Comprehensive characterization of tobacco-induced changes in enamel surface topography
Tamanna Kaur, Ramya Ramadoss, Nitya Krishnasamy
et al.
Introduction: Enamel translucency, essential for the aesthetic appeal of teeth, is primarily determined by its thickness, quality, and refractive index. Several factors, including age, genetics, diet, oral hygiene practices, fluoride exposure, and acidic challenges, can influence enamel translucency. Tobacco use, in particular, leads to significant alterations in enamel appearance by penetrating its micropores, causing yellowing and browning. Prolonged exposure to tobacco results in demineralization, increasing enamel porosity and reducing its translucency. Over time, this exposure leads to permanent discoloration and structural degradation, rendering teeth dull and opaque. To assess these changes, various methods such as visual examinations, digital photography, spectrophotometry, stylus profilometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are utilized. Materials and methods: This study analyzed human enamel samples, including one unstained sample (Grade 0) and three tobacco-stained samples (Grades 1–3) according to Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI), to investigate the impact of tobacco exposure on enamel structure. The samples were thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure accurate results. High-resolution AFM imaging was employed to assess surface roughness, porosity, and microstructural changes induced by tobacco staining. A stylus profilometer was used to trace the surface topography, providing detailed measurements of surface irregularities. Additionally, a spectrophotometer was utilized to evaluate the optical properties of the enamel, focusing on changes in translucency and light absorption due to tobacco exposure. Results: AFM analysis revealed a clear progression of enamel surface roughness from Grade 0 to Grade 3. The Sa and Sq values increased significantly with the severity of tobacco staining, indicating greater surface degradation. The stylus profilometer data corroborated these findings, with rising Ra values as the degree of staining intensified, highlighting the topographical alterations caused by tobacco exposure. Spectrophotometric analysis further demonstrated a decrease in enamel reflectance and an increase in light absorption from mild to severe staining, underscoring the detrimental optical effects of tobacco on enamel. Conclusion: The combined use of AFM, stylus profilometry, and spectrophotometry provided a comprehensive assessment of the impact of tobacco staining on enamel translucency and surface roughness. The findings show that as staining severity increases, enamel translucency diminishes, and surface roughness worsens. These alterations not only affect the aesthetic appearance of teeth but also have potential implications for enamel functionality and long-term oral health.
Extinction studies in focus: Reflections on photography at a time of ecological decline
Kate Simpson, Sarah Oakes, Aureja Stirbyte
et al.
Through compositional inclusion or exclusion, the photograph can assert and communicate what belongs in a picture, in a landscape, in an ecosystem. It can illuminate what we deem conservation-worthy, or, on a larger scale, which extinctions are attention-worthy. Photographic practice helps to illuminate the active nature of extinction, and our choices as actors and witnesses within that process. Here, researchers from the University of Leeds’ Extinction Studies Doctoral Training Programme present individual reflections on interdisciplinary practice-led research in the Scottish Small Isles. We consider how photography, as a form of praxis, can generate new forms of knowledge surrounding extinction: its meanings, representations, and legacies, particularly through visual representation. We offer seven perspectives on contemporary image-making, from disciplines including philosophy, conservation biology, literature, sociology, geology, cultural anthropology, and palaeontology. Researchers gathered experiential, ethical, even biological meanings from considering what to include or exclude in images: from the micro to the macro, the visible to the invisible, the aesthetic to the ecological. We draw conclusions around meaning-making through the process of photography itself, and the tensions encountered through framing and decision-making in a time of mass ecological decline.
Independent Evaluation of RETFound Foundation Model's Performance on Optic Nerve Analysis Using Fundus Photography
Maggie S. Chen, Rohith Ravindranath, MS, Robert Chang, MD
et al.
