Surface-aware Mesh Texture Synthesis with Pre-trained 2D CNNs

Mesh texture synthesis is a key component in the automatic generation of 3D content. Existing learning-based methods have drawbacks -- either by disregarding the shape manifold during texture generation or by requiring a large number of different views to mitigate occlusion-related inconsistencies. In this paper, we present a novel surface-aware approach for mesh texture synthesis that overcomes these drawbacks by leveraging the pre-trained weights of 2D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with the same architecture, but with convolutions designed for 3D meshes. Our proposed network keeps track of the oriented patches surrounding each texel, enabling seamless texture synthesis and retaining local similarity to classical 2D convolutions with square kernels. Our approach allows us to synthesize textures that account for the geometric content of mesh surfaces, eliminating discontinuities and achieving comparable quality to 2D image synthesis algorithms. We compare our approach with state-of-the-art methods where, through qualitative and quantitative evaluations, we demonstrate that our approach is more effective for a variety of meshes and styles, while also producing visually appealing and consistent textures on meshes

A Taxonomy-Driven Model for Designing Educational Games in Visualization

Visualization literacy of the broader audiences is becoming an important topic, as we are increasingly surrounded by misleading, erroneous, or confusing visualizations. How can we educate the general masses about data visualization We propose a twofold model for designing educational games in visualization based on the concept of constructivism and learning-by-playing. We base our approach on the idea of deconstruction and construction, borrowed from the domain of mathematics. We describe the conceptual development and design of our model through two games. First, we present a deconstruction-based game that requires the inspection, identification, and categorization of the visualization characteristics (data, users, tasks, visual variables, visualization vocabulary), starting from a finalized visualization. Second, we propose a construction-based game where it is possible to compose visualizations bottom-up from individual visual characteristics. The two games use the same deck of cards with a simple design based on visualization taxonomies, popular in visualization teaching

Preparation And Characterisation Of Zno Thin Films Deposited By SILAR Method

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were grown on glass and copper substrates by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique. ZnO films are obtained by successive immersion of a substrate in an aqueous solution containing: ZnSO4 with different molarities, 6ml/100ml 13.15 M aqueous ammonia solution and in deionised water heated at different temperatures. We studied the structural, morphological and optical properties with the deposition parameters (pH, bath temperature, number of cycles…) The structural, morphological surface and optical properties of the films have been studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS-spectrophotometer. Effects of experimental parameters and heat treatment on the structural and optical properties were discussed. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films are polycrystalline with zincite hexagonal structure with the preferential orientation of (002) plan. The study of surface morphology reveals that deposited ZnO films take many shapes: nanorods, nanoprisms, flower-like, needles, spindles and hexagonal structures. Obtained ZnO films exhibit a high transmittance of 90% in visible band, and optical band gap of 3.27 eV.Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were grown on glass and copper substrates by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique. ZnO films are obtained by successive immersion of a substrate in an aqueous solution containing: ZnSO4 with different molarities, 6ml/100ml 13.15 M aqueous ammonia solution and in deionised water heated at different temperatures. We studied the structural, morphological and optical properties with the deposition parameters (pH, bath temperature, number of cycles…) The structural, morphological surface and optical properties of the films have been studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS-spectrophotometer. Effects of experimental parameters and heat treatment on the structural and optical properties were discussed. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films are polycrystalline with zincite hexagonal structure with the preferential orientation of (002) plan. The study of surface morphology reveals that deposited ZnO films take many shapes: nanorods, nanoprisms, flower-like, needles, spindles and hexagonal structures. Obtained ZnO films exhibit a high transmittance of 90% in visible band, and optical band gap of 3.27 eV

Slice and Dice: A Physicalization Workflow for Anatomical Edutainment

During the last decades, anatomy has become an interesting topic in education---even for laymen or schoolchildren. As medical imaging techniques become increasingly sophisticated, virtual anatomical education applications have emerged. Still, anatomical models are often preferred, as they facilitate 3D localization of anatomical structures. Recently, data physicalizations (i.e., physical visualizations) have proven to be effective and engaging---sometimes, even more than their virtual counterparts. So far, medical data physicalizations involve mainly 3D printing, which is still expensive and cumbersome. We investigate alternative forms of physicalizations, which use readily available technologies (home printers) and inexpensive materials (paper or semi-transparent films) to generate crafts for anatomical edutainment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first computer-generated crafting approach within an anatomical edutainment context. Our approach follows a cost-effective, simple, and easy-to-employ workflow, resulting in assemblable data sculptures (i.e., semi-transparent sliceforms). It primarily supports volumetric data (such as CT or MRI), but mesh data can also be imported. An octree slices the imported volume and an optimization step simplifies the slice configuration, proposing the optimal order for easy assembly. A packing algorithm places the resulting slices with their labels, annotations, and assembly instructions on a paper or transparent film of user-selected size, to be printed, assembled into a sliceform, and explored. We conducted two user studies to assess our approach, demonstrating that it is an initial positive step towards the successful creation of interactive and engaging anatomical physicalizations

