A multimodal tablet-based interface for designing and reviewing 3D engineering models

The ability to view and interact with 3D models has been happening for a long time. However, vision-based 3D modeling has only seen limited success in applications, as it faces many technical challenges. Hand-held mobile devices have changed the way we interact with virtual reality environments. Their high mobility and technical features, such as inertial sensors, cameras and fast processors, are especially attractive for advancing the state of the art in virtual reality systems. Also, their ubiquity and fast Internet connection open a path to distributed and collaborative development. However, such path has not been fully explored in many domains. VR systems for real world engineering contexts are still difficult to use, especially when geographically dispersed engineering teams need to collaboratively visualize and review 3D CAD models. Another challenge is the ability to rendering these environments at the required interactive rates and with high fidelity. In this document it is presented a virtual reality system mobile for visualization, navigation and reviewing large scale 3D CAD models, held under the CEDAR (Collaborative Engineering Design and Review) project. It’s focused on interaction using different navigation modes. The system uses the mobile device's inertial sensors and camera to allow users to navigate through large scale models. IT professionals, architects, civil engineers and oil industry experts were involved in a qualitative assessment of the CEDAR system, in the form of direct user interaction with the prototypes and audio-recorded interviews about the prototypes. The lessons learned are valuable and are presented on this document. Subsequently it was prepared a quantitative study on the different navigation modes to analyze the best mode to use it in a given situation.

Investigation of brain function in neuropsychiatric disorder using multimodal imaging analysis

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften, Dissertation, 2016

Multimodal Imaging and Choroidal Volumetric Changes After Half-fluence PDT in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify SD-OCT changes that correspond to leakage on fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine angiography (ICGA) and evaluate effect of half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) on choroidal volume in chronic central serous choroidoretinopathy (CSC). METHODS Retrospective analysis of patients with chronic CSC who had undergone PDT. Baseline FA and ICGA images were overlaid on SD-OCT to identify OCT correlates of FA or ICGA hyperfluorescence. Choroidal volume was evaluated in a subgroup of eyes before and after PDT. RESULTS Twenty eyes were evaluated at baseline, of which seven eyes had choroidal volume evaluations at baseline and 3 months following PDT. SD-OCT changes corresponding to FA hyperfluorescence were subretinal fluid (73%), RPE microrip (50%), RPE double-layer sign (31%), RPE detachment (15%), and RPE thickening (8%). ICGA hyperfluoresence was correlated in 93% with hyperreflective spots in the superficial choroid. Choroidal volume decreased from 9.35 ± 1.99 to 8.52 ± 1.92 and 8.04 ± 1.7 mm(3) (at 1 and 3 months post PDT, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We identified specific OCT findings that correlate with FA and ICGA leakage sites. SD-OCT is a valuable tool to localize CSC lesions and may be useful to guide PDT treatment. Generalized choroidal volume decrease occurs following PDT and extends beyond PDT treatment site.

Responsive multimodal transportation management strategies and IVHS. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research and Development, McLean, Va.

Contemporary research in pain and analgesia, 1983 /

Mode of access: Internet.

Current researches in anesthesia & analgesia.

Mode of access: Internet.

Local analgesia: abdominal surgery,

Mode of access: Internet.

Greenpeaces modelläsare : En multimodal textanalys av Greenpeace i Sveriges externa mejl

I denna uppsats undersöker jag vilka modelläsare som skapas i två olika sorters mejl från Greenpeace i Sverige till personer som engagerar sig i organisationens arbete. Jag gör en multimodal textanalys med utgångspunkt i dialogism och sociosemiotisk teori, och jag använder analysmetoder från den systemisk-funktionella grammatiken. Resultatet visar att de två mejltyperna i det stora hela är mycket lika varandra, men att det finns vissa skillnader och att de olika mejltyperna därigenom konstruerar delvis olika modelläsare som verkliga läsare måste förhålla sig till. Modelläsarna skapas genom realiseringar av olika språkliga och visuella betydelseskapande resurser som t.ex. presuppositioner, processer, distans och språk- och bildhandlingar. Det gemensamma för modelläsarna är att de sympatiserar med Greenpeace, har en aktiv aktörsroll och har en nära och jämlik relation till organisationen. 

Ultrasound Mapping of Stimulated Finger Flexion During Infra-Clavicular Brachial Plexus Nerve Blockade for Elbow Arthroplasty and Its Correlation To Postoperative Analgesia

Background: Infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve blockade (ICNB) is a very common anesthetic procedure performed for upper extremity surgery at the elbow and distally, however the rate of adequate analgesia is variable among patients. Ultrasound guidance (US) has not been demonstrated to increase the success rate of ICNB when compared to nerve stimulator (NS) guidance. Combined US and NS guided ICNB have not been reported, although there is a call for more trials comparing the two techniques. This study was performed to observe if a specific anatomic region near the axillary artery of the brachial plexus identified by finger flexion with nerve stimulation results in improved postoperative analgesia. Method: Patients undergoing elective elbow arthroplasty received a postoperative ICNB. The angle of the nerve stimulator needle tip and the radial distance from the center of the arterial lumen at which an optimal finger flexion twitch response was observed were measured with ultrasound imaging. Pain scores and postoperative opioid dosages on discharge from the post anesthesia care unit and at 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Results: 11 patients enrolled in this study. Adequate finger flexion response to nerve stimulation that resulted in complete analgesia was more frequently observed when the needle was located in the postero-superior quadrant in relation to the axillary artery. Identifying a specific point near the brachial plexus in relation to the artery that consistently provides superior analgesia is desirable and would lead to improved analgesia and faster onset time of nerve blockade and would reduce the need for other approaches for brachial plexus blockade with their associated disadvantages.

