bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life among dually diagnosed and non-substance-using male schizophrenia outpatients
Authors: Aras Hatice Imer , Yazar Menekşe Sıla , Altınbaş Kürşat
Published: June 2017

Objective. To assess the quality of life (QoL) in an outpatient setting among male patients dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD), and non-substance-using male schizophrenia patients.

Methods. The study was conducted in an outpatient setting with 52 male schizophrenia patients and 49 male schizophrenia patients with SUD comorbidity, who were admitted to Bakirköy Research and Training Hospital between 1 May 2010 and 30 September 2010. The patients had been in remission for a minimum of 6 months. The subjects were re-evaluated for the persistence of the diagnosis by using the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID I) socio-demographic data form, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) were administered to detect the factors affecting diagnostic stability and clinical course.

Results. Schizophrenia patients with no SUD comorbidity had a significantly earlier age of disease onset than the comorbid group. SUD comorbidity in schizophrenia patients leads to increased rates of unemployment and homicidality. WHOQOL-Bref psychological health scores were significantly lower among patients in the comorbidity group. No statistically significant difference was identified between the groups with regard to the PANSS scores.

Conclusions. It is necessary to focus on the treatment challenges for schizophrenia patients with SUD comorbidity, such as the provision of treatment in criminal justice settings, in which a high proportion of such patients are found. 
Association between PNPLA8 gene polymorphism and schizophrenia in male patients
Authors: Yu Qiong , Yu Yaqin , Shi Jieping , Sang Hong
Published: June 2017

Abnormal phospholipid metabolism in the brain plays an important role in neuropsychiatric diseases. Phospholipase A2 is crucial for maintaining normal neuro-physiological function. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms of the membrane-associated calcium-independent phospholipase A2 gamma (PNPLA8) gene and schizophrenia in Han Chinese in north China. The PCR-based ligase detection reaction was applied to detect 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PNPLA8 gene among 201 Chinese pedigrees. The genotypic frequency of the PNPLA8 polymorphisms did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium both in affected offspring and parental groups. Haploid relative risk (HRR) and transmission disequilibrium tests (TDT) showed that the 3 SNPs were not associated with schizophrenia (p>0.05), but further analysis with TDT showed that the rs40876 polymorphism was associated with schizophrenia in males (χ2=4.667, p=0.031). Our data suggest that rs40876 in PNPLA8 may be associated with schizophrenia in males.

 
Better attitudes and mental health for our future
Authors: Van Staden Werdie
Published: June 2017

-
Schizophrenia
Authors: Swingler D
Published: June 2017

Schizophrenia is a major mental disorder that imposes a significant

burden on the individual including poor quality of life

[1]

and increased

morbidity

[2]

and mortality;

[3]

it disrupts interpersonal relationships

and family structures, and has significant economic costs to society.
The burden of untreated mental disorders in KwaZulu-Natal Province – mapping the treatment gap
Authors: Burns Jonathan K
Published: June 2017

Background. Low- and middle-income countries carry the major burden of mental disorders, yet owing to a significant lack of resources, they experience a ‘treatment gap’ in the range of 75 - 85%.

Methods. Epidemiological data on mental disorders in South Africa, national census data and locally developed models for establishing treatment needs were used to calculate expected annual acute admissions and inpatient care, as well as expected annual ambulatory visits in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. These were compared with actual acute admission and inpatient care rates as well as actual ambulatory visits to mental health services in the province, derived from the District Health Information Systems. These comparisons allowed an estimation of the treatment gap for mental disorders in the province.

Results. Approximately 956 000 adults were estimated to live with mental disorders in KZN. Only 19.8% (10 620) of expected admissions (53 623) took place during the one-year reporting period; while the total number of acute inpatient days accounted for 26.1% of the expected number. Average length of stay (ALOS) for acute admissions was longer (21 days) than the expected ALOS (16 days). At the recommended level of 30% coverage, ambulatory visits to mental health facilities accounted for 21% of the expected visits during the one-year period.

Conclusion. In keeping with previous estimates, these results provide evidence that the ‘treatment gap’ for acute inpatient and ambulatory mental healthcare in KZN is ~80%. This rate is similar to the estimated mental health resource gap in the province, suggesting that gross inadequacies in mental health service provision translate directly into major unmet needs for those living with mental disorders.
Features of residency training and psychological distress among residents in a Nigerian teaching hospital
Authors: Esan Oluyomi , Adeoye Adewunmi , Onakoya Paul , Opeodu Olarewalu , Owonikoko Kola , Ogunlana Dare , Bello Mojisola , Adeyemo Akin , Onigbogi Lanre , Idowu Olusola , Akute Tolulope
Published: June 2017

Background. Resident doctors at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, made a series of complaints about inadequate con­sultant supervision, lack of structure in the training programme and excessive workload. These complaints led to an evaluation of residency training. 

Objective. To investigate perceptions of the residency training programme and levels of psychological distress among residents.

Methods. All 250 resident doctors at UCH were invited to complete questionnaires about their residency training and general health as part of a cross-sectional study. Data were analysed using SPSS 16. 

Results. A total of 128 residents (51.2%) responded to the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 72% rated their consultant supervision as good and 82.6% rated support from nurses as good; 61.8% had <5 hours of formal educational activities and 65.1% had <5 hours of research or private study per week. There was evidence of psychological distress in 48.4% of the respondents, and there was a significant association between psychological distress and the intensity of work (p<0.01). 

Conclusion. The residency training programme at UCH appears to prioritise service provision over research and education activities. Residents who report high workloads also have high levels of psychological distress. Tackling these issues could improve overall satisfaction with residency training and reduce complaints. 

 
Kleine-Levin syndrome as a neuropsychiatric presentation: A case report and review
Authors: Lachman Anusha
Published: June 2017

Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder characterised by hypersomnia, hyperphagia and behavioural disturbances. It typically occurs in adolescent men and may mimic a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. Here we report what appears to be the first published case of KLS in South Africa and trace the clinical course, investigations and diagnostic difficulties encountered in the management of this condition. An overview of the literature guiding the diagnosis, differentials and treatment is discussed.
Referral and collaboration between South African psychiatrists and religious or spiritual advisers: Views from some psychiatrists
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Albert Bernard-Repsold , Poggenpoel Marie , Szabo Christopher Paul , Myburgh Chris P H
Published: June 2017

Background. Referral between psychiatrists and spiritual workers (e.g. Christian pastoral care workers, traditional healers, imams, rabbis and others) in the heterogeneous South African (SA) society is complicated and requires investigation to establish appropriate norms. 

Objective. To capture the views of some local psychiatrists on referral and collaboration between SA psychiatrists and religious or spiritual advisers. 

Methods. This explorative qualitative study involved indepth, semistructured interviews with 13 local academic psychiatrists selected through purposive sampling. Each participant had a single interview with the aim of exploring themes related to the referral and collabora­tion process between psychiatrists and spiritual advisers. Theme content analysis of interview transcripts was done. Results for one of the six identified themes are reported; other results are reported elsewhere. 

Results. Within the theme ‘referral and collaboration between psychiatrists and spiritual professionals’, three subthemes were identified: facilitating appropriate referral and intervention for individual users; information sharing and mutual awareness between disciplines; and addressing stigmatisation of users with psychiatric conditions.

Conclusion. Dialogue between psychiatrists and religious or spiritual advisers should be developed on an individual practitioner and facility basis, as well as on an organised basis between representative societies. The process of formalising a relationship between local psychiatrists and different spiritual workers may, however, still have some way to go.
Where there is no psychiatrist: A mental health programme in Sierra Leone
Authors: Alonso Pino , Price Brian , Conteh Abdul R , Valle Carmen , Turay Patrick E , Paton Lourdes , Turay Joseph A
Published: June 2017

Background. For most low- and middle-income countries, mental health remains a neglected area, despite the recognised burden associated with neuropsychiatric conditions and the inextricable link to other public health priorities.

Objectives. To describe the results of a free outpatient mental health programme delivered by non-specialist health workers in Makeni, Sierra Leone between July 2008 and May 2012. 

Methods. A nurse and two counsellors completed an 8-week training course focused on the identification and management of seven priority conditions: psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, mental disorders due to medical conditions, developmental and behavioural disorders, alcohol and drug use disorders, and dementia. The World Health Organization recommendations on basic mental healthcare packages were followed to establish treatment for each condition. 

Results. A total of 549 patients was assessed and diagnosed as suffering from psychotic disorders (n=295, 53.7%), manic episodes (n=69, 12.5%), depressive episodes (n=53, 9.6%), drug use disorders (n=182, 33.1%), dementia (n=30, 5.4%), mental disorders due to medical conditions (n=39, 7.1%), and developmental disorders (n=46, 8.3%). Of these, 417 patients received pharmacological therapy and 70.7% were rated as much or very much improved. Of those who could not be offered medication, 93.4% dropped out of the programme after the first visit. 

Conclusions. The identification and treatment of mental disorders must be considered an urgent public health priority in low- and middle-income countries. Trained primary health workers can deliver safe and effective treatment for mental disorders as a feasible alternative to ease the scarcity of mental health specialists in developing countries.
Frequency and correlates of comorbid psychiatric illness in patients with heroin use disorder admitted to Stikland Opioid Detoxification Unit, South Africa
Authors: Dannatt Lisa , Cloete Karen Jacqueline , Kidd Martin , Weich Lize
Published: June 2017

Background. There is a lack of studies addressing the frequency and correlates of comorbidities among heroin users admitted for treatment in South Africa (SA). Objective. To assess the frequency and correlates of psychiatric comorbidity among patients with heroin use disorder admitted to the Opioid Detoxification Unit at Stikland Hospital in the Western Cape, SA.

Method. Participants (N=141) were assessed for psychiatric illness (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), comorbid substance use disorders (World Health Organization’s Alcohol Smoking Substance Involvement Screening Tool), and legal and social problems (Maudsley Addiction Profile). Demographic, personal, psychiatric and substance-use history, in addition to mental state examination on admission, were collected from the case notes.

Results. The largest group of patients (n=56, 40%) had not been abstinent from heroin use since drug debut, and most had been arrested for drug-related activities (n=117, 83%) and had family conflicts related to use (n=135, 96%). Nicotine was the most common comorbid substance of dependence (n=137, 97%) and methamphetamine was the most common comorbid substance abused (n=73, 52%). The most common comorbid psychiatric illness was previous substance-induced psychosis (n=42, 30%) and current major depressive disorder (n=37, 26%). Current major depressive disorder was significantly associated with females (p=0.03), intravenous drug use (p=0.03), alcohol use (p=0.02), and a higher number of previous rehabilitation attempts (p=0.008).

Conclusion. Patients with heroin use disorders present with high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, which underscores the need for substance treatment services with the capacity to diagnose and manage these comorbidities.
Outcomes of adult heroin users v. abstinent users four years after presenting for heroin detoxification treatment
Authors: Khan Zureida , Cloete Karen Jacqueline , Harvey Justin , Weich Lize
Published: June 2017

Background. There are no studies in South Africa (SA) on the outcomes following detoxification and psychosocial rehabilitation of heroin-dependent patients.

Objective. To compare the demographic, clinical, forensic and treatment data of active heroin users v. users who were abstinent at the time of interview 4 years after attending the Opioid Detoxification Unit at Stikland Hospital in the Western Cape Province, SA. 

Method. Participants included patients above the age of 16 years who had been admitted to the Opioid Detoxification Unit at Stikland Hospital for heroin detoxification between July 2006 and June 2007. Participants were individually interviewed (either in person or tele­phonically) using a structured self-report questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical, forensic and treatment data 4 years following heroin detoxification treatment at this unit. 

Results. Of the participants, 60% were abstinent and a large portion (34%) attributed this to social support. Furthermore, there was a significant (p=0.04) difference in the longest period of abstinence between the past user group and active users, with more participants in the past user group being abstinent for 18 months or longer (n=24, 57%) than in the active users group (n=8, 29%). Active users (n=18, 64%) had significantly (p=0.03) more legal problems than abstinent users (n=14, 33%). Most participants (n=38, 54%) relapsed within 3 months after index detoxification and rehabilitation. 

Conclusion. Active users had more legal problems than abstinent users, with social support structures playing a pivotal role in abstinence. Future research should assess the impact of interventions such as post-discharge social support programmes on criminality and heroin use in those that relapse following treatment.
Positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as correlates of help-seeking behaviour and the duration of untreated psychosis in south-east Nigeria
Authors: Odinka Paul Chigozie , Ndukuba A C , Muomah R C , Oche M , Osika M U , Bakare M O , Agomoh A O , Uwakwe R
Published: June 2017

Background. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been widely recognised in recent years as a potentially important predictor of illness outcome, and the manifestations of schizophrenia have been known to influence its early recognition as a mental illness. 

Objective. To assess the association between the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, help-seeking and DUP. 

Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study of 360 patients with schizophrenia, who had had no previous contact with Western mental health services. The Sociodemographic Questionnaire, World Health Organization Pathway Encounter Form and a questionnaire to establish DUP were used. The positive and negative syndrome scale and Composite International Diagnostic Interview were used for the assessment of mental disorders and to diagnose.

Results. Respondents who had predominant positive symptoms and who had a median DUP of 8 weeks or 24 weeks, tended to use psychiatric hospitals and other Western medical facilities, respectively, as their first treatment options. However, those who had predominant negative symptoms and who had a median DUP of 144 weeks or 310 weeks, tended to use faith healers and traditional healers, respectively, as first treatment options.

Conclusion. The predominance of negative symptoms could militate against early presentation among people with schizophrenia, probably because negative symptoms are poorly recognised as indicating mental illness in Nigeria, as they could be interpreted as deviant behaviour or spiritual problems that would require spiritual solutions.
Sensitivity and specificity of neuropsychological tests for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in a sample of residential elderly in South Africa
Authors: Ramlall Suvira , Chipps Jennifer , Bhigjee Ahmed I , Pillay Basil J
Published: June 2017

Background. Neuropsychological tests can successfully distinguish between healthy elderly persons and those with clinically significant cognitive impairment. 

Objectives. A battery of neuropsychological tests was evaluated for their discrimination validity of cognitive impairment in a group of elderly persons in Durban, South Africa. 

Method. A sample of 117 English-speaking participants of different race groups (9 with dementia, 30 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 78 controls) from a group of residential homes for the elderly was administered a battery of 11 neuropsychological tests. Kruskal-Wallis independent sample tests were used to compare performance of tests in the groups. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests for dementia and MCI were determined using random operating curve (ROC) analysis. 

Results. Most tests were able to discriminate between participants with dementia or MCI, and controls (p<0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) values for dementia v. non-dementia participants ranged from 0.519 for the digit span (forward) to 0.828 for the digit symbol (90 s), with 14 of the 29 test scores achieving significance (p<0.05). AUC values for MCI participants ranged from 0.754 for controlled oral word association test (COWAT) Animal to 0.507 for the Rey complex figure test copy, with 17 of the 29 scores achieving significance (p<0.05). 

Conclusions. Several measures from the neuropsychological battery had discrimination validity for the differential diagnosis of cognitive disturbances in the elderly. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of culture and language on the appropriateness of the tests for different populations.
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A database analysis of South African private health insurance
Authors: Schoeman Renata , De Klerk Manie
Published: June 2017

Background: Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic, costly and debilitating disorder. In South Africa (SA), access to funding for care and treatment of ADHD is limited, and research is lacking.Aim: This study aimed to establish the current situation with regard to the psychiatric management of and funding for treatment of adult ADHD in the private sector in SA.Methods: A diagnostically refined retrospective claims database analysis was conducted. We examined the prevalence, costs and funding profile of claims over a 2-year period for adult beneficiaries with possible ADHD of a large medical administrator in SA.Results: The prevalence of adult ADHD was lower than published international rates. The presence of adult ADHD increased the prevalence of comorbidity and doubled the health care costs of beneficiaries. Contrary to public belief, comorbidities (including their medicine costs) rather than psychiatric services or medicines were the main cost drivers.Conclusion: The current private health insurance funding model for ADHD limits access to funding. This affects early diagnosis and optimal treatment, thereby escalating long-term costs. Improved outcomes are possible if patients suffering from ADHD receive timely and accurate diagnosis, and receive chronic and comprehensive care. Balanced regulation is proposed to minimise the risk to both medical schemes and patients. A collaborative approach between stakeholders is needed to develop an alternative cost-effective funding model to improve access to treatment and quality of life for adults with ADHD in SA.
A rapid appraisal of the status of mental health support in post-rape care services in the Western Cape
Authors: Abrahams Naeemah , Gevers Anik
Published: June 2017

Background: Despite the well-known impact of rape on mental health and the widespread problem of rape in South Africa, mental health services for rape victims are scant and not a priority for acute-phase services. Survivors encounter multiple mental health struggles in this period including adherence to the post-exposure prophylaxis drugs to prevent HIV and finding support from important others. We have little information on what mental health is provided, by whom and how it is integrated into the post-rape package of care.Aim: The aim of the study was to do a rapid appraisal of mental health services for rape survivors to gain a better understanding of the current acute and long-term (secondary) mental health services. Method: We conducted a qualitative study using a rapid assessment with a purposive sample of 14 rape survivors and 43 service providers recruited from post-rape sexual assault services in urban and rural Western Cape Province. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations of survivor sessions with counsellors, nurses and doctors. The data were coded thematically for analysis.Results: Survivors of rape experienced a range of emotional difficulties and presented varying levels of distress and various levels of coping. Receiving support and care from others assisted them, but the poor integration of mental health within post-rape services meant few received formal mental health support or effective referrals. Multiple factors contributed to the poor integration: mental health was not given the same level of priority as other rape services (i.e. clinical care, including forensic management), the inadequate capacity of service providers to provide mental healthcare, including mental health illiteracy, the lack of continuity of care, the poor linkages to ongoing mental healthcare, and the mental health challenges caused by vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.Conclusion: Providing effective, compassionate mental health services should be seen as essential components of post-rape care. The strengthening of support for providers and linkages to ongoing mental healthcare are essential to improve mental health services within acute post-rape services.
Relationship between substance abuse and first-episode psychosis - a South African perspective
Authors: Brink Sandra , Oosthuizen Piet , Emsley Robin , Mbanga Irene , Keyter Natasha
Published: June 2017

Background. Co-morbidity between substance abuse and psy- chotic disorders is high. Few studies have examined therelationship between first-episode psychosis and substance abuse. Several questions emerge from this common relationship and many of them remain unanswered.Objectives. To determine the effect of substance abuse on psychosis in terms of onset, duration, severity of symptoms, use of medication and outcome.Method. Thirty - three subjects with first-episode psychosis, as well as primary caregivers, were interviewed re g a rding substance abuse and its relation to illness. Thirty-six control subjects were also interv i e w e d .Results. Twenty-seven per cent of subjects abused substances in the 3 months before onset of illness, and 77.8% of the abusers w e re male. Subjects in the first-episode psychosis group were m o re likely to choose cannabis as their substance of abuse than c o n t rols. They also started abusing substances at a younger age than controls. Subjects with first-episode psychosis who abused substances presented at an earlier age than non-abusers. Substances affected symptoms at baseline presentation .Conclusions. Substance abuse has a significant impact on first- onset psychosis as far as age of onset and symptom severity are c o n c e rned. Subjects with an underlying vulnerability to psychosis seem to start abusing substances at an earlier age than the general population. Males are more likely to abuse substances than females.
Postpartum mood disorders - a practitioner's guide to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Botha Karien , Oosthuizen Piet
Published: June 2017

No abstract available
Thoughts on the management of undesirability, with relevance to the increasing prison popultion
Authors: Craven S A
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Dry particle generation with a 3-D printed fluidized bed generator
Authors: Roesch Michael , Roesch Carolin , Cziczo Daniel J.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Here we describe the design and testing of PRIZE (PRinted fluidIZed bed gEnerator), a compact fluidized bed aerosol generator manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) printing. Dispersing small quantities of powdered materials – due to either rarity or expense – is challenging due to a lack of small, low-cost dry aerosol generators. With this as motivation, we designed and built a generator that uses a mineral dust or other dry powder sample mixed with bronze beads that sit atop a porous screen. A particle-free airflow is introduced, dispersing the sample as airborne particles. Total particle number concentrations and size distributions were measured during different stages of the assembling process to show that the SLA 3-D printed generator did not generate particles until the mineral dust sample was introduced. Time-series measurements with Arizona Test Dust (ATD) showed stable total particle number concentrations of 10–150 cm−3, depending on the sample mass, from the sub- to super-micrometer size range. Additional tests with collected soil dust samples are also presented. PRIZE is simple to assemble, easy to clean, inexpensive and deployable for laboratory and field studies that require dry particle generation.
Photocatalytic degradation of Dyes in Water by Analytical Reagent Grade Photocatalysts – A comparative study
Authors: Shinde Dnyaneshwar R. , Tambade Popat S. , Chaskar Manohar G. , Gadave Kisan M.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In a search of low cost photocatalyst for dye degradation we have evaluated photocatalytic activity of the Analytical Reagent (AR) grade ZnO, TiO2 and SnO2. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated towards the decolourization of structurally diverse dyes such as crystal violet, basic blue and methyl red under solar irradiation and compared with benchmark Degussa P-25 (TiO2) photocatalyst. The received metal oxides were characterized by the different physicochemical methods of analysis. Powder XRD analysis showed that these metal oxides are polycrystalline in nature and crystallized in different crystalline phases. The crystalline phases of these oxides were found to be hexagonal for ZnO, tetragonal for TiO2 and rutile for SnO2. Particle morphology was analysed through SEM imaging and it showed that these oxides consists of different particle morphologies and have different particle sizes. Band gap was evaluated from diffuse reflectance spectra and it was found to be 3.24, 3.20 and 3.66 eV respectively for ZnO, TiO2 and SnO2. Among the three AR grade oxides, ZnO exhibited highest photocatalytic activity which is even higher than Degussa P-25 (TiO2) photocatalyst. About 20 % enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of AR grade ZnO was observed when silver metal loaded of on ZnO surface.
SIMULATION-BASED EVALUATION OF LIGHT POSTS AND STREET SIGNS AS 3-D GEOLOCATION TARGETS IN SAR IMAGES
Authors: Auer S. , Balss U.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The assignment of phase center positions (in 2D or 3D) derived from SAR data to physical object is challenging for many man-made structures such as buildings or bridges. In contrast, light poles and traffic signs are promising targets for tasks based on 3-D geolocation as they often show a prominent and spatially isolated appearance. For a detailed understanding of the nature of both targets, this paper presents results of a dedicated simulation case study, which is based on ray tracing methods (simulator RaySAR). For the first time, the appearance of the targets is analyzed in 2D (image plane) and 3D space (world coordinates of scene model) and reflecting surfaces are identified for related dominant image pixels. The case studies confirms the crucial impact of spatial resolution in the context of light poles and traffic signs and the appropriateness of light poles as target for 3-D geolocation in case of horizontal ground surfaces beneath.
GEOMETRIC FEATURES AND THEIR RELEVANCE FOR 3D POINT CLOUD CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Weinmann M. , Jutzi B. , Mallet C. , Weinmann M.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In this paper, we focus on the automatic interpretation of 3D point cloud data in terms of associating a class label to each 3D point. While much effort has recently been spent on this research topic, little attention has been paid to the influencing factors that affect the quality of the derived classification results. For this reason, we investigate fundamental influencing factors making geometric features more or less relevant with respect to the classification task. We present a framework which consists of five components addressing point sampling, neighborhood recovery, feature extraction, classification and feature relevance assessment. To analyze the impact of the main influencing factors which are represented by the given point sampling and the selected neighborhood type, we present the results derived with different configurations of our framework for a commonly used benchmark dataset for which a reference labeling with respect to three structural classes (linear structures, planar structures and volumetric structures) as well as a reference labeling with respect to five semantic classes (Wire, Pole/Trunk, Façade, Ground and Vegetation) is available.
EXTRACTING LANE GEOMETRY AND TOPOLOGY INFORMATION FROM VEHICLE FLEET TRAJECTORIES IN COMPLEX URBAN SCENARIOS USING A REVERSIBLE JUMP MCMC METHOD
Authors: Roeth O. , Zaum D. , Brenner C.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Highly automated driving (HAD) requires maps not only of high spatial precision but also of yet unprecedented actuality. Traditionally small highly specialized fleets of measurement vehicles are used to generate such maps. Nevertheless, for achieving city-wide or even nation-wide coverage, automated map update mechanisms based on very large vehicle fleet data gain importance since highly frequent measurements are only to be obtained using such an approach. Furthermore, the processing of imprecise mass data in contrast to few dedicated highly accurate measurements calls for a high degree of automation. We present a method for the generation of lane-accurate road network maps from vehicle trajectory data (GPS or better). Our approach therefore allows for exploiting today’s connected vehicle fleets for the generation of HAD maps. The presented algorithm is based on elementary building blocks which guarantees useful lane models and uses a Reversible Jump Markov chain Monte Carlo method to explore the models parameters in order to reconstruct the one most likely emitting the input data. The approach is applied to a challenging urban real-world scenario of different trajectory accuracy levels and is evaluated against a LIDAR-based ground truth map.
TIMESTAMP OFFSET DETERMINATION BETWEEN AN ACTUATED LASER SCANNER AND ITS CORRESPONDING MOTOR
Authors: Voges R. , Wieghardt C. S. , Wagner B.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Motor actuated 2D laser scanners are key sensors for many robotics applications that need wide ranging but low cost 3D data. There exist many approaches on how to build a 3D laser scanner using this technique, but they often lack proper synchronization for the timestamps of the actuator and the laser scanner. However, to transform the measurement points into three-dimensional space an appropriate synchronization is mandatory. Thus, we propose two different approaches to accomplish the goal of calculating timestamp offsets between laser scanner and motor prior to and after data acquisition. Both approaches use parts of a SLAM algorithm but apply different criteria to find an appropriate solution. While the approach for offset calculation prior to data acquisition exploits the fact that the SLAM algorithm should not register motion for a stationary system, the approach for offset calculation after data acquisition evaluates the perceived clarity of a point cloud created by the SLAM algorithm. Our experiments show that both approaches yield the same results although operating independently on different data, which demonstrates that the results reflect reality with a high probability. Furthermore, our experiments exhibit the significance of a proper synchronization between laser scanner and actuator.
AN ENHANCED ALGORITHM FOR AUTOMATIC RADIOMETRIC HARMONIZATION OF HIGH-RESOLUTION OPTICAL SATELLITE IMAGERY USING PSEUDOINVARIANT FEATURES AND LINEAR REGRESSION
Authors: Langheinrich M. , Fischer P. , Probeck M. , Ramminger G. , Wagner T. , Krauß T.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The growing number of available optical remote sensing data providing large spatial and temporal coverage enables the coherent and gapless observation of the earth’s surface on the scale of whole countries or continents. To produce datasets of that size, individual satellite scenes have to be stitched together forming so-called mosaics. Here the problem arises that the different images feature varying radiometric properties depending on the momentary acquisition conditions. The interpretation of optical remote sensing data is to a great extent based on the analysis of the spectral composition of an observed surface reflection. Therefore the normalization of all images included in a large image mosaic is necessary to ensure consistent results concerning the application of procedures to the whole dataset. In this work an algorithm is described which enables the automated spectral harmonization of satellite images to a reference scene. As the stable and satisfying functionality of the proposed algorithm was already put to operational use to process a high number of SPOT-4/-5, IRS LISS-III and Landsat-5 scenes in the frame of the European Environment Agency's Copernicus/GMES Initial Operations (GIO) High-Resolution Layer (HRL) mapping of the HRL Forest for 20 Western, Central and (South)Eastern European countries, it is further evaluated on its reliability concerning the application to newer Sentinel-2 multispectral imaging products. The results show that the algorithm is comparably efficient for the processing of satellite image data from sources other than the sensor configurations it was originally designed for.
SPECTRAL RECONSTRUCTION BASED ON SVM FOR CROSS CALIBRATION
Authors: Gao H. , Ma Y. , Liu W. , He H.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Chinese HY-1C/1D satellites will use a 5nm/10nm-resolutional visible-near infrared(VNIR) hyperspectral sensor with the solar calibrator to cross-calibrate with other sensors. The hyperspectral radiance data are composed of average radiance in the sensor’s passbands and bear a spectral smoothing effect, a transform from the hyperspectral radiance data to the 1-nm-resolution apparent spectral radiance by spectral reconstruction need to be implemented. In order to solve the problem of noise cumulation and deterioration after several times of iteration by the iterative algorithm, a novel regression method based on SVM is proposed, which can approach arbitrary complex non-linear relationship closely and provide with better generalization capability by learning. In the opinion of system, the relationship between the apparent radiance and equivalent radiance is nonlinear mapping introduced by spectral response function(SRF), SVM transform the low-dimensional non-linear question into high-dimensional linear question though kernel function, obtaining global optimal solution by virtue of quadratic form. The experiment is performed using 6S-simulated spectrums considering the SRF and SNR of the hyperspectral sensor, measured reflectance spectrums of water body and different atmosphere conditions. The contrastive result shows: firstly, the proposed method is with more reconstructed accuracy especially to the high-frequency signal; secondly, while the spectral resolution of the hyperspectral sensor reduces, the proposed method performs better than the iterative method; finally, the root mean square relative error(RMSRE) which is used to evaluate the difference of the reconstructed spectrum and the real spectrum over the whole spectral range is calculated, it decreses by one time at least by proposed method.
GEOMETRIC ACCURACY ANALYSIS OF WORLDDEM IN RELATION TO AW3D30, SRTM AND ASTER GDEM2
Authors: Bayburt S. , Kurtak A. B. , Büyüksalih G. , Jacobsen K.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In a project area close to Istanbul the quality of WorldDEM, AW3D30, SRTM DSM and ASTER GDEM2 have been analyzed in relation to a reference aerial LiDAR DEM and to each other. The random and the systematic height errors have been separated. The absolute offset for all height models in X, Y and Z is within the expectation. The shifts have been respected in advance for a satisfying estimation of the random error component. All height models are influenced by some tilts, different in size. In addition systematic deformations can be seen not influencing the standard deviation too much. The delivery of WorldDEM includes information about the height error map which is based on the interferometric phase errors, and the number and location of coverage’s from different orbits. A dependency of the height accuracy from the height error map information and the number of coverage’s can be seen, but it is smaller as expected. WorldDEM is more accurate as the other investigated height models and with 10 m point spacing it includes more morphologic details, visible at contour lines. The morphologic details are close to the details based on the LiDAR digital surface model (DSM). As usual a dependency of the accuracy from the terrain slope can be seen. In forest areas the canopy definition of InSAR X- and C-band height models as well as for the height models based on optical satellite images is not the same as the height definition by LiDAR. In addition the interferometric phase uncertainty over forest areas is larger. Both effects lead to lower height accuracy in forest areas, also visible in the height error map.
SECOND ITERATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PIPELINE TO ENHANCE THE ACCURACY OF IMAGE POSE ESTIMATION
Authors: Nguyen T. G. , Pierrot-Deseilligny M. , Muller J.-M. , Thom C.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In classical photogrammetric processing pipeline, the automatic tie point extraction plays a key role in the quality of achieved results. The image tie points are crucial to pose estimation and have a significant influence on the precision of calculated orientation parameters. Therefore, both relative and absolute orientations of the 3D model can be affected. By improving the precision of image tie point measurement, one can enhance the quality of image orientation. The quality of image tie points is under the influence of several factors such as the multiplicity, the measurement precision and the distribution in 2D images as well as in 3D scenes. In complex acquisition scenarios such as indoor applications and oblique aerial images, tie point extraction is limited while only image information can be exploited. Hence, we propose here a method which improves the precision of pose estimation in complex scenarios by adding a second iteration to the classical processing pipeline. The result of a first iteration is used as a priori information to guide the extraction of new tie points with better quality. Evaluated with multiple case studies, the proposed method shows its validity and its high potiential for precision improvement.
VERTICAL ACCURACY ASSESSMENT OF ZY-3 DIGITAL SURFACE MODEL USING ICESAT/GLAS LASER ALTIMETER DATA
Authors: Li G. , Tang X. , Yuan X. , Zhou P. , Hu F.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The Ziyuan-3 (ZY-3) satellite, as the first civilian high resolution surveying and mapping satellite in China, has a very important role in national 1 : 50,000 stereo mapping project. High accuracy digital surface Model (DSMs) can be generated from the three line-array images of ZY-3, and ZY-3 DSMs of China can be produced without using any ground control points (GCPs) by selecting SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and ICESat/GLAS (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite, Geo-science Laser Altimeter System) as the datum reference in the Satellite Surveying and Mapping Application Center, which is the key institute that manages and distributes ZY-3 products. To conduct the vertical accuracy evaluation of ZY-3 DSMs of China, three representative regions were chosen and the results were compared to ICESat/GLAS data. The experimental results demonstrated that the root mean square error (RMSE) elevation accuracy of the ZY-3 DSMs was better than 5.0 m, and it even reached to less than 2.5 m in the second region of eastern China. While this work presents preliminary results, it is an important reference for expanding the application of ZY-3 satellite imagery to widespread regions. And the satellite laser altimetry data can be used as referenced data for wide-area DSM evaluation.
DATA PROCESSING FOR THE SPACE-BASED DESIS HYPERSPECTRAL SENSOR
Authors: Carmona E. , Avbelj J. , Alonso K. , Bachmann M. , Cerra D. , Eckardt A. , Gerasch B. , Graham L. , Günther B. , Heiden U. , Kerr G. , Knodt U. , Krutz D. , Krawcyk H. , Makarau A. , Miller R. , Müller R. , Perkins R. , Walter I.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) have established a collaboration to develop and operate a new space-based hyperspectral sensor, the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS). DESIS will provide spacebased hyperspectral data in the VNIR with high spectral resolution and near-global coverage. While TBE provides the platform and infrastructure for operation of the DESIS instrument on the International Space Station, DLR is responsible for providing the instrument and the processing software. The DESIS instrument is equipped with novel characteristics for an imaging spectrometer such high spectral resolution (2.55 nm), a mirror pointing unit or a CMOS sensor operated in rolling shutter mode. We present here an overview of the DESIS instrument and its processing chain, emphasizing the effect of the novel characteristics of DESIS in the data processing and final data products. Furthermore, we analyse in more detail the effect of the rolling shutter on the DESIS data and possible mitigation/correction strategies.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: ONE STOP PROCESSING OF AUTOMATIC LARGE-SCALE BASE MAP PRODUCTION USING AIRBORNE LIDAR DATA WITHIN GIS ENVIRONMENT. CASE STUDY: MAKASSAR CITY, INDONESIA
Authors: Widyaningrum E. , Gorte B. G. H.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. LiDAR data acquisition is recognized as one of the fastest solutions to provide basis data for large-scale topographical base maps worldwide. Automatic LiDAR processing is believed one possible scheme to accelerate the large-scale topographic base map provision by the Geospatial Information Agency in Indonesia. As a progressive advanced technology, Geographic Information System (GIS) open possibilities to deal with geospatial data automatic processing and analyses. Considering further needs of spatial data sharing and integration, the one stop processing of LiDAR data in a GIS environment is considered a powerful and efficient approach for the base map provision. The quality of the automated topographic base map is assessed and analysed based on its completeness, correctness, quality, and the confusion matrix.
CALIBRATING AND TESTING NEW ULTRACAM SENSORS
Authors: Gruber M. , Wiechert A.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This contribution reports on the latest design of new UltraCam sensors. We present results from calibration and verification flights of the UltraCam Condor, which is based on a specific design and offers highest productivity from its 38000 pixel cross track image format. UltraCam Condor is based on the successful project experience with its predecessor, the UltraCam G.
EXTRACTING URBAN MORPHOLOGY FOR ATMOSPHERIC MODELING FROM MULTISPECTRAL AND SAR SATELLITE IMAGERY
Authors: Wittke S. , Karila K. , Puttonen E. , Hellsten A. , Auvinen M. , Karjalainen M.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This paper presents an approach designed to derive an urban morphology map from satellite data while aiming to minimize the cost of data and user interference. The approach will help to provide updates to the current morphological databases around the world. The proposed urban morphology maps consist of two layers: 1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and 2) land cover map. Sentinel-2 data was used to create a land cover map, which was realized through image classification using optical range indices calculated from image data. For the purpose of atmospheric modeling, the most important classes are water and vegetation areas. The rest of the area includes bare soil and built-up areas among others, and they were merged into one class in the end. The classification result was validated with ground truth data collected both from field measurements and aerial imagery. The overall classification accuracy for the three classes is 91 %. TanDEM-X data was processed into two DEMs with different grid sizes using interferometric SAR processing. The resulting DEM has a RMSE of 3.2 meters compared to a high resolution DEM, which was estimated through 20 control points in flat areas. Comparing the derived DEM with the ground truth DEM from airborne LIDAR data, it can be seen that the street canyons, that are of high importance for urban atmospheric modeling are not detectable in the TanDEM-X DEM. However, the derived DEM is suitable for a class of urban atmospheric models. Based on the numerical modeling needs for regional atmospheric pollutant dispersion studies, the generated files enable the extraction of relevant parametrizations, such as Urban Canopy Parameters (UCP).
USE OF VERTICAL AERIAL IMAGES FOR SEMI-OBLIQUE MAPPING
Authors: Poli D. , Moe K. , Legat K. , Toschi I. , Lago F. , Remondino F.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The paper proposes a methodology for the use of the oblique sections of images from large-format photogrammetric cameras, by exploiting the effect of the central perspective geometry in the lateral parts of the nadir images (“semi-oblique” images). The point of origin of the investigation was the execution of a photogrammetric flight over Norcia (Italy), which was seriously damaged after the earthquake of 30/10/2016. Contrary to the original plan of oblique acquisitions, the flight was executed on 15/11/2017 using an UltraCam Eagle camera with focal length 80 mm, and combining two flight plans, rotated by 90º (“crisscross” flight). The images (GSD 5 cm) were used to extract a 2.5D DSM cloud, sampled to a XY-grid size of 2 GSD, a 3D point clouds with a mean spatial resolution of 1 GSD and a 3D mesh model at a resolution of 10 cm of the historic centre of Norcia for a quantitative assessment of the damages. From the acquired nadir images the “semi-oblique” images (forward, backward, left and right views) could be extracted and processed in a modified version of GEOBLY software for measurements and restitution purposes. The potential of such semi-oblique image acquisitions from nadir-view cameras is hereafter shown and commented.