Artificial Homeostasis Systems Based on Feedback Reaction Networks: Design Principles and Future Promises.

Feedback-controlled chemical reaction networks (FCRNs) are indispensable for various biological processes, such as cellular mechanisms, patterns, and signaling pathways. Through the intricate interplay of many feedback loops (FLs), FCRNs maintain a stable internal cellular environment. Currently, creating minimalistic synthetic cells is the long-term objective of systems chemistry, which is motivated by such natural integrity. The design, kinetic optimization, and analysis of FCRNs to exhibit functions akin to those of a cell still pose significant challenges. Indeed, reaching synthetic homeostasis is essential for engineering synthetic cell components. However, maintaining homeostasis in artificial systems against various agitations is a difficult task. Several biological events can provide us with guidelines for a conceptual understanding of homeostasis, which can be further applicable in designing artificial synthetic systems. In this regard, we organize our review with artificial homeostasis systems driven by FCRNs at different length scales, including homogeneous, compartmentalized, and soft material systems. First, we stretch a quick overview of FCRNs in different molecular and supramolecular systems, which are the essential toolbox for engineering different nonlinear functions and homeostatic systems. Moreover, the existing history of synthetic homeostasis in chemical and material systems and their advanced functions with self-correcting, and regulating properties are also emphasized.

A Survey of Digital Television Interactivity Technologies.

This paper presents a survey of the worldwide use of Digital Television interactivity (DTVi) standards. First, we recall some concepts of first-generation interactivity middlewares released in the early 2000s, such as the European MHP (based on Java) and the Japanese BML (based on XML). Then, we cover the new standards (emerging after 2010) that introduced the new Integrated Broadcast Broadband (IBB) model, which combines broadcast signals with a broadband interface and leverages synergies to offer high-quality, flexible, interactive and customized services and applications to viewers. Regarding IBB systems, we also cover the main aspects of their architectures and innovations introduced by this kind of technology, such as support to companion devices, e.g., smartphones, tablets, targeted advertisements, and integration with Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Finally, we show the current adoption of different IBB systems around the world as well as current challenges regarding IBB technologies.

Investigating Methods for Cognitive Workload Estimation for Assistive Robots.

Robots interacting with humans in assistive contexts have to be sensitive to human cognitive states to be able to provide help when it is needed and not overburden the human when the human is busy. Yet, it is currently still unclear which sensing modality might allow robots to derive the best evidence of human workload. In this work, we analyzed and modeled data from a multi-modal simulated driving study specifically designed to evaluate different levels of cognitive workload induced by various secondary tasks such as dialogue interactions and braking events in addition to the primary driving task. Specifically, we performed statistical analyses of various physiological signals including eye gaze, electroencephalography, and arterial blood pressure from the healthy volunteers and utilized several machine learning methodologies including k-nearest neighbor, naive Bayes, random forest, support-vector machines, and neural network-based models to infer human cognitive workload levels. Our analyses provide evidence for eye gaze being the best physiological indicator of human cognitive workload, even when multiple signals are combined. Specifically, the highest accuracy (in %) of binary workload classification based on eye gaze signals is 80.45 ∓ 3.15 achieved by using support-vector machines, while the highest accuracy combining eye gaze and electroencephalography is only 77.08 ∓ 3.22 achieved by a neural network-based model. Our findings are important for future efforts of real-time workload estimation in the multimodal human-robot interactive systems given that eye gaze is easy to collect and process and less susceptible to noise artifacts compared to other physiological signal modalities.

Robot System Assistant (RoSA): Towards Intuitive Multi-Modal and Multi-Device Human-Robot Interaction.

This paper presents an implementation of RoSA, a Robot System Assistant, for safe and intuitive human-machine interaction. The interaction modalities were chosen and previously reviewed using a Wizard of Oz study emphasizing a strong propensity for speech and pointing gestures. Based on these findings, we design and implement a new multi-modal system for contactless human-machine interaction based on speech, facial, and gesture recognition. We evaluate our proposed system in an extensive study with multiple subjects to examine the user experience and interaction efficiency. It reports that our method achieves similar usability scores compared to the entirely human remote-controlled robot interaction in our Wizard of Oz study. Furthermore, our framework's implementation is based on the Robot Operating System (ROS), allowing modularity and extendability for our multi-device and multi-user method.

Using readiness to understand implementation challenges in school mental health research.

