Comparing end-user and intelligent remote control interface generation

Traditional remote controls typically allow users to activate functionality of a single device. Given that users activate a subset of functionality across devices to accomplish a particular task, it is attractive to consider a remote control directly supporting this behavior. We present qualitative and quantitative results from a study of two promising approaches creating such a remote control: end-user programming and machine learning. In general, results show that each approach possesses advantages and disadvantages, and that neither is optimal.     

From devices to tasks: automatic task prediction for personalized appliance control

One of the driving applications of ubiquitous computing is universal appliance interaction: the ability to use arbitrary mobile devices to interact with arbitrary appliances, such as TVs, printers, and lights. Because of limited screen real estate and the plethora of devices and commands available to the user, a central problem in achieving this vision is predicting which appliances and devices the user wishes to use next in order to make interfaces for those devices available. We believe that universal appliance interaction is best supported through the deployment of appliance user interfaces (UIs) that are personalized to a users habits and information needs. In this paper, we suggest that, in a truly ubiquitous computing environment, the user will not necessarily think of devices as separate entities; therefore, rather than focus on which device the user may want to use next, we present a method for automatically discovering the users common tasks (e.g., watching a movie, or surfing TV channels), predicting the task that the user wishes to engage in, and generating an appropriate interface that spans multiple devices. We have several results. We show that it is possible to discover and cluster collections of commands that represent tasks and to use history to predict the next task reliably. In fact, we show that moving from devices to tasks is not only a useful way of representing our core problem, but that it is, in fact, an easier problem to solve. Finally, we show that tasks can vary from user to user.     

A Study of the Radial Compressive Cracking Force of Two Cassava Varieties

Radial compressive cracking force of two cassava varieties （TMS 30572 and TMS 4（2）1425） was determined. Tubers from plants about 1.5 years old, freshly harvested from the Teaching and Research Farm of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, were used for this study. The tubers were cleaned and sliced into different lengths ranging from 25 mm to 150 mm in steps of 25 mm. For each species, slices of a particular length were sorted into 8 diameter groups： 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90 and 91-100 ram. The cracking force of the sliced tubers was determined using an adapted tensometer. Generally, the cracking force increases with increase in tuber slice length. While the average value across all diameters ranges from 504.65 N to 1,770.19 N as the tuber length varies from 25 mm to 150 mm for TMS 30572, it ranges from 428.32 N to 1,721.95 N for TMS 4（2）1425. Within the same diameter group, the compression cracking force for tubers of small lengths was significantly lower than that required for large tuber lengths. Further, while the average cracking force for TMS 30572 varies between 894.54 N and 1,287.16 N across varying diameter ranges, it varies between 715.47 N and 1,268.82 N for TMS 4（2）1425. The highest values for both varieties occur at diameter range 71-80 mm. The data generated would be useful for the development of an efficient cassava peeling machine, based on the principle of peel-flesh separation by compression and peel removal with knives.     

Single-walled carbon nanotube induces oxidative stress and activates nuclear transcription factor-kappaB in human keratinocytes

Carbon nanotubes are now becoming an important material for use in day to day life because of their unique physical properties. The toxicological impact of these materials has not yet been studied in detail, thereby limiting their use. In the present study, the toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was assessed in human keratinocyte cells. The results show increased oxidative stress and inhibition of cell proliferation in response to treatment of keratinocytes with SWCNT particles. In addition, the signaling mechanism in keratinocytes upon exposure to SWCNT particles was investigated. Results from the study suggest that SWCNT particles activate NF-kappaB in a dose-dependent manner in human keratinocytes. Further, the mechanism of activation of NF-kappaB was due to the activation of stress-related kinases by SWCNT particles in keratinocytes. In conclusion, these studies show the mechanism of toxicity induced by SWCNT particles.     

Analysis of stress responsive genes induced by single-walled carbon nanotubes in BJ Foreskin cells

Nanotechnology is finding its use as a potential technology in consumer products, defense, electronics, and medical applications by exploiting the properties of nanomaterials. Single-walled carbon nanotubes are novel forms of these nanomaterials with potential for large applications. However, the toxicity studies on this material are not explored in detail and therefore limiting its use. It has been earlier reported that single-walled carbon nanotubes induces oxidative stress and also dictates activation of specific signaling pathway in keratinocytes. The present study explores the effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on stress genes in human BJ Foreskin cells. The results show induction of oxidative stress in BJ Foreskin cells by single-walled carbon nanotubes and increase in stress responsive genes. The genes included inducible genes like HMOX1, HMOX2, and Cyp1B1. In addition we validated increase for four genes by SWCNT, namely ATM, CCNC, DNAJB4, and GADD45A by RT-PCR. Moreover results of the altered stress related genes have been discussed and that partially explains some of the toxic responses induced by single-walled carbon nanotubes.