Purpose: This study evaluates RETFound, a retinal image foundation model, as a feature extractor for predicting optic nerve metrics like cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using an independent clinical dataset. Design: Retrospective observational study. Participants: Patients who underwent fundus photography and RNFL OCT at the Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University. Methods: Fundus images were paired with RNFL OCT results where study dates were within 6 months of each other. Latent features from full-sized raw fundus images were extracted from RETFound and used as inputs for several linear regression models (Ridge, Lasso, Elastic Net, and ordinary least squares). Baseline models using pretrained VGG16 and Vision Transformers (ViTs) as feature extractors were also developed. All models were trained to perform single-output tasks (predicting CDR or average RNFL thickness) and multioutput tasks (predicting RNFL thickness at quadrants and clock hours). Data were split 80:20 at the patient level for training and validation. Main Outcome Measures: Model predictions were evaluated on a test set using the metrics of R2, mean absolute error, and root mean square error. Results: Among the 463 unique participants, contributing 776 fundus–OCT data pairs, the mean age was 63 years (±18 years), with 57.24% being female (N = 265). RETFound models demonstrated strong performance on single-output tasks, achieving R2 values between 0.706 and 0.898 for CDR prediction and between 0.855 and 0.961 for average RNFL thickness prediction. Performance on multioutput tasks was less robust, with a highest R2 of 0.583 for clock-hour RNFL thickness prediction and an R2 of 0.811 for quadrant RNFL thickness prediction. RETFound models outperformed VGG16 and ViT models, which achieved maximum R2 of 0.731 and 0.687 in predicting RNFL thickness and CDR. Conclusions: Machine learning models leveraging the massively pretrained RETFound foundation model could accurately predict CDR and average RNFL thickness from fundus photos on an independent clinical dataset. Although RETFound was not trained or fine-tuned for these optic nerve evaluation tasks, nevertheless, RETFound overcomes small dataset limitations and excels in specialized applications. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
A Preliminary Study on the Satisfaction Survey of Online Cultural Self-Guide with 360-Degree Panoramic Photography
Ya-Ling Cheng, Lai-Chung Lee
During the COVID-19 epidemic, countries enacted autonomous measures to suspend long-distance travel. As a result, people used online platforms to share perspectives and disseminate their knowledge and skills. Internet learning content thus emerged as a primary solution. This study was conducted to assess the reactions of users to virtual tours. Participants were introduced to the 360-degree panoramic photography system of cultural monuments of the Taipei City Government and participated in an online cultural tour. A closed-ended questionnaire was distributed for their response. After compiling data from 31 participants, we analyzed the link between users’ demographic characteristics and their satisfaction levels with the online panoramic tour system. We discovered higher satisfaction rates of people with incomes exceeding that of the average participant. 83% of participants stated a willingness to explore scenic attractions virtually instead of physically traveling when unable to do so. The results of this study contribute to understanding the context of users’ post-visit satisfaction. The information gathered can be used to improve cultural heritage websites in terms of design, navigation, and cultural education, enabling virtual access to cultural sites and enriching users’ knowledge from home.
Engineering machinery, tools, and implements
The Role of Plain Radiography in Assessing Aborted Foetal Musculoskeletal Anomalies in Everyday Practice
Benedetta Rossini, Aldo Carnevale, Gian Carlo Parenti
et al.
Conventional radiography is widely used for postmortem foetal imaging, but its role in diagnosing congenital anomalies is debated. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of X-rays in detecting skeletal abnormalities and guiding genetic analysis and counselling. This is a retrospective analysis of all post-abortion diagnostic imaging studies conducted at a centre serving a population of over 300,000 inhabitants from 2008 to 2023. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. X-rays of 81 aborted foetuses (total of 308 projections; mean: 3.8 projections/examination; SD: 1.79) were included. We detected 137 skeletal anomalies. In seven cases (12.7%), skeletal anomalies identified through radiology were missed by prenatal sonography. The autopsy confirmed radiological data in all cases except for two radiological false positives. Additionally, radiology failed to identify a case of syndactyly, which was revealed by anatomopathology. X-ray is crucial for accurately classifying skeletal abnormalities, determining the causes of spontaneous abortion, and guiding the request for genetic counselling. Formal training for both technicians and radiologists, as well as multidisciplinary teamwork, is necessary to perform X-ray examinations on aborted foetuses and interpret the results effectively.
