Facial Screening Research Articles

The Accuracy of Pulse Oxygen Saturation, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Respiratory Rate Raised by a Contactless Telehealth Portal: Validation Study.

The traditional measurement of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure (BP), and respiratory rate (RR) via physical examination can be challenging, and the recent pandemic has accelerated trends toward telehealth and remote monitoring. Instead of going to the physician to check these vital signs, measuring them at home would be more convenient. Vital sign monitors, also known as physiological parameter monitors, are electronic devices that measure and display biological information about patients under constant monitoring. The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of the pulse SpO2, HR, BP, and RR raised by Docsun Telehealth Portal by comparing it with approved medical devices. This is a noninvasive, self-check, system-based study conducted to validate the detection of vital signs (SpO2, HR, BP, and RR) raised by Docsun Telehealth Portal. The input for software processing involves facial screening without any accessories on the face, scanning directly through the software application portal. The participant's facial features are detected and screened for the extraction of necessary readings. For the validation of HR, SpO2, BP, and RR measurements, the main outcomes were the mean of the absolute difference between the respective investigational devices and the reference values as well as the absolute percentage difference between the respective investigational devices and the reference values. If the HR was within ±10% of the reference standard or 5 beats per minute, it was considered acceptable for clinical purposes. The average absolute difference between the Docsun Telehealth Portal and the reference values was 1.41 (SD 1.14) beats per minute. The mean absolute percentage difference was 1.69% (SD 1.37). Therefore, the Docsun Telehealth Portal met the predefined accuracy cutoff for HR measurements. If the RR was within ±10% of the reference standard or 3 breaths per minute, it was considered acceptable for clinical purposes. The average absolute difference between the Docsun Telehealth Portal and the reference values was 0.86 breaths per minute. The mean absolute percentage difference was 4.72%. Therefore, the Docsun Telehealth Portal met the predefined accuracy cutoff for RR measurements. SpO2 levels were considered acceptable if the average absolute difference between the Docsun Telehealth Portal and the reference values was ±3%. The mean absolute percentage difference was 0.59%. Therefore, the Docsun Telehealth Portal met the predefined accuracy cutoff for SpO2 measurements. The Docsun Telehealth Portal predicted systolic BP with an accuracy of 94.81% and diastolic BP with an accuracy of 95.71%. The results of the study show that the accuracy of the HR, BP, SpO2, and RR values raised by the Docsun Telehealth Portal, compared against the clinically approved medical devices, proved to be accurate by meeting predefined accuracy guidelines.

Shot gun eye injuries: Senegalese experience

Purpose: To describe the cases of eye trauma caused by the use of home-made firearms and to highlight the difficulties of their management. Observations: We admitted five patients (0.16%) with firearm-related eye injuries during the period from January 01, 2010 to January 01, 2022. All our patients were male. The average age was 33.2 years with extremes between 21 and 55 years. The circumstances of occurrence were dominated by attacks with lead as the main traumatic agent in all our patients. The consultation time ranged from one week to three months with a starting visual acuity not exceeding the light perception. The lesions were bilateral in three patients. There was a loss of eyeball function in all patients. Intraocular foreign bodies were found in 80% of cases. All our patients received medical treatment. Two of our patients had received surgical treatment such as extra capsular extraction and anterior vitrectomy. Discussion and conclusion: Shot-gun eye injuries have increased in recent years. Facial screening makes all the severity of these traumas involving the functional prognosis of the eye. Young people in full employment are mainly affected, hence the importance of prevention. Keywords: Eye; Shot weapons; Trauma; Prognosis; Prevention.

Human-robot interaction: the impact of robotic aesthetics on anticipated human trust.

BackgroundHuman senses have evolved to recognise sensory cues. Beyond our perception, they play an integral role in our emotional processing, learning, and interpretation. They are what help us to sculpt our everyday experiences and can be triggered by aesthetics to form the foundations of our interactions with each other and our surroundings. In terms of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), robots have the possibility to interact with both people and environments given their senses. They can offer the attributes of human characteristics, which in turn can make the interchange with technology a more appealing and admissible experience. However, for many reasons, people still do not seem to trust and accept robots. Trust is expressed as a person’s ability to accept the potential risks associated with participating alongside an entity such as a robot. Whilst trust is an important factor in building relationships with robots, the presence of uncertainties can add an additional dimension to the decision to trust a robot. In order to begin to understand how to build trust with robots and reverse the negative ideology, this paper examines the influences of aesthetic design techniques on the human ability to trust robots.MethodThis paper explores the potential that robots have unique opportunities to improve their facilities for empathy, emotion, and social awareness beyond their more cognitive functionalities. Through conducting an online questionnaire distributed globally, we explored participants ability and acceptance in trusting the Canbot U03 robot. Participants were presented with a range of visual questions which manipulated the robot’s facial screen and asked whether or not they would trust the robot. A selection of questions aimed at putting participants in situations where they were required to establish whether or not to trust a robot’s responses based solely on the visual appearance. We accomplished this by manipulating different design elements of the robots facial and chest screens, which influenced the human-robot interaction.ResultsWe found that certain facial aesthetics seem to be more trustworthy than others, such as a cartoon face versus a human face, and that certain visual variables (i.e., blur) afforded uncertainty more than others. Consequentially, this paper reports that participant’s uncertainties of the visualisations greatly influenced their willingness to accept and trust the robot. The results of introducing certain anthropomorphic characteristics emphasised the participants embrace of the uncanny valley theory, where pushing the degree of human likeness introduced a thin line between participants accepting robots and not. By understanding what manipulation of design elements created the aesthetic effect that triggered the affective processes, this paper further enriches our knowledge of how we might design for certain emotions, feelings, and ultimately more socially acceptable and trusting robotic experiences.

