Physiology-based personalization of persuasive technology: a user modeling perspective

Persuasive technology (PT) can assist in behavior change. PT systems often rely on user models, based on behavior and self-report data, to personalize their functionalities and thereby increase efficiency. This review paper shows how physiological measurements could be used to further improve user models for personalization of PT by means of bio-cybernetic loops and data-driven approaches. Furthermore, we outline the advantages of using physiological measures for personalization compared to self-report and behavior measurement. Additionally, we show how two types of physiological information—physiological states and physiological reactivity—can be relevant for PT adaptations. To illustrate this, we present a model with two types of physiology-based PT adaptations as part of a bio-cybernetic loop; state-based and reactivity-based. Next, we discuss the implications of physiology-aware PT for persuasive design and theory. And lastly, because of the potential impact of such systems, we also consider important ethical implications of physiology-aware PT.

     

A saponin correlated with variable resistance of Barbarea vulgaris to the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella

Two types of Barbarea vulgaris var. arcuata, the G-type and the P-type, differed in resistance to larvae of the diamondback moth (DBM) Platella xylostella. Rosette plants of the G-type were fully resistant to the DBM when grown in a greenhouse or collected in the summer season, but leaves collected during the late fall were less resistant, as previously found for flea beetle resistance. The P-type was always susceptible. Extracts of resistant leaflets inhibited larval growth in a bioassay, and a growth-inhibiting fraction was isolated by activity-guided fractionation. A triterpenoid saponin (1) was isolated from this fraction and identified as 3-O-beta-cellobiosyloleanolic acid from spectroscopic data and analysis of hydrolysis products. The decrease in resistance of the G-type in the fall was correlated with a decrease in the level of 1, from 0.6-0.9 to < 0.2 micromol/g dry wt. Compound 1 was not detected in the susceptible P-type. We conclude that 1 is correlated with the variable resistance of B. vulgaris foliage to the DBM.     

Behavior analysis for validating communication patterns

behaviors ; these can be viewed as a kind of causal constraints or as a kind of process algebra terms. We present a system that infers behaviors from a useful fragment of Concurrent ML programs; it is based on previously developed theoretical results and forms the core of a system available on the Internet. By means of a case study, used as a benchmark in the literature, we shall see that the system facilitates the validation of certain safety conditions for reactive programs.     

Studies on curcumin and curcuminoids

Summary The kinetics of the pH-dependant degradation of curcumin has been investigated. A plot of the rate constant against pH indicates the pK_a values of the acid protons. The graph also indicates the complexity of the curcumin degradation.

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Studien über Curcumin und CurcuminoideVI. Kinetik des Curcumin-Abbaus in wäßrigen Lösungen

Zusammenfassung Es wurde die Kinetik des pH-abhängigen Curcumin-Abbaus untersucht. Eine Darstellung der Geschwindigkeitskonstante gegen die pH-Werte liefert die pK_a-Werte des sauren Protonen. Diese Kurve zeigt aber gleichzeitig die Komplexität des Curcumin-Abbaus an.

     

Development of an Attrition Resistant Fischer�CTropsch Catalyst for Slurry Operation

Resistance towards attrition, sufficient activity at end-of-run and high selectivity to desired products are some of the requirements for a slurry Fischer?CTropsch catalyst. We have found that modifying an alumina support by 2-valent metals, including magnesium, nickel and zinc, followed by high temperature firing, results in superior mechanical and ??chemical attrition?? (dissolution) resistance of the catalyst. Further, a sufficiently high surface area is being stabilized. The catalyst performance has been verified in a long term test in a semi-commercial plant, including very good wax separation and high wax purity. Combined with appropriate process conditions, stable long-term operation of the catalyst is secured.     

Survival and growth of epidemically successful and nonsuccessful Salmonella enterica clones after freezing and dehydration

The spread of epidemically successful nontyphoidal Salmonella clones has been suggested as the most important cause of salmonellosis in industrialized countries. Factors leading to the emergence of success clones are largely unknown, but their ability to survive and grow after physical stress may contribute. During epidemiological studies, a mathematical model was developed that allowed estimation of a factor (q) accounting for the relative ability of Salmonella serovars with different antimicrobial resistances to survive in the food chain and cause human disease. Based on this q-factor, 26 Salmonella isolates were characterized as successful or nonsuccessful. We studied the survival and growth of stationary- and exponential-phase cells of these isolates after freezing for up to 336 days in minced meat. We also investigated survival and growth after dehydration at 10°C and 82% relative humidity (RH) and 25°C and 49% RH for 112 days. Stationary-phase cells were reduced by less than 1 log unit during 1 year of freezing, and growth was initiated with an average lag phase of 1.7 h. Survival was lower in exponentialphase cells, but lag phases tended to be shorter. High humidity and low temperature were less harmful to Salmonella than were low humidity and high temperature. Tolerance to adverse conditions was highest for Salmonella Infantis and one Salmonella Typhimurium U292 isolate and lowest for Salmonella Derby and one Salmonella Typhimurium DT170 isolate. Dehydration, in contrast to freezing, was differently tolerated by the Salmonella strains in this study, but tolerance to freezing and dehydration does not appear to contribute to the emergence of successful Salmonella clones.