Evolving a psycho-physical distance metric for generative design exploration of diverse shapes

In this paper, a generative design approach is proposed that involves the users’ psychological aspect in the design space exploration stage to create distinct design alternatives. Users’ perceptual judgment about designs is extracted as a psycho-physical distance metric, which is then integrated into the design exploration step to generate design alternatives for the parametric computer-aided design (CAD) shapes. To do this, a CAD model is first parametrized by defining geometric parameters and determining ranges of these parameters. Initial design alternatives for the CAD model are generated using Euclidean distance-based sampling teaching–learning-based optimization (S-TLBO), which is recently proposed and can sample N space-filling design alternatives in the design space. Similar designs are then clustered, and a user study is conducted to capture the subjects’ perceptual response for the dissimilarities between the cluster pairs. In addition, a furthest-point-sorting technique is introduced to equalize the number of designs in the clusters, which are being compared by the subjects in the user study. Afterward, nonlinear regression analyses are carried out to construct a mathematical correlation between the subjects’ perceptual response and geometric parameters in the form of a psycho-physical distance metric. Finally, a psycho-physical distance metric obtained is utilized to explore distinct design alternatives for the CAD model. Another user study is designed to compare the diversification between the designs when the Euclidean and the suggested psycho-physical distance metrics are utilized. According to the user study, designs generated with the latter metric are more distinct

Structural properties and thermodynamic stability of Ba-doped silicon type-I clathrates synthesized under high pressure

We present a joint experimental and theoretical study of the stability and structural properties of Ba-doped silicon type-I clathrates Ba8Si46 synthesized under high pressures. The thermodynamic stability of Ba8Si46 under high pressure has been discussed from the total energy calculations of some barium silicides within the local density approximation (LDA). We have theoretically found that pressure favors the formation of the clathrate phase as experimentally observed. We have also performed a synchrotron x-ray-diffraction experiment of Ba8Si46 prepared under high pressures. Some of the missing endohedral Ba elements in the small cage of Si(20) have been observed by x-ray crystallography, while big cages of Si(24) are found to be completely occupied by Ba elements. The stabilization energies of Ba atoms in the endohedral sites estimated within the present LDA calculation suggest that this is presumably attributed to the energetical site preference of Ba atoms between d(6) and a(2) sites. In addition, the isothermal parameter of Ba in the big cage of Si(24) has been found to be larger than that in the small Si(20) unit, which is consistent with some theoretical predictions in earlier works

The Japanese Clinical Practice Guideline for acute kidney injury 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome which has a broad range of etiologic factors depending on different clinical settings. Because AKI has significant impacts on prognosis in any clinical settings, early detection and intervention are necessary to improve the outcomes of AKI patients. This clinical guideline for AKI was developed by a multidisciplinary approach with nephrology, intensive care medicine, blood purification, and pediatrics. Of note, clinical practice for AKI management which was widely performed in Japan was also evaluated with comprehensive literature search

Reflexively-Fused Cylinders

The present paper introduces a method for designing 3D objects that are initially incomplete, but become complete when they are augmented by their mirror reflections. Physically, the mirror image is plane-symmetric with respect to the original object, but the perceived shape is not necessarily symmetric because of optical illusion. In the proposed method, a 2D shape that is not necessarily symmetric is divided into two halves, one of which is used to construct a solid object. When we place the solid object on a plane mirror, the other half is generated by the mirror, and thus, a whole shape is realized. In the present study, the design algorithm and examples are shown, and the condition for constructability is also presented

Improved Leg Tracking Considering Gait Phase and Spline-Based Interpolation during Turning Motion in Walk Tests

Falling is a common problem in the growing elderly population, and fall-risk assessment systems are needed for community-based fall prevention programs. In particular, the timed up and go test (TUG) is the clinical test most often used to evaluate elderly individual ambulatory ability in many clinical institutions or local communities. This study presents an improved leg tracking method using a laser range sensor (LRS) for a gait measurement system to evaluate the motor function in walk tests, such as the TUG. The system tracks both legs and measures the trajectory of both legs. However, both legs might be close to each other, and one leg might be hidden from the sensor. This is especially the case during the turning motion in the TUG, where the time that a leg is hidden from the LRS is longer than that during straight walking and the moving direction rapidly changes. These situations are likely to lead to false tracking and deteriorate the measurement accuracy of the leg positions. To solve these problems, a novel data association considering gait phase and a Catmull–Rom spline-based interpolation during the occlusion are proposed. From the experimental results with young people, we confirm   that the proposed methods can reduce the chances of false tracking. In addition, we verify the measurement accuracy of the leg trajectory compared to a three-dimensional motion analysis system (VICON)

A novel infrared laser device that measures multilateral parameters of stepping performance for assessment of fall risk in elderly individuals [corrected].

Avoiding falls requires fast and appropriate step responses in real-life situations. We developed a step-tracking device that uses an infrared laser sensor for convenient assessment of stepping performance, including concurrent assessment of temporal and spatial parameters. In the present study, we created a new index for assessment of fall risk that uses step speed and accuracy measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the new index could discriminate between elderly individuals with different risks of falling