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During his initial tenure at the University of Tokyo Dr Ishikawa was interested in Neuro-ophthalmology, strabismus/amblyopia, and toxicology. From left to right: Dr Satoshi Ishikawa; Dr Adolphe Neetens; Mrs Sonoko Ishikawa; Dr Alfred Huber; and Dr Thomas R Hedges Jr at the 1980 International Neuro-ophthalmology Society meeting in Valbella, Switzerland. After graduating from the Tohoku University School of Medicine in 1957 Dr Satoshi Ishikawa (Figure 1) joined the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Tokyo School of Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents an approach to use commercial videogames for biofeedback training. It consists of intercepting signals from the game controller and adapting them in real-time based on physiological measurements from the player. We present three sample implementations and a case study for teaching stress self-regulation via an immersive car racing game. We use a crossover gaming device to manipulate controller signals, and a respiratory sensor to monitor the players’ breathing rate. We then alter the speed of the car to encourage slow deep breathing, in this way, allowing players to reduce their arousal while playing the game. We evaluate the approach against an alternative form of biofeedback that uses a graphic overlay to convey physiological information, and a control condition (playing the game without biofeedback). Experimental results show that our approach can promote deep breathing during gameplay, and also during a subsequent task, once biofeedback is removed. Our results also indicate that delivering biofeedback through subtle changes in gameplay can be as effective as delivering them directly through a visual display. These results open the possibility to develop low-cost and engaging biofeedback interventions using a variety of commercial videogames to promote adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on developments in the context of the broader changes in economics and chronology for the spread of computerization within economics. It mentions innovations in data storage and retrieval, networking, and visual displays and implications of computerization for the transformation of economics. It also mentions widespread application of existing econometric techniques in more reliable computers.

A free-form projection screen is designed for an off-axis visual display, which shows great potential in applications such as flight training for providing both accommodation and convergence cues for pilots. The method based on point cloud is proposed for the design of the free-form surface, and the design of the point cloud is controlled by a program written in the macro-language. In the visual display based on the free-form projection screen, when the error of the screen alongZ-axis is 1 mm, the error of visual distance at each filed is less than 1%. And the resolution of the design for full field is better than 1′, which meet the requirement of resolution for human eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of exercise therapy in video display unit (VDU) workers with work-related chronic neck pain (W-RCNP) is unclear. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of group-based neck-shoulder resistance exercises on symptoms and muscular function in VDU workers with W-RCNP. Thirty-five employees with CNP were randomly assigned to neck-shoulder resistance exercise (NSRE) group or to conventional stretching and postural exercise (SPE) group. Participants trained 45 min, twice a week for 7 weeks. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (0-10 numeric rating scale, NRS) and pain-related disability (Vernon Neck Disability Index, NDI). Secondary outcomes were cervical active range of motion (AROM), endurance of neck flexors, strength of shoulder abductors, and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Post-treatment, pain and disability decreased 2.5 and 5 points in NSRE ( p = 0.001) and 5 and 8 points in SPE ( p = 0.002), with no significant differences between groups. AROM improved significantly in both groups; between-group differences were not significant. Neck flexors endurance and shoulder abductors strength improved by 59.6 and 34.2% ( p = 0.001) in the NSRE group and by 27.6% ( p = 0.009) and 2.3% ( p = 0.002) in the SPE group; between-group differences were significant ( p = 0.016 and p < 0.001, respectively). SF-36 score remained unchanged. NSRE and SPE are feasible and equally effective in reducing pain and pain-related disability as group exercises in W-RCNP. NSRE may provide some advantage in improving strength and endurance in neck muscles. Further, larger studies should confirm these findings and assess whether a better muscle function confers long-term clinical advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated DNA damage levels of different categories of workers exposed to hazards inside electronics factories in Southern China. To find out the most dangerous risk factor, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 584 exposed subjects and 138 controls in an electronics factory in Southern China, where the electronics industry is prevalent. The exposed hazards included isopropanol (IPO), lead, noise, video display terminals (VDT), lead in a high-temperature (high-temp) environment, and IPO in a high-temp environment. DNA damage detection was performed by the micro-whole blood comet assay using peripheral blood. DNA damage levels were estimated by percent tail DNA (%T). Linear regression models were used to test DNA damage differences between exposed groups and control group with adjustments for potential confounding factors. The level of DNA damage was more significant in both lead in a high-temp and IPO in a high-temp environment groups than in that of the controls ( p < 0.05). The differences remained significant after stratifying by smoking status ( p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups exposed to IPO, lead, noise, VDT environment and controls. In conclusion, we identified potential risk factors for DNA damage to electronics workers. Special attention should be paid to workers exposed to IPO and lead in a high-temp environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different visual displays on the time and precision of bare-handed or tool-mediated eye-hand coordination were investigated in a pick-and-place-task with complete novices. All of them scored well above average in spatial perspective taking ability and performed the task with their dominant hand. Two groups of novices, four men and four women in each group, had to place a small object in a precise order on the centre of five targets on a Real-world Action Field (RAF), as swiftly as possible and as precisely as possible, using a tool or not (control). Each individual session consisted of four visual display conditions. The order of conditions was counterbalanced between individuals and sessions. Subjects looked at what their hands were doing 1) directly in front of them (“natural” top-down view) 2) in top-down 2D fisheye view 3) in top-down undistorted 2D view or 4) in 3D stereoscopic top-down view (head-mounted OCULUS DK 2). It was made sure that object movements in all image conditions matched the real-world movements in time and space. One group was looking at the 2D images with the monitor positioned sideways (sub-optimal); the other group was looking at the monitor placed straight ahead of them (near-optimal). All image viewing conditions had significantly detrimental effects on time (seconds) and precision (pixels) of task execution when compared with “natural” direct viewing. More importantly, we find significant trade-offs between time and precision between and within groups, and significant interactions between viewing conditions and manipulation conditions. The results shed new light on controversial findings relative to visual display effects on eye-hand coordination, and lead to conclude that differences in camera systems and adaptive strategies of novices are likely to explain these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the considerable debate in analytic aesthetics concerning cinematic motion, which refers to the movement we appear to perceive in film. It notes the focus of the discussion on whether there is such movement or on whether the movement is real or merely apparent, with less attention paid to what is supposed to be moving. The author also explains how stroboscopic visual displays can host individuals capable of motion associated with a solid body's objective displacement.

One of the main challenges for mobile network operators today is the efficient delivery of mobile VoD services. In order to satisfy their requirements, we must revolutionize the way we manage the densely deployed resources in 5G wireless networks, and tailor their operation for video content delivery. Two key approaches that leverage the density of the 5G infrastructure are the systematic usage of in-network storage resources available in BSs for the deployment of smart caching policies, and the video delivery optimization techniques that leverage the novel multi-tier, dense, and heterogeneous structure of 5G systems. We first provide an overview of the main features of the densely deployed 5G networks that are expected to shape mobile VoD services. Next, we present specific solutions that have recently been proposed for each one of the approaches above, and discuss the main lessons learned. Finally, we discuss a number of open problems for video delivery in dense 5G systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Face recognition is a widely used biometric technology because it is both user friendly and more convenient to use than other biometric approaches. However, naïve face recognition systems that do not support any type of liveness detection can be easily spoofed using just a photograph of a valid user. Face liveness detection is a key issue in the field of security systems that use a camera. Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect face liveness using existing methods, assuming that there are print failures and overall image blur. With the development of display devices and image capturing technology, it is possible to reproduce face images similar to real faces. Therefore, the number of attacks using a photograph or video displayed on a screen rather than paper will increase. In this study, we compare test results using live faces and high-definition face videos from light-emitting diode (LED) display devices and analyze the changes in face recognition performance according to the lighting direction. Experimental results show that there is no significant difference between live faces and not live faces under good lighting conditions. We suggest the use of gamma to reduce the performance gap between the two faces under poor lighting conditions. From these results, we can provide key solutions to resolve the issues associated with texture-based approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation has become a very important part of human life. Internet of things (IoT) has brought a drastic change in the daily life of human beings. Earlier the food industry was lagging behind all other industries. Nowadays, the adoption of wireless technologies and emergence of mobile devices has led to automation in the food industry. The food industry also increases business opportunity; the automated food ordering system for any restaurant will attract people. In this paper, the manual menu system is replaced by an automated touch screen based menu system. In this system, the input module is the touch screen sensor which is placed on Graphical Liquid Crystal Display (GLCD) which is used to get the input from the user, the second module, is the microcontroller which accepts the order from the input module, and the output module is the ZigBee module