Playback Mode Research Articles

Immersive auditory awareness: A smart earphones platform for education on noise-induced hearing risks

The Audio Research Platform developed by the ÉTS-EERS Industrial Research Chair in In-Ear technologies is a digital audio processing wearable device that features a powerful Digital Signal Processor and a pair of wired earplugs featuring outer- and inner-ear microphones as well as miniaturize loudspeaker. ARP has been used since over the last 2 decades by CRITIAS to develop new algorithms for advanced hearing protection and communication in noise, as well as in-ear audio sensing. In this adaptation, the ARP enables transparent hearing of ambient sounds, simulates varying degrees of hearing loss, and includes a tinnitus simulator. ARP also functions as a personal music player, monitoring playback levels and displaying the “Age of your ears”) a metric recently proposed by CRITIAS), predicting accelerated auditory aging from excessive music playback. In the playback mode, wearers experience pre-recorded noise, prompting vocal adjustments known as the “Lombard Effect.” ARP analyzes the wearer's voice using the outer-ear microphone, illustrating level and pitch shifts in speech due to a noisy environment. This paper details ARP's technical aspects, positioning it as a powerful tool to inform the public about noise-induced hearing loss and promote awareness and prevention through enjoyable real-time demonstrations.

SCDetect: A SeisComP Module for Real-Time Waveform Cross-Correlation-Based Earthquake Detection

Abstract Enhanced earthquake catalogs based on waveform cross correlation (template matching) have become routine when studying regional or sequence specific seismicity. Currently, there is no existing open-source cross-correlation software that is designed to be fully integrated in real-time operations of seismic networks. To fill this gap, we introduce SCDetect, a software that implements real-time earthquake detection based on waveform cross correlation in the time domain. SCDetect with the extension module scdetect-cc is an open-source SeisComP package written in C++. scdetect-cc can be used to process both archived waveform data (playback mode), and real-time data. In the real-time application, waveforms are fetched through one of the SeisComP RecordStream interfaces, and its output (picks, origin times, amplitudes, and magnitudes) are sent to the SeisComP messaging system. The new origins are associated either with existing events detected by other pick-based SeisComP modules, or create new events. Optionally, the hypocenter location can be refined by downstream application of existing SeisComP modules. scdetect-cc offers two magnitude estimation methods that are based on the amplitudes of the template earthquakes and the new detections. In the real-time application, scdetect-cc can be scaled to handle thousands of templates without overloading the application or becoming too latent, unable to keep up with the data flow. In the playback mode, we applied scdetect-cc to three recent earthquake sequences occurring in Switzerland and surrounding regions between 2019 and 2020. Two scenarios are tested to simulate its performance in real time. The first scenario cross correlates the signals of the nearest station, whereas the second requires four stations. In both cases, we successfully detected most of the cataloged events and added hundreds of new detections. Overall, scdetect-cc is a computationally efficient and highly customizable tool to detect earthquakes for regional networks that implement the SeisComP system for earthquake monitoring.

Realism of Tactile Texture Playback: A Combination of Stretch and Vibration.

This study investigates the effects of two stimulation modalities (stretch and vibration) on natural touch sensation on the volar forearm. The skin-textile interaction was implemented by scanning three textures across the left forearm. The resulting skin displacements were recorded by the digital image correlation technique to capture the information imparted by the textures. The texture recordings were used to create three playback modes (stretch, vibration, and both), which were reproduced on the right forearm. Two psychophysical experiments compared the texture scans to rendered texture playbacks. The first experiment used a matching task and found that to maximize perceptual realism, i.e., similarity to a physical reference, subjects preferred the rendered texture to have a playback intensity of 1X - 2X higher on DC components (stretch), and 1X - 3.5X higher on AC components (vibration), varying across textures. The second experiment elicited similarity ratings between the texture scans and playbacks and showed that a combination of stretch and vibration was required to create differentiated texture sensations. However, the intensity amplification and use of two stimuli were still insufficient to create fully realistic texture sensations. We conclude that mechanisms beyond single-site uniaxial stimuli are needed to reproduce realistic textural sensations.

Application of visual communication in digital animation advertising design using convolutional neural networks and big data.

