Sequential Procedure Research Articles

Impact of hydrochar in stabilization/solidification of heavy metal-contaminated soil with Portland cement.

Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) using Portland cement is a common soil remediation technique for heavy metal-contaminated sites. However, due to the hindrance of cement hydration by heavy metals (HMs) and the high CO2 emissions from cement production, efforts have been made to reduce cement consumption. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) present an efficient alternative for this purpose. This study investigates the impact of hydrochar and modified hydrochar as SCMs for remediating soils contaminated with Zn, Pb, and Cd. Forty treated soil samples were evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH, Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and sequential extraction procedure (SEP) tests, and statistical analysis was conducted to assess the effects of binder content, hydrochar dosage, and hydrochar type. Results show that substituting cement with hydrochar or modified hydrochar reduces UCS by 10-40%, with hydrochar having a greater negative impact than modified hydrochar. pH values ranged from 6.98 to 12.64, facilitating HMs precipitation. In heavily contaminated samples, hydrochar or modified hydrochars significantly decreased the Zn, Pb, and Cd TCLP values by 55%, 63%, and 50%, respectively. In moderately contaminated samples, the reduction was slight for Zn and Pb, with no significant change for Cd. SEP test results indicated that hydrochar or modified hydrochar in cement improves the transformation of the acid-soluble fraction to the residual fraction of Zn and Pb, but not for Cd-contaminated soil samples. Overall, these findings suggest that incorporating hydrochar or modified hydrochar as SCMs in cement contributes to reducing cement usage and CO2 emissions while enhancing the stabilization efficiency of certain heavy metals in contaminated soils.

SQSTS: A sequential procedure for estimating steady-state quantiles using standardized time series

ABSTRACT We develop and evaluate SQSTS, an automated sequential procedure for computing confidence intervals (CIs) for steady-state quantiles based on the simulation analysis methods of standardized time series (STS), batching, and sectioning. Using recent theoretical developments for STS-based quantile estimation in dependent sequences, we formulate the key steps in SQSTS for controlling the growth of the batch size on successive iterations of the procedure. The variance parameter associated with the full-sample quantile estimator is estimated by a combination of estimators that are asymptotically independent of each other and the full-sample quantile estimator with increasing batch size and a fixed number of batches. Extensive experimentation revealed that SQSTS performed well compared to its competitors in terms of estimated CI coverage probabilities; and it outperformed those competitors with regard to average sample-size requirements. Finally, we outline an extension of SQSTS for computing individual CIs for a set of selected quantiles.

A Sequential Learning Procedure for Estimating Coefficients in Linear Regression With Applications to Online Sales Examination

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we consider the problem of estimating coefficients in a linear regression model. We propose a sequential learning procedure to determine the sample size for achieving a given small estimation risk, under the widely used Gauss‐Markov setup with independent normal errors. The procedure is proven to enjoy the second‐order efficiency and risk‐efficiency properties, which are validated through Monte Carlo simulation studies. Using e‐commerce data, we implement the procedure to examine the influential factors of online sales.

Soil zinc dynamics over time on applied organics, bacterial inoculant and zinc fertilizers in calcareous soil of southern India

Bioavailability of zinc was impacted by soil properties, externally applied sources, time, and various fractions of zinc. An experiment was conducted to investigate the bioavailable and other zinc fractions in calcareous soil and the efficiency of organic and inorganic sources on bioavailability with the presence and absence of zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB). The sequential extraction procedure followed at every interval of the incubation period for all forms of zinc was studied. Externally added inorganic sources significantly affected all fractions of zinc compared to untreated soils. Among them, ZnSO4 influences all forms of zinc, mainly Ws+Ex (water soluble+exchangeable) and carbonate-bound zinc, whereas Zn-EDTA maintains a high status of bioavailable zinc throughout the experimental period. On the 60th day of incubation, Zn-EDTA and ZnSO4 applied to soil maintained bioavailable zinc content of 3.71 and 2.94 times higher than that of control. Irrespective of sources, the available zinc of Zn fertilizers applied to soils was reduced with an increase in incubation days. Organic and microbial addition effects solely or combined increase the soil zinc content significantly in both fertilized and unfertilized soils. Among two different organic sources, the zinc solubility performance of farmyard manure was higher than that of vermicompost. In untreated soil, residual and carbonate-bound fractions contribute a major portion towards total zinc based on quantity. The bioavailable fraction mainly the Ws+Ex and organically bound fractions were markedly influenced in all treatments.

