Percepção do peso corporal e dificuldades encontradas pelas pessoas com deficiência visual na aquisição, na preparação e no consumo dos alimentos / Perception of body weight and difficulties encounteredby people with visual impairment in acquiring, preparing and consuming food

Objetivo: investigar a percepção do peso corporal e as dificuldades encontradas pelas pessoas com deficiência visual na aquisição, na preparação e no consumo dos alimentos. Metodologia: estudo observacional transversal, com adultos e idosos com deficiência visual em Pelotas/RS, realizado no período de abril a maio de 2023. Foi utilizado um questionário composto de 42 itens. Os dados coletados foram analisados por análise descritiva e analítica, e apresentados como média ± desvio padrão ou percentual. Resultados: a amostra contou com 20 pessoas, predominantemente do sexo feminino e idosas. Em relação ao consumo alimentar, 50% dos participantes consomem feijão, 75% frutas e hortaliças, 50% bebidas adoçadas, biscoitos recheados e doces. Referente à percepção do peso corporal, percebeu-se que a maior parte do grupo sente que está acima do peso adequado e se sentem "insatisfeitos(as)". Sobre as dificuldades encontradas, 85% dos participantes relataram dificuldade extrema para identificar a validade dos alimentos, 70% para comprar alimentos frescos e perecíveis e 40% para usar a faca para cortar e descascar os alimentos. Conclusão: verificou-se que a maior parte do grupo sente que está acima do peso adequado e estão "insatisfeitos(as)" em relação ao peso corporal. Além disso, dependem de outra pessoa para escolher os alimentos a serem comprados, saber o prazo de validade, preparar alimentos que precisam ser porcionados, servir refeições no prato, cortar carnes, descascar vegetais e frutas, utilizar faca, entre outros. Esta dependência pode influenciar diretamente no seu consumo alimentar quando essas pessoas se encontram sozinhas, optando por consumir alimentos industrializados de fácil preparo ou prontos.

Objective: to investigate the perception of body weight and the difficulties encountered by people with visual impairments in acquiring, preparing and consuming food. Methodology: cross-sectional observational study, with adults and elderly people with visual impairment in Pelotas/RS, carried out from April to May 2023. A questionnaire composed of 42 items was used. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical analysis, and presented as mean ± standard deviation or percentage. Results: the sample included 20 people, predominantly female and elderly. Regarding food consumption, 50% of participants consume beans, 75% fruits and vegetables, 50% sweetened drinks, stuffed cookies and sweets. Regarding the perception of body weight, it was noticed that the majority of the group feels that they are overweight and feel "dissatisfied". Regarding the difficulties encountered, 85% of participants reported extreme difficulty in identifying the expiration date of food, 70% in purchasing fresh and perishable foods and 40% in using a knife to cut and peel food. Conclusion: it was found that the majority of the group feels that they are overweight and are "dissatisfied" with their body weight. Furthermore, they depend on someone else to choose the food to be purchased, know the expiration date, prepare food that needs to be portioned, serve meals on the plate, cut meat, peel vegetables and fruits, use a knife, among others. This dependence can directly influence their food consumption when these people are alone, choosing to consume easily prepared or ready-made processed foods.

Aptidão e conduta dos estudantes de odontologia sobre atendimento de pacientes com deficiência visual e auditiva / Aptitude and conduct of dental students on the care of patients with visual and hearing impairments

Avaliar a aptidão e conduta de estudantes de Odontologia sobre atendimento de pacientes com de deficiência visual e auditiva. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, do tipo transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir de um questionário estruturado e a amostra foi constituída por 88 estudantes do 5º, 7º e 9º período, matriculados em alguma disciplina clínica, do curso de Odontologia de uma instituição privada do estado de Pernambuco. Os dados coletados foram tabulados e analisados através de estatística descritiva e inferencial com um nível de significância de 5%. Menos da metade dos estudantes se sente aptos para atender pacientes com essas necessidades, independente do período avaliado. Uma pequena parcela tem algum tipo de contato social/familiar com deficientes visuais e auditivos, mas o fato de possuírem contato, não alterou significativamente a aptidão deste para realizar a consulta. Da mesma forma, possuir informação prévia sobre o tema não influenciou significativamente na aptidão dos estudantes durante o atendimento odontológico. A maioria dos estudantes não se sentem aptos e seguros ao atendimento de pacientes com deficiências visuais e auditivas e que o fato de possuir familiar e/ou parente com esse tipo de deficiência e ter recebido informação prévia sobre o tema não aumenta a segurança dos estudantes.

