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Search Results (450)

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Keywords = visual narrative

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23 pages, 1693 KiB  
Review
From Vision to Illumination: The Promethean Journey of Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiology
by Angela Buonpane, Giancarlo Trimarchi, Francesca Maria Di Muro, Giulia Nardi, Marco Ciardetti, Michele Alessandro Coceani, Luigi Emilio Pastormerlo, Umberto Paradossi, Sergio Berti, Carlo Trani, Giovanna Liuzzo, Italo Porto, Antonio Maria Leone, Filippo Crea, Francesco Burzotta, Rocco Vergallo and Alberto Ranieri De Caterina
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5451; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155451 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has evolved from a breakthrough ophthalmologic imaging tool into a cornerstone technology in interventional cardiology. After its initial applications in retinal imaging in the early 1990s, OCT was subsequently envisioned for cardiovascular use. In 1995, its ability to visualize [...] Read more.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has evolved from a breakthrough ophthalmologic imaging tool into a cornerstone technology in interventional cardiology. After its initial applications in retinal imaging in the early 1990s, OCT was subsequently envisioned for cardiovascular use. In 1995, its ability to visualize atherosclerotic plaques was demonstrated in an in vitro study, and the following year marked the acquisition of the first in vivo OCT image of a human coronary artery. A major milestone followed in 2000, with the first intracoronary imaging in a living patient using time-domain OCT. However, the real inflection point came in 2006 with the advent of frequency-domain OCT, which dramatically improved acquisition speed and image quality, enabling safe and routine imaging in the catheterization lab. With the advent of high-resolution, second-generation frequency-domain systems, OCT has become clinically practical and widely adopted in catheterization laboratories. OCT progressively entered interventional cardiology, first proving its safety and feasibility, then demonstrating superiority over angiography alone in guiding percutaneous coronary interventions and improving outcomes. Today, it plays a central role not only in clinical practice but also in cardiovascular research, enabling precise assessment of plaque biology and response to therapy. With the advent of artificial intelligence and hybrid imaging systems, OCT is now evolving into a true precision-medicine tool—one that not only guides today’s therapies but also opens new frontiers for discovery, with vast potential still waiting to be explored. Tracing its historical evolution from ophthalmology to cardiology, this narrative review highlights the key technological milestones, clinical insights, and future perspectives that position OCT as an indispensable modality in contemporary interventional cardiology. As a guiding thread, the myth of Prometheus is used to symbolize the evolution of OCT—from its illuminating beginnings in ophthalmology to its transformative role in cardiology—as a metaphor for how light, innovation, and knowledge can reveal what was once hidden and redefine clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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23 pages, 3427 KiB  
Article
Visual Narratives and Digital Engagement: Decoding Seoul and Tokyo’s Tourism Identity Through Instagram Analytics
by Seung Chul Yoo and Seung Mi Kang
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6030149 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Social media platforms like Instagram significantly shape destination images and influence tourist behavior. Understanding how different cities are represented and perceived on these platforms is crucial for effective tourism marketing. This study provides a comparative analysis of Instagram content and engagement patterns in [...] Read more.
Social media platforms like Instagram significantly shape destination images and influence tourist behavior. Understanding how different cities are represented and perceived on these platforms is crucial for effective tourism marketing. This study provides a comparative analysis of Instagram content and engagement patterns in Seoul and Tokyo, two major Asian metropolises, to derive actionable marketing insights. We collected and analyzed 59,944 public Instagram posts geotagged or location-tagged within Seoul (n = 29,985) and Tokyo (n = 29,959). We employed a mixed-methods approach involving content categorization using a fine-tuned convolutional neural network (CNN) model, engagement metric analysis (likes, comments), Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis and thematic classification of comments, geospatial analysis (Kernel Density Estimation [KDE], Moran’s I), and predictive modeling (Gradient Boosting with SHapley Additive exPlanations [SHAP] value analysis). A validation analysis using balanced samples (n = 2000 each) was conducted to address Tokyo’s lower geotagged data proportion. While both cities showed ‘Person’ as the dominant content category, notable differences emerged. Tokyo exhibited higher like-based engagement across categories, particularly for ‘Animal’ and ‘Food’ content, while Seoul generated slightly more comments, often expressing stronger sentiment. Qualitative comment analysis revealed Seoul comments focused more on emotional reactions, whereas Tokyo comments were often shorter, appreciative remarks. Geospatial analysis identified distinct hotspots. The validation analysis confirmed these spatial patterns despite Tokyo’s data limitations. Predictive modeling highlighted hashtag counts as the key engagement driver in Seoul and the presence of people in Tokyo. Seoul and Tokyo project distinct visual narratives and elicit different engagement patterns on Instagram. These findings offer practical implications for destination marketers, suggesting tailored content strategies and location-based campaigns targeting identified hotspots and specific content themes. This study underscores the value of integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses of social media data for nuanced destination marketing insights. Full article
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25 pages, 4446 KiB  
Article
Counter-Cartographies of Extraction: Mapping Socio-Environmental Changes Through Hybrid Geographic Information Technologies
by Mitesh Dixit, Nataša Danilović Hristić and Nebojša Stefanović
Land 2025, 14(8), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081576 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper examines Krivelj, a copper mining village in Serbia, as a critical yet overlooked node within global extractive networks. Despite supplying copper essential for renewable energy and sustainable architecture, Krivelj experiences severe ecological disruption, forced relocations, and socio-spatial destabilization, becoming a “sacrifice [...] Read more.