In the age of big data, visual communication has emerged as a critical means of engaging with customers. Among multiple modes of visual communication, digital animation advertising is an exceptionally potent tool. Advertisers can create lively and compelling ads by harnessing the power of digital animation technology. This article proposes a multimodal visual communication system (MVCS) model based on multimodal video emotion analysis. This model automatically adjusts video content and playback mode according to users' emotions and interests, achieving more personalized video communication. The MVCS model analyses videos from multiple dimensions, such as vision, sound, and text, by training on a large-scale video dataset. We employ convolutional neural networks to extract the visual features of videos, while the audio and text features are extracted and analyzed for emotions using recurrent neural networks. By integrating feature information, the MVCS model can dynamically adjust the video's playback mode based on users' emotions and interaction behaviours, which increases its playback volume. We conducted a satisfaction survey on 106 digitally corrected ads created using the MVCS method to evaluate our approach's effectiveness. Results showed that 92.6% of users expressed satisfaction with the adjusted ads, indicating the MVCS model's efficacy in enhancing digital ad design effectiveness.

Comprehensive study of micro-seismicity by using an automatic monitoring platform

A modern digital seismic network, with many stations optimally distributed on the earthquake causative seismic zone, enables detection of very low magnitude earthquakes and determination of their source parameters. It is essential to associate to such kind of networks procedures to analyze the huge amount of continuously recorded data for monitoring the space-time-magnitude evolution of natural and/or induced seismicity. Hence, the demand for near-real-time, automated data collection and analysis procedures for assisting seismic network operators in carrying out microearthquake monitoring is growing. In response to this need, we designed a computational software platform, TREMOR, for fast and reliable detection and characterization of seismicity recorded by a dense local seismic network. TREMOR integrates different open-source seismological algorithms for earthquake signal detection, location, and source characterizations in a fully automatic workflow. We applied the platform in play-back mode to the continuous waveform data recorded during 1 month at the Japanese Hi-net seismic network in the Nagano region (Japan) and compared the resulting catalog with the Japan Meteorological Agency bulletin in terms of number of detections, location pattern and magnitudes. The results show that the completeness magnitude of the new seismic catalog decreased by 0.35 units of the local magnitude scale and consequently the number of events increased by about 60% with respect to the available catalog. Moreover, the fault plane solutions resulted coherent with the stress regime of the region, and the Vp/Vs ratio well delineated the main structural features of the area. According to our results, TREMOR has shown to be a valid tool for investigating and studying earthquakes, especially to identify and monitor natural or induced micro-seismicity.

Reference-free AEC for Alexa Barge-In

When an Alexa built-in device is in playback mode, users need to make extra effort to cut through acoustic echo from the audio playback (music or synthesized speech signals) to activate the wakeword detector and start talking to Alexa, i.e., to barge into the conversation. These are high-friction events where Alexa customers typically experience a higher false reject rate (FRR). The acoustic echo canceller (AEC) and beamformer in the multichannel Audio Front End (AFE) are essential to mitigate the effect. But when playback volume is high, AFE outputs still contain strong residual echoes which downstream wakeword detection models could have difficulty to handle. In this talk, we will present an innovative multi-microphones yet array-agnostic, reference-free AEC tailored specifically for wakeword detection. As opposed to the traditional AEC, the new approach has five practically attractive benefits: (1) reference-free and array agnostic (a blind method suitable for in-model implementations); (2) inherently immune to loudspeaker nonlinearities; (3) free of synchronization/alignment hassle; (4) more microphones, more gains; (5) kills two birds with one stone (cancels both echo and noise). A proof-of-concept experiment will be discussed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed novel algorithm.

A study on the modified algorithm for image processing in Tracking Seam Welding

For robot path planning the weld seam positions need to be known in advance as the industrial robot generally work in teach and playback mode. Since the welding of the pipe is not done completely on the straight line (the nature of the pipe) and the test tube under the machine is moving, the symmetry of the two probes in relation to the welding site is very important during the test and quick tracking is required to set the probes. The use of image processing and machine vision techniques is very efficient in optimizing seamless welding radia. In designing the algorithms used, an attempt has been made to reduce the environmental conditions and unstable industrial situation well in order to track the weld seam with an acceptable speed. New approach has been used to access the central line of the weld seam area. The algorithm is designed to be implemented in a real environment and has very good results. One of the advantages of this method is the reduction of measurement error and the elimination of mechanical and electrical sensors in non-destructive tests.

Grading reliability of the tear film viscosity examination.