To evaluate the aptitude and conduct of dentistry students regarding the care of patients with visual and hearing impairments. This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire and the sample consisted of 88 students from the 5th, 7th and 9th period, enrolled in some clinical discipline, of the Dentistry course at a private institution in the state of Pernambuco. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level of 5%. Less than half of the students feel able to care for patients with these needs, regardless of the period evaluated. A small portion has some kind of social/family contact with the visually and hearing impaired, but the fact that they have contact did not significantly change their ability to carry out the consultation. Likewise, having prior information on the subject did not significantly influence the students' aptitude during dental care. Most students do not feel able and safe to care for patients with visual and hearing impairments and that the fact of having a family member and/or relative with this type of disability and having received prior information on the subject does not increase the safety of the students. students.

Photobiomodulation efficacy in age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. Photobiomodulation (PBM) offers a controversial approach for managing dry AMD, aiming to halt or reverse progression through mitochondrial activity modulation. However, the efficacy and clinical relevance of PBM as a potential approach for managing dry AMD remain debated. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PBM versus a sham in patients with dry AMD. We performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) calculations to assess statistical and clinical significance applying a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included three RCTs comprising 247 eyes. The pooled analysis showed that PBM significant improved BCVA (MD 1.76 letters; 95% CI: 0.04 to 3.48) and drusen volume (MD -0.12 mm³; 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.02) as compared with a sham control. However, the TSA indicated that the current sample sizes were insufficient for reliable conclusions. No significant differences were observed in GA area. The MCID analysis suggested that the statistically significant results did not translate into clinically significant benefits. In the quality assessment, all studies were deemed to have a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis points limitations in the current evidence base for PBM in dry AMD treatment, with issues around small sample sizes. Statistically significant improvements do not translate into clinical benefits. The research underscores need for larger RCTs to validate PBM's therapeutic potential for dry AMD.

Metodología para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del futsal adaptado para estudiantes con discapacidad visual

El estudio está dirigido a la comprensión para atender las necesidades de inclusión de estudiantes con discapacidad visual durante la práctica del futsal en las clases de Educación Física, poder disminuir su miedo hacia el deporte, mejorar su autoestima y sensibilizar a la familia y al personal docente en su radio de acción y que sean aceptados en cada uno de sus entrenamientos. El objetivo se centra en elaborar una metodología para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del futsal adaptado, para estudiantes con discapacidad visual que desde una educación inclusiva garantice una mejor calidad de vida; de esta forma se mejora su rendimiento y se promueve su bienestar físico y mental. Durante la investigación se utilizaron como métodos empíricos la revisión documental, la observación científica y la entrevista que permitieron conocer a profundidad los antecedentes, el estado actual y prospectivo del problema, así como diseñar la posible solución. Los resultados obtenidos están orientados hacia una transformación desde los ajustes curriculares de las necesidades psicológicas, sociales, comunicativas y físicas de los estudiantes; así, la metodología deja claro cómo trabajar desde los diferentes contextos, las recomendaciones metodológicas y los requisitos a tener en cuenta, a partir de la discapacidad visual presentada y la manera de evaluar. Tal empeño favorece la igualdad de oportunidades y cooperación como seres sociales en el contorno educacional donde se desenvuelven.

O estudo tem como objetivo compreender como atender as necessidades de inclusão dos alunos com deficiência visual durante a prática do futsal nas aulas de Educação Física, diminuir o medo da prática esportiva, melhorar sua autoestima e conscientizar a família e o corpo docente. raio de atuação e que sejam aceitos em cada uma de suas sessões de treinamento. O objetivo centra-se no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de ensino-aprendizagem do futsal adaptado, para alunos com deficiência visual que, através da educação inclusiva, garanta uma melhor qualidade de vida; Desta forma, o seu desempenho melhora e o seu bem-estar físico e mental é promovido. Durante a investigação foram utilizados como métodos empíricos a revisão documental, a observação científica e as entrevistas, que nos permitiram conhecer a fundo o contexto, o estado atual e prospectivo do problema, bem como desenhar a possível solução. Os resultados obtidos orientam-se para uma transformação a partir dos ajustes curriculares das necessidades psicológicas, sociais, comunicativas e físicas dos alunos; Assim, a metodologia deixa claro como trabalhar a partir dos diferentes contextos, as recomendações metodológicas e os requisitos a ter em conta, com base na deficiência visual apresentada e na forma de avaliar. Tais esforços favorecem a igualdade de oportunidades e a cooperação como seres sociais no ambiente educacional onde atuam.

