GoPro Hero Research Articles

Protocol to record and analyze primate leaping in three dimensions in the wild.

Several studies comparing primate locomotion under lab versus field conditions have shown the importance of implementing both types of studies, as each has their advantages and disadvantages. However, three-dimensional (3D) motion capture of primates has been challenging under natural conditions. In this study, we provide a detailed protocol on how to collect 3D biomechanical data on primate leaping in their natural habitat that can be widely implemented. To record primate locomotion in the dense forest we use modified GoPro Hero Black cameras with zoom lenses that can easily be carried around and set up on tripods. We outline details on how to obtain camera calibrations at greater heights and how to process the collected data using the MATLAB camera calibration app and the motion tracking software DLTdv8a. We further developed a new MATLAB application "WildLeap3D" to generate biomechanical performance metrics from the derived x, y, z coordinates of the leaps. We provide details on how to collect data on support diameter, compliance, and orientation, and combine these with the jumps to study locomotor performance in an ecological context. We successfully reconstructed leaps of wild primates in the 3D space under natural conditions and provided data on four representative leaps. We provide exemplar data on primate velocity and acceleration during a leap and show how our protocol can be used to analyze segmental kinematics. This study will help to make motion capture of freely moving animals more accessible and help further our knowledge about animal locomotion and movement.

Mean flow generated by asymmetric periodic excitation in an annular channel

Surface waves of a shallow liquid layer confined in an annular channel of length L~\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\ ilde{L}}}$$\\end{document} are generated by periodic acceleration of the channel along its azimuthal direction. We show that if the oscillations are anharmonic, e.g., having the form of a saw tooth, a mean mass flow is generated and even the mean speed over one period is zero. The flow is studied both experimentally and numerically. In the experiment, the velocity field and surface deflection are derived from the frames of videos recorded with a Go-Pro Hero 4 camera with custom rectilinear lens. We show resonance curves of the mean square of the water surface deflection and of the averaged mass flow. Both curves show almost coinciding maxima for multiples of the fundamental resonance frequency f~r=c~0/(2L~),\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\ ilde{f}}}_r=\ ilde{c}_0/(2{{\ ilde{L}}}),$$\\end{document} where c~0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\ ilde{c}}}_0$$\\end{document} is the shallow water wave velocity. The measurements are confirmed by numerical solutions of an integrated boundary layer model including inertia and dissipation.

A convolutional neural network (Seg-CNN) for recognition, classification, and segmentation of apple fruit branches and stems in images

This article reports the results of research studies conducted in 2023–2024 on transfer learning of Segmentation Convolutional Neural Networks (Seg-CNN) models for classification, recognition, and segmentation of branches with apple fruits and stems in images. State-of-the-art convolutional neural network architectures, i.e., YOLOv8(n,s,m,l,x)-seg, were used for a detailed segmentation of biological objects in images of varying complexity and scale at the pixel level. An image dataset collected in the field using a GoPro HERO 11 camera was marked up for transfer model training. Data augmentation was performed, producing a total of 2500 images. Image markup was performed using the polygon annotation tool. As a result, polygonal contours around objects were created, outlines of branches, apple tree fruits, and stems were outlined, and segments of objects in the images were indicated. The objects were assigned the following classes: Apple branch, Apple fruit, and Apple stem. Binary classification metrics, such as Precision and Recall, as well as Mean Average Precision (mAP), were used to evaluate the performance of the trained models in recognizing branches with apple fruits and stems in images. The YOLOv8x-seg (mAP50 0.758) and YOLOv8l-seg (mAP50 0.74) models showed high performance in terms of all metrics in recognizing branches, apple fruit, and fruit stems in images, outperforming the YOLOv8n-seg (mAP50 0.7) model due to their more complex architecture. The YOLOv8n-seg model has a faster frame processing speed (11.39 frames/s), rendering it a preferred choice for computing systems with limited resources. The results obtained confirm the prospects of using machine learning algorithms and convolutional neural networks for segmentation and pixel-by-pixel classification of branches with apple fruits and stems on RGB images for monitoring the condition of plants and determining their geometric characteristics.

