Toward semantic model generation from sketch and multi-touch interactions

Designers usually start their design process by exploring and evolving their ideas rapidly through sketching since this helps them to make numerous attempts at creating, practicing, simulating, and representing ideas. Creativity inherent in solving the ill-defined problems (Eastman, 1969) often emerges when designers explore potential solutions while sketching in the design process (Schön, 1992). When using computer programs such as CAD or Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools, designers often preplan the tasks prior to executing commands instead of engaging in the process of designing. Researchers argue that these programs force designers to focus on how to use a tool (i.e. how to execute series of commands) rather than how to explore a design, and thus hinder creativity in the early stages of the design process (Goel, 1995; Dorta, 2007). Since recent design and documentation works have been computer-generated using BIM software, transitions between ideas in sketches and those in digital CAD systems have become necessary. By employing sketch interactions, we argue that a computer system can provide a rapid, flexible, and iterative method to create 3D models with sufficient data for facilitating smooth transitions between designers’ early sketches and BIM programs. This dissertation begins by describing the modern design workflows and discussing the necessary data to be exchanged in the early stage of design. It then briefly introduces the modern cognitive theories, including embodiment (Varela, Rosch, & Thompson, 1992), situated action (Suchman, 1986), and distributed cognition (Hutchins, 1995). It continues by identifying problems in current CAD programs used in the early stage of the design process, using these theories as lenses. After reviewing modern attempts, including sketch tools and design automation tools, we describe the design and implementation of a sketch and multi-touch program, SolidSketch, to facilitate and augment our abilities to work on ill-defined problems in the early stage of design. SolidSketch is a parametric modeling program that enables users to construct 3D parametric models rapidly through sketch and multi-touch interactions. It combines the benefits of traditional design tools, such as physical models and pencil sketches (i.e. rapid, low-cost, and flexible methods), with the computational power offered by digital modeling tools, such as CAD. To close the gap between modern BIM and traditional sketch tools, the models created with SolidSketch can be read by other BIM programs. We then evaluate the programs with comparisons to the commercial CAD programs and other sketch programs. We also report a case study in which participants used the system for their design explorations. Finally, we conclude with the potential impacts of this new technology and the next steps for ultimately bringing greater computational power to the early stages of design.Ph.D

Clonal dissemination of invasive and colonizing clonal complex 1 of serotype VI group B Streptococcus in central Taiwan

Background/PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate clinical presentation, serotype distribution and genetic correlation of group B streptococcus (GBS) diseases. Since serotype VI prevalence far exceeded that reported in prior studies, genetic relationship of isolates was further analyzed.MethodsGBS isolates obtaining from patients with invasive diseases and pregnant women with colonization between June 2007 and December 2010 were analyzed. All isolates were tested for serotypes by multiplex PCR assay and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Serotype VI isolates were further analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST).ResultsA total of 134 GBS isolates were recovered from blood of 126 patients with invasive disease (94.0%) and anogenital swabs of 8 pregnant women (6.0%). Most common serotype was Ib (21.6%), followed by V (20.1%), VI (18.7%), III (15.7%), II (11.9 %), Ia (11.2%), and IX (0.7%). Serotype VI was also the leading type in infants with early onset disease (EOD; 3/8, 37.5%) and colonizing pregnant women (3/8, 37.5%). PFGE distinguished 33 pulsotypes, reflecting genetic diversity among GBS isolates. Among 25 serotype VI isolates tested, 14 were ST-1, seven were ST-679, three were ST-678, one was ST-681, and distributed into four PFGE pulsotypes. ST-678, ST-679, and ST-681 were novel sequence types; ST-678 and ST-679 are single-locus variants of ST-1 that belongs to clonal complex (CC) 1.ConclusionCC1 dissemination of serotype VI GBS thus emerges as an important invasive pathogen in infants and nonpregnant adults in central Taiwan. Serotype prevalence of GBS must be continuously monitored geographically to guide prevention strategy of GBS vaccines

[[alternative]]The Management of Car Beauty Industry Using the Analysis Method of Corporate Sustainability Report

[[abstract]]　　汽車美容業之經營，除經濟面提高商品與服務價值，需加上社會、環境及政策面分析，才能配合時代演變，達到永續經營目的。本研究應用企業永續報告分析方法，以台灣中部鴻源企業社為例，分析汽車美容業永續經營模式。首先分析該公司之互動關係人，參考全球報告倡議、聯合國永續發展目標及ISO26000以建立關鍵議題，再對互動關係人進行關鍵議題問卷，並進行經營階層意見調查，得出重要關鍵議題，並確認公司經營在關鍵議題之配合度，建立經濟面、社會面、政策及環境面待改善方向。研究結果發現，互動關係人包括員工、消費者、供應商、政府、網路媒體，關鍵議題包括商品價格、產品品質、售後服務、環境友善及媒體行銷；為降低消費，該公司發展軟式及硬式鍍膜，方便DIY清潔。預期本研究能提供汽車美容業未來營運策略，建立企業永續經營模式。[[abstract]]　　For the sustainable management of the car beauty industry, the value improvement of the goods and services should add the the economic aspect, the social, environmental, and policy analysis to match the evolution of the times. This research applies the analysis method of corporate sustainability report to establish the sustainable management model of Hong-Yuan Enterprise Company in central Taiwan. Firstly, the company’s stakeholders were analyzed. The Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and ISO26000 were used to establish key issues. Secondly, the key issue questionnaire on the stakeholders and the survey of opinions from the management were conducted to find important key issues. Finally, the confirmation of the company’s operations on key issues was analyzed to establish the improvement issues in the economic, social, politic, and environmental aspects. The results showed that stakeholders include employees, customers, suppliers, governments, and online media. Key topics include commodity prices, product quality, after-sales service, environmental friendliness, and media marketing. For the reduce of consumption, the company develops soft and hard Coating, which is convenient for DIY cleaning. This research provides future operating strategies for the car beauty industry and establishes a sustainable business model for the company

