Visual-hint Boundary to Segment Algorithm for Image Segmentation

Image segmentation has been a very active research topic in image analysis area. Currently, most of the image segmentation algorithms are designed based on the idea that images are partitioned into a set of regions preserving homogeneous intra-regions and inhomogeneous inter-regions. However, human visual intuition does not always follow this pattern. A new image segmentation method named Visual-Hint Boundary to Segment (VHBS) is introduced, which is more consistent with human perceptions. VHBS abides by two visual hint rules based on human perceptions: (i) the global scale boundaries tend to be the real boundaries of the objects; (ii) two adjacent regions with quite different colors or textures tend to result in the real boundaries between them. It has been demonstrated by experiments that, compared with traditional image segmentation method, VHBS has better performance and also preserves higher computational efficiency.Comment: 45 page

rEMM: Extensible Markov Model for Data Stream Clustering in R

Clustering streams of continuously arriving data has become an important application of data mining in recent years and efficient algorithms have been proposed by several researchers. However, clustering alone neglects the fact that data in a data stream is not only characterized by the proximity of data points which is used by clustering, but also by a temporal component. The extensible Markov model (EMM) adds the temporal component to data stream clustering by superimposing a dynamically adapting Markov chain. In this paper we introduce the implementation of the R extension package rEMM which implements EMM and we discuss some examples and applications.

rEMM: Extensible Markov Model for Data Stream Clustering in R

Clustering streams of continuously arriving data has become an important application of data mining in recent years and efficient algorithms have been proposed by several researchers. However, clustering alone neglects the fact that data in a data stream is not only characterized by the proximity of data points which is used by clustering, but also by a temporal component. The extensible Markov model (EMM) adds the temporal component to data stream clustering by superimposing a dynamically adapting Markov chain. In this paper we introduce the implementation of the <b>R</b> extension package <b>rEMM</b> which implements EMM and we discuss some examples and applications

Assessment of Pain in adults with cognitive impairment : a review of the tools

The aim of this paper is to discuss the results of a review into the literature related to chronic pain and the older adult. Several themes within the review have been identified and reported elsewhere and the final report has been published by the University of Sheffield in the form of an annotated bibliography. This report focuses upon the findings of the in relation to the assessment of pain in the adult with cognitive impairment. Issues surrounding assessment in the non-cognitively impaired older adult have also been reported elsewhere. For this paper nine studies will be discussed which report the development and testing of pain assessment scales the focus of which is upon behavioural indicators of pain. Some scales have been omitted from the review and the rationale for this decision will be discussed. Each of the selected scales will be discussed and the authors will make recommendations for both clinical practice and for future research based upon the validity, reliability and user friendliness of the scales. From the paper it can be concluded that the Abbey, DOLOPLUS-2 and PACSLAC appear to be the most reliable and valid and in terms of the “user friendliness” would be appropriate to explore further. Recommendations are made for further multi-centre evaluation of these scales.University of Sheffiel

Assessment of pain in older people : where are we now and what needs to be done?

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a review of the literature into pain and older people. The funded study was part of the development of an annotated bibliography published in August 2005. The review included all major databases and involved the collection of 214 papers between the dates of 1995 and 2005. The papers were divided into several major themes, which include experiences, management (pharmacological and non-pharmacological), assessment, and attitudes. Within this paper, the results of the review into pain assessment will be discussed, which includes 42 of the collected papers. The other sections will be published later. The paper will discuss issues pertaining to the development of specific tools for older people, a discussion of tools already available, comparisons of staff versus older people’s perceptions of pain scales, and articles with cognitive impairment as a focus. Recommendations for further study are made.University of Sheffiel

04441 Abstracts Collection -- Mobile Information Management

From 24.10.04 to 29.10.04, the Dagstuhl Seminar 04441 ``Mobile Information Management\u27\u27 was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed. Abstracts of the presentations given during the seminar as well as abstracts of seminar results and ideas are put together in this paper. The first section describes the seminar topics and goals in general. Links to extended abstracts or full papers are provided, if available

Older people's experience of cancer pain: A qualitative enquiry.

Cancer is mainly a disease of older people; older people with cancer experience complex symptoms, which may include pain. Pain is also a significant concern for many people living and dying with cancer, and may be particularly difficult for people with co-morbidities of ageing. Pain which is unrecognised and untreated may significantly affect quality of life and function. In particular, there is limited knowledge of how older people experience cancer pain and how this affects their daily lives.This study aimed to capture the experiences of pain of older people with cancer, consider how older people construct the experience of cancer pain and how this is informed by their expectations and experiences. The methodological approach of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis informed a qualitative diary-interview study which was conducted with purposively selected older people, diagnosed with cancer and in receipt of specialist palliative care.Nine older people with cancer (aged 67-88) living independently were interviewed either in the hospice day centre or their domestic home. Major themes identified were: 'Better to be old than to be dying with cancer, 'Maintaining control and independence', 'Loss of identity - grieving for a former self, 'Dislike of analgesia' and 'Dismissal or denial of pain'.Collecting data about cancer pain, from older people who may be vulnerable and in receipt of specialist palliative care, proved ethically and practically challenging. Clinical pain assessment alone, without listening to people's pain stories, does not always identify pain or problems with daily living. Understanding the communication needs of older people is an important precursor to understanding their health care needs. Appreciation of the individuality of the lived experience of cancer may advance our understanding of pain and end of life care.This study adds to the existing body of knowledge about the needs of older people with cancer pain and offers unique theoretical, methodological and practical contributions to support the body of evidence about older people's needs

Smartphone applications designed to improve older people’s chronic pain management:an integrated systematic review

(1) Background: Older people’s chronic pain is often not well managed because of fears of side-effects and under-reporting. Telehealth interventions, in the form of smartphone applications, are attracting much interest in the management of chronic diseases, with new and evolving approaches in response to current population demographics. However, the extent to which telehealth interventions may be used to promote and effect the self-management of chronic pain is not established. (2) Aim: To provide an objective review of the existing quantitative and qualitative evidence pertaining to the benefits of smartphone applications for the management of chronic pain in older people. (3) Methods: A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, the Cochrane database, Science Direct and references of retrieved articles. The data were independently extracted by two reviewers from the original reports. (4) Results: This integrative systematic review identified 10 articles considering smartphone applications related to self-management of chronic pain among older adults. (5) Conclusions: It is important for future research to not only examine the effects of smartphone initiatives, but also to compare their safety, acceptability, efficacy and cost–benefit ratio in relation to existing treatment modalities.</p

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on the management of pain in older people – a summary report

Objective:The objective of this study is to develop an update of the evidence-based guidelines for the management of pain in older people.Design:Review of evidence since 2010 using a systematic and consensus approach is performed.Results:Recognition of the type of pain and routine assessment of pain should inform the use of specific environmental, behavioural and pharmacological interventions. Individualised care plans and analgesic protocols for specific clinical situations, patients and health care settings can be developed from these guidelines.Conclusion:Management of pain must be considered as an important component of the health care provided to all people, regardless of their chronological age or severity of illness. By clearly outlining areas where evidence is not available, these guidelines may also stimulate further research. To use the recommended therapeutic approaches, clinicians must be familiar with adverse effects of treatment and the potential for drug interactions