which is used to communicate between the user table and the receiver end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of new technology, user acceptance is significantly affected by its utility and usability. However, previous studies regarding gesture interfaces have been focused on usability while neglecting utility. In this study, an attempt was made to develop a gesture interface utility scale and also to analyze the relationship between the utility and user acceptance. We collected 12 utility items related to a gesture interface from the previous studies and surveyed the extent of gesture interface utility for visual display products while using them. The utility-scale was developed using the explorative factor analysis and was revised and verified using the confirmative factor analysis. The relationship between the gesture utility of the visual display products and the user acceptance was analyzed using a structural equation model. Therefore, the gesture utility scale comprised three factors of evaluation: contact-freeness, naturalness, and expressiveness. Among these factors, contact-freeness and expressiveness were observed to influence the user acceptance of the display products significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wireless networks, due to limited bandwidth and packet losses, seamless and ubiquitous delivery of high-quality video streaming services is a big challenge for the operators. In order to improve the process of online video quality monitoring, the presence of no reference (NR) objective video quality assessment (VQA) methods is required. In some networks, the video decoder on the reception side adopts a mechanism in which last correctly received frame is frozen and displayed on video display terminal until the next correct frame is received. This phenomenon, employed as an error concealment technique, can cause a perceptual jerkiness on the video display terminal. In this paper, we have proposed an enhanced model of objective VQA based on the estimation of jerkiness. A study of three contemporary NR methods, used for objective VQA and online monitoring of videos, has been included along with subjective VQA tests. The subjective tests were performed for a set of video sequences with specific spatial and temporal information. The proposed NR method is based on our careful observations from the subjective test results and our main focus is to cater the effect of multiple frame freeze impairments in video steaming. Comparison with other NR methods shows that the proposed method performs better, in terms of estimating the impact of multiple frame freezing impairments, and has more affinity with the subjective test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMDS) includes a number of clinical conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles involved in mastication, or both. The symptoms of TMDS include decreased mobility, masticatory muscle pain, TMJ pain, functional alteration accompanied by articular noises, myofascial pain or deviation of the mouth opening. Work with visual display terminals (VDTs) has become widespread in the past several years and the conditions associated with this type of work have been associated with the appearance of certain musculoskeletal pathologies. Our objective was to conduct a review of the scientific literature onthe possible association between TMDS and work with VDTs. Method: A search of the literature in MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Plus Library, CINHAL, Scielo and Google Academic was performed. We included those studies involving workers using VDTs and the outcome measures had to include references to TMDS symptoms. Results and Discussion: A total of 112 articles were identified, of which finally 11 were selected for in-depth review. Given the heterogeneity of the results and the nature of the studies, we conclude that currently there is insufficient evidence to support a consistent relationship between TMDS pathology and work with VDTs. There is insufficient evidence linking the presence of TMDS with ergonomic and postural aspects, an association that should not be totally ruled out from a pathophysiological point of view and biological plausibility. Further studies are needed to better assess this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a technique for measuring the electrical activity of muscles and is often used as a biofeedback tool. However, challenges associated with the typically visual display of sEMG data have motivated researchers to find non-visual ways of displaying sEMG data, and parameter-mapping sonification has been explored in order to present sEMG data acoustically. Parameter-mapping sonification is a technique that involves mapping values in a data set to acoustic properties of sound. Sonification of EMG data has shown potential for identifying musculoskeletal disease and improving athletic and exercise performance. However, many sonification designs to date have not been systematically evaluated and there have been few quantitative approaches to objective comparisons of sonification paradigms. In this study, we performed a quantitative comparison of different sonification designs in order to test our hypothesis that different sonification designs may be better suited to different tasks. Thirty-six participants (ages 18–31, 14 male) who volunteered to listen to the sEMG sonifications created for this study were asked to identify two different features of the data: muscle activation time and muscle exertion level. Their responses were analyzed in order to determine the effect of sonification design on listener performance. Results indicated that having the sonifications spatialized resulted in the best performance for both tasks. However, different sonification designs resulted in the best performance for the muscle activation time estimation task (Pitch and Loudness mapped redundantly) and the muscle exertion level estimation task (Pitch, Loudness, and Attack mapped redundantly). Further, for the time estimation task, the use of the Attack mapping appeared to reliably inhibit performance. These findings strongly suggest that sonification designs for sEMG need to be designed differently based on the task the user is performing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on sequences in which participants show one another a personal object in video-mediated communication. First, it brings some order into the diversity of showing practices by making a distinction between ‘gestural showings’ in which the display of an object is a gestural contribution to ongoing talk, and ‘showing sequences’, in which the visual display of the object becomes the focus of the interaction, with different ‘gestalt contextures’ of talk and embodied conduct. Second, regarding showing sequences, it introduces a further and important distinction, between ‘informative showings’ which enact a recipient without relevant knowledge regarding the showable, and ‘evocative showings’, which enact instead a knowledgeable recipient. Finally, this systematic understanding of the organization of showing practices is used to account for the recurrent production of showing sequences involving personal objects (which index familiar and intimate territories) in video-mediated interpersonal conversations, and to show how such sequences can constitute a powerful resource to perform ‘intimacy-at-a-distance’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye irritation, for example dry or irritated eyes, is generally among top three reported symptoms in office-like environments, in particular among workplaces with cognitive demanding visual display unit ( VDU) work. The symptoms are especially among middle and advanced ages and particularly among women more than men. The symptoms are also among the most commonly reported complaints in the eye clinic. To be in a position to interpret the high prevalence of eye symptoms, a multidisciplinary and integrated approach is necessary that involves the external eye physiology (separate from internal eye effects), eye diseases (evaporative dry eye ( DE), aqueous-deficient DE, and gland dysfunctions), and risk factors that aggravate the stability of precorneal tear film ( PTF) resulting in hyperosmolarity and initiation of inflammatory reactions. Indoor environmental, occupational and personal risk factors may aggravate the PTF stability; factors such as age, contact lenses, cosmetics, diet, draft, gender, low humidity and high temperature, medication, outdoor and combustion pollutants, and VDU work. Psychological stressors may further influence the reporting behavior of eye symptoms. The impact of the risk factors may occur in a combined and exacerbating manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of electronic devices commonly results in visual discomfort, particularly in stereoscopic display. Augmented Reality (AR) is a mixed technology that superimposes three-dimensional (3D) digital data onto an image of reality. Even though the visual health evaluation of 3D contents has been widely concerned, the difference between 3D and two-dimensional (2D) viewing using AR display was rarely studied. We aimed to compare the changes in visual fatigue and ocular surface parameters after 3D and 2D viewing with optical waveguide AR glasses for one hour (1hr). In the experiment, thirty young healthy participants watched the same film in 2D and 3D mode separately using AR glasses with one week interval. Subjective visual fatigue questionnaire and ocular examinations were evaluated at 3 time points: pre-watching, post-2D and post-3D visual task for 1hr. Lipid layer thickness (LLT) and total blink (TB) were evaluated with the LipiView interferometer. Tear meniscus height (TMH) and noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT) were measured using Keratograph 5M. The effect of viewing 2D and 3D videos for 1hr with AR glasses suggested slight visual discomfort except the symptom of pain and dullness. The lipid layer thickness and total blink showed increasing trends in both post-visual task but more obvious after 2D viewing. Blinking patterns and tear film stability are meaningful for video display terminal users in visual health education. Ocular parameters are needed to be considered in the design and usage of future AR applications. • Analysis of visual fatigue changes after 3D and 2D viewing using AR glasses. • Lipid layer thickness and total blink showed increasing trends influenced by short-term visual task, and more obvious after 2D viewing. • Blinking patterns and tear film stability are meaningful in visual health education. • Ocular surface parameters are needed to be considered in the design and usage of future AR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the authors conduct a review inherent in the use of video display units considering the laws currently in force in Italy, with emphasis on critical legislative and operational issues. Video Display Terminal (VDTs) are today an essential element in almost all work environments, from offices where they represent the fundamental work tool to production environments where they are indispensable for carrying out control functions (command stations, quantity management and flows, etc.) or for design work. The risk due to VDTs is one of the factors considered by the Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, so its assessment is part of the employer's obligations and at the same time requires health surveillance by the occupational physician. The new workstations have certainly not reduced visual postural demands, but they have changed them, opening the door to new disor-ders and imposing greater flexibility on the activity of the occupational physician, who often cannot limit himself to an annual inspection of the workplace. The aim of this work is to examine the current critical issues and future prospects of ergophthalmology.