Photography, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
Detection of Protective Coatings Applied on Baroque Amber Artworks: Case Studies
Anna Rygula, Anna Klisińska-Kopacz, Paulina Krupska-Wolas
et al.
Amber has been used to create decorative items for centuries, but its degradation presents challenges for conservators. This study identifies substances historically used to protect amber objects, especially those from 17th and 18th century Gdansk workshops. Despite their historical value, information on amber conservation is scarce. Traditional substances are noted, but their exact compositions and effects on amber remain unclear. Synthetic resins, introduced in the late 19th century, also degrade, complicating conservation due to their removal difficulty and interference with amber identification. This research aimed to develop methods for detecting and analyzing protective coatings on amber objects using macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Initial methods included analytical photography under visible and UV light and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) to assess the surface. Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used for detailed analysis. RS provided precise layer-specific information but was sensitive to surface conditions, while XRF quickly identified inorganic compounds but not organic materials. Examining amber objects from Polish collections using this methodology revealed various protective substances, including synthetic resins and nitrocellulose varnishes. This research contributes to amber conservation by proposing a comprehensive material analysis approach, essential for developing effective conservation strategies for these historic objects.
The Pattern of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Prospective Head-to-Head Comparison of [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT and CE-CT
Rosa Gram-Nielsen, Ivar Yannick Christensen, Mohammad Naghavi-Behzad
et al.
The study aimed to compare the metastatic pattern of breast cancer and the intermodality proportion of agreement between [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT and CE-CT. Women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were enrolled prospectively and underwent a combined [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT and CE-CT scan to diagnose MBC. Experienced nuclear medicine and radiology physicians evaluated the scans blinded to the opposite scan results. Descriptive statistics were applied, and the intermodality proportion of agreement was used to compare [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT and CE-CT. In total, 76 women with verified MBC were enrolled in the study. The reported number of site-specific metastases for [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT vs. CE-CT was 53 (69.7%) vs. 44 (57.9%) for bone lesions, 31 (40.8%) vs. 43 (56.6%) for lung lesions, and 16 (21.1%) vs. 23 (30.3%) for liver lesions, respectively. The proportion of agreement between imaging modalities was 76.3% (95% CI 65.2–85.3) for bone lesions; 82.9% (95% CI 72.5–90.6) for liver lesions; 57.9% (95% CI 46.0–69.1) for lung lesions; and 59.2% (95% CI 47.3–70.4) for lymph nodes. In conclusion, bone and distant lymph node metastases were reported more often by [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT than CE-CT, while liver and lung metastases were reported more often by CE-CT than [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG-PET/CT. Agreement between scans was highest for bone and liver lesions and lowest for lymph node metastases.
Photography, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
Mammography Datasets for Neural Networks—Survey
Adam Mračko, Lucia Vanovčanová, Ivan Cimrák
Deep neural networks have gained popularity in the field of mammography. Data play an integral role in training these models, as training algorithms requires a large amount of data to capture the general relationship between the model’s input and output. Open-access databases are the most accessible source of mammography data for training neural networks. Our work focuses on conducting a comprehensive survey of mammography databases that contain images with defined abnormal areas of interest. The survey includes databases such as INbreast, the Curated Breast Imaging Subset of Digital Database for Screening Mammography (CBIS-DDSM), the OPTIMAM Medical Image Database (OMI-DB), and The Mammographic Image Analysis Society Digital Mammogram Database (MIAS). Additionally, we surveyed recent studies that have utilized these databases in conjunction with neural networks and the results they have achieved. From these databases, it is possible to obtain at least 3801 unique images with 4125 described findings from approximately 1842 patients. The number of patients with important findings can be increased to approximately 14,474, depending on the type of agreement with the OPTIMAM team. Furthermore, we provide a description of the annotation process for mammography images to enhance the understanding of the information gained from these datasets.
Photography, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
Correlation of Visual Acuity and Outer Retinal Thickness in Myopic Atrophic Maculopathy: A Retrospective Review
Cheng-Yung Lee, Yun Hsia, Mei-Chi Tsui
et al.
