scholarly journals Effect of Luminance and Contrast Variation on Stereoacuity Measurements Using Smartphone Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lu Liu ◽  
Lingxian Xu ◽  
Junyue Wang ◽  
Huang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Digital Display ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Contrast Variation ◽  
Maximum Brightness ◽  
Normal Visual Acuity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Smartphone Technology ◽  
Young Subjects

Owing to the limitations of printed stereoacuity tests, the effects of luminance and contrast on stereopsis have not yet been sufficiently investigated, despite its important implications in designing stereoacuity measuring instruments, particularly for electronic devices. A stereopsis measurement system was established using two 4 K smartphones and a phoropter to evaluate the effects of luminance and contrast variations on the stereoacuity test. Seventeen young subjects with normal visual acuity and stereopsis were recruited. Two types of test symbols, contour-based and random-dot-based, were used in the experiment. Four series tests were established with different maximum brightness values, including 240 lux, 120 lux, 60 lux, and 30 lux. Each series test contained 19 pages with different contrasts between 95% and 5% and was calculated using the Michelson contrast formula. No significant difference was found for both contour-based and random-dot-based stereograms in any of the contrast groups with different maximum brightness. Similarly, no significant difference was found between contour-based and random-dot-based patterns under different contrasts of above 35%. As the contrast decreased below 30%, the stereopsis was significantly better in the contour-based pattern than in the random-dot-based pattern for some degrees of contrast. The luminance and contrast of the digital display are not critical factors for stereoacuity under normal circumstances. This implies that a standard monitor with a certain 3D technology can be used to measure the stereoacuity threshold without calibrating the luminance and contrast.

scholarly journals POS1288 TUBERCULOUS SPONDYLODISCITIS IN ELDERLY: EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL, FEATURES, TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 926.1-926
Author(s):  
M. Mrabet ◽  
S. Boussaid ◽  
S. Jemmali ◽  
H. Sahli ◽  
H. Ajlani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Lumbar Pain ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Normocytic Anemia ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis

Background:Tuberculosis is still endemic all over the world. The incidence of tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) is steadily increasing. Clinical features and outcomes of this affection are various and depending on various parameters, including age.Objectives:Our objective was to explore the differences in presentation and the results of further investigations and the prognosis of TS between young and elderly subjects.Methods:We conduct a retrospective and descriptive study in a single rheumatology department. Data were collected from files of patients hospitalized in the past 20 years (2000-2020) who have been diagnosed with TS. We carried out a comparative study concerning the clinical biological, imaging features and outcomes between young subjects and subjects aged over 65 years.Results:Fifty-two cases of TS were collected (37F/15M). The mean age of the population was 55.21 years ± 17.79 [19-91]. Thirty-three patients (69.2%) were classified as young versus 16 elderly patients (30.8%), with female predominance in both groups (69.4% and 75% respectively, p = 0.57). Young subjects was more frequently vaccinated (88.9%) by Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) (p < 0.001). A delayed diagnosis was noted in both groups (p = 0.24). Lumbar spine involvement was the most common (57.7%). In the two age ranges, the onset of the disease was progressive (p = 0.22), characterized by segmental spine stiffness (p = 0.57) and lumbar pain with general signs (p = 0.27), such as: impaired general condition, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Biological inflammatory syndrome and normochrome normocytic anemia were encountered in both cases (p = 0.08 and p = 0.2, respectively). Standard X-rays and Computed tomography were more performed in young subjects (94.4% and 69.4%, respectively; p < 0.001), unlike magnetic resonance imaging which was more common in elderly subjects but with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.22). Disc pinch, erosion of vertebral plateaus and vertebral collapse were the major signs (82.7%, 65.4% and 67.3%, respectively). Clinical, biological and imaging arguments contributed to positive diagnosis in both groups (p = 0.24). Common medical treatment was anti-tuberculosis: Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z), Ethambutol (E) and physical treatment such as immobilization witch was more common in the eldery (56.3%, p = 0.16). The evolution of the disease was characterized by a clear improvement of young subjects during the second week of treatment (p < 0.001). A more frequent clinical improvement in older subjects was during the fourth week but with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.13). The occurrence of immediate complications was more frequent in the elderly (p = 0.23) with a predominance for drug complications (56.3%) such as: hepatic cytolysis (12.5%), hyperuricemia (18.8%) and major intolerance to anti-tuberculosis (18.8%).Conclusion:TS is a frequent condition that needs to be treated rapidly. the clinical presentation of TS in the elderly is less noisy which leads to more frequent complications and mortality.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Decreased Neutrophil Cyclic AMP Response to Isoprenaline Stimulation in the Elderly

