Stop-motion Research Articles

Blink Detection Using 3D Convolutional Neural Architectures and Analysis of Accumulated Frame Predictions.

Blink detection is considered a useful indicator both for clinical conditions and drowsiness state. In this work, we propose and compare deep learning architectures for the task of detecting blinks in video frame sequences. The first step is the training and application of an eye detector that extracts the eye regions from each video frame. The cropped eye regions are organized as three-dimensional (3D) input with the third dimension spanning time of 300 ms. Two different 3D convolutional neural networks are utilized (a simple 3D CNN and 3D ResNet), as well as a 3D autoencoder combined with a classifier coupled to the latent space. Finally, we propose the usage of a frame prediction accumulator combined with morphological processing and watershed segmentation to detect blinks and determine their start and stop frame in previously unseen videos. The proposed framework was trained on ten (9) different participants and tested on five (8) different ones, with a total of 162,400 frames and 1172 blinks for each eye. The start and end frame of each blink in the dataset has been annotate by specialized ophthalmologist. Quantitative comparison with state-of-the-art blink detection methodologies provide favorable results for the proposed neural architectures coupled with the prediction accumulator, with the 3D ResNet being the best as well as the fastest performer.

Student-Generated Stop-Motion Videos for Assessing Reaction Mechanisms in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry

Student-Generated Stop-Motion Videos for Assessing Reaction Mechanisms in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams by Buena Onda Collective (Dominika Ksel and Camila Morales) is an immersive, interactive animated project designed to empower the Far Rockaway, Queens community in the face of climate crisis and environmental injustice. Collaborating with local organizations like RISE and Shore Corps, as well as residents and CUNY students, the project engaged over 100 participants (ages 5-65+) in workshops to create drawings, 3D models, audio recordings, and animations that reflect personal histories, dreams, and ecological connections. Guided by questions about capitalism and rising tides, the collective envisioned alternative futures, blending fantasy, dystopia, and resilience. Using open-source software, AI, and stop-motion animation, these visions were transformed into immersive 360-degree experiences, accessible via mobile devices and QR codes across the Rockaway Peninsula. The 360 animations culminated in an interactive exploratorium built with Unity and Community Toolkit, showcasing the power of artistic collaboration and digital media in addressing socio-environmental challenges, and moving from scarcity to empowerment and abundance.

Shape-Dependent Locomotion of DNA-Linked Magnetic Nanoparticle Films.

The shape-dependent aero- and hydro-dynamics found in nature have been adopted in a wide range of areas spanning from daily transportation to forefront biomedical research. Here, we report DNA-linked nanoparticle films exhibiting shape-dependent magnetic locomotion, controlled by DNA sequences. Fabricated through a DNA-directed layer-by-layer assembly of iron oxide and gold nanoparticles, the multifunctional films exhibit rotational and translational motions under magnetic fields, along with reversible shape morphing via DNA strand exchange reactions. Notably, the shape of the film significantly influences its magnetic responsiveness, attributable to shape-dependent drag forces acting on mesoscopic films. The distinctive shape dependence combined with the shape-changing capability offers an approach to regulate magnetic locomotion within a constant magnetic field, as demonstrated here through the go and stop motion of nanoparticle films without altering the magnetic field.

Design of Car Based on 5G Network Control

The role of smart cars is pivotal, and this project designs and implements a four-wheel vehicle control system leveraging 5G communication technology. The system aims to enhance the portability of smart cars, reduce their costs, enable remote control functionality, and improve mobility to meet the needs of modern Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The system integrates an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module with the Blinker IoT platform to enable remote, real-time control of car movement via a smartphone app. Using Access Point (AP) mode for fast network configuration, users can input Wi-Fi credentials and a Blinker key through a web interface for easy setup. Through the custom app interface, users can send commands to control the car’s forward, backward, turning, and stopping actions, as well as adjust speed and operation delay. Additionally, the system includes Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) data storage to ensure the persistent saving of configuration information, and it features a remote wireless camera for external monitoring of the car’s surroundings. The Android-based remote control design allows users to monitor and control the car’s movement anytime and anywhere. Experimental results show that the system is stable, provides smooth control, operates at low cost and low power consumption, and offers good portability. Therefore, this intelligent car control system offers valuable insights for smart car development and application. It can also be integrated with popular smart homes, IoT, and other emerging technologies, offering broad application potential and promising development prospects.

