A short report on a preliminary interventional study to evaluate play-mediated interaction skills in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder from Sri Lanka.

LAY ABSTRACT: Most children with autism spectrum disorder live in low- and middle-income countries. Most of them do not have access to timely and culturally acceptable interventions. Research from high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries, such as Sri Lanka, show that parent-mediated intervention programmes improve functional outcomes, highlighting the importance of parents as partners. We undertook a preliminary study to evaluate how play-based parent coaching will enhance the parent interaction skills to promote social-emotional, cognitive and language skills in children with autism spectrum disorder aged 2-4 years. We evaluated how parents acquire interaction skills to engage with children using a caregiver skills assessment checklist adapted from freely accessible resources. Before and after training, all parent-child dyads participated in a 10-min video-recorded play session with a set of toys of their choice. Over the course of 2 weeks, all parents spent 2 h/day playing and interacting with the child to harness the desired skills. The results showed that the parental training had a positive effect on all 30 caregivers in gaining skills, with a significant improvement in all three domains with the highest impact on skills for social-emotional development. Overall, parents reported high levels of satisfaction on the training. The significant improvement in parent interaction skills was promising. However, further studies to look at the sustainability of the skills and the impact on children's overall development need to be looked into using larger and more generalised studies.

A Digital Twin Lake Framework for Monitoring and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by lake eutrophication and climate change have become one of the most serious problems for the global water environment. Timely and comprehensive data on HABs are essential for their scientific management, a need unmet by traditional methods. This study constructed a novel digital twin lake framework (DTLF) aiming to integrate, represent and analyze multi-source monitoring data on HABs and water quality, so as to support the prevention and control of HABs. In this framework, different from traditional research, browser-based front ends were used to execute the video-based HAB monitoring process, and real-time monitoring in the real sense was realized. On this basis, multi-source monitored results of HABs and water quality were integrated and displayed in the constructed DTLF, and information on HABs and water quality can be grasped comprehensively, visualized realistically and analyzed precisely. Experimental results demonstrate the satisfying frequency of video-based HAB monitoring (once per second) and the valuable results of multi-source data integration and analysis for HAB management. This study demonstrated the high value of the constructed DTLF in accurate monitoring and scientific management of HABs in lakes.

A Markov Chain Model for Determining the Optimal Time to Move Pregnant Cows to Individual Calving Pens.

The use of individual calving pens in modern farming is widely recognized as a good practice for promoting good animal welfare during parturition. However, determining the optimal time to move a pregnant cow to a calving pen can be a management challenge. Moving cows too early may result in prolonged occupancy of the pen, while moving them too late may increase the risk of calving complications and production-related diseases. In this paper, a simple random walk type Markov Chain Model to predict the optimal time for moving periparturient cows to individual calving pens was proposed. Behavior changes such as lying time, standing time, and rumination time were analyzed using a video monitoring system, and we formulated these changes as the states of a Markov Chain with an absorbing barrier. The model showed that the first time entering an absorbing state was the optimal time for a pregnant cow to be moved to a calving pen. The proposed method was validated through a series of experiments in a real-life dairy farm, showing promising results with high accuracy.

Distribution of rhodolith beds and their functional biodiversity characterisation using ROV images in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Underwater biogenic habitats composed of unattached calcified red algae, named as rhodolith or maërl beds, may extant either alive or dead, over the seabed. The accumulation of rhodoliths constitute three-dimensional structured biogenic habitats that harbour high diversity of benthic organisms. In the Mediterranean Sea, rhodolith beds can be found between ca. 50 and 100 m, increasing diversity of the continental shelf habitats and their conservation value. Despite the remarkable relevance of these habitats, information regarding their spatial distribution in the western Mediterranean is scarce. In addition, these habitats are threatened by a range of anthropogenic activities and by climate-driven changes. In this study, we explored areas with rhodoliths' occurrence from the north to the south of the east coast of Spain. By feeding video recording data into a spatial distribution model, we assessed which biophysical drivers: (i) shape the spatial variation in the abundance of rhodoliths and (ii) define the assemblages of the biological traits and functional richness of the associated epibenthic fauna recorded by video. In addition, we examined the impact of fishing activities on these habitats. Our results evidenced that 'Depth' and 'Temperature' were important environmental factors explaining rhodoliths variation, and we defined their optimal distribution range in the western Mediterranean. The biological traits approach showed significant effects of the geographical location of rhodolith beds and their small-scale spatial heterogeneity on the functional richness index. Indeed, the lowest functional richness value was observed in the area closer to trawl fishing which could be related to habitat degradation due to trawling. This study contributes to the knowledge of deep-water rhodolith beds in the western Mediterranean and reinforce the importance of rhodolith beds in continental shelves as these constitute heterogeneous seabed habitats that harbour a high species and functional diversity.