Concerns regarding the impact of strobe light on human health and life have recently been raised. Sources of strobe light include visual display terminals, light-emitting diodes, and computer monitors. Strobe light exposure leads to visual discomfort, headaches, and poor visual performance and affects the number of dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs) in the developing retina, as well as retinal dopamine levels in animals. DACs serve as the sole source of retinal dopamine, and dopamine release from the retina is activated by light exposure following a circadian rhythm. Using a Sprague-Dawley rat model, this study sought to determine whether changes in DACs caused by strobe light are recoverable after ceasing strobe light exposure during retinal development. From eye opening (postnatal 2 weeks), rats in the control group were reared under normal light (an unflickering 150 lux incandescent lamp with a 12 h light/dark cycle), whereas those in the experimental group (i.e., strobe-recovery group) were reared under strobe light (2 Hz for 12 h/day) exposure for 2 weeks. After postnatal week 4, normal light was provided to all animals to observe the reversibility of the effect of strobe light. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis for the rate limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as high-pressure liquid chromatography for measuring dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were performed at postnatal weeks 4, 6, 8, and 10. The number of type I and type II TH-immunoreactive (TH-IR) cells across the entire retina was counted to evaluate whether changes in DACs induced by strobe light could recover after ceasing strobe light exposure. The number of type I TH-IR cells slightly decreased but remained at a constant level in the control group. In contrast, the number of type I TH-IR cells rapidly decreased up to postnatal week 6, but then increased after postnatal week 8 in the strobe-recovery group. Subsequently, the number of type I TH-IR cells eventually reached a number similar to that in the control group. In addition, the number of intermediate-sized TH-IR cells were increased at postnatal weeks 8 and 10 and the dopamine level was decreased at postnatal week 8 in the strobe-recovery group. However, the levels of DOPAC and TH proteins did not differ between the two groups. This suggests that changes in DACs caused by strobe light are reversible and that type II TH-IR cells may play a key role in this recovery. • Dopaminergic amacrine cells showed morphological changes in the strobe-reared rat. • The strobe-recovery model found that the changes in dopaminergic amacrine cells are recoverable. • The number of type I TH-IR immunoreactive cells decreased but then returned to control levels. • The number of intermediate-sized TH-IR immunoreactive cells increased. • The changes in dopaminergic amacrine cells caused by strobe light are reversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sense of presence is a widely assessed dimension of video game player experience. A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis were conducted to provide a more comprehensive view of the elements of game design that have an effect on the sense of presence, as well as its different dimensions studied and assessment techniques. The review revealed that many major categories of game design aspects were well represented. The meta-analysis revealed that several game design factors have significant effects on different dimensions of presence. The largest revealed effects were that playing games with a head-mounted display and motion controller rather than a monitor display and non-motion controller has a large effect on global presence. Also, playing with human co-players rather than computer-controlled co-players and playing cooperatively rather than competitively have a very large and large effect on social presence, respectively. Implications for future research are discussed, such as investigating the effects of design factors on presence in a more targeted manner, systematically assessing presence with its most relevant sub-dimensions, and using more similar rating scales. Design recommendations, with their expected impact on players' sense of presence, are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia en la calidad de vida y satisfacción de los trabajadores usuarios de pantallas de visualización de datos (PVD) que se asocia a la mejora de la función visual tras queratomileusis in situ con láser excimer (LASIK). Métodos: Estudio observacional y longitudinal en una población de 96 pacientes intervenidos de cirugía refractiva con láser excimer según técnica LASIK mediante aplicación de un cuestionario construído al efecto aplicado antes y después de cirugía por un observador independiente. Resultados: Agudeza visual y refracción ocular han mejorado tras LASIK, siendo el índice de eficacia de 1.1. La sensibilidad al contraste tras cirugía mejora en todas las frecuencias (6 c/g, 3 c/g y 1 c/g) en el ojo derecho. Mientras que en el ojo izquierdo no hay diferencias significativas. La calidad de visión con y sin corrección es mejor tras LASIK (significativa p < 0.05). Volverían a intervenirse y recomendarían este procedimiento quirúrgico a otros pacientes el 84.38 % de pacientes. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que el LASIK mejora la función visual y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.Purpose: To evaluate the influence in quality of vision and satisfaction of video display terminal (VDT) users related to improvement of visual functions following excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: Longitudinal and observational study in a population of 96 patients that underwent LASIK using a questionnaire made for that, applied before and after surgery by an independent observer. Results: Visual acuity and ocular refraction have improved after LASIK, being the efficiency index 1.1. Contrast sensitivity postoperative improved at all spatial frequencies in the right eye (6 c/g, 3 c/g and 1 c/). While in the left eye there were no significant differences. Quality of vision with and without correction is also better after LASIK (p < 0.05). And 84.38 % of patients would repeat themselves and recommend this surgery to other patients. Conclusions: The results show that LASIK improves visual function and quality of life of patients.

In the past few decades, video display terminals (VDTs) and computer use have been associated with various skin symptoms in several published reports. In addition, internet beauty sites report that extended computer use leads to acne or accelerated facial aging. For example, the term 'computer face' is used to describe premature aging caused by sitting for long periods of time in front of the screen (). We wished to determine, using instrumental and expert assessment, if prolonged/extended computer use could be associated with certain skin conditions. This study focused on long-term (10 years or more) office VDT work and was designed to include a wide range of confounding variables. One hundred Chinese women were recruited, 50 in each of two groups characterized as either (a) computer users with 8 or more hours per day, or (b) non-users who use computers 1 h or less per day. All subjects lived in Guangzhou and worked in the same building. Confounders were assessed by survey, and included age, smoking, sun exposure history, exercise, and other factors. Skin conditions, which included acne, sebum, wrinkles, and pigment spots, were assessed by instrumental measurements and blinded dermatologist assessment. Age and skin conditions were subjected to logistic regression analysis to determine major contributors which could separate, or distinguish, the computer group from the non-computer group. From this analysis, the office computer users were found to be statistically significantly associated with a higher incidence of acne, higher sebum levels, and a higher risk of self-reported sensitive skin when compared with the non-computer group. The final model suggests that the major contributors in separating the two groups are acne and pigmented spots (UV and brown). These results indicate that facial skin of women within the Chinese population who use computers for 8 h or more a day may be at higher risk for acne; however, they had lower levels of attributes associated with photoaging, such as lentigines and facial wrinkles. Separate pairwise assessment of other variables such as lifetime cumulative sun exposure, sleep quality, smoking behavior, exercise, and cosmetic product use or procedures showed no significant differences between the two groups. This indicates that the results obtained from objective and subjective measurements were not biased due to these potential confounders, but does not reveal the mechanism for the observed differences in skin conditions between computer/VDT users and non-users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When two individuals alternate reaching responses to targets located in a visual display, reaction times are longer when responses are directed to where the co-actor just responded. Although an abundance of work has examined the many characteristics of this phenomenon it is not yet known why the effect occurs. In particular, some authors have argued that action representation mechanisms are central to the effect. However, here we present evidence in support of an account in which the representation of action is not necessary. First, the basic effect occurs even when participants cannot see their co-actor's movement but, importantly, have their attention shifted to a target side via an attentional cue. Second, its time course is too short-lasting to function effectively as a component of action planning. Finally, unlike other joint action phenomena, the effect is not modulated by higher order mechanisms concerned with the personal attributes of a co-actor. Taken together, these results suggest that this particular joint action phenomenon is due to attentional rather