SALUD: A spatial microsimulation application to support regional health planning in Austria

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Health aims to improve the health of all people living in Austria and to decrease health and social inequalities. This leads to a careful planning and distribution of the available health care resources to meet government aims. The research project SALUD, funded by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology and the Austrian Science Fund, focuses on building a Spatial Microsimulation Model for Austria by combining survey and census data to model small area health issues based on individuals or households where no data exists, so called missing data. Within this project, a first prototype of simSALUD is developed, which is a Web-based spatial microsimulation application for health decision support as to date no flexible and free-available Web application in the area of spatial microsimulation exists. simSALUD targets two groups: experts in the area and health policy decision makers (HPDM). The present work focuses on the latter group and will highlight the benefits of simSALUD for HPDM, as they are mainly interested in the results and not primarily in the underlying modelling process. The first prototype of simSALUD is a Web-based application that can be used either offline or online and is therefore accessible anywhere and anytime. Functionally it consists of three modules called (i) data loader, (ii) visualisation area, and (iii) geoprocessing tools. - The data loader supports the management of different datasets (loading, overlaying, sorting, etc.). The main benefit here is that HPDM may access a shared pool of open simulated data that is otherwise hardly available. - The visualisation area presents an interactive map with different standard functionalities, including zoom and pan. This is especially valuable for HPDM as hotspots and problem areas on maps can often be identified more easily than lots of numbers in a list. - The geoprocessing tools, such as ?create buffer? or ?location optimization? allow doing spatial analysis on data to answer what-if scenarios. In general, the main advantage of simSALUD is that HPDM can use the application and perform various spatial analyses without needing specialist skills in spatial microsimulation modelling or geoinformation science. The first prototype of SimSALUD will be introduced to our project partners in their health departments in order to evaluate its practical usefulness and relevance in the area of regional health planning. This work will discuss the results of the evaluation, highlighting the pros and cons of the prototype as well as defining the road map for futures developments of simSALUD. Hence, with simSALUD we hope to make a positive contribution for the area of spatial microsimulation modelling, as it is the first open accessible Web application so far

Особливості отримання аерокосмічних зображень, їх оброблення та оцінювання шуму

This paper focuses on aerospace images as well as methods of their obtaining and application. The quality of received primary images does not often meet the needs of end-users. If the distortive factor for the image is noise, then first of all filters are used, which eliminate different types of noise. When choosing a filter type, the limitations associated with the computational complexity and hardware characteristics of the device must be considered. In order to increase the informativity of primary scanner images, synergistic fusion of photogrammetric data originating from several channels is often used to obtain high geometric and spectral differences in a graphic object. A group of modern systems and software tools is highlighted that is used to receive and process aerospace images. Specifics of such images are characterized in different spectral bands. Typical distortions for this type of images are described. Particular attention is paid to various types of noise. Noise estimate can be based on either one or multiple images. There are different methods for this. The existing methods of noise estimation for graphic images are analyzed. Those include the following types of methods: evaluation of the noise level function from a single image – using dependence of the noise dispersion on the intensity of the image and determination of homogeneity areas (in case of large sets of input data, the relative error in evaluating the noise level is typically within 10 %); evaluation of type and level of noise with image brightness histogram; evaluation based on a separate image using the piecewise-smooth function of the previous model of images and the response functions of cameras with charge communication; evaluation on the basis of the dependence of the autocorrelation function of images on the variance of additive noise; etc. It is also possible to determine the type and level of noise with the image brightness histogram. When using the experimental method, the same equipment should be used as the one which allows the distortion to be obtained. Several methods have been experimentally applied to assess the noise for an image from an open DOTA dataset.Зроблено акцент на аерокосмічних зображеннях, методах їх отримання та застосування. Якість отриманих первинних зображень часто не відповідає потребам кінцевих користувачів. Якщо спотворювальним чинником для зображення є шум, то використовуються передусім фільтри, що з різним успіхом усувають різні типи шумів. Виділено групу сучасних систем та засобів програмного забезпечення, що використовують для отримання та оброблення аерокосмічних зображень. Охарактеризовано особливості таких зображень у різних спектральних діапазонах. Подано особливості типових спотворень для такого типу зображень. Окрему увагу при цьому приділено шумам різних типів. Оцінювати рівень шуму можна на базі одного та багатьох зображень. Для цього існують різні методи. Проаналізовано наявні методи оцінювання шуму для графічних зображень, зокрема такі типи методів: визначення функції рівня шуму з єдиного зображення, що використовує залежність дисперсії шуму від інтенсивності зображення і передбачає визначення ділянок однорідності (гомогенності); визначення типу та рівня шуму з гістограми яскравості зображення; оцінка на базі окремого зображення з використанням кусково-гладкої функції попередньої моделі зображень та функції відгуку камер із зарядовим зв'язком; оцінка на базі математичних співвідношень щодо залежності автокореляційної функції зображень від дисперсії адитивного шуму та інші. Експериментальним чином застосовано кілька методів для оцінки шуму для зображення з відкритого датасету DOTA