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

This study was conducted in the rocky habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay in November, March and July, representing the fall, spring and summer months of 2022-2023, by scuba diving between 0-18 m depth for approximately 40 hours. The Go-Pro Hero 12 black camera was used in the study. In the study, the structure of the fish community of the rocky bottom habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay was determined, and the seasonal availability, abundance, feeding status, and distribution of local and non-native fish species were determined. Sampling was carried out using the underwater visual counting method, and surveys were made along a linear line. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H'), Homogeneity and Relative Diversity Index Evennes (J) and Species Richness Index Margalef Rhichnes (D) were used to determine the species diversity. The distance of the relationship between the data was determined with N-MDS, one of the multidimensional scaling analyses. The Euclidean formula was used to determine the distances of coordinates in the scaling. Principal component analysis was used to classify species based on the number of individuals. A total of 29 fish species, including 28 bony fish species belonging to 15 families and 1 cartilaginous Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758), were identified in the study area. The richest family in terms of species diversity was Sparidae (6), followed by Mullidae (3), Serranidae (3), Tetraodontidae (2), Soleidae (2), Labridae (2) and other families with 1 species each. Of the fish species identified throughout the year in the study area, 52% were Atlantic, 37% were Indo-Pacific and 11% were cosmopolitan. It was found that 41% of the fish species were invertivores, 22% carnivores (feeding on fish and invertebrates), 18% omnivores, 11% planktivores, 4% herbivores and 4% piscivores. Torquigener flavimaculosus in summer, Cheilodipterus novemstriatus in spring, and Chromis chromis in fall were the most abundant species. According to the Shannon diversity index (H'), the highest species diversity was found in the fall (H'=2,956), followed by spring (H'=2,501) and summer (H'=2,458). Homogeneity and relative diversity index Evennes (J) was determined as J=0.642 in spring, J=0.531 in summer and J=0.800 in fall. The species richness index Margalef Rhichnes (D) was highest in autumn (d=4.804), then in summer (d=3.917) and lowest in spring (d=3.632). This is the first study to investigate the structure of rocky habitat fish communities in the northeastern Mediterranean, which shows a dynamic structure in terms of biodiversity, and is expected to contribute to researchers working in this field.

Validation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photogrammetry for Landslide Mapping

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry offers quick and effective landslide monitoring. UAV named Polines 01-GD has been developed for photogrammetry. The UAV is designed flexibly in its gimbal to change the camera accordingly. However, UAV validation is needed to evaluate the quality of the device. This study aims to validate the performance of UAV Polines 01-GD for photogrammetry from quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis was performed by RMSE and area accuracy in m2 with the reference DJI Phantom 4 Pro. Meanwhile, the qualitative analysis was done using the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) result. 3D Ground Control Points (GCPs) size 2 m x 2 m were used and placed in the landslide area, UNNES park, Semarang. The camera assembled for an experiment in Polines 01-GD is GoPro Hero 3. The results show that the RMSE of Polines 01-GD is 0,0000234193, and the area accuracy to the real measurement of GCP is 97,8%. The results of landslide indicated by the data was taken in March 2022 compared to the first flight on August 2021, showing landslides in 79.4 m and 60.3 m. Even so, the DEM of DJI Phantom 4 Pro result is clearer than Polines 01-GD. In conclusion, UAV Polines 01-GD can be used for photogrammetry. However, the flight time can be a challenge for future research as Polines 01-GD can only fly in 15 minutes, which is half of DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Quantifying the Effects of American Football Shoulder Pads on Reach Distance and Player Perception of Comfort and Fit

Background: The majority of sports equipment research to date has focused on their protective capabilities, and not on how they impact player performance and comfort while using them. Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the reach distances of players wearing different football shoulder pads and determine player perceptions of shoulder pad comfort and fit. Methods: Football players (n=10) underwent a standardized reach distance protocol comprised of three trials of repeated shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, horizontal flexion, and horizontal extension in each of the three shoulder pad conditions (no shoulder pad, standard shoulder pad, prototype shoulder pad). Player perceptions of shoulder pad comfort and fit, breathability, restrictiveness, and weight were also evaluated using a questionnaire. Reach distances were recorded using five GoPro Hero 9 cameras and analyzed using ProAnalyst®3D motion tracking software. Results: Reach distances were significantly affected during several movements, but especially in the vertical direction, for flexion and abduction, with mean differences between the prototype pad and standard pad of 10.3 cm and 23.1 cm, respectively (P = 0.007 and P = 0.003). Differences in reach distance were greater for the standard shoulder pad than the prototype shoulder pad on average. This indicates that the prototype shoulder pad was less restrictive, which aligned with what players reported. There was significantly more discomfort reported in the neck collar and armpit regions for the standard shoulder pad compared to the prototype pad. Participants also found the prototype shoulder pad to be lighter, and more breathable (P0.05). Conclusion: These results provide manufacturers with valuable insights from a design standpoint, and offer athletes who are looking for superior sport protective equipment key evidence regarding shoulder pad performance, fit, and comfort.

