Self-similarity and stationarity of increments in VBR video

AbstractAs self-similarity trail is being detected in many types of traffic, and the Markovian models failing to represent some statistical behaviors, the tools being used for traffic testing are still complex. Our study here is related to VBR video. Its self-similarity and long-range dependence aspects will be tested using a wavelet-based tool. As the test tool requires stationarity of the increments of the traces, a novel testing technique will be suggested for this aim. Then, the degree of self-similarity will be related to both the traces time scale and its statistical measures of spreading

The Impact Of Option-In Longevity Enrollment Patterns on Student Achievement, Behavior, and Engagement Outcomes

The impact of option-in longevity patterns on student achievement, behavior, and engagement outcomes was evaluated. The seventh-grade pretest compared the seventhgrade posttest gains made by students who were enrolled short-term (n = 46) as they completed their first year in a middle school setting indicated that the exposure to a consistent and equitable educational program continued to result in positive student outcomes. Levels of performance for option-in students were also found to be congruent with the posttest achievement, behavior, and engagement data for students who are residents of the district (n = 46). School choice options and longevity within a district supported student achievement, behavior, and engagement outcomes. The study results support a cautious approach to district-wide implementation of school choice programs

Wasserstein GAN:Deep Generation applied on Bitcoins financial time series

Modeling financial time series is challenging due to their high volatility and unexpected happenings on the market. Most financial models and algorithms trying to fill the lack of historical financial time series struggle to perform and are highly vulnerable to overfitting. As an alternative, we introduce in this paper a deep neural network called the WGAN-GP, a data-driven model that focuses on sample generation. The WGAN-GP consists of a generator and discriminator function which utilize an LSTM architecture. The WGAN-GP is supposed to learn the underlying structure of the input data, which in our case, is the Bitcoin. Bitcoin is unique in its behavior; the prices fluctuate what makes guessing the price trend hardly impossible. Through adversarial training, the WGAN-GP should learn the underlying structure of the bitcoin and generate very similar samples of the bitcoin distribution. The generated synthetic time series are visually indistinguishable from the real data. But the numerical results show that the generated data were close to the real data distribution but distinguishable. The model mainly shows a stable learning behavior. However, the model has space for optimization, which could be achieved by adjusting the hyperparameters

Classification and treatment of distal radius fractures: a survey among orthopaedic trauma surgeons and residents

Purpose: Classification, the definition of an acceptable reduction and indications for surgery in distal radius fracturemanagement are still subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to characterise current distal radius fracture management in Europe. Methods: During the European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ECTES) 2015 a 20-question multiple-choice survey was conducted among the attending surgeons and residents of the hand and wrist session. Consensus was defined as more than 50 % identical answers (moderate consensus 50–75 % and high consensus more than 75 %). Results: A total of 46 surgeons and residents participated in the survey. High consensus was found among both surgeons and residents for defining the AO/OTA classification as the preferred classification system. For the definition of an acceptable reduction, a moderate to high consensus could be determined. Overall, high consensus was found for non-operative treatment instead of operative treatment in dislocated extra- and intra-articular distal radius fractures with an acceptable closed reduction, regardless of age. We found high (surgeons) and moderate (residents) consensus on the statement that an intra-articular gap or step-off ≥2 mm, in patients younger than 65 years, is an absolute indication for ORIF. The same applied for ORIF in dislocated fractures without an acceptable closed reduction in patients younger than 75 years of age. Conclusion: Current distal radius fracture management in Europe is characterised by a moderate to high consensus on the majority of aspects of fracture management

Recent aspects on outcomes in geriatric fracture patients

As the population ages, the number of fragility fractures is expected to increase dramatically. These injuries are frequently associated with less than satisfactory outcomes. Many of the patients experience adverse events or death, and few regain their pre-injury functional status. Many also lose their independence as a result of their fracture. This manuscript will explore problems and some potential solutions to evaluate the outcomes of geriatric fracture care. Specific, system-wide, and societal concerns will be discussed. Limited suggestions will be made for future steps to improve outcomes assessment

Evaluation of straw wattle placement and surficial slope stability

Straw wattles are common erosion control devices used to trap sediment. This thesis studies the relationship of straw wattles on slope stability through a case study demonstrating their use on steep slopes (1.5H:1V) for the US20 highway realignment project. Several surficial slope failures have occurred on these fill slopes, often bracketed by straw wattles, which were hypothesized to contribute to the slope failures. To date, little is known about straw wattle placement and its effect on surficial slope stability. Prior studies have evaluated slope stability against slope height, slope angle, vegetation, rainfall, and other variables but have not assessed the influence of straw wattle placement on surficial stability. Several laboratory tests were performed to characterize the fill soil and the straw wattles for numerical modeling and evaluation. Straw wattles were shown to quickly absorb a substantial amount of water (a water content of 400% within 15 minutes) and require a substantial amount of time to dry (several days at high temperatures). Several modeling scenarios were run (varying the slope angle, slope height, straw wattle spacing and climate condition) to determine the overall effect of straw wattles on deep and surficial slope stability. Overall, straw wattles were shown to have no significant effect on surficial slope stability, particularly compared to modeling uncertainty and soil variability. Of the 366 models run, 26% showed a change in factor of safety (0.006 on average) against surficial slope failure when straw wattle spacing was increased. Over half of the 26% showed a decrease in factor of safety. Other influencing factors such as slope angle, ground water elevation and environmental conditions have a much more significant impact on slope stability. The slopes themselves were found to have a low factor of safety (≤1, at the limit of equilibrium) against surficial slope failures and a reasonable factor of safety (>1.5) against deeper failures, regardless of straw wattle spacing. Investigations using 3D laser scanning verified that straw wattles were installed along the same slope contours, therefore, not allowing water to pond behind the straw wattle and decrease the factor of safety against surficial slope failure

