Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Modeling in Disease Mapping

Spatio-temporal models are valuable tools for disease mapping and understanding the geographical distribution of diseases and temporal dynamics. Spatio-temporal models have been proven empirically to be very complex and this complexity has led many to oversimply and model the spatial and temporal dependencies independently. Unlike common practice, this study formulated a new spatio-temporal model in a Bayesian hierarchical framework that accounts for spatial and temporal dependencies jointly. The spatial and temporal dependencies were dynamically modelled via the matern exponential covariance function. The temporal aspect was captured by the parameters of the exponential with a first-order autoregressive structure. Inferences about the parameters were obtained via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques and the spatio-temporal maps were obtained by mapping stable posterior means from the specific location and time from the best model that includes the significant risk factors. The model formulated was fitted to both simulation data and Kenya meningitis incidence data from 2013 to 2019 along with two covariates;Gross County Product (GCP) and average rainfall. The study found that both average rainfall and GCP had a significant positive association with meningitis occurrence. Also, regarding geographical distribution, the spatio-temporal maps showed that meningitis is not evenly distributed across the country as some counties reported a high number of cases compared with other counties.

Human wetland dependency and socio-economic evaluation of wetland functions through participatory approach in rural India

Wetlands are an important source of natural resources upon which rural economies depend. They have increasingly been valuable for their goods and services, and the intrinsic ecological value they provide to local populations, as well as people living outside the periphery of the wetlands. Stakeholders＇ participation is essential to the protection and preservation of wetlands because it plays a very important role economically as well as ecologically in the wetland system. The objective of this study was to determine whether gender, educational status, mouzas （which are constituents of a block according to the land reform of the West Bengal Government in India）, and wetland functions have any influence on the annual income of the local community. Considering a floodplain wetland in rural India, the focus was extended to recognize the pattern of wetland functions according to the nature of people＇s involvement through cluster analysis of the male and female populations. Using the statistical software R-2.8.1, an ANOVA （analysis of variance） table was constructed. Since the p value （significance level） was lower than 0.05 for each case, it can be concluded that gender, educational status, mouzas, and wetland functions have a significant influence on annual income. However, S-PLUS-2000 was applied to obtain a complete scenario of the pattern of wetland functions, in terms of involvement of males and females, through cluster analysis. The main conclusion is that gender, educational status, mouzas, and wetland functions have significant impacts on annual income, while the pattern of occupation of the local community based on wetland functions is completely different for the male and female populations.

Inverse Spectral Problem for Sturm-Liouville Operator with Boundary and Jump Conditions Dependent on the Spectral Parameter

In this paper, the inverse spectral problem of Sturm-Liouville operator with boundary conditions and jump conditions dependent on the spectral parameter is investigated. Firstly, the self-adjointness of the problem and the eigenvalue properties are given, then the asymptotic formulas of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are presented. Finally, the uniqueness theorems of the corresponding inverse problems are given by Weyl function theory and inverse spectral data approach.

Dose-dependent Cardiac Dysfunction and Structural Damage in Rats after Shortwave Radiation

Objective To detect the effects of shortwave radiation on dose-dependent cardiac structure and function in rats after radiation and to elucidate the mechanism of shortwave radiation induced cardiac injury to identify sensitive indicators and prophylactic treatment.Methods One hundred Wistar rats were either exposed to 27 MHz continuous shortwave at a power density of 5,10,and 30 mW/cm^2 for 6 min or undergone sham exposure for the control(the rats had to be placed in the exposure system with the same schedules as the exposed animals,but with an inactive antenna).The Ca^2+,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(AST),creatine kinase(CK)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)content in the peripheral serum of the rats were detected by an automatic blood biochemical analyser.The electrocardiogram(ECG)of standard lead II was recorded by a multi-channel physiological recording and analysis system.The cardiac structure of rats was observed by light and electron microscopy.Results The results showed that the 5,10,and 30 mW/cm^2 shortwave radiation caused a significant increased in the levels of Ca2+,AST,CK,and LDH in the peripheral serum of rats.The cardiac structure was damaged by radiation and showed a disordered arrangement of myocardial fibres,the cavitation and swelling of myocardial mitochondria.These injuries were most significant 7 d after radiation and were not restored until 28 d after radiation.Conclusion Shortwave radiation of 5,10,and 30 mW/cm^2 can damage rat cardiac function,including damage to the tissue structure and ultrastructure,especially at the level of the myocardial fibres and mitochondria.Shortwave radiation at 5,10,and 30 mW/cm^2 induced damage to rat heart function and structure with a dose-effect relationship,i.e.,the greater the radiation dose was,the more significant the damage was.

