. Two bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus (SA) &amp; Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN)) were used to assess the antibacterial behaviour of the coated discs using a direct attachment assay test. The potential changes in surface chemistry by the bacterial species were investigated by grazing angle XRD. Results: The gold pre-coated titanium discs exhibited good stability of the coating especially after immersion in distilled water and after bacterial colonisation as evident by XRD analysis. Good surface adhesion of the coating was demonstrated for gold treated discs after scratch test analysis, especially titanium, following a 3-hour (3 H) ceramic conversion treatment. All coated discs exhibited significantly improved antimicrobial properties against both tested bacterial species compared to untreated titanium discs. Conclusions: Ceramic conversion treated titanium with a pre-deposited gold layer showed improved antimicrobial properties against both SA and FN species than untreated Ti-C discs. Scratch test analysis showed good adherence properties of the coated discs the oxide layer formed is firmly adherent to the underlying titanium substrate, suggesting that this approach may have clinical efficacy for coating implant abutments

Ceramic conversion treated titanium implant abutments with gold for enhanced antimicrobial activity

Introduction: Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory process around dental implants that is characterised by bone loss that may jeopardize the long-term survival of osseo integrated dental implants. The aim of this study was to create a surface coating on titanium abutments that possesses cellular adhesion and anti-microbial properties as a post-implant placement strategy for patients at risk of peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: Titanium alloy Grade V stubs were coated with gold particles and then subjected to ceramic conversion treatment (CCT) at 620 °C for 3, 8 and 80 h. The surface characteristics and chemistry were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The leaching profile was investigated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for all groups after 7, 14 and 28 days in contact with distilled water. A scratch test was conducted to assess the adhesion of the gold coating to the underlying titanium discs. Two bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus (SA) &amp; Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN)) were used to assess the antibacterial behaviour of the coated discs using a direct attachment assay test. The potential changes in surface chemistry by the bacterial species were investigated by grazing angle XRD. Results: The gold pre-coated titanium discs exhibited good stability of the coating especially after immersion in distilled water and after bacterial colonisation as evident by XRD analysis. Good surface adhesion of the coating was demonstrated for gold treated discs after scratch test analysis, especially titanium, following a 3-hour (3 H) ceramic conversion treatment. All coated discs exhibited significantly improved antimicrobial properties against both tested bacterial species compared to untreated titanium discs. Conclusions: Ceramic conversion treated titanium with a pre-deposited gold layer showed improved antimicrobial properties against both SA and FN species than untreated Ti-C discs. Scratch test analysis showed good adherence properties of the coated discs the oxide layer formed is firmly adherent to the underlying titanium substrate, suggesting that this approach may have clinical efficacy for coating implant abutments