Visual Evaluation Research Articles

Correlation Analysis between Young Driver Characteristics and Visual/Physiological Attributes at Expressway Exit Ramp

More collisions occur at the exit ramps of expressways due to frequent lane-changing behavior and interweaving between vehicles. Young drivers with shorter driving mileage and driving experience, radical driving styles, and worse behavior prediction are likelier to be involved in collisions at the exit ramps. This paper focuses on the correlation analysis between young drivers’ characteristics and their visual and physiological attributes at expressway exit ramps. First, the driver’s gender, driving experience, and mileage are classified. Then, seven expressway exit models are established using the UC/Win road modeling software. The driver’s driving plane vision is divided into four areas using the K-means clustering algorithm. In addition, the driver’s visual and heart rate attributes were analyzed at 500 m, 300 m, 200 m, and 100 m away from an expressway exit. The results show that the visual attributes, gender, and driving mileage of young drivers strongly correlate with the fixation times and average saccade amplitude. In contrast, the driving experience has almost no correlation with the fixation behavior of young drivers. Young drivers’ driving experience and mileage strongly correlate with cardiac physiological attributes, but there is virtually no correlation with gender. The practical implications of these results should be helpful to highway planners and designers.

Research progress on robot-assisted subretinal and intravascular injection surgeries

Various retinal diseases require subretinal and/or intravascular injections, which are precise and challenging ocular microsurgeries. Robot-assisted surgery is expected to promote surgery precision, visualization, and success rates. This review summarizes recent research progress on robot-assisted surgery for subretinal and intravascular injections, emphasizing effectiveness, safety, and intelligence, and aiming to provide valuable insights for research on the application of surgical robots in the treatment of retinal diseases.

Relationship between Visual Attention Patterns and Subjective Evaluations in Housing Sales Information: A Study Using Eye-Tracking Technology

Traditionally, studies analyzing consumer preferences in real estate have focused on measuring subjective user responses, neglecting associated physiological responses. This study investigates the relationship between visual attention patterns and subjective evaluations of home sales information. Eye-tracking technology was used to record two characteristics of 21 participants’ visual behavior while viewing stimuli containing information about home sales (First Fixation Time and Total Fixation Duration). Additionally, participants evaluated their level of satisfaction with nine dwelling characteristics based on a questionnaire adapted for this research (1, quality and finishes of the dwelling; 2, size of the dwelling; 3, dwelling floor level; 4, bright and outdoor orientation of the dwelling; 5, flexible layout; 6, peaceful atmosphere; 7, smart and secure character; 8, privacy; and 9, original and luxurious character). The results demonstrated significant correlations between fixation time on specific areas of the stimulus and subjective ratings of features such as size, quality, finishes, layout, and orientation of the homes. Furthermore, differences based on gender and participants’ architecture experience level were observed in visual behavior during image observation. These findings underscore the importance of visual design and presentation in home marketing, as visual attention can influence perceptions of home characteristics and, ultimately, purchase decisions.

Study on Foaming Agent Foam Composite Index (FCI) Correlation with High Temperature and High Pressure for Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs

In the process of unconventional oil and gas reservoir exploitation, it is difficult to reduce drilling fluid lost in natural fractures, enhance the CO2 displacement effect and reduce foam drainage gas recovery costs. In most cases, foaming agents can solve these problems in a low-cost way in a short period of time. Foaming agent screening and evaluation is the key to this technology. However, there are few experimental tests used in the evaluation of foaming agent properties that match the actual unconventional oil or gas well conditions of high temperature and high pressure. Using the actual temperature and pressure conditions of a wellbore, the foaming capacity and half-life of two common foaming agents were systematically evaluated by using the high-temperature and high-pressure visual foam properties evaluation device (UPMX-500), in which the foaming agent’s volume concentration was 3‰ in a simulated formation water with a pH of 6 and salinity of 9 × 104 mg/L. The high-temperature (40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C) and high-pressure (0.1 MPa, 6.0 MPa, 8.0 MPa, 10.0 MPa) effect on the foaming capacity and half-life was analyzed. Binary linear regression of pressure and temperature was carried out, taking the foam composite index as the target and using a formula with high correlation. The results showed that the foam composite index (FCI) of the two foaming agents was positively correlated with pressure and temperature. The correlation of UT-7 was FCI = 64.1196T + 735.713p − 2066.2, the correlation of HY-3K was FCI = 62.5523T + 7220.391p − 2415.6, and the coefficients of determination were 0.9799 and 0.9895, respectively, with an error of less than 10%. This correlation equation can provide a reference for accurately predicting the foaming capacity of foaming agents under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions and can also be used to optimize foaming agents or to qualitatively evaluate results for the efficient exploitation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.

