Tackling the Existential Threats from Quantum Computers and AI

Although AI and quantum computing (QC) are fast emerging as key enablers of the future Internet, experts believe they pose an existential threat to humanity. Responding to the frenzied release of ChatGPT/GPT-4, thousands of alarmed tech leaders recently signed an open letter to pause AI research to prepare for the catastrophic threats to humanity from uncontrolled AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Perceived as an “epistemological nightmare”, AGI is believed to be on the anvil with GPT-5. Two computing rules appear responsible for these risks. 1) Mandatory third-party permissions that allow computers to run applications at the expense of introducing vulnerabilities. 2) The Halting Problem of Turing-complete AI programming languages potentially renders AGI unstoppable. The double whammy of these inherent weaknesses remains invincible under the legacy systems. A recent cybersecurity breakthrough shows that banning all permissions reduces the computer attack surface to zero, delivering a new zero vulnerability computing (ZVC) paradigm. Deploying ZVC and blockchain, this paper formulates and supports a hypothesis: “Safe, secure, ethical, controllable AGI/QC is possible by conquering the two unassailable rules of computability.” Pursued by a European consortium, testing/proving the proposed hypothesis will have a groundbreaking impact on the future digital infrastructure when AGI/QC starts powering the 75 billion internet devices by 2025.

Design of handheld terminal for shock wave pressure measurement system

Considering that it is difficult to monitor the measurement system and amend the test parameters on the scene in shock wave overpressure measurement and it is inconvenient to operate and carry traditional PC in outdoor experiments, a new handheld terminal for shock wave pressure measurement system based on ARM is designed, The handheld terminal, whose ap- plication program is developed by the software of Qt, can control the measurement system by Wi-Fi and perform the functions of monitoring the system state, transmitting the data by wireless and displaying waveforms. To prevent data loss, USB inter- face is designed to read the data The test results show that the designed handheld terminal has good stability and reliability in several explosion experiments.

Screening of unknown atrial fibrillation through handheld device in the elderly

Objective To estimate the prevalence of unknown atrial fibrillation(AF)in the elderly population of the Veneto Region,Italy.Methods 1820 patients aged≥65 years with no history of AF and not anticoagulated were enrolled in primary-care settings.They underwent an opportunistic electrocardiogram screening with a handheld device(My Diagnostick)designed to specifically detect AF.The electrocardiogram recordings were reviewed by the researchers,who confirmed the presence of AF.Results The device detected an arrhythmia in 143 patients,which was confirmed as AF in 101/143(70.6%),with an overall prevalence of AF of 5.5%(101/1820).Prevalence of unknown AF resulted in 3.6%in patients aged 65–74 years,and 7.5%in patients age 75 or older,and increased according to CHA2 DS2-VASc score:3.5%in patients with a score of 1 or 2,5.6%in patients with a score of 3,7.0%in patients with a score of 4,and 7.2%in patients with a score≥5.The detection rate was significantly higher in patients with mild symptoms compared to asymptomatic counterparts(24.1%vs.4.0%,P<0.0001).At multivariate analysis,congestive heart failure and age≥75 years-old were independent predictors for screen-detected AF.Conclusions An opportunistic screening with handheld device revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of unknown AF in elderly patients with mild symptoms.Prevalence increased with age and CHA2DS2-VASc score.

A new handheld fundus camera combined with visual artificial intelligence facilitates diabetic retinopathy screening

AIM: To explore the performance in diabetic retinopathy(DR) screening of artificial intelligence(AI) system by evaluating the image quality of a handheld Optomed Aurora fundus camera in comparison to traditional tabletop fundus cameras and the diagnostic accuracy of DR of the two modalities. METHODS: Overall, 630 eyes were included from three centers and screened by a handheld camera(Aurora, Optomed, Oulu, Finland) and a table-top camera. Image quality was graded by three masked and experienced ophthalmologists. The diagnostic accuracy of the handheld camera and AI system was evaluated in assessing DR lesions and referable DR.RESULTS: Under nonmydriasis status, the handheld fundus camera had better image quality in centration, clarity, and visible range(1.47, 1.48, and 1.40) than conventional tabletop cameras(1.30, 1.28, and 1.18;P<0.001). Detection of retinal hemorrhage, hard exudation,and macular edema were comparable between the two modalities, in principle, with the area under the curve of the handheld fundus camera slightly lower. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of referable DR with the handheld camera were 82.1%(95%CI: 72.1%-92.2%) and 97.4%(95%CI: 95.4%-99.5%), respectively. The performance of AI detection of DR using the Phoebus Algorithm was satisfactory;however, Phoebus showed a high sensitivity(88.2%, 95%CI: 79.4%-97.1%) and low specificity(40.7%, 95%CI: 34.1%-47.2%) when detecting referable DR.CONCLUSION: The handheld Aurora fundus camera combined with autonomous AI system is well-suited in DR screening without mydriasis because of its high sensitivity of DR detection as well as its image quality, but its specificity needs to be improved with better modeling of the data. Use of this new system is safe and effective in the detection of referable DR in real world practice.