Novel interventions significantly reduce falls with fractures: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, falls lead to possible complications such as prolonged hospitalization, prolonged bed rest, pressure injuries, fractures and mortality. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel fall prevention strategies that utilized technology in preventing falls. METHODS: The meta-analysis and systematic review was guided by the Cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews of interventions. The authors searched databases for specified keywords. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies were included. Interventions included multi-modal fall prevention interventions, camera surveillance, motion sensors and bed/chair exit alarms. Video monitoring was equivocal in reducing fall rates. Exit alarms statistically significantly reduce falls between groups but not within groups. The interventions were not statistically significant in reducing falls with minor injuries but they were statistically significant in reducing falls with serious injuries including fractures. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive fall prevention care plan, rather than one specific intervention, is necessary to prevent falls effectively.

A novel approach to automatic seizure detection using computer vision and independent component analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects ~50 million people worldwide, 30% of which have refractory epilepsy and recurring seizures, which may contribute to higher anxiety levels and poorer quality of life. Seizure detection may contribute to addressing some of the challenges associated with this condition, by providing information to health professionals regarding seizure frequency, type, and/or location in the brain, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and medication adjustment, and alerting caregivers or emergency services of dangerous seizure episodes. The main focus of this work was the development of an accurate video-based seizure-detection method that ensured unobtrusiveness and privacy preservation, and provided novel approaches to reduce confounds and increase reliability. METHODS: The proposed approach is a video-based seizure-detection method based on optical flow, principal component analysis, independent component analysis, and machine learning classification. This method was tested on a set of 21 tonic-clonic seizure videos (5-30 min each, total of 4 h and 36 min of recordings) from 12 patients using leave-one-subject-out cross-validation. RESULTS: High accuracy levels were observed, namely a sensitivity and specificity of 99.06% ± 1.65% at the equal error rate and an average latency of 37.45 ± 1.31 s. When compared to annotations by health care professionals, the beginning and ending of seizures was detected with an average offset of 9.69 ± 0.97 s. SIGNIFICANCE: The video-based seizure-detection method described herein is highly accurate. Moreover, it is intrinsically privacy preserving, due to the use of optical flow motion quantification. In addition, given our novel independence-based approach, this method is robust to different lighting conditions, partial occlusions of the patient, and other movements in the video frame, thereby setting the base for accurate and unobtrusive seizure detection.

Acceptance and Privacy Perceptions Toward Video-based Active and Assisted Living Technologies: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The aging society posits new socioeconomic challenges to which a potential solution is active and assisted living (AAL) technologies. Visual-based sensing systems are technologically among the most advantageous forms of AAL technologies in providing health and social care; however, they come at the risk of violating rights to privacy. With the immersion of video-based technologies, privacy-preserving smart solutions are being developed; however, the user acceptance research about these developments is not yet being systematized. OBJECTIVE: With this scoping review, we aimed to gain an overview of existing studies examining the viewpoints of older adults and/or their caregivers on technology acceptance and privacy perceptions, specifically toward video-based AAL technology. METHODS: A total of 22 studies were identified with a primary focus on user acceptance and privacy attitudes during a literature search of major databases. Methodological quality assessment and thematic analysis of the selected studies were executed and principal findings are summarized. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines were followed at every step of this scoping review. RESULTS: Acceptance attitudes toward video-based AAL technologies are rather conditional, and are summarized into five main themes seen from the two end-user perspectives: caregiver and care receiver. With privacy being a major barrier to video-based AAL technologies, security and medical safety were identified as the major benefits across the studies. CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals a very low methodological quality of the empirical studies assessing user acceptance of video-based AAL technologies. We propose that more specific and more end user- and real life-targeting research is needed to assess the acceptance of proposed solutions.

ROV-based monitoring of passive ecological recovery in a deep-sea no-take fishery reserve.

