Search Results (26)

Introduction: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Obesity-related complications can be managed through nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions, each capable of achieving weight loss of over 10%. Understanding patient preferences and the factors that influence treatment choices is crucial to enhancing adherence and effectiveness. This sub-study aimed to identify the factors shaping patient preferences for nutritional therapies in the context of available pharmacological and surgical options. Methods: A participatory action study recruited 43 patients aged 18–75 years with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m² and obesity-related complications, including metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Participants viewed a 60-min informational video outlining treatment options before taking part in one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results: This sub-study focuses on patients who expressed distinct attitudes toward nutritional therapy. Of the participants, 47% preferred nutritional therapy, 41% chose pharmacotherapy alone, and 6% selected a combination of pharmacotherapy and nutritional therapy. Five themes emerged to explain the preference for nutritional therapy: patient satisfaction, the personalised approach, effectiveness, empowerment, and side effects. Discussion: Nutritional therapies were still the most popular choice of many patients, suggesting there remain unmet needs of patients and that it should not be assumed that large majorities of patients with obesity only want pharmacotherapies or surgical therapies. Conclusion: Ensuring patients receive comprehensive information and regular guidance from nutritional experts is likely to further strengthen engagement. Full article

Autonomous monitoring is essential for precision agriculture in greenhouses, yet deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in confined, GPS-denied environments remains limited by payload, power, and cost constraints. This study developed and validated an autonomous UAV system for reliable, low-cost operation in such conditions. The proposed system employs a dual-link edge-computing architecture: a lightweight onboard controller handles flight control and sensor acquisition, while visual simultaneous localization and mapping (V-SLAM) is offloaded to an edge computer via the FPV video link. Phenotyping (flower detection and tracking/counting) is performed offline from the side-view RGB stream and does not participate in the flight control loop. Using muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) flower development as a case study, the UAV autonomously executed daily missions for 27 days in a commercial greenhouse, performing flower detection and tracking to monitor phenological dynamics. Localization and control accuracy were evaluated against a validated UWB reference system, achieving 5.4~8.0 cm 2D RMSE for trajectory tracking and 12.7 cm translation RMSE for greenhouse mapping. This work demonstrates a practical architecture for autonomous monitoring in GPS-denied agricultural environments, with operational boundaries characterized through the sustained field deployment. The system’s design principles may extend to other indoor or communication-limited scenarios requiring lightweight, intelligent robotic operation. Full article

The selection of optimal views for transmission is critical for the coding efficiency of the MPEG Immersive Video (MIV) profile of Decoder-Side Depth Estimation (DSDE). Standard approaches, which favor a uniform camera distribution, often fail in scenes with complex geometry, leading to decreased quality of depth estimation, and thus, reduced quality of virtual views presented to a viewer. This paper proposes an adaptive view selection method that analyzes the scene’s percentage of occluded regions. Based on this analysis, the encoder dynamically selects a transmission strategy: for scenes with a low occlusion ratio (smaller than 10%), a uniform layout is maintained to maximize spatial coverage; for scenes with a high occlusion ratio, the system switches to grouping cameras into stereo pairs, which are more robust for decreasing numbers of occlusions. Experiments conducted using the TMIV reference software demonstrated that this approach yields measurable quality gains (up to 2 dB BD-IVPSNR) for complex test sequences, such as MartialArts and Frog, without requiring any modifications to the decoder. Full article

