Content Coding Research Articles

FR-IBC: Flipping and Rotation Intra Block Copy for Versatile Video Coding

Screen content has become increasingly important in multimedia applications owing to the growth of remote desktops, Wi-Fi displays, and cloud computing. However, these applications generate large amounts of data, and their limited bandwidth necessitates efficient video coding. While existing video coding standards have been optimized for natural videos originally captured by cameras, screen content has unique characteristics such as large homogeneous areas and repeated patterns. In this paper, we propose an enhanced intra block copy (IBC) method for screen content coding (SCC) in versatile video coding (VVC) named flipping and rotation intra block copy (FR-IBC). The proposed method improves the prediction accuracy by using flipped and rotated versions of the reference blocks as additional references. To reduce the computational complexity, hash maps of these blocks are constructed on a 4 × 4 block size basis. Moreover, we modify the block vectors and block vector predictor candidates of IBC merge and IBC advanced motion vector prediction to indicate the locations within the available reference area at all times. The experimental results show that our FR-IBC method outperforms existing SCC tools in VVC. Bjøntegaard-Delta rate gains of 0.66% and 2.30% were achieved under the All Intra and Random Access conditions for Class F, respectively, while corresponding values of 0.40% and 2.46% were achieved for Class SCC, respectively.

Unsupervised Dual Deep Hashing with Semantic-Index and Content-Code for Cross-Modal Retrieval.

Hashing technology has exhibited great cross-modal retrieval potential due to its appealing retrieval efficiency and storage effectiveness. Most current supervised cross-modal retrieval methods heavily rely on accurate semantic supervision, which is intractable for annotations with ever-growing sample sizes. By comparison, the existing unsupervised methods rely on accurate sample similarity preservation strategies with intensive computational costs to compensate for the lack of semantic guidance, which causes these methods to lose the power to bridge the semantic gap. Furthermore, both kinds of approaches need to search for the nearest samples among all samples in a large search space, whose process is laborious. To address these issues, this paper proposes an unsupervised dual deep hashing (UDDH) method with semantic-index and content-code for cross-modal retrieval. Deep hashing networks are utilized to extract deep features and jointly encode the dual hashing codes in a collaborative manner with a common semantic index and modality content codes to simultaneously bridge the semantic and heterogeneous gaps for cross-modal retrieval. The dual deep hashing architecture, comprising the head code on semantic index and tail codes on modality content, enhances the efficiency for cross-modal retrieval. A query sample only needs to search for the retrieved samples with the same semantic index, thus greatly shrinking the search space and achieving superior retrieval efficiency. UDDH integrates the learning processes of deep feature extraction, binary optimization, common semantic index, and modality content code within a unified model, allowing for collaborative optimization to enhance the overall performance. Extensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate the retrieval superiority of the proposed approach over the state-of-the-art baselines.

Decoding the rhythmic representation and communication of visual contents.

Rhythmic neural activity is considered essential for adaptively modulating responses in the visual system. In this opinion article we posit that visual brain rhythms also serve a key function in the representation and communication of visual contents. Collating a set of recent studies that used multivariate decoding methods on rhythmic brain signals, we highlight such rhythmic content representations in visual perception, imagery, and prediction. We argue that characterizing representations across frequency bands allows researchers to elegantly disentangle content transfer in feedforward and feedback directions. We further propose that alpha dynamics are central to content-specific feedback propagation in the visual system. We conclude that considering rhythmic content codes is pivotal for understanding information coding in vision and beyond.