To assess the reliability of a tear film (TF) viscosity video grading system. Thirty-four dynamic TF viscosity videos were obtained by a clinically available TF analyzer and objectively sorted according to the movement speed of three arbitrary reflective light particles. A 4-grade system was constructed on a specially designed window for simultaneous comparison with the three standard videos. Two masked graders were invited to grade these videos under a randomized procedure. Observer reliabilities were determined by Spearman's correlation analysis and Bland-Altman agreement analysis. For this four-grade system, the intra-observer correlation was very strong in the two graders (ρ = 0.96 and 0.82; both P < 0.0001). However, the inter-observer correlation showed moderate strength in normal playback speed (ρ = 0.53, P = 0.002 and ρ = 0.52, P = 0.003 for 1st and 2nd gradings, respectively). In slower playback videos, the inter-observer correlation of the two graders was higher (ρ = 0.70 and P < 0.0001) when reduced to 0.8-times playback speed. Moreover, the 0.8-times mode was also significantly better than normal playback mode (P = 0.0204) in terms of inter-observer agreement. The dynamic 4-grade system has an excellent intra-observer reliability and a good inter-observer reliability under 0.8-times playback speed. The grading system established in this study provides a promising solution for rapidly determining the level of TF viscosity.

Lifelong Education in Business: Role of Simulation Games in the Teaching Process

The significance of business simulation games (BSG) rapidly increases. And this quite understandable. Because simulation games are based on the model playback mode realistic processes, events, locations or situations. The necessity of BSG in the educational process can be explained on the one hand by the growing demand of the labor market in specialists with practical skills, and on the other hand by growing needs of students to be able to navigate themselves through unfamiliar situations and find their decision in a proper and responsible way, instead of blind copying teachers instructions. BSG offers a broad scope of the forms of competencies students such as an ability to work in group teamwork, find a common language and understand that is globally relevant and informed while providing space to adapt the framework to local contexts.&#x0D; Business simulation games train students create risk-free spaces where everyone can work out specific skills and feel the effects of own decision-making, requiring a certain level of risk.&#x0D; Entrepreneurial activity is pivotal to the continued dynamism of the private sector, as the generation of new businesses fosters competition and economic growth. This is particularly relevant for Azerbaijan, whose entrepreneurship and business innovation levels are low, and it faces a central challenge to create conditions that will facilitate growth in nonoil tradable sectors. Therefore the proposed paper has three objectives: development of teaching resources and tools for delivery of entrepreneurship education. BSG will facilitate strategic problem-solving in life-like simulated business environments and it will be attached to the existing UNEC incubator. BSG should become an integral part of the educational process. Simulation games allow students to practice and improve their entrepreneurial skills in a ‘virtual’ environment by making informed decisions and applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the class.&#x0D; According to OECD LEARNING COMPASS 2030, the educational process should be focused on evolving learning framework that sets out an aspirational vision for the future of education. The wider goals of education open new horizons of orientation towards the tomorrow we want to see. Thinking globally acting locally we will create collective well-being for every society’s member.

Optimal Wireless Streaming of Multi-Quality 360 VR Video By Exploiting Natural, Relative Smoothness-Enabled, and Transcoding-Enabled Multicast Opportunities

In this paper, we would like to investigate the optimal wireless streaming of a multi-quality tiled 360 virtual reality (VR) video from a server to multiple users. To this end, we propose to maximally exploit potential multicast opportunities by effectively utilizing characteristics of multi-quality tiled 360 VR videos and computation resources at the users' side. In particular, we consider two requirements for quality variation in one field-of-view (FoV), i.e., the absolute smoothness requirement and the relative smoothness requirement, and two video playback modes, i.e., the direct-playback mode (without user transcoding) and transcode-playback mode (with user transcoding). Besides natural multicast opportunities, we introduce two new types of multicast opportunities, namely, relative smoothness-enabled multicast opportunities, which allow a flexible tradeoff between viewing quality and communications resource consumption, and transcoding-enabled multicast opportunities, which allow a flexible tradeoff between computation and communications resource consumptions. Then, we establish a novel mathematical model that reflects the impacts of natural, relative smoothness-enabled, and transcoding-enabled multicast opportunities on the average transmission energy and transcoding energy. Based on this model, we optimize the transmission resource allocation, playback quality level selection, and transmission quality level selection to minimize the energy consumption in the four cases with different requirements for quality variation and video playback modes. By comparing the optimal values in the four cases, we prove that the energy consumption reduces when more multicast opportunities can be utilized. Finally, numerical results show substantial gains of the proposed solutions over existing schemes, and demonstrate the importance of exploiting of the three types of multicast opportunities.

