Visual Means Research Articles

The Meaning of Text Visualization in Contemporary Paintings in West Sumatra

Within two decades in West Sumatra, some artists' paintings contain visualization of letters, numbers, sentences, which are sometimes arranged scattered, even upside down. This is unusual considering that contemporary painting has developed into more sophisticated forms. This research aims to explore the meaning of text visualization in contemporary paintings of artists in West Sumatra. This research uses descriptive qualitative method with Hans-Georg Gadamer's hermeneutic approach. The object of study was selected based on purpose sampling, namely the paintings of Syahrial, Yasrul Sami, Yon Indra and Dika Adrian. The results showed that the meaning of Syahrial's painting text hints at a critical mindset in viewing the reality of life facing the value conventions of Western theories that give distance to the mindset of the community towards culture. The meaning of the text in Yasrul Sami's painting is a representation of the inner and psychological self over the problems of life. The meaning of Yon Indra's painting text leads to the essence of the attitude and mindset of the younger generation. The meaning of the text of Dika Adrian's paintings, leads to cultural consumption, social context and environment of today's young generation. From the results of the research, it can be concluded that the text in the paintings has personal meaning and social meaning. The difference in the way the text visualization is expressed in the work has an influence on cross-generational cultural consumption.

"Hello, girlfriend": an advertising narrative in the context of a visual turn (using the example of Wrigley's and Dirol brands)

The subject of the research is the materials of advertising campaigns of brands-manufacturers of chewing gums Wrigley's (1930) and Dirol (2008). The object of the research is the specificity of the advertising narrative in the context of an appeal to the optical language of communication. The authors examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the narrative structure of the advertising text and visual means of presenting visual images. Special attention is paid to the dynamic context of the visual turn, as well as the main aesthetic characteristics of advertising materials at different historical stages. The subject of this article is considered from the point of view of changing the communicative paradigm, mixing verbal and optical on the screen plane. The main directions related to the new visual reality are noted, thanks to which the importance of aesthetics is determined, the degree of its influence on current media text formats. The research methodology is based on general scientific methods of working with media text, in particular on descriptive and contrastive methods. Also, within the framework of the subject analysis, a range of general philological methods is used, including transformational, contextual and semantic-stylistic methods. The novelty of the research lies in the articulation of the aesthetic components of the analysis of a modern advertising product. The main conclusions of the study are the observation and interpretation of the motive of duality within the advertising narrative, as well as the syncretic nature of the iconic image and the subjective perception of the viewer. The media text appears as a means of releasing the image from the external field and integrating it into the aesthetic experience of the recipient. The authors' special contribution to the research of the topic is the generalization of two key dimensions of the advertising text (narrative, visual) and the formulation of objective criteria that allow us to detect patterns in advertising narratives (repeatability of the plot, variability of visual means, identity of advertising objects, the presence of sufficient historical distance). The possible directions of future research on visual turn in various industries, including television and cinema, are emphasized.

The Construction and Dissemination of Beijing’s City Image in Douyin Short Videos from a Multimodal Perspective

Short videos have become an important medium to spread and promote the city image. Based on the visual narrative theoretical framework of multimodal discourse analysis, this paper selects three representative popular short videos related to Tiktok on the platform and analyzes the visual narrative meaning of short videos of the city image of Beijing from three levels: representation meaning, interaction meaning and composition meaning. The article focuses on various language forms in short videos, including text, images, music, etc., analyzing how these modalities are intertwined. The study found that these videos present the urban image of Beijing, which combines traditional and modern elements, a dream chasing city, and a sense of national pride and belonging. This provides reference for other cities to enhance their urban image in the dissemination of short videos.

Conventional Epithelial-Off Corneal Crosslinking in Patients With Progressive Keratoconus: 10-Year Outcomes.

