Trees, bialgebras and intrinsic numerical algorithms

Preliminary work about intrinsic numerical integrators evolving on groups is described. Fix a finite dimensional Lie group G; let g denote its Lie algebra, and let Y(sub 1),...,Y(sub N) denote a basis of g. A class of numerical algorithms is presented that approximate solutions to differential equations evolving on G of the form: dot-x(t) = F(x(t)), x(0) = p is an element of G. The algorithms depend upon constants c(sub i) and c(sub ij), for i = 1,...,k and j is less than i. The algorithms have the property that if the algorithm starts on the group, then it remains on the group. In addition, they also have the property that if G is the abelian group R(N), then the algorithm becomes the classical Runge-Kutta algorithm. The Cayley algebra generated by labeled, ordered trees is used to generate the equations that the coefficients c(sub i) and c(sub ij) must satisfy in order for the algorithm to yield an rth order numerical integrator and to analyze the resulting algorithms

Utilising Located Functions to Model and Optimise Distributed Computations

With developments in Grid computing and Web based data storage the task of orchestrating computations is becoming ever more difficult. Identifying which of the available computation resources and datasets to use is not trivial: it requires reasoning about the problem itself and the cost of moving data to complete the computation efficiently. This paper presents a conceptual notation and performance model that enables e-researchers to reason about their computations and make choices about the best use of resources

Computations involving differential operators and their actions on functions

The algorithms derived by Grossmann and Larson (1989) are further developed for rewriting expressions involving differential operators. The differential operators involved arise in the local analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems. These algorithms are extended in two different directions: the algorithms are generalized so that they apply to differential operators on groups and the data structures and algorithms are developed to compute symbolically the action of differential operators on functions. Both of these generalizations are needed for applications

Technology for trauma: testing the validity of a smartphone app for pre-hospital clinicians

Introduction: with the introduction of regional trauma networks in England, ambulance clinicians have been required to make triage decisions relating to severity of injury, and appropriate destination for the patient, which may require ‘bypassing’ the nearest Emergency Department. A ‘Trauma Unit Bypass Tool’ is utilised in this process. The Major Trauma Triage tool smartphone application (App) is a digital representation of a tool, available for clinicians to use on their smartphone. Prior to disseminating the application, validity and performance against the existing paper-based tool was explored.Methods: a case-based study using clinical scenarios was conducted. Scenarios, with appropriate triage decisions, were agreed by an expert panel. Ambulance clinicians were assigned to either the paper-based tool or smartphone app group and asked to make a triage decision using the available information. The positive predictive value (PPV) of each tool was calculated.Results: the PPV of the paper tool was 0.76 and 0.86 for the smartphone app. User comments were mainly positive for both tools with no negative comments relating to the smartphone app.Conclusion: the smartphone app version of the Trauma Unit Bypass Tool performs at least as well as the paper version and can be utilised safely by pre-hospital clinicians in supporting triage decisions relating to potential major traum

KinectVision360: A Real-time Human Tracking System

KinectVision360 project integrates multiple Microsoft Kinect sensors to investigate the capabilities of the low cost human interactive device to apply them to modern problems in comparison to high cost devices. The project includes human face/skeletal tracking and a larger field of vision. We incorporate three Kinects (1st generation) and a custom computer with components necessary to process large amounts of data in real-time. Figure 1 represents an overview of the processes the program follows in order to execute and visualize the data for tracking. The “FaceTracking” class contains algorithms and logic to retrieve skeletal information from infrared depth sensors in the API. In a two-stage process, body position is understood by calculating a depth-map with structured light and then infers the body position using machine learning. Microsoft trained the system with over a million samples using a random decision forest. We enhance the tracking by rejecting poor construction of skeletons or faces. The class also transfers data between the sensors to allow for communication. We are restricted in how much data we can process due to hardware limitations. We compensate for complexity of code and computer performance which we overcome by limiting ourselves to 3 sensors. Overall, the system can analyze realtime data and visualize the data as it is being recorded with multiple integrated sensors.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/capstone/1112/thumbnail.jp

