Percentage Match Research Articles

Ablation of hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia guided by ultra-high density pacemapping and PASO correlation map, a multi-center clinical trial

Abstract Background Due to hemodynamic instability during ventricular tachycardia (VT), obtaining a complete electroanatomic map is often difficult if not impossible. Pace-mapping has progressed but still lacks precision and may not reveal sufficient details for complete ablation of the potential critical isthmus. Purpose We hypothesized that a novel strategy of combining ultra-high density (HD) pace-mapping using the PASO algorithm and Carto system to match the induced/clinical VT may aid in the reconstruction of the VT critical isthmus and effective VT ablation leading to reduce the risks of VT recurrence. Methods This was a prospective, multi-center trial conducted between January 2021 and July 2023. We enrolled 30 patients with ischemic heart disease and scar mediated recurrent VT clinically indicated for ablation. Following induction of clinical VT, we performed ultra-HD pace-mapping (5-10 mm distance between pacing points) of the identified ventricular substrate. Using PASO Module, a pacing correlation map (PCM) was constructed based on the percentage match to the induced VT. Using the PCM and the measured stimulation to electrogram intervals, the potential VT critical isthmus was reconstructed. Radiofrequency ablation was carried out to completely transect the delineated isthmus. Post ablation, repeat HD mapping and ablation was performed, until the PASO % correlation dropped from >93% to <70%, indicating at least uni-directional (orthodromic to the perceived VT circuit) conduction block through the ablation line. Follow-up data, including ICD interrogations were collected via chart review. Outcomes were compared to 60 propensity-score matched patients with an ICD who were enrolled in the Ranolazine in High-Risk Patients with Implanted Cardioverter-Defibrillators (RAID) trial who did not undergo VT ablation and served as the control group. The primary endpoint was the first occurrence of any VT at 1-year of follow-up. Results Patients enrolled had a mean age of 69 ± 9 years and 13% were women. Propensity matched patients from the RAID trial had similar baseline clinical characteristics to patients who underwent VT ablation (Table). At 1 year follow up, there was a significantly lower cumulative probability of VT/VF recurrent events in the patients who underwent PCM guided ablation as compared with the control group (17% vs 69%, respectively; log-rank p<0.001 Figure). There were no serious procedure related complications with all patients remaining free of adverse events or death at 30 days. Conclusion Our findings suggest that ablation for unstable or unmappable VT is enhanced by ultra-high density pace-mapping to reconstruct the potential VT circuit and is associated with a significantly lower rate of recurrent VT as compared with patients managed with aggressive and escalating medical therapy.Cumulative probability of ICD therapyBaseline clinical characteristics

Production of Partially Purified Collagenase from Bacillus licheniformis and It’s Use to Tenderize Aged Buffalo Meat

This study aimed to isolate and identify the Bacillus licheniformis bacteria that produces the enzyme collagenase. Due to the selective nature of this enzyme in breaking down and degrading collagen, it was used to tenderize aged buffalo meat. The bacterial isolates were screened using a selective medium and then grown on collagen-agar medium to identify enzyme-producing isolates. Thirteen enzyme-producing isolates were obtained based on the formation of a transparent corona around the colony. Biochemical assessments of the bacterial isolates were carried out using the ABIS online program. The isolates BL1–BL9, BL12 and BL13 were found to be related to B. licheniformis with a percentage match of 98%, while BL10 and BL11 were related to Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis with a percentage match of 95% and 95.3%, respectively. The enzyme activity of the isolates varied, with the highest activity reaching 200.71 units.ml-1 for isolate BL12. The enzyme of this isolate was chosen to complete the other tests. The optimal time required to obtain the highest enzymatic activity was found to be 20 h, which amounted to 210.25 units.ml-1, with a specific activity of 135.64 units.ml-1. The enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulphate at a saturation rate of 20–70% as it showed an enzymatic activity and specificity of 355.81 units.ml-1 and a specific activity of 423.58 units.ml-1. Partially purified collagenase was used to tenderize aged buffalo meat. The results showed that treating aged buffalo meat with the enzyme solution for different immersion durations improved the pH, water-holding capacity (WHC) and cooking yield, with an increase in the concentration of hydroxyproline and a significant percentage of soluble collagen; the treated samples showed the best properties with a 60-min immersion duration.

