Vision Science Research Articles

Abstracts of Scottish Vision Group 2023 Meeting.

Scottish Vision Group has become a yearly event for vision scientists based in Scotland since its inception in 2001. Each year, the conference is hosted at a different location and organised by a different team. The 2023 SVG meeting was hosted in the city of Dundee by Abertay University. Delegates travelled from the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. The meeting started with a roundtable panel discussion sponsored by Meta Reality Labs. The roundtable, titled The Past, Present and Future of Visual Search, was organised and presented by Árni Kristjánsson (Iceland), Ioan Smart (Abertay) and Ian Thornton (Malta). The MDPI Keynote lecture was introduced by Professor Andrew Parker (Oxford University and Otto-von-Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany) and presented by Prof. Timothy Ledgeway (Nottingham) on sensory eye dominance and plasticity in adult binocular vision. The remaining two days of the conference hosted a wide range of talks on topics ranging from insect navigation to visual illusions, facial recognition and binocular coding. The Saturday evening saw a special event where delegates explored the sensory properties of a range of single-malt whiskies. Here, we present a selection of abstracts for the various talks and posters.

The enduring impact of a visionary scientist

This study chronicles the seminal contributions of Dr. Raphael M. Ottenbrite, the late Founding Editor of the Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, to polymer science from the 1970s through 2016. Beginning with an exploration of the biological impacts of anionic polymers, Dr. Ottenbrite’s research evolved to include their applications in immunology and cancer therapy. The 1980s marked a pivotal shift toward the synthesis of polymers geared specifically toward biomedical uses. In the 1990s, his work advanced to include sophisticated synthesis methods and surface modification techniques. The 2000s were characterized by a focus on nanotechnology and the innovation of drug delivery systems. His final research phase, from 2011 to 2016, concentrated on the development of biodegradable materials and advanced drug delivery systems. Dr. Ottenbrite’s work was a unique blend of polymer chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine, laying a vital groundwork for future interdisciplinary research.

Image enhancement-based detection of concrete cracks under turbid water bodies

ABSTRACT Underwater concrete structure crack detection and structural health condition assessment based on image processing is challenging. The complex underwater environment and severe image degradation seriously affect the accuracy of crack detection. To solve these problems, a monocular vision and image-enhanced fractal-based fractal science based on computer vision and image processing techniques are proposed to conduct a non-contact detection study of underwater concrete cracks. This study established a four-level structural health condition to assist in underwater crack measurement and safety assessment. The box-counting method was used as a practical tool to calculate the fractal dimension. Three distances of 0.5, 0.8, and 1.2 m were set to verify the effective distance of the algorithm. The results show that the method proposed in this study can effectively detect cracks in submerged concrete members within 0.6 m and help managers correctly determine the structure's health using the fractal dimension.

From theory to therapy: a bibliometric and visual study of stem cell advancements in age-related macular degeneration

Background aimsHuman pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, offer groundbreaking therapeutic potential for degenerative diseases and cellular repair. Despite their significance, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is yet to be conducted. This study aims to map the foundational and emerging areas in stem cell and AMD research through bibliometric analysis. MethodsThis study analyzed articles and reviews on stem cells and AMD from 2000 to 2022, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used VOSviewer and CiteSpace for analysis and visualization of data pertaining to countries, institutions, authors, journals, references and key words. Statistical analyses were conducted using R language and Microsoft Excel 365. ResultsIn total, 539 publications were included, indicating an increase in global literature on stem cells and AMD from 2000 to 2022. The USA was the leading contributor, with 239 papers and the highest H-index, also the USA had the highest average citation rate per article (59.82). Notably, 50% of the top 10 institutions were from the USA, with the University of California system being the most productive. Key authors included Masayo Takahashi, Michiko Mandai, Dennis Clegg, Pete J. Coffey, Boris Stanzel, and Budd A. Tucker. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science published the majority of relevant papers (n = 27). Key words like “clinical trial,” “stem cell therapy,” “retinal organoid,” and “retinal progenitor cells” were predominant. ConclusionsResearch on stem cells and AMD has grown significantly, highlighting the need for increased global cooperation. Current research prioritizes the relationship between “ipsc,” “induced pluripotent stem cell,” “cell culture,” and “human embryonic stem cell.” As stem cell culture and safety have advanced, focus has shifted to prognosis and complications post-transplantation, signifying the movement of stem cell research from labs to clinical settings.

Quantitative Optical Coherence Elastography of the Optic Nerve Head In Vivo.