Extending Conflict-Based Search for Optimal and Efficient Quadrotor Swarm Motion Planning

Multi-agent pathfinding has been extensively studied by the robotics and artificial intelligence communities. The classical algorithm, conflict-based search (CBS), is widely used in various real-world applications due to its ability to solve large-scale conflict-free paths. However, classical CBS assumes discrete time–space planning and overlooks physical constraints in actual scenarios, making it unsuitable for direct application in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm. Inspired by the decentralized planning and centralized conflict resolution ideas of CBS, we propose, for the first time, an optimal and efficient UAV swarm motion planner that integrates state lattice with CBS without any underlying assumption, named SL-CBS. SL-CBS is a two-layer search algorithm: (1) The low-level search utilizes an improved state lattice. We design emergency stop motion primitives to ensure complete UAV dynamics and handle spatio-temporal constraints from high-level conflicts. (2) The high-level algorithm defines comprehensive conflict types and proposes a motion primitive conflict detection method with linear time complexity based on Sturm’s theory. Additionally, our modified independence detection (ID) technique is applied to enable parallel conflict processing. We validate the planning capabilities of SL-CBS in classical scenarios and compare these with the latest state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms, showing great improvements in success rate, computation time, and flight time. Finally, we conduct large-scale tests to analyze the performance boundaries of SL-CBS+ID.

From Technophobia to Techno confidence: Integration of iPad Software Applications in Teacher Training

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on higher education worldwide, underscoring the need for effective technology integration to enhance teaching and learning. This study aimed to address technophobia by introducing four iPad software applications to a group of 35 first-year Bachelor of Education preservice teachers specializing in the Intermediate phase at a private higher education institution in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Conducted over six weeks in the second semester of 2024, the qualitative case study collected data through pre-intervention questionnaires, classroom use of Stop Motion, iMovie, Keynote and Plotogon in mathematics, natural science, and technology lessons, and a post-intervention focus group discussion. The findings demonstrated strong technological engagement under instructor guidance, with 91% of participants using at least one application during the intervention. The primary objective was to enhance preservice teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and reduce technophobia through hands-on experiences with iPad software applications. The findings revealed that preservice teachers envisioned using these four applications to create interactive, engaging, and student-centered classrooms, where learning is enriched through collaboration, creativity, and subject-specific tools for mathematics, natural science and technology. While many preservice teachers found the software applications easy to use, concerns about accessibility and teacher proficiency, especially due to socioeconomic disparities, highlighted the need for additional technology training. Stop-motion, Keynote and iMovie iPad software applications were believed to be crucial for developing technological pedagogical content knowledge, with Keynote particularly effective for blending abstract topics and concepts with innovative teaching strategies. It was recommended that Keynote be integrated into teacher training to create engaging worksheets and presentations. Stop Motion and iMovie could be used to create entertaining and interactive animations. Interestingly, the findings revealed that Plotagon was not used by the preservice teachers, possibly indicating technophobia or a lack of familiarity and confidence with the iPad software application. The study emphasized the importance of incorporating iPad software applications to assist primary school preservice teachers in overcoming technophobia and building confidence in technology integration. This integration of Stop Motion, Keynote, iMovie, and Plotogon could enhance teacher and learner experiences through creative and innovative instructional designs in mathematics, natural science, and technology.

Levo-Stepholidine as a Potential Cognitive Enhancer: Insights into Executive Function and Memory Improvements

Background/Objectives: Levo-Stepholidine (l-SPD), a compound extracted from Chinese herbs, has the potential to treat psychotic disorders where cognitive deficits are a critical challenge. L-SPD displays a D1R agonism/D2R antagonism pharmacological profile, and its effect on cognitive function is still vague and lacks comprehensive study. Here, we investigated the impact of l-SPD on two core indexes of executive function, working memory and response inhibition, and learning and memory. Methods: Using a delayed alternation T-maze task (DAT), we investigated the impact of l-SPD on working memory, evaluated its effect on response inhibition using the stop-signal task (SST), and assessed the impact on learning and memory using trace fear conditioning in Sprague-Dawley rats. We further evaluated its effects on prefrontal glutamate receptor expression using western blot. Results: Rats receiving l-SPD made fewer errors in the T-maze, exhibited faster stop action in response to the stop signal, and showed longer-lasting memory retention. Molecular mechanism investigations reveal that l-SPD upregulates the expression of prefrontal glutamate receptors. These results demonstrate that l-SPD improves executive function and memory. Conclusions: Here, we show the enhancement effect of l-SPD on cognitive function, which provides essential implicants for the treatment of cognitive deficits, which is a critical unmet need in psychiatric care.