Schools and research partners are increasingly implementing complex, multicomponent interventions and school-wide frameworks to better meet students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs; however, in the research and real-world contexts, implementation is often fraught with many challenges and barriers to success. This study explores implementation barriers encountered during a randomized controlled trial testing effects of one complex intervention strategy-the Interconnected Systems Framework-from the lens of a practical model for conceptualizing organizational readiness-the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation. Implementation of the Interconnected Systems Framework was explored via focus group and key informant interviews with school and mental health professionals, and research team members responsible for implementing the intervention in randomly assigned study schools. Results from inductive thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts identified three primary implementation challenges: staff turnover, inadequate leadership buy-in, and insufficient time for training/planning. Each challenge is explored from interview participants' perspectives and the extant literature, then connected to recommendations from implementation science to help others avoid similar challenges in their well-intentioned efforts to address the mounting concern for students' wellbeing.

Mixed Assessment of Virtual Serious Games Applied in Architectural and Urban Design Education.

The creation and usage of serious games on virtual reality (VR) and/or interactive platforms for the teaching of architecture, construction, urban planning, and other derived areas, such as security and risk prevention, require design processes, studies, and research that lead to further consolidation expansion. In that sense, this paper presents two main aims developed: the improvement of a virtual navigation system through the results of previous user studies and mixed research (quantitative and qualitative) improved based on the user perception for educational and professional uses. The VR system used is based on Unreal Engine programming of the HTC Vive sensor. This study is related to the GAME4City 3.0 and a broader project focused on gamified visualization and its educational uses in architectural and urban projects. The results reflect great interest, good usability, and high motivation for further usage for all types of users. However, an apparent resistance to deepen its use continues to be perceived in academia. Based on the research results, weak points of educational gamified systems have been identified, and the main differences and needs in user profiles' function. With these data, progress regarding implementing this kind of system at the teaching and professional levels must be pursued.

Designing Interactive Experiences for Children with Cochlear Implant.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have grown exponentially in the education context and the use of digital products by children is increasing. As a result, teachers are taking advantage of ICTs to include mobile devices such as Tablets or Smartphones inside the classroom as playful support material to motivate children during their learning. Designing an interactive experience for a child with a special need such as a hearing impairment is a great challenge. In this article, two interactive systems are depicted, using a non-traditional interaction, by the following stages: analysis, design and implementation, with the participation of children with cochlear implant in the Institute of Blind and Deaf Children of Valle del Cauca, Colombia and the ASPAS Institute, Mallorca, Spain, who evaluated both interactive systems, PHONOMAGIC and CASETO. Positive results were obtained, showing that the use of real objects can greatly influence the environment in which children interact with the game, allowing them to explore and manipulate the objects supporting their teaching-learning processes.

Scoping Review of Systems to Train Psychomotor Skills in Hearing Impaired Children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to provide a scoping review to compile and classify the systems helping train and enhance psychomotor skills in hearing impaired (HI) children. METHODS: Based on an exhaustive review on psychomotor deficits in HI children, the procedure used to carry out a scoping review was: select keywords and identify synonyms, select databases and prepare the queries using keywords, analyze the quality of the works found using the PEDro Scale, classify the works based on psychomotor competences, analyze the interactive systems (e.g., sensors), and the achieved results. RESULTS: Thirteen works were found. These works used a variety of sensors and input devices such as cameras, contact sensors, touch screens, mouse and keyboard, tangible objects, haptic and virtual reality (VR) devices. CONCLUSIONS: From the research it was possible to contextualize the deficits and psychomotor problems of HI children that prevent their normal development. Additionally, from the analysis of different proposals of interactive systems addressed to this population, it was possible to establish the current state of the use of different technologies and how they contribute to psychomotor rehabilitation.

Impact of Human Resources on Implementing an Evidence-Based HIV Prevention Intervention.

Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) often require competent staff, or human resources (HR), for implementation. The empirical evidence characterizing the influence of HR fluctuations on EBI delivery is limited and conflicting. Using the Interactive Systems Framework, we explored staff fluctuation and the subsequent influence on RESPECT, an HIV prevention EBI. We conducted interviews with staff in two waves (n = 53, Wave I; n = 37, Wave II) in a national sample of organizations delivering RESPECT (N = 29). We analyzed interviews qualitatively to describe changes among RESPECT staff and explore the subsequent influences on RESPECT implementation. Organizations reported downsizing, turnover, and expansion of staff positions. Staff changes had multiple influences on RESPECT implementation including clients reached, fidelity to specific RESPECT protocols, and overall sustainability of RESPECT over time. HR fluctuations are common, and our analyses provide an initial characterization of the relationship between HR fluctuation and EBI implementation. Given the prominent influence of HR on EBI implementation, the Interactive Systems Framework is a useful guiding tool for future examinations.