СВІТОВИЙ ДОСВІД ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ І ПЛАНУВАННЯ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ В ПРОЦЕСІ РОЗБУДОВИ «ДЕРЖАВИ ДОБРОБУТУ»

The article discusses the objective need to use the world experience of forecasting and planning in the process of developing a "welfare state" as an effective model for the modern development of a socially oriented market economy. The denial and lack of planning and forecasting of the economy on the scale of the country can lead to such negative consequences as uncertainty of the benchmarks of social and economic development of society for the long term and the development of chaos in the country; priorities of the decision short-term and current problems before strategic tasks on which the future development of society depends; preservation of playback modes; incomplete and inefficient use of resources; the emergence of crisis situations, etc. The practice of the leading countries of the world and the results they get prove that planning and forecasting are objectively necessary tools for the development of the modern market economy. The experience of many countries of the world testifies to the effectiveness of the use of these tools of state regulation of national socio-economic development. Features of forecasting and planning are considered in the representative countries of three existing systems of planning and regulation in the world: North American (USA and Canada); Asian (Japan and South Korea); European (France and Sweden). The forecasting and planning tools are based on the intersection balance model, which involves the inclusion of market impact (equilibrium prices) to determine the proportions of the plan and reflects the dynamics of production links (processes of public reproduction) of the national economy for several years. In the 21st century, strategic planning for the effective development of the state's economy is a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and the formation of a national model of "welfare state" on this basis. Today, developed (post-industrial) countries use planning and forecasting, which have established themselves as an objective and natural tool for the modern market economy, where the role of the state is based on indicative planning, which ensures the achievement of sustainable economic growth to improve the well-being of the nation.

Hemodynamic changes in superficial arteriovenous malformation surgery measured by intraoperative ICG fluorescence videoangiography with FLOW 800 software

BackgroundArteriovenous malformation(AVM) have long-term “blood stealing” characteristics, which result in complicated hemodynamic features. To analyze the application of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography with FLOW 800 software in AVM surgeries.MethodsData on 17 patients undergoing surgery with ICG fluorescence were collected in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. To analyze the hemodynamic features of AVM and the influence on the peripheral cortex of AVM resection, we assessed the following hemodynamic parameters: maximum intensity, slope of rise, time to half-maximal fluorescence, and transit time from arteries to veins.ResultsIn the 17 superficial AVMs studied, the time-delay color mode of the FLOW 800 software was superior to the traditional playback mode for identifying feeding arteries, draining veins, and their relation to normal cortical vessels. The maximum fluorescence intensity and slope of the ICG fluorescence curve of feeder arteries and draining veins were higher than those of normal peripheral vessels (P < 0.05). The transit times in AVMs were significantly shorter than those in normal peripheral vessels (P < 0.05). After AVM resection, cerebral flow increased in the cortex, and local cycle time becomes longer, although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsHemodynamic parameter analysis provided quality guidance for the resection of AVMs and could also be used in estimating changes in blood flow in the local cortex to identify abnormal hyperperfusion and residual nidus.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Research on multimedia play mode and image optimization based on compensation factor adaptive model

When traditional multimedia network video image is compressed and transmitted to compensate, because of the different loss of video image features in the acquisition process, the error of compressed transmission compensation is large and the efficiency is low. Firstly, the NLMS algorithm and the improved NLMS algorithm are analyzed. To solve the problem that the compensation factor in the algorithm is too large due to the severe network shake, the NLMS algorithm is further improved by adaptively adjusting the compensation factor coefficient with the change of the network and the prediction error. The research shows that the multimedia playback mode and the image optimization system software structure based on the compensation factor adaptive model realize the dynamic adaptation of the system to various network conditions and the image optimization function during video playback by adopting the bandwidth adaptive strategy and method.. The conclusion shows that in the multimedia network video image compression transmission, the improved compensation method has higher performance in multimedia network video image optimization and real-time compression transmission compensation, which has certain advantages compared with the traditional compensation method.

Upper gastrointestinal tract capsule endoscopy using a nurse-led protocol: First reported experience.