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) was used to demonstrate the relationship between the elasticity of the optic nerve head (ONH) and different intraocular pressure (IOP) levels in an in-vivo rabbit model for the first time. Both ex-vivo and in-vivo rabbit ONH were imaged using OCE system. A mechanical shaker initiated the propagation of elastic waves, and the elasticity of the ONH was determined by tracking the wave propagation speed. The elasticity of the ONH under varying IOP levels was reconstructed based on the wave speed. Notably, the ONH exhibited increased stiffness with elevated IOP. In the in-vivo rabbit models, the Young's modulus of ONH increased from 14 kPa to 81 kPa with the IOP increased from 15 mmHg to 35 mmHg. This revealed a positive correlation between the Young's modulus of the ONH and intraocular pressure. The OCE system proved effective in measuring the mechanical properties of ONH at different IOP levels, with validation in an in-vivo rabbit model. Considering ONH plays a critical role in vision and eye diseases, the capability to image and quantify in vivo ONH biomechanical properties has great potential to advance vision science research and improve the clinical management of glaucoma patients.

Accuracy of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot’s Interpretation of Clinical Ophthalmic Images

Ophthalmology is reliant on effective interpretation of multimodal imaging to ensure diagnostic accuracy. The new ability of ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI) to interpret ophthalmic images has not yet been explored. To evaluate the performance of the novel release of an artificial intelligence chatbot that is capable of processing imaging data. This cross-sectional study used a publicly available dataset of ophthalmic cases from OCTCases, a medical education platform based out of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto, with accompanying clinical multimodal imaging and multiple-choice questions. Across 137 available cases, 136 contained multiple-choice questions (99%). The chatbot answered questions requiring multimodal input from October 16 to October 23, 2023. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the chatbot in answering multiple-choice questions pertaining to image recognition in ophthalmic cases, measured as the proportion of correct responses. χ2 Tests were conducted to compare the proportion of correct responses across different ophthalmic subspecialties. A total of 429 multiple-choice questions from 136 ophthalmic cases and 448 images were included in the analysis. The chatbot answered 299 of multiple-choice questions correctly across all cases (70%). The chatbot's performance was better on retina questions than neuro-ophthalmology questions (77% vs 58%; difference = 18%; 95% CI, 7.5%-29.4%; χ21 = 11.4; P < .001). The chatbot achieved a better performance on nonimage-based questions compared with image-based questions (82% vs 65%; difference = 17%; 95% CI, 7.8%-25.1%; χ21 = 12.2; P < .001).The chatbot performed best on questions in the retina category (77% correct) and poorest in the neuro-ophthalmology category (58% correct). The chatbot demonstrated intermediate performance on questions from the ocular oncology (72% correct), pediatric ophthalmology (68% correct), uveitis (67% correct), and glaucoma (61% correct) categories. In this study, the recent version of the chatbot accurately responded to approximately two-thirds of multiple-choice questions pertaining to ophthalmic cases based on imaging interpretation. The multimodal chatbot performed better on questions that did not rely on the interpretation of imaging modalities. As the use of multimodal chatbots becomes increasingly widespread, it is imperative to stress their appropriate integration within medical contexts.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of optometrist in Pakistan towards tele-optometry.

Purpose: To Assess comprehensive insights into awareness, behaviors and perceptions of optometrists in Pakistan related to tele-optometry, with purpose of understanding their level of familiarity and their opinions about its effectiveness. Methodology: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was carried out at College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital Lahore from June 2023 to November 2023. The research protocol was approved by Ethical Review Board of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sceinces, Lahore (Ref# COAVS/1453:23). The size of obtained sample was 49, and calculated by using the following formula; n = z2 * p * (1 - p) / e2 .1 It included the registered optometrists of Pakistan, and used the convenient sampling technique. The questionnaire was formed on Google form and then link was shared through different social media apps, and informed consent was taken from every participant. The exclusion criteria for this study were nationality, clinical practice and language. P-value was calculated by using Mann Whitney U test. P-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: The overall understanding of tele-optometry among optometrists in Pakistan was notably low and had no training how to implement into their practice. About 60% participants reported that they were aware of the platforms/software used in tele-optometry (p = 0.046). 93% participants thought that they could implement it in their practice (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Despite a lack of extensive knowledge about tele-optometry in Pakistan, a positive attitude and favorable perceptions toward tele-optometry were prevalent.

Assessment of acceptance of Ayurveda Visual Science Medications: Revealing unmet needs

Ayurvedic Visual Science (AVS) has served the nation since Rajashri Nimi, the King of Videha, well documented in Susruta Samhita in 800-600BC. Vision is the most essential sensory function of humans. Loss of vision is considered the highest disability in the general population. Still the unmet needs in ophthalmic research include glaucoma, retinal dystrophies, diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinitis pigmentation (RP), dry eye, progressive myopia, macular degeneration, and corneal diseases. There is no solution of many disorders in spite of the great invention in modern diagnosis and treatment. AVS has progressed tremendously in treating diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other incurable diseases. The Ayurvedic ocular medication comprises oral medication, Panchakarma and Kriya kalpa(Ocular procedures) to treat eye diseases holistically after factoring in the entire health profile of patients. A small cross-sectional study was conducted at Sri Sri Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore, and 885 patients were included, nearly 02% of the total OPD strength of Shalya &amp; Shalakya OPD. Maximum patients are males between the ages of 51-60 years. The most accepted group for Ayurveda Ocular treatment suffered from progressive myopia (26%), followed by 24% of patients with diabetic retinopathy and 13% with chronic conjunctivitis and Age-related macular degeneration. A consensus roadmap from AYUSH should address the unmet need through Ayurveda visual science supported by tangible clinical outcomes.

Gender distribution in publishing in five leading optometry journals.

To explore gender distribution in authorship and citation parameters of articles published in five optometry journals included in the Ophthalmology category of Journal Citation Reports. The Scopus database was used to retrieve all citable articles published in 2011 and 2021 in Optometry and Vision Science, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Clinical Experimental Optometry, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, and Eye and Contact Lens. Gender of the first, last and single authors of all articles, and citation parameters of articles published in 2011 up to May 2023 were determined. Gender of the editor-in-chief and members of the editorial board of these journals was investigated (May 2023). Only one journal had a female editor-in-chief and three journals had more males than females in their editorial board. In 2011 and 2021, respectively, 40.1% and 48.0% of articles had female as the first authors ( = 5.77; p = 0.02), and 32.7% and 39.6% had female as the last authors ( = 4.61; p = 0.03). Gender parity was observed in one journal for the first author and none for the last author in 2011, and in three journals for the first author and one for the last author in 2021. Regarding combinations of male (M) and female (F) first and last authorship positions, the authors of articles in 2011 were MM (44.5%), FM (22.8%), FF (17.3%) and MF (15.4%), and MM (34.6%), FM (25.8%), FF (22.1%) and MF (17.5%) in 2021. Differences between 2011 and 2021 were statistically significant ( = 9.80; p = 0.02). The proportion of authorship combinations did not show statistically significant differences among journals in 2011 or in 2021. Neither citation nor self-citation were influenced by gender. Gender disparities persist in optometry journals, with females being under-represented in senior and leadership positions. Increasing the awareness of gender disparity in authorship is a necessary step towards ensuring fairness in science in general, and optometry in particular.

A Catalog of Patent Applications Published in 2023 Related to Ophthalmology and Vision Science.

A Catalog of Patent Applications Published in 2023 Related to Ophthalmology and Vision Science.

Talkin' 'bout my(opia) generation: The impact of Optometry and Vision Science.

This editorial fronts the first virtual issue for Optometry & Vision Science. Virtual issues are a collection of papers from previously published issues of the journal that are brought together in a single, online publication. They highlight the important contribution the journal has made in supporting myopia research. All the papers referenced and previously published in Optometry & Vision Science will be made free access for 1-month. The collection can be accessed here: https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/pages/collectiondetails.aspx?TopicalCollectionId=16.

Skin patch based makeup finish assessment technique by deep neural network.

Skin color and texture play a significant role in influencing impressions. To understand the influence of skin appearance and to develop better makeup products, objective evaluation methods for makeup finish have been explored. This study aims to apply machine learning technology, specifically deep neural network (DNN), to accurately analyze and evaluate delicate and complex cosmetic skin textures. "Skin patch datasets" were extracted from facial images and used to train a DNN model. The advantages of using skin patches include retaining fine texture, eliminating false correlations from non-skin features, and enabling visualization of the inferred results for the entire face. The DNN was trained in two ways: a classification task to classify skin attributes and a regression task to predict the visual assessment of experts. The trained DNNs were applied for the evaluation of actual makeup conditions. In the classification task training, skin patch-based classifiers for age range, presence or absence of base makeup, formulation type (powder/liquid) of the applied base makeup, and immediate/while after makeup application were developed. The trained DNNs on regression task showed high prediction accuracy for the experts' visual assessment. Application of DNN to the evaluation of actual makeup conditions clearly showed appropriate evaluation results in line with the appearance of the makeup finish. The proposed method of using DNNs trained on skin patches effectively evaluates makeup finish. This approach has potential applications in visual science research and cosmetics development. Further studies can explore the analysis of different skin conditions and the development of personalized cosmetics.