Accurate and non-invasive monitoring of dairy cows is a cornerstone of precision livestock farming, paving the way for proactive health management and earlier disease detection. The development of robust, AI-driven diagnostic tools, however, is hindered by a dual challenge: scarce realistic video datasets and a lack of standardized benchmarks for deep learning models. To confront these issues, this study puts forward SideCow-VSS, a video semantic segmentation dataset comprising 921 side-view clips with dense, pixel-level annotations of dairy cows under variable on-farm conditions. We systematically evaluated eight deep learning architectures, from classic convolutional neural networks to state-of-the-art Transformers. The evaluation highlighted a clear performance trade-off: the Mask2Former model with a Swin-L backbone yielded the highest mIoU at 97.32%, making it well-suited for detailed morphological analysis. In contrast, the lightweight PIDNet-s model achieved the fastest inference speed of 59.5 FPS, demonstrating its potential for real-time behavioral alerting systems. This work delivers a foundational resource and quantitative framework to inform model selection, accelerating the creation of computer vision systems for automated health monitoring and adopting preventive strategies against key metabolic and immunological disorders in dairy production. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the views expressed online by COPD patients regarding adherence to inhaled therapy. Methods: This study applied a qualitative, exploratory-interpretive design and an inductive methodology. Sources analyzed included COPD websites, patient forums, and social networks. Units of analysis were videos, stories, questions and answers, and conversation threads. Saturation criteria were applied. Applying a constant comparative methodology, analyses were conducted at textual (quotes, initial and focused coding, families) and conceptual (categories, networks, meta-network, provisional and final model) levels using ATLAS.ti 7.5. Reports were returned to patients. Results: There were 248 patients (51 men, 148 women, 49 unidentified) corresponding to 29 testimonies (6 narratives, 11 videos, 10 conversation threads, 2 questions collections). Adherence to inhalers is based on their perception of effectiveness to enable a normal life, and benefits should outweigh adverse effects. Adherence facilitators included mutual support between patients encouraging adherence and effective doctor-patient communication. Adherence barriers included (1) side effects; (2) mistaken beliefs about inhalers (habituation, attribution of non-existent side effects, fear of corticosteroids); (3) poor doctor-patient relationship (lack of listening, failure to consider patient’s preferences, communication iatrogenesis); (4) considering natural remedies as substitutes for treatment. Conclusions: Adherence to inhalers as reported in online testimony from COPD patients depends on the balance between efficacy and side effects. Adherence is influenced by peer support and doctor-patient communication. Doubts, erroneous beliefs, and iatrogenic effects of poor communication can hinder adherence. Full article

To permit the collection of quantitative data on start, turn and clean swimming performances in any swimming pool, the aims of the present study were to (1) validate a mobile in-field performance analysis system (PAS) against the Kistler starting block equipped with force plates and synchronized to a 2D camera system (KiSwim, Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland), (2) assess the PAS’s interrater reliability and (3) provide percentiles as reference values for elite junior and adult swimmers. Members of the Swiss junior and adult national swimming teams including medalists at Olympic Games, World and European Championships volunteered for the present study (n = 47; age: 17 ± 4 [range: 13–29] years; World Aquatics Points: 747 ± 100 [range: 527–994]). All start and turn trials were video-recorded and analyzed using two methods: PAS and KiSwim. The PAS involves one fixed view camera recording overwater start footage and a sport action camera that is moved underwater along the side of the pool perpendicular to the swimming lane on a 1.55 m long monostand. From a total of 25 parameters determined with the PAS, 16 are also measurable with the KiSwim, of which 7 parameters showed satisfactory validity (r = 0.95–1.00, p < 0.001, %-difference < 1%). Interrater reliability was determined for all 25 parameters of the PAS and reliability was accepted for 21 of those start, turn and swimming parameters (ICC = 0.78–1.00). The percentiles for all valid and reliable parameters provide reference values for assessment of start, turn and swimming performance for junior and adult national team swimmers. The in-field PAS provides a mobile method to assess start, turn and clean swimming performance with high validity and reliability. The analysis template and manual included in the present article aid the practical application of the PAS in research and development projects as well as academic works. Full article

Over the years, numerous techniques have been explored to assess the composition and quality of sheep carcasses. This study focuses on the utilization of video image analysis (VIA) to evaluate the composition of light lamb carcasses (4.52 ± 1.34 kg, mean cold carcass weight ± SD). Photographic images capturing the lateral and dorsal sides of fifty-five light lamb carcasses were subjected to analysis. A comprehensive set of measurements was recorded, encompassing dimensions such as lengths, widths, angles, areas, and perimeters, totaling 21 measurements for the lateral view images and 29 for the dorsal view images. K-Folds stepwise multiple regression analyses were employed to construct prediction models for carcass tissue weights (including muscle, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and bone) and their respective percentages. The most effective prediction equations were established using data from cold carcass weight (CCW) and measurements from both dorsal and lateral views. These models accounted for a substantial portion of the observed variation in the weights of all carcass tissues (with K-fold-R² ranging from 0.83 to 0.98). In terms of carcass tissue percentages, although the degree of variation explained was slightly lower (with K-fold-R² ranging from 0.41 to 0.78), the VIA measurements remained integral to the predictive models. These findings underscore the efficacy of VIA as an objective tool for assessing the composition of light lamb carcasses, which are carcasses weighing ≈ 4–8 kg. Full article