The study is aimed at understanding to meet the inclusion needs of students with visual disability during the practice of futsal in Physical Education classes, to reduce their fear of sport, improve their self-esteem and raise awareness among the family and teaching staff in their radius of action and that they are accepted in each of their training sessions. The objective focuses on developing a methodology for teaching-learning of adapted futsal, for students with visual disability who, from an education inclusive guarantees a better quality of life; in this way, their performance is improved and their physical and mental well-being is promoted. During the research, documentary review, scientific observation and interviews were used as empirical methods, which allowed to gain in-depth knowledge of the background, current and prospective state of the problem, as well as to design the possible solution. The results obtained are oriented towards a transformation from the curricular adjustments of the psychological, social, communicative and physical needs of the students; thus, the methodology makes it clear how to work from the different contexts, the methodological recommendations and the requirements to take into account, based on the visual disability presented and the way of evaluating. Such efforts favor equality of opportunities and cooperation as social beings in the educational environment where he/she is developed.

Characteristics and Prognostic Factors Associated With the Progression of Myopic Traction Maculopathy in Mexican Patients.

Background In this study, the characteristics and prognostic factors associated with the progression of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) were evaluated in a Mexican population. Methods This is a retrospective observational study that analyzed patients with MTM who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT). Clinical-ocular information, the MTM classification, and initial and final visual acuity (VA) were recorded. Results In total, 101 eyes of 84 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 10.7 years) were included (88.1% female and 11.9% male). The mean spherical equivalent was -16.8 ± 6.4 D, axial length was 29.6 ± 2.1 mm, and mean initial VA was 0.8 ± 0.5 logMAR. The mean follow-up time was 25.7 ± 27.6 months. The change in final VA from diagnosis to the last follow-up was +0.1 (0.2) (p = 0.001). Overall, 24.8% of patients progressed, 72.3% did not progress, and 3% showed regression. The patient-year progression rate was 0.20 ± 0.44. Factors associated with progression were initial logMAR VA (p= 0.012) and staphyloma (p= 0.001). Conclusions One in four patients with MTM progressed, and the patient-year progression rate was 0.5. The factors associated with disease progression were initial VA and the presence of staphyloma. The characteristics of Mexican patients with MTM are similar to those described in other populations.

A New Methodology for Evaluating the Potential Impact of Residual Refractive Astigmatism in Pseudophakic Patients.

Purpose: To validate a new methodology to evaluate the impact of astigmatism in pseudophakia using an astigmatic defocus curve. Setting: Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasilia, Brazil. Design: Non-randomized cohort study. Methods: For every point of the defocus curve, from -2.00 to +3.00 with 0.50D intervals, visual acuity was assessed with optically induced astigmatism (0.50D, 1.00D and 1.50D at 90 and 180 degrees) in pseudophakic patients implanted with a refractive-enhanced intraocular lens. Results: Twelve patients were analyzed. A statistically significant difference was found between the 90° (ATR) and 180°(WTR) axis with 1.50D astigmatism, providing better visual acuity in ATR astigmatism (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This new methodology is reproducible, useful and may predict residual astigmatism tolerance in pseudophakic patients, which may help with surgery planning and IOL decision-making.

Expression patterns of melanin-related genes are linked to crypsis and conspicuousness in a pumpkin toadlet.