ANALYSIS OF COMMON METHODS OF NOISE OVERLAYING ON IMAGES

Встановлено, що однією з причин ускладнення процесу прийняття рішень є погіршення якості вхідної інформації, отриманої на підставі різноманітних зображень внаслідок накладання на них шуму, який може мати різне походження та характеристики. Вивчення певного класу шумів у контексті розгляду його як функції дає змогу зосередитись на визначенні його параметрів, ступені впливу цих параметрів та штучному генеруванні шуму. Виконано огляд шумів різних типів та їх впливу для подальшої оцінки якості систем розпізнавання. Проведені дослідження свідчать, що існує досить багато типів шумів, які негативно впливають на оброблення та аналіз зображень. Проведено огляд різних видів шуму – гаусівського шуму, дробового шуму (шуму Пуассона), шуму типу "сіль і перець" (імпульсного шуму), шуму зерен фотоплівки, спекл-шуму, шумів, що надають ефект розмитості (їх можна накладати з різним ступенем прозорості); визначено особливості накладання таких шумів. Також перераховано типи шумів, які можуть накладатися один на одного. Використано метод логічного узагальнення, накладання шумів на зображення з використанням бібліотеки FastNoise та функції imnoise середовища Octave. Порівняно декілька шумів, що створюють ефект розмитості під час накладання їх на зображення із різним ступенем прозорості. Генерування різних шумів приводить до подальшого накладання на реальні зображення спеціальних шумових масок зі заданими значеннями параметрів – таких, як: інтенсивність та розміри завад, закон розподілу їх центрів тощо.Установлено, что одной из причин осложнения процесса принятия решений является ухудшение качества входящей информации, полученной на основании различных изображений вследствие наложения на них шума, который может иметь различное происхождение и характеристики. Изучение определенного класса шумов в контексте рассмотрения его как функции позволяет сосредоточиться на определении его параметров, степени влияния этих параметров и искусственном генерировании шума. Выполнен обзор шумов различных типов и их влияния для дальнейшей оценки качества систем распознавания. Проведенные исследования показывают, что существует достаточно много типов шумов, которые негативно влияют на обработку и анализ изображений. Проведен обзор различных видов шума – гауссовского шума, дробного шума (шума Пуассона), шума типа "соль и перец" (импульсного шума), шума зерен фотопленки, спекл-шума, шумов, которые оказывают эффект размытости (их можно накладывать с разной степенью прозрачности); определены особенности наложения таких шумов. Также перечисленные типы шумов могут накладываться друг на друга. Использован метод логического обобщения, наложение шумов на изображение с использованием библиотеки FastNoise и функции imnoise среды Octave. Проведено сравнение несколько шумов, которые создают эффект размытости при наложении их на изображение с разной степенью прозрачности. Генерирование различных шумов влечет за собой дальнейшее наложение на реальные изображения специальных шумовых масок с заданными значениями параметров, таких как интенсивность и размеры помех, закон распределения их центров и т. п.One of the reasons for the complication of the decision-making process is considered to be the deterioration of the quality of the input information obtained on the basis of various images due to overlaying noise on them, which may have various origin and characteristics. Studying a certain class of noise in the context of considering it as a function allows you to focus on determining its parameters, the degree of influence of these parameters and the artificial noise generation. An overview of the noise of different types and their effects was performed for further evaluation of the quality of recognition systems. Noises that arise in this case are subject to classification in order to study, formalize and further eliminate or minimize their harmful effects. Studying a certain class of noise in the context of considering it as a function allows you to focus on determining its parameters, the degree of influence of these parameters and the artificial noise generation. Research shows that there are many types of noise that negatively affect processing and analysis of images. An overview of various types of noise such as Gaussian noise, shot noise (Poisson noise), "salt and pepper" noise type (impulse noise), noise of film grains, speckle noise, noise giving a blur effect (they can be imposed with different degree of transparency). The features of overlaying such noise are determined. The listed types of noise can also be superimposed on each other. The method of logical generalization, overlaying of image noise using the FastNoise library and functions of the imnoise of the Octave environment is used. Comparison of several noises that creates the effect of blurriness when applied to images with varying degrees of transparency is provided. Generating different styles of noise leads to further overlay on real images of special noise masks with given parameters values such as the intensity and size of the noise, the law of distribution of their centers, etc. In the context of evaluating the quality of image recognition systems, we should note that noise is not the only type of interference. Performing such actions on the image as, for example, purposeful modification, rotation or zooming of the image will also have a negative effect on the image resolution. However, in this paper we consider only the overlay of noise