ON THE EXPECTED DISCOUNTED PENALTY FUNCTION IN A MARKOV-DEPENDENT RISK MODEL WITH CONSTANT DIVIDEND BARRIER

This article considers a Markov-dependent risk model with a constant dividend barrier. A system of integro-differential equations with boundary conditions satisfied by the expected discounted penalty function, with given initial environment state, is derived and solved. Explicit formulas for the discounted penalty function are obtained when the initial surplus is zero or when all the claim amount distributions are from rational family. In two state model, numerical illustrations with exponential claim amounts are given.

The derivative-dependent functional variable separation for the evolution equations

This paper studies variable separation of the evolution equations via the generalized conditional symmetry. To illustrate, we classify the extended nonlinear wave equation utt = A（u, ux）uxx＋B（u, ux, ut） which admits the derivative- dependent functional separable solutions （DDFSSs）. We also extend the concept of the DDFSS to cover other variable separation approaches.

Emotion processing in Parkinson's disease: a blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are the major symptoms of the disease. These motor impairments are often accompanied by affective and emotional dysfunctions which have been largely studied over the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional processing organization in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease and to explore whether there are differences between recognition of different types of emotions in Parkinson's disease. We examined 18 patients with Parkinson's disease(8 men, 10 women) with no history of neurological or psychiatric comorbidities. All these patients underwent identical brain blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging for emotion evaluation. Blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging results revealed that the occipito-temporal cortices, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and parietal cortex which are involved in emotion processing, were activated during the functional control. Additionally, positive emotions activate larger volumes of the same anatomical entities than neutral and negative emotions. Results also revealed that Parkinson's disease associated with emotional disorders are increasingly recognized as disabling as classic motor symptoms. These findings help clinical physicians to recognize the emotional dysfunction of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Stability Analysis of T-S Fuzzy Control Systems Based on Parameter-dependent Lyapunov Function

For discrete-time T-S fuzzy systems, the stability and controller design method are in-vestigated based on parameter-dependent Lyapunov function (PDLF). T-S fuzzy systems di?er fromnon-fuzzy systems with polytopic description or multi-model description in that the weighting coef-ficients have respective meanings. They, however, have stability aspect in common. By adopting astability condition for polytopic systems obtained via PDLF, and combining the properties of T-Sfuzzy systems, new results are given in this paper. An example shows that by applying the newresults, the stability conditions that can be distinguished are less conservative.

An Optimized Approach for Extracting Approximate Functional Dependencies in XML Documents

In this paper, the definition of approximate XFDs based on value equality is proposed. Two metrics, sup port and strength, are presented for measuring the degree of approximate XFD. A basic algorithm is designed for extracting minimal set of approximate XFDs, and then two optimized strategies are proposed to improve the performance. Finally, the experimental results show that the optimized algorithms are correct and effective.

Parameter-dependent Lyapunov functional for systems with multiple time delays

The separation of the Lyapunov matrices and system matrices plays an important role when one uses parameter-dependent Lyapunov functional handling systems with polytopic type uncertainties. The delay-dependent robust stability problem for systems with polytopic type uncertainties is discussed by using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functional. The derivative term in the derivative of Lyapunov functional is reserved and the free weighting matrices are employed to express the relationship between die terms in the system equation such that the Lyapunov matrices are not involved in any product terms with the system matrices. In addition, the relationships between the terms in the Leibniz Newton formula are also described by some free weighting matrices and some delay-dependent stability conditions are derived. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed criteria are more effective than the previous results.

Functional Dependencies and Its Axiom System in XML

According to the analysis of existing complicated functional dependencies constraint, we conclude the conditions of defining functional dependency in XML, and then we introduce the concept of the node value equality. A new path language and a new definition of functional dependencies in XML （XFD） are proposed XFD includes the relative XFD and the absolute XFD, in which absolute key and relative key are the particular cases. We focus on the logical implication and the closure problems, and propose a group of inference rules. Finally, some proofs of the correctness and completeness are given. XFD is powerful on expressing functional dependencies in XML causing data redundancy, and has a complete axiom system.

Survivability Specification Framework for Dependability-Functionality Codesign of ERTS

In ordet to maintain the dependability of system and meet the functional needof users dtsire, this paper introduces a survivability mechanism into embedded real-time system,and proposes a general comprehensive, approach based on a rigorous definition of survivability. Thisapproach permits a trade-off between the function and the cost of system development. It emphasizesthe ultradependable implementation of crucial function without demanding that of entire system.