This paper examines Krivelj, a copper mining village in Serbia, as a critical yet overlooked node within global extractive networks. Despite supplying copper essential for renewable energy and sustainable architecture, Krivelj experiences severe ecological disruption, forced relocations, and socio-spatial destabilization, becoming a “sacrifice zone”—an area deliberately subjected to harm for broader economic interests. Employing a hybrid methodology that combines ethnographic fieldwork with Geographic Information Systems (GISs), this study spatializes narratives of extractive violence collected from residents through walking interviews, field sketches, and annotated aerial imagery. By integrating satellite data, legal documents, environmental sensors, and lived testimonies, it uncovers the concept of “slow violence,” where incremental harm occurs through bureaucratic neglect, ambient pollution, and legal ambiguity. Critiquing the abstraction of Planetary Urbanization theory, this research employs countertopography and forensic spatial analysis to propose a counter-cartographic framework that integrates geospatial analysis with local narratives. It demonstrates how global mining finance manifests locally through tangible experiences, such as respiratory illnesses and disrupted community relationships, emphasizing the potential of counter-cartography as a tool for visualizing and contesting systemic injustice. Full article
14 pages, 1980 KiB  
Review
Ultrasound in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Narrative Exploration from Static Imaging to Contrast-Enhanced, Dynamic and Sonoelastographic Insights
by Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Kamal Mezian, Vincenzo Ricci, Consuelo B. Gonzalez-Suarez and Levent Özçakar
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1924; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151924 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 49
Abstract
Adhesive capsulitis is a painful and progressive condition marked by significant limitations in shoulder mobility, particularly affecting external rotation. Although magnetic resonance imaging is regarded as the reference standard for assessing intra-articular structures, its high cost and limited availability present challenges in routine [...] Read more.
Adhesive capsulitis is a painful and progressive condition marked by significant limitations in shoulder mobility, particularly affecting external rotation. Although magnetic resonance imaging is regarded as the reference standard for assessing intra-articular structures, its high cost and limited availability present challenges in routine clinical use. In contrast, musculoskeletal ultrasound has emerged as an accessible, real-time, and cost-effective imaging modality for both the diagnosis and treatment guidance of adhesive capsulitis. This narrative review compiles and illustrates current evidence regarding the role of ultrasound, encompassing static B-mode imaging, dynamic motion analysis, contrast-enhanced techniques, and sonoelastography. Key sonographic features—such as thickening of the coracohumeral ligament, fibrosis in the axillary recess, and abnormal tendon kinematics—have been consistently associated with adhesive capsulitis and demonstrate favorable diagnostic performance. Advanced methods like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography provide additional functional insights (enabling evaluation of capsular stiffness and vascular changes) which may aid in disease staging and prediction of treatment response. Despite these advantages, the clinical utility of ultrasound remains subject to operator expertise and technical variability. Limited visualization of intra-articular structures and the absence of standardized scanning protocols continue to pose challenges. Nevertheless, ongoing advances in its technology and utility standardization hold promise for the broader application of ultrasound in clinical practice. With continued research and validation, ultrasound is positioned to play an increasingly central role in the comprehensive assessment and management of adhesive capsulitis. Full article
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19 pages, 6637 KiB  
Article
IP Adaptation Strategies in Film: A Case Study of Ne Zha 2 (2025)
by Aixin Chen and Haodong Gu
Arts 2025, 14(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14040085 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Ne Zha 2 (Ne Zha: Mo Tong Nao Hai, 哪吒之魔童闹海, 2025) is a prime example of the modernization of traditional literary intellectual property (IP). It has achieved the highest box office gross in Chinese cinematic history and ranks among the top [...] Read more.
