A computer based system to design expressive avatars

Avatars are used in different contexts and situations: e-commerce, e-therapy, virtual worlds, videogames,collaborative online design... In this context, a good design of an avatar may improve the user experience. The ability of controlling the way an avatar convey messages and emotions is capital. In this work, a procedure to design avatar faces capable of conveying to the observer the most suitable sensations according to a given context is developed. The proposed system is based on a combination of genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks whose training is based on perceptual human responses to a set of faces.Diego-Mas, JA.; Alcaide Marzal, J. (2015). A computer based system to design expressive avatars. Computers in Human Behavior. 44:1-11. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.027S1114

Fast integral rigorous modeling applied to wafer topography effect prediction on 2x nm bulk technologies

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Nanometer-thin pure B layers Grown by MBE as metal diffusion barrier on GaN Diodes

Pure boron layers, deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on AlGaN/GaN/p-Si substrates to a thickness of ~ 7 nm, were applied as barriers to aluminum metallization. For low-temperature deposition from 250°C - 400°C, low-saturation-current diodes to the n-type GaN were fabricated that all tolerated alloying at 400°C. After alloying, the relatively high current level of the 250°C diode was reduced to that of the other low temperature diodes, whereas 700°C B deposition resulted in high-current diode characteristics. The results suggest a favorable B-to-GaN chemistry at 350°C - 400°C

Pan-protective anti-alphavirus human antibodies target a conserved E1 protein epitope

Alphaviruses are emerging, mosquito-transmitted pathogens that cause musculoskeletal and neurological disease in humans. Although neutralizing antibodies that inhibit individual alphaviruses have been described, broadly reactive antibodies that protect against both arthritogenic and encephalitic alphaviruses have not been reported. Here, we identify DC2.112 and DC2.315, two pan-protective yet poorly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that avidly bind to viral antigen on the surface of cells infected with arthritogenic and encephalitic alphaviruses. These mAbs engage a conserved epitope in domain II of the E1 protein proximal to and within the fusion peptide. Treatment with DC2.112 or DC2.315 protectsmice against infection by both arthritogenic (chikungunya andMayaro) and encephalitic (Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western equine encephalitis) alphaviruses through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of viral egress and monocyte-dependent Fc effector functions. These findings define a conserved epitope recognized by weakly neutralizing yet protective antibodies that could be targeted for pan-alphavirus immunotherapy and vaccine design

A systematic review of physical–digital play technology and developmentally relevant child behaviour

New interactive physical-digital play technologies are shaping the way children play. These technologies refer to digital play technologies that engage children in analogue (non-digital) forms of behaviour, either alone or with others. Current interactive physical-digital play technologies include robots, digital agents, mixed or augmented reality devices, and smart-eye based gaming. Little is known, however, about the ways in which these technologies could promote or damage child development. This systematic review was aimed at understanding if and how these physical-digital play technologies promoted developmentally relevant behaviour (related to transferable skills and physical activity) in typically developing 0 to 12 year-olds. Psychology, Education, and Computer Science databases were searched producing 635 papers. A total of 31 papers met the inclusion criteria, of which 17 were of high enough quality to be included for synthesis. A theoretical framework was developed to guide our review and a thematic analysis was applied to find patterns across empirical studies. Results indicate that these new interactive play technologies could have a positive effect on children’s developmentally relevant behaviour. The review identified specific ways in which different behaviours were promoted by the play interactivity. Providing information about own performance promoted self-monitoring. Slowing interactivity, play interdependency, and jointly object accessibility promoted collaboration. Offering delimited choices promoted decision making. Problem solving and physical activity were promoted by requiring children to engage in them to keep playing. Four overarching principles underpinned the ways in which phygital play technologies afforded child behaviour. These included social expectations framing play situations, the directiveness of action regulations (i.e., inviting, guiding or forcing behaviours), the technical features of play technologies (digital play mechanics and physical characteristics), and the alignment between play goals, play technology and the play behaviours promoted