Arkypallidal neurons in the external globus pallidus can mediate inhibitory control by altering competition in the striatum

Reactive inhibitory control is crucial for survival. Traditionally, this control in mammals was attributed solely to the hyperdirect pathway, with cortical control signals flowing unidirectionally from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) to basal ganglia output regions. Yet recent findings have put this model into question, suggesting that the STN is assisted in stopping actions through ascending control signals to the striatum mediated by the external globus pallidus (GPe). Here, we investigate this suggestion by harnessing a biologically constrained spiking model of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) circuit that includes pallidostriatal pathways originating from arkypallidal neurons. Through a series of experiments probing the interaction between three critical inhibitory nodes (the STN, arkypallidal cells, and indirect pathway spiny projection neurons), we find that the GPe acts as a critical mediator of both ascending and descending inhibitory signals in the CBGT circuit. In particular, pallidostriatal pathways regulate this process by weakening the direct pathway dominance of the evidence accumulation process driving decisions, which increases the relative suppressive influence of the indirect pathway on basal ganglia output. These findings delineate how pallidostriatal pathways can facilitate action cancellation by managing the bidirectional flow of information within CBGT circuits.

Simulation of the Full‐Process Dynamics of Floating Vehicles Driven by Flash Floods

AbstractFlash flooding has become more prominent under climate change, threatening people's life and property. Post‐event investigations of recent events emphasize the role of floating debris, such as vehicles, in exacerbating damage. Few modeling methods and tools have been developed to simulate the full‐process dynamics of floating debris driven by large‐scale flood waves in real world. In this work, a fully coupled model is developed for simulating the full‐process interactive movements of vehicles driven by flash flood hydrodynamics, from entrainment, transport to deposition. The proposed coupled modeling system consists of a finite volume shock‐capturing hydrodynamic model solving the 2D shallow water equations and a 3D discrete element method (DEM) model. The proposed two‐way coupling approach estimates the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces acting on solid objects using the water depth and velocity predicted by the hydrodynamic model; the resulting counter forces on the fluid flow are then considered by adding extra source terms in the hydrodynamic model. A multi‐sphere method is further embedded in the DEM model to better represent vehicle shapes. New calculation modules are further implemented to represent the vehicle entrainment, contact and stopping motions. The coupled model is applied to reproduce a flash flood event hit Boscastle in the UK in 2004. Over 100 vehicles were moved and carried downstream by the highly transient flood flow. The model well predicts the hydrodynamics, interactive transport process and the final locations of vehicles. The proposed coupled model provides a new tool for simulating large‐scale flash flooding processes, including debris dynamics.

β-Grain refinement in WAAM Ti-6Al-4 V processed with inter-pass ultrasonic impact peening

β-Grain refinement in WAAM Ti-6Al-4 V processed with inter-pass ultrasonic impact peening

Analisis Penggunaan Lego dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah Perang Kusamba untuk Anak Usia Dini

There is limited research that combines three things, namely, early childhood, technology and local wisdom. Current conventional education requires digital-based technology with all its advantages. Historical knowledge is best instilled as knowledge in early childhood in the age range of 4-6 years. The knowledge taken in this research is knowledge from a hero statue located in Kusamba village in the form of a woman holding a palm leaf named I Dewa Agung Istri Kanya. This research aims as an educational tool. Through the means of animated films, the Lego game is hoped to be able to provide historical education and be able to become a visual attraction in the educational process. The method in this research is a descriptive qualitative method by visualizing illustrations of historical toy stories of heroes that are close to children's tastes. Next, exploration and experimentation were carried out on the work by designing Lego with Balinese characters and clothing and creating the setting at the scene, namely Goa Lawah and Puri Klungkung. The production technique uses stop motion techniques. The process of making an animated film is carried out in three stages, namely pre-production, production, and post-production. Testing was carried out on material experts and media experts as well as parents who educate children aged 4-6 years. The results of 87% of respondents stated that it was suitable as a learning medium. The results of anecdotal notes on a sample of young children showed an increase in knowledge from not yet developing to developing according to expectations.