Disentangling the good, the bad, and the neutral of co-present mobile phone use: A new perspective on “partner phubbing”

Studies show that the use of smartphones in the presence of a partner may result in lower relationship quality, intimacy, and increased conflict. Such co-present phone use, often referred to as “phubbing” or “technoference,” has been problematized in the literature. However, few studies have hitherto explored the possibility that using phones in each other's presence may not cause any relational harm and might even support relationship maintenance. Only recently did the critiques and theoretical frameworks begin to expand our understanding of the broader role of smartphones in dyadic interactions. In this study, we tested whether co-present phone use is always perceived as negative, or if it could also be neutral or positive. We employed quantitative methods and content coding of free responses to understand the participants’ experiences and reasoning in different evaluations. We analyzed the responses of British participants ( N = 383) living with their partner, who were enrolled via Prolific to take part in the study. The analyses revealed that only 15% of participants perceived their partner's phone use as negative, the majority evaluating it as neutral or positive. Most participants reported that their partner's phone use had no impact on their time together or was integrated with other activities. Those who reported a negative impact attributed it to the partner's lack of attention. The present study challenges the existing literature and highlights the need for a conceptual expansion of smartphone-related behaviors in dyads.

Using natural language processing and machine learning to replace human content coders.

Content analysis is a common and flexible technique to quantify and make sense of qualitative data in psychological research. However, the practical implementation of content analysis is extremely labor-intensive and subject to human coder errors. Applying natural language processing (NLP) techniques can help address these limitations. We explain and illustrate these techniques to psychological researchers. For this purpose, we first present a study exploring the creation of psychometrically meaningful predictions of human content codes. Using an existing database of human content codes, we build an NLP algorithm to validly predict those codes, at generally acceptable standards. We then conduct a Monte-Carlo simulation to model how four dataset characteristics (i.e., sample size, unlabeled proportion of cases, classification base rate, and human coder reliability) influence content classification performance. The simulation indicated that the influence of sample size and unlabeled proportion on model classification performance tended to be curvilinear. In addition, base rate and human coder reliability had a strong effect on classification performance. Finally, using these results, we offer practical recommendations to psychologists on the necessary dataset characteristics to achieve valid prediction of content codes to guide researchers on the use of NLP models to replace human coders in content analysis research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A memory access number constraint-based string prediction technique for high throughput SCC implemented in AVS3

String prediction (SP) is a highly efficient screen content coding (SCC) tool that has been adopted in international and Chinese video coding standards. SP exhibits a highly flexible and efficient ability to predict repetitive matching patterns. However, SP also suffers from low throughput of decoded display output pixels per memory access, which is synchronized with the decoder clock, due to the high number of memory accesses required to decode an SP coding unit for display. Even in state-of-the-art (SOTA) SP, the worst-case scenario involves two memory accesses for decoding each 4-pixel basic string unit across two memory access units, resulting in a throughput as low as two pixels per memory access (PPMA). To solve this problem, we are the first to propose a technique called memory access number constraint-based string prediction (MANC-SP) to achieve high throughput in SCC. First, a novel MANC-SP framework is proposed, a well-designed memory access number constraint rule is established on the basis of statistical data, and a constrained RDO-based string searching method is presented. Compared with the existing SOTA SP, the experimental results demonstrate that MANC-SP can improve the throughput from 2 to 2.67 PPMA, achieving a throughput improvement of 33.33% while maintaining a negligible impact on coding efficiency and complexity.

Asset Framing and Ethical Storytelling as Tools to Empower Communities and Reduce Stigma: An Examination of Virginia SNAP-Ed Reporting Practices

Background: Federally funded nutrition education programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), produce annual reports on program impacts and outcomes. Some reports have traditionally used a “deficit frame,” which potentially stigmatizes participants. On the other hand, asset framing and ethical storytelling practices can empower communities and partners and reduce stigma. The purpose of this project was to determine how the language used in the 2022 Virginia SNAP-Ed annual report for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) aligns with ethical storytelling and asset-framing practices. In addition, the purpose was to outline strategies for more empowering reporting practices that rely on asset framing and ethical storytelling practices instead of a deficit frame. Method: Content coding was used to identify instances of asset- and deficit-based framing. Codes were developed from a toolkit on asset framing and ethical storytelling. The annual report was coded by one researcher and reviewed by a second. Results: Instances of deficit- and asset-framing and ethical storytelling were low. Only seven instances of stigmatizing language were identified. One was “low-income families,” and the other six were instances where “SNAP-eligible” was used to describe a group of people. Both are examples of presenting challenges as personal characteristics. The majority of the language was neutral and did not stigmatize or empower program participants. Conclusions: Overall, the report did not frequently utilize deficit framing. However, asset-framing practices were also not explicitly used. The authors propose multiple strategies to develop more empowering reporting practices, including implementing an asset frame to emphasize participants’ contributions and strengths and employing ethical storytelling practices to center community voices.

