Video Presentation Research Articles

Ultrasound supported identification of the ligamentum conicum in teaching head and neck sonography

Upper airway obstructions are usually acute emergencies. Coniotomy is the last option to secure the airway and can be supported by sonography. The aim of this study was to establish a training program to teach these skills. The training consisted of theoretical training with an additional video presentation (10 minutes each) and practical training (45 minutes). Evaluations were completed before (T1) and after (T2) the training to measure prior experience and satisfaction with the training as well as subjective and objective competence levels. At T2, a practical test was also completed by n=113 participants. A standardized evaluation form was used to document the results of the practical test. A large proportion of the participants had neither seen a coniotomy (64.6%) nor performed one independently (79.6%). Significant improvement (T1 to T2) was measured with regard to the subjective assessment of competence (p<0.001). The training received positive ratings for all items tested (scale ranges 1-2). During practical tests, the participants achieved an average of 89.2% of the possible points and needed a mean of 101 ±23 seconds to identify the conic ligament. Structured training for sonographic identification of the conic ligament leads to significant improvement in the subjective assessment of competence and a high objective competence level in a short period of time. This type of training should be standardized in head and neck ultrasound training in the future.

Effect of Different Instructions on Learning Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Skills among Physiotherapy Students

This study aims to assess the effect of different instructions on learning proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) skills among physiotherapy students. Twenty-five (n=25) first-year undergraduate physiotherapy students were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group (n=12) was a live demonstration group watching the instructor performing the technique, while the second group (n=13) was a video demonstration group watching a pre-recorded video by the same instructor. Both groups were shown identical eight (8) patterns of PNF skills. After watching the skill, the students in both groups were asked to perform in an isolation room using all the techniques shown to measure their psychomotor skills using the standard Objective Structured Clinical Examination form. The test revealed an insignificant difference in the total performance score between live and video demonstrations of PNF skills among physiotherapy students. Live demonstration group (Mean=59.50±25.69) and video demonstration group (Mean=75.00±13.71), U=48.5, z=-1.605, p&gt;0.05, r=0.321. The finding of this study indicates that live and video demonstration groups are on par in performing the PNF skills. Although video demonstration may reduce time teaching and at the same time ensure the students learn motor skills accordingly. The current study suggests that video demonstration should be employed as an adjunct to pre-, during, and post-live demonstration to augment knowledge retention. This finding can also be a reference for policymakers or higher institutions to decide to change the existing policy for new norms after the breakout of COVID-19 as there is no difference in students’ performance between these two groups.

A Reinterpretation of Paracolpium in Radical Hysterectomy: New Insights into Its Surgical Implication

ObjectiveTo reinterpret the surgical anatomy of paracolpium in radical hysterectomy and to explore its implications for the surgery. SettingThe term “paracolpium” first defined by Fothergill in 1907, is essential in radical hysterectomy. However, several challenges remain unresolved. These include: (1) inconsistent terminology in relation to its defined attributes; (2) the lack of consensus on anatomical landmarks; (3) unclear associations with the cardinal and sacral ligaments; and (4) the critical implications and requirements of paracolpium resection in radical hysterectomy practices. ParticipantsA patient in her 60s diagnosed with stage IB2 cervical cancer was enrolled in a clinical trial and assigned to the laparoscopic surgery group. A step-by-step, narrated video demonstration. InterventionsDuring the procedure, post-excision of the uterosacral, cardinal, and vesicovaginal ligaments, we identified a ligament-like structure situated between the middle third of the vagina and the pelvic wall. We have termed this structure the “paracolpium ligament.” A detailed anatomical description was performed, outlining its crucial attachments:• Medial attachment: middle third of the vagina• Lateral attachment: tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia (TAPF)• Cranial attachment: cardinal-uterosacral ligaments confluence• Caudal attachment: pubococcygeus muscle fascia• Dorsal: paravaginal space• Ventral: pararectal spaceTo ensure a safe dissection, the paracolpium ligament was exposed by removing anterior and posterior fat tissue. The extent of surgical resection was adapted based on the tumor's location. Extensive resection of the paracolpium ligament was essential when the tumor was localized to one side of the vagina to ensure complete removal of the disease; otherwise, preservation of the ligament was considered feasible. ConclusionIn this video, we meticulously name and define the “paracolpium ligament,” providing groundbreaking insights into its anatomical and surgical implications in radical hysterectomy. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of surgical anatomy for cervical cancer.