AIMTo test the feasibility and performance of a novel upper gastrointestinal (GI) capsule endoscope using a nurse-led protocol.METHODSWe conducted a prospective cohort analysis of patients who declined gastroscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, OGD) but who consented to upper GI capsule endoscopy. Patients swallowed the upper GI capsule following ingestion of 1 liter of water (containing simethicone). A series of positional changes were used to exploit the effects of water flow and move the upper GI capsule from one gravity-dependent area to another using a nurse-led protocol. Capsule transit time, video reading time, mucosal visualisation, pathology detection and patient tolerance was evaluated.RESULTSFifty patients were included in the study. The mean capsule transit times in the oesophagus and stomach were 28 s and 68 min respectively. Visualisation of the following major anatomical landmarks was achieved (graded 1-5: Poor to excellent): Oesophagus, 4.8 (± 0.5); gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ), 4.8 (± 0.8); cardia, 4.8 (± 0.8); fundus, 3.8 (± 1.2); body, 4.5 (± 1); antrum, 4.5 (± 1); pylorus, 4.7 (± 0.8); duodenal bulb, 4.7 (± 0.7); second part of the duodenum (D2), 4.7 (± 1). The upper GI capsule reached D2 in 64% of patients. The mean video reading time was 48 min with standard playback mode and 20 min using Quickview (P = 0.0001). No pathology was missed using Quickview. Procedural tolerance was excellent. No complications were seen with the upper GI capsule.CONCLUSIONThe upper GI capsule achieved excellent views of the upper GI tract. Future studies should compare the diagnostic accuracy between upper GI capsule and OGD.

An Optimal Image Processing Method for Simultaneous Detection of Weld Seam Position and Weld Gap in Robotic Arc Welding

For robot path planning the weld seam positions need to be known in advance as the industrial robot generally work in teach and playback mode. In this paper, a vision sensor has been utilized for automation of robotic welding path planning. A seam tracking algorithm has been proposed for a butt type of weld joint with varying weld gap for effective measurement of weld path positions and weld gap simultaneously. For this first an image acquisition algorithm technique has been proposed for capturing of image of weld seam in gray scale mode. Then in image processing at first one pattern matching algorithm for tracking of weld seam path is performed. Then different edge detection techniques have been applied to find the most efficient edge detection method for obtaining the characteristics of weld seam edge. Then best edge fitting method has been applied to fit the edges along the weld seam edge and the pixel values on the edges were measured. The weld gap and the midpoint between edges points are measured simultaneously by vision assistant toolbox in LabVIEW software background.

Evaluation of urban soundscapes: Field vs. laboratory assessments using binaural recordings

It is well-acknowledged that soundscape investigations must be carried out in the original context. In order to investigate the influence of acoustic cues on the perceptual measurements, binaural recordings were performed during soundwalks in the center of Gothenburg (Sweden) using a calibrated binaural headset. The participants were 20 students from the Chalmers Technical University. The evaluations were carried out in-situ regarding, e.g., loudness, appropriateness, pleasantness, and eventfulness at eight different outdoor gathering spaces. The group of students was divided into four groups. Two groups went from location 1 to 8, separated in time by 15 minutes. The other two groups went from location 8 to 1. At all eight locations each group recorded the acoustic environment (overall 32 recordings). The laboratory assessments were performed with the same students the next day using four recordings measured at four different locations. First, the evaluations were performed simultaneously in the classroom using Sennheiser HD 414 headphones, and second in groups of four students using four calibrated binaural headsets in playback mode. The paper describes the experiments performed in the original and laboratory context, and discusses the results of the different approaches. Additionally, instrumental parameters such as representative values for loudness are compared to the perceptual results: a relevant aspect regarding the second part of the international standard on soundscape dealing with data collection.

Evaluation of a Vibrotactile Simulator for Dental Caries Detection.

Developed to educate dental students in caries detection, the VerroTeach simulator allows dental faculty to share, record, and replay the tactile vibrations felt through a dental hand instrument. We assessed this simulation approach by asking experienced dental educators to evaluate the system's real-time and video playback modes. VerroTeach uses an accelerometer to sense instrument vibrations and a voice coil actuator to reproduce these vibrations on another tool. Seventeen dental faculty participated in the study, first experiencing real-time mode by feeling vibrations while the experimenter touched extracted teeth. The subject then experienced vibrotactile playback of 5 prerecorded caries detection tasks and 1 prerecorded caries extraction procedure, making 10 total caries judgments and repeatedly rating the system's perceptual accuracy. Dental educators rated caries detection as significantly more difficult for students than experienced dentists (P < 0.0001), and they rated tactile feedback as a highly important source of information for this judgment. Subjects highly rated the realism of both real-time mode and playback mode. Experienced dentists performed well on the simulator, answering most questions correctly. Interestingly, nonpracticing dentists performed significantly worse than practicing dentists on the caries judgment questions (P = 0.003). Finally, subjects strongly recommended the system for training dental students. These positive results indicate that sharing, recording, and replaying instrument vibrations may be beneficial for teaching caries detection to dental students. Further research is planned to improve tactile feedback quality, integrate VerroTeach into the preclinical curriculum, and explore other possible applications for this approach to clinical simulation.