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is the standard treatment of progressive keratoconus (KC). We evaluated the safety and 10-year outcomes of conventional "epithelial-off" CXL for progressive KC for the first time in a cohort in France. We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing conventional CXL (Dresden protocol) in our tertiary ophthalmology department from 2006 to 2011 with 10-year follow-up. The primary outcome was change in preoperative versus postoperative keratometry measured by maximum keratometry (Kmax), steep keratometry (K2), flat keratometry (K1), mean keratometry (Km), and topographic cylinder. Secondary outcomes were changes in visual and refractive outcomes. We report postoperative complications and adverse events. Eighty-nine eyes from 76 patients (67% male patients, mean age 22.7 ± 7.6 years) were included. Mean Kmax (-2.31 ± 2.98 diopters (D); P < 0.00001), K2 (-2.07 ± 3.15 D; P < 0.00001), K1 (-1.00 ± 2.29 D; P = 0.00008), Km (-1.53 ± 2.47 D; P < 0.00001), and topographic cylinder (-1.15 ± 2.53 D; P = 0.00004) significantly decreased 10 years after CXL compared with preoperative baseline. Significant decreases were still observed between 5 and 10 years after for mean Kmax, mean K2, mean K1, and mean Km. Mean distance best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent were significantly improved after 10 years versus before CXL. The 10-year rate of repeat CXL was n = 3/76 patients (4%) (all younger than 18 years at first CXL) and of loss of >3 lines in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was n = 1/76 patients (1%). Progressive KC was effectively stabilized with a prolonged flattening and maintenance of functional vision improvements after 10 years. Repeat CXL was rare and only required among younger patients.

Viral Anterior Uveitis: Differences in Retinal Vessel Area Density between the Affected and Non-Affected Eye Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate differences in the retinal vessel area density (VAD) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between eyes with unilateral herpetic viral anterior uveitis (VAU) (herpes-simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV)) and the non-affected fellow eye. Methods In this monocentric, observational, prospective case series we analyzed the VAD of the macula, optic disc, and peripapillary region in affected and non-affected eyes of 22 patients with HSV-positive and 22 patients with VZV-positive VAU using OCTA. We analyzed also the visual field mean deviation (MD), the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, Bruch’s Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness on OCT and correlated the results with the different VADs. Results The macular VAD in the superficial vascular plexus (SVC) was significant lower in the affected compared to the non-affected eye for both viruses (HSV: 33.0% ± 3.3% vs. 34.7% ± 2.6%, p = 0.011; adjusted p = 0.040; VZV: 33.1% ± 3.2% vs. 34.3% ± 2.8%, p = 0.012; adjusted p = 0.050). Additionally, the VAD of the peripapillary SVC differed between the affected and non-affected eye for VZV-positive VAU (47.1% ± 6.2% vs. 50.5% ± 6.3%, p = 0.048, adjusted p = 0.100). For both HSV-positive and VZV-positive VAU, there were correlations between macular or peripapillary SVC VAD and BMO-MRW, GCL thickness, RNFL thickness or MD of the affected eye. Conclusion We observed vascular dysfunction characterized by decreased macular and peripapillary VAD in the superficial plexus on OCTA in eyes with HSV- and VZV-positive VAU compared to non-affected fellow eyes. These changes might be an early sign of glaucomatous damage or may be a direct consequence of the herpes viruses themselves.

The Birth of the Contextual Health Education Readability Score in an Examination of Online Influenza Patient Education Materials.