In mixed-reality (MR) telecollaboration, the local environment is remotely presented to a remote user wearing a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) via a video capture device. However, remote users frequently face challenges in naturally and actively manipulating their viewpoints. In this paper, we propose a telepresence system with viewpoint control, which involves a robotic arm equipped with a stereo camera in the local environment. This system enables remote users to actively and flexibly observe the local environment by moving their heads to manipulate the robotic arm. Additionally, to solve the problem of the limited field of view of the stereo camera and limited movement range of the robotic arm, we propose a 3D reconstruction method combined with a stereo video field-of-view enhancement technique to guide remote users to move within the movement range of the robotic arm and provide them with a larger range of local environment perception. Finally, a mixed-reality telecollaboration prototype was built, and two user studies were conducted to evaluate the overall system. User study A evaluated the interaction efficiency, system usability, workload, copresence, and user satisfaction of our system from the remote user’s perspective, and the results showed that our system can effectively improve the interaction efficiency while achieving a better user experience than two traditional view-sharing techniques based on 360 video and based on the local user’s first-person view. User study B evaluated our MR telecollaboration system prototype from both the remote-user side and the local-user side as a whole, providing directions and suggestions for the subsequent design and improvement of our mixed-reality telecollaboration system. Full article

The evolution of the falling drop substance transfer in a target fluid at rest was traced by high-speed video techniques. Two flow modes were studied: slow intrusive flow, when the KE of the drop was comparable or less than the available potential energy (APSE), and a fast impact flow, at a relatively high drop contact velocity. For the substance transfer visualization, a drop of alizarin ink solution at various concentrations was used. The use of transparent partially colored fluid allows tracing the drop matter motion in the bulk and on the fluid free surface. The traditional side and frontal view of flow patterns were registered and analyzed. In both flow modes, the substance of the drop partially remained on the free surface and partially went into the target fluid bulk, where it was distributed non-uniformly. In the intrusive mode, the drop substance partially remained on the surface, while the main mass of the drop flowed into the thickness of the target fluid, forming the lenticular colored domain. The intrusion was gradually transformed into an annular vortex. In the impact mode, the drop broke up into individual fibers during the coalescence, creating linear and reticular structures on the surface of the cavity and the crown. The flow patterns composed of individual fibers were rapidly rebuilt as the flow evolved and the splash emerged and decayed. The sizes of cavities and colored fluid domains were compared in different flow regimes as well. The total energy transfer and transformation impact on the flow structure formation and dynamics was revealed. Full article

Background: The cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) provides a qualitative assessment of the side-step cutting (S-SC) technique. Previous research has been undertaken primarily by biomechanists experienced with S-SC evaluations. Little is known about the agreement between various sports science and medicine practitioners to ascertain whether the tool can be used effectively by different practitioners in the field. Currently, the CMAS uses three camera views (CVS) to undertake the evaluation, and it would be worthwhile to know whether the CMAS can be effectively conducted with fewer camera views to improve clinical utility. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the inter-rater agreement between different sports science and medicine practitioners and agreement between using different CVS to evaluate the S-SC technique using the CMAS. Methods: Video data were collected from 12 male rugby union players performing a 45° S-SC manoeuvre toward both the left and right directions. Five different sports science and medicine practitioners evaluated footage from three cameras of one left and one right trial from each player using the CMAS. Twelve different trials were also evaluated by the sports rehabilitator using single and multiple CVS. Agreements (percentage; Kappa coefficients (K)) between different practitioners and configurations of the CVS were explored. Results: Good to excellent inter-rater agreements were found between all practitioners for total score (K = 0.63–0.84), with moderate to excellent inter-rater agreements observed across all items of the CMAS (K = 0.5–1.0). Excellent agreement was found between using three CVS vs. two CVS that included at least a sagittal view (K = 0.96–0.97). Lower agreement (K = 0.83) was found between angle-frontal views with three CVS. Conclusions: The CMAS can be used effectively by various practitioners to evaluate the movement quality of S-SC. The use of two CVS that include at least a sagittal plane view would suffice to evaluate the S-SC technique against the CMAS. Full article

Dam failures are examples of man-made disasters that have stimulated investigation into the processes related to the failure of different dam types. Embankment dam breaching during an overtopping event is one of the major modes of failure for this dam type, comprising both earthfill and rockfill dams. This paper presents the results of a series of laboratory tests on breach initiation and progression in rockfill dams. Especially eight breaching tests of 1 m-high 1:10 scale embankment dams constructed of scaled well-graded rockfill were conducted. Tests were performed with and without an impervious core and under different inflow discharges. Controlling instrumentation includes up to nine video cameras used for image analysis and photogrammetry. A previously little-used technique of dynamic 3D photogrammetry has been applied to prepare 3D models every 5 s throughout the breaching process, allowing us to track in detail breach development. These dynamic 3D models along with pressure sensor data, flow data, and side-view video are used to provide data on erosion rates throughout the breaching process. One important purpose of this research is to test methods of observing a rapidly changing morphology such as an embankment dam breach that can easily be scaled up to large-scale and prototype-scale tests. The resulting data sets are further intended for the verification of existing empirical and numerical models for slope stability and breach development as well as the development of new models. Full article