Postoperative Analgesia Following Sciatic Nerve Blockade Administered by Nurse Anesthetists Supervised by Regional Anesthesia Faculty in an Academic Hospital

Introduction: Assessment of expertise in regional anesthesia techniques is traditionally based upon quota fulfillment of procedures during training. Validation of practitioner proficiency in performing procedures in surgical specialties has moved from simple measurement of technical skills to evaluation of global patient outcomes. Complete absence of pain as a result of nerve blockade is the most important clinical endpoint but patient, technical and procedural factors influence results. The purpose of this study was to measure the postoperative pain scores and associated analgesic medication requirements for patients administered sciatic nerve blockade by nurse anesthetists and determine patient or procedural factors that influenced this outcome. Methods: Either nerve stimulator or ultrasound guided sciatic nerve blockade was administered by nurse anesthetists under the supervision of regional anesthesia faculty. Patient demographic data that was collected included gender, body mass index, surgical procedure, and pre-existing chronic pain with associated opioid use. Patient self-reported pain scores and opioid analgesic dosages in the preoperative, intraoperative, immediate postoperative and 24 hour post procedure intervals were recorded. Results: 22 nurse anesthetists administered sciatic nerve blockade to 48 patients during a 36 month interval. Transition from a nerve stimulator to ultrasound guided sciatic nerve block technique resulted in lower mean pain scores. Patients reporting chronic opioid use were observed to have elevated perioperative opioid analgesic requirements and pain scores compared to opioid naïve patients. Conclusion: Effective analgesia is a prime measure for assessing expertise in regional anesthesia and continuous evaluation of this outcome in everyday practice is proposed.

Prolonged Duration of Sciatic Nerve Blockade in the Elderly after Foot and Ankle Surgery

1.1 Background and Objectives: Perioperative morbidity related to anesthesia renders elderly patients vulnerable because age related factors affect medication effects, clearance and metabolism. Regional anesthesia within a multimodal regimen reduces opioid adverse effects in the elderly and improves immediate analgesia but not long term recovery and prolonged nerve blockade has been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess analgesic effects of sciatic nerve blockade in the elderly. 1.2 Methods: Postoperative sciatic nerve blockade was administered for foot and ankle surgery to patients over age 18 years. Preoperative, post-anesthesia unit and 24 hour postoperative pain scores and opioid doses for these same intervals were recorded. 1.3 Results: 47 patients enrolled and 12 (25.5%) were over age 70. Preoperative, immediate and 24 post-operative pain scores and total intraoperative and immediate postoperative opioid doses were lower in the elderly. The total 24 hour postoperative opioid doses in the elderly were lower compared to the younger group. 1.4 Conclusions: Total 24 hour postoperative cumulative opioid doses after sciatic nerve blockade in patients over 70 are lower than in younger patients. Further observations in greater numbers of patients and improved ultrasound to assess sciatic nerve structure in the elderly are warranted to study this effect.

Multimodal Transportation in Northeast Seattle: An Integrated Design

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Multimodal affective interaction: a comment on musical origins

THE RIGORS OF ESTABLISHING INNATENESS and domain specificity pose challenges to adaptationist models of music evolution. In articulating a series of constraints, the authors of the target articles provide strategies for investigating the potential origins of music. We propose additional approaches for exploring theories based on exaptation. We discuss a view of music as a multimodal system of engaging with affect, enabled by capacities of symbolism and a theory of mind.

The multimodal world of medical monitoring displays

A vision of the future of intraoperative monitoring for anesthesia is presented-a multimodal world based on advanced sensing capabilities. I explore progress towards this vision, outlining the general nature of the anesthetist's monitoring task and the dangers of attentional capture. Research in attention indicates different kinds of attentional control, such as endogenous and exogenous orienting, which are critical to how awareness of patient state is maintained, but which may work differently across different modalities. Four kinds of medical monitoring displays are surveyed: (1) integrated visual displays, (2) head-mounted displays, (3) advanced auditory displays and (4) auditory alarms. Achievements and challenges in each area are outlined. In future research, we should focus more clearly on identifying anesthetists' information needs and we should develop models of attention in different modalities and across different modalities that are more capable of guiding design. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A participatory design agenda for ubiquitous computing and multimodal interaction: A case study of dental practice

This paper reflects upon our attempts to bring a participatory design approach to design research into interfaces that better support dental practice. The project brought together design researchers, general and specialist dental practitioners, the CEO of a dental software company and, to a limited extent, dental patients. We explored the potential for deployment of speech and gesture technologies in the challenging and authentic context of dental practices. The paper describes the various motivations behind the project, the negotiation of access and the development of the participant relationships as seen from the researchers' perspectives. Conducting participatory design sessions with busy professionals demands preparation, improvisation, and clarity of purpose. The paper describes how we identified what went well and when to shift tactics. The contribution of the paper is in its description of what we learned in bringing participatory design principles to a project that spanned technical research interests, commercial objectives and placing demands upon the time of skilled professionals. Copyright © 2010 ACM, Inc