1983 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. Cotter ◽  
K. O'Malley
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Heterogeneity ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Drug Free

1. Neutrophils from drug-free elderly subjects produced approximately 50% less cyclic AMP in response to isoprenaline than did neutrophils from young subjects. A significant difference in basal cyclic AMP levels was also evident (elderly 2.8 ± 0.37; young 4.9 ± 0.36 pmol of cAMP/107 cells; P < 0.05). 2. With a range of anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibodies no evidence of age-related neutrophil population heterogeneity was found. 3. These findings indicate that the age-related decline in β-adrenoceptor responsiveness is not due to changes in the neutrophil population. 4. The present results support the hypothesis that there is a generalized decline in β-adrenoceptor-mediated responsiveness in the elderly.

scholarly journals The Effect of Sound and Vibration on Postural Balance in Healthy Young Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 975-983
Author(s):  
Sunee BOVONSUNTHONCHAI ◽  
Pichaya HENGSOMBOON ◽  
Sitapa TANGLUANG ◽  
Pran ANUSRI ◽  
Pavitta CHOTIKUL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
The One

Postural balance is influenced by alteration of somatosensory inputs. Sound and vibratory senses, one of several human senses may assist the postural control in a specific impaired situation. The aim of this pilot study was to quantify the effect of sound and vibration on postural balance in healthy young adults. Ten healthy young subjects volunteered to participate in the study. The average age, weight, height, and body mass index were 21.88 ± 0.42 years, 56.21 ± 9.80 kg, 159.75 ± 5.20 cm, and 21.99 ± 3.52 kg/m2. They were assessed for standing postural balance on a force plate over 6 conditions of sound and vibration applications under vision was excluded by using a blindfold. Postural balance variables consisted of planar deviation of Center of Pressure (CoP) and the maximum ranges of CoP in the medio-lateral (ML) and antero-posterior (AP) directions. Two-way ANOVA was used to find the effect and interaction effect of sound and vibration on the postural balance variables. Further analyses of the variables were performed on a basis of each factor. Between sound conditions (no sound and open sound), the variables were analyzed by the paired t-test. In addition, the effect of vibration (no vibration, vibration on quadriceps, and vibration on gastrocnemius) on the variables were analyzed by the one-way repeated measure ANOVA. Results demonstrated no interaction effect and main effect of sound and vibration on the postural balance variables (p > 0.05). In addtion, no significant difference of the postural balance variables between sound conditions (p > 0.05) as well as among vibration conditions (p > 0.05). In conclusion, sound and vibration did not effect to the postural balance during standing in healty young adults.

scholarly journals The Effect of Enteral Tube Feeding on Patients’ Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omorogieva Ojo ◽  
Edel Keaveney ◽  
Xiao-Hua Wang ◽  
Ping Feng
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Enteral Feeding ◽  
Tube Feeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Enteral Tube Feeding ◽  
Significant Difference

Patients with functional gastrointestinal tract who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements may benefit from the use of enteral nutrition via feeding tubes which could be nasogastric, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and jejunostomy. Although enteral tube feeding has been shown to promote nutritional status, improve wound healing, and enhance patients’ quality of life (QoL), evidence of tube and feed complications and reduced QoL has also been reported. Despite the increasing prevalence of patients on enteral tube feeding, no systematic review examining the role of enteral tube feeding on patients’ QoL appears to have been published. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effect of enteral tube feeding on patients’ QoL. Method: Three databases (EMBASE, Pubmed, and PsycINFO) plus Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) framework. The review was in line with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and involved the use of synonyms and medical subject headings. In addition, search terms were combined using Boolean operators (AND/OR) and all the articles retrieved were exported to EndNote for de-duplication. Results: Fourteen articles which met the criteria were included and three distinct areas were identified: the effect of early versus late enteral tube feeding on QoL; the QoL of patients on gastrostomy versus standard care, and the effect of enteral tube feeding on QoL. Overall, nine studies reported improvement in the QoL of patients on enteral tube feeding, while five studies demonstrated either no significant difference or reduction in QoL. Some factors which may have influenced these outcomes are differences in types of gastrostomy tubes, enteral feeding methods (including time patients spent connected to enteral feed/pump), and patients’ medical conditions, as well as the generic and/or type of QoL measuring instrument used. Conclusion: Most reviewed studies suggest that enteral tube feeding is effective in improving patients’ QoL. The use of enteral tube feeding-specific QoL measuring instruments is recommended for future research, and improved management strategies including use of mobile enteral feeding pumps should further enhance patients’ QoL. More studies on the effect of delivery systems/enteral feeding pumps on QoL are needed as research in this area is limited.

