Standard Language Research Articles

Tinnitus in Children.

This perspective reviews the current state of the art and literature on tinnitus in children, prevalence and risk factors, clinical management, and future priorities for healthcare provision and research. Most research in the field to date appears to be prevalence studies, which have reached dramatically different estimates; this reflects the lack of a standard language when asking about the presence of tinnitus, or how bothersome, distressing, or negatively impacting it is for the child. Estimates are also likely affected by a lack of awareness of tinnitus amongst children and parents. Children are less likely to spontaneously report tinnitus than adults, and parents are often unaware their child could even develop tinnitus, considering it a disease of older age for example. It is critical that children are asked and learn about tinnitus. In hearing clinics, clinicians should routinely ask about all children about tinnitus and offer tinnitus care and settings that are child- and family-friendly. As well as asking directly, clinicians should be alert to soft signs of tinnitus such as unexplained listening, speech perception, concentration difficulties, worry or anxiety, or difficulties completing hearing tests or using hearing aids. The recently developed impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire (iTICQ) can then be used to assess problems that are most commonly core to children's experience of tinnitus. Clinical guidelines for tinnitus in children are few but provide recommendations for additional paediatric questionnaires and alternative assessments and for a range of treatment options. Of note, however, is the lack of clinical trials and, therefore, evidence of the effectiveness of any treatment for tinnitus in children. Significant and concerted work is therefore needed to raise awareness of tinnitus in children, understand the scale of clinical need, and standardise and evaluate clinical management options.

Abstract PO2-29-02: Towards Precision Medicine in Breast Imaging: A Novel Open Mammography Database with Tailor-Made 3D Image Retrieval for Artificial Intelligence and Teaching

Abstract Objectives: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasia and leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries hold the worst survival rates mainly owing to a lack of access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment related resources. For proper early diagnosis, it is established that besides the physical structure itself (e.g., mammography units), there's a need for adequate interpretation of imaging and that might be a particularly major problem in low-income societies once there is a tendency of greater education setbacks. Mammography datasets can improve this resource-driven gap by enabling the development of artificial intelligence technologies (AI) which can make breast cancer diagnosis more accurate in a cost-effective and scalable way. We aim to create a new database of high quality digital mammography images suitable for AI development and education. Methods: Our mammography database was developed by means of retrospective selection of 100 exams performed by Hospital São Paulo - Federal University of São Paulo ranging from 2019 to 2023. The project is assumed to be safe, versatile, and usable, and required an extensive search for the appropriate tool. Ambra Health, an American company, has developed cloud-based software for medical image management and stood out as a viable alternative. Their platform meets international data security criteria, they also made the intended careful customization possible, in addition to the possibility of associating image and text attachments. The categories were created in accordance with the BI-RADS® descriptors, a wide range of clinical scenarios and additional materials available, and they served as the basis for the advanced search feature, which intuitively filters exams that meet the selected criteria simultaneously. The platform was integrated with an automatic anonymization system upon upload, ensuring data privacy. After submission, the exams are retained in a restricted area for anonymization verification, categorization, and attachment management, before being released to the end-user. So as to broaden geographic coverage, the descriptors were entered in American English, respecting the origin of the BI-RADS® lexicon, as for the website structure, automatic translation to the accessing browser standard language was selected. Results: Our website is active and available at http://mamografia.unifesp.br, with access granted upon a simple registration process. 941 mammography images from 100 anonymized cases, 62% of which include 3D images, can be filtered based on the combination of 113 clinical and imaging variables, as well as attachment availability. The language is adaptable to the user's native language, and categorized searches can be accessed directly from the browser or downloaded as customized datasets. Additionally, features such as saved searches or starred exams are also available. Conclusion: We have developed an online and free mammography database that is completely innovative by integrating various resources into a single platform. We provide high-resolution and 3D digital images that can be searched using an advanced search system. Moreover, we offer supplementary clinical information in various attachment formats, favoring a rich clinical correlation. In this way, we have achieved the ambivalence of our goal, which was to promote education and research. *"images speak louder than words" Database: https://mamografia.unifesp.br Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@Mamografiaunifesp e-mail: acesso@mamografia.unifesp.br password: acesso@mamografia12 (valid until dec/23) Citation Format: Natália Cordeiro, Gil Facina, Afonso Nazário, Vanessa Sanvido, Joaquim Araujo Neto, Morgana Silva, Simone Elias. Towards Precision Medicine in Breast Imaging: A Novel Open Mammography Database with Tailor-Made 3D Image Retrieval for Artificial Intelligence and Teaching [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-29-02.

