Trypophobia refers to disgust for a cluster of objects, and is considered an extension of disgust for dangerous objects. Furthermore, trypophobic images possess certain spatial properties that can induce perceptually unpleasant states (i.e., visual discomfort). We examined whether trypophobia is associated with disgust sensitivity, empathic traits, and visual discomfort. Japanese adults (n = 12...

The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) was designed to quickly quantify risks associated with computer work and to establish an action level for change based on reports of worker discomfort. Computer use risk factors were identified in previous research and standards on office design for the chair, monitor, telephone, keyboard and mouse. The risk factors were diagrammed and coded as increasi...

Purpose To evaluate patient pain and discomfort following oculoplastic surgery performed under general anesthesia and to assess key factors associated with postoperative pain and discomfort. Methods A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among 212 consecutive patients who underwent oculoplastic surgery performed under general anesthesia. The patients were assessed according to...

Children commonly report musculoskeletal discomfort related to different activities such as computer use, playing electronic games, watching TV, reading, and performing physical and hand intensive activities. Discomfort can result in disability and is a strong predictor of future discomfort in adulthood. Adult beliefs regarding discomfort can affect the level of disability and are modifiable. C...

This study investigated the discomfort caused by car driving. Discomfort estimates were achieved by self-administered questionnaire, measured by different testing methods, and through the goniometry of principal angles. Data from a total of 200 non-professional drivers who fulfilled the questionnaire was analysed. 118 subjects were analysed by goniometry and 30 drivers were assessed using the O...

The ice breaker and research vessel Polarstern, run by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) on a busy schedule making the most of the summer season at each pole, is often involved in good causes, such as collecting data concerning the impact of climate change (see Curr. Biol. (2008) 18, R181). In January, however, she sailed straight into a row in which several NGOs and the German ministry of the...

PURPOSE To determine factors affecting patients' discomfort during the period self-retaining ureteral stents are in place. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between April 2001 and May 2003, 58 male and 42 female patients underwent temporary double-pigtail stenting. The indications were endopyelotomy in 39 patients, ureteroscopy in 32, laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 18, and endoureterotomy in 11. The stents w...

Automatic prediction of visual discomfort for stereoscopic videos is important to address the viewing safety issues in stereoscopic displays. In literature, disparity and motion characteristics have been known as major factors of visual discomfort caused by stereoscopic content. For developing an algorithm to accurately predict visual discomfort in stereoscopic videos, this study investigates h...