Practice makes perfect: Using simulation to build and assess competency in bone marrow biopsy for heme/onc fellows.

9042 Background: The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) requires that Hematology/Oncology fellows demonstrate competence in bone marrow biopsies (BMB). However, offers no guidance in assessment methods. Neither the "see one, do one, teach one" nor the "complete 5 procedures" approach is sufficient to ensure competency. As this is a potentially painful procedure that requires knowledge of landmarks, simulation in a safe environment is an ideal way to introduce BMB to trainees. In 2015, we started a simulation program to teach fellows how to perform BMB using a cadaver pelvis, and assess their BMB competency. Methods: The Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program at Gundersen Health System holds a half-day simulation for our 6 fellows each July. We begin with a self-evaluation of current skills, using an 8-question pre-test. We then view a demonstration video, pausing to discuss key learning points. Fellows are given a detailed check list of the steps of the procedure. They then experiment with the tools of the procedure and practice sterile technique. We discuss the indications, contraindications, consent, and the procedure itself. For part two, fellows are divided into two groups, each consisting of a first year (F1), second year (F2), and third year (F3) fellow. A cadaver pelvis is used as the model and is positioned in a prone position. Each team is assigned a side of the pelvis. The F3 demonstrates the procedure from start to finish while the F2 and staff assesses competency and the F1 follows with the procedure check list. Once the F3 has completed the procedure and is deemed "competent" they become the leader of the session for their team. F1s can practice as many times as desired, under the guidance of the F2 and F3. F2s also have a chance to refine their skills. After the simulation is complete, fellows repeat the self-evaluation, and we debrief. Results: 44 fellows completed the simulation (F1=16, F2=14, F3=14). Questions for the pre- and post-tests were ranked on a 5-point Likert Scale of strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (5). F1s had the worst self-assessment prior to the procedure, with a mean score of 2.4 for all questions. However, their post-test self-assessment improved to 1.6. F2s started at 1.5 and improved to 1.1 after the simulation. F3s started at 1.2 and improved to 1.0. All fellows answered that this was a useful exercise and should be continued. Comments were consistently positive, speaking to the importance of a check list, the relaxed atmosphere, and having senior fellows teach the junior fellows. Conclusions: BMB simulation allows for a low-stakes introduction to a stressful procedure, while promoting a team approach to learning. It also gives an opportunity to verify competence for graduating fellows. Fellows self-reported improvement following the session as well as from year to year. Fellows value this learning experience and look forward to it each year.

Few LGBTQ+ Science and Engineering Instructors Come Out to Students, Despite Potential Benefits.

LGBTQ+ undergraduates have higher attrition from science and engineering (S&E) than straight and cisgender undergraduates and perceive that having LGBTQ+ instructors would benefit them. However, it is unknown how many S&E instructors are LGBTQ+, the extent to which they disclose this information to students, and how disclosure affects all students, both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+. In study I, we surveyed 108 LGBTQ+ S&E instructors across the U.S. to explore the extent to which they reveal their LGBTQ+ identities across professional contexts and why they reveal or conceal their identities to undergraduates. Overall, 75% of instructors came out to at least some colleagues but only 48% came out to any undergraduates. Instructors most commonly chose to conceal LGBTQ+ identities from undergraduates because they perceived their identities to be irrelevant to course content and anticipated negative student reactions. In study II, 666 introductory biology undergraduates were randomly assigned to evaluate one of two identical teaching demonstration videos except the instructor revealed her LGBTQ+ identity in one but not the other. We assessed differences in students' impressions of the instructor across conditions. We found no differences in most ratings of the instructor except participants reported higher rapport with the instructor when she came out.

The use of household items to support online surgical knot-tying skills training: a mixed methods study

BackgroundThis study investigated the perceptions and performance of medical students regarding their engagement and learning of a knot-tying skill presented in an online demonstration format due to the emergency remote measures that accompanied COVID-19 restrictions.MethodsFinal-year undergraduate medical students were invited to view an online demonstration of a one-handed knot-tying skill and practice the skill using common household items. They recorded their attempts and uploaded them onto the Flipgrid application. Completed attempts were scored using an adapted Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) validated tool. We used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design; data regarding students’ engagement was gathered via a short questionnaire, and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to understand their learning experiences better. Descriptive statistics such as proportions and percentages were used to summarize categorical variables and median for continuous variables. Each video attempt was scored independently by two surgeons; reliability was determined using intraclass correlation; statistical tests were conducted at a 5% level of significance. Responses to open-ended survey questions and qualitative data from the FGDs were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsSeventy-one students participated in the exercise. Most students (91.5%) expressed confidence in their ability to perform the skill and were able to follow the steps in the video demonstration (83.1%). Median number of times needed to practice before video submission was 7.0 (Interquartile range [IQR] 5.0–10.0). Using the adapted OSATS tool; median scores on student attempts were 19.0 out of 21 (IQR: 17.0–20.0) for Assessor 1 and 18.0 out of 21 (IQR: 17.0–20.0) for Assessor 2, and overall scores showed good reliability between assessors based on intraclass correlation (0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.90, p < 0.001). Qualitative insights from the students’ experiences in learning the skill were generally positive; it was a practical, experiential learning process and they valued the social aspects of learning via Flipgrid. Challenges expressed related to the need for in-person training and formal feedback on how to improve their technique. Suggestions to improve their learning included a request for an interactive session with immediate feedback on attempts, and being able to practice with a friend who would assist with videoing.ConclusionBasic knot-tying can be taught with acceptable efficiency and student satisfaction using online methods with items available at home.

Virtual Fitness Trainer Using AI: A Research Paper

Abstract: Our research delves into the creation of a Virtual Fitness Trainer using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to offer personalized workout guidance and real-time feedback. This project harnesses advanced computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing techniques to develop an intelligent system capable of accurately detecting human poses, tracking exercise repetitions, and providing corrective feedback. Utilizing Python's OpenCV library to capture live webcam feeds, processed by MediaPipe's BlazePose tool for precise pose estimation, our application employs a novel topology with 33 keypoints, enhancing the accuracy of body movement analysis. The frontend interface, designed with Flask, HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, ensures an intuitive user experience, allowing selection from various exercises such as squats, curls, jumping jacks, push-ups, lateral raises, and pull-ups. Each exercise page offers detailed instructions and demonstration videos for correct technique execution. The system processes live video streams frame-by-frame, converting them into formats suitable for pose analysis and accuracy assessment. BlazePose tracks user movements in real-time, displaying a 33-keypoint exoskeleton via OpenCV, aiding in understanding body movements and tracking progress through repetition counts. The system also provides real-time feedback on exercise form, suggesting corrective actions to optimize the workout and minimize injury risks. Our Virtual Fitness Trainer addresses the limitations of existing fitness apps by enabling accurate, independent home workouts, bridging the gap left by the absence of gyms and personal trainers. It highlights AI's potential in fitness, with future advancements expected to enhance gesture recognition, adaptive workout plans, and integration with biometric data from wearables. As AI algorithms evolve, the Virtual Fitness Trainer aims to become indispensable for achieving health and wellness goals, offering a convenient, engaging, and supportive platform.

AUTHENTIC VIDEO IN TEACHING UKRAINIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

