The past decade has seen the release of numerous software packages aimed at enhancing anatomical education. However, there has been little research undertaken by the manufacturers of these products into the benefit or otherwise of these packages for student learning. In addition, while many of the existing software packages include interactive three-dimensional models, none of them truly offer virtual dissection i.e. the cutting through anatomical layers with a haptic (tactile) interface. This study investigated the haptic ‘dissection’ of a three dimensional digital model of the hand and wrist in anatomy education at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. The model was used as a teaching and revision aid both prior to and after dissection of a real cadaver. A haptic enabled version of the model, allowing for real-time cutting was compared with a non-haptic version, using instead a keyboard and mouse ‘point and click’ style interface. Both versions were tested on students of gross anatomy in relation to test results and student experience. The model was based upon Computerised Tomography (CT) and photographic slice data from the Visible Human Project female data set. It was segmented and reconstructed using Amira® 5.2.2. From here each structure was exported as a separate STL file and imported into Geomagic Freeform® Modelling TM. Once imported into Freeform® Modelling TM, the individual structures each required varying degrees of re-modelling where detail had been lost during the segmentation process. Some smaller structures such as the nerves, veins and arteries were modelled freehand. The final model could be dissected using FreeForm® ModellingTM, the same software in which it was created. Using FreeForm® ModellingTM as a prototype VR dissector, each anatomical structure could be selected and virtually ‘dissected’ with the PHANTOM® Desktop™ haptic tool. Three methods of interacting with the model were identified: 1) using a cutting tool to cut through the selected layer; 2) using a selection paintball to first select and then delete the layer; and 3) using planes to cut the selected structure in standard anatomical views. The study ran over five successive years and was split into three discreet phases. Phase one compared the results of PG students across control, non-haptic and haptic groups. Phase two compared the results of UG students between control and haptic groups. Phase three compared the results of UG students across control, non-haptic and haptic groups. Due to small group sizes and a largely non-normal distributions the results were analysed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results for all phases indicate that use of the model, both through haptic and non-haptic interfaces produced some significantly improved test results. The non-haptic version of the model performing equal or better than those with access to the haptic version. This is likely due to cognitive load being adversely affected by the addition of the haptic device. Some students reported that the haptic device was not intuitive to use and took some time to get used to, if at all. No student used either version of the model for more than five hours, with over 40% using it for less than one hour. It is possible that with increased exposure to the haptic device students may find it easier and thus beneficial. The findings of this study indicate that when used for a short period of time only ( < 5 hours) the haptic device may impede rather than enhance learning.