Sliding mode control of uncertain systems with distributed time-delay: parameter-dependent Lyapunov functional approach

The robust stability and robust sliding mode control problems are studied for a class of linear distributed time-delay systems with polytopic-type uncertainties by applying the parameter-dependent Lyapunov functional approach combining with a new method of introducing some relaxation matrices and tuning parameters, which can be chosen properly to lead to a less conservative result. First, a sufficient condition is proposed for robust stability of the autonomic system; next, the sufficient conditions of the robust stabilization controller and the existence condition of sliding mode are developed. The results are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities （LMIs）, which can be solved via efficient interior-point algorithms. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed design scheme.

Delay-dependent Non-fragile H_∞ Filtering for Uncertain Fuzzy Systems Based on Switching Fuzzy Model and Piecewise Lyapunov Function

This paper is concerned with the non-fragile H∞ filter design problem for uncertain discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno （T-S） fuzzy systems with time delay. To begin with, the T-S fuzzy system is transformed to an equivalent switching fuzzy system. Then, based on the piecewise Lyapunov function and matrix decoupling technique, a new delay-dependent non-fragile H∞ filtering method is proposed for the switching fuzzy system. The proposed condition is less conservative than the previous results. Since only a set of LMIs is involved, the filter parameters can be solved directly. Finally, a design example is provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed method.

Developmental dependence for functional eye regrowth in Xenopus laevis

Introduction：A key challenge in designing tissue repair strategies is knowing whether and how developmental mechanisms are used for successful repair of mature/adult tissues.Although it is known that developmental components are used in repair,it remains mostly unclear which ones are required and whether they act similarly as during development.This issue is further complicated by the fact that it is difficult.

Direction-dependent functions of physical properties for crystals and polycrystals

Some physical properties of crystals differ in direction n because crystal lattices are often anisotropic. A polycrystal is an aggregate of numerous tiny crystallites. Unless the polycrystal is an isotropic aggregate of crystallites, the physical properties of the polycrystal vary with n. The direction-dependent functions （DDF） for crystals and polycrystals are introduced to describe the variations of the physical properties in direction n. Until now there are few papers dealing systematically with relations between the DDF and the crystalline orientation distribution. Herein we give general expressions of the DDF for crystals and polycrystals. We discuss the applications of the DDF in describing the physical properties of crystals and polycrystals.

Relaxed delay-dependent stabilization criteria for discrete-time fuzzy systems based on a switching fuzzy model and piecewise Lyapunov functions

This paper presents delay-dependent stability analysis and controller synthesis methods for discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno （T-S） fuzzy systems with time delays. The T-S fuzzy system is transformed to an equivalent switching fuzzy system. Consequently, the delay-dependent stabilization criteria are derived for the switching fuzzy system based on the piecewise Lyapunov function. The proposed conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities （LMIs）. The interactions among the fuzzy subsystems are considered in each subregion, and accordingly the proposed conditions are less conservative than the previous results. Since only a set of LMIs is involved, the controller design is quite simple and numerically tractable. Finally, a design example is given to show the validity of the proposed method.

A time-dependent density functional theory investigation of plasmon resonances of linear Au atomic chains

We report theoretical studies on the plasmon resonances in linear Au atomic chains by using ab initio time- dependent density functional theory. The dipole responses are investigated each as a function of chain length. They converge into a single resonance in the longitudinal mode but split into two transverse modes. As the chain length increases, the longitudinal plasmon mode is redshifted in energy while the transverse modes shift in the opposite direction （blueshifts）. In addition, the energy gap between the two transverse modes reduces with chain length increasing. We find that there are unique characteristics, different from those of other metallic chains. These characteristics are crucial to atomic-scale engineering of single-molecule sensing, optical spectroscopy, and so on.

Time-dependent density functional theoretical studies on the photo-induced dynamics of an HCI molecule encapsulated in C60 under femtosecond laser pulses

By using first-principles simulations based on time-dependent density functional theory, the chemical reaction of an HCl molecule encapsulated in C60 induced by femtosecond laser pulses is observed. The H atom starts to leave the Cl atom and is reflected by the C60 wall. The coherent nuclear dynamic behaviors of bond breakage and recombination of the HCl molecule occurring in both polarized parallel and perpendicular to the H-Cl bond axis are investigated. The radial oscillation is also found in the two polarization directions of the laser pulse. The relaxation time of the H-Cl bond lengths in transverse polarization is slow in comparison with that in longitudinal polarization. Those results are important for studying the dynamics of the chemical bond at an atomic level.