Visualization for the Planning and Guidance of Minimally Invasive Cement Injection in Orthopaedics

Minimally invasive refixation by cement injection is a novel technique, performed at the Leiden University Medical Center for the revision of failed hip implants. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts needles into the periprosthetic space of the femur, to inject new cement for the fixation of the prosthesis. For that, two intra-operative imaging modalities are used: computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy. Still, this combination is not optimal, because of the inherent disadvantages of both modalities. The surgeons would appreciate a better workflow, to avoid computed tomography intra-operatively and to follow a fluoroscopic-based procedure, only. In striving towards this goal, we implemented HipRFX, an integrated system for planning and guiding minimally invasive refixation. In our planning approach, the surgeon performs the operation virtually, using data from a single pre-operative CT scan. Then, the system uses the information from the plan, to simulate pseudo-fluoroscopic images. These images realistically imitate how the plan would ideally look on the fluoroscopic monitor. Intra-operatively, we propose a stepwise guidance approach. The surgeon uses the two-dimensional simulated radiographs with additional information embedded, as guidelines for the operation. Post-operatively, HipRFX offers cement filling uncertainty visualization, for the assessment of the outcome of the surgery. In order to test our implementation, we conducted a domain expert review, during which we simulated the visual environment of a refixation procedure. Additionally, we performed other user-in-the-loop validations, concerning the user interface design and, especially, cement filling uncertainty visualization. The final evaluation of the HipRFX workflow was an in situ experiment, on 5 cadaver legs. Our main contribution is a first practical investigation of a complete system, to assist orthopedic surgeons in planning, guiding and assessing minimally invasive refixation procedures. This new workflow has advantages over the current approach, where CT and fluoroscopy are combined, but also over a fluoroscopic-only approach. Our system is based on a single pre-operative CT scan and does not require intra-operative scanning, or new hardware. Moreover, we introduced cement filling uncertainty visualization, as a means of post-operative assessment, based on pre-operative information. To our knowledge, this is a novel domain that can offer new insight into the cement filling of the periprosthetic space. Our secondary contribution emerges from the results of our evaluations, which can be used in further research.BMEBioMechanical EngineeringMechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineerin

H κλινική και προγνωστική αξία της μυϊκής μάζας του τετρακεφάλου μυός σε ασθενείς μετά από καρδιοχειρουργική επέμβαση