Ne Zha 2 (Ne Zha: Mo Tong Nao Hai, 哪吒之魔童闹海, 2025) is a prime example of the modernization of traditional literary intellectual property (IP). It has achieved the highest box office gross in Chinese cinematic history and ranks among the top five highest-grossing films globally. This article uses a case study approach to examine the adaptation strategies of Ne Zha 2 (2025), offering strategic insights for future film adaptations. The analysis focuses on four key dimensions—character, plot, theme, and esthetics—to explore how these elements contribute to the film’s adaptation. The findings reveal that the film strikes a balance between intertextuality and innovation, achieved through multidimensional character development, narrative subversion, contemporary thematic reinterpretation, and sophisticated esthetic techniques. By maintaining the emotional connection to the classical IP, the adaptation not only delivers stunning visual spectacles but also provides a culturally immersive experience, revitalizing traditional mythology with contemporary relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Detailed Study of Films: Adjusting Attention)
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19 pages, 1023 KiB  
Review
Current Evidence in Robotic Colorectal Surgery
by Franziska Willis, Anca-Laura Amati, Martin Reichert, Andreas Hecker, Tim O. Vilz, Jörg C. Kalff, Stefan Willis and Maria A. Kröplin
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2503; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152503 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 79
Abstract
Colorectal surgery has undergone significant advances over the past few decades, driven by the evolution of minimally invasive techniques, particularly laparoscopy and robotics. While laparoscopy is widely recognized for its short-term benefits and oncological safety, the increasing adoption of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has [...] Read more.
Colorectal surgery has undergone significant advances over the past few decades, driven by the evolution of minimally invasive techniques, particularly laparoscopy and robotics. While laparoscopy is widely recognized for its short-term benefits and oncological safety, the increasing adoption of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has generated considerable debate regarding its clinical benefits, economic implications, and overall impact on patient outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes the existing evidence, highlighting the clinical and economic aspects of RAS in colorectal surgery, while exploring areas for future research. The findings suggest that RAS offers potential technical advantages, including increased precision, three-dimensional visualization, and improved ergonomics, particularly in anatomically complex scenarios such as low rectal resections. Still, its superiority over laparoscopy remains inconclusive and current evidence is mixed. For colon cancer, meta-analyses and analyses of large cohorts suggest lower conversion rates and faster recovery with RAS, although data are mostly retrospective and lack long-term oncological endpoints. In rectal cancer, emerging evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrates improved short-term outcomes. Additionally, the recently published three-year results of the REAL trial are the first to demonstrate enhanced oncological outcomes following RAS. However, findings remain inconsistent due to methodological heterogeneity, the absence of patient stratification, and limited data on long-term survival and cost-effectiveness. The available evidence indicates that RAS may offer advantages in selected patient populations, particularly for anatomically complex procedures. Yet, its overall utility remains uncertain. Future studies should emphasize high-quality randomized trials, stratified subgroup analyses, and standardized economic evaluations to better define the role of RAS in colorectal surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotic Surgery in Colorectal Cancer)
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19 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
Gender Inequalities and Precarious Work–Life Balance in Italian Academia: Emergency Remote Work and Organizational Change During the COVID-19 Lockdown
by Annalisa Dordoni
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080471 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified structural tensions surrounding work−life balance, precarity, and gender inequalities in academia. This paper examines the spatial, temporal, and emotional disruptions experienced by early-career and precarious researchers in Italy during the first national lockdown (March–April 2020) and [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified structural tensions surrounding work−life balance, precarity, and gender inequalities in academia. This paper examines the spatial, temporal, and emotional disruptions experienced by early-career and precarious researchers in Italy during the first national lockdown (March–April 2020) and their engagement in remote academic work. Adopting an exploratory and qualitative approach, the study draws on ten narrative video interviews and thirty participant-generated images to investigate how structural dimensions—such as gender, class, caregiving responsibilities, and the organizational culture of the neoliberal university—shaped these lived experiences. The findings highlight the implosion of boundaries between paid work, care, family life, and personal space and how this disarticulation exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly for women and caregivers. By interpreting both visual and narrative data through a sociological lens on gender, work, and organizations, the paper contributes to current debates on the transformation of academic labor and the reshaping of temporal work regimes through the everyday use of digital technologies in contemporary neoliberal capitalism. It challenges the individualization of discourses on productivity and flexibility and calls for gender-sensitive, structurally informed policies that support equitable and sustainable transitions in work and family life, in line with European policy frameworks. Full article
17 pages, 1603 KiB  
Perspective
A Perspective on Quality Evaluation for AI-Generated Videos
by Zhichao Zhang, Wei Sun and Guangtao Zhai
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4668; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154668 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 188
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in AI-generated content (AIGC) have transformed video creation, empowering systems to translate text, images, or audio into visually compelling stories. Yet reliable evaluation of these machine-crafted videos remains elusive because quality is governed not only by spatial fidelity within individual frames [...] Read more.