Control of starch branching in barley defined through differential RNAi suppression of starch branching enzyme IIa and IIb

The roles of starch branching enzyme (SBE, EC 2.4.1.18) IIa and SBE IIb in defining the structure of amylose and amylopectin in barley (Hordeum vulgare) endosperm were examined. Barley lines with low expression of SBE IIa or SBE IIb, and with the low expression of both isoforms were generated through RNA-mediated silencing technology. These lines enabled the study of the role of each of these isoforms in determining the amylose content, the distribution of chain lengths, and the frequency of branching in both amylose and amylopectin. In lines where both SBE IIa and SBE IIb expression were reduced by >80%, a high amylose phenotype (>70%) was observed, while a reduction in the expression of either of these isoforms alone had minor impact on amylose content. The structure and properties of the high amylose starch resulting from the concomitant reduction in the expression of both isoforms of SBE II in barley were found to approximate changes seen in amylose extender mutants of maize, which result from lesions eliminating expression of the SBE IIb gene. Amylopectin chain length distribution analysis indicated that both SBE IIa and SBE IIb isoforms play distinct roles in determining the fine structure of amylopectin. A significant reduction in the frequency of branches in amylopectin was noticed only when both SBE IIa and SBE IIb were reduced, whereas there was a significant increase in the branching frequency of amylose when SBE IIb alone was reduced. Functional interactions between SBE isoforms are suggested, and a possible inhibitory role of SBE IIb on other SBE isoforms is discussed

Space Weather Modeling Capabilities Assessment: Auroral Precipitation and Highâ Latitude Ionospheric Electrodynamics

As part of its International Capabilities Assessment effort, the Community Coordinated Modeling Center initiated several working teams, one of which is focused on the validation of models and methods for determining auroral electrodynamic parameters, including particle precipitation, conductivities, electric fields, neutral density and winds, currents, Joule heating, auroral boundaries, and ion outflow. Auroral electrodynamic properties are needed as input to space weather models, to test and validate the accuracy of physical models, and to provide needed information for space weather customers and researchers. The working team developed a process for validating auroral electrodynamic quantities that begins with the selection of a set of events, followed by construction of ground truth databases using all available data and assimilative data analysis techniques. Using optimized, predefined metrics, the ground truth data for selected events can be used to assess model performance and improvement over time. The availability of global observations and sophisticated data assimilation techniques provides the means to create accurate ground truth databases routinely and accurately.Key PointsA working team has been established to develop a process for validation of auroral precipitation and electrodynamics modelsValidation of auroral electrodynamic parameters requires generation of ground truth data sets for selected eventsCurrent observations and data assimilation techniques continue to improve the accuracy of global auroral electrodynamic specificationPeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/148365/1/swe20815_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/148365/2/swe20815.pd