Introduction Influenza is a major global health concern, with its rapid spread and mutation rate posing significant challenges in public health education and communication. Effective patient education materials (PEMs) are crucial for informed decision-making and improved health outcomes. This study evaluates the efficacy of online influenza PEMs using traditional readability tools and introduces the Contextual Health Education Readability Score (CHERS) to address the limitations of existing methods that do not capture the diverse array of visual and thematic means displayed. Materials and methods A comprehensive search was conducted to select relevant online influenza PEMs. This involved looking through Google's first two pages of results sorted by relevance, for a total of 20 results. These materials were evaluated using established readability tools (e.g., Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level) and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for understandability and actionability. The study also involved the creation of CHERS, integrating factors such as semantic complexity, cultural relevance, and visual aid effectiveness. The development of CHERS included weighting each component based on its impact on readability and comprehension. Results The traditional readability tools demonstrated significant variability in the readability of the selected materials. The PEMAT analysis revealed general trends toward clarity in purpose and use of everyday language but indicated a need for improvement in summaries and visual aids.The CHERS formula was calculated as follows: CHERS = (0.4 × Average Sentence Length) + (0.3 × Average Syllables per Word) + (0.15 × Semantic Complexity Score) + (0.1 × Cultural Relevance Score) + (0.05 × Visual Aid Effectiveness Score), integrating multiple dimensions beyond traditional readability metrics. Discussion The study highlighted the limitations of traditional readability tools in assessing the complexity and cultural relevance of health information. The introduction of CHERS addressed these gaps by incorporating additional dimensions crucial for understanding in a healthcare context. The recommendations provided for creating effective influenza PEMs focused on language simplicity, cultural sensitivity, and actionability. This may enable further research into evaluating current PEMs and clarifying means of creating more effective content in the future. Conclusions The study underscores the need for comprehensive readability assessments in PEMs. The creation of CHERS marks a significant advancement in this field, providing a more holistic approach to evaluating health literacy materials. Its application could lead to the development of more inclusive and effective educational content, thereby improving public health outcomes and reducing the global burden of influenza. Future research should focus on further validating CHERS and exploring its applicability to other health conditions.

A novel dual-responsive colorimetric/fluorescent probe for the detection of N2H4 and ClO− and its application in environmental analysis and bioimaging

Hydrazine (N2H4) and hypochlorite (ClO−) are both reactive chemical substances extensively utilized across various industrial domains. Excessive hydrazine (N2H4) and hypochlorite (ClO−) can pose significant risks to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. In order to assess and control the environmental hazard caused by N2H4 and ClO−, there is an imperative need for efficient methods capable of rapid and precise detection of these contaminants. This paper introduces a novel dual-responsive colorimetric/fluorescent probe (MDT) for the detection of N2H4 and ClO− in environmental and biological samples. The probe exhibits turn-on fluorescent responses to N2H4 or ClO− with low detection limits (N2H4: 8 nM; ClO−: 15 nM), large Stokes shifts (N2H4: 175 nm; ClO−: 203 nm), short response time (N2H4: 4 min; ClO−: 5 s) and broad pH range (5−10). In practical applications, MDT has been successfully employed in detecting N2H4 and ClO− in water and soil samples from diverse locations. Test strips loaded with MDT offer a visual and convenient means to track N2H4 vapor and quantify N2H4 and ClO− concentrations in solutions. Finally, MDT has been utilized for sensing N2H4 and ClO− in Arabidopsis thaliana roots and living zebrafish. This study presents a promising tool for monitoring N2H4 and ClO− in the environment and living organisms.

Evaluation of Steroid Pulse Therapy Responsiveness in Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Positive Optic Neuritis.

Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-positive optic neuritis (MOGON) is usually responsive to the steroid, but, for some patients, steroid pulse therapy alone may be inadequate. This study aimed to investigate the factors predicting the response to steroid pulse therapy in MOGON. This study included 17 patients (24 eyes) with MOGON, who received single steroid pulse therapy as initial treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean deviation (MD) values after treatment were examined concerning findings at onset. No correlation was found between BCVA at onset and after treatment, but a correlation was observed between MD values at onset and after treatment (correlation coefficient 0.48, p=0.01, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Age, gender, duration from onset to treatment, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and optical coherence tomography findings did not affect visual function after treatment. Severe visual field impairment at onset may indicate that additional treatment may be necessary.