Οι ασθενείς οι οποίοι υποβάλλονται σε καρδιοχειρουργική επέμβαση εμφανίζουν μετεγχειρητικά αυξημένο ποσοστό μυϊκής ατροφίας του τετρακεφάλου μυός η οποία φαίνεται να σχετίζεται με τη μακρά νοσηλεία στη ΜΕΘ καθώς και με πτωχή ποιότητα ζωής μετά την έξοδο τους από το νοσοκομείο. Η διπλωματική αυτή εργασία αποτελεί μια προοπτική κλινική μελέτη. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι να αναδείξει την κλινική και προγνωστική αξία της μυϊκής μάζας του τετρακεφάλου μυός στους ασθενείς που έχουν υποβληθεί σε καρδιοχειρουργική επέμβαση. Επιπλέον να καταγράψει το ποσοστό της πιθανής μυϊκής ατροφίας που εμφανίζουν οι ασθενείς αυτοί μετεγχειρητικά καθώς και να τη συσχετίσει με τη διάρκεια παραμονής στη μονάδα και στο μηχανικό αερισμό. Για το λόγο αυτό, εντάχθηκαν διαδοχικά στη μελέτη ασθενείς οι οποίοι άμεσα (εντός 24 ωρών) και μετά από καρδιοχειρουργική επέμβαση, εισήχθησαν στην καρδιοχειρουργική Μονάδα Εντατικής Θεραπείας (ΜΕΘ) του Ωνασείου Καρδιοχειρουργικού Κέντρου. Οι ασθενείς αυτοί υποβλήθηκαν σε αξιολόγηση της μυϊκής μάζας του τετρακεφάλου μυός με τη χρήση υπερήχου μυός και σε αξιολόγηση της μυϊκής τους ισχύς με την κλίμακα MRC. Η αξιολόγηση και των δυο παραμέτρων επαναλαμβανόταν ανά 48 ώρες και ολοκληρώνονταν επτά (7) ημέρες μετά την πρώτη αξιολόγηση ή κατά την έξοδό των ασθενών από τη ΜΕΘ στις περιπτώσεις που αυτή συνέβαινε σε χρονικό διάστημα λιγότερο των 7 ημερών. Παράλληλα καταγράφηκε η φυσικοθεραπευτική παρέμβαση από τους φυσικοθεραπευτές της μονάδας στα αντίστοιχα χρονικά διαστήματα. Η χρήση του υπερήχου ως διαγνωστικό εργαλείο μας επέτρεψε να ανιχνεύσουμε την απώλεια της μυϊκής μάζας με άμεσο και αξιόπιστο τρόπο. Ο υπέρηχος μυός έχει αναδειχθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια σε ένα πολύτιμο εργαλείο για την αξιολόγηση της δομής και ποιότητας της μυϊκής μάζας. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας αποτύπωσαν τις σχέσεις μεταξύ των κλινικών παραμέτρων του υπό μελέτη πληθυσμού. Σημαντική ήταν η απώλεια της μυϊκής μάζας του τετρακεφάλου κατά την πρώτη βδομάδα νοσηλείας των καρδιοχειρουργημένων στη ΜΕΘ. Αξιοσημείωτη θεωρήθηκε η σχέση της μυϊκής μάζας του τετρακεφάλου με τη διάρκεια παραμονής στη μονάδα και της μυϊκής αδυναμίας αποκτηθείσας στη ΜΕΘ με τη διάρκεια εξωσωματικής κυκλοφορίας κατά το χειρουργείο και του μηχανικού αερισμού. Η παρατεταμένη παραμονή στο μηχανικό αερισμό, η διάρκεια καταστολής και ο χρόνος νοσηλείας στη ΜΕΘ συνδέθηκαν με τη θνησιμότητα των ασθενών. Ένα άλλο εύρημα αναφορικά με τη φυσικοθεραπευτική παρέμβαση είναι ότι το μεγαλύτερο ποσοστό των ασθενών οι οποίοι κινητοποιήθηκαν, βελτίωσαν την κατάσταση της υγείας τους.Patients undergoing cardiac surgery demonstrate muscular atrophy of the quadriceps muscle postoperatively. This appears to be associated with extended ICU stay as well as poor quality of life after their exit from the hospital. This thesis is a prospective clinical study. The aim of this study is to highlight the predictive value of quadriceps muscle mass in patients after cardiac surgery. In addition, we recorded the percentage of possible muscle atrophy in these patients directly postoperatively. We recorded the relationship between ICAW and ventilation as well as ICU length of stay. According to the research protocol, patients who underwent on cardiac surgery and entered to the cardio surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, were enrolled to the study. Quadriceps muscle mass was measured using muscle ultrasound and muscle strength evaluated with MRC scale. The assessment for both parameters was repeated every 48 hours and completed within seven (7) days after the first evaluation or when exit from the ICU if this occurred in a period of less than 7 days. Moreover, physiotherapy intervention was recorded at the respective time intervals. Using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool has allowed us to detect muscle mass loss in a direct and reliable way. Muscle ultrasound has emerged in recent years as a valuable tool for assessing the structure and quality of muscle mass. The results of the study showed the relationship between clinical parameters of the study population. The loss of the quadriceps muscle mass during the first week of hospitalization in the ICU was notable. The relationship between muscle size and ICU stay as well as the relationship between ICUAW, ventilation and duration of extracorporeal circulation during surgery were noteworthy. The duration of ventilation, sedation and long term hospitalization were correlated to mortality. Another finding regarding physiotherapy intervention was that most of the patients that were mobilized had a better outcome and improved their health condition

The Vitruvian Baby: Interactive Reformation of Fetal Ultrasound Data to a T-Position

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging and visualization is often used in medical diagnostics, especially in prenatal screening. Screening the development of the organs of the fetus as well as the overall growth is important to assess possible complications early on. State of the art approaches involve taking standardized measurements to compare them with standardized tables. The measurements are taken in a 2D slice view where the fetal pose may complicate taking precise measurements. Performing the analysis in a 3D view would enable the viewer to better discriminate between artefacts and representative information. Making data comparable between different investigations and patients is a goal in medical imaging techniques and is often achieved by standardization, as is done in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With this paper, we introduce a novel approach to provide a standardization method for 3D ultrasound fetus screenings. Our approach is called ”The Vitruvian Baby” and incorporates a complete pipeline for standardized measuring in fetal 3D ultrasound. The input of the method is a 3D ultrasound screening of a fetus and the output is the fetus in a standardized T-pose. In this pose, taking measurements is easier and comparison of different fetuses is possible. In addition to the transformation of the 3D ultrasound data, we create an abstract representation of the fetus based on accurate measurements. We demonstrate the accuracy of our approach on simulated data where the ground truth is known.publishedVersio