Calibration of fish counts in video surveys: a case study from the Southeast Reef Fish Survey

Changes to sampling gears or vessels can influence the catchability or detectability of fish, leading to biased trends in abundance. Despite the widespread use of underwater video cameras to index fish abundance and the rapid advances in video technology, few studies have focused on calibrating data from different cameras used in underwater video surveys. We describe a side-by-side calibration study (N = 143 paired videos) undertaken in 2014 to account for a camera change in the Southeast Reef Fish Survey, a regional-scale, multi-species reef fish survey along the southeast United States Atlantic coast. Slope estimates from linear regression for the 16 species included in the analyses ranged from 0.21 to 0.98, with an overall mean of 0.57, suggesting that original cameras (Canon Vixia HF-S200) observed an average of 43% fewer fish than newer cameras (GoPro Hero 3+). Some reef fish species had limited calibration sample sizes, such that borrowing calibration information from related or unrelated species was justified in some cases. We also applied calibrations to 11-year video time series of relative abundance of scamp Mycteroperca phenax and red snapper Lutjanus campechanus (N = 13,072 videos), showing that calibrations were critical to separating changes in camera sightability from true changes in abundance. We recommend calibrating data from video cameras anytime changes occur, and pairing video cameras to the extent possible to control for the spatial and temporal variability inherent in fish populations and environmental conditions. Following these guidelines, researchers will be able to maintain the integrity of valuable long-term video datasets despite intentional or unavoidable changes to video cameras over time.

Tactical Knowledge by Decision Making and Motor Efficiency of Young Football Players in Different Playing Positions during a Three-a-Side Small-Sided Game.

The aim of this study was to compare the tactical knowledge of young football players in different playing positions during a three-a-side small-sided game (SSG). Observational data was collected from 71 players (M = 12.16; SD = 1.55 years): 11 goalkeepers, 22 defenders, 15 midfielders, and 23 forwards. In total, 4 min of three-a-side SSGs (GR + 3 vs. 3 + GR) were recorded to assess tactical performance using a digital camera (GoPro Hero 6® version 02.01). The SSGs were performed on a field with a constant area (36 × 27 m). Video analyses were performed using LongoMatch® version 1.5.9 to record football performance; we then assessed tactical performance by using the Football Tactical Assessment System (Fut-Sat). This instrument evaluates the average of well-defined action indexes for each game in decision making principle and motor skills, specifically: (i) Decision Making Index (DMI); (ii) Motor Effectiveness Index (MEI); (iii) Effectiveness Index (I). The indexes were calculated by the ratio between the correct actions and the total. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate differences between playing positions. The results showed that tactical performance by principles seems to be significantly different according to playing position. Differences were found between defenders and forwards (H = -11.92; p = 0.03) and defenders and midfielders (H = -16.13; p = 0.01) in contention principle. In conclusion, tactical knowledge of training based on the principles of the game can help coaches and players better understand and predict each player's actions during the game.

A Combined Physical and Mathematical Calibration Method for Low-Cost Cameras in the Air and Underwater Environment.

