Enabling Design of Middleware for Massive Scale IOT-based Systems

Recently, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology has rapidly advanced to the stage where it is feasible to discover, locate and identify various smart sensors and devices based on the context, situation, characteristics, and relevancy to query for their data or control actions. Taking things a step further when developing Large Scale Applications requires that two serious issues be overcome. The first issue is to find a solution for data sensing and collection from a massive number of various ubiquitous devices when converging these into the next generation networks. The second important issue is to deal with the “Big Data” that arrive from a very large number of sources. This research emphasizes the need for finding a solution for a large scale data aggregation and delivery. The paper introduces biomimetic design methods for data aggregation in the context of large scale IoT-based systems

Acute enlargement and subsequent rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma

AbstractWe report a case of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a patient receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. We reviewed the literature on the effects of corticosteroids and chemotherapy on aaa formation and discuss possible mechanisms for drug action to promote aneurysm expansion and rupture. If cancer and AAA coincide and curative chemotherapy is possible, a potential impact of chemotherapy on AAA expansion should be considered. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:197-200.

Endoleaks after endovascular graft treatment of aortic aneurysms: Classification, risk factors, and outcome

AbstractPurpose: Incomplete endovascular graft exclusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm results in an endoleak. To better understand the pathogenesis, significance, and fate of endoleaks, we analyzed our experience with endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods:Between November 1992 and May 1997, 47 aneurysms were treated. In a phase I study, patients received either an endovascular aortoaortic graft (11) or an aortoiliac, femorofemoral graft (8). In phase II, procedures and grafts were modified to include aortofemoral, femorofemoral grafts (28) that were inserted with juxtarenal proximal stents, sutured endovascular distal anastomoses within the femoral artery, and hypogastric artery coil embolization. Endoleaks were detected by arteriogram, computed tomographic scan, or duplex ultrasound. Classification systems to describe anatomic, chronologic, and physiologic endoleak features were developed, and aortic characteristics were correlated with endoleak incidence. Results: Endoleaks were discovered in 11 phase I patients (58%) and only six phase II patients (21%; p < 0.05). Aneurysm neck lengths 2 cm or less increased the incidence of endoleaks (p < 0.05). Although not significant, aneurysms with patent side branches or severe neck calcification had a higher rate of endoleaks than those without these features (47% vs 29% and 57% vs 33%, respectively), and patients with iliac artery occlusive disease had a lower rate of endoleaks than those without occlusive disease (18% vs 42%). Endoleak classifications revealed that most endoleaks were immediate, without outflow, and persistent (71% each), proximal (59%), and had aortic inflow (88%). One patient with a persistent endoleak had aneurysm rupture and died. Conclusions: Endoleaks complicate a significant number of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs and may permit aneurysm growth and rupture. The type of graft used, the technique of graft insertion, and aortic anatomic features all affect the rate of endoleaks. Anatomic, chronologic, and physiologic classifications can facilitate endoleak reporting and improve understanding of their pathogenesis, significance, and fate. (J Vasc Surg 1998;27:69-80.

How do theories become self-fulfilling? Clarifying the process of Barnesian performativity

To explore when theories become self-fulfilling in our original paper (Marti & Gond, 2018), we first had to develop a process model of how theories become self-fulfilling. We argued that this process involves three steps: (1) new theories lead to experimentation, (2) experimentation produces anomalies, and (3) anomalies convince initially unconvinced actors to shift their practices. Our critics (i.e., D’Adderio, Glaser, & Pollock, 2019; Garud & Gehman, 2019; Shadnam, 2019) raise important issues about our process model, which is why we use this response to clarify our argument about the process of Barnesian performativity. In Section 1, we lay the groundwork for our response by explaining why Barnesian performativity is relevant to organization and management theory. In Section 2, we show that our model is in line with important insights from our critics: we show why self-fulfilling theories can be part of an “ongoing journey” (Garud & Gehman, 2019: 1), how anomalies can lead to new theories (D’Adderio et al., 2019), and why our model matters for folk theories (D’Adderio et al., 2019). In Section 3, we reflect on our process model from a philosophy of science perspective by discussing the role that “reality” plays in each step of our process model. We thereby address concerns that our process model is “positivist” (Shadnam, 2019: 1), “representational” (Garud & Gehman, 2019: 3), and “essentialist” (D’Adderio et al., 2019: 3)

Secondary Endoleak Management Following TEVAR and EVAR.

Endovascular abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm repair and are widely used to treat increasingly complex aneurysms. Secondary endoleaks, defined as those detected more than 30 days after the procedure and after previous negative imaging, remain a challenge for aortic specialists, conferring a need for long-term surveillance and reintervention. Endoleaks are classified on the basis of their anatomic site and aetiology. Type 1 and type 2 endoleaks (EL1 and EL2) are the most common endoleaks necessitating intervention. The management of these requires an understanding of their mechanics, and the risk of sac enlargement and rupture due to increased sac pressure. Endovascular techniques are the main treatment approach to manage secondary endoleaks. However, surgery should be considered where endovascular treatments fail to arrest aneurysm growth. This chapter reviews the aetiology, significance, management strategy and techniques for different endoleak types

External representations and scientific understanding

This paper provides an inferentialist account of model-based understanding by combining a counterfactual account of explanation and an inferentialist account of representation with a view of modeling as extended cognition. This account makes it understandable how the manipulation of surrogate systems like models can provide genuinely new empirical understanding about the world. Similarly, the account pro- vides an answer to the question how models, that always incorporate assumptions that are literally untrue of the model target, can still provide factive explanations. Finally, the paper shows how the contrastive counterfactual theory of explanation can provide tools for assessing the explanatory power of models.Peer reviewe