Colour signals play pivotal roles in different communication systems, and the evolution of these characters has been associated with behavioural ecology, integumentary production processes and perceptual mechanisms of the species involved. Here, we present the first insight into the molecular and histological basis of skin colour polymorphism within a miniaturized species of pumpkin toadlet, potentially representing the lowest size threshold for colour polytypism in tetrapods. Brachycephalus actaeus exhibits a coloration ranging from cryptic green to conspicuous orange skin, and our findings suggest that colour morphs differ in their capability to be detected by potential predators. We also found that the distribution and abundance of chromatophores are variable in the different colour morphs. The expression pattern of coloration related genes was predominantly associated with melanin synthesis (including dct, edn1, mlana, oca2, pmel, slc24a5, tyrp1 and wnt9a). Up-regulation of melanin genes in grey, green and brown skin was associated with higher melanophore abundance than in orange skin, where xanthophores predominate. Our findings provide a significant foundation for comparing and understanding the diverse pathways that contribute to the evolution of pigment production in the skin of amphibians.

Accessories in clear aligner therapy: Laypeople's expectations for comfort and satisfaction.

Background: This study explored the layperson's perception of comfort, satisfaction, and willingness to use various accessories in clear aligner therapy. Methods: A total of 267 people analyzed standardized intraoral photographs of a female model in orthodontic treatment using: 1) only clear aligner (CA), the control group; 2) clear aligner+attachments (AT); 3) clear aligners+Cl II elastics (EL); 4) clear aligner+hybrid treatment with esthetic braces (HEB); 5) Clear aligner+hybrid treatment with metallic braces (HMB); 6) clear aligner+mini-implants (MI); 7) clear aligner+mini-implants and elastics for intrusion (MIE). In addition, a social media questionnaire was distributed to assess the willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment with various accessories. Results: There was a significant difference between CA and all the other groups (P<0.001), with CA being considered more comfortable and providing greater satisfaction compared to other accessories. Moreover, AT showed a significant difference in reducing treatment time compared to other groups. Conclusion: The CA was the most comfortable, exhibiting a higher satisfaction rate and a greater willingness to use it. The AT therapy was perceived as more comfortable and was associated with higher satisfaction and a greater likelihood of use, especially if it resulted in reduced treatment time. On the other hand, the participants reported that the HMB, MI, and MIE accessories were less comfortable.

Effects of magnification on restorative dental preparation performance: a scoping review and level of evidence mapping.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to identify and describe the available evidence on the effect of magnifying devices (loupe or microscope) on the performance of restorative dental preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the INPLASY database. An electronic search was performed in four databases and Grey literature for articles published until November 2023. Eligibility criteria were determined using the PICOS strategy and comprised studies that evaluated the performance of magnification devices for restorative dental preparations. A bibliographic mapping of the evidence was conducted. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies (n = 12) compared the performance of dental preparations using magnification loupes vs. no magnification. The magnification for loupes and microscopes ranged from 2.5x to 4.0x and 6.4x to 10x, respectively. The use of magnifying loupes improved the performance of restorative preparations in 66.6% of the evaluated studies. However, when the magnifications were compared, the greater magnification provided by microscopes did not improve preparation performance compared to magnification loupes. Regarding the place of publication, the American continent concentrates the most significant number of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Although evidence for magnification improving the performance of dental preparations has increased over the last decade, basically only in vitro studies (most of which have taken place in the Americas) have been reported in the literature. The evidence suggests that magnification significantly improves restorative preparation performance when compared to non-magnification. However, higher magnifications (e.g., microscopes) do not appear to improve tooth preparation performance compared with lower magnification devices (e.g., magnification loupes). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Available evidence supports that using magnification can improve the performance of restored tooth preparations. However, high magnifications have no advantages over lower magnifications.

Insights into the evolution of photoreceptor oil droplets in frogs and toads.

Photoreceptor oil droplets (ODs) are spherical organelles placed most commonly within the inner segment of the cone photoreceptors. Comprising neutral lipids, ODs can be either non-pigmented or pigmented and have been considered optically functional in various studies. Among living amphibians, ODs were only reported to occur in frogs and toads (Anura), while they are absent in salamanders and caecilians. Nonetheless, the limited understanding of their taxonomic distribution in anurans impedes a comprehensive assessment of their evolution and relationship with visual ecology. We studied the retinae of 134 anuran species, extending the knowledge of the distribution of ODs to 46 of the 58 currently recognized families, and providing a new perspective on this group that complements the available information from other vertebrates. The occurrence of ODs in anurans shows a strong phylogenetic signal, and our findings revealed that ODs evolved at least six times during the evolutionary history of the group, independently from other vertebrates. Although no evident correlation was found between OD occurrence, adult habits and diel activity, it is inferred that each independent origin involves distinct scenarios in the evolution of ODs concerning photic habits. Furthermore, our results revealed significant differences in the size of the ODs between nocturnal and arrhythmic anurans relative to the length of the cones' outer segment.

