Stepwise correlation of multivariate IoT event data based on first-order Markov chains

Correlating events in complex and dynamic IoT environments is a challenging task not only because of the amount of available data that needs to be processed but also due to the call for time efficient data processing. In this paper, we discuss the major steps that should be performed in real- or near real-time event management focusing on event detection and event correlation. We investigate the adoption of a univariate change detection algorithm for real-time event detection and we propose a stepwise event correlation scheme based on a first-order Markov model. The proposed theory is applied on the maritime domain and is validated through extensive experimentation with real sensor streams originating from large-scale sensor networks deployed in a maritime fleet of ships.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1803.0563

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Fragility Index Meta-Analysis

Introduction: High-quality evidence regarding the use of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) has been provided by recently completed randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including all available RCTs that investigated efficacy and safety of EVT in addition to best medical treatment (BMT) versus BMT alone for BAO. The random-effects model was used, while the fragility index (FI) was calculated for dichotomous outcomes of interest. Results: Four RCTs were included comprising a total of 988 patients with acute BAO (mean age: 65.6 years, 70% men, median NIHSS: 24, 39% pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis). EVT was related to higher likelihood of good functional outcome (RR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.16–2.05; I2 = 60%), functional independence (RR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.08–3.08; I2 = 79%) and reduced disability at 3 months (adjusted common OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.26–3.05; I2 = 59%) compared to BMT alone. Despite that EVT was associated with a higher risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR: 7.78; 95% CI: 2.36–25.61; I2 = 0%) and any intracranial hemorrhage (RR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.50–5.44; I2 = 16%), mortality at 3 months was lower among patients that received EVT plus BMT versus BMT alone (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65–0.89; I2 = 0%). However, sufficient robustness was not evident in any of the reported associations (FI < 10) including the overall effect regarding the primary outcome. The former associations were predominantly driven by RCTs with recruitment limited in China. Conclusions: EVT combined with BMT is associated with a higher likelihood of achieving good functional outcomes and a lower risk of death at 3 months compared to BMT alone, despite the higher risk of sICH. An individual-patient data meta-analysis is warranted to uncover and adjust for potential sources of heterogeneity and to provide further insight

Early Anticoagulation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: There is uncertainty regarding the optimal timing for initiation of oral anticoagulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies to assess the efficacy and safety of early anticoagulation in AF-related AIS (within 1 week versus 2 weeks). A second comparison was performed assessing the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs) in the two early time windows. The outcomes of interest were IS recurrence, all-cause mortality, symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) and any ICH. Results: Eight eligible studies (6 observational, 2 RCTs) were identified, including 5616 patients with AF-related AIS who received early anticoagulation. Patients that received anticoagulants within the first week after index stroke had similar rate of recurrent IS, sICH and all-cause mortality compared to patients that received anticoagulation within two weeks (test for subgroup differences p = 0.1677; p = 0.8941; and p = 0.7786, respectively). When DOACs were compared to VKAs, there was a significant decline of IS recurrence in DOAC-treated patients compared to VKAs (RR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.52-0.82), which was evident in both time windows of treatment initiation. DOACs were also associated with lower likelihood of sICH and all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Early initiation of anticoagulation within the first week may have a similar efficacy and safety profile compared to later anticoagulation (within two weeks), while DOACs seem more effective in terms of IS recurrence and survival compared to VKAs

Headache during airplane travel (“airplane headache”): first case in Greece

Headache related to airplane flights is rare. We describe a 37-year-old female patient with multiple intense, jabbing headache episodes over the last 3 years that occur exclusively during airplane flights. The pain manifests during take-off and landing, and is located always in the left retro-orbital and frontotemporal area. It is occasionally accompanied by dizziness, but no additional symptoms occur. Pain intensity diminishes and disappears after 15–20 min. Apart from occasional dizziness, no other symptoms occur. The patient has a history of tension-type headache and polycystic ovaries. Blood tests and imaging revealed no abnormalities. Here, we present the first case in Greece. We review the current literature on this rare syndrome and discuss on possible pathophysiology and the investigation of possible co-factors such as anxiety and depression

Sarcoidosis in a case of MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis

Whereas the coexistence of different autoimmune or rheumatologic diseases with myasthenia gravis is well documented, the combination of myasthenia with sarcoidosis is extremely rare. There very few case reports of patients suffering from these two immune-mediated diseases. Nearly all had acetylcholine receptor antibodies. As far as we know myasthenia gravis with antibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase-MuSK-has not been associated with any form of sarcoidosis. We present probably the first case of MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis with concurrent, asymptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V

E-Business models: A Proposed Framework

This paper evaluates and draws thematic priorities from current IST projects and relevant research for implementing successful business models. These thematic priorities will be described in more detail and will be used to identify &quot;e-factors&quot;, that is, factors of broad and sustainable adoption of e-business models. The paper is based on current work of the E-Factors project which aims to consolidate current research and empirical experience on the use of e-business models in a framework that takes into account technical, economical, social and individual issues and can therefore contribute to European policy and practice

An uncommon variant of fibromuscular dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a rare cause of stroke affecting mostly young females. It is characterized by the typical “string of beads” sign located mostly bilaterally in the midcervical portion of the carotid or vertebral arteries. We present the uncommon case of borderzone hemispheric infarction in a man with isolated unilateral fibromuscular dysplasia affecting continuously the distal extracranial and proximal intracranial portion of the left internal carotid artery leading to distal hypoperfusion and ischemia