Low-cost camera calibration is vital in air and underwater photogrammetric applications. However, various lens distortions and the underwater environment influence are difficult to be covered by a universal distortion compensation model, and the residual distortions may still remain after conventional calibration. In this paper, we propose a combined physical and mathematical camera calibration method for low-cost cameras, which can adapt to both in-air and underwater environments. The commonly used physical distortion models are integrated to describe the image distortions. The combination is a high-order polynomial, which can be considered as basis functions to successively approximate the image deformation from the point of view of mathematical approximation. The calibration process is repeated until certain criteria are met and the distortions are reduced to a minimum. At the end, several sets of distortion parameters and stable camera interior orientation (IO) parameters act as the final camera calibration results. The Canon and GoPro in-air calibration experiments show that GoPro owns distortions seven times larger than Canon. Most Canon distortions have been described with the Australis model, while most decentering distortions for GoPro still exist. Using the proposed method, all the Canon and GoPro distortions are decreased to close to 0 after four calibrations. Meanwhile, the stable camera IO parameters are obtained. The GoPro Hero 5 Black underwater calibration indicates that four sets of distortion parameters and stable camera IO parameters are obtained after four calibrations. The camera calibration results show a difference between the underwater environment and air owing to the refractive and asymmetric environment effects. In summary, the proposed method improves the accuracy compared with the conventional method, which could be a flexible way to calibrate low-cost cameras for high accurate in-air and underwater measurement and 3D modeling applications.

Biomechanical properties of the discus throw: analytical case study of the Paralympic record holder in the F33 category

PurposeThe study aims to determine the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the discus throwing competition for the Paralympic record holder in the F33 category, the champion Hani Al-Nakhli, silver medalist in the London 2012 Paralympic and the World Champion in the discus throw (height: 1.71 m, weight: 96 kg, age: 35 years, training age: 14 years). MethodsThe player's performance was photographed during a training session in the middle of the competitive phase of the 2021/2022 season using three GoPro Hero 6 cameras, each set at a frame rate of 60fps. A video-based motion and skill analysis tool for Windows was used to choose the best approach for creating a 3D biomechanical analysis. ResultsThe values of the Paralympic champion were presented and discussed, and the researchers improved the player's ability to work—increasing the acceleration distance of the disc by up to 1.85 m with an acceleration within a period of 0.40 s. Thus, high-speed rates of up to 16.77 m s−1 was achieved during the launch, with the disposal of the disc at an angle of clearance of 37° and a starting height of 1.36 m, resulting in 27 m. The values of the kinetic analysis represented the need to increase the tangential potential energy of the body by 1884 J during disposal while increasing the tangential kinetic energy of the body by a value of 9.93 J. This is achieved by increasing the rotational kinetic energy of the body of the player to reach high achievement distances for class F33. It is recommended to use the results of the variables in the training process to prepare champions for the discus throwing competition.

A computer vision-based method to identify the international roughness index of highway pavements

The International Roughness Index (IRI) is one of the most critical parameters in the field of pavement performance management. Traditional methods for the measurement of IRI rely on expensive instrumented vehicles and well-trained professionals. The equipment and labor costs of traditional measurement methods limit the timely updates of IRI on the pavements. In this article, a novel imaging-based Deep Neural Network (DNN) model, which can use pavement photos to directly identify the IRI values, is proposed. This model proved that it is possible to use 2-dimensional (2D) images to identify the IRI other than the typically used vertical accelerations or 3-dimensional (3D) images. Due to the fast growth in photography equipment, small and convenient sports action cameras such as the GoPro Hero series are able to capture smooth videos at a high framerate with built-in electronic image stabilization systems. These significant improvements make it not only more convenient to collect high-quality 2D images, but also easier to process them than vibrations or accelerations. In the proposed method, 15% of the imaging data were randomly selected for testing and had never been touched during the training steps. The testing results showed an averaged coefficient of determination (R square) of 0.6728 and an averaged root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.50.

A New Modified Video Solution System for Neuroendoscopic Procedures

Background and Aim: Today, neuroendoscopic surgery is gaining popularity because of its minimal damage to normal structures, fewer complications, and excellent clinical results. Using an endoscope and related instruments, surgeons can perform complex surgeries through small incisions, especially for minimally invasive spinal and brain surgeries. Neuroendoscopic systems are currently costly and not portable. Our new video solution is portable at a lower cost and can display and record images in 4K resolution. Methods and Materials/Patients: We modified the GoPro Hero 6 camera to serve our purpose. By detaching the original camera lens and its front part and replacing the removed parts with a new design, we made a C-mount camera that can connect to a standard C-mount coupler and various common scopes. For color correction, we used an IR-cut filter in front of the camera sensor. Results: By changing some parts of the camera and connecting it to a C-mount coupler and a scope lens, we made a small, portable neuroendoscope that displays and records images in clear, sharp, high resolution, with a high frame rate. Conclusion: The modified GoPro camera can be used as an alternative and unexpansive neuroendoscope system for education or treatment in medical centers in developing countries.