Heat dissipative mechanical damping properties of EPDM rubber composites including hybrid fillers of aluminium nitride and boron nitride

Soft Matter ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (29) ◽  
pp. 6812-6818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Keun Cho ◽  
Hanna Sun ◽  
Hee Won Seo ◽  
June-Young Chung ◽  
Mina Seol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Boron Nitride ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Damping Properties ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Rubber Composites ◽  
Epdm Rubber ◽  
Hybrid Fillers ◽  
Automotive Parts ◽  
Mechanical Damping

As highly integrated electronic devices and automotive parts are becoming used in high-power and load-bearing systems, thermal conductivity and mechanical damping properties have become critical factors, which could be enhanced by the composites with the different-shaped hybrid fillers.

Effects of small intestinal nutrient infusion on appetite and pyloric motility are modified by age

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (2) ◽  
pp. R755-R761 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Cook ◽  
J. M. Andrews ◽  
K. L. Jones ◽  
G. A. Wittert ◽  
I. M. Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Pressure Waves ◽  
Lipid Infusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Desire To Eat ◽  
Pyloric Motility ◽  
Nutrient Infusion

The mechanisms responsible for the reduction in appetite and slowing of gastric emptying in older persons are unknown. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of aging on small intestinal regulation of appetite and pyloric motility. Eight healthy older (age 65-75 yr) and seven healthy young (age 20-34 yr) male subjects received isocaloric (2.9 kcal/min) intraduodenal infusions of lipid and glucose for 120 min, each on separate days. During the intraduodenal infusions, perceptions of hunger, desire to eat, and fullness were assessed by visual analog scales. Pyloric motility (isolated pyloric pressure waves and tonic pyloric pressure) was measured by manometry during the intraduodenal lipid infusion. On each day, after completion of the intraduodenal nutrient infusion the subject was offered a buffet meal and food intake was quantified. Before intraduodenal nutrient infusions, sensations of hunger (P < 0.01) and desire to eat (P < 0.05) were less in the older compared with the young subjects. In the young, intraduodenal lipid suppressed hunger to a greater extent than intraduodenal glucose (P < 0.05). In older persons, neither intraduodenal nutrient infusion suppressed hunger. Intraduodenal lipid and glucose increased fullness in both age groups (P < 0.05 for both), with no significant difference between the two nutrients. There was no significant difference in food intake from the buffet meal between the elderly and young subjects. Intraduodenal lipid infusion stimulated phasic pyloric pressure waves in both age groups (P < 0.01 for both), and this response was greater (P < 0.05) in older persons. There was an increase (P < 0.01) in tonic pyloric pressure during intraduodenal lipid infusion that was not significantly different between the two age groups. We conclude that the effect of small intestinal lipid infusion on hunger is attenuated, and the stimulation of phasic pyloric pressure waves increased in healthy older persons compared with healthy young males. Increased feedback from small intestinal nutrients does not appear to be responsible for the physiological anorexia of aging.

scholarly journals Accuracy of two hand-held electronic devices for determination of blood β-hydroxybutyrate in dairy cows

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana FIORENTIN ◽  
Anderson TIECHER ◽  
Cristina MENEGAT ◽  
Clarice SOARES ◽  
Adelina AIRES ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Subclinical Ketosis ◽  
Significant Difference

SUMMARY The cowside determination of blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is an important tool for diagnosing subclinical ketosis in dairy cattle. Portable methods to measure BHB have been introduced in the past years. This study evaluated the accuracy of two hand-held electronic devices for blood determination of BHB in dairy cows at early postpartum. A total of 98 blood samples were collected from dairy cows in the first month of lactation and tested with FreeStyle Optium (FSO, Abbott) and KetoVet (KVE, TaiDoc) portable devices according to the manufacturer instructions. Spectrophotometric BHB analysis (Ranbut, Randox) was used as standard method. The incidence of subclinical ketosis was 37.7 % determined by the standard method, 40.8 % determined by the FSO system and 42.8 % detected with the KVE system. The sensitivity and specificity indexes were 88.1% and 98.4% for FSO and 78.7% and 92.4% for KVE, respectively. The Pearson´s correlation coefficients comparing the portable devices to the standard technique were 0.96 for FSO and 0.93 for KVE. No significant difference in BHB values was found between the two portable tests and the standard method. Predictive values (PV) were better using FSO (positive PV 97.3 %, negative PV 92.4%) than using KVE (positive PV 88.1 %, negative PV 85.9 %). Passing-Bablok regressions revealed good agreement between methods. Though FSO system had a better performance than KVE system, the results suggest that the two portable systems have good accuracy and are reliable for measuring BHB.