Facial Analysis Software Helps Screen for Parkinson's Disease

Facial Analysis Software Helps Screen for Parkinson's Disease

High humidity-sensitive discoloration materials fabricated with pH indicator ingredients

A humidity-sensitive discoloration polyester fabric induced by pH indicator cresol red/thymol blue is prepared via a facial screen printing. Boric acid can adjust the pH of the system as the humidity changes, thereby affecting the discoloration of cresol red/thymol blue. Silica gel and hydrophilic silica aerogel with porous structure are used as high-performance hygroscopic agent. The prepared humidity-sensitive discoloration cresol red/thymol blue polyester fabric (CRP/TBP) displays rapid response to relative humidity (RH) change and exhibits obvious color change. As humidity increases, the prepared discoloration polyester fabric shows multiple colors, of which the absorption peaks of CRP and TBP in the visible light range shifted from 430 nm to 440 nm–520 nm and 550 nm, respectively. The steady discoloration performance in the moisture absorption/drying process is observed after 25 cycles, pointing out good reversibility and repeatability of humidity-sensitive discoloration polyester fabric. Considering these excellent properties, humidity-sensitive discoloration polyester fabrics are promising as sensitive RH detector with potential application in colorimetric sensors, decorative coatings and anti-counterfeiting technology.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of behavioural treatments for pica in youths.

Pica is the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, nonfood substances and is associated with adverse health complications. However, there is limited research on interventions for pica in youth. The objective of this study is to systematically review the empirical evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for pica in children and adolescents and to generate treatment recommendations. A systematic search yielded 823 articles extracted from five databases: CINALH, Family and Society Studies Worldwide, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two reviewers completed initial sorting based on article titles and abstracts. Five reviewers completed sorting based on full article review. Thirty articles were included and double coded for demographic information, co-morbid conditions, and intervention characteristics. These studies were case studies involving behavioural treatments for pica. Seventeen behavioural interventions were categorized into four treatment approaches: reinforcement-based, response interruption, "other" interventions, and punishment-based procedures. Interventions that resulted in near-zero rates of pica were deemed effective. Findings showed support for contingent reinforcement, discrimination training as part of a combination treatment, physical restraint, time out, and contingent aversive stimulus. No evidence supported the effectiveness of response interruption procedures, including response blocking and visual facial screen. Other coded procedures did not appear effective. We recommend that the least restrictive procedures are implemented first, including a combination treatment with contingent reinforcement and discrimination training. As needed, more restrictive procedures can be added to the treatment package. This review will facilitate future empirical work and assist clinicians with treatment options for pica in youth. High-quality trials are needed.

Validation of the Vertical Facial Growth Screening Test.

Background. Vertical facial growth has a high prevalence. Nonspecialized professionals have shown low sensitivity to identify patients at risk. In the face of this difficulty, we designed and validated a screening checklist for vertical facial growth. Methods. A multidisciplinary team of 5 members developed the Vertical Facial Growth Screening Test. A sample of 160 evaluations was obtained. We consider as the gold standard the evaluation of 2 specialists in dentofacial orthopedics. Results. Consistency measured with Cronbach α was .675 for 10 items. Test-retest reliability was .956. The interobserver concordance was .886. The receiver operating characteristic curve has .987 area under the curve. Conclusion. This is the first study to design and validate a screening checklist for vertical facial growth for nonexpert evaluators. We think that given its good performance, ease of use, inexpensiveness, and availability, the test could be useful for nontrained professionals dealing with children.

The combined effects of noncontingent reinforcement and punishment on the reduction of rumination.

