Harman (United Kingdom)

There has been a recent explosion of research on Large Language Models (LLMs) for software engineering tasks, in particular code generation. However, results from LLMs can be highly unstable; non-deterministically returning very different code for the same prompt. Such non-determinism affects the correctness and consistency of the generated code, undermines developers’ trust in LLMs, and yields low reproducibility in LLM-based papers. Nevertheless, there is no work investigating how serious this non-determinism threat is. To fill this gap, this article conducts an empirical study on the non-determinism of ChatGPT in code generation. We chose to study ChatGPT because it is already highly prevalent in the code generation research literature. We report results from a study of 829 code generation problems across three code generation benchmarks (i.e., CodeContests, APPS and HumanEval) with three aspects of code similarities: semantic similarity, syntactic similarity, and structural similarity. Our results reveal that ChatGPT exhibits a high degree of non-determinism under the default setting: the ratio of coding tasks with zero equal test output across different requests is 75.76%, 51.00% and 47.56% for three different code generation datasets (i.e., CodeContests, APPS and HumanEval), respectively. In addition, we find that setting the temperature to 0 does not guarantee determinism in code generation, although it indeed brings less non-determinism than the default configuration ( temperature \(=\) 1). In order to put LLM-based research on firmer scientific foundations, researchers need to take into account non-determinism in drawing their conclusions.

Cloud computing enables convenient and on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. While cloud computing‘s ability to improve operational efficiency has gained much attention in the literature, there has been limited research on how it can help organizations achieve dynamic capabilities. Drawing from dynamic capabilities theory, we conducted a field study using a multiple case study design to examine the following research question: How do organizations achieve dynamic capabilities by using Cloud Computing? We develop a framework that explains how organizations respond to market dynamism by developing sense-and-response strategies that enable them to achieve dynamic capabilities using business process redesign, business network redesign, and business scope redefinition. We discuss how these transformations, in turn, improve organizational outcomes such as service effectiveness and efficiency. Our study also identifies factors that support and hinder the development of dynamic capabilities. Our study contributes to the literature on dynamic capabilities by examining how IT capabilities like cloud computing may accelerate the ability of an organization to achieve dynamic capabilities. We also identify transformational changes of business processes and inter-organizational networks that are enabled by cloud computing. Further, we identify how the essential characteristics of cloud computing support sense and respond strategies.

BACKGROUND: There are an estimated 3.2 million women who inject drugs worldwide, constituting 20% of all people who inject drugs. The limited data that are available suggest that women who inject drugs are at greater risk of HIV and viral hepatitis acquisition than men who inject drugs. This increased vulnerability is a product of a range of environmental, social and individual factors affecting women, which also affect their ability to engage in health promoting services such as harm reduction. METHODS: The researchers undertook a narrative literature review examining access to harm reduction services for women who use drugs in Europe and conducted semi-structured focus groups with women who use drugs and harm reduction and prison health workers in Barcelona, Spain. RESULTS: Women who use drugs face multiple barriers to accessing harm reduction services. These include stigma, both in society in general and from health and harm reduction workers in prisons and in the community; gender-based violence and a lack of services that are equipped to address the interaction between drug use and experiences of violence; criminalisation in the form of legal barriers to access, arrest and harassment from law enforcement, and incarceration; and a lack of services focused on the specific needs of women, notably sexual and reproductive health services and childcare. In Barcelona, participants reported experiencing all these barriers, and that their engagement with the Metzineres harm reduction centre had to some extent mitigated them. However, women continued to experience structural barriers to harm reduction service access. CONCLUSIONS: Women and gender non-conforming people who use drugs face unique barriers to accessing harm reduction services. While services such as Metzineres can be life changing and life affirming for its members, it is incumbent on states to act to address the structural barriers to health faced by women who use drugs.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports and case studies have described psychological disturbances and aggressive behavior in some men taking sildenafil. In the course of assisting the defense in a trial in which a man was alleged to have committed rape and in which sildenafil was implicated, a mechanistic hypothesis was formulated by the first author for central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects associated with the use of sildenafil. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there was any scientific information available to suggest a possible mechanism for or an association between exposure to sildenafil and aggressive behavior. METHODS: The scientific literature on sildenafil, nitric oxide (NO), and the NO-cyclic-guanosine monophosphate (cyclic-GMP) signaling pathway was reviewed. Adverse event reports that referenced sildenafil and were filed with the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System between January 4, 1998, and February 21, 2001, also were examined. RESULTS: Published studies reported that sildenafil crosses the blood-brain barrier, that it exerts various biochemical and physiologic effects in the brain, and that it affects information processing. Other published reports indicated that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), NO synthase, and guanylyl cyclase are present at highest activities in areas of the brain responsible for behavior, sexual drive, and emotion, and that NO modulates aggression and sexual behavior in male mice. In addition, 274 adverse event reports designated sildenafil as the primary suspect of various neurologic disturbances, amnesia, and aggressive behavior. DISCUSSION: Evidence has been presented for an association between sildenafil and various CNS adverse effects, including aggressive behavior. Whether sildenafil causes these effects by inhibiting PDE-5 in the brain, accumulating cyclic-GMP, decreasing NO, and affecting cell-cell signaling and modulation of aggressive behavior requires further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that, before prescribing sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, clinicians should caution their patients and their partners on the possibility of neurologic, emotional, or psychological disturbances; amnesia or loss of consciousness; or aggressive behavior.