POLYCODE HISTORICAL DISCOURSE FEATURES

The paper deals with the feature of verbal and visual semiotic systems peculiar to historical discourse. The relevance of the research is determined by the necessity to identify the correlation of verbal and visual means used by historians in the transmission of information. The methodology of the article is based on the research works of home and foreign scholars. The methods that have been used in the research are: the method of discursive analysis, the method of linguistic analysis, the method of interpretive analysis. As a result of the analysis of historical discourse it has been established that the appeal to various semiotic systems facilitates and streamlines the assimilation of information about the events of the historical past of mankind, preserving the memory of them in the images proposed by the historians. History, which is not given to historians in their immediate experience, is reconstructed by them by means of different semiotic systems. The verbal code reinforced by the visual one sets a certain perception of historical events as they are viewed by historians. In historical discourse, the use of different semiotic systems in the transmission of the most significant historical events is necessary to attract the attention of recipients to them in order to change not only their perception, but also to transform the basic dominants of their mental space, in which the events of the historical past that are not reproduced in experience are reconstructed.

Role of Forensic Odontology in Identification of Persons: A Review Article.

Forensic dentistry plays a pivotal role in identifying deceased individuals when visual or other means of identification are not possible, particularly in the aftermath of mass disasters or criminal activities. Accurate and timely identification of the deceased and injured becomes crucial following events like earthquakes, fires, transport accidents, gunshot incidents, floods, tsunamis, bomb blasts, and terrorist attacks. The process of creating a person's identity is a formidable task, often relying on prevalent methods such as dental, DNA, and fingerprint analyses. Forensic odontology, a specialized field within dentistry, assumes a significant role in identifying individuals in accidents, civil unrest, natural and mass disasters, and crimes related to genocide. In cases where natural teeth are absent, the marking or labeling of dentures becomes essential for personal identification. Teeth's resilience to destruction and decomposition makes dental identification feasible even under extreme conditions. The fundamental principle of forensic dentistry rests on the uniqueness of each individual's oral structure, emphasizing that no two mouths are identical, not even in the case of twins. The purpose of this review is to explore the role of forensic dentistry in identifying individuals through various methods such as denture labeling, cheiloscopy, radiographs, bite mark analysis, rugoscopy, salivary signature, age and sex estimation, dental DNA identification, individual characteristics, and denture marking. Based on detailed ante-mortem records from dental specialists, which are compared to postmortem data during investigations, forensic dentistry is a trustworthy technique for identifying deceased individuals and criminals.

LINGUOPOEICS OF M. ZHUMABAYEV’S POEM “TO MADAME GULSIM” AND ITS REFLECTION IN TRANSLATION

The article examines the features of the translation of linguapoetics elements into Russian and English in Magzhan Zhumabaev’s poem “To Madam Gulsim”. Poetic translation is the highest peak of literary translation. Deep, subtextual thoughts are brought into a certain rhythmic form by various artistic and figurative means, and when every word becomes important, the burden placed on the translator becomes heavier. Translation into other languagesof the poetry of Magzhan, a master of the poetic word, is only now being studied. Therefore, we aim to identify successful moments of translation and emerging gaps, comparing artistic and visual means that meet the aesthetic effect in the original and translated text from a lexical-semantic and structural point of view. Also, in the original/translation pair, external parameters and structure are analyzed that give the poem a certain melody and rhythm at the level of syllables, stanzas and rhymes. The results of the study determine the quality of translations of the poet’s po- etry and further contribute to enriching the experience of translation into foreign languages. It is determined which poetry translation strategy (According to J. Holmes and A. Lefever) corresponds to three versions of the translation in Russian and the English translation, and the extent to which it influenced the original content and idea, the artistic form, is interpreted. Currently, only twenty of the poet’s poems have been translated into English. Since Russian serves as an intermediate language for many translations, Russian translations require special analysis.

A cluster analysis-based shock wave pattern recognition method for two-dimensional inviscid compressible flows

Compressible flows typically exhibit multiple shock waves which interact with each other, making the detection of these shock waves crucial for various aspects of flow studies including construction of high-order numerical schemes (e.g., shock-fitting), adaptive grid refinement, and flow visualization. This study aims to effectively identify and localize multiple shock waves and their interaction points in two-dimensional inviscid steady and unsteady flows. A novel shock wave pattern recognition method based on cluster analysis is proposed, including three processes. First, a series of grid-cells located at the transition zones of captured shock waves are extracted using a shock wave detection approach based on local flow variation. Subsequently, these grid-cells are grouped into numerous clusters using the classical K-means clustering algorithm, with categorization based on nearest neighbor features. Finally, a strategy is introduced to merge relevant adjacent clusters and further localize the points where shock waves interact. The Bézier curve fitting technique is then employed to obtain the high-quality shock-lines. Several numerical cases demonstrate that this method achieves high localization accuracy for shock-lines while being minimally affected by grid type and scale variations. Moreover, it enables clear and effective identification of the shock interaction patterns in both steady and unsteady flows, providing an effective visualization means for analyzing the motion and evolution of shock wave configurations.

Cathodoluminescence differentiates sedimentary organic matter types

High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluating microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM methods, the inability of SEM to differentiate sedimentary organic matter types has hampered the pace of scientific advancement. In this study, we show that SEM-cathodoluminescence (CL) properties can be used to identify and characterize sedimentary organic matter at low thermal maturity conditions. Eleven varied mudstone samples with a broad array of sedimentary organic matter types, ranging from the Paleoproterozoic to Eocene in age, were investigated. Sedimentary organic matter fluorescence intensity and CL intensity showed an almost one-to-one correspondence, with certain exceptions in three samples potentially related to radiolytic alteration. Therefore, because CL emission can be used as a proxy for fluorescence emission from sedimentary organic matter, CL emission during SEM visualization can be used to differentiate fluorescent from non-fluorescent sedimentary organic matter. This result will allow CL to be used as a visual means to quickly differentiate sedimentary organic matter types without employing correlative optical microscopy and could be widely and rapidly adapted for SEM-based studies in the geosciences.

Visualizing Voices: Exploring the Use of Architectural Visualization to Present Complex Qualitative Findings

In this paper, I discuss the promising use of visual architectural drawings to present findings of qualitative studies, particularly when dealing with a complex, multidimensional human experience. I examine an interdisciplinary integration between qualitative research and architecture that embraces visual elements. I propose using visual drawings borrowed from architecture as a tool to present deep meanings of human experience within a social phenomenon and make the findings visually transparent. The architectural drawings offer distinct views: one provides an overall view of the building, while the other exposes its hidden layers. I employ this visual means to highlight deep meanings obtained from two salient metaphors in the participants’ stories concerning normative identity conflict. This new practice of the importance of using visual means to present findings is consistent with contemporary discussions in sociology about how qualitative findings can be made more transparent and visible to diverse audiences. While this unique use of visual architecture means is still rare, I suggest that their implementation can contribute to innovation and contemporaneity in presenting qualitative findings. The insights of the present paper invite qualitative researchers to utilize visual interdisciplinary means to present findings that engage diverse audiences and enrich qualitative methodological discourse.

Comparison of intraocular pressure profiles during the water drinking test and the modified diurnal tension curve

ObjectivesTo compare intraocular pressure (IOP) during the water drinking test (WDT) and modified diurnal tension curve (mDTC) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, using multimodal, observer-masked tonometry.MethodsOpen-angle glaucoma subjects were prospectively enroled, excluding those who had undergone glaucoma filtration or laser surgery. Two-hourly mDTC Goldmann applanation (GAT) and rebound tonometry (RT) was performed between 8:00 and 16:00, and every 15 min for 45 min after ingestion of 800mls of water. Blood pressure, heart rate, pupillometry measurements, and optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were also recorded.ResultsForty-two subjects’ right eyes were included. 48% were using topical glaucoma medication. Mean baseline IOP was 14.9 ± 4.52 mmHg, with mean visual field mean deviation (±SD) −5.05 ± 5.45 dB. Strong association was found between maximum IOP during mDTC and WDT (r = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.95 p < 0.0001) with agreement (mDTC-WDT) bias −0.82 mmHg, 95% LoA −1.46 to −0.18. During the WDT, mean systolic blood pressure (±SD) increased from 140.0 ± 20.0 to 153.3 ± 24.0 mmHg (p < 0.0001), mean heart rate ( ± SD) reduced from 69.5 ± 11.3 bpm to 63.6 ± 10.0 bpm (p < 0.0001), and temporal iridocorneal angle increased from 29.2 ± 6.0° to 29.6 ± 5.2° (p = 0.04).ConclusionThis study presents repeated, observer-masked IOP data showing strong correlation between maximum IOP during mDTC and WDT using multimodal tonometry. This supports WDT as a meaningful alternative to mDTC when investigating diurnal IOP characteristics in clinic, with reduced time requirements and associated costs.