A comparison of handheld and standard ultrasound in Swiss medical students

BACKGROUND:The use of ultrasound(US)within healthcare has inspired the development of new US technology.There have been few studies comparing the use of handheld US to standard US for medical education.This research aims to determine whether a handheld US device can provide a comparable primary learning experience to that of a standard US machine.METHODS:Over two days of instruction,participants were taught and evaluated on core US fundamentals.The standard group received instruction on standard US machines,while the handheld group received instruction on handheld US devices.Participants completed a qualitative survey regarding their experience.Six hundred and four images were obtained and graded by two emergency medicine physicians.RESULTS:A total of 119 Swiss medical students were enrolled in our study.There was no statistically significant difference in the US assessment measurements,except for faster endpoint septal separation(EPSS)vascular setup time in the handheld group(P=0.001).There was no statistically significant difference in participants’perceived difficulty of US learning(P=0.198),comfort level(P=0.188),or self-estimated capability to perform US in the future(P=0.442).There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of correctly obtained images(P=0.211)or images that were clinically useful(P=0.256).The median quality score of images obtained by the standard group was eight compared to seven in handheld group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Our data suggest a handheld US machine can perform as well as a standard US machine as an educational tool despite sacrifices in image quality.

Handheld 3D Scanner for Small Objects Using Kinect

This paper presents a handheld 3D vision-based scanner for small objects by using Kinect. It is different from the previous color-glove-based approaches which require segmenting the target object. First, we eliminate the noises and the outliers caused by holding hands. Second, we apply Kinect-fusion algorithm and truncated signed distance function （TSDF） to represent 3D surfaces. Third, we propose a modified integration strategy to eliminate the hand effect. Fourth, we take advantage of the parallel computation of GPUs for real-time operation. The major contributions of this paper are （1） the registration precision is improved, （2） the oflline amendment and loop closure operation are not required, and （3） concave 3D object reconstruction is feasible.

Solving the independent set problem by sticker based DNA computers

In this paper, the sticker based DNA computing was used for solving the independent set problem. At first, solution space was constructed by using appropriate DNA memory complexes. We defined a new operation called “divide” and applied it in construction of solution space. Then, by application of a sticker based parallel algorithm using biological operations, independent set problem was resolved in polynomial time.

An Analysis on Position Estimation, Drifting and Accumulated Error Accuracy during 3D Tracking in Electronic Handheld Devices

This work focuses on a brief discussion of new concepts of using smartphone sensors for 3D painting in virtual or augmented reality. Motivation of this research comes from the idea of using different types of sensors which exist in our smartphones such as accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer etc. to track the position for painting in virtual reality, like Google Tilt Brush, but cost effectively. Research studies till date on estimating position and localization and tracking have been thoroughly reviewed to find the appropriate algorithm which will provide accurate result with minimum drift error. Sensor fusion, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), MEMS inertial sensor, Kalman filter based global translational localization systems are studied. It is observed, prevailing approaches consist issues such as stability, random bias drift, noisy acceleration output, position estimation error, robustness or accuracy, cost effectiveness etc. Moreover, issues with motions that do not follow laws of physics, bandwidth, restrictive nature of assumptions, scale optimization for large space are noticed as well. Advantages of such smartphone sensor based position estimation approaches include, less memory demand, very fast operation, making them well suited for real time problems and embedded systems. Being independent of the size of the system, they can work effectively for high dimensional systems as well. Through study of these approaches it is observed, extended Kalman filter gives the highest accuracy with reduced requirement of excess hardware during tracking. It renders better and faster result when used in accelerometer sensor. With the aid of various software, error accuracy can be increased further as well.

Assessment of handheld mobile terrestrial laser scanning for estimating tree parameters

Sustainable forest management heavily relies on the accurate estimation of tree parameters.Among others,the diameter at breast height(DBH) is important for extracting the volume and mass of an individual tree.For systematically estimating the volume of entire plots,airborne laser scanning(ALS) data are used.The estimation model is frequently calibrated using manual DBH measurements or static terrestrial laser scans(STLS) of sample plots.Although reliable,this method is time-consuming,which greatly hampers its use.Here,a handheld mobile terrestrial laser scanning(HMTLS) was demonstrated to be a useful alternative technique to precisely and efficiently calculate DBH.Different data acquisition techniques were applied at a sample plot,then the resulting parameters were comparatively analysed.The calculated DBH values were comparable to the manual measurements for HMTLS,STLS,and ALS data sets.Given the comparability of the extracted parameters,with a reduced point density of HTMLS compared to STLS data,and the reasonable increase of performance,with a reduction of acquisition time with a factor of5 compared to conventional STLS techniques and a factor of3 compared to manual measurements,HMTLS is considered a useful alternative technique.