Exploring Personal Mobile Phones and Digital Display Systems to Support Indoor Navigation by Formative Study Methods

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 32-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Taher ◽  
Keith Cheverst ◽  
Mike Harding
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Indoor Navigation ◽  
Digital Display ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Display Systems ◽  
Access Services

A significant difference exists between wayfinding support services available in outdoor and indoor locations. Users in outdoor locations can access services like Google Maps via a mobile phone and in-car GPS, which allows them to examine unknown locations before arrival as well as receive assistance en-route. In contrast, there is relatively little digital wayfinding support for users in indoor locations, where users are limited to using in-building signage or asking for directions. However, advances in pervasive digital technology allow new possibilities and make this topic increasingly subject to research study. This paper describes three separate formative studies involving 24 participants using personal mobile phones, a situated display deployment and a Person Locator Kiosk. The authors present their findings by gaining feedback and insights from users to develop useful and usable wayfinding support for visitors in an in-building environment.

Gender-Related Perceptions and Stress, Anxiety, and Depression on the Flight Deck

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert O. Walton ◽  
P. Michael Politano
Keyword(s):  
Gender Bias ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Gender Attitude ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Flight Deck

This study explored gender-related perceptions among male and female pilots and the extent to which such perceptions may cause workplace stress, anxiety, or depression which may affect female pilots. This study utilized two measuring instruments on a sample that consisted of 83 pilots. The two measurement instruments used where the Aviation Gender Attitude Questionnaire (AGAQ) to measure gender bias and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) to measure stress, depression, and anxiety among female pilots. There was a significant difference found between men and women across all AGAQ factors. While the results of this study concurred with research that suggests that female pilots are at greater risk for negative perceptions and sexism by male pilots, the results did not indicate any greater degrees of depression, stress, or anxiety in women as compared with their male counterparts.

scholarly journals Prediction of Leisure Exercise Behaviors A Study on University Students of Hong Kong

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-19
Author(s):  
Judy K. NG ◽  
Tom CUDDIHY ◽  
Lena FUNG
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
University Students ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Exercise Behaviors ◽  
Exercise Barriers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Exercise Motives

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.The purpose of this study is to examine the theoretical relationships among the variables of leisure exercise efficacy, leisure exercise motives, leisure exercise barriers, and leisure exercise behaviors of university students using the social cognitive theory as a framework. The Model of University Students' Leisure Exercise Behaviors (MUSLEB) was hypothesized before data collection to investigate the theoretical relationships among the variables. Initially, a total of 331 university students were recruited for this study. Data were collected on two occasions using measuring instruments that included the Leisure Exercise Efficacy Scale, the Motivation for Physical Activities Measure-Revised, the Leisure Exercise Barrier Questionnaire, and the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Participants were classified into Physical Education and Non Physical Education groups to examine their differences in leisure exercise behaviors. As no significant difference was found on the leisure exercise behaviors between the two groups at the end of the semester, all the participants were pooled to test the hypothesized model (n=172). The hypothesized model was found to be acceptable with x2 / df = 1.85, CFI = .98 and RMSEA= .07. However, in an attempt to test a more parsimonious model, all non-significant paths were removed from the model and a re-specified MUSLEB was analyzed again. The re-specified model provided evidences (x2 / df = 1.39，CFI = .98 and RMSEA = .05) that this was tenable and more parsimonious than the hypothesized model. Path analysis results showed that leisure exercise efficacy was found to be a significant and direct predictor of leisure exercise behaviors 3 months after the commencement of the semester. As hypothesized, positive and significant relationships were found between leisure exercise efficacy and leisure exercise motives. However, contrary to expectation, a positive significant effect between post 3-month leisure exercise efficacy and post 3-month leisure exercise barriers was observed. The investigators suggested the evidence gave support for the theoretical model hypothesizing possible external environmental cause on this phenomenon. Limitations and recommendations for the study are discussed.本文以「社會認知理論」為架構，研究大學生的"休閒運動信心"，"休閒運動動機"，"休閒運動障礙"，和"休閒運動行為"的理論關係。作者假設了一個"大學生休間運動行為模式"去測試它們的關係。結果顯示"休閒運動信心"能夠成功地預測三個月後的"休閒運動行為"。而"休閒運動信心"和"休間運動動機"亦有顯著的正相關。不過三個月後的"休閒運動信心"和"休閒運動障礙 "卻出乎意料地有顯著正關係。此結果揭示了外在環境因素具潛在影響這個模式的可能性，作者還提出了此文的限制和建議。

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