On object selection in gaze controlled environments

In the past twenty years, gaze control has become a reliable alternative input method not only for handicapped users. The selection of objects, however, which is of highest importance and of highest frequency in computer control, requires explicit control not inherent in eye movements. Objects have been therefore usually selected via prolonged fixations (dwell times). Dwell times seemed to be for many years the unique reliable method for selection. In this paper, we review pros and cons of classical selection methods and novel metaphors, which are based on pies and gestures. The focus is on the effectiveness and efficiency of selections. In order to estimate the potential of current suggestions for selection, a basic empirical comparison is recommended

A new inioid (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Delphinida) from the Miocene of Peru and the origin of modern dolphin and porpoise families

In this paper we describe Brujadelphis ankylorostris gen. nov., sp. nov., a new delphinidan (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Delphinida), based on a well-preserved skull with ear bones, associated mandibles, most of the teeth in situ and a fragment of the atlas, from the late middle to early late Miocene (Serravallian to early Tortonian) of the Pisco Formation, Pisco Basin, Peru. The new taxon differs from all other delphinidans in the following unique combination of character states: partial ankylosis of the thickened premaxillae above the mesorostral groove; presence of premaxillary eminences; premaxilla does not contact nasal; inflated nasals with a transversely convex dorsal surface; presence of an internasal fossa; and a longitudinal crest on the vertex formed by transversely pinched frontals. Our cladistic analyses of a supermatrix that includes molecular and morphological data identifies B. ankylorostris as an inioid (Iniidae + Pontoporiidae) that is more closely related to Inia than to Pontoporia. This result persists even if a molecular scaffold based on published Bayesian analyses is used. The inclusion of a large sample (12 taxa) of ‘kentriodontids’ allows us to confirm the paraphyly of this group of archaic Miocene delphinidans but contradicts the prevailing views in placing all of these taxa outside of Delphinoidea (Delphinidae + Monodontidae + Phocoenidae). In our unconstrained analysis ‘kentriodontids’ are split into five separate clades that occur along the stem of Inioidea + Delphinoidea. Based on our most parsimonious trees, we discuss published calibration points for molecular divergence estimates within Odontoceti and propose one new point: 18 Ma for an unnamed clade including Delphinida + Ziphiidae

Current Research and Future Perspectives on Graphene Synthesis

Although graphitic materials are considered indispensable across many industries, practitioners and researchers have shown that graphene is still in development and its industrial implementation in mass production may save many organizations millions of dollars a year. This paper presents a comprehensive and systematic literature review of graphene synthesis methods. In our research, we noticed an increasing trend in publications for research under diverse scenarios (e.g., engineering, entrepreneurship, academy, etc.), which limits the generalizing of the findings due to the nature of graphene’s synthesis. Most of these studies were conducted about electrical and mechanical properties for possible sector applications due to its structure. We found that less effort has been made to analyse the development and synthesis of methods that allow graphene manufacturing in industrial quantities. We classified the five most important synthesis methods of graphene, categorizing chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and adhesive tape exfoliation as the most implemented methods, with the latter getting better quality and greater quantity of graphene. We also identified needs for research on graphene that goes beyond its known properties, by focusing on models that encompass the innovation needed for manufacturers of materials in areas, such as electronics and energy

Current Research and Future Perspectives on Graphene Synthesis

Although graphitic materials are considered indispensable across many industries, practitioners and researchers have shown that graphene is still in development and its industrial implementation in mass production may save many organizations millions of dollars a year. This paper presents a comprehensive and systematic literature review of graphene synthesis methods. In our research, we noticed an increasing trend in publications for research under diverse scenarios (e.g., engineering, entrepreneurship, academy, etc.), which limits the generalizing of the findings due to the nature of graphene’s synthesis. Most of these studies were conducted about electrical and mechanical properties for possible sector applications due to its structure. We found that less effort has been made to analyse the development and synthesis of methods that allow graphene manufacturing in industrial quantities. We classified the five most important synthesis methods of graphene, categorizing chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and adhesive tape exfoliation as the most implemented methods, with the latter getting better quality and greater quantity of graphene. We also identified needs for research on graphene that goes beyond its known properties, by focusing on models that encompass the innovation needed for manufacturers of materials in areas, such as electronics and energy

El bosque seco tropical en Colombia

Más de cuarenta investigadores nacionales e internacionales de más de 20 instituciones contribuyeron a este libro que recoge el estado del conocimiento sobre la biodiversidad, el estado de fragmentación y transformación, y la restauración del bosque seco en Colombia. Sin duda nos quedaron por fuera investigadores e instituciones que realizan un trabajo muy valioso en el BST. Con este libro queremos extenderles la invitación a ellos y a todos los demás interesados en BST para que continúen el trabajo en este ecosistema que es clave para la conservación de la biodiversidad y la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos en áreas secas de Colombia. Sobretodo porque hasta ahora empezamos a entender la importancia ecológica de estos ecosistemas.Bogotá, D. C.Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humbold

Results of the Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal (FUEL) Trial.

Background: The Fontan operation creates a total cavopulmonary connection, a circulation in which the importance of pulmonary vascular resistance is magnified. Over time, this circulation leads to deterioration of cardiovascular efficiency associated with a decline in exercise performance. Rigorous clinical trials aimed at improving physiology and guiding pharmacotherapy are lacking. Methods: The FUEL trial (Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal) was a phase III clinical trial conducted at 30 centers. Participants were randomly assigned udenafil, 87.5 mg twice daily, or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in oxygen consumption at peak exercise. Secondary outcomes included between-group differences in changes in submaximal exercise at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold, the myocardial performance index, the natural log of the reactive hyperemia index, and serum brain-type natriuretic peptide. Results: Between 2017 and 2019, 30 clinical sites in North America and the Republic of Korea randomly assigned 400 participants with Fontan physiology. The mean age at randomization was 15.5±2 years; 60% of participants were male, and 81% were white. All 400 participants were included in the primary analysis with imputation of the 26-week end point for 21 participants with missing data (11 randomly assigned to udenafil and 10 to placebo). Among randomly assigned participants, peak oxygen consumption increased by 44±245 mL/min (2.8%) in the udenafil group and declined by 3.7±228 mL/min (-0.2%) in the placebo group (P=0.071). Analysis at ventilatory anaerobic threshold demonstrated improvements in the udenafil group versus the placebo group in oxygen consumption (+33±185 [3.2%] versus -9±193 [-0.9%] mL/min, P=0.012), ventilatory equivalents of carbon dioxide (-0.8 versus -0.06, P=0.014), and work rate (+3.8 versus +0.34 W, P=0.021). There was no difference in change of myocardial performance index, the natural log of the reactive hyperemia index, or serum brain-type natriuretic peptide level. Conclusions: In the FUEL trial, treatment with udenafil (87.5 mg twice daily) was not associated with an improvement in oxygen consumption at peak exercise but was associated with improvements in multiple measures of exercise performance at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold