Video Capsule Endoscopy and Ingestible Electronics: Emerging Trends in Sensors, Circuits, Materials, Telemetry, Optics, and Rapid Reading Software

Real-time monitoring of the gastrointestinal tract in a safe and comfortable manner is valuable for the diagnosis and therapy of many diseases. Within this realm, our review captures the trends in ingestible capsule systems with a focus on hardware and software technologies used for capsule endoscopy and remote patient monitoring. We introduce the structure and functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the FDA guidelines for ingestible wireless telemetric medical devices. We survey the advanced features incorporated in ingestible capsule systems, such as microrobotics, closed-loop feedback, physiological sensing, nerve stimulation, sampling and delivery, panoramic imaging with adaptive frame rates, and rapid reading software. Examples of experimental and commercialized capsule systems are presented with descriptions of their sensors, devices, and circuits for gastrointestinal health monitoring. We also show the recent research in biocompatible materials and batteries, edible electronics, and alternative energy sources for ingestible capsule systems. The results from clinical studies are discussed for the assessment of key performance indicators related to the safety and effectiveness of ingestible capsule procedures. Lastly, the present challenges and outlook are summarized with respect to the risks to health, clinical testing and approval process, and technology adoption by patients and clinicians.

Experience Control Analysis of English Reading Software Based on Wireless Binocular Line-of-Sight Sensing

This paper proposes a segmented combined English text measurement method based on two sets of orthogonal linear image sensors and one area image sensor. This method fully combines the advantages of the linear image sensor and the area image sensor in long-distance and short-distance English text measurement and can continuously perform high-precision English text tracking within a large range of viewing distance. Based on this method, a set of segmented English text measurement system is designed and constructed. This paper presents a method for extracting English word boundaries based on semantic segmentation to solve the problem of global positioning and horizontal initialization of English reading text. The semantic segmentation method based on fully convolutional networks (FCN) is analyzed, and the target classification is defined. We used the classic FCN framework and model, fine-tuned with manually annotated data, and achieved good segmentation results. For the definition and extraction of English word boundaries in English text, a piecewise linear model is used to measure the projection confidence of each English word boundary point, and the overall observation of the English word boundary is measured. When the observation confidence is high enough, combined with the English word boundaries marked in the high-precision image, the horizontal positioning is obtained by matching the weights. This paper concludes that English reading software can help learners in English learning to a certain extent, which proves that the English reading software is an effective supplement based on blended learning classrooms. Through the analysis of learners and teaching content, an English teaching model based on English reading software blended learning is designed. Experimental studies have proved that English reading software can help learners learn English, which not only expands their vocabulary but also broadens their horizons.

Thrombocytosis – a Valuable Parameter for Assessing Severity of Crohn Disease Patients

Background and aim: Capsule endoscopy is the most sensitive method for evaluating mucosal lesions in Crohn’s Disease and recent studies show that capsule endoscopy could be used for disease staging and for careful monitoring to evaluate endoscopic activity on a regular basis. Over time, many platelet changes have been described in IBD, including morphological and functional alteration and increased number. We determined whether platelets count correlates with the endoscopic activity measured using capsule endoscopy in Crohn’s disease patients from a single center. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. There were enrolled patients with suspected or known Crohn’s disease that underwent evaluation with capsule endoscopy in our department, between 2011 and 2021. For the evaluation with capsule endoscopy, Pillcam SB3 or Pillcam Colon2 were used. For the evaluation of endoscopic activity, we used Lewis score calculated using RAPID 8 capsule reading software. Platelets level was measured and correlated with the Lewis score, inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin) and anemic syndrome. Results: A total of 62 patients were included in the study, of whom 37 (59.67%) were with suspected Crohn’s disease and 25 (40.32%) were with known Crohn’s disease. Thrombocytosis was present in the majority of patients with severe endoscopic activity (Lewis score more than 790), elevated CRP, fecal calprotectin more than 250microg/g and anemic syndrome. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study that assess the correlation between thrombocytosis and severity of Crohn’s disease, evaluated with capsule endoscopy. Our data suggests that platelet count is a valuable, non-invasive, easy to use biomarker that is a good predictor of severity of Crohn’s disease and could have a prognostic value. It correlates well with Lewis score, CRP, fecal calprotectin and anemia.

Exploring The EFI Learners' Attitudes Towards the Integration of Active Reading Software in Learning Reading Comprehension at Tertiary Level

The role of technology in language pedagogy and learning is significant both in EFL and ESL contexts. Educational technology facilitates language teachers to enhance their teaching practices by implementing certain strategies to assist learners to achieve their academic goals successfully. However, the adoption and effective use of technology in EFL classes depends on the positive attitudes of the learners. An attempt was made to explore EFL learners' attitude towards technology-enhanced instructions of reading comprehension at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of 60 male EFL learners, divided into two groups. The research tools used for collecting the data were quantitative approach and an attitude scale questionnaire to explore the learners' attitude towards Active Reading Software (ARS) instruction. The experimental group received four-week treatment in the computer labs using ARS. The analysis of data showed positive attitudes of EFL learners toward Active Reading Software as a learning tool in improving reading comprehension achievement.

The effects of frequent use of a web-based sight-reading software on eighth graders’ music notational literacy

Due to its potential of improving an individual’s music notational literacy and the ease of use within the ensemble setting, the purpose of this study was to determine if frequent use of a web-based sight-reading software (sightreadingfactory.com) in full band rehearsals and group lessons would improve a band student’s individual music notational literacy level. For this study, the researcher utilized the pretest–post-test control–group statistical design with three groups of eighth-grade band students. Group 1 (n = 25) used the software at the beginning of every full band rehearsal, Group 2 (n = 31) used the software at the beginning of every small group lesson rehearsal, and Group 3 (n = 23) did not use the software in any capacity and served as the control group. The study lasted for eight weeks. The researcher individually administered the pretest to all student participants in Week 1 of the study and the post-test during Week 8. In order to determine which treatment caused the greatest change in music notational literacy, the researcher compared the mean gain scores of each group using an ANOVA and found statistically significant findings (F = 3.84, df = 2, p = 0.026). Group 1 (n = 25, M = 2.80, SD = 1.76) students’ mean gain scores were significantly higher than Group 3’s (n = 20, M = 0.90, SD = 2.02, p = 0.006 indicating) evident that the web-based software was most effective in the full ensemble rehearsals.

Product packaging and consumers’ emotional response. Does spatial representation influence product evaluation and choice?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of different spatial representations (foreground and background) of a product image on the package on the consumer emotional state and intention to buy the product, drawing upon the construal level theory (CLT). Design/methodology/approach Two between-subjects experimental designs were conducted. A face-reading software was used to measure the emotional reactions of participants while watching the stimuli. Findings Empirical results showed that the foreground representation of the product, triggered by a lower perceived psychological distance between the subject and the product, generates more positive emotional responses compared to the background representation. However, the purchase intention did not significantly differ between the foreground condition and the background condition. Research limitations/implications The study enriches the literature on CLT and provides some guidance to manufacturers and product managers for the understanding of the role of packaging in influencing consumer behaviour. Originality/value The paper contributes to the research on the presence of the product imagery on the package. The focus is shifted from the presence/absence of the picture to its position (proximal or distal). This aspect has been neglected in previous studies. Moreover, it is the first application of face reading to support CLT basic assumption and enrich extant marketing research on packaging.