Implementasi Penelitian Participatory Action Research Dalam Disiplin Keilmuan Desain Komunikasi Visual

Visual Communication Design is one of the design sciences that studies graphic processing procedures to convey messages visually. Visual Communication Design is also a major in tertiary institutions, both public and private. In Indonesia itself, the term DKV was popular in the 80s where DKV was popularized by Gert Dumbar. The aim this research is to find out whether PAR research can be used in the science of Visual Communication Design by giving examples of the application of PAR research in the science of Visual Communication Design. Like other lecture majors that are closely related to research, Visual Communication Design has many choices of research methods that can be used to research and design. One of the research methods that can be used in the science of Visual Communication Design is applied research or Participatory Action Research (PAR). This research is one of the qualitative research methods in which this research involves participation in its implementation. When Visual Communication Design is associated with Applied Research, the question arises whether Applied Research can be used in Visual Communication Design scholarship. By using a qualitative descriptive method, these two things become interesting topics to discuss. Through a qualitative descriptive method by collecting data through written sources in the form of books and online journals as well as describing and explaining the results of the research. After conducting research, the authors conclude that Applied Research can be used in Visual Communication Design science because there are other researchers who use this method.

Design of the “Hello Maggot” Program E-book For Pesan Trend Educational Area Visitor Age 18-24 Years

Pesan Trend is a non-formal education area for young people, Pesan Trend has a goal to convey good messages to become a trend in the midst of society. One of the focuses movement of Pesan Trend is on environmental issues, with the amount of waste currently available, making Pesan Trend moved to breed BSF (Black Soldier Fly) fly larvae to be able to decompose organic waste. The use of media in the form of E-books is considered to be able to help the teaching and learning activities at Pesan Trend which use the concept of tours and simulations in their teaching and learning activities. So it requires flexibility in the learning process and requires media that is easy to use and not easily damaged. The method used in this design is a qualitative method. Data collection techniques in this design use interview techniques and direct observation to the Pesan Trend education area. The design of this E-book educational media is based on theories related to editorial, visual communication design science, AISAS, icons, photography, and other theories related to design. The design of the E-book with the title "HELLO MAGGOT pocket book BSF fly larvae breeding for organic waste solutions" aims to make people, especially teenagers, more concerned about the environment in which they live.

Effect of yoga ocular exercises on asthenopic symptoms in students with minor refractive errors

ABSTRACT&#x0D; OBJECTIVE:&#x0D; To study the impact of yogic eye exercises on asthenopic symptoms in students. &#x0D; METHOD: &#x0D; This Quasi experimental study involved a data collection proforma that was based on symptoms of eye fatigue and was circulated among the students who had asthenopic symptoms to find out the effect of yoga ocular exercise. Female students of college of ophthalmology &amp; Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) having asthenopic symptoms were included in study. After informed consent, participants filled the proforma followed by yoga ocular exercises for 6 weeks (5 days per week for 30 minutes). Later on the participants again filled proforma to document the difference in symptoms related to eye strain. After consent a proforma containing 12 questions was given to the participant. Asthenopic symptoms were graded as nil, mild, moderate and severe. Data was then analyzed by calculating the frequencies and percentages of different symptoms before and after exercise.&#x0D; RESULTS:&#x0D; All forty three participants were female. Almost all participants document decrease or absence of asthenopic symptoms after yoga ocular exercises. Most notabley percentage of participants with complete relieving of blurred vision, headache and sore eyes was documented from 8% to 31%, 7% to 27% and 28% to 39%.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; The results support the use of yoga ocular exercises as a non-pharmacologic and therapeutic approach for alleviating the intensity of eye fatigue and minimizing asthenopic symptoms.