An analysis of national news coverage of semaglutide for weight loss

BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide have risen significantly in use in recent years as a therapeutic option for the management of obesity. Popular media serves as an information source for many patients, and depending on the content, may influence how a patient views a particular therapy. ObjectiveTo describe the content of online/print news articles published about semaglutide for weight loss. MethodsOnline websites and databases were used to access 8 major U.S. online/print news outlets, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, Fox News, CNN, ABC News, and CBS News. Sources were searched for articles focusing on semaglutide and weight loss published in 2023. Articles were excluded if they focused on: (1) type 2 diabetes, (2) company press releases, or were (3) videos or transcripts of oral broadcasts/podcasts. A random sample of articles was chosen with equitable distribution across sources. Articles were assessed for the presence of data across 9 domains and 30 different content codes, stratified by news source. ResultsA total of 127 articles were analyzed, split almost equally between print (n = 63) and online (n = 64) sources. The vast majority of articles were news articles/analyses (122; 96.1%). The most popular primary focus of articles were social/popular aspects of GLP-1 agonists (22; 17.3%), followed by basic medication information (20; 15.8%), harms of the medication (20; 15.8%), and benefits of the medication (17; 13.4%). Print sources were more likely to report on the cash price (55.6% Vs. 28.1%, P = 0.002), lack of insurance (61.9% Vs. 21.9%, P < 0.001), and cost-effectiveness (11.1% Vs. 1.6%, P = 0.027) of the medication compared to online sources. ConclusionOnline/print news articles regarding semaglutide for weight loss provide a variety of information about the medication, commonly focusing on social aspects of treatment.

Discovering what young adults want in electronic interventions aimed at reducing alcohol-related consequences.

Despite intervention efforts, negative alcohol-related consequences continue to impact young adults. Most alcohol interventions focus on reducing alcohol consumption; however, previous research indicates that focusing solely on alcohol use may not decrease consequences. Additionally, many alcohol interventions have diminishing engagement, and few are designed with young adults involved in the development process. Drawing on user-centered design, this study sought to understand young adult perceptions, preferences, and needs for electronic interventions specifically aimed at reducing alcohol consequences. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, 21 young adult drinkers (ages 18-24; 57.1% female) shared their opinions regarding the need for electronic interventions (i.e., mobile or web-delivered) to reduce alcohol consequences as well as their preferences for content, features, and ways to increase engagement. Interviews were coded and analyzed using a multi-step thematic analysis approach. As part of our discovery phase of intervention development, content coding revealed four main themes. Participants perceived several benefits of interventions focused on alcohol consequences, such as promoting mindful alcohol use and reducing alcohol-related harms. Participants also discussed perceived limitations of such programs, including believing consequences from drinking are unavoidable, necessary for learning, and associated with peer pressure. Preferences for features included real-time tracking, personalized feedback, and psychoeducation along with preferences for design including non-judgmental framing, interactive content, and a user-friendly platform. Engaging end users early in the development process is a valuable approach to increase intervention relevancy with the target population. This can also inform intervention content and design to maximize engagement and satisfaction (e.g., framing, features, and interactivity) while also reducing barriers identified early on (e.g., peer pressure).

“Tell me what I'm doing wrong”: Criticism of parenting choices and mental health during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents struggled with high levels of economic insecurity and mental health difficulties. Social cognitive theory suggests that receiving criticism from others contributes to psychological distress. This mixed-methods study explored longitudinal associations between receiving criticism about parenting choices and parental anxiety, depression, and financial worries during COVID-19. Survey data were collected at two time points in April 2020 from a national U.S. sample of 359 parents (70 % White, 67 % female, average age 34 years). Quantitative analyses were conducted using logistic and linear regression, and qualitative responses were coded to elucidate topics of criticism. Criticism at T1 was associated with increased parental anxiety, depression, and financial worries at T2 after controlling for these outcomes at T1. Content coding revealed parents were criticized for lenient parenting styles (20.63 %) or for being too strict with COVID-19 precautions (18.13 %). Being criticized about parenting choices may exacerbate mental health problems. Parents may benefit from receiving positive feedback about their parenting methods, either through social media or from family members.