The influence of 3D printing on inter- and intrarater reliability on the classification of tibial plateau fractures

PurposeTibial plateau fractures continue to be a challenging task in clinical practice and current outcomes seem to provide the potential for further improvement. Especially presurgical understanding of the orientation of fracture lines and fracture severity is an essential key to sufficient surgical treatment. The object of this study was to evaluate the reliability of modern axial CT-based classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. In addition, the diagnostic-added value of 3D printing on the classification systems was investigated.Methods22 raters were asked to classify 22 tibial plateau fractures (11 AO B- and 11 AO C-fractures) with the AO, the 10-Segment and the Revisited Schatzker classification in a three-step evaluation: first only using CT scans, second with 3D volumetric reconstructions and last with 3D-printed fracture models. Inter- and intraobserver agreement and the subjective certainty were analyzed. Statistics were done using kappa values, percentage match and a univariant one-way analysis of variance.ResultsThe AO classifications interobserver percentage match and kappa values improved for all raters and recorded an overall value of 0.34, respectively, 43% for the 3D print. The 10-Segment classification interobserver agreement also improved with the 3D-printed models and scored an overall kappa value of 0.18 and a percentage match of 79%. Equally the Revisited Schatzker classification increased its values to 0.31 and 35%. The intraobserver agreement showed a moderate agreement for the AO (0.44) and Revisited Schatzker classification (0.42) whereas the 10-Segment classification showed a fair agreement (0.27). Additionally, the raters changed their classification in 36% of the cases after evaluating the fracture with the 3D-printed models and the subjective certainty regarding the decisions improved as categories of self-reliant diagnostic choices were selected 18% (p < 0.05) more often after using the 3D-printed models.ConclusionBased on the measured outcomes it was concluded that the new classification systems show an overall slight to fair reliability and the use of 3D printing proved to be beneficial for the preoperative diagnostics of tibial plateau fractures. The 10-Segment classification system showed the highest percentage match evaluation of all classification systems demonstrating its high clinical value across all levels of user experience.

Repeatable enhancement of healthcare data with social determinants of health.

BackgroundSocial and behavioral aspects of our lives significantly impact our health, yet minimal social determinants of health (SDOH) data elements are collected in the healthcare system.MethodsIn this proof-of-concept study we developed a repeatable SDOH enrichment and integration process to incorporate dynamically evolving SDOH domain concepts from consumers into clinical data. This process included SDOH mapping, linking compiled consumer data to patient records in Electronic Health Records, data quality analysis and preprocessing, and storage.ResultsConsumer compilers data coverage ranged from ~90 to ~54% and the percentage match rate between compilers was between ~21 and 64%. Our preliminary analysis showed that apart from demographic factors, several SDOH factors like home-ownership, marital-status, presence of children, number of members per household, economic stability and education were significantly different between the COVID-19 positive and negative patient groups while estimated family-income and home market-value were not.ConclusionOur preliminary analysis shows commercial consumer data can be a viable source of SDOH factor at an individual-level for clinical data thus providing a path for clinicians to improve patient treatment and care.

Effects of Exercise and Sleep Deprivation on Reaction Severity During Oral Peanut Challenge: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The severity of allergic reactions to foods can vary markedly. Little is known of variations in reaction severity within or between individuals or the effects of cofactors. We examined the effects of sleep deprivation and exercise and repeat challenges on the severity and patterns of allergic reactions to peanut. In a randomized crossover study, adults with peanut allergy underwent 3 open peanut challenges in random order: with exercise after each dose, with sleep deprivation preceding challenge, and with no intervention. The primary outcome was eliciting dose, reported elsewhere. Reaction severity was a secondary outcome, evaluated using a weighted log-transformed numerical severity score. Analyses estimated the difference in severity between nonintervention challenge and challenges with exercise or sleep deprivation, adjusting for challenge order and using the highest dose tolerated by each individual across all their challenges. Symptom pattern reproducibility was assessed by comparing symptom sequences using pairwise sequence alignment to obtain a percentage match in symptom pattern. Eighty-one participants (mean age 25 y) completed at least 1 postbaseline challenge. Sleep deprivation, but not exercise, significantly increased severity score by 48% (95% CI 12%-84%; P= .009) compared with no intervention. A 38% increase in severity was observed between the first and the lastpostbaseline challenge (95% CI 1%-75%; P= .044). Theaverage pairwise match of symptoms within individuals was 82.4% and across individuals was 78.3%. A novel severity score demonstrates that sleep deprivation and repeated challenges increase reaction severity. Understanding factors affecting severity is essential for effective risk management. We also show that symptom patterns in repeat peanut challenges are similar within and between individuals.