In the context of marine conservation, trawl fishing activity is the most important ecosystem stressor in demersal Mediterranean waters. Limited management measures in bottom trawling have caused deep-sea stocks of the iconic Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus to decrease over the last decade. This crustacean acts as an umbrella species for co-existing megafauna. Here, we used non-invasive Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) video-surveys to investigate the status of a pilot deep-sea no-take reserve implemented in the northwestern Mediterranean by quantifying demographic indicators of Norway lobsters and the co-existing benthic community, seafloor restoration, and the presence of marine litter. The results revealed that in the no-take reserve the Norway lobster stock showed higher abundance and biomass, and slightly larger body sizes than in the control area without fishing prohibition. Some taxa, such as the fishes Helicolenus dactylopterus and Trigla lyra and anemones of the family Cerianthidae, increased in abundance. We also observed that all trawling marks were smoothed and most of the seafloor was intact, clear indicators of the recovery of the muddy seafloor. The accumulation of marine debris and terrestrial vegetation was similar in the no-take reserve and the fished area. On the basis of the results of this study, we suggest that the use of no-take reserves might be an effective measure for recovering the Norway lobster stock, its co-existing megafauna community, and the surrounding demersal habitat. We also suggest that ROV video-survey might be a useful, and non-invasive method to monitor megafauna and seafloor status in protected deep-sea environments.

A case report of an Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an incubating adult and depredating the eggs of the Japanese tit (Parus minor).

In May 2021, we opportunistically observed one Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an adult incubating Japanese tit (Parus minor) and depredating nine tit eggs at a nest box where a woodpecker had greatly enlarged the entrance. After the predation event, the Japanese tits abandoned the nest. We recommend that when using artificial nest boxes to protect hole-nesting birds, the appropriate entrance size should be proportional to the body size of the target species. This observation gives us a better understanding of the potential predators of secondary hole-nesting birds.

Behavior-Based Video Summarization System for Dog Health and Welfare Monitoring.

The popularity of dogs has been increasing owing to factors such as the physical and mental health benefits associated with raising them. While owners care about their dogs' health and welfare, it is difficult for them to assess these, and frequent veterinary checkups represent a growing financial burden. In this study, we propose a behavior-based video summarization and visualization system for monitoring a dog's behavioral patterns to help assess its health and welfare. The system proceeds in four modules: (1) a video data collection and preprocessing module; (2) an object detection-based module for retrieving image sequences where the dog is alone and cropping them to reduce background noise; (3) a dog behavior recognition module using two-stream EfficientNetV2 to extract appearance and motion features from the cropped images and their respective optical flow, followed by a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to recognize the dog's behaviors; and (4) a summarization and visualization module to provide effective visual summaries of the dog's location and behavior information to help assess and understand its health and welfare. The experimental results show that the system achieved an average F1 score of 0.955 for behavior recognition, with an execution time allowing real-time processing, while the summarization and visualization results demonstrate how the system can help owners assess and understand their dog's health and welfare.

Fine-scale variation in the proximity of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) to rocky reefs reveals changes in the structure of temperate fish assemblages.

We investigated changes in the structure of coastal fish assemblages in Northern Patagonia, Southwestern Atlantic, by using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) deployed at increasing distances from rocky reefs: 0-5 m, 15-20 m and 50-60 m. We estimated species richness and abundance (total and by preferred habitat type) and searched for diagnostic species in each distance range. We recorded 14 taxa across 11 families in 19 areas surveyed. Species richness and abundance were higher on reef ledges and decreased with distance from them, at a finer spatial scale than previously reported. Acanthistius patachonicus and Sebastes oculatus were indicative of reef ledges; they were less abundant at 15-20 m and disappeared at 50-60 m. Callorinchus callorynchus and Odontesthes spp. occurred only at distances >15-20 m from the reefs, while Galeorhinus galeus was distributed homogeneously throughout the surveyed area. Our findings have practical implications for monitoring ecotone demersal habitats with BRUVS.