Comparing the reliability of inter- and intra-grader using digital scanning vs. traditional visual method for evaluating preclinical class II composite preparation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-grader reliability of four evaluators using three different digital intraoral scanners and visual methods for typodontic Class II composite preparations. Materials and methodsNinety-five typodont teeth of Class II composite preparations were evaluated using traditional visual grading methods (VGM) and digital grading methods (DGM) using the same rubric. Three intraoral scanners were used to scan the Class II cavity preparation for the composite: i700 (Medit, Korea), Trios 4 (3Shape, Denmark), and Shinning 3D (Shinning 3D, China). The same rubric was used to score the visual and digital evaluations by calibrated examiners. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare method- and evaluator-based scores, accounting for the scanner type used. ResultsThe scores of the prepped typodont teeth were subjected to an interaction between the examiner and the evaluation technique. In addition, the mean total prepped teeth scores differed between examiners using VGM. A statistically significant interaction emerged between examiners and the evaluation technique employed to assess the total score of the prepped teeth:F(9, 1504) = 3.893,P = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.023. The total prepped tooth score differed between the VGM and DGM groups. Lower (P < 0.05) intra-grader consistency was observed for the final scores when Class II preparations were evaluated using the VGM; however, this consistency improved when using the DGM. ConclusionExaminers and evaluation methods affect student performance in Class II cavity preparations. The DGM may be more reliable and consistent within and between evaluators than the VGM is.

Diffusion-weighted imaging in addition to contrast-enhanced MRI in identifying complete response in HER2-positive breast cancer.

The aim of this study is to investigate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to dynamic-contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI to identify a pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and radiological complete response (rCR). This is a single-center observational study of 102 patients with stage I-III HER2-positive breast cancer and real-world documented rCR on DCE-MRI. Patients were treated between 2015 and 2019. Both 1.5 T/3.0 T single-shot diffusion-weighted echo-planar sequence were used. Post neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) diffusion-weighted images were reviewed by two readers for visual evaluation and ADCmean. Discordant cases were resolved in a consensus meeting. pCR of the breast (ypT0/is) was used to calculate the negative predictive value (NPV). Breast pCR-percentages were tested with Fisher's exact test. ADCmean and ∆ADCmean(%) for patients with and without pCR were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test. The NPV for DWI added to DCE is 86% compared to 87% for DCE alone in hormone receptor (HR)-/HER2-positive and 67% compared to 64% in HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer. Twenty-seven of 39 non-rCR DWI cases were false positives. In HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer the NPV for DCE MRI differs between MRI field strength (1.5 T:50% vs. 3 T:81% [p = 0.02]). ADCmean at baseline, post-NST, and ∆ADCmean were similar between patients with and without pCR. DWI has no clinically relevant effect on the NPV of DCE alone to identify a pCR in early HER2-positive breast cancer. The added value of DWI in HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer should be further investigated taken MRI field strength into account. The residual signal on DWI after neoadjuvant systemic therapy in cases with early HER2-positive breast cancer and no residual pathologic enhancement on DCE-MRI breast should not (yet) be considered in assessing a complete radiologic response. Radiologic complete response is associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR) in HER2+ breast cancerbut further improvement is warranted. No relevant increase in negative predictive value was observed when DWI was added to DCE. Residualsignalon DW-images without pathologic enhancement on DCE-MRI, does not indicate a lower chance of pCR.