Abstract Introduction Myopic atrophic maculopathy is prevalent among patients with pathologic myopia and frequently leads to relentless vision loss. Several grading systems were established to facilitate the understanding of myopic atrophic maculopathy. However, the anatomical details in different stages of myopic maculopathy are so far not clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the visual acuity and retinal sublayer features in highly myopic eyes with varying severities of myopic atrophic maculopathy (MAM). Methods The clinical records of 111 consecutive patients (158 eyes) with high myopia (refractive error ≤ −6.0 D and axial length ≥ 26.0 mm) were reviewed. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured. MAM was graded according to the META-analysis for Pathologic Myopia (META-PM) classification system. Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and dome-shaped macula (DSM) were also investigated. Results Among the 158 eyes, 18 (11%), 21(13%), 24 (15%), 25 (16%), 23 (15%), and 24 (15%) had tessellated fundus, diffuse chorioretinal atrophy, diffuse chorioretinal atrophy with DSM, patchy atrophy, patchy atrophy with DSM, and MAM with mCNV, respectively. A total of 23 (15%) eyes had macular atrophy without mCNV. Progressive thinning in the Henle’s fiber and outer nuclear layers, myoid and ellipsoid zone (MEZ), outer segment (OS), and interdigitation zone and retinal pigmented epithelium based on the severity of MAM (p-value < 0.001) was found. MEZ and OS were most significantly reduced in thickness (p-value < 0.001). The presence of mCNV demonstrated significant outer retinal layer thinning compared with that of the tessellated fundus (p-value = 0.031). Patchy atrophy with DSM showed statistically poorer BCVA compared with that without (p-value = 0.008). Conclusion Visual acuity and outer retinal sublayer characteristics were correlated with the severity of MAM. Outer retinal sublayer analysis by spectrum-domain OCT shed some light on the mechanisms of MAM progression.
Bone level technique: personal technique for miofacial functional treatment
Francesco Calvani, Umberto Torre, Alessandro Lozza
et al.
The ageing process of the face involves a level of bone erosion that generates a morphological change in the main features of a person’s face. Consequently, the muscular structures of facial expression also undergo changes in their functionality. Another important factor that can shift bone ageing in one district over the other is altered mimicry due to altered skeletal growth. The study carried out that led to the standardisation of this technique involves the restoration of the bone gap due to physiological bone ageing and bone compensation in those cases where there is an alteration of normal maxillary and mandibular development and growth. The technique involves supraperiosteal bolus infiltrations of 2-phase hyaluronic acid-based gels with very high cohesiveness for maximum volumetric compensation with a small quantity of product. This functional treatment aims to achieve a dynamic and functional modification of each patient’s subjective physiological muscle contraction. The study was substantiated by a team of specialists who highlighted the changes by means of electromyographic and ultrasound examination and photography.
Advancements and Applications of Drone-Integrated Geographic Information System Technology—A Review
Md Muzakkir Quamar, Baqer Al-Ramadan, Khalid Khan
et al.
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have gained numerous applications due to their low cost, ease of use, vertical takeover and landing, and ability to operate in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas. The contribution of this review is that of building the bridge between drone technology and its application and advancements in the field of Geographic Information System (GIS). The integration of drones and GIS is valuable as it reduces costs and improves accessibility for geospatial data collection. Traditional methods involving aircraft for aerial photography are expensive, requiring the hiring of aircraft, pilots, and photographers. Drones equipped with advanced cameras and artificial intelligence software can replace the conventional technique and at the same time, be economical and time-efficient. The integration of drones and GIS is expected to bring revolutionary benefits in the fields of precision agriculture, urban planning, emergency health response, disaster management, the development of smart cities, food delivery, etc. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review of the deployment of drone-integrated GIS applications in different fields is presented. Numerous techniques and associated challenges related to their development, formulation, implementation, and regulation are highlighted. It has been concluded that drone-integration solutions in GIS improve efficiency and accuracy, enhance the decision-making process, and facilitate better real-time monitoring. The findings of this review paper are intended to help and benefit researchers, business developers, emergency service providers, industrialists, and policymakers.