Abstract. Trends in major ionic components of bulk precipitation were analysed for two sites, Faskally and Loch Ard forest in Scotland, for the period 1972-2000. The pattern of change was not linear. Large reductions in sulphur deposition occurred in the early 1980s and, to a lesser extent, during 1995-2000, with a period of relative stability between 1988-95. pH increased significantly at both sites but nitrate and ammonia only increased significantly at Loch Ard forest. Long-term chemical data from a total of 37 streams and lochs in four selected regions of Scotland were analysed over three time periods (all available data (mostly 1978-2000), 1988-98 and 1995-2000) to match the deposition patterns. For the whole study period a significant decline in non-marine sulphate was found at all sites while the most consistent increases in pH and alkalinity were recorded at all the high elevation loch sites in the Galloway area. Significant reductions in toxic forms of aluminium were also recorded, mostly at sites where pH had increased. Nitrate trends were equivocal except for catchments with clear-felling operations. For these sites, negative trends were found where felling occurred in the 1980s, while positive trends were found at sites with felling in the 1990s. With the exception of one site, dissolved organic carbon concentrations increased significantly with moorland sites showing smaller increases than forested sites. Associated with this change was a significant increase in complexed forms of aluminium. Trends for the 1988-98 period were much smaller than those for the whole study period and in many cases were insignificant. This contrasts with the 1995-2000 period when large and significant reductions in sulphate and nitrate were recorded along with increases in marine salts, probably as a result of climatically related events. Qualitative, experimental and monitoring data from lochs in the Galloway area revealed evidence of recovery of fish populations. Interpretation of chemical and biological trends was clearly influenced by the choice of the time series, especially in relation to deposition and climatic changes. Nevertheless, all the fresh waters included in this study are currently in the best ecological condition since the 1970s in the context of recovery from acidification. Keywords: deposition, trends, acidification, forestry, recovery, fish, climate

Objective: Vascular inflammation underlies cardiovascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) upregulate selective genes, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and proinflammatory cytokines upon local inflammation, which directly contribute to vascular disease and adverse clinical outcome. Identification of factors controlling VSMC responses to inflammation is therefore of considerable therapeutic importance. Here, we determine the role of Histone H3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), a repressive epigenetic mark that is reduced in atherosclerotic lesions, in regulating the VSMC inflammatory response. Approach and Results: We used VSMC-lineage tracing to reveal reduced H3K9me2 levels in VSMCs of arteries after injury and in atherosclerotic lesions compared with control vessels. Intriguingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation showed H3K9me2 enrichment at a subset of inflammation-responsive gene promoters, including MMP3 , MMP9 , MMP12 , and IL6 , in mouse and human VSMCs. Inhibition of G9A/GLP (G9A-like protein), the primary enzymes responsible for H3K9me2, significantly potentiated inflammation-induced gene induction in vitro and in vivo without altering NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling. Rather, reduced G9A/GLP activity enhanced inflammation-induced binding of transcription factors NFκB-p65 and cJUN to H3K9me2 target gene promoters MMP3 and IL6 . Taken together, these results suggest that promoter-associated H3K9me2 directly attenuates the induction of target genes in response to inflammation in human VSMCs. Conclusions: This study implicates H3K9me2 in regulating the proinflammatory VSMC phenotype. Our findings suggest that reduced H3K9me2 in disease enhance binding of NFκB and AP-1 (activator protein-1) transcription factors at specific inflammation-responsive genes to augment proinflammatory stimuli in VSMC. Therefore, H3K9me2-regulation could be targeted clinically to limit expression of MMPs and IL6, which are induced in vascular disease.

As the demand for enabling high-level autonomous driving has increased in recent years and visual perception is one of the critical features to enable fully autonomous driving, in this paper, we introduce an efficient approach for simultaneous object detection, depth estimation and pixel-level semantic segmentation using a shared convolutional architecture. The proposed network model, which we named Driving Scene Perception Network (DSPNet), uses multi-level feature maps and multi-task learning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of object detection, depth estimation and image segmentation tasks from a single input image. Hence, the resulting network model uses less than 850 MiB of GPU memory and achieves 14.0 fps on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with a 1024 512 input image, and both precision and efficiency have been improved over combination of single tasks.