than action mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinna and Sirigu (2011) demonstrated a new principle of grouping, called the accentuation principle, stating that, all else being equal, elements tend to group in the same oriented direction of the discontinuous element placed within a whole set of continuous/homogeneous components. The discontinuous element behaves like an accent, i.e. a visual emphasis within the wholeness of components as shown in the next section. In this work, the accentuation principle has been extended to new visual domains. In particular, it is shown how this principle affects shape perception. Moreover several visual object attributes are also highlighted, among which orientation, spatial position, inner dynamics and apparent motion that determine the so-called organic segmentation and furthermore tend to induce figure–ground segregation. On the basis of the results of experimental phenomenology, the accentuation can be considered as a complex principle ruling grouping, figure–ground segregation, shape and meaning formation. Through a new musical illusion of downbeat, it is also demonstrated that this principle influences perceptual organization not only in space but also in time and, thus, in both visual and musical domains. This illusion can be heard in eight measures of Pagodes, a solo piano music by Claude Debussy (1862–1918), where a strong physical–perceptual discrepancy in terms of upbeats and downbeats inversion is strongly perceived in both staves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased visual display terminal (VDT) use has raised the prevalence of VDT-related adverse conditions, such as dry eye disease, and musculoskeletal and psychopathological symptoms, in office workers, including temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Many factors contributing to TMD have been identified, such as parafunctional habit (bruxism and teeth clenching), trauma, mental disorders, lifestyle, poor health, and nutrition, as well as hormonal factors (i.e., estrogen). It is likely that various contributing factors overlap in TMD development in individuals who routinely use a VDT for work. However, the relationship between TMD and VDT use has not been fully elucidated. In this mini-review, findings of recent studies of TMD in relation to occupational VDT use in Japan are discussed, as well as characteristic features and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer and visual display terminals have become an essential part of modern lifestyle. The use of these devices has made our life simple in household work as well as in offices. However the prolonged use of these devices is not without any complication. Computer and visual display terminals syndrome is a constellation of symptoms ocular as well as extraocular associated with prolonged use of visual display terminals. This syndrome is gaining importance in this modern era because of the widespread use of technologies in day-to-day life. It is associated with asthenopic symptoms, visual blurring, dry eyes, musculoskeletal symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, psychosocial factors, venous thromboembolism, shoulder tendonitis, and elbow epicondylitis. Proper identification of symptoms and causative factors are necessary for the accurate diagnosis and management. This article focuses on the various aspects of the computer vision display terminals syndrome described in the previous literature. Further research is needed for the better understanding of the complex pathophysiology and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association of dry eye disease with sleep quality. Methods: In 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all the employees, mainly young and middle-aged Japanese office workers, who used visual display technology, at a company in Osaka, Japan (N=672; age range =26-64 years). The participants were classified according to the Japanese dry eye diagnosis criteria by dry eye examination results including the Schirmer test, fluorescein and lissamine green staining, tear film break-up time, and symptom questionnaire into three groups as follows: definite dry eye disease, probable dry eye disease, and no dry eye disease. To determine sleep quality, Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (global score) was implemented. The global score (range =0-21) was calculated by summing seven sleep variable scores (scale, 0-3); scores $5.5 indicated poor sleep. Results: The total mean global score was 5.1±2.3 (completed N=383); 45% of the dry eye disease participants reported having poor sleep quality, while 34% of the no dry eye disease participants did so, with a significant difference found in the global score (P=0.002). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between the global score and dry eye disease (P=0.005). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is associated with dry eye disease, especially with dry eye symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]