Effects of Short-Term Training of Community-Dwelling Elderly with Modular Interactive Tiles

Objective: The objective of this study is to test for the increased mobility, agility, balancing, and general fitness of community-dwelling elderly individuals as a result of short-term training involving playing with modular interactive tiles (Entertainment Robotics, Odense, Denmark) at two community activity centers for the elderly. Three different tests from the Senior Fitness Test were used in order to test a variety of health parameters of the community-dwelling elderly, including those parameters related to fall prevention. Materials and Methods: Eighteen community-dwelling elderly individuals (63–95 years of age; mean, 83.2 years of age) were assessed in one intervention group without the use of a control group. The intervention group performed nine group sessions (1–1.5 hours each) of playful training with the modular interactive tiles over a 12-week period in two community activity centers for the elderly. Data were collected using pre-tests and post-tests of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the 8-foot Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and the Chair-Stand Test (CS). Data were analyzed for statistically significant differences and increases of means. Results: The 6MWT, TUG, and CS measurements showed statistically significant differences and increases of means between the pre-tests and post-tests with the 6MWT (P<0.001) (means difference, 22.4 percent), TUG (P<0.001) (means difference, 15 percent), and CS (P<0.002) (means difference, 14 percent). Fifty-six percent of the elderly progressed from one health risk level to a better level, according to the three tests. Conclusions: Statistically significant increases in scores were found across all tests, suggesting an improvement of many different health parameters for the elderly. Well-established research has shown the relationship between such test scores and fall incidents, balancing, mobility, agility, etc. This significant improvement in the health status of the elderly is obtained in as few as nine training sessions over a 12-week period of “playing” exergames with the modular interactive tiles

Long PHILOS plate fixation in a series of humeral fractures

Aim: The purpose of the article is to highlight a specific fracture pattern encountered by us in the osteoporotic upper humerus. We present our results of management of such metadiaphyseal fractures of the upper humerus with less invasive plating. The additional steps taken to improve final outcome and the reasoning behind each are discussed. Patients and methods: In our department, a total of 13 fractures (in 12 patients) were managed for a metadiaphyseal fracture of the upper humerus between 2010 and 2013. There were 2 males and 10 females. The average age in the cohort was 74.3 (52-95) years. In 9 fractures, the fracture line was extending above the surgical neck. All patients were managed with a locking compression plate (long PHILOS or LCP) using two approach windows (proximal deltopectoral and a distal anterior or lateral). Patients were evaluated for clinical outcome using the Quick DASH score and assessed for radiological union, complications or re-operations retrospectively. Results: The mean follow-up was 14.3months (4-36). All fractures were united, and there was no evidence of avascular necrosis or non-union. Two patients showed varus collapse of the anatomical head of which one patient needed change of screws at 12weeks from index surgery. In patients, when a distal lateral window was used, 2 patients out of 4 had radial nerve palsy post-operatively. In the rest, when the plate was twisted by 45° to allow anterior placement using the brachialis split, none had radial nerve injury. Conclusion: The osteoporotic bone failingunder a low-energy mechanism seemed to dictate this fracture pattern. The fracture is either a bending wedge or a long spiral with or without a large butterfly and often extends into the humeral head. The fractures are better managed surgically, a primary reduction allowing contact of fragments is essential, and using an anterior window distally with a 45° contoured plate will achieve good plate placement as well as decreases the risk of radial nerve injury considerably compared to total lateral plate positioning

Perceptions and experiences of frailty interventions:quantitative and qualitative results from a survey of partners within the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA)

The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA) was launched by the European Commission in 2011 to promote innovation in ageing research. This paper explores the experiences of partners delivering frailty interventions within Europe, registering their programmes with the EIP-AHA. Data were collected using an online survey from 21 partners in seven countries. A mixed-method approach was used with inductive thematic analysis of free-text responses to improve data richness. Responses indicated that there was a lack of consistency between EIP-AHA partners in methods of defining, screening and measuring for frailty and pre-frailty. Open responses to survey questions about intervention facilitators, moderators and barriers were coded into two themes: working with stakeholders and project management. We concluded that EIP-AHA partners are providing interventions addressing physical, cognitive and wellbeing elements of frailty. However, there needs to be an increase in the proportion of interventions that consistently apply valid methods of screening and/or measuring frailty and pre-frailty. Most, but not all projects are targeting pre-frail older adults, suggesting an appropriate balance of prevention in a useful ‘intervention window’ but also a growing understanding that frailty at later stages is amenable to intervention. Findings suggest design manipulations to improve outcomes and adherence to interventions, specifically inclusion of a perceived benefit/reward for older adults, e.g. a social aspect or health-care promotion