Architectural research facing the challenges of the 21st century: Criticality, creativity and diversity

As we enter the 21st century, a new era of digital technologies is offering increasing possibilities, but at the same time, posing serious challenges to architectural research. Therefore, the recovery of a critical approach is more necessary than ever. This should encompass not only the critical evaluation of the aforementioned technologies, but also counteract models of thought associated with them, such as the standardization of languages or the hegemony of solutionism. Likewise, it is also necessary to reclaim imagination and brilliance as attributes of a seriously threatened freedom. Working on the challenges of our time must emphasize the ideation, development and definition of mental processes and structures, mechanisms that are still outside the scope of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Finally, it is still important to reassert that all architectural postulates should be understood in the cultural environment and physical surroundings in which they are produced, admitting their diversity and avoiding a Eurocentric view. Current environmental degradation can be understood as a symptom of a crisis of civilization, marked by a model of living that does not recognize the need to understand ourselves and our built environment in relation to nature.

Thai School Directors’ Lived Experiences and Attitudes Towards Global Englishes: Do They Impact Hiring Foreign National Teachers?

Research on language attitudes towards Global Englishes in many contexts has focused on teachers and learners. However, limited research has paid attention to school directors even though they are in a vital position to make changes at the school. This study explored the school director’s lived experiences, attitudes toward Global Englishes, and how their attitudes impact hiring foreign national teachers. Utilizing a narrative inquiry design, three school directors from different school sizes, levels, and types were interviewed multiple times per person to ensure data saturation. The findings showed that all school directors demonstrated standard language and native speakerism ideologies formed earlier in their schooling experiences, especially in English classes. Regardless of positive or negative English learning experiences, they developed an entrenched belief that English should be taught by ‘native speakers.’ Yet, the decision to hire foreign national teachers was not simply influenced by their lived experiences and attitudes toward Global Englishes. Instead, it was affected by the school budget, the level of students, and parents’ expectations. Above all, one troubled concern materialized – hiring someone who looked ‘native.’ Implications were discussed moving forward when considering implementing the Global Englishes paradigm.

Contributions to the development of an anatomical terminology in Spanish from South America.

The development of a standard anatomical language in Spanish dates back to the early stages of medicine, and its significance lies in the necessity for a common vocabulary to describe the structures of the human body. Anatomists and morphologists have been striving to achieve this goal since the late nineteenth century when the first Anatomical Nomenclature was created in Basel in 1895. Over the years, various versions of the International Anatomical Terminology have been published in Spanish, following the guidelines of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA). These versions have been produced in partnership with the Spanish Anatomical Society and have aimed to adjust the terms to the Spanish language and linguistic rules. The Ibero-Latin American Symposia on Anatomical, Histological, and Embryological Terminology (SILAT) have embraced the naming of morphological structures, keeping in mind the Latin and Greek roots, while respecting the translations accepted by the linguistic rules of the official languages. These symposia stick to the principles of universality, precision in structure description, and consistency in terminology. Despite more than a century of progress in anatomical terminology, there is a need for frequent revisions and adjustments to anatomical terms, particularly when translating them into various languages and because of the high number of international publications related to anatomy. A shared anatomical language is essential for the study and application of anatomy across various medical practices and in undergraduate education. Finally, the establishment of anatomical terminology in Spanish represents a long history of efforts to create a universal and precise language in this field. Despite advancements, the revision and adaptation of anatomical terms remain a continuous challenge to keep up with scientific progress and ensure effective communication in the field of anatomy.

Harnessing Open Innovation for Translating Global Languages into Indian Lanuages

Understanding foreign languages can be challenging for individuals living in India's diverse linguistic landscapes. We propose a new technology that utilizes machine translation to address this issue, specifically focusing on speech recognition and synthesis. It aims to convert online video resources into Indian languages by integrating open-source technologies like text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT) systems, and FFmpeg library to separate or augment audio and video. We used the whisper model, the application that can read up to 60 different Languages in the form of audio as input, and it transcripts the audio into text with segments of sentences based on timestamps. The sentence-based transcription generated by whisper is then translated into the desired language using Google Cloud translate_v2. Later, Each timestamp was individually converted into audio using the Google Cloud text-to-speech service, ensuring the audio fits inside the length of its respective timestamp. The individual audio segments are then augmented to generate the final audio in the desired language. Finally, the audio is attached to the original video, ensuring video-audio synchronization. The accuracy of the translation was verified by comparing the naturalness of the audio with general spoken language standards. This application benefits visually impaired individuals and those who cannot read text, providing them with a means to acquire knowledge in their native languages.