The current study extends the literature on the assessment and treatment of rumination through the evaluation of a combined reinforcement- and punishment-based intervention. The study included a single participant with a history of rumination maintained by automatic reinforcement, as identified via a functional analysis. Both noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with preferred edible items and punishment, in the form of a facial screen, were implemented separately to evaluate their independent effects on the occurrence of rumination. The final treatment package included both NCR and punishment procedures. Implementation of the combined treatment resulted in a 96.5% reduction in rumination relative to baseline. Procedural modifications and integrity errors also were evaluated.

Assessment and treatment of pica and destruction of holiday decorations.

Problem behavior exhibited by individuals with autism can be disruptive to family traditions, such as decorating for the holidays. We present data for a 6-year-old girl who engaged in automatically reinforced pica and destruction of holiday decorations. Treatment was evaluated within an ABCDCD reversal design. During baseline (Phases A and B), we observed elevated rates of problem behavior. We implemented differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in Phase C to teach a response to compete with problem behavior. Little change in toy play or problem behavior occurred. In Phase D, we added a facial screen to the differential reinforcement procedures, which resulted in increases in toy play and decreases in problem behavior. Findings are discussed in terms of how interventions for problem behavior can promote alternative behavior while they facilitate household activities and traditions.

Developmental changes in face visual scanning in autism spectrum disorder as assessed by data-based analysis.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present reduced visual attention to faces. However, contradictory conclusions have been drawn about the strategies involved in visual face scanning due to the various methodologies implemented in the study of facial screening. Here, we used a data-driven approach to compare children and adults with ASD subjected to the same free viewing task and to address developmental aspects of face scanning, including its temporal patterning, in healthy children, and adults. Four groups (54 subjects) were included in the study: typical adults, typically developing children, and adults and children with ASD. Eye tracking was performed on subjects viewing unfamiliar faces. Fixations were analyzed using a data-driven approach that employed spatial statistics to provide an objective, unbiased definition of the areas of interest. Typical adults expressed a spatial and temporal strategy for visual scanning that differed from the three other groups, involving a sequential fixation of the right eye (RE), left eye (LE), and mouth. Typically developing children, adults and children with autism exhibited similar fixation patterns and they always started by looking at the RE. Children (typical or with ASD) subsequently looked at the LE or the mouth. Based on the present results, the patterns of fixation for static faces that mature from childhood to adulthood in typical subjects are not found in adults with ASD. The atypical patterns found after developmental progression and experience in ASD groups appear to remain blocked in an immature state that cannot be differentiated from typical developmental child patterns of fixation.

Radiological evaluation of the fetal face using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging

This paper reviews screening and three-dimensional diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the fetal face. The different techniques available for analyzing biometric and morphological items of the profile, eyes, ears, lips, and hard and soft palate are commented on and briefly compared with the respective bi-dimensional techniques. The available literature supports the use of three-dimensional ultrasound in difficult prenatal diagnostic conditions because of its diagnostic accuracy, enabling improved safety of perinatal care. Globally, a marked increase has been observed in the accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasound in comparison with the bi- dimensional approach. Because there is no consensus about the performance of the different three-dimensional techniques, future studies are needed in order to compare them and to find the best technique for analysis of each of the respective facial elements. Universal prenatal standards may integrate these potential new findings in the future. At this time, the existing guidelines for prenatal facial screening should not be changed.

A Case Report of Bilateral Autoenucleation and Its Prevention

Purpose: To report a case and review both the ophthalmic and psychiatric literature to document the pattern of this self-mutilation and review prevention techniques. Design: Case report and retrospective review. Interventions: Surgical repair of the orbits in a patient who autoenucleated both eyes. Main Outcome Measures: To determine methods to prevent self-destructive behavior. Results: Up to 75% of these acts are performed by psychiatric inpatients as a form of focal suicide. Methods to prevent self-inflicting behavior include differential reinforcement, boxing gloves, soft cotton gloves, a bubble helmet, facial screening, electrical stimulation, and tarsorraphy. Conclusions: Prevention of autoenucleation requires early identification of susceptible subjects and timely initiation of preventive measures.

The long-term treatment of life-threatening pica: A case study of a woman with profound mental retardation living in an applied setting

The effect of a long-term intensive treatment program on the occurrence of pica in a woman with profound mental retardation and epilepsy was investigated. The study utilized four treatment strategies: (1) edible/inedible discrimination training with hand held restraint; (2) edible/inedible discrimination training with facial screening, hand held restraint and a baiting procedure; (3) disposal training with facial screening, hand held restraint, and a baiting procedure; and (4) disposal training with hand held restraint and a baiting procedure. The strategies were implemented in phases to: (a) eliminate life-threatening pica; (b) determine the impact of facial screening on pica, and (c) determine which components were effective at eliminating pica. Pica was successfully reduced after 5 years of intensive program implementation. Facial screening played a substantial role in the reduction of pica. The most effective treatment package: (a) taught the client to dispose of inedibles, (b) used baiting sessions, and (c) consequated pica with 15 sec of hand held restraint. At follow-up, the client's pica behavior was responsive to staff monitoring and verbal reprimands. Interpretation of the results were limited given the research design employed.