Sequential Extraction Procedure for Elemental Speciation in Jordanian Oil Shale Ash

Sequential Extraction Procedure for Elemental Speciation in Jordanian Oil Shale Ash

Virtual reality-based simulation improves rotator cuff repair skill: a randomized transfer validity study.

Although virtual reality (VR) simulators have demonstrated their efficiency for basic technical skill training of healthcare professionals, validation for more complex and sequential procedures, especially in arthroscopic surgery, is still warranted. We hypothesized that the VR-based training simulation improves arthroscopic cuff repair skills when transferred to realistic visual and haptic conditions. VR-based training simulation improves arthroscopic cuff repair skills when transferred to realistic visual and haptic conditions. This study is prospective, multicentric and randomized. Thirty orthopedic surgery residents were enrolled in the study and randomized in two groups: VR training (VR+) and no VR training (VR-). Only the VR + group underwent a monthly VR-based training program for rotator cuff repair. The 1 -h VR training sessions were standardized and supervised by the same instructor. After six months, all participants performed a double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedure on a benchtop shoulder model providing realistic visual and haptic conditions with implants. Two independent surgeons with expertise in shoulder repair and blinded to the randomization rated the participants' performance using the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). Demographic characteristics and surgical experience were comparable between the two groups. The ASSET global rating score was higher in the VR + group than in the VR- group (34.4 ± 3.1 and 30.5 ± 5.7, respectively; p = 0.046) and the VR+ group performed the procedure faster than the VR- group (27.3 ± 3.6 vs. 31.7 ± 0.4 minutes, respectively; p = 0,003). This study demonstrated that a monthly VR-based program for 6 months was better than standard peer training alone for mastering a complex and sequential rotator cuff repair when using the validated ASSET Score. Overall, nonspecific arthroscopic skills were also higher in the VR + group. II, therapeutic study.

Sequential oxidation procedures with KMnO4: Component characteristics of labile reducing capacity fractions in anaerobic sediments

Reducing substances are a mixture of different forms and types and play extremely important roles in manipulating the redox status of sediments, benthic habitats, and substance exchanges at the sediment-water interface in aquatic ecosystems. However, little is known about their abundance, forms, and reducibility in sediments. In this study, the procedures were developed to sequentially fractionate sediment reducing capacity (RC) fractions with the pH dependence of KMnO4 oxidability. The procedures were then applied to 60 sediments from 2 lakes and 3 reservoirs, generating an RCpH7.0 fraction (oxidized at ~0.48 V [reference: SHE]) and an RCpH2.0 fraction (oxidized at ~0.95 V [reference: SHE]), and the component of each fraction was characterized. The RCpH7.0 fraction amounted to 45.4 ± 25.9 cmol e−·kg−1 DW, and the RCpH2.0 fraction amounted to 42.8 ± 22.9 cmol e−·kg−1 DW; fraction sizes depended greatly on sediment origin. Reducing organic substances (ROS) were the main contributors to the RC fractions, with mean value of 30.0 ± 24.1 and 38.5 ± 22.2 cmol e−·kg−1 DW in RCpH7.0 (% contribution: 68.0 ± 5.3 % of RCpH7.0) and RCpH2.0 (90.0 ± 1.5 % of RCpH2.0), respectively. The next contributor was Fe(II), with mean value of 13.5 ± 8.2 and 3.8 ± 3.7 cmol e−·kg−1 DW in RCpH7.0 (28.3 ± 5.2 %) and in RCpH2.0 (9.9 ± 8.6 %), respectively. The smallest component was sulfide (Sn), which had a mean of 2.0 ± 3.1 cmol e−·kg−1 DW in RCpH7.0 and was essentially negligible in RCpH2.0. The number of electrons lost per mole of reducing substances (Ni) differed between the two RC fractions and among sediments of different origins. NROS was lower in the RCpH7.0 fraction (0.22 ± 0.09) compared to the RCpH2.0 fraction (0.31 ± 0.12) and significantly related to levels of active Fe(III) and sulfides (Sn) (p < 0.05). The opposite pattern was seen for NFe(II) and NSn. Based on the compositive reducing capacity (CRC) for the RCpH7.0 fraction, sediment redox status could be classified as ROS-Fe(II) (3.8 ± 1.7 cmol e−·kg−1 DW) or ROS-Sn (10.1 ± 4.8 cmol e−·kg−1 DW) (weaker vs. stronger, respectively; p < 0.01). The RC-based index provides a more comprehensive perspective on characterizing sediment redox status compared to the Eh.