The Question of Language in Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema

Abstract Since the 2000s, various laws have sought to impose Ukrainian in film production. If until 2014, due to decades of Russification, it was not uncommon to see a Ukrainian film shot in Russian, the Ukrainian language has become increasingly dominant in national cinema. The law of 2017 demanding Ukrainian directors to shoot in the official state language has aroused questions and different positions among the film community: while some have tried to resist it, arguing a lack of realism and an artificial use of a standardized Ukrainian language in the context of a predominantly bilingual society, most filmmakers have been able to find creative solutions, by getting in tune with a society that is becoming more and more Ukrainian-speaking, or by resorting to surzhyk, a vernacular mixing Ukrainian and Russian. Apart from Slavic languages, minority languages such as Crimean Tatar have also found their place in contemporary Ukrainian cinema.

Phonological variation and linguistic diversity in Bangladeshi dialects: An exploration of sound patterns and sociolinguistic significance

This paper explores how people in different parts of Bangladesh talk differently from each other. The study pays special attention to the unique sounds in their dialects compared to the standard Bangla language. The main goal of the research is to understand why these sounds change from one dialect to another. The researchers collected data from 70 participants coming from 20 regions of Bangladesh, who were fluent in their regional dialects and studied it carefully. By employing semi-structured interviews, IPA transcription, and thorough verification processes, this study ensures the accuracy and reliability of its findings and discussion, contributing valuable insights into the phonological diversity of Bangladeshi dialects and their socio-linguistic significance. The authors found 13 phonological variations or patterns among the dialects of different regions of Bangladesh. Each type of change is explained with clear examples to make it easier to understand. The research contributes significantly to the understanding of socio-linguistic diversity in Bangladesh by providing experimental evidence of phonological variation and its determinants. It also lays the groundwork for future research on dialects and their relationship with the standard language. This study will bring up a greater appreciation for Bangladesh’s linguistic diversity and encourage further research into language variation and change.

Analysis of natural language input in preschool children with and without hearing loss: quantity, caregiver response types, and influence of demographic factors

ABSTRACT This study investigated language input (adult word count, AWC; conversational turn count, CTC; response types; high-, mid-, and low-level) and language outcomes (receptive, expressive) in children aged 2–5 years with hearing loss (CwHL) and those with normal hearing (CwNH). Associations between language input and outcomes, relationships between language input, and demographics were examined. Language input was analyzed using full-day Language Environment Analysis (LENA) audio-recordings, and language outcomes were assessed using standardized language assessments in 14 CwHL and 20 CwNH. There were no significant differences in language input between CwHL (AWC/hr: M = 1137, SD = 554; CTC/hr: M = 48.26, SD = 19.18) and CwNH (AWC/hr: M = 1243, SD = 426; CTC/hr: M = 60.94, SD = 21.34). There were, however, significant differences between groups in response types and language outcomes. Caregivers of CwHL used less high- and more mid- and low-level responses than caregivers of CwNH (p = < .01). Language input in CwHL showed no association with language outcomes, and there were no correlations with demographic factors. For CwNH, receptive language was correlated with AWC/hr, CTC/hr, and high- and low-level response types (p = < .01); and expressive language was correlated with AWC/hr (p = < .01), CTC/hr (p = .02), and high- (p = .02) and low-level (p = < .01) response types significantly. Correlations were negative for low-level response types, with lower language scores associated with relatively more use of low-level responses. For CwNH, maternal education correlated with AWC/hr (p = < .01), and caregivers of younger CwNH had significantly more CTC/hr (p = < .01). Quantitative LENA data suggested comparable interaction frequency between groups. CwHL were exposed to more low-level response types, had significantly lower language scores. Further investigation into response types, child language outcomes, and therapeutic implications for CwHL is needed.