Attracting Medical Students to Family Medicine: An Historical View.

In 2018, the 25 x 2030 Collaborative was created. Its goal is to "increase the proportion of US medical school graduates who choose family medicine (FM) to 25% by 2030." The purpose of this study was to take a deeper look at the history of medical student interest in FM from the earliest data to the present, both after the match and those who are FM interns after July 1. We used publicly available match data, primarily from the National Resident Matching Program website, a series of articles published for nearly 30 years in Family Medicine on match results, and the American Academy of Family Physicians website. The total number of FM residents is growing (4,493 matched in 2021). After the managed care era in the mid-1990s, there was a collapse in interest among allopathic graduates that bottomed out at 6.8% graduates matching in FM by 2009; this rate has only slowly increased to 8.1% in 2021. Interest has been essentially flat for the last 10 years, and is lower than the percentage match rate prior to the managed care era (9.9% to 14.0%). There was more variability among osteopathic students, but interest has never been greater than 23%. Including the allopathic and osteopathic students who join FM residencies after the match does not appreciably alter these results. The 25 x 30 Collaborative will likely fail to reach its goal.

SPEDE-sampler: An R Shiny application to assess how methodological choices and taxon sampling can affect Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent output and interpretation.

Species delimitation tools are vital to taxonomy and the discovery of new species. These tools can make use of genetic data to estimate species boundaries, where one of the most widely used methods is the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) model. Despite its popularity, a number of factors are known to influence the performance and resulting inferences of the GMYC. Moreover, the few studies that have assessed model performance to date have been predominantly based on simulated data sets, where model assumptions are not violated. Here, we present a user‐friendly R Shiny application, ‘SPEDE‐sampler’ (SPEcies DElimitation sampler), that assesses the effect of computational and methodological choices, in combination with sampling effects, on the GMYC model. Output phylogenies are used to test the effect that (1) sample size, (2) BEAST and GMYC parameters (e.g. prior settings, single vs multiple threshold, clock model), and (3) singletons have on GMYC output. Optional predefined grouping information (e.g. morphospecies/ecotypes) can be uploaded in order to compare it with GMYC species and estimate percentage match scores. Additionally, predefined groups that contribute to inflated species richness estimates are identified by SPEDE‐sampler, allowing for the further investigation of potential cryptic species or geographical substructuring in those groups. Merging by the GMYC is also recorded to identify where traditional taxonomy has overestimated species numbers. Four worked examples are provided to illustrate the functionality of the program's workflow, and the variation that can arise when applying the GMYC model to empirical data sets. The R Shiny program is available for download at https://github.com/clarkevansteenderen/spede_sampler_R.

Sequence-Based Searching for SynBioHub Using VSEARCH

The ability to search for a part by its sequence is crucial for a large repository of parts. Prior to this work, however, this was not possible on SynBioHub. Sequence-based search is now integrated into SynBioHub, allowing users to find a part by a sequence provided in plain text or a supported file format. This sequence-based search feature is accessible to users via SynBioHub's web interface, or programmatically through its API. The core implementation of the tool uses VSEARCH, an open source, global alignment search tool, and it is integrated into SBOLExplorer, an open source distributed search engine used by SynBioHub. We present a new approach to scoring part similarity using SBOLExplorer, which takes into account both the popularity and percentage match of parts.

