An improved golden jackal optimization for multilevel thresholding image segmentation.

Aerial photography is a long-range, non-contact method of target detection technology that enables qualitative or quantitative analysis of the target. However, aerial photography images generally have certain chromatic aberration and color distortion. Therefore, effective segmentation of aerial images can further enhance the feature information and reduce the computational difficulty for subsequent image processing. In this paper, we propose an improved version of Golden Jackal Optimization, which is dubbed Helper Mechanism Based Golden Jackal Optimization (HGJO), to apply multilevel threshold segmentation to aerial images. The proposed method uses opposition-based learning to boost population diversity. And a new approach to calculate the prey escape energy is proposed to improve the convergence speed of the algorithm. In addition, the Cauchy distribution is introduced to adjust the original update scheme to enhance the exploration capability of the algorithm. Finally, a novel "helper mechanism" is designed to improve the performance for escape the local optima. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, we use the CEC2022 benchmark function test suite to perform comparison experiments. the HGJO is compared with the original GJO and five classical meta-heuristics. The experimental results show that HGJO is able to achieve competitive results in the benchmark test set. Finally, all of the algorithms are applied to the experiments of variable threshold segmentation of aerial images, and the results show that the aerial photography images segmented by HGJO beat the others. Noteworthy, the source code of HGJO is publicly available at https://github.com/Vang-z/HGJO.

What ugly and beautiful photographs reveal about COVID-19 lockdown experiences, everyday aesthetics and photography aesthetics.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted our daily (visual) experiences, we asked people to take an ugly and beautiful photograph from within their homes. In total, 284 photographs (142 ugly and 142 beautiful) and accompanying statements were submitted and brought to light an intimate portrait of how participants were experiencing their (lockdown) home environment. Results revealed an aesthetic preference for (living) nature. Beauty and ugliness were also connected to good versus bad views, mess versus cosiness, unflattering versus flattering portraits and positive versus negative (COVID-19) emotions. In terms of photography strategies, editing and colour were important for beautiful photographs, whereas a lack of effort and sharpness showed up relatively more in ugly photographs. A follow-up study revealed that other viewers' (n = 86) aesthetic judgements of the photographs were largely in line with the original submissions, and confirmed several of the themes. Overall, our study provides a unique photographic window on our everyday aesthetic experiences at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Understanding Connections between Nature and Stress among Conservation-Engaged Adolescents Using Photovoice Methodology.

While the literature supports positive associations between nature and adolescent mental health, mechanisms are not well understood, and assessment of nature varies widely among existing studies. To partner with the most insightful informants, we enrolled eight adolescent participants from a conservation-informed summer volunteer program, applying qualitative photovoice methodology to understand their use of nature to relieve stress. Across five group sessions, participants identified four themes: (1) Nature shows us different aspects of beauty; (2) nature helps us relieve stressful experiences by balancing our senses; (3) nature gives us space to find solutions; and (4) we want to find time to enjoy nature. At the conclusion of the project, youth participants reported that the research experience was overwhelmingly positive, enlightening, and inspired appreciation of nature. We found that, while our participants unanimously reported that nature relieved their stress, prior to this project, they were not always intentional in seeking time in nature for this purpose. Through the photovoice process, these participants noted the usefulness of nature for stress relief. We conclude with recommendations for leveraging nature to decrease adolescent stress. Our findings are relevant for families, educators, students, healthcare professionals, and anyone who works with or cares for adolescents.

Exploring the art of medical photography - an otolaryngologist's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Modern day otolaryngology has expanded beyond the ear, nose and throat to include head and neck surgery and aesthetic facial procedures. Photographic documentation is important within this expanded horizon. The spectrum of clinical photography includes photomicrographs, endoscopic photographs, peri-operative photography and medical social photography. METHOD: This article aimed to review the standard guidelines essential to obtain, store and disseminate photographs and looked at setting up a small clinic with minimal gadgets to suit clinical photography requirements. Elaboration of basic photography techniques in otolaryngology was reviewed, with examples of photographs taken in a clinic by a clinician. Advances and innovation in clinical photography, in the form of smartphone photography, artificial intelligence, device editing and newer hardware and software in otorhinolaryngology was reviewed. CONCLUSION: Having a professional photographer to aid a clinician is a luxury. Simple knowledge and regular practice of basic photography guidelines by a clinician is imperative.

Photovoice and Instagram as Strategies for Youth Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction.