Selling Innovations Like Soap: The Interactive Systems Framework and Social Marketing.

Despite the popularity and noted utility of Wandersman and colleagues' (2008) Interactive Systems Framework, the literature currently provides a primary focus on delivery organizations' and supportive stakeholders' capacities and strategies to implement innovations, presenting a critical gap in understanding. Unfortunately, reflective of a larger void in community dissemination and implementation efforts, there is a more limited focus on the dissemination of innovations. This paper presents the social marketing literature as a supplement to the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (PSTS), the system responsible for dissemination. The study and practice of innovation synthesis and translation is examined in the literature; and based on the conclusions drawn, social marketing theory is used to provide a systematic approach to improving dissemination within the Interactive Systems Framework. Specifically, three gaps related to the PSTS are identified in the literature that align with and can be filled using social marketing. Social marketing is defined and presented as a supplement by providing theory and practices, within a systems context, for effectively communicating and influencing change. By blending social marketing with the Interactive Systems Framework, the aim is to improve the understanding of strategic communication and its role in the effective dissemination, and subsequent implementation, of innovations.

Reducing Disparities in Cancer Screening and Prevention through Community-Based Participatory Research Partnerships with Local Libraries: A Comprehensive Dynamic Trial.

Reduction of cancer-related disparities requires strategies that link medically underserved communities to preventive care. In this community-based participatory research project, a public library system brought together stakeholders to plan and undertake programs to address cancer screening and risk behavior. This study was implemented over 48 months in 20 large urban neighborhoods, selected to reach diverse communities disconnected from care. In each neighborhood, Cancer Action Councils were organized to conduct a comprehensive dynamic trial, an iterative process of program planning, implementation and evaluation. This process was phased into neighborhoods in random, stepped-wedge sequence. Population-level outcomes included self-reported screening adherence and smoking cessation, based on street intercept interviews. Event-history regressions (n = 9374) demonstrated that adherence outcomes were associated with program implementation, as were mediators such as awareness of screening programs and cancer information seeking. Findings varied by ethnicity, and were strongest among respondents born outside the U.S. or least engaged in care. This intervention impacted health behavior in diverse, underserved and vulnerable neighborhoods. It has been sustained as a routine library system program for several years after conclusion of grant support. In sum, participatory research with the public library system offers a flexible, scalable approach to reduce cancer health disparities.

Inertial Sensor-Based Touch and Shake Metaphor for Expressive Control of 3D Virtual Avatars.

In this paper, we present an inertial sensor-based touch and shake metaphor for expressive control of a 3D virtual avatar in a virtual environment. An intuitive six degrees-of-freedom wireless inertial motion sensor is used as a gesture and motion control input device with a sensor fusion algorithm. The algorithm enables user hand motions to be tracked in 3D space via magnetic, angular rate, and gravity sensors. A quaternion-based complementary filter is implemented to reduce noise and drift. An algorithm based on dynamic time-warping is developed for efficient recognition of dynamic hand gestures with real-time automatic hand gesture segmentation. Our approach enables the recognition of gestures and estimates gesture variations for continuous interaction. We demonstrate the gesture expressivity using an interactive flexible gesture mapping interface for authoring and controlling a 3D virtual avatar and its motion by tracking user dynamic hand gestures. This synthesizes stylistic variations in a 3D virtual avatar, producing motions that are not present in the motion database using hand gesture sequences from a single inertial motion sensor.

Continuous Quality Improvement in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Technology Transfer Center Network: A Process Evaluation.

In healthcare and related fields, there is often a gap between research and practice. Scholars have developed frameworks to support dissemination and implementation of best practices, such as the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, which shows how scientific innovations are conveyed to practitioners through tools, training, and technical assistance (TA). Underpinning those aspects of the model are evaluation and continuous quality improvement (CQI). However, a recent meta-analysis suggests that the approaches to and outcomes from CQI in healthcare vary considerably, and that more evaluative work is needed. Therefore, this paper describes an assessment of CQI processes within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Technology Transfer Center (TTC) Network, a large TA/TTC system in the United States comprised of 39 distinct centers. We conducted key informant interviews (n = 71 representing 28 centers in the Network) and three surveys (100% center response rates) focused on CQI, time/effort allocation, and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures. We used data from each of these study components to provide a robust picture of CQI within a TA/TTC system, identifying Network-specific concepts, concerns about conflation of the GPRA data with CQI, and principles that might be studied more generally.