Geochemical Characteristics and Environmental Risks of Cu in the Soil of A Sloping Vineyard (Phu Tho Province, Vietnam)

In the vineyards, the intensive use of cupric fungicides and fertilizers has resulted in Cu enrichment in the soils. Specifically, in sloping vineyards, the mobility of Cu can contribute to intensify the environmental risks. The research on geochemical characteristics of Cu is a key solution to explore the distribution of Cu in different geochemical fractions and understand the mobility and toxicity of this element in the environment. In this study, we aim to investigate the geochemical properties of Cu in the vineyard topsoil (0-20 cm) and subsoil (20-40-60 cm), using the improved three-step sequential extraction procedure developed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR). In addition, the environmental risk is calculated by the environmental risk code (RAC) based on the percentage of Cu in the acid-soluble fraction. The results reveal that the mobility of Cu in the acid-soluble fraction (F1) and reducible fraction (Cu associated with the iron and manganese oxyhydroxides) (F2) tends to decrease with increasing soil depth. The major portion of Cu mostly exists in the strong bond with silicate clays (F4), accounting for 84% of total Cu content on average. Contrarily, the minor propotion of Cu associates with soil organic matter (F3) (3% on average). On the other hand, the content and proportion of Cu in the soil fractions are largerly influenced by basic soil properties (organic matter contents and fine soil particles). In addition, under the impact of soil erosion, higher percentages of F1 and F2 fractions of Cu are observed in the surface soil layers at the top of the hill compared to those at the backslope of the hill. The mean calculated RAC of 10.66%, 5.76%, and 5.38% for the 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm soil layers, respectively, demonstrate a low risk to medium environmental risk level in the studied vineyard. Although an overall low risk level is observed for Cu in the studied vineyard soil, the deposition of Cu originating from repeated Cu-based pesticides and erosion is of particular concern in the vineyard soils.

Cataract surgery with endothelial keratoplasty.

This review aims to provide an updated summary of the combined approach of cataract surgery with endothelial keratoplasty (EK), addressing key considerations, including intraocular lens (IOL) choice and calculation, decision between sequential and triple EK, and modifications in surgical techniques and postoperative management. Advances in imaging techniques (Scheimpflug tomography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography) have improved the ability to detect subclinical corneal edema, aiding in surgical decision-making for EK. Recent studies comparing sequential and triple-EK indicate that both methods yield similar visual outcomes. Though triple-EK offers quicker recovery, it may have higher complication rates. The use of gases like SF6 and C3F8 for anterior chamber tamponade is evolving, with conflicting findings on their efficacy in preventing graft detachment. Furthermore, IOL selection remains crucial, as hyperopic refractive surprises are common, and hydrophilic lenses should be avoided owing to the risk of opacification after EK. The combination of cataract surgery with EK has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with corneal endothelial diseases and cataract. Careful preoperative evaluation, appropriate IOL selection, and advances in surgical techniques contribute to better outcomes, although patient-specific factors must guide the choice between sequential and triple-EK procedures.

Coupling mechanism of trace elements and maceral in medium and high sulphur coal in the Jurassic terrestrial environment of Zhongyuan mine in the Hengshan mining area and adjacent areas

ABSTRACT Considering the urgency of resource utilization and environmental protection, the geochemistry of anomalous trace transition metal elements in coal formed in terrestrial environments has been studied using methods such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry analysis, electron probe micro-area analysis, sequential chemical extraction procedures, and correlation analysis. The results indicate that minerals in the coal samples included pyrite, kaolinite, quartz, dolomite, calcite, and celestite. Furthermore, compared with the average values of coals in China and the upper continental crust, the coal samples were rich in transition metal trace elements such as Ni, Cr, and Sr and were deficient in Be, Cd, Cu, Co, Ga, Mo, Sb, Tl, V, Zn, and Ti. We found that Ni preferentially occurred in the organic matter over minerals, while Cr primarily bonded with sulfide minerals and to a lesser extent with the iron-manganese oxide minerals. Sr had a low correlation with organic matter but adhered to clay minerals and celestite. Ni enrichment in coal samples was the result of terrigenous input, while the Cr enrichment was related to intrusion of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. Sr enrichment was caused by the presence of SO4 2- in the terrigenous debris and the influence of Sr-rich water underground.

