Comparing desktop 3D virtual reality with web 2.0 interfaces: Identifying key factors behind enhanced user capabilities.

The aim of this paper is to investigate how commonly used 2D digital layouts can be transformed into 3-dimensional dashboards with the effect of reducing cognitive load. To this end, we compared user performance metrics, pupil dilation data as well as subject-reported qualitative measures in a Web 2.0-based 2D scenario and two different versions of a desktop 3D virtual reality scenario.

Exploration of differentiability in a proton computed tomography simulation framework.

Gradient-based optimization using algorithmic derivatives can be a useful technique to improve engineering designs with respect to a computer-implemented objective function. Likewise, uncertainty quantification through computer simulations can be carried out by means of derivatives of the computer simulation. However, the effectiveness of these techniques depends on how 'well-linearizable' the software is.

Uncertainty-aware spot rejection rate as quality metric for proton therapy using a digital tracking calorimeter.

Proton therapy is highly sensitive to range uncertainties due to the nature of the dose deposition of charged particles. To ensure treatment quality, range verification methods can be used to verify that the individual spots in a pencil beam scanning treatment fraction match the treatment plan. This study introduces a novel metric for proton therapy quality control based on uncertainties in range verification of individual spots.

Ecotoxicity and fungal deterioration of recycled polypropylene/wood composites: effect of wood content and coupling.

Recycled polypropylene (rPP) was recovered from an industrial shredder and composites were prepared with a relatively wide range of wood content and with two coupling agents, a maleated PP (MAPP) and a maleated ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (MAEPDM). The mechanical properties of the composites showed that the coupling agents change structure only slightly, but interfacial adhesion quite drastically. The durability of the materials was determined by exposing them to a range of fungi and, ecotoxicity was studied on the aquatic organism Vibrio fischeri.

Risk factors for incomplete immunization in children with HIV infection.

Objective: To document the immunization rates, factors associated with incomplete immunization, and missed opportunities for immunizations in children affected by HIV presenting for routine outpatient follow-up.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of immunization status of children affected by HIV presenting for routine outpatient care was conducted.

Results: Two hundred and six HIV affected children were enrolled.