Recent breakthroughs in AI-generated content (AIGC) have transformed video creation, empowering systems to translate text, images, or audio into visually compelling stories. Yet reliable evaluation of these machine-crafted videos remains elusive because quality is governed not only by spatial fidelity within individual frames but also by temporal coherence across frames and precise semantic alignment with the intended message. The foundational role of sensor technologies is critical, as they determine the physical plausibility of AIGC outputs. In this perspective, we argue that multimodal large language models (MLLMs) are poised to become the cornerstone of next-generation video quality assessment (VQA). By jointly encoding cues from multiple modalities such as vision, language, sound, and even depth, the MLLM can leverage its powerful language understanding capabilities to assess the quality of scene composition, motion dynamics, and narrative consistency, overcoming the fragmentation of hand-engineered metrics and the poor generalization ability of CNN-based methods. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive analysis of current methodologies for assessing AIGC video quality, including the evolution of generation models, dataset design, quality dimensions, and evaluation frameworks. We argue that advances in sensor fusion enable MLLMs to combine low-level physical constraints with high-level semantic interpretations, further enhancing the accuracy of visual quality assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Intelligent Sensors and Sensing Systems)
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22 pages, 1329 KiB  
Review
Visual Field Examinations for Retinal Diseases: A Narrative Review
by Ko Eun Kim and Seong Joon Ahn
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5266; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155266 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Visual field (VF) testing remains a cornerstone in assessing retinal function by measuring how well different parts of the retina detect light. It is essential for early detection, monitoring, and management of many retinal diseases. By mapping retinal sensitivity, VF exams can reveal [...] Read more.
Visual field (VF) testing remains a cornerstone in assessing retinal function by measuring how well different parts of the retina detect light. It is essential for early detection, monitoring, and management of many retinal diseases. By mapping retinal sensitivity, VF exams can reveal functional loss before structural changes become visible. This review summarizes how VF testing is applied across key conditions: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema (DME), and inherited disorders including inherited dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Traditional methods like the Goldmann kinetic perimetry and simple tools such as the Amsler grid help identify large or central VF defects. Automated perimetry (e.g., Humphrey Field Analyzer) provides detailed, quantitative data critical for detecting subtle paracentral scotomas in HCQ retinopathy and central vision loss in AMD. Frequency-doubling technology (FDT) reveals early neural deficits in DR before blood vessel changes appear. Microperimetry offers precise, localized sensitivity maps for macular diseases. Despite its value, VF testing faces challenges including patient fatigue, variability in responses, and interpretation of unreliable results. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, virtual reality perimetry, and home-based perimetry systems are improving test accuracy, accessibility, and patient engagement. Integrating VF exams with these emerging technologies promises more personalized care, earlier intervention, and better long-term outcomes for patients with retinal disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Retinal Diseases)
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30 pages, 3932 KiB  
Article
Banking on the Metaverse: Systemic Disruption or Techno-Financial Mirage?
by Alina Georgiana Manta and Claudia Gherțescu
Systems 2025, 13(8), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13080624 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
This study delivers a rigorous and in-depth bibliometric examination of 693 scholarly publications addressing the intersection of metaverse technologies and banking, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Through advanced scientometric tools, including VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the research systematically unpacks the evolving [...] Read more.