A Study of Language Variation Analysis - A Review

Dialectology is the research of dialects, which are varieties of a language that differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sometimes grammar. It explores regional, social, and historical variations within a language, aiming to understand how and why these differences occur . This paper has its focus on studying the difference between the regional language and standard language. The data is collected by using various recording devices and mobile phones. The primary goal of this paper is to explore how language changes in different situations. The focus is on examining variations in language usage, especially the choice of words (vocabulary), across various contexts. By carefully analyzing these linguistic differences, the study intends to offer valuable insights into understanding the specific context in which an individual is communicating. This can shed light on how language adapts to different environments and provides a deeper understanding of communication patterns. Analysis of dialects can help identify the geographic or social origin of a speaker, providing insights into their background. This can be useful in cases where the origin of a suspect or victim is uncertain. Linguistic experts may analyze speech patterns, vocabulary, and pronunciation to draw conclusions about a person's likely dialect, contributing to the overall forensic investigation

Validation of the Health Index in the Postoperative Period: Use of the Nursing Outcome Classification to Determine the Health Level.

The postoperative period is the recovery time after surgery and is defined as an individual process whose purpose is to return the person to the state of normality and integrity that they had prior to surgery. Demonstrate the modification of the level of health of people in the early postoperative period through the development and validation of the Health Index Instrument, which is built from the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) standardized language. The design used a mixed method, which involved a first phase of instrument development and a second phase of instrument validation. The methods was based on focus group techniques with text analysis techniques, internal validation with a group of care language experts, external validation with a group of clinical nursing experts and a clinical validation with quantitative and qualitative analysis. A panel of experts in Language of Care evaluated the (NOC) labels and their correlation with the 11 Health Variables to construct the instrument. The instrument developed was subjected to external validation with a panel of clinical nurse experts in post-anesthesia care. The clinical validation included a cross-sectional descriptive study in a postoperative unit. The final sample of the cross-sectional descriptive study was 139 cases. Of the 89 NOCs proposed in the preliminary construction phase of the instrument, 36 passed through the first round. Of those 36 NOCs, 25 passed through to the second round with a review performance and 11 directly as approved. The total number of approved NOCs were 4. The results of the research show that there are changes in the global score of the health level and in each health variable. It is observed that there was a significant increase in the scores of the health variables at admission and discharge (p < 0.001). The results of the data analysis show that six groups present a similar pattern of evolution of the health variables. A correlation was found between the time of stay in the unit with the scores obtained in the health variables, the physical functioning, comfort status and the presence of symptoms being particularly significant.

Comparison between Conventional and Digital Impressions for Determining Axes and Distances of Three Implants in Straight and Curved Lines: An In Vitro Study.

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of conventional and digital impressions on several parameters (inter-implant distance, intra-implant distance, inter-implant axis, and intra-implant axis) of three implants in curved lines and straight lines by using a laboratory scanner (LBS) versus an intra-oral scanner (IOS). Methods: Two 3D models were fabricated using a printer, each model with three internal hex implants analogues at the positions of 15#,16#,17# (straight line) and 12#,13#,14# (curved line). Standard intra-oral scan bodies (ISBs) were used, and the two models were scanned using 7 Series dental wings (LBS, reference model), followed by ten scans with Primescan (digital method). Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files were created. Five polyether impressions were taken from each model (straight and curved), and gypsum type 4 models were poured; each model was scanned five times to create a total of 25 STL files for each group (conventional method). The comparison between all the STL files (conventional and digital) was made by superimposition of the STL files on the STL reference model laboratory file using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed, followed by Mann-Whitney tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. (p < 0.05). Results: For the conventional method, the mean errors were significantly higher for the curved line model (12-14) compared to the straight line model (15-17) for most parameters (p < 0.05). For the digital method, the mean errors were significantly higher for the curved-line model (12-14) compared to the straight line model (15-17) in half of the parameters (p < 0.05). Within the curved line model (12-14) and the straight line model (15-17), the mean errors between the conventional method and the digital method were not significant for most variables. Conclusions: The difference between curved lines and straight lines has an impact on the mean error of the conventional method. Both methods are reliable for straight and curved lines in partially dentate situations.

Development of a three-dimensional printed model from a digital impression of a real patient for aesthetic dentistry undergraduate teaching.