In the article, the author analyses the scientific achievements of Ukrainian linguodidactics in the field of theoretical and practical comprehension of working with authentic audiovisual materials as an additional teaching source in the study of foreign language. Numerous publications by Ukrainian scholars on this topic (from the early 2000s to the present day) are divided into 3 groups. The first group of articles focuses on the general issues of using the audiovisual method in the process of developing foreign language communicative competence. The second group of studies includes articles reviewing the most frequent “audiovisual practices” in the course of UFL. The third group of articles is in-depth research on working with certain genres of authentic video for foreign audiences. The range of genres of authentic video products that can be used for educational purposes in the process of mastering UFL is outlined. These include feature films, documentaries, animated films, informative and entertaining TV programmes (news release, video interviews, academic lectures, video presentations, virtual tours of museums and cities of Ukraine, video blogs, TV shows, stand-up comedy, etc.), video messages from public figures, advertising blocks, trailers, music videos, etc. It is emphasized that among the above, Ukrainian methodologists pay the most attention to films of various genres (primarily short films). The article highlights the key issues that Ukrainian film didactics is working on. The article analyses the scientific studies of Ukrainian methodologists on the use of other genres of authentic video for linguodidactic purposes – video interviews, song videos, commercials, virtual tours, professional videos, etc. The author presents her own comments on the stated topic and outlines issues for the future. It is emphasised that working with authentic video requires the teacher to understand the specific purpose of its use in the classroom, knowledge of the repertoire of Ukrainian authentic material and its linguistic and didactic potential, and special methodological study for presentation in a foreign language audience. Key words: authentic video, genre, listening, Ukrainian as a foreign language, linguodidactics.

SayNav: Grounding Large Language Models for Dynamic Planning to Navigation in New Environments

Semantic reasoning and dynamic planning capabilities are crucial for an autonomous agent to perform complex navigation tasks in unknown environments. It requires a large amount of common-sense knowledge, that humans possess, to succeed in these tasks. We present SayNav, a new approach that leverages human knowledge from Large Language Models (LLMs) for efficient generalization to complex navigation tasks in unknown large-scale environments. SayNav uses a novel grounding mechanism, that incrementally builds a 3D scene graph of the explored environment as inputs to LLMs, for generating feasible and contextually appropriate high-level plans for navigation. The LLM-generated plan is then executed by a pre-trained low-level planner, that treats each planned step as a short-distance point-goal navigation sub-task. SayNav dynamically generates step-by-step instructions during navigation and continuously refines future steps based on newly perceived information. We evaluate SayNav on multi-object navigation (MultiON) task, that requires the agent to utilize a massive amount of human knowledge to efficiently search multiple different objects in an unknown environment. We also introduce a benchmark dataset for MultiON task employing ProcTHOR framework that provides large photo-realistic indoor environments with variety of objects. SayNav achieves state-of-the-art results and even outperforms an oracle based baseline with strong ground-truth assumptions by more than 8% in terms of success rate, highlighting its ability to generate dynamic plans for successfully locating objects in large-scale new environments. The code, benchmark dataset and demonstration videos are accessible at https://www.sri.com/ics/computer-vision/saynav.

Differences between image presentation and video presentation on the outcome of teaching about the menstrual cycle

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that students have numerous misconceptions about the menstrual cycle, especially when it comes to determining ovulation days. It has also been shown that using a high-quality pictorial representation is of key importance for dispelling misconceptions. Today’s students are used to quick access to information and to its visualisation, so one way to improve the teaching process is to use short video materials. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of a simple video clip in comparison to a pictorial representation on determining ovulation days. The research was carried out on a sample of 122 students from three different high schools in Zagreb with different programmes. The results of the three conducted surveys were collected just before teaching the lesson, after the teaching, and with a time lag of approximately three months after the lesson. Furthermore, students and teachers were asked to say whether they prefer the picture or the video. The results show that there is a difference in the impact of the type of materials on the result of determining the ovulation days, and that both students and teachers consider that the offered video is better material than the offered picture.

Beraksi (Washing Hand, Care Health, Safe from Infection): Health Education to Increase Knowledge of Personal ahygine and Handwashing

Health issues such as diarrhea or worm infections are related to personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness. One contributing factor is handwashing habits. Handwashing is a crucial component of personal hygiene because the consequences of not washing hands can lead to health problems related to the digestive system (diarrhea, worm infections, hepatitis, typhoid, etc.). The objective of this health education is to assess its influence on the knowledge of personal hygiene and handwashing practices among elementary school children at SD Mekasari Sayang in Sumedang district. The implementation method of health education involves using video and poster presentations, lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and simulations with 25 first-grade students of SDN Mekarsari conducted directly. Data analysis utilizes pre-post test design with Wilcoxon statistical testing to identify the significance of differences before and after the health education intervention. The results of the activity demonstrate differences in knowledge and handwashing practices before and after health education using film, posters, discussion, simulation, and demonstration methods (p-value &lt; 0.05). The conclusion drawn from this health education is an improvement in students' knowledge and practices after the intervention. It is hoped that students' awareness and habits regarding personal hygiene behavior will increase, thereby preventing various health problems (diseases) that may arise. Keywords: Personal Hygiene, health education, handwashing, elementary school students.