БАШКИРСКАЯ ФОЛЬКЛОРИСТИКА В СИСТЕМЕ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ГУМАНИТАРНОЙ НАУКИ (ОПЫТ СОБИРАНИЯ, ИЗДАНИЯ, ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ)

The article attempts to provide a brief overview of the activities of the Institute’s folklorists after joining the system of the Russian Academy of Science. It is characterized by regularity, consistency in all areas of folklore studies, activation of expedition, research, and publication activities. It was during this period in the history of Bashkir folklore that the experience of scientific and textual work appeared, as a result of which four multi-volume scientific collections “Bashkir Folk Art”, more than a dozen collections of samples of Bashkir folk art were prepared and published; several dozen monographic studies were written and published, in which genre features, ideological basis, and image system were considered, as well as artistic and visual means; The actual problems of Bashkir folklore studies were covered in the serial edition of the collection of scientific articles “Bashkir Folklore». The mid-1970s -early 2000s in the history of Bashkir folklore studies are significant for the increased attention to the publication of samples of Bashkir folklore in Russian, later in English. In the research of the XXI century, emphasis was placed on the poetics of such genres as fairy tales, epics, songs and others; interdisciplinary connections. In the genre of the Bashkir fairy tale according to the experimental method of the famous Russian folklorist, the corresponding member of RAS V.M. Gatsak conducted a study on the problem of the persistence of a fairy tale in time and the transferability of a fairy tale from a “teacher” to a “student” G.R. Khusainova. The XXI century in world folklore is also significant for the increased attention to the reliability of sources. In the history of Bashkir folklore, it is reflected in the monograph by Sh.R. Shakurova, devoted to the textual analysis of the archival primary source of the epic “Ural-Batyr” and its academic alternative (publishing) versions in the first part of the study, and in the second– the phototypic reproduction of the archival primary source of the epic “Ural-Batyr”; the publication of the authentic text of the epic “Ural-Batyr” with parallel submission in Cyrillic, prepared by G.V. Yuldybayeva. Significant events in Bashkir folklore were the preparation and publication of the encyclopedia “Folklore of the Peoples of Bashkortostan”, the translation of the masterpieces of world epic of the Kyrgyz epic “Manas” (2016) and the Yakut epic-olonkho “Nyurgun-Bootur the Swift” (2023) into the Bashkir language. One of the important achievements of Bashkir folklorists is also the implementation of projects under grants from the RGNF.

Cloud Identification and Reconstruction from All-sky Camera Images Based on Star Photometry Estimation

Cloud cover significantly influences ground-based optical astronomical observations, with nighttime astronomy often relying on visible light all-sky cameras for cloud detection. However, existing algorithms for processing all-sky cloud images typically require extensive manual intervention, posing challenges in identifying clouds with pronounced extinction characteristics. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective means for detailed visualization of cloud cover. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method that reconstructs the cloud distribution and thickness from all-sky images through star identification and photometry. Specifically, a high-precision star coordinate to the pixel position imaging model calibration method based on the star recognition for fisheye lenses is investigated, resulting in an all-sky rms error of less than 0.87 pixels. Based on the comprehensive reference star catalog, an optimized star extraction method based on SExtractor is developed to handle the difficulty of image source detection in all-sky cloud images. The optical thickness and distribution of cloud layers is calculated through star matching and extinction measurements. Finally, contingent upon the capability of camera and catalog star density, seven cloud layer reconstruction methods are proposed based on meshing and machine learning techniques, achieving a reconstruction accuracy of up to 1.°8. The processing results from real observed images indicate that the proposed method offers a straightforward calibration process and delivers excellent cloud cover extraction and reconstruction outcomes, thereby providing practical value in telescope dynamic scheduling, site characterization and the development of observation strategies.