How do the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Technology Transfer Centers Decide What Evidence-Based Practices to Disseminate and Determine How to Do So? A Cross-Sectional Study of a National Network.

It is important to use evidence-based programs and practices (EBPs) to address major public health issues. However, those who use EBPs in real-world settings often require support in bridging the research-to-practice gap. In the US, one of the largest systems that provides such support is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Technology Transfer Center (TTC) Network. As part of a large external evaluation of the Network, this study examined how TTCs determine which EBPs to promote and how to promote them. Using semi-structured interviews and pre-testing, we developed a "Determinants of Technology Transfer" survey that was completed by 100% of TTCs in the Network. Because the study period overlapped with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also conducted a retrospective pre/post-pandemic comparison of determinants. TTCs reported relying on a broad group of factors when selecting EBPs to disseminate and the methods to do so. Stakeholder and target audience input and needs were consistently the most important determinant (both before and during COVID-19), while some other determinants fluctuated around the pandemic (e.g., public health mandates, instructions in the funding opportunity announcements). We discuss implications of the findings for technology transfer and frame the analyses in terms of the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation.

The Role of Cooperative Extension in Delivering Training and Technical Assistance to Support Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Practices in Rural Communities.

The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to disproportionately affect those in rural, compared to urban, areas due to a variety of treatment and recovery barriers. One mechanism to increase capacity of rural-serving providers is through delivery of training and technical assistance (TTA) for evidence-based programs by leveraging the Cooperative Extension System. Guided by the Interactive Systems Framework, the current study evaluates TTA delivered by the Northwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Collabroative to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery providers on short- (satisfaction, anticipated benefit), medium-, (behavioral intention to change current practice), and long-term goals (changes toward adoption of evidence-based practices). We also evaluated differences in short- and medium-term goals by intensity of TTA event and rurality of provider. Surveys of 351 providers who received TTA indicated high levels of satisfaction with TTA events attended, expressed strong agreement that they would benefit from the event, intended to make a professional practice change, and preparation toward implementing changes. Compared to urban-based providers, rural providers reported higher intention to use TTA information to change current practice. We conclude with a review of remaining gaps in the research to practice pipeline and recommendations for moving forward.

Towards the design of user-centric strategy recommendation systems for collaborative Human-AI tasks.

Artificial Intelligence is being employed by humans to collaboratively solve complicated tasks for search and rescue, manufacturing, etc. Efficient teamwork can be achieved by understanding user preferences and recommending different strategies for solving the particular task to humans. Prior work has focused on personalization of recommendation systems for relatively well-understood tasks in the context of e-commerce or social networks. In this paper, we seek to understand the important factors to consider while designing user-centric strategy recommendation systems for decision-making. We conducted a human-subjects experiment (n=60) for measuring the preferences of users with different personality types towards different strategy recommendation systems. We conducted our experiment across four types of strategy recommendation modalities that have been established in prior work: (1) Single strategy recommendation, (2) Multiple similar recommendations, (3) Multiple diverse recommendations, (4) All possible strategies recommendations. While these strategy recommendation schemes have been explored independently in prior work, our study is novel in that we employ all of them simultaneously and in the context of strategy recommendations, to provide us an in-depth overview of the perception of different strategy recommendation systems. We found that certain personality traits, such as conscientiousness, notably impact the preference towards a particular type of system (𝑝 < 0.01). Finally, we report an interesting relationship between usability, alignment, and perceived intelligence wherein greater perceived alignment of recommendations with one's own preferences leads to higher perceived intelligence (𝑝 < 0.01) and higher usability (𝑝 < 0.01).

Strengthening the Science and Practice of Implementation Support: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training and Technical Assistance Centers.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year by U.S. federal agencies for training and technical assistance (TTA) to be delivered by training and technical assistance centers (TTACs) to "delivery system organizations" (e.g., federally qualified health centers, state departments of health, substance abuse treatment centers, schools, and healthcare organizations). TTACs are often requested to help delivery system organizations implement evidence-based interventions. Yet, counterintuitively, TTACs are rarely required to use evidence-based approaches when supporting delivery systems (in the use of evidence-based programs). In fact, evaluations of TTAC activities tend to be minimal; evaluation of technical assistance (if conducted at all) often emphasizes outputs (number of encounters), satisfaction, and self-reports of knowledge gained-more substantive outcomes are not evaluated. The gap between (a) the volume of TTA services being funded and provided and (b) the evaluation of those services is immense and has the potential to be costly. The basic question to be answered is: how effective are TTA services? This article introduces the special issue on Strengthening the Science and Practice of Implementation Support: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training and Technical Assistance Centers. The special issue promotes 1) knowledge of the state of the art of evaluation of TTACs and 2) advances in what to evaluate in TTA. A major goal of the issue is to improve the science and practice of implementation support, particularly in the areas of TTA.