Research on Landscape Perception and Visual Attributes Based on Social Media Data—A Case Study on Wuhan University
Xia Zhang, Danning Xu, Ni Zhang
With the rapid rise of social media, the photo-taking behavior of tourists and their uploaded photos provide a new perspective to explore landscape visual characters. In this study, we provide methodological advancements for assessing landscape visual quality based on content analysis of user-generated photographs. The purpose is to demonstrate an empirical method for evaluating visual indicators reflected in photographs through a case study application. This research takes the core cultural landscape area of Wuhan University as the research scope. The photographs shared on a famous Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo during the Cherry Blossom Festival, together with tourists’ trajectory data, were used as data sources. Based on a fixed-point photography experiment, the spatial relationship between the scenic spot and the observation point was illustrated. Utilizing a semi-automatic photo content analysis founded on computer vision technology, landscape visual attributes of each attraction were studied thoroughly regarding complexity, visual scale, and color. The results indicate that the Old Dormitory is the most popular scenic spot with diverse viewing angles, strikingly vivid colors, and rich color combinations. Complexity and color play key roles in landscape visual quality, while the depth of view has a subtle impact, which suggests the depth-to-height ratio of less than 1 is the best distance for viewers to take photographs. In all, the mapping relationship between landscape visual attributes and viewers’ perception was revealed in the present work.
Technology, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Susan E. Cook, Victorian Negatives. Literary Culture and the Dark Side of Photography in the Nineteenth Century
Lawrence Gasquet
Double bit range estimation with eight estimators for CABAC in VVC
Ka‐Hou Chan, Sio‐Kei Im
Abstract This work describes the modification of Context‐based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC) using the double bit range estimation in the VVC engine and the consideration of range updates by using eight hypothetical probability estimators. The focus is on the selected adaptation rates performed in these proposed estimators, which are chosen based on memory consideration and coding efficiency. An investigation of arithmetic coding engines with multi‐hypothesis probability estimates and their consideration of contextual modeling of entropy coding at the level of transform coefficients. The proposed scheme enables a quantitative representation of probabilistic predictions linearly and describes the scalability potential for higher accuracy. In addition, this work discusses the hardware implementation, which is based on simple operations such as bitwise operations and subinterval updates. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach specified in VTM framework. The improved results show that it provides more significant gains in terms of RA and LD, which is better than the AI configuration.
Photography, Computer software
Developing a Mobile App (iGAM) to Promote Gingival Health by Professional Monitoring of Dental Selfies: User-Centered Design Approach
Tobias, Guy, Spanier, Assaf B
BackgroundDental visits are unpleasant; sometimes, patients only seek treatment when they are in intolerable pain. Recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need for remote communication when patients and dentists cannot meet in person.
Gingivitis is very common and characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums. Gingivitis heals within 10 days of professional care and with daily, thorough oral hygiene practices. If left untreated, however, its progress may lead to teeth becoming mobile or lost. Of the many medical apps currently available, none monitor gingivitis.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to present a characterization and development model of a mobile health (mHealth) app called iGAM, which focuses on periodontal health and improves the information flow between dentists and patients.
MethodsA focus group discussed the potential of an app to monitor gingivitis, and 3 semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted on the use of apps for monitoring gum infections. We used a qualitative design process based on the Agile approach, which incorporated the following 5 steps: (1) user story, (2) use cases, (3) functional requirements, (4) nonfunctional requirements, and (5) Agile software development cycles. In a pilot study with 18 participants aged 18-45 years and with different levels of health literacy, participants were given a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothpicks, and dental floss. After installing iGAM, they were asked to photograph their gums weekly for 4 weeks.