P18. Current Techniques and Limitations in Obtaining High-Quality Craniomaxillofacial Surgical Videos for Trainee Education: A Systematic PRISMA Review

Background: Use of educational surgical videos by surgical trainees has become a key component of case preparation and is associated with improved trainee performance. Intraoperative educational videos of craniomaxillofacial, oromaxillofacial, and head and neck procedures (collectively ‘CMF’) are often of low-quality due to poor visualization of deep structures in tiny spaces, crowded headspace with bulky headlights, limited lines of sight, and issues with light over-exposure from spot headlights. We systematically reviewed literature on current techniques and limitations in obtaining high-quality education-oriented CMF surgical videos and we describe an affordable and accessible protocol to obtain such videos using a modified GoPro (GoPro HERO 8; GoPro Inc, San Mateo, CA) rig Methods: Literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using the MEDLINE database. The search was not limited by date, and focused on 3 search concepts: (1) CMF procedures, (2) intraoperative surgical videos, and (3) education-focused videos. CMF procedures included palatopharyngeal, oculoplastics, rhinoplasty, and select head & neck procedures. Two authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts of 237 articles. 40 eligible articles were fully reviewed. 13 were included. Our video acquisition protocol is described Results: Common equipment included action cameras, scopes (laparoscope, exoscope, borescope), and camcorders. Typical mounting positions included head or headlight, OR table, or handheld. Common limitations included poor handling of bright light, absence of surgeon point-of-view, need for intraoperative adjustments, surgeon bodily interference, and high cost. We describe an adaptable, augmented GoPro Hero 8 rig that mitigates these limitations. Total cost of the rig and add-ons is less than $400. Total battery life with 10,000 mAh was 7 hours 42 minutes at 4K, 60FPS Conclusion: Acquisition of high-quality educational surgical videos in deep operative fields is difficult and represents an opportunity for improvement in surgical training. Available solutions have major limitations. Dramatic recent improvements in action cameras have made high-resolution head-mounted filming accessible. By incorporation into a custom OR videography setup, high-quality educational CMF surgical videos can be obtained in a multitude of operative settings, lowering the bar of entry for others to create high-quality CMF surgical videos.

V13-07 INFERIOR VENA CAVA MANAGEMENT DURING LEFT-SIDED LEVEL III TUMOR THROMBECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022V13-07 INFERIOR VENA CAVA MANAGEMENT DURING LEFT-SIDED LEVEL III TUMOR THROMBECTOMY Shawn Dason Shawn DasonShawn Dason More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002646.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A level III vena caval tumor thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma originating in the left kidney is an uncommon procedure. As a result, high quality video-based educational resources are not widely available. This video seeks to demonstrate the key technical considerations surrounding caval management during this procedure. METHODS: This video is a narrated compilation of several operative clips recorded during a level III vena caval tumor thrombectomy for a left-sided renal cell carcinoma. Video recording was performed with a GoPro Hero 9 camera and video editing was performed with Apple Final Cut Pro. The patient depicted in this video is a 47 year old male with a 13 cm renal left renal mass with splenic involvement, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, and a solitary mediastinal node. He was symptomatic and had no IMDC risk factors. Following shared decision making, resection of abdominal disease was planned. Prior to the video, the author had performed a nephrectomy, splenectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy by a chevron incision. RESULTS: This video highlights several technical aspects of the procedure, including management of the left renal vein, total isolation of the juxtarenal cava, clamp order for level III thrombectomy, and caval reconstruction. The patient sustained acute kidney injury postoperatively but otherwise has recovered well at 3-month follow-up with stable mediastinal disease. CONCLUSIONS: A left-sided level III tumor thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma has unique technical considerations. Ongoing development of video-based educational resources for open vena caval tumor thrombectomy will increase exposure to this uncommon procedure. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e1033 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Shawn Dason More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Assessing the Impact of a New Urban Greenway Using Mobile, Wearable Technology-Elicited Walk- and Bike-Along Interviews

