Sensators: active multisensory tangible user interfaces

Although Tangible User Interfaces are considered an intuitive means of human-computer interaction, they oftentimes lack the option to provide active feedback. We developed ‘Sensators’: generic shaped active tangibles to be used on a multi-touch table. Sensators can represent digital information by means of ‘Sensicons’: multimodal messages consisting of visual, auditory, and vibro- tactile cues. In our demonstration, we will present Sensators as suitable tools for research on multimodal perception in different tangible HCI tasks

Basophil-derived Amphiregulin is essential for UVB irradiation-induced immune suppression

UVB irradiation (290–320nm) is used to treat skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and is known to suppress contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions in mouse models. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have been shown to be responsible for this UVB-induced suppression of CHS. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor amphiregulin (AREG) engages EGFR on Treg cells and, in different disease models, it was shown that mast cell–derived AREG is essential for optimal Treg cell function in vivo. Here we determined whether AREG has a role in UVB-induced, Treg cell–mediated suppression of CHS reactions in the skin. Our data show that AREG is essential for UVB-induced CHS suppression. In contrast to the general assumption, however, mast cells were dispensable for UVB-induced immune suppression, whereas basophil-derived AREG was essential. These data reveal, to our knowledge, a previously unreported function for basophils in the homeostasis of immune responses in the skin. Basophils thus fulfill a dual function: they contribute to the initiation of effective type 2 immune responses and, by enhancing the suppressive capacity of local Treg cell populations, also to local immune regulation in the skin.A stimulation grant from the University of Utrecht and a grant from the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW-NWO).http://www.nature.com/jid/hb201

A warm touch of affect?

One of the research areas within affective Computer Mediated Communication currently under investigation is that of mediated social touch. A social touch is a complex composition of different physical parameters that can be simulated by haptic technologies. In this article we argue why we think it makes sense to incorporate warmth - and in particular simulations of one's body heat - in mediated communication devices; that is, physical warmth affects perceptions of social warmth, and our skin temperature can be considered a display of our socio-emotional state. Moreover, we outline specific research domains for the current PhD project

Design of a wearable research tool for warm mediated social touches

Social touches are essential in interpersonal communication, for instance to show affect. Despite this importance, mediated interpersonal communication oftentimes lacks the possibility to touch. A human touch is a complex composition of several physical qualities and parameters, but different haptic technologies allow us to isolate such parameters and to investigate their opportunities and limitations for affective communication devices. In our research, we focus on the role that temperature may play in affective mediated communication. In the current paper, we describe the design of a wearable 'research tool' that will facilitate systematic research on the possibilities of temperature in affective communication. We present use cases, and define a list of requirements accordingly. Based on a requirement fulfillment analysis, we conclude that our research tool can be of value for research on new forms of affective mediated communication

Warmth in affective mediated interaction

Recent research suggests that physical warmth activates perceptions of metaphorical interpersonal warmth and closeness, and increases pro-social behavior. These effects are grounded in our earliest intimate experiences: being held by our loving caregivers. These findings provide reasons to incorporate warmth in devices for distant affective communication, which could simulate one’s body heat. An experiment was carried out to gain a better understanding of the implications of physical warmth for mediated social interaction. Moreover, we aimed at disentangling effects of social warmth (body temperature) from effects of non-social warmth (artificial heat sources and ambient temperature). Except for an increase in perceptions of metaphorical warmth as a consequence of higher ambient temperature, no effects were found. We use our study to pinpoint the caveats and challenges that research into warmth in affective mediated interaction faces

Nakama: a companion for non-verbal affective communication

We present "Nakama": A communication device that supports affective communication between a child and its - geographically separated - parent. Nakama consists of a control unit at the parent's end and an actuated teddy bear for the child. The bear contains several communication channels, including social touch, temperature, and vibrotactile heartbeats; all aimed at increasing the sense of presence. The current version of Nakama is suitable for user evaluations in lab settings, with which we aim to gain a more thorough understanding of the opportunities and limitations of these less traditional communication channels