Harmonizing Growth Symphony: Unraveling the Intricacies of Apricot Seedling Enhancement Through Humic Acid and Silicon Applications

Understanding the physiological responses of apricot (Prunus armenica L.) seedlings to treatments involving Humic Acid (HA), Silicon (Si), and their combination (HA + Si) is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Focused on growth parameters, physiological attributes, and leaf mineral concentrations, this study addressed critical knowledge gaps in the influence of these treatments on apricot seedlings. The study highlighted a significant increase in stomatal conductance (SC), with the combined HA + Si treatment displaying the highest SC value at 303.98 mmol.m-2s-1. In contrast, control seedlings of the Alyanak apricot cultivar showed the lowest SC, registering at 122.52 mmol.m-2s-1. Regarding chlorophyll concentrations, the Şekerpare apricot cultivar treated with HA + Si achieved the highest value of 43.74, while in the Alyanak apricot cultivar, the Si treatment alone marked the second highest concentration at 43.02. The combined treatment (HA + Si) also reduced leaf temperatures (32.28 °C), notably in apricot cultivar Hacıhaliloğlu. Visual evaluation analyses underscored significant increases in Leaf Area (LA), Total Leaf Number (TLN), Shoot Length (SL), and other parameters, with the combined HA + Si treatment consistently outperforming individual ones. Mineral analysis revealed elevated Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) with HA, increased Magnesium (Mg) with Si and HA + Si, and significant effects on Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the positive impacts on overall plant performance, corresponding to a cumulative explanation of 53.82%. This study provided crucial insights for tailoring agricultural practices to optimize apricot seedlings growth, emphasizing the effectiveness of HA and Si treatments, particularly in combination, for enhanced physiological responses.

P-215 Prospective validation of the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation of embryos on the 5th day after fertilization during the in vitro procedure - multi-centre study

Abstract Study question Is AI-based evaluation of embryos as effective in achieving pregnancy as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist? Summary answer AI-based assessment of blastocysts may result in comparable pregnancy rates as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist. What is known already Standard clinical practice in the IVF procedure includes morphological assessment of blastocysts based on visual evaluation following Gardner scale. However, this subjective grading process is susceptible to variability dependent on the professionals’ experience and knowledge, leading to potential inconsistencies in selecting embryos for transfer. Recently, there has been a suggestion that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could enhance the predictability of treatment outcomes and many AI-based software applications have been introduced to the procedure in many IVF centers. Nevertheless, there are very few prospective evaluations of the real-life implementation of the novel technologies. Study design, size, duration It is an ongoing, randomized, prospective, multicenter, international study performed in four investigation centers since November 2023. The duration of the study is scheduled for one year. Participants/materials, setting, methods The first stage of the evaluation comprises a randomized selection of a patient meeting the inclusion criteria to one of the groups: test or control group. The next step includes a selection of the embryo for implantation. For the control group, the experienced embryologist performs the standard selection of embryos as per normal clinical practice following the Gardner scale. For the study group, the embryologist selects the embryo for transfer indicated by the EMBRYOAID application. Main results and the role of chance Currently, there have been 149 patients recruited in the study and 160 cycles with 638 embryos have been entered in the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation. Test group of 80 patients comprises 87 cycles with 346 embryos. Preliminary results of the prospective study conducted in real-life settings show encouraging outcomes in relation to the idea that AI-supported embryo evaluation may be as effective in regards to obtaining pregnancy as a standard clinical assessment performed by experienced professionals. Nevertheless, the sample size is not yet sufficient to achieve statistical significance. Therefore, further data gathering will be conducted and the study hypothesis will be furthermore examined. Limitations, reasons for caution The sample size is still insufficient to reach statistical significance and the study shows the preliminary results which will be further verified on a larger patient group. Wider implications of the findings Results of a prospective, randomized trial conducted in several international clinics may enhance the trend to introduce more objective, bias-free AI-based tools into the embryology labs. Trial registration number EMBRYO National Center for Research and Development nr POIR.01.01.01-00-1631/20-00; ERC Consolidator Grant TUgbOAT no 772346

P-179 The impact of cytoplasmic strings: morphological analysis of the embryo development and quality