Validation of inertial measurement units to detect and predict horse behaviour while stabled.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are observed in Thoroughbred racehorses and may become catastrophic. Currently, there are limited methods for early detection of such injuries. Most injuries develop gradually due to accumulated damage, providing the opportunity for early detection. Horses experiencing pain or lameness may exhibit changes in behaviour so the development of an objective, real-time system monitoring horse behaviour may enable detection of bone injuries before catastrophic failure. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether intensive observational methods of assessing horse behaviour can be replaced by use of inertial measurement units (IMUs). STUDY DESIGN: Validation study assessing IMU use against video observation. METHODS: Six hospitalised Thoroughbreds (algorithm training data) and 19 Thoroughbred racehorses in-training (algorithm testing data) were equipped with an IMU placed on the lateral side of both forelimbs (left fore, LF; right fore, RF) and monitored in a stable for 4 h. An algorithm was developed to classify behaviour and then validated against video recordings. RESULTS: Standing was the most prevalent behaviour (LF 88.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88.7-89.0; RF 88.5%, 95% CI 88.4-88.7). IMU classification of recumbent and standing activities showed excellent agreement (sensitivity) with video observation (>98%). This was followed by stepping (LF 89.4%, RF 85.5%) then weight-shifting (LF 54.3%, RF 61.5%). Predictions from the algorithm showed misclassification of 2.5% (LF 5500/225 352, RF 5218/210 170). Excluding standing, misclassification was 6.8% (1705/25 158) and 7.5% (1812/24 077) for the left and right forelimbs, respectively, with pawing and weight-shifting most frequently misclassified. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Increasing the number of horses and types of behaviours observed may improve predictions. CONCLUSIONS: IMUs displayed a high sensitivity to movement on a small number of horses, and with further validation they have the potential to effectively monitor behaviour of racehorses in training. However, more sensitive methods may be needed to validate the classification of weight-shifting behaviour. Future studies should evaluate the association between each behaviour and musculoskeletal injury.

Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model / Ratas sem Status Epilepticus apresentam comportamento do tipo crise epiléptica na fase crônica do modelo experimental da Pilocarpina

Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the model's chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model

Abstract Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the models chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non-castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Resumo Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model / Ratas sem Status Epilepticus apresentam comportamento do tipo crise epiléptica na fase crônica do modelo experimental da Pilocarpina

Abstract Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the model's chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non-castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Resumo Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

StaticPigDet: Accuracy Improvement of Static Camera-Based Pig Monitoring Using Background and Facility Information.

The automatic detection of individual pigs can improve the overall management of pig farms. The accuracy of single-image object detection has significantly improved over the years with advancements in deep learning techniques. However, differences in pig sizes and complex structures within pig pen of a commercial pig farm, such as feeding facilities, present challenges to the detection accuracy for pig monitoring. To implement such detection in practice, the differences should be analyzed by video recorded from a static camera. To accurately detect individual pigs that may be different in size or occluded by complex structures, we present a deep-learning-based object detection method utilizing generated background and facility information from image sequences (i.e., video) recorded from a static camera, which contain relevant information. As all images are preprocessed to reduce differences in pig sizes. We then used the extracted background and facility information to create different combinations of gray images. Finally, these images are combined into different combinations of three-channel composite images, which are used as training datasets to improve detection accuracy. Using the proposed method as a component of image processing improved overall accuracy from 84% to 94%. From the study, an accurate facility and background image was able to be generated after updating for a long time that helped detection accuracy. For the further studies, improving detection accuracy on overlapping pigs can also be considered.

Preventing Patient Falls Overnight Using Video Monitoring: A Clinical Evaluation.

Inpatient falls are devastating for patients and their families and an ongoing problem for healthcare providers worldwide. Inpatient falls overnight are particularly difficult to predict and prevent. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate effectiveness of overnight portable video monitoring as an adjunct falls prevention strategy for high falls risk patients in inpatient clinical units. Over three months, three clinical inpatient wards were provided with baby monitor equipment to facilitate portable video monitoring. Portable video monitoring registers were completed nightly and nursing staff were invited to complete surveys (n = 31) to assess their experiences of using portable video monitoring. A total of 494 episodes of portable video monitoring were recorded over the three-month period, with clinical areas reporting a total of four inpatient falls from monitoring participants (0.8% of total portable video monitoring episodes). Overall, there was a statistically significant reduction in total inpatient falls overnight on the target wards. Surveyed nursing staff reported feeling better equipped to prevent falls and indicated they would like to continue using portable monitoring as a falls prevention strategy. This study provides evidence to support the use of portable video monitoring as an effective falls prevention strategy in the hospital environment.

Development of a non-contact sleep monitoring system for children.

Daily monitoring is important, even for healthy children, because sleep plays a critical role in their development and growth. Polysomnography is necessary for sleep monitoring. However, measuring sleep requires specialized equipment and knowledge and is difficult to do at home. In recent years, smartwatches and other devices have been developed to easily measure sleep. However, they cannot measure children's sleep, and contact devices may disturb their sleep. A non-contact method of measuring sleep is the use of video during sleep. This is most suitable for the daily monitoring of children's sleep, as it is simple and inexpensive. However, the algorithms have been developed only based on adult sleep, whereas children's sleep is known to differ considerably from that of adults. For this reason, we conducted a non-contact estimation of sleep stages for children using video. The participants were children between the ages of 0-6 years old. We estimated the four stages of sleep using the body movement information calculated from the videos recorded. Six parameters were calculated from body movement information. As children's sleep is known to change significantly as they grow, estimation was divided into two groups (0-2 and 3-6 years). The results show average estimation accuracies of 46.7 ± 6.6 and 49.0 ± 4.8% and kappa coefficients of 0.24 ± 0.11 and 0.28 ± 0.06 in the age groups of 0-2 and 3-6 years, respectively. This performance is comparable to or better than that reported in previous adult studies.