On mitigating reactive jamming with dynamic resource allocation in optical IRS and UAV-assisted FSO-based networks

Free space optics (FSO) offers a promising opportunity to enhance next-generation network’s capacity with its unlicensed spectrum and wide bandwidth. However, jamming attacks, coupled with inherent anomalies in the FSO-based channel, threaten the performance of these networks. This is especially problematic for security-sensitive applications that demand a resilient communication infrastructure. To address this issue, optical intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide promising solutions. This work introduces an efficient approach for mirror element assignment in UAV-assisted FSO-based networks, aimed at mitigating reactive jamming attacks while satisfying users’ quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. To ensure network reliability, we formulate an optimization problem that enhances overall network performance by simultaneously allocating resources such as mirror elements with awareness of jamming attacks. The formulated optimization problem is a binary linear programming problem, which is generally NP-hard. To address this, we introduce a batch-based sequential fixing linear programming procedure called the Reactive Jamming-Aware Mirror Element Allocation (RJA-MEA) scheme. This scheme optimally assigns mirror elements to satisfy the users’ rate demands. In this paper, the performance of the RJA-MEA scheme is compared with reference schemes such as Reactive Jamming Unaware-Mirror Element Allocation (RJU-MEA), Reactive Jamming-Aware Equal Mirror Element Allocation (RJA-EMEA), and Reactive Jamming Unaware-Equal Mirror Element Allocation (RJU-EMEA) schemes. The simulation results reveal that the proposed RJA-MEA scheme surpasses existing reference schemes, thereby significantly improving the overall network sumrate performance.

Group sequential testing of a treatment effect using a surrogate marker.

The identification of surrogate markers is motivated by their potential to make decisions sooner about a treatment effect. However, few methods have been developed to actually use a surrogate marker to test for a treatment effect in a future study. Most existing methods consider combining surrogate marker and primary outcome information to test for a treatment effect, rely on fully parametric methods where strict parametric assumptions are made about the relationship between the surrogate and the outcome, and/or assume the surrogate marker is measured at only a single time point. Recent work has proposed a nonparametric test for a treatment effect using only surrogate marker information measured at a single time point by borrowing information learned from a prior study where both the surrogate and primary outcome were measured. In this paper, we utilize this nonparametric test and propose group sequential procedures that allow for early stopping of treatment effect testing in a setting where the surrogate marker is measured repeatedly over time. We derive the properties of the correlated surrogate-based nonparametric test statistics at multiple time points and compute stopping boundaries that allow for early stopping for a significant treatment effect, or for futility. We examine the performance of our proposed test using a simulation study and illustrate the method using data from two distinct AIDS clinical trials.

Unleashing the Power of Domino Reactions on Carbohydrates: State of the Art

AbstractThe intricate nature of carbohydrate structures has prompted the scientific community to seek efficient protocols for their manipulation. Lengthy synthetic pathways, often necessary to achieve complex sugar structures, pose challenges not only in terms of time and cost but also regarding environmental sustainability. Consequently, domino transformations serve as valuable tools in streamlining drug discovery processes. Sequential procedures involving fewer steps and minimal isolation/purification steps are particularly appealing to organic chemists in the field of carbohydrate chemistry. This review highlights several examples of domino transformations applied to carbohydrates, aiming to summarize their chemical potential in delivering sugar‐based compounds with significant applications in the generation of new chemical scaffolds for drug discovery and chemical biology.

Stimulus-Stimulus Versus Stimulus-Valence Learning in Evaluative Conditioning: Insights on the Ecological Conditions of Unconditioned Stimulus Revaluation Effects

Previous research into the influence of postconditioning revaluation of unconditioned stimuli (USs) on evaluative conditioning (EC) effects produced inconsistent results. One potential factor determining the sensitivity of EC to US revaluation is whether conditioned stimuli (CSs) get linked to valence (stimulus-valence learning) or the specific USs (stimulus-stimulus learning). The present research tested the ecological conditions of stimulus-valence learning and thereby US revaluation. In a sequential procedure, Experiment 1 paired CSs with either different USs of the same valence (one-to-many pairings) or the same US repeatedly (one-to-one pairings). Although EC effects were equally large, US revaluation effects and memory for CS-US pairings were reduced for one-to-many compared to one-to-one pairings. Experiments 2 and 3 presented one-to-many pairings in a forward versus backward manner but found the two versions of a sequential pairing procedure equally effective in inducing stimulus-valence learning. We present potential learning mechanisms underlying the outcomes and discuss approaches to their investigation.