MIR376A is a regulator of starvation-induced autophagy

Background: Autophagy is a vesicular trafficking process responsible for the degradation of long-lived, misfolded or abnormal proteins, as well as damaged or surplus organelles. Abnormalities of the autophagic activity may result in the accumulation of protein aggregates, organelle dysfunction, and autophagy disorders were associated with various diseases. Hence, mechanisms of autophagy regulation are under exploration. Methods: Over-expression of hsa-miR-376a1 (shortly MIR376A) was performed to evaluate its effects on autophagy. Autophagy-related targets of the miRNA were predicted using Microcosm Targets and MIRanda bioinformatics tools and experimentally validated. Endogenous miRNA was blocked using antagomirs and the effects on target expression and autophagy were analyzed. Luciferase tests were performed to confirm that 3’ UTR sequences in target genes were functional. Differential expression of MIR376A and the related MIR376B was compared using TaqMan quantitative PCR. Results: Here, we demonstrated that, a microRNA (miRNA) from the DlkI/Gtl2 gene cluster, MIR376A, played an important role in autophagy regulation. We showed that, amino acid and serum starvation-induced autophagy was blocked by MIR376A overexpression in MCF-7 and Huh-7 cells. MIR376A shared the same seed sequence and had overlapping targets with MIR376B, and similarly blocked the expression of key autophagy proteins ATG4C and BECN1 (Beclin 1). Indeed, 3’ UTR sequences in the mRNA of these autophagy proteins were responsive to MIR376A in luciferase assays. Antagomir tests showed that, endogenous MIR376A was participating to the control of ATG4C and BECN1 transcript and protein levels. Moreover, blockage of endogenous MIR376A accelerated starvation-induced autophagic activity. Interestingly, MIR376A and MIR376B levels were increased with different kinetics in response to starvation stress and tissue-specific level differences were also observed, pointing out to an overlapping but miRNA-specific biological role. Conclusions: Our findings underline the importance of miRNAs encoded by the DlkI/Gtl2 gene cluster in stress-response control mechanisms, and introduce MIR376A as a new regulator of autophagy

Stenosis and Aneurysm of Coronary Arteries in A Patient with Behcet’s Disease

Coronary artery disease is extremely rare in patients with Behçet’s disease. We report the case of a patient with a history of Behçet’s disease who was admitted in our hospital with instable angina pectoris. The patient’s electrocardiogram was normal. Coronary angiography revealed aneurysm of the distal right coronary artery with a tight stenosis of the proximal part of the posterolateral branch. These two conditions were initially treated with immunosuppressive treatment. Three years later coronary angiography showed a total occlusion of the right coronary artery treated with medical therapy. More than fourteen cases of coronary involvement were reported in the literature but the etiopathogeny and the treatment are yet unknow

smokeSALUD: exploring the effect of demographic change on the smoking prevalence at municipality level in Austria

Background: Reducing the smoking population is still high on the policy agenda, as smoking leads to many preventable diseases, such as lung cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more. In Austria, data on smoking prevalence only exists at the federal state level. This provides an interesting overview about the current health situation, but for regional planning authorities these data are often insufficient as they can hide pockets of high and low smoking prevalence in certain municipalities. Methods: This paper presents a spatial-temporal change of estimated smokers for municipalities from 2001 and 2011. A synthetic dataset of smokers is built by combining individual large-scale survey data and small area census data using a deterministic spatial microsimulation approach. Statistical analysis, including chi-square test and binary logistic regression, are applied to find the best variables 24 for the simulation model and to validate its results. Results: As no easy-to-use spatial microsimulation software for non-programmers is available yet, a flexible web-based spatial microsimulation application for health decision support (called simSALUD) has been developed and used for these analyses. The results of the simulation show in general a decrease of smoking prevalence within municipalities between 2001 and 2011 and 29 differences within areas are identified. These results are especially valuable to policy decision makers for future planning strategies. Conclusions: This case study shows the application of smokeSALUD to model the spatial-temporal changes in the smoking population in Austria between 2001 and 2011. This is important as no data on smoking exists at this geographical scale (municipality). However, spatial microsimulation models are useful tools to estimate small area health data and to overcome these problems. The simulations and analysis should support health decision makers to identify hot spots of smokers and this should 36 help to show where to spend health resources best in order to reduce health inequalities