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The IEEE 802.1 Audio/Video Bridging Task Group has created a series of IEEE standards that specify methods used to provide the appropriate quality of service (QoS) for audio/video (A/V) streams in a heterogeneous network. This paper describes the requirements for such a network and summarizes the methods described in these standards and how they are used in some example higher layer protocols.

Reports the conclusions of a study involving in‐depth interviews with 18 business leaders, focusing on the qualities and skills they felt to be essential for success in directing and guiding a large organization. These qualities include the ability to make sense of a complicated pattern of events and from this formulate clear goals for the organization; people and communication skills; integrity; drive and ambition. In selecting others, as potential future leaders and high‐flyers, this group of current leaders used the following criteria. There was high agreement that proven track record was vital, both as an indicator of future performance and to establish credibility. Another important characteristic is the ability to take an independent (even unpopular) line, and defend it. As could be predicted, interpersonal skills, team orientation, commitment and motivation were also seen as important.

Abstract In a context where mixed relationships are often seen as a visible indicator of increased tolerance, this paper holds up a lens to the particular experiences of racism negotiated by lone white mothers of mixed-parentage children. Based on qualitative interviews with thirty mothers, this paper illustrates how, through their parenting, racism and racial injustice became more visible to the mothers in the study. It is argued that, as well as experiencing racism directed at their children in a range of contexts (including the extended family, school and the local area), lone white mothers of mixed-parentage children are frequently facing social disapproval themselves. Drawing on the notion of whiteness as a seemingly unmarked and invisible category, this paper argues that mothers' experiences can challenge and complicate dominant conceptualizations of white privilege.

Near-dorsal aspect target strengths (TS) of individual live juvenile and adult Pacific herring Clupea pallasi and juvenile Pacific sand lance Ammodytes hexapterus were measured ex situ with 120-kHz dual-beam acoustics. An experimental frame was designed to support a transducer, fish cage, standard calibration target, and two video cameras. Pacific herring were measured at a variety of depths while they swam freely in an acoustically transparent cylinder that was secured 3 m below the transducer. Pacific sand lance were measured while tethered at a 4-m depth. We found that both depth and season affected the target strength of Pacific herring. The TS of individual Pacific herring declined as they were lowered in the water column. The decline was in accord with that expected from the effects of Boyle's Law on the swim bladder volume. This impact of depth may explain the apparent discrepancy in published target strength algorithms for Atlantic herring C. harengus and Pacific herring. The depth distribution of Atlantic herring is typically deeper. The results suggest that the depth of measurement needs to be considered in both target strength measurements and acoustic surveys of herring. We also found higher target strengths of Pacific herring during spring than in fall. Larger swim bladder volumes may be associated with spent fish or reduced lipid content during spring. The measurements on the juvenile Pacific sand lance, which lack swim bladders, yielded a much lower target strength than Pacific herring of equivalent size. However, the observed values were appreciably higher than the TS algorithm published for sand lance Ammodytes spp. in the Atlantic Ocean.

The authors describe a clinical peer mentoring (CPM) program that partnered 16 pairs of senior (mentors) and sophomore (novices) BSN students to provide patient care on a dedicated education unit at a VA Medical Center. Situated learning theory and Tanner's Clinical Judgment Model provided frameworks for CPM implementation. Survey findings suggested novices and mentors perceived improvements in self-confidence, prioritization, time management, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice use. Many mentors spontaneously expressed an interest in becoming a preceptor or nurse educator.

Cet article vise à montrer en quoi la notion de performatif permet d’enrichir la compréhension de l’influence structurante des informations économiques, comptables et gestionnaires dans les organisations contemporaines. L’étude porte sur des situations de paroles plurielles liées au processus budgétaire dans une grande entreprise nationale de construction. Dans ces situations où les chiffres sont présentés, validés ou refusés, les formules de calcul deviennent une ressource conversationnelle de nature profondément discursive. La notion d’acte de calcul – acte de langage énonçant un calcul – permet de comprendre comment le langage des chiffres exerce une influence pragmatique dans les organisations à travers un travail d’énonciation autour de la définition du calcul autorisé, légitime. L’article suggère que se diffuse un nouveau rapport au temps – le temps moral – selon lequel prévalent certaines règles visant à inhiber toute justification de retrait de l’action.

