In this paper, we present an architecture for high-level aspects of taskoriented dialog that integrates interpretation and generation, as well as domain-level and dialog-level knowledge. We report and analyze two implemented systems based on this architecture, including one for meeting support and another military medic assistance, and we discuss our experiences with the first system. We conclu...

In this paper we propose an integrated memory and disk cache for multimedia clients. The cache cushions the multimedia decoder from input rate fluctuations and mismatches, and because data can be cached to disk, the acceptable fluctuations can be very large. This gives the media server much greater flexibility for load balancing, and lets the client operate efficiently when the network rate is ...

Objective-To determine the number of and reasons for rapid sequence inductions done by accident and emergency (A&E) doctors out of hospital as part of the activities of the MEDIC 1 Flying Squad. "Rapid sequence induction" was defined as any attempted endotracheal intubation accompanied by use of drugs to assist intubation and ventilation, including opiates, benzodiazepines, intravenous and topi...

The leading cause of death on the battlefield is uncontrolled hemorrhage. Non-compressible (truncal) hemorrhage is the cause over two thirds of these deaths. This makes truncal hemorrhage the leading cause of potentially survivable death on the battlefield. Over one third of the casualties who arrive at the emergency department (ED) or combat surgical hospital (CSH) in need of a blood transfusi...

Military and law enforcement agencies have seen a dramatic increase in the utilization of working canines both at home and in foreign deployments. Due to the fact that professional veterinary care is sometimes distant from internal disaster or foreign deployment sites, the military medic, police tactical medic, or other first-response medical care provider may be charged with providing emergenc...

Medical training cannot be equated with merely studying for a degree. It encompasses much more, challenging one's values, self perception and perspective on life itself. During five years at medical school, the individual irreversibly alters to become "a medic", not just "a student of medicine", no matter how much detachment from the course and its associated lifestyle the individual has endeav...