The acquisition of skills and manual dexterity in aesthetic dentistry in undergraduate teaching requires preclinical practices with simulation that should approximate real clinical situations. We will present a digital procedure for the creation of three-dimensional (3D) resin models adapted to the practices of the Aesthetic Dentistry course. Stereolithography or Standard Tesellation Language (STL) files of a real patient were previously obtained with a 3-shape intraoral scanner. Using the Exocad computer programme for dental prosthesis design, various modifications were made, such as incisor rotation, surface alterations imitating dysplasias or erosions, the creation of diastemas, or even changes in tooth size. The virtual model was printed in resin for use by students. Once the practices were finished, the students and the teachers evaluated the use of the 3D printed models. The result is the typodont model, in which seven laboratory sessions took place: 1-Restoration of conoid tooth morphology, 2-Cervical abrasion/ erosion restoration, 3-Direct Composite Veneer, 4-Aesthetic correction in a tooth with rotation, 5-Diastem closure, 6-Occlusal abrasions/ erosion, and 7-Maryland bridge. 90.48% of the students evaluated the designed 3D model as the best method for laboratory practice compared to other methods, obtaining a general assessment of 8.3 out of 10. The method used has provided a reproducible standard analog model for direct aesthetic dental restoration practice, with a good assessment by students and teachers.

On the Functional Convergence of Pragmatic Markers in Arizona Spanish

Tags, compared to other types of pragmatic markers (PMs), are typically considered as separate yet related phenomena and are usually differentiated by their syntactic positions and discourse functions, among other factors. The current work explores this differentiation utilizing 36 sociolinguistic interviews with Spanish-English bilinguals in southern Arizona, USA. Standard language variation and change (LVC) methodologies were used in the extraction, coding, and statistical analyses of this dataset (n = 591), with four PM variants identified for study through an exploratory methodology: the tags no and qué no and the discourse markers (DMs) you know and saber. The results of our analyses indicate that, while utterance position, self-reported gender, and length of residence were all significant in the multivariate analysis, discourse function was dropped from the statistical model. Therefore, we interpret this finding as an indication that functional differences between these two pragmatic resources have been levelled through grammaticalization, demonstrating that for Arizona Spanish, tags and DMs belong in the same functional category of PMs. Furthermore, an analysis of codeswitching behavior triggered by the incoming variant you know demonstrates that it is becoming incorporated into the Spanish pragmatic system, patterning similarly to its counterpart saber in terms of function and position, without attrition of the native variant.

A First Estimate of the Prevalence of Developmental Language Disorder in Mexico: A Retrospective Study

AbstractThis was a retrospective study that aimed to provide a first estimate of the prevalence of developmental language disorder (DLD) in Mexico, where there is currently a lack of epidemiological data on this disorder. Children aged 4;0 to 6;11 years in the cities of Mexico, Queretaro, and Monterrey were classified into two groups: those with DLD (N = 46) and those with typical language development (N = 497). The diagnosis of DLD was based on standardized norm-referenced assessment and language sample analyses. Children with other disabilities were excluded from the final sample. The final sample consisted of 543 children (55% male; 45% female) aged 4;0 to 6;11 years. The estimated prevalence of DLD was 8.5%. The study has clinical implications given that the prevalence of DLD in Mexico may raise awareness of this long-lasting disorder and may help health and educational authorities establish a system to early identify and diagnose children with DLD.

Mental state verb use in play by preschool-age children who stutter and their mothers

IntroductionPreschool-age children use mental state verbs (MSVs; e.g., think, know) to reference thoughts and other cognitive states. In play-based language, MSV use requires conversational flexibility, as speakers shift from discussion of actions happening in the here-and-now to more abstract discussion of mental states. Some evidence suggests that children who stutter (CWS) demonstrate subtle differences in shifting on experimental tasks of cognitive flexibility, differences which may extend to conversational flexibility. This study explored MSV use in conversational language between CWS and their mothers. MethodsThirty-five preschool-age CWS and 35 age- and gender-matched children who do not stutter (CWNS), all performing within the typical range on standardized language testing, conversed with their mothers during play. Samples were transcribed and coded for MSV use. ResultsNo between-group differences were observed in MSV use, either between the CWS and CWNS or between the groups of mothers. Age and language skills were positively associated with MSV use in the CWNS group only. For both groups of dyads, mothers’ MSV use corresponded at least to some extent to their children’s language skills. Finally, correspondence between CWNS and their mothers was observed for two conversational language measures, representing lexical diversity and morphosyntax; this overall pattern was not observed in the CWS dyad group. ConclusionsAlthough these findings point to similar use of MSVs among the groups of children and their mothers, for the CWS group, the patterns of use in relation to age and language skills are somewhat different from developmental expectations.