Pituitary Apoplexy and the Current Understanding of Its Management: A Meta-Analysis of 908 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is characterized by acute hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland. Management can be either conservative or surgical. Evidence favoring either is still limited to observational studies. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of both approaches on patient outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search was performed until February 2024. We included cohort studies of patients with PA. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a conservative management group and a surgery group, including early and late surgery. Outcomes of interest were assessed categorically using risk ratio (RR) and Mantel-Haenszel's random effects model. RESULTS: Of the 273 published articles, 15 cohort studies comprising 908 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in recovery of ophthalmoplegia (RR=1.09, confidence interval [CI]=1.00-1.18, P=0.05), visual field (RR=1.09, CI=0.91-1.3, P=0.35), visual acuity (RR=1.05, CI=0.87-1.26, P=0.61), hypopituitarism (RR=1.37, CI=0.81-2.32, P=0.25), and tumor recurrence (RR=0.74, CI=0.34-1.61, P=0.45). This was similar for conservative management versus early surgery in recovery of visual field (RR=0.92, CI=0.62-1.37, P=0.68), visual acuity (RR=1.01, CI=0.81-1.26, P=0.93), and ophthalmoplegia (RR=0.92, CI=0.53-1.61, P=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions provide comparable outcomes. These findings, though, are drawn from observational studies, and more severe cases typically undergo surgery. Larger studies are necessary to provide conclusive evidence.

Diseño y validación de contenido, por juicio de expertos, de un instrumento para la caracterización laboral y productiva de población con discapacidad visual / Design and content validation by expert judgment of an instrument for the labor and productive characterization of the visually impaired population / Desenho e validação de conteúdo, pela avaliação de especialistas, de um instrumento para a caracterização laboral e produtiva da população com deficiência visual

En Colombia, las tasas de empleo de la población con discapacidad visual están por debajo de las de la población general; sus ingresos también tienden a ser más bajos. Orientar los procesos de inclusión laboral se dificulta por la ausencia de instrumentos adecuados que permitan caracterizar e identificar sus necesidades. Se presenta un estudio dirigido a diseñar y validar el contenido de un instrumento para la caracterización laboral y productiva de esta población. A partir de la experiencia del Instituto Nacional para Ciegos, se diseñó una primera versión que fue sometida a validación de contenido con tres expertos que evaluaron su claridad, coherencia, relevancia y suficiencia, además de aportar observaciones y sugerencias. Se realizaron dos rondas de evaluación. Se estimó el grado de concordancia de las evaluaciones con el Coeficiente Kappa de Fleiss y se consideraron los aportes para ajustar el instrumento. Se obtuvo una versión final con 47 ítems en tres dimensiones: información general, académica y laboral, y productiva. El diseño, validación e implementación del instrumento reúne esfuerzos de la academia y el Estado para caracterizar a la población con discapacidad visual en diferentes ciudades del país y aportar a la reducción de las brechas de empleo e ingresos.

In Colombia, employment rates of the visually impaired population are below those of the general population, and their income also tends to be lower. The absence of adequate instruments to characterize and identify their needs makes orienting labor inclusion processes difficult. A study aimed at designing and validating the content of an instrument for the labor and productive characterization of this population is presented. Based on the experience of the Instituto Nacional para Ciegos (National Institute for the Blind), a first version was designed and submitted for content validation by three experts who assessed its clarity, coherence, relevance, and completeness and provided comments and suggestions. Two rounds of evaluation were carried out. The degree of consistency of the evaluations was estimated with the Fleiss Kappa Coefficient. Contributions were considered to adjust the instrument. A final version was obtained with 47 items in three dimensions: general, academic and employment, and productive information. The instrument's design, validation and implementation combine the efforts of academia and the State to characterize the visually impaired population in different cities of the country and contribute to the reduction of employment and income gaps.