Oscillator Pond: Analog Critters in a Digital Pool. An Ambient and Interactive Audio Installation

Drawing on my current research, I discuss a site-specific project developed as part of an environment art-science program, Atmospheres, whereby a randomized soundscape was introduced into a greenhouse. Organic sounding rhythms and creature-like tones were generated on a restored synthesizer, an ARP 2500, made in the 1970s, and were then captured digitally. The critter sounds are triggered with custom software using probability and random processes to create a surreal and unpredictable soundscape that changes through the day. Visitors can interrupt this ‘organic mode’ to hear specific critter sounds and activate some special playback modes.

Clinical values of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence video angiography with Flow 800 software in cerebrovascular surgery

Background Microscope-integrated near-infrared indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-VA) has been used in neurosurgery for a decade. This study aimed to assess the value of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) video angiography with Flow 800 software in cerebrovascular surgery and to discover its hemodynamic features and changes of cerebrovascular diseases during surgery. Methods A total of 87 patients who received ICG-VA during various surgical procedures were enrolled in this study. Among them, 45 cases were cerebral aneurysms, 25 were cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and 17 were moyamoya disease (MMD). A surgical microscope integrating an infrared fluorescence module was used to confirm the residual aneurysms and blocking of perforating arteries in aneurysms. Feeder arteries, draining veins, and normal cortical vessels were identified by the time delay color mode of Flow 800 software. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded. All data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., USA). T-test was used to analyze the hemodynamic features of AVMs and MMDs, the influence on peripheral cortex after resection in AVMs, and superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass in MMDs. Results The visual delay map obtained by Flow 800 software had more advantages than the traditional playback mode in identifying the feeder arteries, draining veins, and their relations to normal cortex vessels. The maximum fluorescence intensity (MFI) and the slope of ICG fluorescence curve of feeder arteries and draining veins were higher than normal peripheral vessels (MFI: 584.24±85.86 vs. 382.94±91.50, slope: 144.95±38.08 vs. 69.20±13.08, P &lt;0.05). The arteriovenous transit time in AVM was significantly shorter than in normal cortical vessels ((0.60±0.27) vs. (2.08±1.42) seconds, P &lt;0.05). After resection of AVM, the slope of artery in the cortex increased, which reflected the increased cerebral flow. In patients with MMD, after STA-MCA bypass, cortex perfusion of corresponding branches region increased and local cycle time became shorter. Conclusion Intraoperative ICG video angiography combined with hemodynamic parameter analysis obtained by Flow 800 software appears to be useful for intraoperative monitoring of regional cerebral blood flow in cerebrovascular disease.

Efficacy of New Playback Functions at Reducing Small-Bowel Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Reading Times

Interpretation of video capsule data is time-consuming. Olympus capsule endoscopy (CE) software systems are equipped with auto-speed-adjusted and express-selected playback modes and overview function in an effort to reduce reading times. The clinical efficacy of these new playback features is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and reading times of these new playback features. This was a retrospective cohort study involving two experienced CE readers who analysed the CE procedures using either overview with express-selected or overview with auto-speed-adjusted modes. All CE videos were read blinded using Olympus Endocapsule software at 15 frames per second. The findings were then compared with those obtained when the CE procedures were read with conventional methods. Seventy patients (36 male, 34 female) with a mean age of 51 ± 22 years were included in the study. Clinically significant findings were found for 40/70 (57%) patients. Use of overview function alone resulted in recognition of 32/40 (80%) clinically significant findings; when overview function was combined with express-selected or auto-speed-adjusted methods 39/40 (97.5%) clinically significant findings were recognised. The average reading time for overview with auto-speed-adjusted mode (34 ± 10 min) was significantly (p = 0.001) more than for overview with express-selected mode (19 ± 5 min). The reading time for overview with express-selected mode was significantly lower than for overview with auto-speed-adjusted mode, with few unrecognised clinically significant lesions. These new playback systems can efficaciously reduce reading times of CE but need further evaluation in prospective multicentre studies.