Scaling up innovation: European Innovation Council

The European Innovation Council (EIC) was launched in March 2021 and aims to help advance breakthrough innovations. To do so it has a funding budget of over €10 billion between 2021 and 2027. The EIC Board comprises entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, company representatives, along with other members of the innovation community, and is responsible for the EIC’s strategy, work programme and its implementation. Available funding is overseen by EIC Programme Managers who are experts in their field and aim to make innovations a reality by nurturing an environment where breakthroughs can truly blossom. The 2023 work programme includes three funding schemes; each designed to fit a particular project idea. Through the EIC Pathfinder scheme, €343 million is available to multifaceted research groups to facilitate innovative research. Candidates for this scheme are typically visionary scientists, entrepreneurial researchers, research performing organisations, start-ups, high-tech SMEs and groups and individuals with an interest in technology research and development. For research teams grants of up to €4 million are available to support technologies in the early stages of development. New technologies are supported and prepared for market by the EIC Transition scheme. Providing they can demonstrate that research results arising from Pathfinder and European Research Council Proof of Concept projects can be transformed into pioneering technologies and new businesses, applicants can access funding worth €128.3 million. If successful, applicants gain the opportunity to further develop their idea, produce a business plan and bring their innovation to market.

Reclaiming the right to look: making the case for critical visual literacy and data science education

ABSTRACT As visual cultures scholars have argued, visual expression and aesthetic artifacts largely comprise the modern world. This includes the production of the school as an institution. A critical approach to education therefore must reinscribe students with the ability to see what educational processes attempt to hide and to construct an understanding of the real for themselves. To illustrate this argument, we explore the production of visuality within data science education as one example of how the visual manifests within schools. In response, we propose a visual literacy informed approach to engaging students with data, one that expands beyond contemporary forms of critical data literacy by involving an ontological critique of educational aestheticization. To ground this work, we examine the role of visuality and aesthetics within the implementation of co-designed arts-infused data science projects in four US middle schools. In analyzing interviews with teachers and students, we uncover a series of tensions that reveal the ongoing influence of school visualities alongside the potential for student generated images to amplify their right to look. We therefore argue that critical pedagogies must not only involve reading and critiquing aesthetic artifacts but also engage students in a critique of visuality itself.

Casting shadows on the eye to reveal the inverted retinal image

ABSTRACT We introduce and discuss an entoptic effect that helps to demonstrate that images on the retina are optically inverted and reversed. This simple consequence of geometric optics can seem somewhat abstract to students, but this effect is vivid, surprising, and links optical principles to students’ own subjective experience of seeing. Moreover, it requires nothing more than a bright light source, an opaque card that can be punctured to create a pinhole, and a pencil, pen, or other instrument with a fine tip. The phenomenon is not new, but we present it here in the hopes that it becomes more widely known and used in perception science instruction. We describe the necessary setup to achieve the effect, key observations, and briefly outline an explanation. We also contextualize the effect in historical discussion and observations of the inverted retinal image, including discussion of the pedagogical use of pinhole cameras in vision science instruction. Overall, this effect provides a simple yet dramatic demonstration of basic principles of image formation in the human eye.

Development of Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Learning Tools With Sets Vision (Science, Environment, Technology, Society) Geography Subject in SMA Negeri Palu

This research aims to develop teaching resources for disaster mitigation and adaptation that are integrated into geography subject with a focus on Science, Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS). Up until stage three define, design, and develop research and development processes are conducted using 4D models. Small-group product trials were conducted as an experimental class. The trial findings suggest that the designed learning gadget is valid, practical, and effective. Expert-validated items have a respectable qualification of 80% for their continued existence. Teachers rated the learning device's practicality at 89.93%, whereas students gave it a rating of 77.97% for SETS learning and 75.50% for courses on disaster mitigation and adaptation. With a score of 0.40, the effectiveness test findings were deemed effective in the medium category. Therefore, the prepared syllabus, lesson plans, modules, and assessments that are the result of learning tools for geography subjects in class XI social studies for Disaster Mitigation material with a SETS vision are appropriate for use as learning tools.

Supporting the Development of Students’ Scientific Literacy

ABSTRACT Science teachers are increasingly encouraged to critically engage their students with scientific knowledge and expertise, with the expectation that such instructional practices will support the development of scientific literacy (SL). Drawing on Bildung framework, this qualitative study was conducted in Tanzania to explore how science teachers’ classroom practices facilitate the development of students’ SL. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant classroom observations with science teachers and students from six secondary schools. The study has identified five instructional practices that were used to support students’ development of SL, namely guided reading, code-switching, educational print and visual aids, science experiments, and science projects. While there is evidence that the instructional practices used provided opportunities for students to contribute their thinking, experience and understanding to the science learning, the instructional practices were mostly print-based, paper-based and teacher-led, resulting in little engagement in active scientific thinking and literacy learning. Overall, the knowledge base developed by this study is of practical use to science teachers and educators in making decisions about appropriate instructional practices and what should be the regular focus of pre-service teacher education and professional development programs.