This paper proposes a new method for solving Bayesian decision problems. The method consists of representing a Bayesian decision problem as a valuation-based system and applying a fusion algorithm for solving it. The fusion algorithm is a hybrid of local computational methods for computation of marginals of joint probability distributions and the local computational methods for discrete optimiz...

In multisensor target tracking, each sensor can have its own target state estimate based on the local sensor measurements. Most existing communication networks between local trackers/sensors transmit to a fusion center the local track estimates–sometimes without any estimation error covariances, sometimes with partial covariance information and only rarely with full covariance information. In o...

Many large-scale machine learning (ML) systems allow specifying custom ML algorithms by means of linear algebra programs, and then automatically generate efficient execution plans. In this context, optimization opportunities for fused operators—in terms of fused chains of basic operators—are ubiquitous. These opportunities include (1) fewer materialized intermediates, (2) fewer scans of input d...

INTRODUCTION The rate of fusion surgery of the lumbar spine has remarkably increased over the past 30 years. SOURCES OF DATA We performed a comprehensive search of studies addressing the assessment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) after lumbar spinal fusion surgery on PubMed, OVID/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Google scholar and Embase. AREAS OF AGREEMENT The fusion of spinal segments leads to degene...

We introduce a robust approach to diagnostic information fusion within a network of probabilistic models distributed throughout a system of agents. In particular, we introduce an algorithm for inter-agent belief propagation, which combines partial fusion results from local probabilistic models in a consistent manner. This approach allows sequential fusion of large amounts of heterogeneous infor...

Background Ongoing conflict and systematic targeting of health facilities and personnel by the Syrian regime in opposition-controlled areas have contributed to health system and governance mechanisms collapse. Health directorates (HDs) were established in opposition-held areas in 2014 by the interim (opposition) Ministry of Health (MoH), to meet emerging needs. As the local health authori...

OBJECTIVE It remains debatable whether cervical spine fusion cages should be filled with any kind of bone or bone substitute. Cortical and subcortical bone from the anterior and posterior osteophytes of the segment could be used to fill the cage. The purposes of the present study are to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes including bone fusion and subsidence that occurred a...