Abstract Study question This study aimed to investigate the influence of cytoplasmic strings (CSs) on the development and quality of the embryo. Summary answer Blastocysts with CSs exhibited accelerated development from t7 to the tB stage and a higher rate of good-quality on day 5. What is known already Time-lapse (TL) culture during in vitro fertilization is an established method for evaluating the morphological and morphokinetic features of embryos. CSs, identified through TL culture, are among the characteristics of developing embryos. Although the impact of CSs on embryo quality is recognized, their specific functions in human embryos remain unclear. Study design, size, duration This retrospective study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 1050 injected oocytes were cultured in the EmbryoScope® (Vitrolife),with images captured every 20 minutes for 5-6 days. CSs are observed the straight lines connecting the inner cell mass to the mural trophectoderm. On days 5-6, the presence of CSs was assessed in 610 blastocysts. Participants/materials, setting, methods The evaluation of differences in development rate and quality related to CSs was conducted using morphological or morphokinetic parameters: the time to second polar body extrusion (tPB2), time to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa, tPNf), time to reach 2–8 cells (t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, t9), time to the start of blastulation and blastocyst formation (tSB, tB). Statistical analysis employed Student’s t-test for developmental time and the Chi-square test for quality comparisons. Main results and the role of chance Blastocysts were categorized into Group 1 if they had CSs and Group 2 if they lacked CSs. No differences in developmental rates between the groups were observed until the t6 stage. However, from t7, the pre-cleavage stage, to the tB stage, the Group 1 exhibited a significantly faster developmental compared to the Group 2 (t7: 56.97h vs. 58.82h, p = 0.013; t8: 61.68h vs. 63.39h, p = 0.049; t9: 72.05h vs. 74.63h, p = 0.001; tSC: 82.32h vs. 85.56h, p &amp;lt; 0.001; tM: 92.60h vs. 95.48h, p &amp;lt; 0.001; tSB: 105.11h vs. 107.57h, p = 0.004 and tB: 114.73h vs.117.97h, p = 0.001). In examining of good-quality embryos (GQE) on day 5(≥ grade BB), there was a notable association in Group 1, demonstrating 71.6% compared to 28.4% in the Group 2 (p &amp;lt; 0.001).These findings indicate a positive correlation between the presence of CSs and embryo developmental progress and quality. Limitations, reasons for caution The determination of CSs relies on visual evaluation, containing the potential for subjective bias. Future research requires an automated time course monitoring system for more objective methods for identifying CSs to improve accuracy. Wider implications of the findings This research has advanced our comprehension of the impact of CSs on embryonic development. Moreover, the evaluation of CSs features suggests the possibility of their introduction as novel morphological parameter in future embryonic grading systems. Trial registration number Not Applicable

Quantitative assessment of enlarged perivascular spaces via deep-learning in community-based older adults reveals independent associations with vascular neuropathologies, vascular risk factors and cognition.

Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are common in older adults, but their neuropathologic correlates are unclear mainly because most work to date has relied on visual rating scales and/or clinical cohorts. The present study first developed a deep-learning model for automatic segmentation, localization and quantification of EPVS in ex vivo brain MRI, and then used this model to investigate the neuropathologic, clinical and cognitive correlates of EPVS in 817 community-based older adults that underwent autopsy. The new method exhibited high sensitivity in detecting EPVS as small as 3 mm3, good segmentation accuracy and consistency. Most EPVS were located in the frontal lobe, but the highest density was observed in the basal ganglia. EPVS in the cerebrum and specifically in the frontal lobe were associated with infarcts independent of other neuropathologies, while temporal and occipital EPVS were associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. EPVS in most brain lobes were also associated with diabetes mellitus independently of neuropathologies, while basal ganglia EPVS were independently associated with hypertension, supporting the notion of independent pathways from diabetes and hypertension to EPVS. Finally, EPVS were associated with lower cognitive performance independently of neuropathologies and clinical variables, suggesting that EPVS represent additional abnormalities contributing to lower cognition.

Comparative Study and Evaluation of Hybrid Visualizations of Graphs.

Hybrid visualizations combine different metaphors into a single network layout, in order to help humans in finding the "right way" of displaying the different portions of the network, especially when it is globally sparse and locally dense. We investigate hybrid visualizations in two complementary directions: (i) On the one hand, we evaluate the effectiveness of different hybrid visualization models through a comparative user study; (ii) On the other hand, we estimate the usefulness of an interactive visualization that integrates all the considered hybrid models together. The results of our study provide some hints about the usefulness of the different hybrid visualizations for specific tasks of analysis and indicates that integrating different hybrid models into a single visualization may offer a valuable tool of analysis.