La présente dissertation est principalement consacrée à la conception et à la caractérisation d’une sonde universelle pour l’imagerie volumétrique ultrasons-optoacoustique et le développement d’un algorithme de reconstruction adapté aux exigences physiques pour la conception du système. Les traits distinctifs de cette dissertation sont l’introduction d’une nouvelle géométrie pour les sondes manuelles ultrasons-optoacoustique et des évaluations systématiques basées sur des méthodes de pré-reconstruction et post-reconstruction. Pour éviter l’interprétation biaisée, une évaluation capable d’évaluer le potentiel de la sonde doit être faite. Les caractéristiques mentionnées établissent un cadre pour l’évaluation des performances du système d’imagerie d’une manière précise. En outre, elle permet d’optimiser les performances suivant l’objectif fixé. Ainsi, deux algorithmes de reconstruction anticipée ont été élaborés pour la conception du système OPUS (optoacoustique ultrasons) capables de produire des images avec un contraste et une résolution homogènes sur tout le volume d’intérêt. L’intérêt d’avoir de tels algorithmes est principalement dû au fait que l’analyse des données médicales est souvent faite dans des conditions difficiles, car on est face au bruit, au faible contraste, aux projections limités et à des transformations indésirables opérées par les systèmes d’acquisition. Cette thèse montre, aussi, comment les artefacts de reconstruction peuvent être réduits en compensant les propriétés d’ouverture et en atténuant les artefacts dus à l’échantillonnage angulaire parcimonieux. Afin de transférer cette méthodologie à la clinique et de valider les résultats théoriques, une plate-forme d’imagerie expérimentale a été développée. En utilisant le système de mesure développé, l’évolution d’une nouvelle géométrie annulaire parcimonieuse et sa dynamique ont été étudiées et une preuve de concept a été démontrée à travers des mesures expérimentales dans le but d’évaluer les progrès réalisés. / When the interest is in multiscale and multipurpose imaging, there exists such a will in integrating multi-modalilties into a synergistic paradigm in order to leverage the diagnostic values of the interrogating agents. Employing multiple wavelengths radiation, optoacoustic imaging benefits from the optical contrast to specifically resolve molecular structure of tissue in a non-invasive manner. Hybridizing optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging comes with the promises of delivering the complementary morphological, functional and metabolic information of the tissue. This dissertation is mainly devoted to the design and characterization of a hybridized universal handheld probe for optoacoustic ultrasound volumetric imaging and developing adaptive reconstruction algorithms toward the physical requirements of the designed system. The distinguishing features of this dissertation are the introduction of a new geometry for optoacoustic ultrasonic handheld probe and systematic assessments based on pre and post reconstruction methods. To avoid the biased interpretation, a de facto performance assessment being capable of evaluating the potentials of the designed probe in an unbiased manner must be practiced. The aforementioned features establish a framework for characterization of the imaging system performance in an accurate manner. Moreover, it allows further task performance optimization as well. Correspondingly, two advanced reconstruction algorithms have been elaborated towards the requirement of the designed optoacoustic-ultrasound (OPUS) imaging system in order to maximize its ability to produce images with homogeneous contrast and resolution over the entire volume of interest. This interest is mainly due to the fact that the medical data analysis pipeline is often carried out in challenging conditions, since one has to deal with noise, low contrast, limited projections and undesirable transformations operated by the acquisition system. The presented thesis shows how reconstruction artifacts can be reduced by compensating for the detecting aperture properties and alleviate artifacts due to sparse angular sampling. In pursuit of transferring this methodology to clinic and validating the theoretical results, a synthetic imaging platform was developed. Using the measurement system, the evolution of a novel sparse annular geometry and its dynamics has been investigated and a proof of concept was demonstrated via experimental measurement with the intention of benchmarking progress.

[Non communiqué] / In the past decade, 3D statistical face model (3D Morphable Model) has received much attention by both the commercial and public sectors. It can be used for face modeling for photo-realistic personalized 3D avatars and for the application 2D face recognition technique in biometrics. This thesis describes how to achieve an automatic 3D face reconstruction system that could be helpful for building photo-realistic personalized 3D avatars and for 2D face recognition with pose variability. The first systems we propose Combined Active Shape Model for 2D frontal facial landmark location and its application in 2D frontal face recognition in degraded condition. The second proposal is 3D Active Shape Model (3D-ASM) algorithm which is presented to automatically locate facial landmarks from different views. The third contribution is to use biometric data (2D images and 3D scan ground truth) for quantitatively evaluating the 3D face reconstruction. Finally, we address the issue of automatic 2D face recognition across pose using 3D Morphable Model

Tese de mestrado. Tecnologia Multimédia. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2009

Estágio realizado na NDrive Navigation Systems, S. A. / Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Informátca e Computação. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2008

Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Electrónica e de Computadores (Major Telecomunicações). Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2009

Tese de mestrado. Engenharia Informática. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2008

Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Herstellung individuell formbarer Strukturen mittels des 3D-Pulverdrucks auf Basis von bei Raumtemperatur hydraulisch abbindenden Knochenzementpulvern. Neben der Entwicklung neuartiger Zementformulierungen auf Basis von Magnesiumphosphaten war vor allem die gleichzeitige Ausstattung der Werkstoffe mit temperaturlabilen und bioaktiven Verbindungen ein wichtiger Entwicklungsschritt. Die Lokalisation der Wirkstoffe korreliert dabei mit entsprechenden Farbinformationen im Design der Konstrukte, die durch einen Mehrfarbendrucker physikalisch abgebildet werden. Das auf Calciumphosphat basierende System hat den Nachteil, dass die Abbindereaktion bei stark sauren pH-Werten abläuft, was negative Auswirkungen auf die gleichzeitige Ausstattung mit sensitiven Wirkstoffen hat. Zur Lösung dieser Problematik wurde ein neues Knochenzementpulver auf Magnesiumphosphatbasis entwickelt, welches unter neutralen pH-Bedingungen mit ammoniumhaltigem Binder zu dem Mineral Struvit abbindet. Das Zementpulver aus Trimagnesiumphosphat wurde bezüglich der pulvertechnologischen Eigenschaften, wie Partikelgröße, Partikelgrößenverteilung, Glättungseigenschaften und Schüttdichte sowie hinsichtlich des Abbindeverhaltens charakterisiert und für den Druckprozess optimiert. Die hohe Strukturgenauigkeit ermöglichte die Darstellung von makroporösen Strukturen mit einem minimalen Porendurchmesser von ca. 200 µm. Gute mechanische Kennwerte der gedruckten Strukturen, sowie eine hohe Umsetzungsrate zur gewünschten Phase Struvit wurden durch eine Nachhärtung in Ammoniumphosphatlösung erhalten. Die Druckfestigkeit betrug > 20 MPa und der Phasenanteil von Struvit konnte auf insgesamt 54 % gesteigert werden. Die Darstellung von wirkstoffmodifizierten Calciumphosphat- und Magnesiumphosphatstrukturen durch Verwendung eines Mehrfarbendruckers wurde beginnend vom Design der Strukturen bis hin zur experimentellen Bestimmung der Korrelation von Farbinformation und Binderapplikation etabliert. Zur Sicherstellung einer hohen Druckqualität und der Ortsständigkeit gedruckter Wirkstoffe erwies sich eine zusätzliche Modifikation des Tricalciumphosphatpulvers mit quellfähigen Polymeren (Hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose (HPMC) bzw. Chitosan) als erfolgreich. Eine maximale Auflösung von ca. 400 µm konnte für eine HPMC/Chitosan/Calciumphosphat-Variante erreicht werden, während das hochreaktive Magnesiumphosphat/Magnesiumoxid-System eine Auflösung von 480 µm aufwies. Die Ortsständigkeit eingebrachter Lösungen war Voraussetzung für die Steuerung der Freisetzungskinetik. Das Freisetzungsverhalten in vitro wurde in Abhängigkeit von der Wirkstofflokalisation (homogen, Depot, Gradient) innerhalb der Matrix und unter Einbringung zusätzlicher polymerer Diffusionsbarrieren für den Wirkstoff Vancomycin untersucht. Dabei zeigte sich, dass die Modifikation der Matrices mit Polymeren zu einer verzögerten Freisetzung führte. Die lokale Wirkstoffmodifikation der Matrices in Form eines Depots oder Gradienten hatte Einfluss auf die Freisetzungskinetik, wobei eine lineare Freisetzung mit der Zeit (Kinetik 0. Ordnung) erreicht werden konnte. Die applizierten Wirkstoffe umfassten sowohl niedermolekulare Verbindungen, wie etwa das Antibiotikum Vancomycin oder das Polysaccharid Heparin, als auch proteinbasierte Faktoren wie den Knochenwachstumsfaktor rhBMP-2. Beurteilt wurde die pharmakologische Wirksamkeit der Verbindungen nach dem Druck, sowie nach der Freisetzung aus einer Calciumphosphatmatrix für den Wirkstoff Vancomycin. Es konnte belegt werden, dass die biologische Aktivität nach dem Druckprozess zu über 80 % erhalten blieb. Limitierend war der stark saure pH-Wert bei bruschitbasierten Systemen, der zu einer Inaktivierung des Proteins führte. Diesem Problem könnte durch die Nutzung des neutral abbindenden Magnesiumphosphatsystems entgegengewirkt werden. Abschließend erfolgten eine mikrostrukturelle Charakterisierung der Calciumphosphat- und Magnesiumphosphatmatrices mittels µ-CT-Analyse und Heliumpyknometrie, sowie eine quantitative Phasenanalyse nach Rietveld. Experimentell konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass mit Hilfe des 3D-Pulverdruck die Darstellung von Makroporen > 200 µm möglich ist. Die Analyse der Phasenzusammensetzung ergab, dass die Umsetzungsrate von Tricalciumphosphat und Trimagnesiumphosphat zu den gewünschten Phasen Bruschit und Struvit infolge des Nachhärtungsprozesses signifikant gesteigert