The Socio-Ecological Factors Associated with Mental Health Problems and Resilience in Refugees: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Despite the immense challenges to mental health faced by refugees, research consistently finds that many nevertheless demonstrate remarkable resilience. However, a systematic account of the scientific literature on resilience among refugees is currently lacking. This paper aims to fill that gap by comprehensively reviewing research on protective and risk factors affecting refugees' resilience and mental health problems across four socio-ecological levels: individual, family, community, and society. We conducted a systematic search in the databases PsycINFO, Web of Science, and SocINDEX, as well as contacted topic experts to seek out unpublished manuscripts. This yielded 223 studies (171 quantitative, 52 qualitative), which were subjected to systematic content coding. We found consistent evidence for substantive risk factors, including traumatic experiences and gender at the individual level and postmigration stress and unemployment at the societal level. We found social support to be a clear protective factor at the family and community levels. We discuss these findings in the context of policy and intervention programs and make recommendations at different socio-ecological levels for supporting refugees' resilience.

BAD2matrix: Phylogenomic matrix concatenation, indel coding, and more.

Common steps in phylogenomic matrix production include biological sequence concatenation, morphological data concatenation, insertion/deletion (indel) coding, gene content (presence/absence) coding, removing uninformative characters for parsimony analysis, recording with reduced amino acid alphabets, and occupancy filtering. Existing software does not accomplish these tasks on a phylogenomic scale using a single program. BAD2matrix is a Python script that performs the above-mentioned steps in phylogenomic matrix construction for DNA or amino acid sequences as well as morphological data. The script works in UNIX-like environments (e.g., LINUX, MacOS, Windows Subsystem for LINUX). BAD2matrix helps simplify phylogenomic pipelines and can be downloaded from https://github.com/dpl10/BAD2matrix/tree/master under a GNU General Public License v2.

Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic in Türkiye in the Context of Local Service Delivery Paradigms

Many researchers have investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities and conducted studies in urban areas to understand the various response efforts. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on metropolitan municipalities in the context of the local service delivery paradigms. In this context, the study examined the activities carried out by the top five most populous provinces in Türkiye (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Konya, Kocaeli, Şanlıurfa, Adana) between 2020 and 2021 within the scope of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The data obtained on the activities of the metropolitan municipalities were evaluated through content analysis, and content coding was performed using the MAXQDA program. In the realization of these policies in Türkiye, despite the influence of many methods in the context of various service delivery administrations, such as local government, intergovernmental, local governance, e-municipality, and city diplomacy, it is seen that the directives of the central government are predominantly effective, and local governments do not use the cooperation method effectively.

Timing and content of serious illness conversations for patients with advanced heart failure in a specialty-aligned palliative care service

BackgroundPatients with advanced heart failure (AHF) desire communication around values and goals prior to treatment decisions. ObjectivesTo evaluate the timing and content of the first serious illness communication (SI conversation) for patients with AHF after referral to a specialist palliative care (PC) team (HeartPal). MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we used electronic health records to identify patients referred to HeartPal and their first SI conversations at a tertiary care hospital between October 2018 and September 2021. We used natural language processing and predetermined codes to quantify prevalence of prior goals of care conversations by the cardiology team within six months preceding the HeartPal consultation and the prevalence of hopes, fears, and seven conversation content codes. Consecutive SI conversations and patient outcomes were followed until March 2022. ResultsOf 468 patients (mean age: 64 years, 72 % male, 66 % referred for goals of care conversation), 25.2 % had prior documented goals of care conversations preceding the HeartPal consultation. During the study period, 206 (44.0 %) patients died (median time from initial SI conversation to death: 65 days, IQR 206) and 43.2 % engaged in multiple SI conversations before death. SI conversation analysis (n = 324) revealed that patients hoped to “be at home” (74.1 %, n = 240), “be independent” (65.7 %, n = 213) and “live as long as possible” (53.4 %, n = 173). Conversation content included goals of care (83.0 %), strengths (83.0 %), decision-making (79.3 %), spirituality (71.0 %), coping (52.2 %), and prognostic communication (43.5 %). ConclusionSpecialist PC service provides documentation of goals and values and offers longitudinal follow-up for patients with AHF.