EMERGENCY LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL PREPERITONEAL (TAPP) HERNIOPLASTY FOR GARANGEOT'S HERNIA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Aims This video presentation aims to demonstrate the successful management of a rare and challenging case of Garangeot's hernia through Emergency Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Hernioplasty. The primary objectives include highlighting the surgical technique, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes in the context of this uncommon hernia presentation. Materials and Methods An 84-year-old female presented to the emergency department with signs of femoral hernia incarceration. Upon exploration, a Garangeot's hernia, characterized by the presence of the appendix within a femoral hernia sac, was identified. In light of the emergency and the patient's deteriorating condition, an Emergency Laparoscopic TAPP Hernioplasty was performed. The procedure involved meticulous dissection of the hernia sac, reduction of the herniated appendix and appendectomy, and subsequent mesh reinforcement of the femoral defect. Results The video illustrates the step-by-step approach to Emergency Laparoscopic TAPP Hernioplasty in the context of Garangeot's hernia. Intraoperative findings, including the condition of the herniated appendix and associated anatomical structures, are presented. Postoperative outcomes, including recovery, complications, and follow-up observations, are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case. Conclusions Emergency Laparoscopic TAPP Hernioplasty emerges as a viable and effective intervention for Garangeot's hernia, offering advantages such as reduced morbidity, quicker recovery, and minimal surgical trauma. This video contributes valuable insights into the management of this rare hernia presentation, emphasizing the role of minimally invasive techniques in achieving successful outcomes.

Immersive virtual reality as a surgical training tool: A cohort study

BackgroundFew studies have studied the efficacy of using immersive virtual reality (iVR) to teach surgical skills, especially by using real-world iVR recordings rather than simulations. This study aimed to investigate whether viewing 360° iVR instructional recordings produces greater improvements in basic suturing skills of students without prior medical training, beyond traditional methods like reading written manuals or watching 2D instructional videos. Materials and methodsThis was a partially blinded randomized cohort study. 44 pre-university students (aged 17) were randomized equally to either the written instruction manual, 2D instructional video, or iVR recordings. All students first watched a silent 2D demonstration video of the suturing task, before attempting to place three simple interrupted sutures on a piece of meat as a baseline. The time taken for the first attempt was recorded. Students were then given an hour to train using their allocated modality. They attempted the suturing task again, and timings were re-recorded. Four blinded surgically-trained judges independently assessed the quality of the stitches placed both pre and post-intervention. One-way analysis of variance tests (ANOVAs) and independent two-sample t-tests were used to determine the effect of training modality on improvements in suturing scores and time taken to complete suturing from pre to post-training. ResultsFor suturing scores, the iVR group showed significantly larger score improvements than the Written Manual group (p = 0.031, Cohen's D = 0.92), while this iVR advantage was less pronounced when compared with the 2D Video group (p = 0.16, Cohen's D = 0.65). Similarly for time taken to complete suturing, the iVR group had significantly larger time improvements than the Written Manual group (p = 0.045), although this difference was less robust compared to the 2D Instructional Video group (p = 0.34). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that iVR training using real-world 360° instructional recordings produced significantly greater training gains in suturing scores and efficiency compared to reading written text. iVR training also led to larger training gains in both outcome measures than viewing 2D instructional videos, although the differences between them did not reach statistical significance.