Bayesian feedback in the framework of ecological sciences

In ecological studies, it is not uncommon to encounter scenarios where the same phenomenon (e.g., species occurrence, species abundance) is observed using two different types of samplers. For example, species data can be collected from scientific sampling with a completely random sample pattern, but also from opportunistic sampling (e.g., whale watching from commercial fishing vessels or bird watching from citizen science), where observers tend to look for particular species in areas where they expect to find them.Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are widely used tools for analysing this type of ecological data. In particular, two models are available for the aforementioned data: a geostatistical model (GM) for data collected where the sampling design is not directly related to the observations, and a preferential model (PM) for data obtained from opportunistic sampling.The integration of information from disparate sources can be addressed through the use of expert elicitation and integrated models. This paper focuses on a sequential Bayesian procedure for linking two models by updating prior distributions. The Bayesian paradigm is implemented together with the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) methodology, which is an effective approach for making inference and predictions in spatial models with high performance and low computational cost. This sequential approach has been evaluated through the simulation of various scenarios and the subsequent comparison of the results from sharing information between models using a variety of criteria. The procedure has also been exemplified on a real dataset.The primary findings indicate that, in general, it is preferable to transfer information from the independent (with a completely random sampling) model to the preferential model rather than in the alternative direction. However, this depends on several factors, including the spatial range and the spatial arrangement of the sampling locations.

Short-Cycle Autoclave Sterilization of Instruments in Same-Day Ophthalmic Surgeries

What Is the Issue? The volume of ophthalmic surgeries is increasingly high, with cataract surgery being 1 of the most performed surgeries in Canada. Infections following ophthalmic surgeries, while rare, can cause severe complications that may lead to irreversible vision loss. Reducing postsurgery infections is a high priority in clinical practice. Running a full wrapped, terminal steam sterilization cycle for ophthalmic instruments in autoclaves may be inefficient for ophthalmic surgeries and may cause unnecessary heavy economic and environmental burdens due to high surgical volumes. Using instruments sterilized on a short cycle between sequential same-day ophthalmic surgeries may help improve efficiency and reduce resources used. These instruments are generally processed using autoclaves (i.e., steam sterilizers); the effectiveness of a shorter-cycle method of sterilization is unclear. What Did We Do? To inform decisions regarding the use of autoclaves for short-cycle sterilization for sequential same-day instrument use in ophthalmic surgery, we sought to identify and summarize evidence comparing this method to full-cycle sterilization of wrapped instruments and identify any relevant recommendations. We searched key resources, including journal citation databases, and conducted a focused internet search for relevant evidence published since 2012. One reviewer screened articles for inclusion based on predefined criteria. What Did We Find? In a laboratory setting to simulate sequential same-day procedures, short-cycle sterilization with interrupted dry time for unwrapped ophthalmic instruments is feasibly as effective as full-cycle sterilization for wrapped instruments using the STATIM autoclave. Similarly, short-cycle sterilization with interrupted dry time for contained ophthalmic instruments is feasibly as effective as full-cycle sterilization for contained instruments using the AMSCO autoclave. For sequential same-day ophthalmic procedures, wet instruments sterilized by a short-cycle process with an interrupted dry time can remain sterile for at least 3 minutes if kept in a covered sterilizer containment device. One guideline recommends that wrapped or unwrapped ophthalmic instruments sterilized by a short-cycle process without full drying should be stored in a covered containment device until retrieved by staff wearing sterile gloves and gowns in the operating room for the subsequent surgery after a short delay. Phaco handpieces should be immediately primed with a balanced salt solution and remain wet as they sit on the sterile instrument table. We did not identify any clinical setting evidence from studies or autoclave manufacturers. It is unclear if clinical outcomes differ between patients undergoing sequential same-day ophthalmic surgeries using short-cycle sterilized instruments and those undergoing surgery using full-cycle sterilized instruments. What Does This Mean? Preliminary laboratory evidence and guideline recommendations supporting the use of autoclaves for short-cycle sterilization of instruments for sequential same-day ophthalmic surgeries are available. However, there is no clinical effectiveness evidence available on this process in patient settings. Future research is necessary to understand the clinical safety of using instruments sterilized by short cycles for sequential same-day use for patients undergoing ophthalmic surgeries. In addition to the evidence and recommendations identified, other factors, such as environmental influence, may be useful considerations when making decisions about short-cycle sterilization for sequential same-day instrument use for ophthalmic surgery.