Beloved books and contested standards: translations of ‘The Little Prince' into selected collateral languages of Poland

ABSTRACT Language standardisation is often closely connected with the literary process. Literary works, both original and translated, influence the language itself and how it is viewed inside and outside of the speakers’ community. The paper discusses the possible influence of translated literature on minority languages in the example of three collateral languages of Poland: Kashubian, Silesian and Masurian. To do so, we are looking at the roles played in these linguistic communities by the translations of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's ‘The Little Prince’, usually one of the first books translated into minority languages around the world.

Predictors of self-reported word-finding difficulties in glioma patients – a longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background Word-finding difficulties are a common self-reported concern in glioma patients known to negatively affect social participation and life satisfaction. Discrepancies between self-reported difficulties and performance on objective tests have been reported, but studies are seldom conducted longitudinally. Aims The aim of the present study was to examine the occurrence of self-reported word-finding difficulties before and during the first year after glioma surgery. In addition, we investigated whether self-reported word-finding difficulties were predicted by standardized language tests and psychological distress. Methods and procedures Twenty-three patients with gliomas (grade 1–3) were assessed pre-surgery, at six and twelve months follow-up. Self-reported word-finding difficulties were addressed with the item I am able to find the right word(s) to say what I mean, from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Brain (FACT-Br). Confrontation naming was tested with the Boston Naming Test (BNT), word production with a semantic fluency test and word knowledge with a vocabulary test. Self-reported measures of psychological distress were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Ordinal regression models were used to examine predictors of self-reported word-finding difficulties. Outcomes and results Word-finding difficulties were reported by 68% of the patients pre-surgery, increasing to 90% and 85% at the following assessments. Significant changes were observed in the magnitude of reported concerns between pre-surgery assessment and six months follow-up. Regression analyses demonstated that self-reported word-finding difficulties were predicted by psychological distress and vocabulary pre-surgery and vocabulary at six months follow-up, whereas confrontation naming and semantic fluency did not become significant in any of the assessments. Conclusion Our results indicate that self-reported word-finding difficulties occurred in a high percentage of glioma patients throughout the first year of illness. Patients reported increased difficulties after surgery that were not predicted by confrontation naming or semantic fluency but by vocabulary performance. The results imply further that psychological distress is a factor that should be taken into account. Self-reported function is an important supplement to objective testing and can provide indications about mental health status and the patients` perspective on language related challenges in everyday life.

Nonlinear elasticity with the Shifted Boundary Method

We propose a new unfitted/immersed computational framework for nonlinear solid mechanics, which bypasses the complexities associated with the generation of CAD representations and subsequent body-fitted meshing. This approach allows to speed up the cycle of design and analysis in complex geometry and requires relatively simple computer graphics representations of the surface geometries to be simulated, such as the Standard Tessellation Language (STL format). Complex data structures and integration on cut elements are avoided by means of an approximate boundary representation and a modification (shifting) of the boundary conditions to maintain optimal accuracy. An extensive set of computational experiments in two and three dimensions is included.

Development and use of a novel diver‐operated ski for surveying nearshore rocky reef habitats

AbstractThe use of camera and video technologies for conducting underwater surveys has rapidly expanded over the past several decades. However, the utility of these systems can be significantly hampered by numerous logistical factors, including limited underwater visibility, rough bottom topography, and ease of use for the operator. Video studies can be difficult to compare when methods and terminologies differ. Here, we describe the development of a cost‐effective diver‐propelled underwater ski‐based video system for rapidly acquiring videos in challenging shallow, high‐energy rocky benthic habitats for quantifying fish, macroalgae, and invertebrates in a coastal temperate system. The ski held the camera at a (relatively) fixed distance from the seafloor, we used parallel lasers to quantify our observations, and we used the standardized language of the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard to acquire consistent quantitative data to serve as an ecological baseline, also including archived images. Our results indicate that the ski proved to be an effective tool for capturing insightful data that would otherwise be very difficult and time‐consuming to collect. Our baseline and repeatable methods can be used by other investigators at this or other locations for monitoring, re‐evaluation, or comparisons to other sites.