Smartphone-derived multichannel electrocardiogram for exercise stress testing

IntroductionThe use of mobile devices for electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and the ability to use this technology to immediately review dynamic waveforms is growing tremendously. While over-the-counter ECG devices may display rhythm disorders and ST-segment changes at rest, changes during physical exercise have thus far not been evaluated.We compared a mobile device (smartphone/tablet)-enabled vectorial 4-electrode ECG system (SPE) with the current standard 12‑lead (STE) ECG both at rest and during exercise. Methods and resultsA total of 428 patients underwent simultaneous ECG testing with both technologies during rest and maximal exercise. The vectorial ECG was displayed as 12‑lead ECG, and diagnostic accuracy and ECG quality (independently judged by blinded cardiologists) were compared with the current standard.Signal quality was good with both ECG technologies.At rest, there was excellent agreement between SPE and STE regarding rhythm (98%), AV-conduction (97%), wave duration (90%), and electrical axis (88–97%).During exercise the presence or absence of ST-deviation (>0.1 mm) corresponded in 90% of cases with no statistically significant difference. The positive predictive value was 48.5% and the negative predictive value was 94%. For ST-deviations >0.2 mm the percentage match was 97% during exercise. For rhythm disorders and for intraventricular conduction (left- and right-bundle branch block detection) it was >90%. ConclusionA smart-device-enabled vectorial ECGs system using the CardioSecur system can be used in daily practice to reliably interpret an ECG at rest and during physical exercise, although it is less accurate with respect to the detection of ST-deviation.

User Experience With Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment Methods for an Affective Exergame: Comparative Laboratory-Based Study.

BackgroundIn affective exergames, game difficulty is dynamically adjusted to match the user’s physical and psychological state. Such an adjustment is commonly made based on a combination of performance measures (eg, in-game scores) and physiological measurements, which provide insight into the player’s psychological state. However, although many prototypes of affective games have been presented and many studies have shown that physiological measurements allow more accurate classification of the player’s psychological state than performance measures, few studies have examined whether dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) based on physiological measurements (which requires additional sensors) results in a better user experience than performance-based DDA or manual difficulty adjustment.ObjectiveThis study aims to compare five DDA methods in an affective exergame: manual (player-controlled), random, performance-based, personality-performance–based, and physiology-personality-performance–based (all-data).MethodsA total of 50 participants (N=50) were divided into five groups, corresponding to the five DDA methods. They played an exergame version of Pong for 18 minutes, starting at a medium difficulty; every 2 minutes, two game difficulty parameters (ball speed and paddle size) were adjusted using the participant’s assigned DDA method. The DDA rules for the performance-based, personality-performance–based, and all-data groups were developed based on data from a previous open-loop study. Seven physiological responses were recorded throughout the sessions, and participants self-reported their preferred changes to difficulty every 2 minutes. After playing the game, participants reported their in-game experience using two questionnaires: the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and the Flow Experience Measure.ResultsAlthough the all-data method resulted in the most accurate changes to ball speed and paddle size (defined as the percentage match between DDA choice and participants’ preference), no significant differences between DDA methods were found on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and Flow Experience Measure. When the data from all four automated DDA methods were pooled together, the accuracy of changes in ball speed was significantly correlated with players’ enjoyment (r=0.38) and pressure (r=0.43).ConclusionsAlthough our study is limited by the use of a between-subjects design and may not generalize to other exergame designs, the results do not currently support the inclusion of physiological measurements in affective exergames, as they did not result in an improved user experience. As the accuracy of difficulty changes is correlated with user experience, the results support the development of more effective DDA methods. However, they show that the inclusion of physiological measurements does not guarantee a better user experience even if it yields promising results in offline cross-validation.

When E-Commerce Personalization Systems Show and Tell: Investigating the Relative Persuasive Appeal of Content-Based versus Collaborative Filtering

In the e-commerce context, are we persuaded more by a product recommendation that matches our preferences (content filtering) or by one that is endorsed by others like us (collaborative filtering)? We addressed this question by conceptualizing these two filtering types as cues that trigger cognitive heuristics (mental shortcuts), following the heuristic-systematic model in social psychology. In addition, we investigated whether the degree to which the recommendation matches user preferences (or other users’ endorsements) provides an argument for systematic processing, especially for those who need deeper insights into the accuracy of the algorithm, particularly in product categories where quality is subjective. Data from a 2 (algorithm type: content vs. collaborative filtering) x 3 (percentage match: low vs. medium vs. high) x 2 (product category: search vs. experience) + 2 (control: search and experience) between-subjects experiment (N = 469) reveal that for experience products, consumers prefer content-based filtering with higher percentage matches, because it is perceived as offering more transparency. This is especially true for individuals with high need for cognition. For search products, however, collaborative filtering leads to more positive evaluations by triggering the “bandwagon effect.” These findings have implications for theory pertaining to the use of artificial intelligence in strategic communications and design of algorithms for e-commerce recommender systems.