Data to evaluate the usability of an interactive system based on a judgment-based model.

The data presented in this article are related to the published article entitled "A Judgment-Based Model for Usability Evaluating of Interactive Systems Using Fuzzy Multi Factors Evaluation (MFE)" in "Applied Soft Computing" [1]. The purpose of data collection in this paper was to integrate a fuzzy multifactorial evaluation (MFE) model based on the judgment of experts in the three fields of ISPD, HCI, and AMLM. Two sets of data were used to conduct this research. One set of data extracted from WoS related to 180 articles published in 2018-2019. The data were extracted by searching the keyword "interactive system" in the "Computer Science" category. The second category of data is related to the opinions of experts. Component factor analysis in "IBM SPSS 25 Statistics" was used to classify the objectives of the interaction system. The collected data were prepared as FIS inputs. A FIS was designed to evaluate usability using a fuzzy toolbox of MATLAB software of Mamdani type. Inputs consisted of four classes of interactive systems and five usability criteria as outputs. One of the inputs as the target of the interactive system was not considered a fuzzy variable. The rest of the inputs and five outputs were considered the fuzzy variable.

Detecting physical abilities through smartphone sensors: an assistive technology application.

PURPOSE: It is important to promote assistive technologies to improve quality of life. The proposed SmartAbility Android Application recommends assistive technologies for people with reduced physical abilities, by focussing on actions that can be performed independently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SmartAbility Application uses Android built-in sensors, e.g., accelerometer and gyroscope and application programming interfaces (APIs) to detect physical abilities, e.g., head movements and blowing and recommend suitable assistive technologies. This is supported by a MySQL database that stores assistive technologies and mappings between abilities. The underpinning research is the SmartAbility Framework that culminates the knowledge obtained during previously feasibility trials and usability evaluations. RESULTS: The Application was evaluated by pupils (n = 18) at special educational needs schools with physical conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism and Noonan syndrome, and assessed through the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) and System Usability Scale (SUS). Analysis using the Adjective Rating Scale highlighted that the Application achieves "Good Usability". CONCLUSION: The SmartAbility Application demonstrates that built-in sensors of Android devices and their APIs, can detect actions that users perform, e.g., head movements and speaking. The Application contains a database where assistive technologies are mapped to physical abilities, in order to provide suitable recommendations. It will be disseminated to assistive technology charities and manufacturers and be used by healthcare professionals as part of the rehabilitation process. Future developments of SmartAbility include the creation of a second Application designed specifically to recommend assistive technologies for the education sector, based on users' physical and cognitive abilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAssistive technology is any item, equipment or piece of software designed to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities.SmartAbility should be introduced into rehabilitation to promote awareness of assistive technologies that are suitable for the physical abilities of the user.Our research highlighted that physical abilities can be detected using built-in sensors of Android devices, e.g. accelerometer and gyroscope.Involvement of the intended user community during evaluations is essential to ensure that a smartphone application is suitable for people with reduced physical abilities.Assistive technologies can support the rehabilitation of people with reduced physical abilities by providing increased independence and improved quality of life.

Shape-Guided Mixed Metro Map Layout.

Metro or transit maps, are schematic representations of transit networks to facilitate effective route-finding. These maps are often advertised on a web page or pamphlet highlighting routes from source to destination stations. To visually support such route-finding, designers often distort the layout by embedding symbolic shapes (e.g., circular routes) in order to guide readers' attention (e.g., Moscow map and Japan railway map). However, manually producing such maps is labor-intensive and the effect of shapes remains unclear. In this paper, we propose an approach to generalize such mixed metro maps that take user-defined shapes as an input. In this mixed design, lines that are used to approximate the shapes are arranged symbolically, while the remaining lines follow classical layout convention. A three-step algorithm, including (1) detecting and selecting routes for shape approximation, (2) shape and layout deformation, and (3) aligning lines on a grid, is integrated to guarantee good visual quality. Our contribution lies in the definition of the mixed metro map problem and the formulation of design criteria so that the problem can be resolved systematically using the optimization paradigm. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our approach and perform a user study to test if the embedded shapes are recognizable or reduce the map quality.