Facial Screening Fails in the Treatment of Stereotypy

Research has consistently supported facial screening as an effective treatment technique capable of reducing a plethora of aberrant behaviors. As yet few data are available, suggesting less than enthusiastic support for this behavioral consequence. The present investigation found facial screening accelerated the rate of stereotypy after prior reports of effective reduction of the rate of stereotypy with this individual. The advantages of rapid evaluation strategies and the need for publication of negative results are discussed.

Reduction of maladaptive mouthing behavior by facial screening

This study examined the effectiveness of facial screening as a treatment to reduce maladaptive object mouthing by a four and a half-year-old moderately retarded boy during to play periods in a public school classroom. In baseline, each episode of mouthing was terminated by saying “no mouth” and removing the object from the subject while placing it within his reach. Treatment consisted of saying “no mouth” and covering the subject's entire face for three seconds with a soft towel. Results of an A-B-A-B design showed frequent episodes of mouthing during nontreatment conditions, which rapidly decelerated when facial screening was in effect. Follow-up data at 6, 12, and 18 month intervals indicated long lasting treatment benefits. The potential extension of facial screening as a treatment for milder maladaptive behaviors in less restricted settings than previously documented is suggested.

Suppression of Chronic High Frequency Spitting in a Multiply Handicapped and Mentally Retarded Adolescent

Excessive drooling and spitting are maladaptive behaviors often encountered among severely developmentally delayed children. In the present study a blind, deaf and retarded adolescent exhibited an extremely high rate of spitting which had resisted numerous classroom intervention efforts by teachers using punishment techniques. His recalcitrant spitting was eliminated with a behavioral intervention consisting of positive reinforcement for not spitting and facial screening for spitting. Experimental control was demonstrated using a multiple baseline across situations and within subject reversal design. The treatment package successfully eliminated the child's chronic spitting. Teacher reports one year later indicated the results maintained across time and spitting was no longer a problem. Social and academic implications of modifying such behaviors are discussed.

Effects of facial screening and blindfold on self-injurious behavior.

Previous research has demonstrated that a variety of maladaptive behaviors in children can be suppressed by facial screening. The effectiveness of various screening procedures for reducing self-injurious behaviors were compared in three experiments using alternating treatments designs. In Experiments 1 and 2, an immediate substantial response reduction occurred with facial screening in which visual blocking was present but not when visual blocking was absent. In Experiment 3, both facial screening with visual blocking and a blindfold procedure proved equally effective in reducing self-injury but for practical reasons, therapists preferred to use facial screening.

Facial Screening: History and Critical Review

Facial screening was first described by Lutzker and Spencer in 1974 as a new technique for suppressing or eliminating self-injurious behaviour (SIB). This review examines the use of facial screening to treat SIB and other problem behaviours. A historical chronology of facial screening is presented, along with a review of the published articles on facial screening and other visual occlusion techniques. A critical review is offered with suggestions for considerable future research with facial screening.

Facial screening to eliminate trichotillomania in developmentally disabled persons

Facial screening, which involves briefly covering the subject's face with a nonabrasive terrycloth bib contingent upon the target response, was successfully used to eliminate trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) in three developmentally disabled children. The training procedure was administered to the subject by the parent or care provider in the home environment, using a multiple baseline design across three subjects. The introduction of facial screening for compulsive hair-pulling reduced the frequency of the target response in all three subjects by 85.5%, 65.5%, and 54.5% from baseline conditions, respectively. The facial-screening procedure demanded a minimal amount of time and effort, required a mean training time of slightly more than 11 days, and showed virtually no regression during a 7-month follow-up period. In addition, results from a consumer satisfaction questionnaire indicated that the facial-screening procedure was well received by the parents and care provider.

Suppression of antisocial behavior by facial screening using multiple baseline and alternating treatments designs

Facial screening has provided an effective procedure for reducing various types of undesirable behavior. In Experiment 1, a multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate the efficacy of 1-min facial screening for suppressing screaming by a profoundly retarded girl in three different locations in an institution. Experiment 2 used an alternating treatments design in which 1-min facial screening sessions were juxtaposed with either 30-sec (phase 1), 3-sec (phase 2) or 1-min (phase 3) facial screening sessions to suppress screaming by a developmentally normal child in her home. The 1-min treatment duration produced complete suppression of screaming and the other two treatment durations partial suppression. Followup data showed that screaming was observed at very low levels in Experiment 1 and not observed in Experiment 2 during the 6-month observation period.