Transcriptomes of Major Proximal Tubule Cell Culture Models.

Cultured cell lines are widely used for research in the physiology, pathophysiology, toxicology, and pharmacology of the renal proximal tubule. The lines that are most appropriate for a given use depend upon the genes expressed. New tools for transcriptomic profiling using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) make it possible to catalog expressed genes in each cell line. Fourteen different proximal tubule cell lines, representing six species, were grown on permeable supports under conditions specific for the respective lines. RNA-Seq followed standard procedures. Transcripts expressed in cell lines variably matched transcripts selectively expressed in native proximal tubule. Opossum kidney (OK) cells displayed the highest percentage match (45% of proximal marker genes [TPM threshold =15]), with pig kidney cells (LLC-PK1) close behind (39%). Lower-percentage matches were seen for various human lines, including HK-2 (26%), and lines from rodent kidneys, such as NRK-52E (23%). Nominally, identical OK cells from different sources differed substantially in expression of proximal tubule markers. Mapping cell line transcriptomes to gene sets for various proximal tubule functions (sodium and water transport, protein transport, metabolic functions, endocrine functions) showed that different lines may be optimal for experimentally modeling each function. An online resource (https://esbl.nhlbi.nih.gov/JBrowse/KCT/) has been created to interrogate cell line transcriptome data. Proteomic analysis of NRK-52E cells confirmed low expression of many proximal tubule marker proteins. No cell line fully matched the transcriptome of native proximal tubule cells. However, some of the lines tested are suitable for the study of particular metabolic and transport processes seen in the proximal tubule.

Traumatic brain injury probability of survival assessment in adults using iterative random comparison classification.

Trauma brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in young adults. A method to determine the probability of survival (Ps) in trauma called iterative random comparison classification (IRCC) was developed and its performance was evaluated in TBI. IRCC operates by iteratively comparing the test case with randomly chosen subgroups of cases from a database of known outcomes (survivors and not survivors) and determines the overall percentage match. The performance of IRCC to determine Ps in TBI was compared with two existing methods. One was Ps14 that uses regression and the other was predictive statistical diagnosis (PSD) that is based on Bayesian statistic. The TBI database contained 4124 adult cases (mean age 67.9 years, standard deviation 21.6) of which 3553 (86.2%) were survivors and 571 (13.8%) were not survivors. IRCC determined Ps for the survivors and not survivors with an accuracy of 79.0 and 71.4%, respectively, while the corresponding values for Ps14 were 97.4% (survivors) and 40.2% (not survivors) and for PSD were 90.8% (survivors) and 50% (not survivors). IRCC could be valuable for determining Ps in TBI and with a suitable database in other traumas.

Abstract TP251: It’s All in the Wrist - Integrating EMS, Telestroke and Stroke Registry Data Systems

Background: States without a recognized directive for stroke care and transport risk the ability to monitor, assess and review stroke patient movement from first medical contact (FMC) to delivery/and/or transfer to hospitals. We are seeking to determine a new tracking program’s efficacy from emergency medical systems (EMS) to telestroke sites and other receiving hospitals utilizing Get-With-The-Guidelines (GWTG) in data reporting. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that all three entities (EMS, telestroke sites and other hospitals) would record suspected and positive strokes into their electronic databases and integrate the process into their standard of practice, protocols and guidelines. Methods: Statewide EMS agencies, receiving hospitals in the Arkansas Stroke Registry and telestroke sites received educational training about placing blue wristbands on all suspected strokes. Stroke bands were to be placed on all patients arriving via EMS or privately owned vehicle. The bands contained a unique number sequence for recording in both EMS and hospital GWTG electronic databases. We retrospectively reviewed all prospectively collected data from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 for wristband placement by the EMS systems and determined the percentage match to hospital emergency department (ED) discharge data using the GWTG data and telestroke data. Results: From the five months of retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 5 months showed, 4,668 strokes were seen in hospitals complying with GWTG. Forty-two% of the positive strokes in hospital (EDs) had stroke bands placed. Of these 8.4% had matching stroke wristband numbers to the EMS database. The telestroke system reported 636 consultations with 95% band placement, 39% placed by EMS. Matching telestroke band ID’s to EMS records was 37%. Wristbands placed by EMS were associated with positive screen tests, pre-notification and shortened Door to CT time (p &lt; 0.0021). Conclusions: Wrist-bands were associated with improved EMS response and provided informed response to hospital care teams. For consistent tracking of positive stroke patient data from FMC to discharge both prehospital and hospital, systems must undergo additional training followed by surveys to determine informed training.