Na Colômbia, as taxas de emprego da população com deficiência visual são inferiores às taxas da população em geral; sua renda também tende a ser menor. A orientação dos processos de inclusão laboral é dificultada pela ausência de instrumentos adequados para caracterizar e identificar suas necessidades. Apresentamos um estudo com o objetivo de elaborar e validar o conteúdo de um instrumento para a caracterização laboral e produtiva dessa população. Com base na experiência do Instituto Nacional para Cegos, uma primeira versão foi elaborada e submetida à validação de conteúdo com três especialistas que avaliaram sua clareza, coerência, relevância e suficiência, além de fornecerem comentários e sugestões. Foram realizadas duas roda-das de avaliação. O grau de concordância das avaliações foi estimado por meio do Coeficiente Kappa de Fleiss e as contribuições foram consideradas para ajustar o instrumento. Foi obtida uma versão final com 47 itens em três dimensões: informações gerais; acadêmicas e ocupacionais; e produtivas. O desenho, a validação e a implementação do instrumento reúnem os esforços do meio acadêmico, bem como do Estado, para caracterizar a população com deficiência visual em diferentes cidades do país e contribuir para a redução das lacunas de emprego e renda

A Sensor Fusion Approach to Observe Quadrotor Velocity.

The growing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) raises the need to improve their autonomous navigation capabilities. Visual odometry allows for dispensing positioning systems, such as GPS, especially on indoor flights. This paper reports an effort toward UAV autonomous navigation by proposing a translational velocity observer based on inertial and visual measurements for a quadrotor. The proposed observer complementarily fuses available measurements from different domains and is synthesized following the Immersion and Invariance observer design technique. A formal Lyapunov-based observer error convergence to zero is provided. The proposed observer algorithm is evaluated using numerical simulations in the Parrot Mambo Minidrone App from Simulink-Matlab.

Permanent Visual Loss as a Complication of Decompressive Surgery for the Treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumours: A Report of Two Cases.

Posterior fossa tumours are one of the most common types of solid neoplasia in paediatric patients. Although impaired vision can occur at presentation, it usually stabilises or improves after decompressive surgery. However, cases of permanent and profound visual loss have been reported following successful tumour resection, despite receiving little attention from the medical community. In this paper, we present two cases of young patients who experienced severe and permanent visual loss following uncomplicated surgery for posterior fossa tumour removal. We discuss the possible mechanism involved in the visual loss and measures to prevent such a dreadful complication.

Colorimetric Evaluation of a Reintegration via Spectral Imaging-Case Study: Nasrid Tiling Panel from the Alhambra of Granada (Spain).

Color reintegration is a restoration treatment that involves applying paint or colored plaster to an object of cultural heritage to facilitate its perception and understanding. This study examines the impact of lighting on the visual appearance of one such restored piece: a tiled skirting panel from the Nasrid period (1238-1492), permanently on display at the Museum of the Alhambra (Spain). Spectral images in the range of 380-1080 nm were obtained using a hyperspectral image scanner. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinates at each pixel were computed assuming the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer and considering ten relevant illuminants proposed by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE): D65 plus nine white LEDs. Four main hues (blue, green, yellow, and black) can be distinguished in the original and reintegrated areas. For each hue, mean color difference from the mean (MCDM), CIEDE2000 average distances, volumes, and overlapping volumes were computed in the CIELAB space by comparing the original and the reintegrated zones. The study reveals noticeable average color differences between the original and reintegrated areas within tiles: 6.0 and 4.7 CIEDE2000 units for the yellow and blue tiles (with MCDM values of 3.7 and 4.5 and 5.8 and 7.2, respectively), and 16.6 and 17.8 CIEDE2000 units for the black and green tiles (with MCDM values of 13.2 and 12.2 and 10.9 and 11.3, respectively). The overlapping volume of CIELAB clouds of points corresponding to the original and reintegrated areas ranges from 35% to 50%, indicating that these areas would be perceived as different by observers with normal color vision for all four tiles. However, average color differences between the original and reintegrated areas changed with the tested illuminants by less than 2.6 CIEDE2000 units. Our current methodology provides useful quantitative results for evaluation of the color appearance of a reintegrated area under different light sources, helping curators and museum professionals to choose optimal lighting.