This paper presents the results of detailed studies of the processes of droplet formation and its characteristics under conditions of artificially induction of a bag-breakup fragmentation event. A shadow imaging method was used in combination with the high-speed video filming of the side-view fragmentation process. Trajectories and ejection velocity characteristics of the formed droplets are determined by identifying particles in consecutive frames with combined use of Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). Based on the results of trajectory processing, the distributions of droplet velocities for the selected regions are obtained, and estimates of the ejection velocities at various heights are proposed. Full article

Display-to-camera (D2C) communications has emerged as a key method for next-generation videos that offer side information to camera-equipped devices during normal viewing. This paper presents Deep learning-driven Complementary Color Barcode-based Optical Camera Communications (DeepCCB-OCC), a D2C system using multiple deep neural networks built for imperceptible transmission and reliable communication in a D2C link. DeepCCB-OCC takes advantage of a the You Only Look Once (YOLO) model to provide seamless detection of a color barcode area in electronic displays. To identify transmitted color barcode symbols in the received image, we define various color barcode patterns caused by the synchronization jitter between the camera and the display. Then, DeepCCB-OCC incorporates convolutional neural network (CNN) models to accurately detect the pilot and data symbols in the transmission packets, regardless of the various D2C environments. Experiments with a commercial monitor and a smartphone demonstrate that DeepCCB-OCC outperforms the conventional CCB-OCC system from various distances and angles of a D2C link. The experiment results prove that, when the alignment angle was 20 degrees at a distance of 90 cm between the display and the camera, the proposed scheme achieved approximately 79.1 bps, which showed a performance improvement of 14.1% compared to the existing technique. Full article

Testing a physical model of an ice-resistant marine structure in an ice tank is one of the methods used for design validation. For a stationary structure design, not only is the possible global ice load of interest but also the processes of creation and evolution of ice rubble in front of the contacting surface. While the load registering technique in model-scale experiments is very well-developed, the photogrammetric analysis of broken ice morphometry and locomotion is not. The photographs taken to illustrate the breaking process do not usually accompany the information necessary for the photogrammetric reconstruction of the scene. This paper outlines a systematic approach to the photogrammetric analysis of the scenes in model-scale conditions. Using this approach, the broken ice dimensions were measured in seven model-scale experiments for which the model of a sloped marine structure was reconstructed. In these experiments, a 700 mm wide slope with an inclination angle of 53° caused an upward flexural failure of the model’s granular ice. Reference global load histories for these experiments are provided. For the first contact episodes, the successful reconstruction of the broken ice mosaic in the polynya showed the insignificant contribution of compressive failure. In continual ice–structure interaction, the morphometry of the ice blocks visible on the slope of the rubble pile and on the surface of the surrounding ice sheet was retrieved from orthorectified video frames. The results were compared with the after-test nadir drone view of the polynya. The error in estimating the top-side area and the maximum linear dimension of the ice block fell into the interval of 0–10%. The morphometric information of the broken ice floes obtained in ice tank experiments with physical models can be used for the improvement of the mechanical models of ice fracture and failure against inclined offshore ice-resistant structures. Full article

No prior study has evaluated the content of YouTube videos that demonstrated how to take periapical radiographs, one of the commonest radiographic examinations in dentistry. This study provided a content analysis on these YouTube videos. Three separate searches were performed with the following search strings: (1) posterior periapical, (2) molar periapical, and (3) anterior periapical. The videos resulting from the searches were sorted by view count, and their related videos (as listed by YouTube on the right of the screen) were also screened. Exclusion criteria included irrelevance to periapical radiography, no real patient involved, no demonstration of periapical radiography procedures), non-English video, and duplicate videos. Finally, 21 videos were included and analyzed. For each included video, the following aspects were evaluated: general settings (types of image receptor, patient age, and radiographic technique), patient preparation, machine preparation, receptor placement, and operator safety. All but one were demonstrated with an adult patient. The videos were largely based on digital imaging with the use of either intraoral sensors or phosphor plates, and mostly used paralleling technique. Several common issues were identified, such as not removing the metallic objects from the patient’s head and neck region, not showing the selection of radiation dose, not placing the orientation dot on the film or phosphor plate on the occlusal side, and not wearing proper personal protective equipment. More instructional videos are definitely required. Future videos should eliminate these issues, and also demonstrate with pediatric patients. Perhaps the dental radiology department of a well-established university should be enticed to produce an instructional video that presents the technique in a flawless presentation, to facilitate the learning of dental students, dental hygienists and dental assistants who have yet to master their skills. Full article