The Battle of Domination between Adults and Children in Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid

This research examines the issue of adults’ domination of children, and also children empowerment in Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007). The study framework is developed using Nodelman’s orientalism in children’s literature (1992), Anshori’s children empowerment (2016), and Kurnia et al. (2021) power relations in children’s literature. The research data were in the form of multimodal data related to adults’ domination of children. Analysis is done with the basis of Halliday’s (1978) interpersonal metafunction, in particular the system of Attitude. Analysis of visual interactive meaning by Kress and Van Leeuwen (2006) is also employed. The research found out that while adults exercise domination over children by controlling, ignoring, oppressing, and threatening, children show refusal to adults’ domination and show empowerment through their bravery, knowledge and idea, unselfishness, and empathy. This research also highlights that these issues might not be apparent while being a pervasive issue in children’s literature. Therefore, more egalitarian children literary works are needed to make children literature a safe space for its readers and not a ground to exercise power and instill ideology by adults. Keywords: Domination, Children’s empowerment, Children’s literature, Graphic novel, Power relations

Fish age reading using deep learning methods for object-detection and segmentation

Abstract Determination of individual age is one essential step in the accurate assessment of fish stocks. In non-tropical environments, the manual count of ring-like growth patterns in fish otoliths (ear stones) is the standard method. It relies on visual means and individual judgment and thus is subject to bias and interpretation errors. The use of automated pattern recognition based on machine learning may help to overcome this problem. Here, we employ two deep learning methods based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The first approach utilizes the Mask R-CNN algorithm to perform object detection on the major otolith reading axes. The second approach employs the U-Net architecture to perform semantic segmentation on the otolith image in order to segregate the regions of interest. For both methods, we applied a simple postprocessing to count the rings on the output masks returned, which corresponds to the age prediction. Multiple benchmark tests indicate the promising performance of our implemented approaches, comparable to recently published methods based on classical image processing and traditional CNN implementation. Furthermore, our algorithms showed higher robustness compared to the existing methods, while also having the capacity to extrapolate missing age groups and to adapt to a new domain or data source.

Evaluation of Full-Field Stimulus Threshold Test Results in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Relationship with Full-Field Electroretinography, Multifocal Electroretinography, Optical Coherence Tomography, and Visual Field.

The full-field stimulus threshold (FST) test was developed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatments of hereditary retinal diseases. In this study we performed the FST test in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and compared the results with findings from other ophthalmological tests. The study included 51 intermediate and advanced RP patients and 21 normal subjects. All patients and controls underwent routine examination and ophthalmological tests including visual field, optical coherence tomography, full-field and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), and FST tests. During FST testing, the perception thresholds of retina to the white, blue, and red FST were determined in decibels. The mean age of the patients and the controls were 35.2 and 33.5 years, respectively. For all RP patients, no response was obtained on full-field ERG. All subjects were able to perform reliable FST tests. The mean values of visual acuity and central macular thickness were significantly lower and visual field mean deviation values were significantly higher in the RP group than the controls. When we evaluated the mfERG findings, the mean P1 wave amplitudes in all rings were significantly lower and the mean peak times were significantly longer in RP patients than controls. In comparisons of FST test results, the mean values for white, blue, red and the difference between blue-red thresholds were significantly lower in the RP group than the control group. The FST test is a fast and a reliable exam which can be done in subjects with poor visual acuity and reduced visual field. The results of this study confirm that the FST test can measure retinal sensitivity in severely affected RP subjects with flat flash ERG.