The prevalence of family inpatient caregiving in Israel, its extent, content, and related caregiver and patient variables were examined. Of 1,076 patients surveyed, 744 (69%) had family caregivers, and 513 caregivers were interviewed. Caregivers averaged 8 hours a day at the hospital and most frequently carried out monitoring tasks. Their main motivation was the desire to help the patient. Variables that explained overall caregiving tasks were the desire to help the patient (β = .38), to ensure quality of care (β = .19) and external pressure (β = .19). Variables that explained number of hours spent in caregiving were patient's age (β = -.28) and caregiver motivation related to benefits (β = -.19) and separation concerns (β = .18). Staff should identify caregivers, assess their motivations, and help determine appropriate tasks.

In 1983 an outbreak of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis occurred in our newborn nurseries. Eleven children were ill and three required bowel resections. During the outbreak many of the medical and nursing staff in the nurseries also were ill, prompting a microbiologic and epidemiologic investigation. Bacterial and viral cultures, Clostridium difficile toxin assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for viral antigens and immunoelectron microscopy of stools identified no associated pathogen. However, using a method of calculating relative risk as an incidence density ratio, we found that nurses who had cared for ill infants were at higher risk for sick call within the 9 days following exposure than nurses who had cared for babies without NEC (relative risk, 1.96; P = 0.05). These results provide additional evidence that a transmissible agent may be responsible for some cases of NEC and support the recommendation for infection control measures during outbreaks. The epidemiologic methods used in this study may be useful in prospective studies of NEC and may help to provide further clues to the cause of this disease.

Anticipatory governance is emerging in the literature and practice as a form of decision-making which attempts to deal with climate change complexities and uncertainties. Underpinning the anticipatory governance approach to decision-making is a three-step process which includes future analysis, flexibility of strategies and monitoring and action. This paper adopts the anticipatory governance and its three-step approach as a framework to investigate two Australian local government adaptation initiatives. It discusses the challenges local governments face in taking the lead through anticipatory governance to address climate change adaptation in their planning efforts. The paper aims to contribute analytical insights into adaptation planning at the local scale through anticipatory governance.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate healthcare expenditures of children with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) outside of acute care settings. DESIGN: Data from the 1997-2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to produce estimates of expenditures for a natural sample of 196 children with TBI. RESULTS: Expenditures for TBI-related services in children averaged $77.9 million per year. Average per capita expenditure was $1044, of which $166 was for TBI-related services and $878 was for all other health services. CONCLUSION: Although total costs of TBI in children are high, the average costs are much lower than those previous reports because youth with minor trauma were not included in prior samples.

<h3>BACKGROUND:</h3> Indigenous youth have higher rates of chronic health conditions interfering with healthy development, including high rates of ear, dental, chest and musculoskeletal pain, as well as headache, arthritis and mental health issues. This study explores differences in pain-related diagnoses in First Nations and non–First Nations children. <h3>METHODS:</h3> Data from a study population of age- and sex-matched First Nations and non–First Nations children and youth were accessed from a specific region of Atlantic Canada. The primary objective of the study was to compare diagnosis rates of painful conditions and specialist visits between cohorts. The secondary objective was to determine whether there were correlations between early physical pain exposure and pain in adolescence (physical and mental health). <h3>RESULTS:</h3> Although ear- and throat-related diagnoses were more likely in the First Nations group than in the non–First Nations group (ear 67.3% v. 56.8%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; throat 89.3% v. 78.8%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, respectively), children in the First Nations group were less likely to see a relevant specialist (ear 11.8% v. 15.5%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; throat 12.7% v. 16.1%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, respectively). First Nations newborns were more likely to experience an admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than non–First Nations newborns (24.4% v. 18.4%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, respectively). Non–First Nations newborns experiencing an NICU admission were more likely to receive a mental health diagnosis in adolescence, but the same was not found with the First Nations group (3.4% v. 5.7%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.03, respectively). First Nations children with a diagnosis of an ear or urinary tract infection in early childhood were almost twice as likely to have a diagnosis of headache or abdominal pain as adolescents (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.0, and OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.3, respectively). <h3>INTERPRETATION:</h3> First Nations children were diagnosed with more pain than non–First Nations children, but did not access specific specialists or mental health services, and were not diagnosed with mental health conditions, at the same rate as their non–First Nations counterparts. Discrepancies in pain-related diagnoses and treatment are evident in these specific comparative cohorts. Community-based health care access and treatment inquiries are required to determine ways to improve care delivery for common childhood conditions that affect health and development.

"Interregional migration results in a regional redistribution of labor, essential under the current mismatch between the locations of labor and of natural resources and industrial capacity in the USSR. This study focuses on economic and geographical determinants of destination choice of migrants from 1968 through 1985. Particular emphasis is placed upon the relative effects of economic variables and quality of life factors and on the effect of gravity variables (i.e., distance and population size). The statistically significant results for the economic and gravity variables indicate the appropriateness of using Western theories to analyze migration in the Soviet context."