Proof of concept of a workflow methodology for the creation of basic canine head anatomy veterinary education tool using augmented reality

Neuroanatomy can be challenging to both teach and learn within the undergraduate veterinary medicine and surgery curriculum. Traditional techniques have been used for many years, but there has now been a progression to move towards alternative digital models and interactive 3D models to engage the learner. However, digital innovations in the curriculum have typically involved the medical curriculum rather than the veterinary curriculum. Therefore, we aimed to create a simple workflow methodology to highlight the simplicity there is in creating a mobile augmented reality application of basic canine head anatomy. Using canine CT and MRI scans and widely available software programs, we demonstrate how to create an interactive model of head anatomy. This was applied to augmented reality for a popular Android mobile device to demonstrate the user-friendly interface. Here we present the processes, challenges and resolutions for the creation of a highly accurate, data based anatomical model that could potentially be used in the veterinary curriculum. This proof of concept study provides an excellent framework for the creation of augmented reality training products for veterinary education. The lack of similar resources within this field provides the ideal platform to extend this into other areas of veterinary education and beyond

Digital reconstruction of the ventricular system, and flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord

No abstract available

Digital reconstruction of the ventricular system, and flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord

No abstract available

Enhancing the curriculum in medicine, veterinary and life sciences using emerging technologies

No abstract available

3D printed liver model for pre-operative planning of partial hepatectomy [poster]

No abstract available

Enhancing the curriculum in medicine, veterinary and life sciences using emerging technologies

No abstract available

Engaging with Children Using Augmented Reality on Clothing to Prevent Them from Smoking

Smoking is a harmful habit, causing a range of severe consequences which could lead to premature death. This habit is still prevalent amongst young people. In order to protect children, effective early interventions supported by public instances need to be set in place. Raising awareness and educating the youth is crucial to change their mindset about the severity of smoking. Emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) on mobile devices, have been shown to be useful in providing engaging experiences and educating children about a range of issues, including health and anatomy. This chapter presents a research which explores the use of AR as an exciting and engaging medium to effectively help educating children from 5 to 13 years about the effects of smoking. A mobile application, called SmokAR, was developed. This app includes AR visualization amongst other functionalities, whereby children are presented a realistic model of the human lungs of a healthy person and of a smoker. The aim of this research is to propose a transformative experience in order to put children off this dangerous habit whilst they gain knowledge about the effect of smoking on their organs. The anatomical accuracy of the 3D models and animations proposed by the app has been verified by an expert anatomist. A group of children (n = 17) also took part in usability and knowledge acquisition testing at the Glasgow Science Centre. Findings showed a significant high usability suggesting a user-friendly app design. Moreover, results also suggested that participants gained knowledge to a certain extent and felt discouraged from smoking after seeing the model of the smoker’s lungs. Although there were several limitations to the study, the potential of the app to support learning and raising awareness is encouragingly positive. In addition, user testing in a more controlled environment, such as a classroom, can help gain further insights into the effectiveness and usability of the app. In the future, this simple but engaging approach to raise public awareness and support education could be used to further communicate with children about negative health effects of other harmful habits such as alcohol or drug consumption

Augmented Reality Application of Schizocosa ocreata: A Tool for Reducing Fear of Arachnids Through Public Outreach

This study aims to create a mobile application for public interaction around the subject of wolf spiders, specifically the brush-legged wolf spider. The hope is that the public will have a reduced level of fear towards arachnids when given a chance to view arachnids in a digital setting. To assist this, the application employs augmented reality animation, which has been shown to have a positive impact on the viewer’s interest and learning. With the opportunity to view a digital spider interacting with surfaces in a repeatable and informative manner, viewers may find that their fears are more understood and can be controlled for both their benefit and that of the local arachnids. In order to accommodate multiple audiences, the application was set up to have a more cartoonish and simpler text as well as a realistic and advanced text. The area of information covered the brush-legged wolf spider’s anatomy, mating behaviour, and general safety practices for handling and avoiding wolf spiders. The modelling and animation were created using Zbrush and Blender, respectively. The programming and application creations used were Unity with Android and AR plugins

3D printed liver model for pre-operative planning of partial hepatectomy [poster]

No abstract available

Canine neuroanatomy: Development of a 3D reconstruction and interactive application for undergraduate veterinary education.

Current methods used to communicate and present the complex arrangement of vasculature related to the brain and spinal cord is limited in undergraduate veterinary neuroanatomy training. Traditionally it is taught with 2-dimensional (2D) diagrams, photographs and medical imaging scans which show a fixed viewpoint. 2D representations of 3-dimensional (3D) objects however lead to loss of spatial information, which can present problems when translating this to the patient. Computer-assisted learning packages with interactive 3D anatomical models have become established in medical training, yet equivalent resources are scarce in veterinary education. For this reason, we set out to develop a workflow methodology creating an interactive model depicting the vasculature of the canine brain that could be used in undergraduate education. Using MR images of a dog and several commonly available software programs, we set out to show how combining image editing, segmentation and surface generation, 3D modeling and texturing can result in the creation of a fully interactive application for veterinary training. In addition to clearly identifying a workflow methodology for the creation of this dataset, we have also demonstrated how an interactive tutorial and self-assessment tool can be incorporated into this. In conclusion, we present a workflow which has been successful in developing a 3D reconstruction of the canine brain and associated vasculature through segmentation, surface generation and post-processing of readily available medical imaging data. The reconstructed model was implemented into an interactive application for veterinary education that has been designed to target the problems associated with learning neuroanatomy, primarily the inability to visualise complex spatial arrangements from 2D resources. The lack of similar resources in this field suggests this workflow is original within a veterinary context. There is great potential to explore this method, and introduce a new dimension into veterinary education and training