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, causing an estimated 3.3 million deaths worldwide. Characteristics of the built environment, including buildings, public spaces, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, transportation networks, parks, trails and green spaces can facilitate or constrain physical activity. However, objective study of built environment interventions on physical activity remains challenging due to methodological limitations and research gaps. Existing methods such as direct observations or surveys are time and labour intensive, and only provide a static, cross-sectional view of physical activity at a specific point in time. The aim of this study was to develop a novel method for objectively and inexpensively assessing how built environment changes may influence physical activity. We used a novel, unobtrusive method to capture real-time, in situ data from a convenience sample of 25 adults along a newly constructed urban greenway in an area of high deprivation in Belfast, UK. Walk/bike-along interviews were conducted with participants using a body-worn or bicycle-mounted portable digital video camera (GoPro HERO 3+ camera) to record their self-determined journeys along the greenway. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of using wearable sensors to capture participants’ responses to the built environment in real-time during their walking and cycling journeys. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of real-world environmental interventions on physical activity and the importance of precise, accurate and objective measurements of environments where the activity occurs.

Topical κ‐opioid receptor agonist asimadoline improves dermatitis in a canine model of atopic dermatitis

This prospective, 4-week, placebo-controlled, cross-over study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 1% topical κ-opioid agonist, asimadoline, in a model of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Fourteen beagles were challenged with house dust mites every 3-4days for a total of 9 challenges. Severity of dermatitis was assessed, and pruritus was monitored using GoPro HERO cameras. Pruritus scoring was evaluated at 10 time periods; baseline, 4h post allergen challenge and the last day of the study on Day 28. Scoring was done blindly by personnel using BORIS software. A global subjective score was also given using a visual analogue scale (VAS). A 4-week washout period occurred and dogs were crossed-over, the study was repeated, and the results were analysed using combined data. Gel was applied once daily on inguinal area (0.6ml/dog). ANOVA showed significant effect of time (p<0.0001) and group (p=0.0001) on dermatitis scores. Overall, no statistically significant effect on pruritus was found due to a crossing of scores on Day 17. Overtime the placebo scores increased while the active ingredient showed decrease after first 3weeks. It is concluded that this approach is promising in dogs with AD and longer studies with more frequent application may be beneficial.

A Statistical Model for Prediction of Lower Limb Injury of Active Sportsperson

For an active sportsperson, running is the most common physical activity, but it carries a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Half of the running injuries are identified as overuse injuries, with the most affected areas being the lower limbs. Previous studies had revealed several factors responsible for the development of running-related lower-limb injuries of sportspersons. However, there have been few studies aiming at predicting them. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a predictive model to predict lower limb injury of active sportsperson. The BTS G-WALK system synchronised with two GoPro Hero 6 cameras were used to conduct the study on seventy-five (N=75) healthy male subjects without any lower limb injury history. The BTS G-WALK system provided spatio-temporal parameters while Kinovea software was used to extract kinematic data from raw videos of treadmill running movement of the subjects. A prospective cohort study design was used to investigate how the difference in running gait kinematic affects the outcome of lower limb injury occurrences of active sportspersons. Further, a prediction model was developed using binary logistic regression, for which IBM® SPSS® version 25 was used. All statistical analyses were tested at 0.05 (p = 0.05) level of significance. The model indicated that Range of Pelvic Obliquity (RPO) and Maximum Toe Out (MTO) were positively and Symmetry Index (SI) was negatively associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting lower limb injury. The model explained 85.7% variance and correctly classified 93.3% cases of lower limb injury of an active sportsperson. The risk factors for lower limb injuries of a sportsperson can be identified and prediction of lower limb injury of a sportsperson is theoretically possible. To generalize the model for practical implications, the researcher suggested further research with larger sample size.

Assessment of Referees in Terms of Building a Positive Climate and Responsiveness to the Health, Emotional, and Social Needs of Rugby Players in Competitive Children Sport.

