LOCALIS: Locally-adaptive Line Simplification for GPU-based Geographic Vector Data Visualization

Visualization of large vector line data is a core task in geographic and cartographic systems. Vector maps are often displayed at different cartographic generalization levels, traditionally by using several discrete levels-of-detail (LODs). This limits the generalization levels to a fixed and predefined set of LODs, and generally does not support smooth LOD transitions. However, fast GPUs and novel line rendering techniques can be exploited to integrate dynamic vector map LOD management into GPU-based algorithms for locally-adaptive line simplification and real-time rendering. We propose a new technique that interactively visualizes large line vector datasets at variable LODs. It is based on the Douglas-Peucker line simplification principle, generating an exhaustive set of line segments whose specific subsets represent the lines at any variable LOD. At run time, an appropriate and view-dependent error metric supports screen-space adaptive LOD levels and the display of the correct subset of line segments accordingly. Our implementation shows that we can simplify and display large line datasets interactively. We can successfully apply line style patterns, dynamic LOD selection lenses, and anti-aliasing techniques to our line rendering

CELLULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRIMARY IN VITRO ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO DNP-FICOLL

The cellular requirements for the primary in vitro IgM and IgG response to dinitrophenyl-substituted Ficoll were examined. Neither thymus-derived lymphocytes nor macrophage-rich splenic adherent cells were required for anti-DNP antibody synthesis. DNP-Ficoll is therefore tentatively classified as a "thymic-independent" antigen

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with tuberculosis disease in British children

Background53Basic science, epidemiological and interventional research supports a link between vitamin D and 54tuberculosis immunity, infection and disease. We evaluated the association between vitamin D 55levels and tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease in UK children recruited to the NIHR IGRA Kids 56Study (NIKS).57Methods58Children presenting between 2011-2014 were eligible if they had history of exposure to an adult 59case with sputum smear/culture-positive TB, or were referred and diagnosed with TB disease. 60Children were assessed at baseline and 6-8 weeks for immunological evidence of TB infection (IGRA 61and/or tuberculin skin test) and evidence of TB disease. Some centres routinely measured total 25-62hydroxy vitamin D levels.63Results64166 children were included. Median 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were higher in uninfected children 65(45.5 nmol/l) compared to those with infection (36.2 nmol/l) and disease (20.0 nmol/l). The 66difference between TB infection and disease was statistically significant (p<0.001). By logistic 67regression, lower vitamin D levels were associated with TB disease among participants with 68infection/disease, with no evidence of confounding by age, sex, BCG status, ethnicity, non-contact 69referral, season or centre.70Conclusion71Children with TB disease had lower vitamin D levels than children with infection. Implications for 72prevention and treatment remain to be established

Development of a generic activities model of command and control

This paper reports on five different models of command and control. Four different models are reviewed: a process model, a contextual control model, a decision ladder model and a functional model. Further to this, command and control activities are analysed in three distinct domains: armed forces, emergency services and civilian services. From this analysis, taxonomies of command and control activities are developed that give rise to an activities model of command and control. This model will be used to guide further research into technological support of command and control activities

Digital technology to facilitate Proactive Assessment of Obesity Risk during Infancy (ProAsk): a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using digital technology for Proactive Assessment of Obesity Risk during Infancy (ProAsk) with the UK health visitors (HVs) and parents. DESIGN: Multicentre, pre- and post-intervention feasibility study with process evaluation. SETTING: Rural and urban deprived settings, UK community care. PARTICIPANTS: 66 parents of infants and 22 HVs. INTERVENTION: ProAsk was delivered on a tablet device. It comprises a validated risk prediction tool to quantify overweight risk status and a therapeutic wheel detailing motivational strategies for preventive parental behaviour. Parents were encouraged to agree goals for behaviour change with HVs who received motivational interviewing training. OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed recruitment, response and attrition rates. Demographic details were collected, and overweight risk status. The proposed primary outcome measure was weight-for-age z-score. The proposed secondary outcomes were parenting self-efficacy, maternal feeding style, infant diet and exposure to physical activity/sedentary behaviour. Qualitative interviews ascertained the acceptability of study processes and intervention fidelity. RESULTS: HVs screened 324/589 infants for inclusion in the study and 66/226 (29%) eligible infants were recruited. Assessment of overweight risk was completed on 53 infants and 40% of these were identified as above population risk. Weight-for-age z-score (SD) between the infants at population risk and those above population risk differed significantly at baseline (-0.67 SD vs 0.32 SD). HVs were able to collect data and calculate overweight risk for the infants. Protocol adherence and intervention fidelity was a challenge. HVs and parents found the information provided in the therapeutic wheel appropriate and acceptable. CONCLUSION: Study recruitment and protocol adherence were problematic. ProAsk was acceptable to most parents and HVs, but intervention fidelity was low. There was limited evidence to support the feasibility of implementing ProAsk without significant additional resources. A future study could evaluate ProAsk as a HV-supported, parent-led intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02314494 (Feasibility Study Results).This work was supported by the Medical Research Council – Public Health Intervention Development Scheme, grant number PHIND 01/14-15

Distributed situation awareness in dynamic systems: Theoretical development and application of an ergonomics methodology

The purpose of this paper is to propose foundations for a theory of situation awareness based on the analysis of interactions between agents (i.e., both human and non-human) in subsystems. This approach may help promote a better understanding of technology-mediated interaction in systems, as well as helping in the formulation of hypotheses and predictions concerning distributed situation awareness. It is proposed that agents within a system each hold their own situation awareness which may be very different from (although compatible with) other agents. It is argued that we should not always hope for, or indeed want, sharing of this awareness, as different system agents have different purposes. This view marks situation awareness as a 1 dynamic and collaborative process that binds agents together on tasks on a moment-by-moment basis. Implications of this viewpoint for development of a new theory of, and accompanying methodology for, distributed situation awareness are offered