Intrathecal Baclofen Infusion-Botulinum Toxin Combined Treatment Efficacy in the Management of Spasticity due to Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent, but not unchanging, disorders of movement and/or posture and motor function, which are due to a non-progressive interference, lesion, or abnormality of the developing/immature brain. One clinical presentation is muscle spasticity, which leads to a significant impact on the individual's functionality and quality of life. Spasticity treatment is multidisciplinary and includes pharmacological and physical intervention; intrathecal baclofen shows a positive effect in severe spasticity and suboptimal response to oral drugs, while local injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) improves muscle tone, motion and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined intrathecal baclofen infusion (ITB) - botulinum toxin treatment in the management of spasticity in CP. 8 patients with spastic tetraparesis were enrolled. All patients were treated with intrathecal Baclofen; in lower limbs, no spastic symptoms appeared, while marked spasticity was noted in upper limbs. We injected the right and left Biceps Brachial (BB) and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscles with botulinum toxin type A. All patients underwent Myometric measurement, Ashworth Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Visual Analogic Scale evaluation before infiltration (T0), 30 days after injection (T1), 60 days after injection (T2), and 90 days after treatment (T3). All data demonstrated an improvement in spasticity, pain, quality of life, and self-care during the study, with p < 0.05. No side effects appeared. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen infusion and botulinum toxin combined treatment in the management of spasticity, pain, quality of life, and selfcare in CP patients.

Screening Subtropical Lettuce Accessions for Heat Tolerance by Incorporating Accelerated Shelf Life Testing

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is grown worldwide, from temperate to subtropical climates. Spring season production in humid, subtropical regions, such as southern Florida, is characterized by rising ambient temperatures that can stress lettuce to prematurely bolt and lose shelf life. The objectives of this research were 1) to identify genetic variability in heat tolerance and shelf life among lettuce types and accessions grown under humid, subtropical conditions, and 2) to understand the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction to estimate shelf life of these lettuce accessions. Five lettuce types (romaine, crisphead, butterhead, leaf, and Latin) were grown under commercial conditions in the Everglades Agricultural Area near Belle Glade, FL, USA, for five field experiments over two seasons. Lettuce heads were evaluated at harvest, and subsets were transported to a local commercial grower/shipper for vacuum-cooling and storage at 15 °C according to previously determined protocols for accelerated shelf life testing. Visual appearance ratings were made across harvests and storage time points to segregate lettuce accessions with an estimated marketable shelf life &gt;14 days. The breeding lines tested in this research had head weight and marketability comparable to commercial cultivars. Notably, the crisphead accessions 50113, 60157, 60159, and H1098 had the highest estimated and actual shelf life of more than 21 days, with no presence of bolting or tipburn. Meanwhile, romaine, butterhead, leaf, and Latin types had accessions with estimated and actual shelf life ranging from 14 to 28 days and no presence of bolting or tipburn. A G × E analysis indicated that this interaction is significant; therefore, breeders should consider analyzing G × E when developing new cultivars with good horticultural characteristics, longer shelf life, and most importantly, adaptation to warmer humid, subtropical conditions.

Effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis to Reduce Pain in Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Tendon injuries are common disorders in both workers and athletes, potentially impacting performance in both conditions. This is why the search for effective treatments is continuing. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique may be considered a procedure to reduce pain caused by tendinosis. The search strategy included the PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SciELO, and ScienceDirect up to the date of February 25, 2024. Randomized clinical trials that assessed pain caused by tendinosis using the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Rating Scale were included. The studies were evaluated for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2, and the evidence strength was assessed by the GRADEpro GDT. Out of the 534 studies found, 8 were included in the review. A random-effects meta-analysis and standardized mean differences (SMD) were conducted. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis proved to be effective in reducing pain caused by tendinosis in the overall outcome (SMD = -0.97; 95% CI, -1.26 to -0.68; I2 = 58%; low certainty of evidence) and in the short-term (SMD = -0.83, 95% CI, -1.29 to -0.38; I2 = 65%; low certainty of evidence), midterm (SMD = -1.28; 95% CI, -1.65 to -0.91; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence), and long-term (SMD = -0.94; 95% CI, -1.62 to -0.26; I2 = 71%; low certainty of evidence) subgroups. The application of the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique for reducing pain caused by tendinosis appears to be effective. However, due to the heterogeneity found (partially explained), more studies are needed to define the appropriate dosimetry, specific populations that may benefit more from the technique, and possible adverse events.