werden konnte. Im Zuge dessen nahm die Porosität der gedruckten Matrices der Phase Struvit von 58 % auf 26 % und der Phase Bruschit von 47 % auf 38 % ab. / Aim of this study was the room temperature fabrication of individually formed structures via 3D-powder printing based on hydraulic bone cements. In addition to the development of a novel cement formulation composed of magnesium phosphate, the simultaneous modification of matrices during the printing process with temperature sensitive and bioactive drugs was an important part of the work. The drug localization within the matrices is hereby correlated with an analogous colour design of the structures, which is physically reproduced by the multi-colour-printer. The calcium phosphate based system has the disadvantage of a strongly acidic setting reaction, which has negative effects on the simultaneous modification with sensitive bioactive agents. To solve this problem a novel bone cement formulation based on magnesium phosphate was established. This cement reacts with ammonium based binder solution within seconds to form the mineral struvite at neutral pH. The technological properties of the of trimagnesium phosphate cement powder, including particle size, particle size distribution, spreadability, powder density, and the setting behaviour, were characterized and optimized for the printing process. The high structural accuracy enabled the production of macroporous structures with a minimal pore diameter of approximately 200 µm. Proper mechanical characteristics of the printed structures as well as a high degree of conversion to the struvite phase were achieved by post-hardening in ammonium phosphate solution. The compressive strength could be increased to more than 20 MPa and the phase fraction of struvite could be increased to a maximum value of a total of 54 %. The fabrication of drug loaded calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate scaffolds using a multi-colour-printer was established, beginning with the structure design and following the experimental verification of the correlation between the colour information and the applied binder. To guarantee a high accuracy of printing and the localization of the printed drugs, a supplemental modification of the tricalcium phosphate powder with swellable polymers (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or chitosan) was successful. A maximum resolution of about 400 µm was achieved by an HPMC/chitosan/calcium phosphate composition, whereas the highly reactive magnesium phosphate/magnesium oxide system showed a resolution of about 480 µm. The localization of the applied solutions was a prerequisite to control the release kinetics of the drugs. The release kinetic of vancomycin was investigated in vitro depending on the drug localization (homogeneous, depot, gradient-like) within the matrix and by adding additional polymeric diffusion barriers. It could be shown that the polymeric modification of the matrices resulted in a delayed drug release. By discrete and depot-like or graded drug distributions within the matrices the release kinetic could be controlled, achieving a linear release with time (zero order release). The administered agents involved both low molecular compounds like the antibiotic vancomycin or the polysaccharide heparin and protein based factors like bone morphogenic factor rhBMP-2. Evaluation of pharmacological activity of the agents after printing as well as after release of vancomycin from a calcium phosphate matrix was determined, indicating that the bulk biological activity of more than 80 % was retained during the printing process. The limiting factor of the brushite based system was the strong acidic pH, which resulted in an inactivation of protein-based bioactives. This problem may be solved by using neutrally setting magnesium phosphate systems. Finally a microstructural characterization of calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate matrices by µ-CT analysis and helium pycnometry as well as a quantitative phase analysis by Rietveld was performed. It was demonstrated, that 3D-printing allows the manufacturing of macro pores > 200 µm. The analysis of phase composition showed a significant increase of the degree of conversion from tricalcium phosphate or trimagnesium phosphate to the phases brushite or struvite due to the post hardening process. Hence the porosity of the printed matrices decreased from 58 % to 26 % for struvite and from 47 % to 38 % for brushite.