What Remains in Students from an Etwinning Project: The Case of Şebit Project

The aim of this research is to find out how the eTwinning project prepared to prevent bread waste is evaluated from the students' perspective. The research was conducted within the scope of qualitative research. The research was carried out with 6th grade students consisting of six people who voluntarily participated in the eTwinning project. In line with the main purpose of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students at the end of the project and data were collected. The data obtained were subjected to content analysis, and codes and themes were created. At the end of the research, it was revealed that the students found the ŞEBİT eTwinning project educational, instructive and entertaining. In addition, it was determined that the project contributed to awareness of bread waste, learning web 2.0 tools, taking responsibility, teamwork and communication. In addition, it was determined that students had difficulties in using web 2.0 tools and time within the scope of the project. In line with the students' opinions, it is suggested that the eTwinning platform should be made more functional for both teachers and students within the scope of this research.

Genome Analysis of a Newly Sequenced B. subtilis SRCM117797 and Multiple Public B. subtilis Genomes Unveils Insights into Strain Diversification and Biased Core Gene Distribution.

The bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a widely used study model and industrial workhorse organism that belongs to the group of gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we report the analysis of a newly sequenced complete genome of B. subtilis strain SRCM117797 along with a comparative genomics of a large collection of B. subtilis strain genomes. B. subtilis strain SRCM117797 has 4,255,638bp long chromosome with 43.4% GC content and high coding sequence association with macromolecules, metabolism, and phage genes. Genomic diversity analysis of 232 B. subtilis strains resulted in the identification of eight clusters and three singletons. Of 147 B. subtilis strains included, 89.12% had strain-specific genes, of which 6.75% encoded strain-specific insertion sequence family transposases. Our analysis showed a potential role of strain-specific insertion sequence family transposases in intra-cellular accumulation of strain-specific genes. Furthermore, the chromosomal layout of the core genes was biased: overrepresented on the upper half (closer to the origin of replication) of the chromosome, which may explain the fast-growing characteristics of B. subtilis. Overall, the study provides a complete genome sequence of B. subtilis strain SRCM117797, show an extensive genomic diversity of B. subtilis strains and insights into strain diversification mechanism and non-random chromosomal layout of core genes.

What and how? Or why and for whom? A content analysis of middle school general music literature

The purpose of this content analysis is to analyze available peer-reviewed middle school general music literature to determine the ways in which middle school general music has been conceived of in extant literature in the United States. The researchers performed a content analysis of peer-reviewed empirical and practitioner articles relating to middle school general music ( N = 45), creating a coding scheme of categorical clusters that related to the Association of Middle Level Education’s position paper: This We Believe. Content coding revealed curricular content (78%) and pedagogical practice (42%) as the most common topics. Several topics were underrepresented in the literature including student opinion/voice (11%), inclusive practice (18%), adolescent development (20%), cultural awareness (18%), classroom culture (20%), and teacher preparation and development (16%). These findings may have important implications for preservice music teacher educators preparing teachers for the context of middle school general music, as well as for researchers within this domain.