ResultsAll participants in the focus group believed in the potential of a mobile app to monitor gingivitis and reduce its severity. Concerns about security and privacy issues were discussed. From the interviews, 2 themes were derived: (1) “what's in it for me?” and (2) the need for a take-home message. The 5 cycles of development highlighted the importance of communication between dentists, app developers, and the pilot group. Qualitative analysis of the data from the pilot study showed difficulty with: (1) the camera, which was alleviated with the provision of mouth openers, and (2) the operation of the phone, which was alleviated by changing the app to be fully automated, with a weekly reminder and an instructions document. Final interviews showed satisfaction.
ConclusionsiGAM is the first mHealth app for monitoring gingivitis using self-photography. iGAM facilitates the information flow between dentists and patients between checkups and may be useful when face-to-face consultations are not possible (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic).
Information technology, Public aspects of medicine
Evaluation and Zonation the Gully Erosion Hazard using Bivariate Statistical Methods (Case Study: Nemarestagh Watershed)
Eisa Jokar Sarhangi, Nilofar Khalkhali
One of the most important and advanced forms of water erosion is gully erosion that causes the destruction of land and sediment production in many areas, resulting in a lot of economic damage. The Nemarestagh watershed is one of the sub-basins of the river Haraz which is exposed to expanding this form of erosion. It is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the area by using appropriate methods to plan its control. For this purpose, 133 gullies were first recognized and recorded through Google Earth image, aerial photography and extensive field surveys. Randomly out of this number, 99 gullies are used for modeling and 34 gullies are implemented for evaluation. The layers of effective factors including lithology, elevation, slope, aspect and vegetation and land use were prepared using ArcGIS environment. In the next step, the length and density of gullies in per class of the factors were calculated by overlaying the layers and the map of the risk zoning of gully erosion in the region was provided using the frequency ratio and information value statistical methods. The results showed that Shemshak formation with shale, sandstone, siltstone and conglomerate, elevation of 1000-1200 meters, the slope of 40-50 percents, the southern direction and poor pasture have a highest gully erosion susceptibility. The evaluation of statistical methods using the probabilistic probability showed that the information value model is more suitable for hazard zonation in the area.
Environmental protection, Environmental sciences
IMPROVING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ RESULTS: A CLIENT-BASED EXPERIMENT THROUGH DESIGN THINKING AND VISUAL STORYTELLING IN COMMUNICATION
Laura Cortés-Selva, Gonzalo Wandosell-Fernández de Bobadilla
Subjects lectured during the 4th year of the Bachelor’s degree in Communication, at the Catholic University of Murcia have a large practical part, which raises their permeability to innovation, especially concerning learning and evaluative methodologies. In this context and throughout the years in which different media subjects were taught, some problems related to the students’ lack of involvement and the low quality of the resulting projects, alongside the limited synergy between the University and the labor market, have been detected.
This research follows the hypothesis that working with a real client with whom students interact and develop visual communication projects increases students’ participation, the quality of their projects, and bridges the gap with the labor market. For that purpose, an experiment was conducted during the practical lectures of several visual communication subjects taught during the 2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 academic years, at the Communication Faculty at the Catholic University of Murcia. A sample size of n = 375 with a margin of error of e = 0.05 was calculated according to the total number of students enrolled in communication studies at a national level (N = 17, 213) according to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.
Among the main conclusions, we found, after the client-based experiment through design thinking and visual storytelling, a notable improvement of the students’ implication in projects, a rise in formal and content quality of those projects, and an increase in the synergy among the university and the labor market. This successful experiment has provoked its implementation in similar subjects the forthcoming academic years.