When Computers Can Kill—Two Unusual Cases of “E-Thrombosis”

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and potentially fatal vascular event when it leads to pulmonary embolism. Occurring as part of the broader phenomenon of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), DVT classically arises when Virchow’s triad of hypercoagulability, changes in blood flow (e.g. stasis) and endothelial dysfunction, is fulfilled. Although such immobilisation is most often seen in bedbound patients and travellers on long distance flights, there is increasing evidence that prolonged periods of work or leisure related to using computers while seated at work desks, is an independent risk factor. In this report, we present two cases of “e-thrombosis” from prolonged sitting while using a computer.

国际游戏化学习研究热点透视及对我国的启示与借鉴——基于Computers&Education(2013-2017)载文分析

通过选取Computers&Education杂志2013-2017年期间刊载的游戏化学习文献,对其进行共词分析、聚类分析和文本内容分析,研究发现:国际游戏化学习的研究热点,主要集中在价值认知、资源的设计与开发、应用领域与方式、效果评价以及新技术嵌入五个方面。基于国际游戏化学习研究热点及其与国内研究的横向比较,提出未来我国游戏化学习研究的建议:关注游戏化学习的价值认知,提升用户对游戏化学习的认可度;重视游戏化学习资源的设计与开发,为游戏化学习的应用提供优质载体;拓宽游戏化学习的应用范围,促进游戏(化)在教育领域中的深度应用;多维度构建游戏化学习的评价机制,增强评价的有效性、可靠性和精确性;加强技术嵌入的游戏化学习应用研究,抓住新兴技术为游戏化学习研究带来的新机遇。

Role of Wireless Handheld Technology by Nurses in Healthcare Environment

One of the emerging technologies is wireless handheld technology. Implication of these devices is enormous for business community and healthcare domain is not an exception to this phenomena. This research paper provides some useful findings about the use of PDA＇s in the healthcare environment through actual usage of PDA in the healthcare ward. A qualitative and quantitative approach is adopted to explore these phenomena due to the exploratory nature of the research. Findings of this study identify some of the motivators and issues associated with the wireless handheld technology in healthcare environment. Furthermore, it is also found that these wireless handheld devices can help to improve the quality of care through better decision making processes. This study is limited to only one sate of Australian and further research is needed to see the implication of the findings to wider community and other domains in the Australian environment.

Force Computers公司Advanced TCA交换及SBC技术

Force Computers推出2种ATCA产品——种是ATCF300，据称是唯一一种同时具有通信Base和Fabric接口的Gigabit Ethemet转换器；另一种是SBC的ATCA-715系列，它在Advanced TCA外形规格板卡上采用Intel Pentium M处理器、Intd E7501芯片组和Intd 6300ESB I／O控制器hub。每种型号都为PICMG3．0和3．

Are Computers Good or Bad for the Children?

We are already familiar with computers——computers work for us at home, in offices and in factories. But it is also true that many children today are using computers at schools before they can write. What does this mean for the future? Are these children lucky or not?

Duality Computing in Quantum Computers

In this letter,we propose a duality computing mode,which resembles particle-wave duality property whena quantum system such as a quantum computer passes through a double-slit.In this mode,computing operations arenot necessarily unitary.The duality mode provides a natural link between classical computing and quantum computing.In addition,the duality mode provides a new tool for quantum algorithm design.

Advances in Ordinary Kriging Using the Stampede and Bridges Supercomputers

A new approach for the implementation of variogram models and ordinary kriging using the R statistical language, in conjunction with Fortran, the MPI （Message Passing Interface）, and the ＂pbdDMAT＂ package within R on the Bridges and Stampede Supercomputers will be described. This new technique has led to great improvements in timing as compared to those in R alone, or R with C and MPI. These improvements include processing and forecasting vectors of size 25,000 in an average time of 6 minutes on the Stampede Supercomputer and 2.5 minutes on the Bridges Supercomputer as compared to previous processing times of 3.5 hours.

Does exposure to computers affect the routine parameters of semen quality?

Aim： To assess whether exposure to computers harms the semen quality of healthy young men. Methods： A total of 178 subjects were recruited from two maternity and children healthcare centers in Shanghai, 91 with a history of exposure to computers （i.e., exposure for 20 h or more per week in the last 2 years） and 87 persons to act as control （no or little exposure to computers）. Data on the history of exposure to computers and other characteristics were obtained by means of a structured questionnaire interview. Semen samples were collected by masturbation in the place where the semen samples were analyzed. Results： No differences in the distribution of the semen parameters （semen volume, sperm density, percentage of progressive sperm, sperm viability and percentage of normal form sperm） were found between the exposed group and the control group. Exposure to computers was not found to be a risk factor for inferior semen quality after adjusting for potential confounders, including abstinence days, testicle size, occupation, history of exposure to toxic substances. Conclusion： The present study did not find that healthy： men exposed to computers had inferior semen quality. （Asian J Andro12005 Sep; 7： 263-266）