Regarding Revoke of the Paper “A Distributed Autonomous Approach to Developing a Disaster Evacuation Assist System,” Published in the JDR

As an issue was raised with respect to the following paper published in the Journal of Disaster Research (JDR), we conducted an investigation. A) Paper published in the JDR Yasuki Iizuka, Katsuya Kinoshita, and Kayo Iizuka, “A Distributed Autonomous Approach to Developing a Disaster Evacuation Assist System,” J. Disaster Res., Vol.10, No.6, pp. 1081-1090, 2015. (Received: July 31, 2015, Accepted: October 21, 2015, Published: December 1, 2015) B) Paper compared Yasuki IIZUKA, Katsuya KINOSHITA, Kayo IIZUKA, “Agent Based Disaster Evacuation Assistance System,” Information Engineering Express International Journal, Vol.1, No.2, pp. 41-50 (2015). (Published: June 30, 2015) 1. Results of Investigation – The texts of the two papers were compared, whereupon a percentage match exceeding 47 percent was found in terms of the number of words. When the comparison was made with the initially submitted manuscript, that is, the manuscript before it was revised based on peer reviews, the percentage match with paper B was 58 percent. – When the conclusions of the two papers were compared, they were found to be nearly identical, from which we conclude that paper A does not display sufficient novelty. – Paper B is not cited as a reference in paper A, and when the same figure appears in the two documents, its source is not cited. – It was found that, during the period from manuscript submission to publication, the authors failed to submit paper B as a previously published paper, as stipulated in Article 11.2 of the JDR Instructions to Authors (Japanese version), or otherwise submit any documentation that refers to the existence of paper B. 2. Decision As a result of the above investigation, the JDR editorial board concludes that paper A constitutes a duplicate submission and is in violation of the JDR Instructions to Authors (Japanese version). Its acceptance is thereby revoked, and it has been duly removed from the JDR official website. Any inquiries regarding this matter should be made to this office: JDR Editorial Office, Fuji Technology Press Ltd. Unizo Uchikanda 1-Chome Bldg. 2F 1-15-7 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0047, Japan TEL: 03-5577-3851 FAX: 03-5577-3861 E-mail: disaster@fujipress.jp

Interpretation of Ground Penetrating Radar Dataset using Normalised Cross-Correlation Technique

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the latest non-destructive geophysical technology and most widely used in detecting underground utilities. GPR can detect both metal and non-metal, however, it is unable to identify the type of underground utility object. Many researchers come out with their techniques to interpret the GPR image. The current method requires experience in interpretation. Thus, in this study, a new method to detect underground utility utilizing the Normalised Cross-Correlation (NCC) template matching technique is proposed. This technique will reduce the dependency on experts to interpret the radargram, less time consuming and eventually save cost. Upon detection, the accuracy of the system is assessed. From the accuracy assessment performed, it is shown that the system provides accurate detection results for both, depth and pipe size. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for the buried pipe depth obtained by using the proposed system is 0.110 m, whereas the highest percentage match obtained is 91.34%, the remaining 8.66% mismatched might be due to the soil condition, velocity or processing parameter that affected the radargram. Based on the assessment, the developed system seems capable to detect the subsurface utility if the radar image and template image used is acquired using the same antenna frequency, point interval, and similar GPR instrument.

