Energy-Efficient Edge and Cloud Image Classification with Multi-Reservoir Echo State Network and Data Processing Units.

In an era dominated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, and rapid advances in cloud and edge computing, the demand for efficient and lightweight models suitable for resource-constrained devices such as data processing units (DPUs) has surged. Traditional deep learning models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), pose significant computational and memory challenges, limiting their use in resource-constrained environments. Echo State Networks (ESNs), based on reservoir computing principles, offer a promising alternative with reduced computational complexity and shorter training times. This study explores the applicability of ESN-based architectures in image classification and weather forecasting tasks, using benchmarks such as the MNIST, FashionMnist, and CloudCast datasets. Through comprehensive evaluations, the Multi-Reservoir ESN (MRESN) architecture emerges as a standout performer, demonstrating its potential for deployment on DPUs or home stations. In exploiting the dynamic adaptability of MRESN to changing input signals, such as weather forecasts, continuous on-device training becomes feasible, eliminating the need for static pre-trained models. Our results highlight the importance of lightweight models such as MRESN in cloud and edge computing applications where efficiency and sustainability are paramount. This study contributes to the advancement of efficient computing practices by providing novel insights into the performance and versatility of MRESN architectures. By facilitating the adoption of lightweight models in resource-constrained environments, our research provides a viable alternative for improved efficiency and scalability in modern computing paradigms.

Impact of Specific Training in Anaphylaxis for Triage Nursing Staff in the Pediatric Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND: After a diagnosis of anaphylaxis, patients receive action management plans to prevent and treat new episodes, including attending the emergency department for follow-up or further treatment. In a previous study, we observed that more than half of the children with anaphylaxis were incorrectly prioritized in our Pediatric Emergency Unit (PEU), thus delaying their treatment. In conjunction with our PEU staff, we designed a basic educational intervention (BEI) to try to solve this problem. We analyzed the effect of the intervention on triage of children subsequently diagnosed with anaphylaxis. METHODS: Our BEI consisted of a training lecture given to the PEU triage nurses and the design of a reference card highlighting symptoms and risk factors of anaphylaxis. We included 138 children with a medical diagnosis of anaphylaxis and assessed modifications in their triage priority level and waiting times (WT) before seeing a physician after our intervention. According to the BEI implementation date, 69 children were diagnosed before the intervention (G1) and 69 after (G2). Clinical data were compared to assess the severity of the episodes. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups. WT decreased (from 8 to 1 minute; P=.03), and the number of correctly identified patients increased after the BEI (36.2% [G1] and 72.2% [G2]; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our BEI was effective, improving the identification and prioritization of children with anaphylaxis and reducing their WT. We need to pay attention to the functioning of our patients' reference emergency department and establish interdisciplinary measures that enable optimal management of anaphylaxis.

Use of platelet-rich plasma in the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity and has shown particularly promising results in the case of neuropathic ulcers. There has been less research, however, into its use in venous and hypertensive ulcers. Our aim was to assess the safety and feasibility of using PRP in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity and to evaluate its potential benefits in directed healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively selected 11 patients with nonischemic ulcers of the lower extremity that had been present for at least 6 weeks. PRP was injected subcutaneously into the perilesional tissue and applied topically in 4 sessions held at 1-week intervals. We assessed quality of life (SF-12 questionnaire), pain (visual analog scale), and the circumference of the ulcer before and after treatment. RESULTS: There was a predominance of women (8/11, 73%), and venous ulcers (7/11, 64%) were more common than hypertensive ulcers (4/11, 36%). The median age of the patients was 79 years and the median time since onset of the ulcer was 17 months (range, 6-108 months). We observed a significant reduction in pain (P<.05) and a significant improvement in the physical and mental components of the SF-12 (P<.05). The mean reduction in ulcer size was 60%, and complete healing was achieved in 5 cases. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The local application of PRP is a valuable and practical procedure that promotes the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity; it can improve patient quality of life and is particularly effective in local pain relief.

Comprehensive comparison of various techniques for the analysis of elemental distributions in thin films.

The present work shows results on elemental distribution analyses in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films for solar cells performed by use of wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) in a scanning electron microscope, EDX in a transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron, angle-dependent soft X-ray emission, secondary ion-mass (SIMS), time-of-flight SIMS, sputtered neutral mass, glow-discharge optical emission and glow-discharge mass, Auger electron, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, by use of scanning Auger electron microscopy, Raman depth profiling, and Raman mapping, as well as by use of elastic recoil detection analysis, grazing-incidence X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction, and grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence analysis. The Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films used for the present comparison were produced during the same identical deposition run and exhibit thicknesses of about 2 µm. The analysis techniques were compared with respect to their spatial and depth resolutions, measuring speeds, availabilities, and detection limits.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery: an overview.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common perioperative cardiac arrhythmia. A major risk factor for POAF is advanced age, both in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Following non-cardiac surgery, it is important to correct reversible conditions such as electrolytes imbalances to prevent the occurrence of POAF. Management of POAF consists of rate control and therapeutic anticoagulation if POAF persists for > 48 h and CHADS2 score > 2. After cardiac surgery, POAF affects a larger amount of patients. In addition to age, valve surgery carries the greatest risk for new AF. Rate control is the mainstay therapy in these patients. Prediction, prevention, and management of POAF should be further studied.