Recent Advancements and Trends of Topical Drug Delivery Systems in Psoriasis: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease where topical therapy is crucial. While various dosage forms have enhanced the efficacy of current treatments, their limited permeability and lack of targeted delivery to the dermis and epidermis remain challenges. We reviewed the evolution of topical therapies for psoriasis and conducted a bibliometric analysis from 1993 to 2023 using a predictive linear regression model. This included a comprehensive statistical and visual evaluation of each model's validity, literature profiles, citation patterns, and collaborations, assessing R variance and mean squared error (MSE). Furthermore, we detailed the structural features and penetration pathways of emerging drug delivery systems for topical treatment, such as lipid-based, polymer-based, metallic nanocarriers, and nanocrystals, highlighting their advantages. This systematic overview indicates that future research should focus on developing novel drug delivery systems characterized by enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and drug-carrying capacity.

LNMR analysis of the retention of different guar gum structure in sandstone: Based on a new characterization method

The adsorption and retention damage of guar gum to reservoirs are important factors affecting the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing. Accurately understanding and evaluating the adsorption and retention of guar gum can better support the research of low-damage fracturing fluid. However, previous indoor evaluation methods have some limitations in studying the adsorption and retention characteristics of guar gum. The analysis object of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LNMR) is water rather than guar gum, which cannot achieve visualization of guar gum retention. In addition, Ordinary guar gum (GG), hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), and carboxymethyl guar gum (CMG) are commonly used in the hydraulic fracturing of sandstone gas reservoirs, but there are very few studies that focus on the differences in the adsorption and retention damage of the three guar gums from a microscopic perspective. In this study, a new characterization method for evaluating the retention of polymer in fracturing fluid based on the principles and properties of LNMR was proposed. This method can quantitatively evaluate the amount of guar gum adsorption retention and achieve a visual evaluation of the adsorption and retention of guar gum in cores. The aggregation characteristics of guar gum in porous media can be reflected. The dynamic retention process of GG, HPG, and CMG in sandstone cores was directly characterized through this method. The aggregation and entanglement characteristics of the three types of guar gum in sandstone were analyzed from the structure of guar gum. The experimental results show that the difference in molecular weight and modified groups of guar gum has an impact on its adsorption and retention. The molecular chain after the gel-breaking of GG was longer due to the large molecular weight. Long chains and intramolecular hydrogen bonds caused a larger curling degree of GG molecules. The entanglement degree of guar gum increased due to the introduction of non-ionic long-chain hydroxypropyl. The introduction of anionic carboxymethyl made CMG molecules more stretched due to electrostatic repulsion. The median particle size of the gel breaking liquid of GG was 10.65 μm, HPG was 8.8 μm, and CMG was 5.88 μm. A larger molecular particle size after guar gum gel breaking would aggravate the retention in sandstone porous media. After 150 min of displacement, the adsorption and retention amount of GG in the core was 4.59 mg/g, HPG was 4.17 mg/g, and CMG was 3.86 mg/g. The compactness of aggregates formed by guar gum in the core was HPG > GG > CMG. The gas flooding can relieve the adsorption and retention of guar gum. The higher the degree of entanglement of guar gum molecules, the more difficult to remove them from the core. The flowback degree of gas flooding of GG was 10.2%, HPG was 6.8%, and CMG was 21.9%. This research provides an experimental strategy for the microscopic evaluation of polymer adsorption and retention in rock porous media. The research results provide a deep understanding of the microscopic characteristics of guar gum adsorption and retention from the perspective of guar gum structure, which has some significance for guiding the optimization of fracturing fluid and the study of low-damage fracturing fluid.

Instrumental and Visual Evaluation of the Chameleon Effect of Single-shaded Composite Resins.

To evaluate the shade-matching ability of single-shade resin-based composite restorations in different thicknesses using both instrumental and visual techniques. Cavities with 4 mm diameter and 2 mm (n=96) or 3 mm (n=96) depth were prepared in acrylic incisor teeth of shades A2, A3, B3, and C2 and restored with three single-shade resin composites, Omnichroma (Tokuyama Dental America, Encinitas, CA, USA [OM]), Vittra APS Unique (FGM Dental Group, Joinville, SC, Brazil [VU]), Zenchroma (President Dental, Allershausen, Germany [ZC]), and a microhybrid resin composite (Filtek 3M Z250 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA [FZ]) of A2, A3, B3, and C2 shades. Readings were obtained using VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer for the teeth and restorations. The CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) color difference formula was used, and the values were assessed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Forty-eight evaluators graded the shade match of 32 different specimens visually as (A) best shade match, (B) intermediate shade match, and (C) poor shade match. FZ material achieved satisfactory matches for both thicknesses, across all shades, and OM material demonstrated statistically significant lower shade matches than the ZC and the FZ materials (p<0.05). VU exhibited poor shade match with the highest ΔE00 value on C2 shade. According to the visual examination, the best shade matches were observed for FZ on A3-shade and ZC on C2-shade teeth. Shade matching for 2 mm and 3 mm-thick composite resin restorations is material- and tooth-shade dependent.