This study delivers a rigorous and in-depth bibliometric examination of 693 scholarly publications addressing the intersection of metaverse technologies and banking, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Through advanced scientometric tools, including VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the research systematically unpacks the evolving intellectual and thematic contours of this interdisciplinary frontier. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords reveals a landscape shaped by seven core thematic clusters, encompassing immersive user environments, digital infrastructure, experiential design, and ethical considerations. Factorial analysis uncovers a marked bifurcation between experience-driven narratives and technology-centric frameworks, with integrative concepts such as technology, information, and consumption serving as conceptual bridges. Network visualizations of authorship patterns point to the emergence of high-density collaboration clusters, particularly centered around influential contributors such as Dwivedi and Ooi, while regional distribution patterns indicate a tri-continental dominance led by Asia, North America, and Western Europe. Temporal analysis identifies a significant surge in academic interest beginning in 2022, aligning with increased institutional and commercial experimentation in virtual financial platforms. Our findings argue that the incorporation of metaverse paradigms into banking is not merely a technological shift but a systemic transformation in progress—one that blurs the boundaries between speculative innovation and tangible implementation. This work contributes foundational insights for future inquiry into digital finance systems, algorithmic governance, trust architecture, and the wider socio-economic consequences of banking in virtualized environments. Whether a genuine leap toward financial evolution or a sophisticated illusion, the metaverse in banking must now be treated as a systemic phenomenon worthy of serious scrutiny. Full article
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28 pages, 20978 KiB  
Article
From Painting to Cinema: Archetypes of the European Woman as a Cultural Mediator in the Western genre
by Olga Kosachova
Arts 2025, 14(4), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14040083 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 391
Abstract
The Western genre has traditionally been associated with American identity and male-dominated narratives. However, recent decades have seen increasing attention to female protagonists, particularly the European woman as a cultural mediator within the frontier context. This study aims to identify the archetypes of [...] Read more.
The Western genre has traditionally been associated with American identity and male-dominated narratives. However, recent decades have seen increasing attention to female protagonists, particularly the European woman as a cultural mediator within the frontier context. This study aims to identify the archetypes of the European woman in the Western genre through a diachronic and comparative analysis of the visual language found in European painting from the late 17th to early 19th centuries and in 20th–21st century cinema. The research methodology combines narrative, visual, and semiotic analysis, with a focus on intermedial and intertextual parallels between visual art and film. The study identifies nine archetypal models corresponding to goddesses of the Greek pantheon and traces their transformation across different aesthetic systems. These archetypes, rooted in artistic traditions such as Baroque, Classicism, Romanticism, and others, reappear in Western films through compositional, symbolic, and iconographic strategies, demonstrating their persistence and ability to transcend temporal, medial, and geographical boundaries. The findings suggest that the woman in the Western genre is not merely a central character, but a visual sign that activates cultural memory and engages with deep archetypal structures embedded in the collective unconscious. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue What is ‘Art’ Cinema?)
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10 pages, 1375 KiB  
Review
Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in the Management of Postoperative Pain After Third Lower Molar Extraction: A Narrative Review
by Leopoldo Mauriello, Alessandro Cuozzo, Vitolante Pezzella, Vincenzo Iorio-Siciliano, Gaetano Isola, Gianrico Spagnuolo, Luca Ramaglia and Andrea Blasi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5210; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155210 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Background: Third lower molar (TLM) extraction is one of the most common oral surgical procedures, often accompanied by postoperative pain and inflammation. In order to treat postoperative pain, different methods are used, mainly based on painkillers. PBMT may represent an adjunct to pain [...] Read more.
Background: Third lower molar (TLM) extraction is one of the most common oral surgical procedures, often accompanied by postoperative pain and inflammation. In order to treat postoperative pain, different methods are used, mainly based on painkillers. PBMT may represent an adjunct to pain management. Objective: This narrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy of PBMT in reducing postoperative pain following TLM extraction. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies examining the use of PBMT for postoperative pain relief after TLM extraction. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Two studies showed statistically significant reductions in pain with PBMT. Kahraman et al. reported lower pain scores in the intraoral PBMT (p = 0.001), with up to a 3.2-point reduction on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). De Paula et al. found improved pain control using a dual-wavelength (808 + 660 nm) versus a single wavelength protocol (p = 0.031). The remaining studies showed non-significant results toward pain reduction. Conclusions: PBMT shows encouraging results in managing postoperative pain after TLM extraction, specifically with intraoral and multi-wavelength protocols. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its clinical utility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)
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22 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Understanding Video Narratives Through Dense Captioning with Linguistic Modules, Contextual Semantics, and Caption Selection
by Dvijesh Bhatt and Priyank Thakkar
AI 2025, 6(8), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6080166 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Dense video captioning involves identifying, localizing, and describing multiple events within a video. Capturing temporal and contextual dependencies between events is essential for generating coherent and accurate captions. To effectively capture temporal and contextual dependencies between events, we propose Dense Video Captioning with [...] Read more.