Multiclass Classification of Visual Electroencephalogram Based on Channel Selection, Minimum Norm Estimation Algorithm, and Deep Network Architectures.

This work addresses the challenge of classifying multiclass visual EEG signals into 40 classes for brain-computer interface applications using deep learning architectures. The visual multiclass classification approach offers BCI applications a significant advantage since it allows the supervision of more than one BCI interaction, considering that each class label supervises a BCI task. However, because of the nonlinearity and nonstationarity of EEG signals, using multiclass classification based on EEG features remains a significant challenge for BCI systems. In the present work, mutual information-based discriminant channel selection and minimum-norm estimate algorithms were implemented to select discriminant channels and enhance the EEG data. Hence, deep EEGNet and convolutional recurrent neural networks were separately implemented to classify the EEG data for image visualization into 40 labels. Using the k-fold cross-validation approach, average classification accuracies of 94.8% and 89.8% were obtained by implementing the aforementioned network architectures. The satisfactory results obtained with this method offer a new implementation opportunity for multitask embedded BCI applications utilizing a reduced number of both channels (<50%) and network parameters (<110 K).

Neuronal identity control at the resolution of a single transcription factor isoform.

The brain exhibits remarkable neuronal diversity which is critical for its functional integrity. From the sheer number of cell types emerging from extensive transcriptional, morphological, and connectome datasets, the question arises of how the brain is capable of generating so many unique identities. 'Terminal selectors' are transcription factors hypothesized to determine the final identity characteristics in post-mitotic cells. Which transcription factors function as terminal selectors and the level of control they exert over different terminal characteristics are not well defined. Here, we establish a novel role for the transcription factor broad as a terminal selector in Drosophila melanogaster. We capitalize on existing large sequencing and connectomics datasets and employ a comprehensive characterization of terminal characteristics including Perturb-seq and whole-cell electrophysiology. We find a single isoform broad-z4 serves as the switch between the identity of two visual projection neurons LPLC1 and LPLC2. Broad-z4 is natively expressed in LPLC1, and is capable of transforming the transcriptome, morphology, and functional connectivity of LPLC2 cells into LPLC1 cells when perturbed. Our comprehensive work establishes a single isoform as the smallest unit underlying an identity switch, which may serve as a conserved strategy replicated across developmental programs.

How to train your dragon: absolute conditioning in larval dragonflies.

Insects, despite possessing relatively small brains, exhibit noteworthy adaptive behaviors, making them intriguing subjects for understanding learning mechanisms. This study explores the learning capabilities of dragonfly larvae (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) in conditioning experiments, shedding light on the cognitive processes that underpin their remarkable abilities. As apex predators, dragonflies play a crucial role in ecosystems, necessitating a diverse range of learning behaviors for survival and reproductive success. We addressed whether dragonfly larvae can differentiate between different colored stimuli and associate color with prey. Our experimental design demonstrated that dragonfly larvae are able to recognize conditioning stimuli. The findings contribute valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of dragonflies, suggesting that these insects can learn and discriminate colors of stimuli. Overall, this research broadens our understanding of insect learning and cognition, contributing to the broader field of animal behavior and memory.

Response to geometrical visual illusions in non-human animals: a meta-analysis.

Visual illusions have been studied in many non-human species, spanning a wide range of biological and methodological variables. While early reviews have proved useful in providing an overview of the field, they have not been accompanied by quantitative analysis to systematically evaluate the contribution of biological and methodological moderators on the proportion of illusory choice. In the current meta-analytical study, we confirm that geometrical visual illusion perception is a general phenomenon among non-human animals. Additionally, we found that studies testing birds report stronger illusion perception compared to other classes, as do those on animals with lateral-positioned eyes compared to animals with forward-facing eyes. In terms of methodological choices, we found a positive correlation between the number of trials during training or testing and the effect sizes, while studies with larger samples report smaller effect sizes. Despite studies that trained animals with artificial stimuli showing larger effect sizes compared with those using spontaneous testing with naturalistic stimuli, like food, we found more recent studies prefer spontaneous choice over training. We discuss the challenges and bottlenecks in this area of study, which, if addressed, could lead to more successful advances in the future.