The effect of differentiated video presentations of choral performances on aesthetic responses of undergraduate choral and instrumental ensemble musicians

Research examining affective response to media modalities including film, television, gaming, video streaming, and virtual reality is expanding. This study examined aesthetic responses to choral performances presented in two contrasting video formats (stationary and produced). Volunteer undergraduate students ( N = 94) enrolled in ensembles (choral, n = 45; instrumental, n = 49) indicated their aesthetic responses to choral performances of Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “Only in Sleep” by manipulating a Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) dial. Participants viewed video performances of two ensembles, one of which was digitally altered to allow for use of the same audio content for both videos. CRDI data were used to create temporal line graphs depicting participant responses to each video and indicated similar shapes with more intense aesthetic response to the produced video. Statistical analysis of cumulative mean responses to each performance found a main effect of video format (stationary vs. produced) and a video format × presentation order interaction. Initial exposure to each video garnered a more intense response than that of the second video, and the produced video elicited greater magnitude than the stationary perspective video. Findings support further examination of video and other media, studying differentiated impact on aesthetic response to music performances.

DualFluidNet: An attention-based dual-pipeline network for fluid simulation

Fluid motion can be considered as a point cloud transformation when using the SPH method. Compared to traditional numerical analysis methods, using machine learning techniques to learn physics simulations can achieve near-accurate results, while significantly increasing efficiency. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach for 3D fluid simulations utilizing an Attention-based Dual-pipeline Network, which employs a dual-pipeline architecture, seamlessly integrated with an Attention-based Feature Fusion Module. Unlike previous methods, which often make difficult trade-offs between global fluid control and physical law constraints, we find a way to achieve a better balance between these two crucial aspects with a well-designed dual-pipeline approach. Additionally, we design a Type-aware Input Module to adaptively recognize particles of different types and perform feature fusion afterward, such that fluid-solid coupling issues can be better dealt with. Furthermore, we propose a new dataset, Tank3D, to further explore the network’s ability to handle more complicated scenes. The experiments demonstrate that our approach not only attains a quantitative enhancement in various metrics, surpassing the state-of-the-art methods, but also signifies a qualitative leap in neural network-based simulation by faithfully adhering to the physical laws. Code and video demonstrations are available at https://github.com/chenyu-xjtu/DualFluidNet.

Assessment of Goat Milking Training Using Method and Method Demonstration Extension Teaching Methods among Rural Women in Kwara State, Nigeria

Milk, a good source of protein, is inadequate in supply and not affordable for the majority of the rural communities of Nigeria. To increase milk production from available animal resources, extension services have included goat milking training using video and method demonstration in their service delivery packages. This study, therefore, assessed goat milking training using video and method demonstration among rural women in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge level of the respondents (rural women who reared goats in their households) on goat milking and the perception of the respondents on goat milking training. An Interview guide was used to collect data after training. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal Wallis H test. The findings of the study were that: 58.3% of the respondents had high knowledge of goat milking; women who had a positive perception towards goat milking training conceded that the training is simple and arouse the interest of other women (WMS=2.83); perceived benefits of goat milking training were; readily available milk (( =2.64); and the video extension teaching method at two exposures was most effective, followed by method demonstration at two exposures (χ2 =83291; Pvalue ≤ 0.001). The study concluded that the video extension teaching method at two exposures is most effective and recommended its use in disseminating innovation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Expert Modeling Videos on Nursing Student Competency Behaviors.

Expert modeling videos (EMVs) have shown promise in improving students' performance in simulation. However, research evaluating the impact of EMVs is limited to major performance areas, lacking exploration into specific student competency behaviors. This study evaluated the effect of an EMV intervention on undergraduate nursing students' behavioral competencies as measured by the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (CCEI). Using a quasi-experimental pragmatic evaluation design, students in a medical surgical nursing course (n=160) viewed either an expert model demonstration video (experimental) or expert model discussion video (control). Students' behavioral competencies were measured and compared between groups using the CCEI. Students who viewed an expert model demonstration video performed at a higher level of competency in 11 of the 18 CCEI behaviors. Using EMVs in nursing simulation may improve students' ability to achieve clinical competency in nursing specific behaviors.

