A Scalable Flash-Based Hardware Architecture for the Hierarchical Temporal Memory Spatial Pooler

Hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) is a biomimetic machine learning algorithm focused upon modeling the structural and algorithmic properties of the neocortex. It is comprised of two components, realizing pattern recognition of spatial and temporal data, respectively. HTM research has gained momentum in recent years, leading to both hardware and software exploration of its algorithmic formulation. Previous work on HTM has centered on addressing performance concerns; however, the memory-bound operation of HTM presents significant challenges to scalability. In this work, a scalable flash-based storage processor unit, Flash-HTM (FHTM), is presented along with a detailed analysis of its potential scalability. FHTM leverages SSD flash technology to implement the HTM cortical learning algorithm spatial pooler. The ability for FHTM to scale with increasing model complexity is addressed with respect to design footprint, memory organization, and power efficiency. Additionally, a mathematical model of the hardware is evaluated against the MNIST dataset, yielding 91.98% classification accuracy. A fully custom layout is developed to validate the design in a TSMC 180nm process. The area and power footprints of the spatial pooler are 30.538mm2 and 5.171mW, respectively. Storage processor units have the potential to be viable platforms to support implementations of HTM at scale

Ankle Exoskeleton

The purpose of the Ankle Exoskeleton research project is to study biomechanics of the lower limb as well as robotics to create a motorized device that is controlled by the electrical signals in the muscles to assist in walking and running movements. A prototype for the ankle exoskeleton is being developed using hardware and software that will allow for the desired active range of motion in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion degree of freedom. The prototype is structured for stability in the inversion, eversion, pronation, and supination motions. EMGs are used to send signals to the servo motor and gear box that power the exoskeleton\u27s movements. The use of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM) has been proposed to replicate the gastrocnemius and other muscles that are primarily used while walking to interface the ankle exoskeleton with the knee exoskeleton that was modeled by a previous team. The use of the PAMs would decrease the bulkiness of the system while increasing mobility

Strategies for Salon Business Owners in the 21st Century

Small businesses constitute 44% of the U.S. economy, generating roughly two-thirds of new jobs, goods, and services. However, the survival rate of small business owners declines after the first 5 years of operation. Small business failure rates impact every part of business industries. Small salon owners who fail to incorporate financial strategies in their businesses may fail to succeed beyond the first 5 years of operation. Grounded in entrepreneurship theory, this qualitative multiple case study was conducted to explore financial strategies salon business owners use to increase longevity and effectiveness in their business operations. The study’s participants were eight salon business owners in Maryland who effectively used financial strategies to improve their longevity, effectiveness, and competitive advantage in the industry. Data were collected through semistructured Zoom interviews and salon owners’ social media platforms. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from salon owners’ interviews, and three themes emerged: financing, partnerships, and financial literacy. A key recommendation is for salon business owners to use a combined financial strategy of personal funds and funds borrowed from family and friends to start a salon business. Implications for positive social change include the possibility that small salon business owners may increase the success of the business operation in their local communities

Pro/con ethics debate: When is dead really dead?

Contemporary intensive care unit (ICU) medicine has complicated the issue of what constitutes death in a life support environment. Not only is the distinction between sapient life and prolongation of vital signs blurred but the concept of death itself has been made more complex. The demand for organs to facilitate transplantation promotes a strong incentive to define clinical death in a manner that most effectively supplies that demand. We consider the problem of defining death in the ICU as a function of viable organ availability for transplantatio

Actes du Congrès Collèges célébrations 92

Également disponible en version papierTitre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 14 août 2009

Ethics roundtable debate: should a sedated dying patient be wakened to say goodbye to family?

Intensivists have the potential to maintain vital signs almost indefinitely, but not necessarily the potential to make moribund patients whole. Current ethical and legal mandates push patient autonomy to the forefront of care plans. When patients are incapable of expressing their preferences, surrogates are given proxy. It is unclear how these preferences extend to the very brink of inevitable death. Some say that patients should have the opportunity and authority to direct their death spiral. Others say it would be impossible for them to do so because an inevitable death spiral cannot be effectively palliated. Humane principles dictate they be spared the unrelenting discomfort surrounding death. The present case examines such a patient and the issues surrounding a unique end-of-life decision

Household cost of malaria overdiagnosis in rural Mozambique

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is estimated that over 70% of patients with suspected malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, diagnose and manage their illness at home without referral to a formal health clinic. Of those patients who do attend a formal health clinic, malaria overdiagnosis rates are estimated to range between 30–70%.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper details an observational cohort study documenting the number and cost of repeat consultations as a result of malaria overdiagnosis at two health care providers in a rural district of Mozambique. 535 adults and children with a clinical diagnosis of malaria were enrolled and followed over a 21 day period to assess treatment regimen, symptoms, number and cost of repeat visits to health providers in patients misdiagnosed with malaria compared to those with confirmed malaria (determined by positive bloodfilm reading).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Diagnosis based solely on clinical symptoms overdiagnosed 23% of children (<16y) and 31% of adults with malaria. Symptoms persisted (p = 0.023) and new ones developed (p < 0.001) in more adults than children in the three weeks following initial presentation. Adults overdiagnosed with malaria had more repeat visits (67% v 46%, p = 0.01–0.06) compared to those with true malaria. There was no difference in costs between patients correctly or incorrectly diagnosed with malaria. Median costs over three weeks were $0.28 for those who had one visit and$0.76 for ≥ 3 visits and were proportionally highest among the poorest (p < 0.001)</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overdiagnosis of malaria results in a greater number of healthcare visits and associated cost for adult patients. Additionally, it is clear that the poorest individuals pay significantly more proportionally for their healthcare making it imperative that the treatment they receive is correct in order to prevent wastage of limited economic resources. Thus, investment in accurate malaria diagnosis and appropriate management at primary level is critical for improving health outcomes and reducing poverty.</p

The PIRO Concept: O is for organ dysfunction

SCOPUS: cp.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe