title: Clinical-view versus ELM: an investigation into image types in the context of skin lesion screening

authors: Day, Greg R.

abstract: Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is increasing in incidence in countries with predominantly white skinned populations. Automated tools have been proposed to help detect this most visible of cancers. Current automated systems for detecting melanoma analyse images of skin lesions for relevant image features, and classify the images based on those features. There are two types of image available to be used in such systems, Clinical-view or Epiluminescent microscopy (ELM) images. ELM images reportedly allow more accurate assessment of skin lesions in the clinical setting, but this finding has not been proven in the context of an automated system. 

This research has evaluated the question of Clinical-view versus ELM images in an automated screening system. Two methods of implementing a screening system were considered in this research. Firstly, the ‘diagnosis system’, which is based on previous work in this field, and secondly, a ‘dermatologist assessment system’, which is an original method of implementing an automated screening system. The Clinical-view versus ELM question was considered for both of these systems. 

Specifically, two automated systems were developed. The first analysed Clinical-view images, while the second processed ELM images. From the analysis, each system attempted to classify lesion images into two groups. For the diagnosis problem, the lesion was either ‘melanoma’ or ‘benign’. For the ‘dermatologist assessment’ problem, the groups were ‘excised’ or ‘not excised’. The results raise doubts over the current emphasis on ELM images in the automated diagnosis case. Similarly, it appears that Clinical-view images are of more use for reproducing ‘dermatologists assessment’. We have also shown that the ‘dermatologist assessment’ approach to screening skin lesions is a viable and potentially useful alternative to the current emphasis on the diagnosis approach.

text: Clinical-view versus ELM: an investigation into image types in the context of skin lesion screening Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is increasing in incidence in countries with predominantly white skinned populations. Automated tools have been proposed to help detect this most visible of cancers. Current automated systems for detecting melanoma analyse images of skin lesions for relevant image features, and classify the images based on those features. There are two types of image available to be used in such systems, Clinical-view or Epiluminescent microscopy (ELM) images. ELM images reportedly allow more accurate assessment of skin lesions in the clinical setting, but this finding has not been proven in the context of an automated system. 

This research has evaluated the question of Clinical-view versus ELM images in an automated screening system. Two methods of implementing a screening system were considered in this research. Firstly, the ‘diagnosis system’, which is based on previous work in this field, and secondly, a ‘dermatologist assessment system’, which is an original method of implementing an automated screening system. The Clinical-view versus ELM question was considered for both of these systems. 

Specifically, two automated systems were developed. The first analysed Clinical-view images, while the second processed ELM images. From the analysis, each system attempted to classify lesion images into two groups. For the diagnosis problem, the lesion was either ‘melanoma’ or ‘benign’. For the ‘dermatologist assessment’ problem, the groups were ‘excised’ or ‘not excised’. The results raise doubts over the current emphasis on ELM images in the automated diagnosis case. Similarly, it appears that Clinical-view images are of more use for reproducing ‘dermatologists assessment’. We have also shown that the ‘dermatologist assessment’ approach to screening skin lesions is a viable and potentially useful alternative to the current emphasis on the diagnosis approach.

year: 2000

title: Calcium carbonate alters the functional response of coastal sediments to eutrophication-induced acidification

authors: Drylie, Tarn P.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Coastal ocean acidification research is dominated by laboratory-based studies that cannot necessarily predict real-world ecosystem response given its complexity. We enriched coastal sediments with increasing quantities of organic matter in the field to identify the effects of eutrophication-induced acidification on benthic structure and function, and assess whether biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) would alter the response. Along the eutrophication gradient we observed declines in macrofauna biodiversity and impaired benthic net primary productivity and sediment nutrient cycling. CaCO₃ addition did not alter the macrofauna community response, but significantly dampened negative effects on function (e.g. net autotrophy occurred at higher levels of organic matter enrichment in +CaCO₃ treatments than −CaCO₃ (1400 vs 950 g dw m⁻²)). By identifying the links between eutrophication, sediment biogeochemistry and benthic ecosystem structure and function in situ, our study represents a crucial step forward in understanding the ecological effects of coastal acidification and the role of biogenic CaCO₃ in moderating responses.

text: Calcium carbonate alters the functional response of coastal sediments to eutrophication-induced acidification Coastal ocean acidification research is dominated by laboratory-based studies that cannot necessarily predict real-world ecosystem response given its complexity. We enriched coastal sediments with increasing quantities of organic matter in the field to identify the effects of eutrophication-induced acidification on benthic structure and function, and assess whether biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) would alter the response. Along the eutrophication gradient we observed declines in macrofauna biodiversity and impaired benthic net primary productivity and sediment nutrient cycling. CaCO₃ addition did not alter the macrofauna community response, but significantly dampened negative effects on function (e.g. net autotrophy occurred at higher levels of organic matter enrichment in +CaCO₃ treatments than −CaCO₃ (1400 vs 950 g dw m⁻²)). By identifying the links between eutrophication, sediment biogeochemistry and benthic ecosystem structure and function in situ, our study represents a crucial step forward in understanding the ecological effects of coastal acidification and the role of biogenic CaCO₃ in moderating responses.

year: 2019

title: Taku Rāta Tūtahi (composed 28 Oct 2013)

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Taku Rāta Tūtahi is a lament dedicated to my daughter Kaaterina Ataria Ariha Maxwell who passed away suddenly on the 23 March 2013. This composition talks about the pain of a father for his daughter and how at times life is unbearable because of this undiscribable pain. This composition was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka at the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regional Competition. This composition placed 2nd in the Whakaeke discipline.

text: Taku Rāta Tūtahi (composed 28 Oct 2013) Taku Rāta Tūtahi is a lament dedicated to my daughter Kaaterina Ataria Ariha Maxwell who passed away suddenly on the 23 March 2013. This composition talks about the pain of a father for his daughter and how at times life is unbearable because of this undiscribable pain. This composition was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka at the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regional Competition. This composition placed 2nd in the Whakaeke discipline.

year: 2014