The Effect of Stop Motion Video as An Examination Media on The Knowledge and Safe Behavior of PT. X Metal Casting Industry Workers in Klaten

A work accident is one of the risks that can occur in the metal casting industry. Workers' unsafe behavior is the primary cause of occupational accidents. The definition of unsafe behavior is any human behavior that can allow work accidents to occur to oneself or others. The preliminary study results found that 100% of workers had work accidents due to unsafe behavior, and out of 19 workers, 47.3% had insufficient knowledge about unsafe behavior. Counseling using video stop motion is one effort that can be used to overcome. This research aims to investigate the impact of counseling using video stop motion media on enhancing workers' knowledge and safety practices in the metal casting industry. This type of research is a quasi-experiment with a pre-test, post-test, and control group. The experimental group consisted of the workers in the finishing section, while the control group consisted of the workers in the induction section. The Wilcoxon test analysis reveals a significant difference in knowledge and behavior values between the pre-test and post-test, resulting from the use of video stop motion media. Media. The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference in the mean value of differences in knowledge and behavior in the pre-test and post-test between the experimental and control groups with a significance value of 0.000 (p <0.05). Video stop motion has the effect of increasing the value of knowledge and safe action among industry workers.

Overstretching alveolar epithelial type II cells decreases surfactant secretion via actin polymerization and intracellular trafficking alteration

Pulmonary surfactant is essential for maintaining proper lung function. Alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cells secrete surfactants via lamellar bodies (LBs). In tidal loading during each breath, the physiological cyclic stretching of AE2 cells promotes surfactant secretion. Excessive stretching inhibits surfactant secretion, which is considered to contribute to the development of lung damage. However, its precise mechanism remains unknown. This study tested whether actin polymerization and intracellular transport are required for pulmonary surfactant secretion and the association of actin polymerization and transport in identical human AE2-derived A549cells using live-cell imaging, not in the bulk cells population. We found that overstretching approximately doubled actin polymerization into filaments (F-actin) and suppressed LB secretion by half in the fluorescent area ratio, compared with physiological stretching (F-actin: 1.495 vs 0.643 (P<0.01); LB: 0.739 vs 0.332 (P<0.01)). An inhibitor of actin polymerization increased LB secretion. Intracellular tracking using fluorescent particles revealed that cyclic stretching shifted the particle motion perpendicularly to the direction of stretching according to the orientation of the F-actin (proportion of perpendicular axis motion prior particle: 0h 40.12% vs 2h 63.13% (P<0.01)), and particle motion was restricted over time in the cells subjected to overstretching, indicating that overstretching regulates intracellular transport dynamics (proportion of stop motion particle: 0h 1.01% vs 2h 11.04% (P<0.01)). These findings suggest that overstretching changes secretion through the cytoskeleton: overstretching AE2 cells inhibits pulmonary surfactant secretion, at least through accelerating actin polymerization and decreasing intracellular trafficking, and the change in actin orientation would modulate intracellular trafficking.

Communicative potential of stop-motion animation in the practice of modern design

The relevance of the research is determined by the need to substantiate and implement effective visualnarrative media formats for creating effective visual communications capable of clearly conveying messages and ideas to the viewer. The purpose of the work is to reveal and evaluate the communicative potential of stop-motion animation in the context of audiovisual practices of modern design. Research methodology is formed by general scientific and special methods, in particular, comparative and historical analysis, scientific analysis and synthesis, methods of visual observation, modeling, art history and content analysis. The research substantiates the technical techniques, formal and artistic approaches of stop-motion and reveals their influence on the communicative potential of animation in the context of various project tasks. The effectiveness of the tools of stop-motion animation in modern audiovisual design practices for increasing the emotional involvement of the audience and improving the perception of content due to attractiveness and experimentation has been proven. The ability of stop-motion animation for detail, visual saturation, expressiveness and emotional expressiveness can play a key role in solving design problems where a deep narrative impact needs to be achieved. The paper substantiates the expediency of using the main technical techniques of stop-motion animation in the implementation of specific conceptual project tasks, in particular in short animated films of various genres, in advertising videos, in art projects, where the goal can be achieved due to the high artistic characteristics of the visual series, interactivity and emotional interaction with the viewer. The practical value of the work is determined by the possibility of implementing the research results into practical recommendations for the implementation of specific projects. The results of the research can be useful in the academic community for the further development of the theoretical foundations of stop-motion animation and the expansion of project approaches in educational courses related to audiovisual art and visual communication

