Applicability of the BLAST Model Checker: An Industrial Case Study

Model checking of software has been a very active research topic recently. As a result, a number of software model checkers have been developed for analysis of software written in different programming languages, e.g., SLAM, BLAST, and Java PathFinder. Applicability of these tools in the industrial development process, however, is yet to be shown. In this paper, we present results of an experiment, in which we applied BLAST, a state-of-the-art model checker for C programs, in industrial settings. An industrial strength C implementation of a protocol stack has been verified against a set of formalized properties. We have identified real bugs in the code and we have also reached the limits of the tool. This experience report provides valuable guidance for developers of code analysis tools as well as for general software developers, who need to decide whether this kind of technique is ready for application and suitable for their particular goals

Triage vital signs predict in-hospital mortality among emergency department patients with acute poisoning: a case control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To document the relationship between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality among emergency department (ED) patients with acute poisoning.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Poisoning patients who admitted to our emergency department during the study period were enrolled. Patient’s demographic data were collected and odds ratios (OR) of triage vital signs to in-hospital mortality were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the proper cut-off value of vital signs that predict in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association of in-hospital mortality and vital signs after adjusting for different variables.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>997 acute poisoning patients were enrolled, with 70 fatal cases (6.7%). A J-shaped relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED triage vital signs exceed cut-off values independently predict in-hospital mortality after adjusting for variables were as follow: body temperature <36 or >37°C, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR = 2.8; systolic blood pressure <100 or >150 mmHg, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR: 2.5; heart rate <35 or >120 bpm, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR: 3.1; respiratory rate <16 or >20 per minute, <it>p</it> = 0.38, OR: 1.4.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Triage vital signs could predict in-hospital mortality among ED patients with acute poisoning. A J-curve relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED physicians should take note of the extreme initial vital signs in these patients.</p