Different diversities: Policies and practices at three European public service VoD services

While globally operating SVoDs have discovered identity-based diversity as a branding strategy, diversity has a longer history and broader meaning in public service media (PSM) tied to the foundational ideals of universality and pluralism that oblige PSM to speak to all members of a society and to offer diverse programmes and viewpoints. We investigate: How are these two understandings of ‘diversity’ expressed 1) in legal and policy requirements to the PSM, 2) in strategy papers and audits issued by PSM, 3) in the presentation and exposure of content in VoD interfaces? And 4) How can PSMs' practice around diversity on VoD be tracked methodologically? The article examines these questions by comparing: BBC iPlayer (UK), DRTV (Denmark) and ARD Mediathek (Germany). A document analysis examines how legal remits and strategies governing these institutions talk about diversity. We analyse the presentation and exposure of ‘diversity’ in VoD content via longitudinal datasets that document the three VoD landing pages daily between early 2022 and late 2023, recording the position of every programme title at the VoDs’ front pages, as well as deck titles. We test four approaches to this dataset: Spotting diversity in deck titles, looking for content tagged as diverse on IMDb and by Chat GPT, calculating diversity of exposed content with the Gini-Simpson-Index and assessing diversity through a manual coding of deck titles and sampling content displayed in selected decks. The article shows how differently diversity can be conceptualised and operationalised in VoD practice and concludes that multi-dimensional methodological approaches are needed. This article is a report on different publishing strategies for ‘diversity content’ in PSM VoD interfaces; a discussion of the conflicting relation between public service ideals and the notion of identity-based ‘branded diversity' of globally operating VoDs; and a contribution to developing methods for monitoring diversity on VoD.

Increasing digital awareness of pre-service teachers (an experimental research)

With the 21st century, the skills expected from people have changed. Expectations in this process have also affected the concept of the ideal human profile. Creative thinking, critical thinking and digital skills can be counted among the skills expected from an ideal person in this period. This transformation manifests itself in many areas. There is no doubt that education systems that can adapt to digital transformation, especially in the field of education, will be the education systems of the future. In this process, it is essential to increase the awareness of teachers towards digital transformation. As a matter of fact, in this study, it was aimed to increase the awareness of pre-service teachers about digital transformation. The research utilized a single group pretest-posttest model from experimental designs. In this context, 30 randomly selected 3rd and 4th grade pre-service teachers studying in the Department of Classroom Education were included in the sample. Within the scope of the research, the awareness scale for digital transformation in education developed by Yurdakal (2024) was used. Alpha value of the scale consisting of 50 items and 3 dimensions is 0.957. Within the scope of the research, an 8-week curriculum was prepared first. The curriculum was applied to the sample for 8 weeks, 4 online and 4 face-to-face. Pre-test and post-test data were collected before and after the implementation. During the process, diaries were distributed to the sample and they were asked to write their thoughts about the whole process. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS 22 and dependent groups were analyzed with T test. The qualitative data obtained within the scope of the research were analyzed by content analysis and codes were obtained and themes were reached by bringing the related codes together. The themes were presented by supporting them with quotations. Looking at the results of the research; it was determined that the participants' awareness of digital transformation post-test (134.96) scores were significantly higher than the pre-test (99.56) scores. In this context, the training process on digital transformation awareness was successful.

What makes an event significant: an fMRI study on self-defining memories.

Self-defining memories are highly significant personal memories that contribute to an individual's life story and identity. Previous research has identified 4 key subcomponents of self-defining memories: content, affect, specificity, and self-reflection. However, these components were not tested under functional neuroimaging. In this study, we first explored how self-defining memories distinguish themselves from everyday memories (non-self-defining) through their associated brain activity. Next, we evaluated the different self-defining memory subcomponents through their activity in the underlying brain system. Participants recalled both self-defining and non-self-defining memories under functional MRI and evaluated the 4 subcomponents for each memory. Multivoxel pattern analysis uncovered a brain system closely related to the default mode network to discriminate between self-defining and non-self-defining memories. Representational similarity analysis revealed the neural coding of each subcomponent. Self-reflection was coded mainly in the precuneus, middle and inferior frontal gyri, and cingulate, lateral occipital, and insular cortices. To a much lesser extent, content coding was primarily in the left angular gyrus and fusiform gyrus. No region was found to represent information on affect and specificity. Our findings highlight the marked difference in brain processing between significant and non-significant memories, and underscore self-reflection as a predominant factor in the formation and maintenance of self-defining memories, inviting a reassessment of what constitutes significant memories.