Enhancing the stability of soil contaminated with fluoride through the utilization of pristine and aluminium-impregnated biochar: a comprehensive mechanistic approach.

The effect of trivalent metal-modified biochar on the stability and mitigation of fluoride ions (F-) in contaminated soils remains largely unexplored, despite biochar's extensive application in F--contaminated soil. The mineral metal-modified biochar has the potential to serve as an efficient solution for soil contaminated with F-. In this study, pristine-pinecone biochar (P-BC) and AlCl3-modified pinecone biochar (A-BC) were synthesized and then utilized to remediate the soil that had been contaminated with F-. Both P-BC and A-BC efficiently immobilized F- within the contaminated soil. Further examinations through sequential extraction procedure and subsequent analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and elemental dot mapping demonstrated a transformation of F- into a more stable state by A-BC treatment of the contaminated soil. This implies that A-BC may possess the capacity to function as an efficient ameliorant for immobilizing F- within the soil.

Dispersive analysis of excited glueball states

Abstract Motivated by the determination for the spin-parity quantum numbers of the $X(2370)$ meson at BESIII, we extend our dispersive analysis on hadronic ground states to excited states. The idea is to start with the dispersion relation which a correlation function obeys, and subtract the known ground-state contribution from the involved spectral density. Solving the resultant dispersion relation as an inverse problem with available operator-product-expansion inputs, we extract excited-state masses from the subtracted spectral density. This formalism is verified by means of the application to the series of $\rho$ resonances, which establishes the $\rho(770)$, $\rho(1450)$ and $\rho(1700)$ mesons one by one under the sequential subtraction procedure. Our previous study has suggested the admixture of the $f_0(1370)$, $f_0(1500)$ and $f_0(1710)$ mesons (the $\eta(1760)$ meson) to be the lightest scalar (pseudoscalar) glueball. The present work predicts that the $f_0(2200)$ ($X(2370)$) meson is the first excited scalar (pseudoscalar) glueball.

Knowledge‐Guided Automated Cartographic Generalization Process Construction: A Case Study Based on Map Analysis of Public Maps of China

ABSTRACTThe efficacy of conveying information through maps heavily depends on the quality of map generalization. However, automating map generalization poses a complex decision‐making challenge, requiring a profound understanding of the process—specifically, knowledge about the generalization procedure. Currently, there is a scarcity of research on the sequence of generalization operations, particularly for cartographic generalization involving symbolization and labeling. On the contrary, customary maps generated in practical applications consistently adhere to the specified generalization and symbolization protocol, which makes it feasible and credible to construct this overall process based on expert knowledge. To reconcile this incongruity, this paper presents a knowledge‐guided automated cartographic generalization process construction. Firstly, an exhaustive examination of the sequential procedures involved in manual generalization and a well‐applied automated generalization system are delineated, drawing upon map analysis methodologies, observations, and expert interviews. Then, elaborate guidelines governing each phase within this process, particularly concerning the symbolization and labeling of map features, are explored. Ultimately, details of the expert interview are described and a map generalized by the well‐applied system is analyzed. The results show that the automated generalization system follows the knowledge‐guided process in this paper can significantly improve production efficiency in practice, this study serves as a connection between cartographers and developers and may help achieve a higher level of automated cartographic generalization.

Sequential label shift detection in classification data: An application to dengue fever.

Classifiers have been developed to help diagnose dengue fever in patients presenting with febrile symptoms. However, classifier predictions often rely on the assumption that new observations come from the same distribution as training data. If the population prevalence of dengue changes, as would happen with a dengue outbreak, it is important to raise an alarm as soon as possible, so that appropriate public health measures can be taken and also so that the classifier can be re-calibrated. In this paper, we consider the problem of detecting such a change in distribution in sequentially-observed, unlabeled classification data. We focus on label shift changes to the distribution, where the class priors shift but the class conditional distributions remain unchanged. We reduce this problem to the problem of detecting a change in the one-dimensional classifier scores, leading to simple nonparametric sequential changepoint detection procedures. Our procedures leverage classifier training data to estimate the detection statistic, and converge to their parametric counterparts in the size of the training data. In simulated outbreaks with real dengue data, we show that our method outperforms other detection procedures in this label shift setting.