Home-based Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool for Dementia Screening

Abstract. With a rapidly aging population worldwide, developing alternatives to enhance current cognitive screening practices is becoming increasingly important. The Clock Drawing Test, a paper-and-pencil test, has been used as one of the most popular cognitive screening tools for dementia. In this paper, we present our approach to developing a home-based computerized dementia screening tool, the ClockMe System, which we developed based on our observational study of the current practice of dementia screening at a clinic. The ClockMe System has two main parts: The ClockReader Application and the ClockAnalyzer Application. By using the ClockReader Application, older adults can self-administer dementia screening at home. The ClockAnalyzer Application enables medical practitioners to review and monitor screening results of their patients. We conclude our paper with preliminary user evaluation results and suggestions for future implementation. The study shows the potential of computing technologies that can advance the current practice of dementia screening

Reliability of Ultrasonography in Evaluating Hyoid Bone Movement

Background: Timely and adequate laryngeal elevation along with hyoid bone movement is an essential component of the swallowing movement under normal physiological conditions. The purpose of this study was to verify the reproducibility of using ultrasonography to evaluate hyoid bone displacement during swallowing through the assessment of inter- and intrarater reliability and examine its accuracy by comparing the results with videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Methods: A self-designed water balloon was fixed to the transducer, which provided good contact between the transducer and the submental skin. Ten participants with dysphagia were recruited. The measurements of hyoid bone displacement using ultrasonography were performed by two of the authors. All the participants underwent ultrasonographic examinations and VFSS within 24 hours. Results: The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the two examiners was 0.996 and 0.959, respectively (p<0.01); the interrater ICC between the two examiners was 0.892 (p<0.05). ICCs between VFSS and ultrasonography for two researchers were 0.815 and 0.916 (p<0.01). Conclusion: Submental ultrasonography is a reliable and accurate method for assessing the hyoid bone movement

The Effect of Leisure Activity Diversity and Exercise Time on the Prevention of Depression in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Residents of Taiwan

Previous studies have confirmed that activity participation is beneficial to mental health, but few studies focus on older adults’ depression. Based on the theory of social integration, this study examined the effects of leisure activity diversity and exercise time on depression in late adulthood. Subjects in the 2011 Survey of Health and Living Status of the Middle-Aged and Elderly in Taiwan were extracted. A series of logistic regressions were conducted to discern factors related to the odds of having depression. Among study subjects (N = 3727; age ≥ 58), 20.9% indicated an inclination of having depression (CESD-10 score ≥ 8). This study found that participating in diverse leisure activities and longer exercise time decreases older adults’ risk of having depression. Additionally, the results confirmed that depression is positively correlated with chronic diseases. Consequently, efforts should be continually spent on encouraging older adults’ participation in activities to reduce the prevalence of depression

Comparison of Clinical Manifestations, Treatments, and Outcomes between Vespidae Sting and Formicidae Sting Patients in the Emergency Department in Taiwan

Background: Hymenopteran stings are the most common animal insult injury encountered in the emergency department. With increasing global spread of imported fire ants in recent decades, the rate of Formicidae assault has become a serious problem in many countries. Formicidae-associated injuries gradually increased in Taiwan in recent decades and became the second most common arthropod assault injury in our ED. The present study aimed at comparing the clinical characteristics of Formicidae sting patients with those of the most serious and common group, Vespidae sting patients, in an emergency department (ED) in Taiwan. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who were admitted between 2015 to 2018 to the ED in a local teaching hospital in Taiwan after a Vespidae or Formicidae sting. Cases with anaphylactic reaction were further compared. Results: We reviewed the records of 881 subjects (503 males, 378 females; mean age, 49.09 &plusmn; 17.62 years) who visited our emergency department due to Vespidae or Formicidae stings. A total of 538 (61.1%) were categorized into the Vespidae group, and 343 (38.9%) were sorted into the Formicidae group. The Formicidae group had a longer ED length of stay (79.15 &plusmn; 92.30 vs. 108.00 &plusmn; 96.50 min, p &lt; 0.01), but the Vespidae group had more cases that required hospitalization (1.9% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.04). Antihistamines (76.8% vs. 80.2%, p &lt; 0.01) were more frequently used in the Formicidae group, while analgesics were more frequently used in the Vespidae group (38.1% vs. 12.5%, p &lt; 0.01). The Vespidae group had more local reactions, and the Formicidae group had more extreme, systemic, or anaphylactic allergic reactions. Creatine kinase was significantly higher in the Vespidae group with an anaphylactic reaction. Sting frequency in both groups exhibited the same positive associations with average temperature of the month and weekend days. Conclusion: Formicidae sting patients presented to the ED with higher rate allergic reactions and spent more time in the ED than Vespidae sting patients. However, Vespidae sting patients had more complications and higher rates of admission, especially with anaphylactic reaction. Laboratory data, especially creatine kinase data, were more valuable to check in Vespidae sting patients with an anaphylactic reaction in the ED. Both groups exhibited positive correlations with temperature and a higher rate on weekend days