Prototype for Digitizing the Sato Kewan Fairy Tale as A Javanese Language Education Media

This research aims to develop and validate the digitalization product of the Sato Kewan fairy tale as a Javanese language educational medium for elementary school students. This research uses the development method (Research and Development) with the ADDIE model to design a learning system. This development model goes through five steps: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The validation questionnaire for linguists and media experts is a research instrument. Data analysis techniques include qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. Based on data from validity results by linguists and media experts on the stop motion animation video of Sato Kewan's fairy tale, the media is a suitable criterion for use. For the language aspect, the language expert scored 75%, and the content aspect was 80%. The visual aspect got 75%, the audio aspect 83%, and 83% effectiveness.

Aesthetic relationship between personality emotions and contemporary graphic design patterns on the surfaces of textiles

In this work, five different types of animated graphic design ideas (traditional, 2D, 3D, stop motion, motion) were examined on three different textile fabrics (cotton, silk, polyester) through digital printing. Psychological-emotional expressions (openness, conscientiousness, extroversions, agreeableness, and neuroticism) were investigated that influenced the perceptual criteria. Lastly, a quantitative investigation was carried out from a sample of 300 students whose ages varied from 20 to 24 years old for an analysis of aesthetic appeal through a 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed that motion animation design has the most effective aesthetic appeal while the stop motion design pattern has the least aesthetic appeal. Silk fabric samples have better graphic consequences whereas polyester fabric samples have the least. Moreover, individuals with neuroticism emotional personality have the least effective response while agreeableness has the utmost for the sense of aesthetics. 71% of students were accustomed to aesthetic appeal as compared to structural fabrics.

Lingering with Multispecies Kin: Re-Turning to Encounters between Children, Invertebrates and Amphibians

AbstractBased on an ethnographic study in a Finnish primary school, we explored lingering as both a pedagogical approach and a methodological concept for multispecies education research and practice. Through this conceptual thinking, we “re-turned” to the multiplicities that unfolded from noticing rhythms, enterings and different lifeworlds to show how children’s lingering encounters developed into speculative inquiries about how invertebrates and amphibians generate polyphonous affects and temporalities. In our study, children’s “attuning-with” clay, waste materials, photographs, and stop-motion animation opened up the unfamiliar worlds and temporalities of invertebrates and amphibians, involving active silences, slow rhythms, and awkward becomings. Overall, the study highlights that children’s attuning-with the uncertainties of today’s socioecological world create new avenues for thinking about multispecies relationalities.

Developing a Stop-Motion Animation in Improving Junior Secondary Students’ Learning in Chemistry Lab: An Exploratory Study

Developing a Stop-Motion Animation in Improving Junior Secondary Students’ Learning in Chemistry Lab: An Exploratory Study

Multimodality In Stop Motion Animation Films

Stop motion animation films use a complicated process of giving life to inanimate objects through visuals and cinematic experience that are created by using puppets made of clay, resin, silicon, wool etc. In the world of digital communication and technology, there has been rise of using multiple modes in order to give deeper meaning to the visuals of a film. Today, apart from language, stop animation film uses various semiotic modes of sound, music, visual metaphors, set design, camera angles, color theory, gestural, spatial and haptic illusion that helps in disseminating ideas, and concepts that are difficult to communicate through a film. The researcher has conducted a content analysis of three Oscar Nominated stop motion animation films including Negative Space, Sister and Lost and Found to identify the various semiotic modes used in the narrative of the film and a quantitative study was conducted to investigate the perception of the young adults including college students of undergraduate and post graduates and professionals between age group of (18-24) living in Mumbai regarding these modes.