Community involvement is essential for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction. This requires innovative consultation methods, particularly with youth and during pandemic restrictions. This article outlines methods used for a Photovoice project where we brought together student co-researchers from multiple levels (high school, undergraduate, and graduate health sciences) to explore the topic of youth engagement in disaster risk reduction. Over a two-year period, our team used Photovoice as an arts-based participatory method to collaborate with members of our EnRiCH Youth Research Team. We adapted the protocol to continue our project during the COVID-19 pandemic and presented our work in a Photovoice exhibition using Instagram. This article was written from the perspectives of high school and university students on the project. Our hybrid Photovoice protocol facilitated participation through the pandemic, including a virtual presentation at an international conference and online consultation with the Canadian Red Cross.

Nonmydriatic Ultra-Widefield Fundus Photography in a Hematology Clinic Shows Utility for Screening of Sickle Cell Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and accuracy of nonmydriatic ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photographs taken in a hematology clinic setting for screening of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: This single-site study took place at the Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Center for Adults and the Wilmer Eye Institute. The study population was 90 eyes of 46 consecutive adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Bilateral nonmydriatic fundus photos taken by clinic personnel during the participants' routine hematology appointment were graded by 2 masked retina specialists at the Wilmer Eye Institute for the presence of nonproliferative SCR (NPSR) and proliferative sickle retinopathy (PSR). A third retina specialist adjudicated in cases of grader disagreement. All participants underwent the standard dilated fundus examination (DFE) within 2 years of acquisition of UWF photographs. The main outcome measure was the sensitivity and specificity of nonmydriatic UWF images for the detection of NPSR and PSR RESULTS: PSR was noted in 19 of 90 eyes that underwent DFE and in 9 of 67 gradable UWF images. Interrater agreement between the 2 graders was moderate, with κ = 0.65 (range 0.43-0.87) for PSR. For gradable UWF photos, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting SCR using the nonmydriatic photos compared with the DFE were 85.2% and 62.5% for NPSR, respectively, and 69.2% and 100% for detection of PSR, respectively. One participant required ophthalmic therapy in both eyes for active sea-fan neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: UWF imaging shows utility in screening for SCR and may help identify patients with PSR who require a DFE and who may benefit from treatment.

Research Engagement in a Virtual World: Strategies for Maintaining the Power and Impact of Photovoice Research Online.

When our photovoice research intersected with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were thrust into a new world of adapting the method in the virtual environment. Between both authors, we had over two decades of experience implementing photovoice. However, that involved tried and true methods of working face to face and side by side with people in community-based settings. This article describes lessons learned from two virtual photovoice projects. One involved pivoting from a project already well underway in person to online and the other was designed for virtual implementation since that was the only option available. Key considerations discussed are navigating our institutional review boards, adapting project management, building community online, and sharing results and advocacy for social change. Dilemmas and key decisions in each of these areas are described for practitioners and community-based researchers who need or seek to transition their photovoice research to the virtual environment. Practical tips and strategies for implementation are described and offered to photovoice researchers.

The use of smartphone-application based medical photography for open fractures: A national survey of orthoplastic affiliated Major Trauma Centres in England.

INTRODUCTION: BAPRAS/BOAST 4 guidelines recommend the use of medical photography for peri-operative management of open fractures. Smartphones are a common commodity for the modern day plastic surgeon and there is evidence their utilization improves guideline compliance at Major Trauma Centres (MTCs). AIM: To capture national data assessing the prevalence and intricacies of smartphone app-based photography systems used for open fractures in plastic surgery units at MTCs in England. METHOD: A structured questionnaire survey was used to collate and analyze the responses of plastic surgeons and trainees at all MTCs in England. The survey included participant demographics, type and use of medical photography systems, and opinions on the usefulness of integrating a dedicated app in practice. We later explore the background, costs, download process, functionality and NHS governance applicability of each application. RESULTS: The most popular clinical imaging modalities included professional photographers (65%) and departmental cameras (60%). Only 6 (26%) of MTCs use the following four smartphone app-based photography systems: Oxford University Hospital FotoApp, Medical Data Solutions and Services, Haiku and Secure Clinical Image Transfer. All systems are GDPR compliant and three systems auto upload images onto hospital databases. Five units report using messaging apps (Forward, Siilo, Whatsapp) with photography functionality. All participants agreed that a dedicated imaging smartphone app would be useful in open fracture management. CONCLUSION: Plastic surgery is a highly visual specialty and clinical photography complements patient care. In the era of COVID-19 where resources are finite and professional photography not always available, this national survey highlights a demand for integrating smartphone app-based photography to improve guideline compliance, inter- and intra-disciplinary team communication and patient care.