An empirical study to investigate the efficacy of collaborative immersive virtual reality systems for designing information architecture of software systems

The ability of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) systems to mimic the real world has made it possible to use this technology to create environments for remote collaborative work. This study aimed to understand the feasibility of immersive virtual reality when conducting a collaborative Information Architecture (IA) design task-card sorting, with geographically dispersed participants. Using a between-subjects experimental design, thirty groups of two individuals each completed a card sorting activity using conventional in-person, video screen-sharing method or immersive virtual reality methods. The dependent measures included total time, percentage match with master card set, usability, presence and perceived workload. Overall usability was found to be significantly higher for the immersive virtual reality condition when compared to conventional in-person card sorting. In addition, the new immersive virtual reality technology performed as well as the other two conditions for other dependent variables. Qualitative data from the participants also indicated a positive reaction to the use of immersive virtual reality for this task. Overall, the participants felt they were productive and enjoyed the IVR condition, indicating the potential of IVR-based approaches as an alternative to conventional approaches for IA design.

Evaluation of the Ergonomic Properties of Seats in Two Selected Faculties of Nigerian University

Background: The pattern of various seat differs in many ways, however, the ergonomic design of chairs ensures proper weight distribution of the occupant. Therefore, for classroom furniture to perform the function for which it was designed, namely weight bearing and stabilisation of the body both in static and dynamic seating, it has to be ergonomically designed. Objective: To evaluate the ergonomic properties of furniture in two selected Faculties; the Faculty of Law (FL) and the Faculty of Health Science (FHS) of a Nigerian university. Materials and Methods: Forty furniture (20 furniture each from the two Faculties) in the University of Nigeria, Enugu State, South-east Nigeria were randomly selected. Ten parameters were measured. The mean, standard deviation, arithmetic difference, percentage match and mismatch were calculated using an established standard. Result: In five of the ten parameters considered, there are mismatch to (seat height, seat width, desk clearance, seat-to-desk distance and lumbar support) for FL and eight (seat height, seat depth, seat width, desk clearance, lumbar support, seat to desk, desk height, pan tilt) for FHS when compared to standard. Therefore, 50% match was seen in FL and 20% in FHS. T-Test shows significant difference between seat parameters in FL and FHS. Conclusion: More than 50% of the classroom furniture in FL was more ergonomically accurate compared to the 20% ergonomically accurate furniture in FHS. Furniture in the FL posed less ergonomic hazard than FHS. Replacement of these furniture are therefore recommended.

WeRSort: Preliminary Results from a New Method of Remote Collaboration Facilitated by Fully Immersive Virtual Reality

Fully immersive virtual reality, with the unique ability to replicate the real world, could potentially aid in real-time communication. Geographically separated teams can collaborate using virtual reality. To test the viability of using virtual reality for remote collaboration, we designed a system called “WeRSort” where teams sorted cards in a virtual environment. Participants performed the task as a team of 2 in one of three conditions-controls-only condition, generic embodiment and full embodiment. Objective measures of performance, time and percentage match with master cards showed no significant difference. Subjective measures of presence and system usability also showed no statistical significance. However, overall work-load obtained from NASA-TLX showed that fully immersive virtual reality resulted in lower workload in comparison with the other two. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed to understand collaboration using the awareness evaluation model.

Automated generation of ‘good enough’ transcripts as a first step to transcription of audio-recorded data

In the last decade, automated captioning services have appeared in mainstream technology use. Until now, the focus of these services have been on the technical aspects, supporting pupils with special educational needs and supporting teaching and learning of second language students. Only limited explorations have been attempted regarding its use for research purposes: transcription of audio recordings. This article presents a proof-of-concept exploration utilising three examples of automated transcription of audio recordings from different contexts; an interview, a public hearing and a classroom setting, and compares them against ‘manual’ transcription techniques in each case. It begins with an overview of literature on automated captioning and the use of voice recognition tools for the purposes of transcription. An account is provided of the specific processes and tools used for the generation of the automated captions followed by some basic processing of the captions to produce automated transcripts. Originality checking software was used to determine a percentage match between the automated transcript and a manual version as a basic measure of the potential usability of each of the automated transcripts. Some analysis of the more common and persistent mismatches observed between automated and manual transcripts is provided, revealing that the majority of mismatches would be easily identified and rectified in a review and edit of the automated transcript. Finally, some of the challenges and limitations of the approach are considered. These limitations notwithstanding, we conclude that this form of automated transcription provides ‘good enough’ transcription for first versions of transcripts. The time and cost advantages of this could be considerable, even for the production of summary or gisted transcripts.