Dense video captioning involves identifying, localizing, and describing multiple events within a video. Capturing temporal and contextual dependencies between events is essential for generating coherent and accurate captions. To effectively capture temporal and contextual dependencies between events, we propose Dense Video Captioning with Dual Contextual, Systematic, and Linguistic Modules (DVC-DCSL), a novel dense video captioning model that integrates contextual, semantic, and linguistic modules. The proposed approach employs two uni-directional LSTMs (forward and backward) to generate distinct captions for each event. A caption selection mechanism then processes these outputs to determine the final caption. In addition, contextual alignment is improved by incorporating visual and textual features from previous video segments into the captioning module, ensuring smoother narrative transitions. Comprehensive experiments conducted using the ActivityNet dataset demonstrate that DVC-DCSL increases the Meteor score from 11.28 to 12.71, representing a 12% improvement over state-of-the-art models in the field of dense video captioning. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving dense video captioning quality through contextual and linguistic integration. Full article
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13 pages, 1054 KiB  
Article
Applying Visual Storytelling in Food Marketing: The Effect of Graphic Storytelling on Narrative Transportation and Purchase Intention
by Lingnuo Wang, Xin Fang, Ying Xiao, Yangyue Li, Yulin Sun, Lei Zheng and Charles Spence
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152572 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
In today’s market, consumers appear to be less interested in promotional strategies, particularly those that rely on text-based advertisements. Graphic storytelling can be seen as providing a more engaging visual approach to attract audiences and is increasingly being used by marketers and food [...] Read more.
In today’s market, consumers appear to be less interested in promotional strategies, particularly those that rely on text-based advertisements. Graphic storytelling can be seen as providing a more engaging visual approach to attract audiences and is increasingly being used by marketers and food packaging designers. However, the questions of whether and how graphic storytelling influences consumers’ purchase intentions remain underexplored. Based on the Transportation–Imagery Model, two experimental studies were conducted to examine the effect of graphic storytelling on narrative transportation and food purchase intention, and to explore its underlying mechanism from the perspective of cognitive fluency. The results demonstrated the positive effect of graphic storytelling on narrative transportation (Studies 1 and 2), as well as a significant impact on food purchase intention (Study 2). Furthermore, cognitive fluency was identified as a critical factor impacting narrative transportation, facilitated by graphic storytelling (Studies 1 and 2). This study extends the Transportation–Imagery Model by positioning cognitive fluency as an important antecedent of narrative transportation. Practically, the suggestion would be for restaurants and food firms to optimize their advertising by displaying cooking processes, particularly for part-prepared foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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33 pages, 9781 KiB  
Article
Spatial Narrative Optimization in Digitally Gamified Architectural Scenarios
by Deshao Wang, Jieqing Xu and Luwang Chen
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2597; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152597 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Currently, exploring digital immersive experiences is a new trend in the innovation and development of cultural tourism. This study addresses the growing demand for digital immersion in cultural tourism by examining the integration of spatial narrative and digitally gamified architectural scenarios. This study [...] Read more.
Currently, exploring digital immersive experiences is a new trend in the innovation and development of cultural tourism. This study addresses the growing demand for digital immersion in cultural tourism by examining the integration of spatial narrative and digitally gamified architectural scenarios. This study synthesizes an optimized framework for narrative design in digitally gamified architectural scenarios, integrating spatial narrative theory and feedback-informed design. The proposed model comprises four key components: (1) developing spatial narrative design methods for such scenarios; (2) constructing a spatial language system for spatial narratives using linguistic principles to organize narrative expression; (3) building a preliminary digitally gamified scenario based on the “Wuhu Jiaoji Temple Renovation Project” after architectural and environmental enhancements; and (4) optimization through thermal feedback experiments—collecting visitor trajectory heatmaps, eye-tracking heatmaps, and oculometric data. The results show that the optimized design, validated in the original game Dreams of Jiaoji, effectively enhanced spatial narrative execution by refining both on-site and in-game architectural scenarios. Post-optimization visitor feedback confirmed the validity of the proposed optimization strategies and principles, providing theoretical and practical references for innovative digital cultural tourism models and architectural design advancements. In the context of site-specific architectural conservation, this approach achieves two key objectives: the generalized interpretation of architectural cultural resources and their visual representation through gamified interactions. This paradigm not only enhances public engagement through enabling a multidimensional understanding of historical building cultures but also accelerates the protective reuse of heritage sites, allowing heritage value to be maximized through contemporary reinterpretation. The interdisciplinary methodology promotes sustainable development in the digital transformation of cultural tourism, fostering user-centered experiences and contributing to rural revitalization. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential use of digitally gamified architectural scenarios as transformative tools for heritage preservation, cultural dissemination, and rural community revitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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