Operating Efficiently Post-Bilski by Ordering Patent Doctrine Decision-Making

Now that the Supreme Court has decided Bilski v. Kappos, there is an enormous amount of speculation about the case’s impact on patent applicants, litigants, and other participants in the patent system. Most of the commentary is concerned with the holding in Bilski, how this holding will be applied by courts and the Patent Office, and ultimately, the effect of the holding on inventors, and those who hold and seek patents

Teaching the Grid: Learning Distributed Computing with the M-grid Framework

A classic challenge within Computer Science is to distribute data and processes so as to take advantage of multiple computers tackling a single problem in a simultaneous and coordinated way. This situation arises in a number of different scenarios, including Grid computing which is a secure, service-based architecture for tackling massively parallel problems and creating virtual organizations. Although the Grid seems destined to be an important part of the future computing landscape, it is very difficult to learn how to use as real Grid software requires extensive setting up and complex security processes. M-grid mimics the core features of the Grid, in a much simpler way, enabling the rapid prototyping of distributed applications. We describe m-grid and explore how it may be used to teach foundation Grid computing skills at the Higher Education level and report some of our experiences of deploying it as an exercise within a programming course

Clinical handovers between pre-hospital and hospital staff:Literature review

Background: Clinical handover plays a vital role in patient care and has been investigated in hospital settings, but less attention has been paid to the interface between prehospital and hospital settings. This paper reviews the published research on these handovers. Methods: A computerised literature search was conducted for papers published between 2000 and 2013 using combinations of terms: ‘handover’, ‘handoff’, ‘prehospital’, ‘ambulance’, ‘paramedic’ and ‘emergency’ and citation searching. Papers were assessed and included if determined to be at least moderate quality with a primary focus on prehospital to hospital handover. Findings: 401 studies were identified, of which 21 met our inclusion criteria. These revealed concerns about communication and information transfer, and themes concerning context, environment and interprofessional relationships. It is clear that handover exchanges are complicated by chaotic and noisy environments, lack of time and resources. Poor communication is linked to behaviours such as not listening, mistrust and misunderstandings between staff. While standardisation is offered as a solution, notably in terms of the use of mnemonics (alphabetical memory aids), evidence for benefit appears inconclusive. Conclusions: This review raises concerns about handovers at the interface between prehospital and hospital settings. The quality of existing research in this area is relatively poor and further high-quality research is required to understand this important part of emergency care. We need to understand the complexity of handover better to grasp the challenges of context and interprofessional relationships before we reach for tools and techniques to standardise part of the handover process

A Study of the Perceptions of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Producing Improved Productive Work Cultures

Organizations today view diversity in the workforce as extending beyond antidiscrimination laws. Diversity in the workplace is viewed as a means for organizations to maintain a competitive edge in the global job market by focusing on inclusion and performance. Organizations have begun to recognize that diversity results in economic benefits when initiatives are aligned with their strategic plans, goals, and core values (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1999). The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of departmental personnel regarding the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives in improving and sustaining productive work cultures. Additionally, this study sought to determine whether a relationship exists between perceptions of departmental personnel and their department’s work culture scores. Findings of the study included the following. Departmental personnel perceived the four survey constructs (Relationship with Team Members, Relationship with Manager, Individual’s Behavior and Attitudes, and Overall Work Culture) as impactful (useful) in improving and sustaining productive work cultures. Qualitative themes resulting from focus groups supported this research question. The only department where there was no significant difference between the managers’ and staff members’ ratings of section 2 of the Diversity and Inclusion Perceptions Survey was Department A. Departments B through E indicated there was a significant difference between the managers’ and staff members’ ratings on section 2 of the Diversity and Inclusion Perceptions Survey. Departmental personnel identified diversity and inclusion initiatives, Workshops and Learning Modules and Team Coaching, as being more impactful (useful) to their work cultures with no significant difference in manager and staff rankings. Lastly, there was a significant relationship between departmental personnel ratings of their perceptions of diversity and inclusion initiatives and work culture Tier scores