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Efficient Performance (efficient + performance)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	40%

Selected Abstracts

Interactive soft-touch dynamic deformations

COMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 3 2007
Hui Chen
Abstract It is crucial for the users to touch, grasp and manipulate the interested objects through our sense of touch in many interactive applications, such as on-line computer games, interactive cartoon design, and virtual prototyping. In this paper, we propose an interactive haptic deformation approach which incorporates the dynamic simulation of mass,spring systems and flexible control of free-form deformation in the touch-enabled soft-object deformation. Through distributing mass, spring and damping coefficients of the object to the bounded Bezier volume lattice, the deformation of the object related to the haptic avatar follows the physical laws and has high working rate. Both homogenous and inhomogenous materials are simulated. The anchor nodes of haptic input are specified to create amazing special effects during the interactive haptic deformation. Interactive haptic deformations of three-type tropic fishes, Angel, Demekin, and GuppyBlueGrass, have been experimented to simulate vivid fish swimming processes in the virtual ocean scene. Our proposed approach provides touch-enabled input and efficient performance in the flexible deforming controls, letting the objects move in a dynamic, cartoon-style deforming manner. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Oxygen-Terminated Nanocrystalline Diamond Film as an Efficient Anode in Photovoltaics

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010
Candy Haley Yi Xuan Lim
Abstract The potential of using p-doped nanocrystalline diamond as the anode for organic solar cells, because of its outstanding photostability and well-matched energetics with organic dyes, is demonstrated. The interface dipole and open-circuit potential can be tuned by varying the surface termination on diamond. Oxygenated nanocrystalline diamond (O-NCD) exhibits the best photocurrent conversion among all the surface-treated electrodes studied in this work because of its large open-circuit potential. The good energy alignment of the valence band of O-NCD with the HOMO of poly(3-hexylthiophene), as well as its p-doped characteristics, suggest that O-NCD can replace the hole transport layer, such as PEDOT:PSS, needed for efficient performance on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. If the sheet resistance and optical transparency on NCD can be further optimized, chemical-vapor-deposited diamond electrodes may offer a viable alternative to ITO and fluorinated tin oxide (FTO). [source]

Learning to Smile: The Neuroanatomic Basis for Smile Training

JOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2001
DOUGLAS A. TERRY DDS
ABSTRACT This article demonstrates that although any layperson could recognize that the smile manifests mainly in the oral and periorbital regions, a comprehension of the neurologic and musculoskeletal elements lends the clinician insight into the many aspects of a smile. The neurologic control of a smile consists of a complex process involving many facets. As with any other complex neuromuscular activity, repetitions of the act can train the central nervous system, neural network, and muscular network in efficient performance of and correct musculoskeletal activation involved in the act itself. With functional knowledge of muscles dedicated to a pleasing full smile, together with a battery of easy and effortless exercises, the clinician is able to help the patient change behavior intended to camouflage perceived oral flaws. A patient needs reassurance that behind the guidance from the clinician lies medical evidence that such routine movement of muscles will indeed improve the smile. When asked why or how the exercise succeeds, the clinician can reassure the patient based on a working knowledge of the neurologic and muscular anatomy involved. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE A functional knowledge of muscles dedicated to a pleasing full smile, together with a battery of easy and effortless exercises, provides the clinician with the ability to assist the patient in altering years of behavior intended to camouflage perceived oral flaws. [source]

Supplemental wide field-of-view monitor improves performance in surgical telerobotic movement time,

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 4 2006
Alex Cao
Abstract Background This study investigates the effect of a supplemental wide field-of-view (FOV) monitor on performance at high magnifications where the benefits of robotic surgery have greater importance. Methods Ten surgically naïve participants performed a simple aimed movement task under two different monitor conditions. The task is intended to emulate the need to locate an instrument outside the surgeon's FOV and return it to a ,home' position without the need to zoom. One monitor condition used a narrow FOV (25×) coupled with a supplemental wide FOV (3×). The second monitor condition used only a narrow FOV. Results Using a supplemental wide FOV in addition to a narrow FOV improved task performance by at least 33%, with greater consistency and reliability. Conclusion The supplemental wide FOV monitor provided additional information to the participant, allowing more efficient performance at high magnifications without the need for zooming. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The effects of protective helmet use on physiology and cognition in young cricketers

APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 9 2004
Nick Neave
Many studies have reported physiological and cognitive decrements following heat stress. Of particular concern in cricket are the possible negative effects of sustained protective helmet use, as this leads to an increase in heat-related stress. Correct and rapid decision making, and focused attention are essential for efficient performance whilst batting, and it is possible that helmet usage could impair such processes. In a repeated-measures, randomized crossover study, physiological, self-report, and cognitive measures were taken from 16 teenage cricketers before and after moderately intense (batting) exercise. Participants underwent the assessments twice, once while wearing a standard protective helmet, and again, when not wearing a helmet (counterbalanced). While helmet use did not lead to significant physiological changes, wearing a helmet led to some cognitive impairments in attention, vigilance and reaction times. These preliminary findings could have significance for cognitively demanding sports (and perhaps military and industrial settings) in which participants perform cognitively demanding operations under conditions of physical exercise whilst wearing protective helmets. Additional factors of hydration, exercise duration, and helmet design are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]