Act Tough and Soft: Video Monitoring, Hongbao Gifts, and the Job Satisfaction of Domestic Workers.

There is a rapidly growing demand for domestic services among urban families in China. However, domestic work remains a low-status occupation with a high turnover rate. Focusing on the job satisfaction of domestic workers is useful to interpret this phenomenon. We investigate how the job satisfaction of domestic workers in China is affected by to two distinct labor control strategies used by their employers: the installation of video-monitoring devices in employers' homes (a "tough" control strategy), and the Chinese custom of giving monetary gifts, or "hongbao" (a "soft" control strategy). By analyzing data from surveys of domestic workers in four cities in China (N = 699), we find that video monitoring in employers' homes negatively impacts domestic workers' job satisfaction, and that hongbao gifts from employers significantly promote domestic workers' job satisfaction. The analysis of the causal mechanism based on a structural equation model suggests that video monitoring can increase the discrimination that domestic workers perceive, which in turn reduces their job satisfaction. In particular, we find that domestic workers' perception of discrimination completely mediates the effect of video monitoring on their job satisfaction. However, we also find that hongbao gifts significantly reduce domestic workers' perceptions of discrimination, and thus promote their job satisfaction; that is, the relationship between hongbao gifts and job satisfaction is partially mediated by discrimination. Our study provides a more comprehensive understanding of Chinese employers' labor control strategies and their effects on the job satisfaction of domestic workers.

Reduction of Time on the Ground Related to Real-Time Video Detection of Falls in Memory Care Facilities: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Lying on the floor for a long period of time has been described as a critical determinant of prognosis following a fall. In addition to fall-related injuries due to the trauma itself, prolonged immobilization on the floor results in a wide range of comorbidities and may double the risk of death in elderly. Thus, reducing the length of Time On the Ground (TOG) in fallers seems crucial in vulnerable individuals with cognitive disorders who cannot get up independently. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of a new technology called SafelyYou Guardian (SYG) on early post-fall care including reduction of Time Until staff Assistance (TUA) and TOG. METHODS: SYG uses continuous video monitoring, artificial intelligence, secure networks, and customized computer applications to detect and notify caregivers about falls in real time while providing immediate access to video footage of falls. The present observational study was conducted in 6 California memory care facilities where SYG was installed in bedrooms of consenting residents and families. Fall events were video recorded over 10 months. During the baseline installation period (November 2017 to December 2017), SYG video captures of falls were not provided on a regular basis to facility staff review. During a second period (January 2018 to April 2018), video captures were delivered to facility staff on a regular weekly basis. During the third period (May 2018 to August 2018), real-time notification (RTN) of any fall was provided to facility staff. Two digital markers (TUA, TOG) were automatically measured and compared between the baseline period (first 2 months) and the RTN period (last 4 months). The total number of falls including those happening outside of the bedroom (such as common areas and bathrooms) was separately reported by facility staff. RESULTS: A total of 436 falls were recorded in 66 participants suffering from Alzheimer disease or related dementias (mean age 87 years; minimum 65, maximum 104 years). Over 80% of the falls happened in bedrooms, with two-thirds occurring overnight (8 PM to 8 AM). While only 8.1% (22/272) of falls were scored as moderate or severe, fallers were not able to stand up alone in 97.6% (247/253) of the cases. Reductions of 28.3 (CI 19.6-37.1) minutes in TUA and 29.6 (CI 20.3-38.9) minutes in TOG were observed between the baseline and RTN periods. The proportion of fallers with TOG >1 hour fell from 31% (8/26; baseline) to zero events (RTN period). During the RTN period, 76.6% (108/141) of fallers received human staff assistance in less than 10 minutes, and 55.3% (78/141) of them spent less than 10 minutes on the ground. CONCLUSIONS: SYG technology is capable of reducing TOG and TUA while efficiently covering the area (bedroom) and time zone (nighttime) that are at highest risk. After 6 months of SYG monitoring, TOG was reduced by a factor of 3. The drastic reduction of TOG is likely to decrease secondary comorbid complications, improve post-fall prognosis, and reduce health care costs.