One of the key elements of effective sports programs that contribute to a child’s sense of joy and satisfaction in participating in sports is contact with an adult who builds a caring climate deliberately and intentionally. Referees play a special role in providing positive experiences for young athletes. The main aim of this study was to assess the quality of referee–player interactions in terms of building a positive climate during the game and the referee’s responsiveness to the health, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of young rugby players aged 6–12 years. The research was conducted among 23 referees refereeing children’s rugby matches in Poland. The structure observation method and The Referee–Players’ Interaction Assessment Scoring System tool were used in the study. Each referee was observed twice. The referee’s verbal and non-verbal communication was recorded using a GoPro Hero 8 camera and an Ejeas Fbim wireless intercom system. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine differences between referees’ ratings on two dimensions. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to test the significance of differences in the mean scores of referees between groups divided by experience. The referees, in both dimensions (building positive climate and responsiveness to the players’ needs), scored on a 7-point scale, were rated at an average level of 3.22 (SD = 1.65) and 4.39 (SD = 1.67), respectively, with the responsiveness dimension rating being statistically significantly higher than the positive climate rating. The results showed that referee experience was not a determinant of the rating of the quality of referee–players’ interactions in both dimensions. From these studies, it was concluded that there is a need to complement the existing training programs for referees with the contents from the field of pedagogy and developmental psychology. This will help them build a positive climate during the game and show how to respond to children’s health, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Furthermore, developing a referee’s pedagogical skills can improve their relationship with players, which can ultimately translate into a greater sense of job satisfaction. The formulated practical implications can also be transposed to other team sports.

The effectiveness of a method that uses stabilized cameras and photogrammetry to survey the size and distribution of individual trees in a mangrove forest

ABSTRACT For the conservation of mangrove forests, management plans should be prepared after evaluating the decreases of mangrove forests explicitly. Although information regarding stand development in mangrove forests is indispensable, there is a lack of it. We reasoned that gathering three-dimensional point cloud data using stabilized cameras and photogrammetry (developed together with unmanned aerial vehicles) could be used to conduct a survey of the sizes and spatial distribution of individual trees in mangrove forests. We surveyed two mangrove forests growing at the mouth of the Okukubi and Ōura rivers on Okinawa Island. The forest floor was photographed using a GoPro Hero 4 attached to a camera stabilizer on about 2- m- long extension pole. The resulting images were processed with a photogrammetry software to create an orthomosaic image. The trunks of trees and seedlings in all plots were visually interpreted. The total number of the seedlings and trees in each plot was counted, and the density in each plot was calculated. The diameter at breast height (DBH) of the trees was calculated from the area of the polygons drawn around the trunks manually. There was a strong correlation between the interpreted and measured DBH. We confirmed the effectiveness of a method that uses stabilized cameras and photogrammetry to survey the size and distribution of individual trees in a mangrove forest. The information obtained by present study is considered to be an essential forest inventory of mangrove forests.

Motivation for the Family Visit and On-the-Spot Activities Shape Children's Learning Experience in a Science Center.

Children’s learning often happens in the interactions with more knowledgeable members of the society, frequently parents, as stated by the sociocultural theory. Parent-child conversations provide children with a new understanding and foster knowledge development, especially in informal learning contexts. However, the family conversations in museums and science centers can be contingent on the motivation for the family visit or the activities organized on the spot. In order to establish how family motivation and on-the-spot activities influence children’s informal learning experience, the present study was carried out in a family science center. The study focused on children’s learning experience in a hands-on exhibit featuring objects that allow for the exploration of the concepts of sound waves and light. Thirty-nine 7–10-year-old children (21 boys and 18 girls) and their families participated in the study. Twenty families received a worksheet to prompt an experimentation activity with one of the light exhibits. Motivation for the family visit was probed at the end of the visit. The target children of the families wore a GoPro HERO 5 camera attached to a chest harness throughout their visit. The video was coded for family interaction and experimentation with the light exhibit. Family conversations were coded for open-ended questions, responses to open-ended questions, explanations, associations, attention directing, and reading signage aloud. Family motivation for the visit was related to the quality of family conversation during the visit. The experimentation activity prompt did not affect the likelihood of noticing and engaging with the particular exhibit. At the same time, it did affect the quality of engagement: children who received the experimentation activity prompt were more likely to explore the effects the exhibit provided and experiment rather than play with the exhibit. Family motivation and on-the-spot activities are discussed as two possible factors to influence children’s learning experience in science centers.