The effect of sodium citrate intake on anaerobic performance in normoxia and after sudden ascent to a moderate altitude.

BACKGROUND: The effect of sodium citrate intake on anaerobic performance in normoxia and acute hypoxia was tested in 17 healthy male subjects. METHODS: The subjects underwent a high-intensity exercise protocol in conditions of normoxia (N) and at 2320 m above the sea level (H). Each condition was combined with the intake of a placebo (Pl) or sodium citrate (C). RESULTS: The results obtained showed a drop in the maximum HR (p<0.001), due to the effect of the altitude (185+/-8 vs 176+/-8 bpm for N and H under Pl conditions and 189+/-9 vs 178+/-8 bpm for N and H under C conditions). C caused an increase in the RER (p<0.05) and the maximum Lac (p<0.01). The action of this same factor brought about a drop in the maximum VE (p<0.01) (182.60+/-21.58 vs 177.38+/-20.29 l x min(-1) in N and 185.71+/-22.98 vs 179.06+/-22.91 l x min(-1) in H). The interaction of both C and H affected the maximum concentration of lactate obtained (p<0.01), which fell as regards that expected by the corresponding action of both factors separately (14.33+/-2.94 vs 17.8+/-2.74 mMol x l(-1) with Pl and C in N and 15.29+/-2.15 vs 15.54+/-2.59 mMol x l(-1) in H). There were no significant differences in the length of work time in each of the conditions established. CONCLUSIONS: It would, therefore, seem that in the conditions described, the intake of sodium citrate does not cause appreciable changes in anaerobic performance.

[Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: two cases report]. / Gastroenteritis eosinofílica: a propósito de dos casos.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration or the different layers of the intestinal wall. Clinical symptoms depend of the site of eosinophilic infiltration and the layers involved. Usually characterized by peripheral eosinophilia. Definitive diagnosis is based on histopathological findings. We report two cases with excellent response to steroid therapy.

[Health care for the children population in Asturias based on levels and health care areas. Primary health care]. / La asistencia a la población infantil en Asturias por niveles y áreas sanitarias. Atención primaria.

The resources available to the public health network in Asturias are presented for each health area in the level of pediatric primary care. Demographic analysis, age distribution and density of the ageing index for health areas are reported. In addition, the coverage, the number of families and children of care per physician, the rate of children per family, the care demand and the frequentation are evaluated. Imbalances are disclosed between the health centers and the outpatients clinics and between the health areas. The most important changes to be effected are pointed out.

[Health care for the children population in Asturias based on levels and health care areas. Hospital health care]. / La asistencia a la población infantil en Asturias por niveles y áreas sanitarias. Atención hospitalaria.

The general situation of pediatric care in Asturias is characterized by the imbalance between the two levels of care, with a high number of hospital beds and staff members, requiring a redistribution in number and functions, and a deficit in staff and material resources at the primary care level, with massified practices and overburdened care activities. The reform of the primary care generates an imbalance between health centers and outpatients clinics owing to the strategic situation of the former and the fact that care is given up to age 14. This problem should be carefully considered. These imbalances between the levels of care are not homogeneous, and they are more or less marked depending on the different health areas; there are wide geographical differences. Therefore, an increase in resources as well as redistribution depending on the attention levels and health areas are required.

[Measurement and comparison of the rheumatoid factors class IgG, IgM and IgA in chronic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]. / Medida y comparación del factor reumatoide de clase IgG, IgM e IgA en artritis crónica juvenil.

The rheumatoid factor (RF) was studied in 35 sera from 23 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The immunoglobulin class of RF was investigated and also its reactivity to both human and rabbit IgG. The RF of IgG class (IgG-RF) was more frequently positive than the IgM-RF and the IgA-RF. Nevertheless, against human IgG we found IgM-RF in the 51% of sera and IgA-RF in 48%, and against rabbit IgG in 65 and 37% respectively. All classes of RF were more frequent in rheumatoid patients than in normal controls (p less than 0.0005) although the IgA-RF increase was not significant in some groups. The specificity of the 5 RF types was always very high (92-100%). The sensibility ranged between 71% (IgG-RF against rabbit IgG) and the 37% (IgA-RF against rabbit IgG). Most sera simultaneously contained more than one class of RF. Against human IgG, the 37% had 2 classes. When we used rabbit IgG, the 31% had 3 classes and the 62% had 2 classes. The correlation of every RF class each other generally was very high (p less than 0.001). A correlation was also present in the seronegative and the systemic group, when we separately studied every clinic form. The ELISA allows detect positive IgG-RF and IgA-RF in seronegative cases by agglutination tests, therefore the seronegative concept must be reconsidered. The correlation among different RF classes are, frequently, very closed.