Smartphone-based straw incorporation: An improved convolutional neural network

In conservation tillage, the effective incorporation of straw into soil is a critical factor for optimizing decomposition rates and addressing challenges related to straw accumulation. Consequently, this study introduces an innovative straw semantic segmentation model to extract straw mixed with soil from images, and proposes a method to measure the quality of straw and soil mixing based on this model. We conducted field experiments based on this method, analyzed the quality of straw incorporation at different depths, and finally integrated the model into a mobile application to facilitate the automatic, accurate, and rapid assessment of the quality of straw and soil mixing. The methodology of this study as an improved convolutional neural network entailed the fusion of deep separable convolution with a multi-scale feature extraction module, utilizing convolution kernels of varying sizes to capture the diverse features of straw. Further refinement included halving the first convolution channel and implementing a direct connection structure. Attention gates were strategically deployed to enhance salient features, resulting in superior accuracy compared to the original U-shaped network, fully convolutional network, and Otsu algorithm. Notably, the proposed model achieved enhanced performance while reducing the number of parameters and model complexity to one-third and one-half of the original U-shaped network, respectively. For a quantitative description of the rate and uniformity of straw incorporation, this study employed image processing technology and a grid counting method. The synergistic integration of smartphone imagery and deep learning expedited the delivery of rapid and reliable results, promising practical applicability in future straw incorporation practices. A demonstration video of the application is accessible at: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14480745.v3. The findings of this research contribute significantly to the advancement of conservation tillage by establishing a robust framework for the assessment and enhancement of straw incorporation operations’ efficiency.

Producing two-dimensional dust clouds and clusters using a movable electrode for complex plasma and fundamental physics experiments.

We report a Bidirectional Electrode Control Arm Assembly (BECAA) for precisely manipulating dust clouds levitated above the powered electrode in RF plasmas. The reported techniques allow the creation of perfectly 2D dust layers by eliminating off-plane particles by moving the electrode from outside the plasma chamber without altering the plasma conditions. The tilting and moving of electrodes using BECAA also allows the precise and repeatable elimination of dust particles one by one to achieve any desired number of grains N without trial and error. Simultaneously acquired top and side view images of dust clusters show that they are perfectly planar or 2D. A demonstration of clusters with N = 1-28 without changing the plasma conditions is presented to show the utility of BECAA for complex plasma and statistical physics experimental design. Demonstration videos and 3D printable part files are available for easy reproduction and adaptation of this new method to repeatably produce 2D clusters in existing RF plasma chambers.

Full title- acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among MSM and transgender women (hijra) in Bangladesh: A mixed-method study

BackgroundHIV testing coverage among males having sex with males (MSM) and transgender women (locally known as hijra) is low in Bangladesh. Oral fluid-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) may improve coverage due to its convenience and privacy but is yet to be tested in Bangladesh. Therefore, the acceptability and feasibility of supervised HIVST was examined. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 MSM and hijra selected from five geographical regions from February–October 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to examine socio-demographics, risk behaviors, and perception to acceptability and feasibility (correct completion) of HIVST. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Qualitative data collection encompassed in-depth interviews (N = 19), key informant interviews (N = 10), and two focus group discussions (N = 12). Line-by-line content, contextual and thematic analysis were done and triangulated to explore facilitators and challenges of HIVST among MSM and hijra. ResultsAmong 379 participants, the acceptability of HIVST was 99.5 % (n = 377). Reasons for acceptability included interest in independent testing (84.3 %), peer influence (57.3 %), quicker-easier procedure (54.9 %), and painless procedure (52.5 %). Qualitative findings revealed participant's risk perceptions, empowering feelings, social stigma, complementing working hours, and convenience during COVID-19 lockdowns. Around 92 % of the participants correctly completed HIVST. In multivariable analysis, the likelihood of correct test conduction was found higher among metropolitan, younger, married, educated, and participants who felt confident during HIVST process. Qualitative findings underscored the importance of supervising the use of HIVST for first-time users. Participants, particularly the less educated groups, highlighted the video demonstration as a useful tool in the context of difficulties in reading the textual instructions. However, most participants pointed out the result interpretation as the trickiest part of HIVST. All participants demonstrated willingness for future HIVST, were interested in social media-based approaches (84 %), were willing to purchase subsidized kits, and preferred conducting future tests alone at home (83.2 %). ConclusionOral fluid-based HIVST was an acceptable and feasible approach for MSM and hijra in Bangladesh who were willing to do future tests independently after the supervised approach. Willingness to purchase kits and interest for social media-based approaches indicate scalability and sustainability potential of HIVST.