Decreasing the Problematic Use of an Information System: A Conceptual Replication in the Context of Digital Streaming Services

This study is a conceptual replication of Chen, Zhang, Gong, Lee, and Wang’s (2020) study that examines factors influencing the intention to decrease problematic Information Systems (IS) use. In contrast with Chen et al.’s smartphone gaming context, we apply their theoretical model to the context of digital streaming services. Aligned with the original study, we tested the model using a scenario-based survey. Results are largely consistent with the original study, albeit with several exceptions. Our findings support that protection motivation theory (PMT) is useful in explaining decreasing problematic use in situations of threats. Threats are the negative consequences caused by problematic streaming service use. Users experience fear when they believe the negative consequences are likely to occur, and the consequential harm will be serious if they occur. When threatened, users are more motivated to decrease use if they believe decreasing use is effective in mitigating the threat and they have confidence in executing it. However, such motivation is not influenced by costs incurred by decreasing use. Further, we validate that invoking fear can break users’ viewing habits, which promotes their intention to decrease use. Yet, such an effect is limited. Future research might explore other factors that are effective in breaking users’ viewing habits

Improving Channel Throughput of WLANs and Ad Hoc Networks Using Explicit Denial of Requests

A new Multiple Access Control scheme for wireless ad hoc networks and WLANs is proposed. This scheme uses explicit denial of channel requests and a busy tone to improve channel throughput. Performance analysis shows significant improvement when the network is under heavy traffic load

Plasmonic-based hybrid nanomaterial: from synthesis to application

Gold nanoparticles, particularly gold nanorods, have been widely used as sensors and imaging agents due to their unique and tunable morphology-dependent properties and intriguing plasmonic resonance. However, the increasing need of new materials with enhanced properties and functionality led scientists to discover novel hybrid nanomaterials, which involves the formation of two or more components into one nanoplatform. Hence, gold nanorod-based hybrid nanomaterials exhibit simultaneous synergistic effects between the phenomenal plasmonic properties from gold nanorods and the intrinsic properties of the other constituents. The functionality of gold nanorod-based hybrid nanomaterials greatly increases due to its enhanced performance characteristics, which directly impacts the research interests in the chemical, biological, and environmental fields. In this work, we successfully fabricated several different types of gold nanorod-based hybrid nanomaterials: silica coated gold nanorods, metals-tipped silica coated gold nanorods, silica encapsulated silver coated gold nanorods, and silica encapsulated Pt plated gold nanorods. The fundamental understandings of each of these hybrid nanomaterials are investigated in terms of its mechanism and plasmonic properties, as well as its impact on various applications such as surface enhanced Raman scattering and catalysis

The contribution of Alu exons to the human proteome.

BackgroundAlu elements are major contributors to lineage-specific new exons in primate and human genomes. Recent studies indicate that some Alu exons have high transcript inclusion levels or tissue-specific splicing profiles, and may play important regulatory roles in modulating mRNA degradation or translational efficiency. However, the contribution of Alu exons to the human proteome remains unclear and controversial. The prevailing view is that exons derived from young repetitive elements, such as Alu elements, are restricted to regulatory functions and have not had adequate evolutionary time to be incorporated into stable, functional proteins.ResultsWe adopt a proteotranscriptomics approach to systematically assess the contribution of Alu exons to the human proteome. Using RNA sequencing, ribosome profiling, and proteomics data from human tissues and cell lines, we provide evidence for the translational activities of Alu exons and the presence of Alu exon derived peptides in human proteins. These Alu exon peptides represent species-specific protein differences between primates and other mammals, and in certain instances between humans and closely related primates. In the case of the RNA editing enzyme ADARB1, which contains an Alu exon peptide in its catalytic domain, RNA sequencing analyses of A-to-I editing demonstrate that both the Alu exon skipping and inclusion isoforms encode active enzymes. The Alu exon derived peptide may fine tune the overall editing activity and, in limited cases, the site selectivity of ADARB1 protein products.ConclusionsOur data indicate that Alu elements have contributed to the acquisition of novel protein sequences during primate and human evolution

Experiential Learning in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Projects for Metacognition: Integrating Theory with Practice

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an educational approach to improve workplace readiness. WIL achieves this by integrating theory with practice. The emphasis is on real experiences and practical problem-solving. Low-code platforms are a suitable teaching tool for the theory-practice integration. Yet, graduates also need metacognition to be workplace-ready. Through metacognition, students learn how to learn by deeply reflecting on their thinking. However, WIL focuses on domain learning, lesser on metacognitive thinking. This study draws on experiential learning theory to examine WIL aspects on their influence on metacognitive thinking. In a survey, we test experiential learning factors (authenticity, active learning, self-relevance, utility) and metacognition when students develop a software app. Results show that authenticity, active learning, and utility influence metacognition; however, self-relevance of the WIL does not. Consequently, IS educators should tailor the WIL to be authentic, useful, for active learning to support metacognition in low-code WIL teaching

Comparing continuous and pulsed nitrogen-vacancy DC magnetometry in the optical-power-limited regime

Ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center spins in diamond offer a robust, precise and accurate magnetic sensor. As their applications move beyond the laboratory, practical considerations including size, complexity, and power consumption become important. Here, we compare two commonly-employed NV magnetometry techniques -- continuous-wave (CW) vs pulsed magnetic resonance -- in a scenario limited by total available optical power. We develop a consistent theoretical model for the magnetic sensitivity of each protocol that incorporates NV photophysics - in particular, including the incomplete spin polarization associated with limited optical power; after comparing the models' behaviour to experiments, we use them to predict the relative DC sensitivity of CW versus pulsed operation for an optical-power-limited, shot-noise-limited NV ensemble magnetometer. We find a $\sim 2-3 \times$ gain in sensitivity for pulsed operation, which is significantly smaller than seen in power-unlimited, single-NV experiments. Our results provide a resource for practical sensor development, informing protocol choice and identifying optimal operation regimes when optical power is constrained.Comment: Accepted version (JOSA B). Copyright 2023 Optica Publishing Group. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modifications of the content of this paper are prohibite

Cardiovascular proteomics in the era of big data: experimental and computational advances.

Proteomics plays an increasingly important role in our quest to understand cardiovascular biology. Fueled by analytical and computational advances in the past decade, proteomics applications can now go beyond merely inventorying protein species, and address sophisticated questions on cardiac physiology. The advent of massive mass spectrometry datasets has in turn led to increasing intersection between proteomics and big data science. Here we review new frontiers in technological developments and their applications to cardiovascular medicine. The impact of big data science on cardiovascular proteomics investigations and translation to medicine is highlighted