Les Big Data mettent en évidence tous les défauts du paradigme de l'informatique classique. Au contraire, le Neuro-Inspiré traite les Big Data comme ressources pour progresser. Dans cette thèse, nous adoptons les principes de Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) comme références neuroscientifiques et nous élaborons sur la façon dont le Bayesian Machine Learning (BML) mène les approches dans le Neuro-Inspiré à s’unifier et à atteindre nos objectives: (i) la simplification et l'amélioration des algorithmes de BML et (ii) l'approche au Neuro-Inspiré avec une prospective Ultra-Low-Power. Donc, nous nous efforçons d'apporter le traitement intelligent proche aux sources de données et de populariser le BML sur l'électronique strictement limitées tels que les appareils portables, mettable et implantables. Cependant, les algorithmes de BML ont besoin d’être optimisés. En fait, leur mise en œuvre en HW est ni efficaces, ni réalisables en raison de la mémoire, la puissance de calcul requises. Nous proposons un algorithme moins complexe, en ligne, distribué et non paramétrique et montrons de meilleurs résultats par rapport aux solutions de l’état de l’art. En fait, nous gagnons deux ordres de grandeur de réduction en complexité au niveau algorithmique et un autre ordre de grandeur grâce à des techniques traditionnelles d'optimisation HW. En particulier, nous concevons une preuve de concept sur une plateforme FPGA pour l'analyse en temps réel d’un flux de données. Enfin, nous démontrons d’être en mesure de résumer les ultimes découvertes du domaine du BML sur un algorithme généralement valide qui peut être mis en œuvre en HW et optimisé pour des applications avec des ressources limitées. / Big Data highlights all the flaws of the conventional computing paradigm. Neuro-Inspired computing and other data-centric paradigms rather address Big Data to as resources to progress. In this dissertation, we adopt Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) principles and theory as neuroscientific references and we elaborate on how Bayesian Machine Learning (BML) leads apparently totally different Neuro-Inspired approaches to unify and meet our main objectives: (i) simplifying and enhancing BML algorithms and (ii) approaching Neuro-Inspired computing with an Ultra-Low-Power prospective. In this way, we aim to bring intelligence close to data sources and to popularize BML over strictly constrained electronics such as portable, wearable and implantable devices. Nevertheless, BML algorithms demand for optimizations. In fact, their naïve HW implementation results neither effective nor feasible because of the required memory, computing power and overall complexity. We propose a less complex on-line, distributed nonparametric algorithm and show better results with respect to the state-of-the-art solutions. In fact, we gain two orders of magnitude in complexity reduction with only algorithm level considerations and manipulations. A further order of magnitude in complexity reduction results through traditional HW optimization techniques. In particular, we conceive a proof-of-concept on a FPGA platform for real-time stream analytics. Finally, we demonstrate we are able to summarize the ultimate findings in Machine Learning into a generally valid algorithm that can be implemented in HW and optimized for strictly constrained applications.

Research shows the importance of a childhood home environment encouraging of creative and imaginative play. I designed a set of children's furniture that, in addition to being play toys, stimulates creativity, interactivity and understanding of design construction. When a child understands how furniture is assembled and is encouraged to be creative in play, he or she gains valuable learning experiences while having fun. Together, a child and adult can easily assemble all the pieces of furniture without any need for tools. Much like a puzzle, the child has fun assembling the furniture while, at the same time, learns valuable lessons of spatial relationships and structural stability. This also leads to an understanding of safety in play. The added element of a portable three-inch LED orb encourages interaction once all pieces are assembled. Abstract design elements were used to stimulate imagination during play. Using basic Gestalt design principles, the furniture series was constructed to not only be structural but to be beautiful in design. The curved abstract shapes encourage the child to take control and imagine the furniture as integral components of their play scene.