User-Friendly Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Visualization of Atomic Models on Mobile Teaching Module Application: PyLo-AR

User-Friendly Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Visualization of Atomic Models on Mobile Teaching Module Application: PyLo-AR

The Power of Color Flow Doppler Ultrasonography Versus Blind Technique in Localization of Epidural Catheter: A Randomized Prospective Study.

The success of epidural analgesia hinges on the precise insertion of the needle within the epidural space; failure rates have been reported to reach 32%. We report a new method using color Doppler to help verify the accurate location of the epidural needle tip. This is a randomized prospective study. Sixty patients undergoing hysterectomy were enrolled, with 30 patients in each group. Color flow Doppler (CFD) ultrasonography was employed to guide epidural catheter placement. The ultrasound-guided epidural technique was used for patients where challenges in identifying traditional landmarks for epidural space localization were anticipated. The procedure commenced with a spinal epidural technique. After sterile preparation and draping of the area, a curvilinear ultrasound transducer, encased in a sterile sheath, was used to locate the interspinous space. The primary outcome measure focused on flow visualization at different insertion levels. Secondary outcome measures included the duration of catheter implantation, intervertebral level of insertion, and dermatome sensory levels. The study also assessed the quality of epidural analgesia and patients' assessment of analgesic quality using a Verbal Numerical Rating Scale. The study reported a successful and predominantly safe outcome, with high success rates in flow visualization and effective anesthesia coverage. Flow visualization at the insertion and surrounding levels demonstrated a 100% success rate at all observed points. The Visual Numeric Rating Scale (VNRS) results indicated a median pain score of 2 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 2 - 3, showcasing a generally low level of post-procedural pain among the subjects, reflecting good quality post-operative analgesia. Regarding dermatome sensory levels after 2 hours, the distribution across various levels, including T4, T6, T7, T8, T10, and T12, exhibited a favorable outcome. The highest proportion was observed at T10 (68.3%), suggesting effective anesthesia coverage in the targeted areas. The study demonstrated comparable efficiency between the CFD-guided and blind techniques in terms of procedural aspects. However, notable distinctions were observed in patients' reported pain levels, with the CFD group experiencing lower pain compared to the blind technique group. Additionally, the study highlighted the association between CFD and improved procedural accuracy and safety. This study advocates for the integration of CFD into routine clinical practice to enhance procedural outcomes and patient safety during hysterectomy surgeries.

Multimodal perception of digital protective materials

The online clothing industry has gained popularity among consumers, and the perception of materials and equipment plays a crucial role in their purchasing decisions. Therefore, accurately representing their appearance in real-time is essential. This study aimed to subjectively evaluate 20 protective textile materials by translating their tactile characteristics into virtual prototypes. This was accomplished by scanning physical materials with an x-Tex scanner and processing them in KeyShot rendering software. Consequently, four scenarios featuring digital materials were created: S1-image, S2-video animation, S3-3D object, and S4-physical materials. Digital visual subjective evaluations were conducted for sensory analysis. Participants were asked to assess four visual and seven tactile characteristics using a seven-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was employed to evaluate the sensory data collected through subjective testing. The results indicated that agreement values for the four scenarios ranged from 1.25 to 7.0, as illustrated in boxplot diagrams representing the subjects' agreement with the perceptual attributes. Pairwise comparisons of the S4-S1, S4-S2, and S4-S3 scenarios concerning the difference in means revealed that attributes FR with values of 0.045 (S1), RM with values of 0.063 (S1), CR with values of 0.028 (S1), CR with values of 0.039 (S2), and 0.052 (S3) are closely aligned with the actual values, as the values obtained from these scenarios closely approximate 0. In contrast, the values of the remaining attributes were close to 1, indicating the difficulty of translating these attributes into digital format and achieving accurate perception. Assessing textile material properties through digital images remains a challenging task that requires in-depth subjective analysis.