Smartphone photography for smart assessment of post-surgical wounds - an experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<br><b>Aim:</b> This study was undertaken with an aim to assess the feasibility of monitoring of wound healing by replacement of the traditional real-life clinical follow-up with a review of smartphone-captured digital photographs of post-surgical wounds by a clinician.</br> <br><b>Method:</b> The postoperative patients who understood the objectives got enrolled in the prospective study and were followed up. They were requested to capture digital photographs of the wounds using smartphones and send them through WhatsApp on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, 15 and 30 or else whenever they felt need for review due to symptoms like fever, pain, redness or swelling.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> 24 abdominal, 2 extremity and 1 neck wounds were followed up in 27 patients. Three patients developed complications and all were detected with 100% accuracy. As many as 81% of the patients were satisfied with this mode of postoperative wound assessment.</br> <br><b>Conclusion:</b> The experience shows that in the follow-up of postsurgical wounds, there is a good correlation between real-life clinical and remote photographic review. Incorporating photographic wound assessment into the postoperative follow-up care pathway can potentially decrease the number of postoperative hospital visits and decrease the burden on healthcare facilities.</br>.

Synchronous and asynchronous teledermatology: A narrative review of strengths and limitations.

The policy changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic caused synchronous models (primarily video visits) to supplant asynchronous models (store-and-forward or shared digital photographs) as the default and predominant modality of teledermatology care. Here, we call attention to the unique strengths and limitations of these models in terms of clinical utility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Strengths of synchronous visits include direct physician-patient interaction and current reimbursement parity; limitations include variable video image quality, technological difficulties, and accessibility barriers. Strengths of asynchronous visits include greater convenience, especially for clinicians, and potential for image quality superior to video; limitations include less direct physician-patient communication, barriers to follow-up, and limited reimbursement. Both synchronous and asynchronous models have been shown to be cost-effective. Teledermatology is positioned to play a prominent role in patient care post-pandemic. Moving forward, dermatologists are challenged to optimize teledermatology use in order to improve outcomes, efficiency, and workflows to meet diverse patient needs. Future directions will depend on sustainable reimbursement of both teledermatology formats by government and private payers.

Experiences of New Mothers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To describe postpartum experiences of women who gave birth during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to identify short-term and long-term opportunities to address maternal-child health during this pandemic. METHODS: This qualitative photo-elicitation study asked 30 women between 3 and 10 weeks postpartum to take photographs that encompassed their experience as a new mother during the pandemic. Two trained interviewers elicited elements of this experience using the photos as an anchor during virtual, hour-long interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis, including open coding to identify key ideas, codebook development, and codebook refinement. Half of transcripts were team coded to ensure coding accuracy. After coding, the study team organized codes to inform the development of an explanatory model. RESULTS: Interviews identified important stressors new mothers experienced that were worsened during the pandemic, namely fear, child care, older children, loss, isolation, and employment. Interviews also highlighted key support structures (self-care, interpersonal, and structural supports) that were at times helpful in alleviating stressors and at others were inadequate to counter stress and even enhanced stress. CONCLUSION: For postpartum individuals overall, the pandemic resulted in increased strain during an already stressful time. These findings demonstrate inadequacy of support systems for postpartum women and may highlight action items for stakeholders to improve postpartum care during the pandemic and in the future.

Newborn Eye Screening as an Application of AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are diverse and serve varied functions in clinical practice. The most successful products today are clinical decision tools used by physicians, but autonomous AI is gaining traction. Widespread use of AI is limited in part because of concerns about bias, fault-tolerance, and specificity. Adoption of AI often depends on removing cost and complexity in clinical workflow integration, providing clear incentives for use, and providing clear demonstration of clinical outcome. Existing wide-angle photographic screening could be integrated into the clinical workflow based on prior implementations for premature babies and linked with AI interpretation with existing technology. Incidence of retinal abnormality, clinical considerations, AI performance, grading variation for AI-augmented human grading, and cost and policy aspects play a significant role. Improved outcomes for newborns and a relatively high estimated incidence of abnormality have been named as benefits to counterweigh costs in the long term. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:S17-S22.].