Structure and Function Relationship of Activated Retinal Glia in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients
Christoph Nützi, Andreas Schötzau, Matthias C. Grieshaber
Purpose. To evaluate clinically activated retinal astrocytes and Müller cells (ARAM) regarding retinal sensitivity and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. Central visual field (VF; i.e., retinal sensitivity) was measured with a custom-made macular pattern by microperimetry and correlated with the presence (ARAM+) or absence (ARAM−) of ARAM on red-free fundus photography and with the corresponding RNFL by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results. In the eyes of POAG patients, ARAM+ had overall a significantly lower retinal sensitivity (ARAM+: 7.34 dB, ARAM−: 11.9 dB; p<0.001) and lower RNFL thickness in the inferior peripapillary quadrants compared to ARAM− (RNFL superior: ARAM+ 74.2 μm, ARAM− 77.5 μm; RNFL temporal: ARAM+ 46.8 μm, ARAM− 53.0 μm, p<0.001; and RNFL inferior: ARAM+ 63.2 μm, ARAM− 73.1 μm, p<0.001). Within the same eye, ARAM+ showed a lower retinal sensitivity compared to ARAM− ([ARAM− (11.13 dB)] − [ARAM+ (9.56 dB) = 1.57 dB; p=0.25). The proportion of ARAM+ per eye correlated strongly with reduced retinal light sensitivity (p=0.02), corresponding lower peripapillary RNFL thickness (p=0.02), and lower RNFL temporal quadrant thickness (p<0.01), but not with greater age (p=0.45). Conclusion. ARAM was more frequently identified in the eyes with a lower retinal sensitivity and peripapillary RNFL thickness and may be a clinical sign in the macula for an advanced stage of POAG.
Non-therapist identification of falling hazards in older adult homes using digital photography
Katherine C. Ritchey, Deborah Meyer, Gillian H. Ice
Evaluation and removal of home hazards is an invaluable method for preventing in-home falls and preserving independent living. Current processes for conducting home hazard assessments are impractical from a whole population standpoint given the substantial resources required for implementation. Digital photography offers an opportunity to remotely evaluate an environment for falling hazards. However, reliability of this method has only been tested under the direction of skilled therapists. Ten community dwelling adults over the age of 65 were recruited from local primary care practices between July, 2009 and February, 2010. In-home (IH) assessments were completed immediately after a photographer, blinded to the assessment form, took digital photographs (DP) of the participant home. A different non-therapist assessor then reviewed the photographs and completed a second assessment of the home. Kappa statistic was used to analyze the reliability between the two independent assessments. Home assessments completed by a non-therapist using digital photographs had a substantial agreement (Kappa = 0.61, p < 0.001) with in-home assessments completed by another non-therapist. Additionally, the DP assessments agreed with the IH assessments on the presence or absence of items 96.8% of the time. This study showed that non-therapists can reliably conduct home hazard evaluations using digital photographs.
Narracja i produkcja znaczeń w filmowym neomodernizmie
Rafał Syska
This essay analyzes the narration strategies and methods of making meanings in neo-modernism movement. Filmmakers, who are its representatives, prefer the opposite model of cinematic communication which is commonly used in mainstream movies. The article begins with the definition of neo-modernism and description of key components that provide specific forms of narration and reception. Moreover, there were presented main terms related to the modernism and so-called slow cinema. In main fragments of the essay the author focused on some neo-modernist crime stories, which have been created through different, than in traditional cinema, methods of making meaning. Then, there were analyzed such elements of cinematic style as: use of off-screen space and non-conventional concepts of narrative ellipsis.
Zadaniem artykułu jest przeprowadzenie analizy narracji i sposobów produkcji znaczeń w filmowym neomodernizmie. Podejmowane w ramach tej formacji strategie inscenizacyjne stanowią rewers metod powszechnie używanych w kinowym mainstreamie. Esej rozpoczyna próba zdefiniowania, czym jest neomodernizm oraz czym się charakteryzuje – zarówno na płaszczyźnie narracyjnej, jak też odbiorczej. Ważnym elementem opisu stało się wprowadzenie terminologii związanej z filmowym modernizmem i tzw. slow-cinema. W głównych fragmentach eseju zostały poddane analizie neomodernistyczne kryminały, oparte na odrębnej, niż dzieje się w tradycyjnym kinie, produkcji znaczeń. Potem opisane zostały kluczowe strategie inscenizacyjne, w których priorytetowymi zadaniami było przeniesienie ważnych fabularnie zdarzeń w przestrzeń pozakadrową i niekonwencjonalny sposób wprowadzania elips czasoprzestrzennych.
Photography, Dramatic representation. The theater