Geodesic Active Contour under Geometrical Conditions: theory and 3D applications

International audienceIn this paper, we propose a new scheme for both detection of boundaries and fitting of geometrical data based on a geometrical partial differential equation, which allows a rigorous mathematical analysis. The model is a geodesic-active-contour-based model, in which we are trying to determine a curve that best approaches the given geometrical conditions (for instance a set of points or curves to approach) while detecting the object under consideration. Formal results concerning existence, uniqueness (viscosity solution) and stability are presented as well. We give the discretization of the method using an additive operator splitting scheme which is very efficient for this kind of problem. We also give 2D and 3D numerical examples on real data sets

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of the Italian population towards Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and HPV diseases and vaccinations: A cross-sectional multicentre study

Objectives This study addressed knowledge of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and human papillomavirus (HPV), and attitudes and behaviours towards vaccines against them. Study design This is a cross-sectional, multicentre study. Methods Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 530 adults who accessed four Departments of Prevention of the Italian National Health Service in 2013. Results Less than 50% of people gave the right answer to all the questions concerning the three diseases, but 96.2%, 94% and 92.7% agreed with the importance of vaccination against N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae and HPV, respectively, and 58.4% expressed own willingness to have their children vaccinated with N. meningitidis B vaccine. The attitude towards vaccination was more positive in women for N. meningitidis and in people having children for HPV. Furthermore, individuals giving correct answers to all knowledge items were more in favour of both HPV and S. pneumoniae vaccination. A total of 68.8%, 82.6% and 84.5% of respondents vaccinated their own children against N. meningitidis C, S. pneumoniae and HPV, respectively. About 50% of the respondents reported paediatricians' or other health professionals' recommendations as the main reason for vaccination. Conclusions Vaccinations may be promoted through actions aimed at increasing citizens' knowledge. Health professionals should be educated to actively provide information on vaccinations in a clear, comprehensive and effective way