217 research outputs found
Effective visualization of stereo particle image velocimetry vector fields of a turbulent boundary layer
No full textStereo particle image velocimetry datasets contain three-dimensional information over a plane, from which multiple quantities can be derived at each point. The task of visualizing these different parameters simultaneously is challenging, and this inhibits our ability to analyse and derive firm conclusions about the physics of the flow. Currently, the common approach is to view each parameter separately in different images. Such an approach is very inefficient, especially for large fields of view where many important structures and features co-exist. In this paper we discuss several ways in which the primary quantities can be viewed simultaneously in the same image. The simplest method is to use different colours for each parameter and to overlay all the different colours on one image. The limitations of such an approach will be described. Other methods considered involve using texture generated from a line integral convolution algorithm to convey instantaneous velocity direction and magnitude. Animated texture is also described, together with variants involving combined colour and out-of-plane height. The use of height in tandem with colour and animated texture is a useful method in distinguishing the different parameters in the regions of overlap
Antimicrobial‐Resistant Enterococcus spp. in Wild Avifauna from Central Italy
No full textBacteria of the genus Enterococcus are opportunistic pathogens, part of the normal intestinal microflora of animals, able to acquire and transfer antimicrobial resistance genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of wild avifauna as a source of antimicrobial‐resistant enterococci. To assess this purpose, 103 Enterococcus spp. strains were isolated from the feces of wild birds of different species; they were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 21 molecules, vancomycin resistance, and high‐level aminoglycosides resistance (HLAR). Furthermore, genes responsible for vancomycin, tetracycline, and HLAR were searched. E. faecium was the most frequently detected species (60.20% of isolates), followed by E. faecalis (34.95% of isolates). Overall, 99.02% of the isolated enterococci were classified as multidrug‐resistant, with 19.41% extensively drug‐resistant, and 2.91% possible pan drug-resistant strains. Most of the isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (77.67%) and ampicillin (75.73%), with only 5.83% of isolates showing an ampicillin MIC ≥ 64 mg/L. HLAR was detected in 35.92% of isolates, mainly associated with the genes ant(6)‐Ia and aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2′’)‐Ia. Few strains (4.85%) were resistant to vancomycin, and the genes vanA and vanB were not detected. A percentage of 54.37% of isolates showed resistance to tetracycline; tet(M) was the most frequently detected gene in these strains. Wild birds may contribute to the spreading of antimicrobial‐resistant enterococci, which can affect other animals and humans. Constant monitoring is essential to face up to the evolving antimicrobial resistance issue, and monitoring programs should include wild avifauna, to
Effectively visualizing multi-valued flow data using color and texture
No full textIn this paper we offer several new insights and techniques for effectively using color and texture to simultaneously convey information about multiple 2D scalar and vector distributions, in a way that facilitates allowing each distribution to be understood both individually and in the context of one or more of the other distributions. Specifically, we introduce the concepts of: color weaving for simultaneously representing information about multiple co-located color encoded distributions; and texture stitching for achieving more spatially accurate multi-frequency line integral convolution representations of combined scalar and vector distributions. The target application for our research is the definition, detection and visualization of regions of interest in a turbulent boundary layer flow at moderate Reynolds number. In this work, we examine and analyze streamwise-spanwise planes of three-component velocity vectors with the goal of identifying and characterizing spatially organized packets of hairpin vortices
Usability and acceptability of a Virtual Reality-based system for endurance training in elderly with chronic respiratory diseases
No full textPhysical exercise is one of the main components of rehabilitation programs designed for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Endurance exercise training, in the form of cycling or walking, allows to improve leg muscles strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Positive effects have been demonstrated even if there is still need for improving patients’ motivation and empowerment with the aim of fostering the continuity of care. In this scenario, Virtual Reality (VR) represents a valuable solution thanks to the possibility to provide real-time feedback and to create engaging training environments. The literature shows some promising results mainly regarding the use of virtual games for strength and aerobic exercise in patients with respiratory diseases. However, more research is needed to understand whether coupling VR with physical training is effective in improving respiratory rehabilitation. Within this context, the current paper presents a VR-based system for patients with respiratory diseases performing endurance exercise training on a cycle-ergometer. The Virtual Park allows the therapists to create a personalized training and enables patients to exercise while riding in a virtual park. Preliminary results on a group of 8 patients showed excellent usability and high acceptability after a single session of exercise. Future works foresee the comparison, in terms of both clinical outcomes and motivational aspects, between a training program based on the Virtual Park and a traditional one
GPU-accelerated Attention Map Generation for Dynamic 3D Scenes
No full textPfeiffer T, Memili C. GPU-accelerated Attention Map Generation for Dynamic 3D Scenes. In: Höllerer T, Interrante V, Lécuyer A, II JES, eds. Proceedings of the IEEE VR 2015. IEEE; 2015: 257-258.Measuring visual attention has become an important tool during product development. Attention maps are important qualitative visualizations to communicate results within the team and to stakeholders. We have developed a GPU-accelerated approach which allows for real-time generation of attention maps for 3D models that can, e.g., be used for on-the-fly visualizations of visual attention
distributions and for the generation of heat-map textures for offline high-quality renderings. The presented approach is unique in that it works with monocular and binocular data, respects the depth of focus, can handle moving objects and is ready to be used for selective
rendering
The mini nutritional assessment is associated with the perception of dyspnoea in older subjects with advanced COPD
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[Review] Chemistry of Advanced Materials: An Overview
No full textThis article reviews the book "Chemistry of Advanced Materials: An Overview," edited by Leonard V. Interrante and Mark J. Hampden-Smith
Deep inspiration-induced changes in lung volume decrease with severity of asthma
No full textSummaryWe have previously reported that the magnitude of deep inspiration (DI)-induced bronchodilation is only slightly reduced in mild asthmatics, compared to healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether increased severity of asthma is associated with impairment in the ability of DI to induce changes in lung volume. Thirty-six consecutive asthmatics recruited from the Pulmonary and the Allergy Outpatient Clinics of the Institute of Respiratory Diseases of the University of Palermo were divided into 3 groups: Intermittent (I), Mild Persistent (MP) and Moderate–Severe (MS), based on GINA guidelines. Single dose methacholine (Mch) bronchoprovocations were performed in the absence of DI, to induce at least 15% reduction in inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) from baseline. The post-Mch IVC was followed by 4 consecutive DI and by another IVC, to determine the bronchodilatory effect of DI. The bronchodilatory effect of DI was found to significantly decrease with increasing severity of asthma (I: 68±5.4%, MP: 45±7.2%, MS: 4±15.6%; ANOVA: P<0.0001). Bronchodilation by DI, but not FEV1 or FEV1/FVC, was also inversely correlated to symptom scores (r=-0.42, P=0.01) and to weekly salbutamol usage (r=-0.47, P=0.004). These observations provide support to the hypothesis that the attenuation of the bronchodilatory effect of DI contributes to the severity of the clinical manifestations of asthma
Mechanically Assisted Exfoliation and Functionalization of Thermally Converted Graphene Sheets
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