The Future of Human-Computer Interactions in Smart and Interconnected Environments

Editors: Nirmalya Thakur, B.D. Parameshachari

In this era of rapidly advancing technology, the future of living and functional environments would involve humans interacting, coordinating, and collaborating with computers, machines, robots, and various technology-laden systems in a multitude of ways. Examples of such smart and interconnected environments include Smart Homes, Smart Industries, Smart Workplaces, Smart Buildings, and Smart Cities, just to name a few. These two books present discoveries, innovative ideas, concepts, theoretical findings, practical solutions, improvements, and novel applications in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) aimed at developing trust, user acceptance, enhancing user performance, improving quality of life, and fostering human-technology partnerships in the future of technology-laden living and functional environments.

This book, Part 1 of this 2-part book set, consists of chapters that present approaches for facilitating rich user experiences in multiple healthcare-based applications, results from digital product usability tests conducted with children having atypical development, results from usability testing of Twitter, applications of HCI in healthcare for diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, approaches to highlight the role of end-user programmers in custom graphical user interface designs for the future of HCI-enhancing devices and a specific application of optimization techniques in artificial neural networks with a human-in-the-loop focus. This book also presents two review chapters related to assistive technologies for the visually impaired and gamified online learning user experience. Each chapter has an abstract and keywords followed by the introduction, methodologies, and other sections. Readers can determine their interest level in any chapter quickly based on the keywords and the abstract. The chapters in this book were contributed by experts in the field of HCI and its interrelated disciplines from 8 different countries – Chile, China, Croatia, India, Iran, Malaysia, Peru, and South Korea.

Human-Computer Interaction and Beyond: Advances Towards Smart and Interconnected Environments is an informative reference for scientists, researchers, and developers in both academia and industry who wish to learn, design, implement, and apply these emerging technologies in HCI in different sectors, with the goal of realizing futuristic technology-driven living and functional smart cities and environments.

About the Editors:

Nirmalya Thakur is currently affiliated with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, United States. His research interests include Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He has authored 33 publications in these fields and has received about $60,000 in funding support for his research. By serving as a reviewer for different conferences and journals, he has reviewed more than 360 papers. Nirmalya has received several national and international awards and has also been featured on Yahoo News, Business Insider, IEEE TV, and in different newspapers for his contributions to advancing research in these fields. For more details about his work, please visit: https://homepages.uc.edu/~thakurna/

Parameshachari B.D. is currently working as a Professor and Head in the Department of TCE at GSSS Institute of Engineering & Technology for Women, Mysuru. He is recognized as Research Guide at VTU, Belagavi, and currently, Five Research Scholars are pursuing Ph.D. Degree under his supervision. He was instrumental in establishing collaboration between GSSSIETW and Multimedia University, Malaysia, and University of Sannio, Italy. To add, he was instrumental in establishing the IEEE ITS Bangalore Chapter and the IEEE MYSS under IEEE Bangalore Section. He was the recipient of the IEEE Bangalore Section Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2020. More details can be found on his webpage: http://www.geethashishu.in/paramesh

Keywords:

Human-Computer Interaction, Smart Homes, Human Centered Design, Smart Cities, User Centered Design, User Interface, Human Factors, User Interaction, Human Centered AI, Data Science, User Experience, Big Data, Usability, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Smart Environments, Assistive Technologies, Healthcare, Natural Language Processing, Computer Science.

For more information please visit: https://bit.ly/3nqInvD

Psychological Assessment and Interventions for Individuals Linked to Radicalization and Lone Wolf Terrorism

Author Name: Carlo Lazzari

Read full article here: https://bit.ly/3EG0OCB

In recent times, the phenomenon of lone wolf terrorism has been observed with the social assumption that a radicalized individual is only guided by personal, social, and ethnic reasons to commit an extremist act. Nevertheless, there is still much to understand about this phenomenon and improve the methods of investigation or psychiatric interventions. This handbook attempts to cover gaps in understanding the psychiatric aspects of radicalization and the phenomenon of lone-wolf terrorism. Edited by expert clinical psychologists, the contributors have taken both a qualitative and theoretical route to analyze the phenomenon, prompted by their clinical experience with mental health professionals, being in contact with radicalized people living in local towns and prisons.

Psychological Assessment and Interventions for Individuals Linked to Radicalization and Lone Wolf Terrorism serves as a practical handbook for psychologists, psychiatrists, criminologists, social workers, allied professionals (such as law enforcement officers) and students (in criminology, social science or psychology programs for example) who want to learn about the causes and prevention of terrorism, with a focus on radicalization processes and lone wolf agents.

In this book one can discover that the psychiatry and psychology could provide additional insight into individual radicalization, called the lone wolf phenomenon. As in any other country, our personnel and researchers are from different ethnic backgrounds, giving higher depth to radicalization analysis. We witnessed the multifold aspects that generate political, religious, social, and organizational radicalization in our lands. As experts in mental health, all the researchers who contributed to the current book had regional and international experience in radicalization and lone wolf terrorism. This strong background has allowed us to examine the psychology of radicalization and lone wolf in its multifold aspects, meeting individuals who were radicalized or potential victims of it. We extrapolated our findings to interpret them from the psychiatric perspective, when possible, and expand our observations and make inferences at a broader, interpersonal, social, regional, or global level.
 

The Introduction is a free exploration of the phenomenon of radicalization and lone wolf terrorism as linked to humankind’s history. As stated in the chapter, any act of perpetrating maltreatment to others with the simple aim of having victims recognized as adversaries of the own ideology or group should be scrutinized as signifying an act of radicalization.

Book Comprises of 6 Chapters. Each Chapter enlightens a new attribute.
 

Chapter 1 gives a broad social and cultural perspective of the phenomenon of radicalization and terrorism. The traditional interpretations to observe individuals and society under different aspects. We used Delphi groups to interpret social events linked to radicalization. We could identify radicalization and lone wolf phenomena in any social endeavor liberating the definition from boundaries related to the war, conflicts, or inter-ethnic genocides. With a socio-psychiatric diagnosis, we could identify that radicalization is a way of behaving and believing that it is diffuse. Simultaneously, a radicalized act could have different presentations that are more distributed than those classically described in the literature.
 

Chapter 2 continues in the psychiatric analysis of radicalization and lone wolf terrorism, including children and women. We adopted an ethnographic approach of Internet sources to explore the topic and study how individuals become radicalized, the cognitive routes to accept terrorist ideas, and the impact of radicalization on children and women. How important is a leader in radicalizing the masses? How crucial are interventions of de-radicalization during child development? How do women become radicalized? We tried to answer these questions.
 

Chapter 3 explores the phenomenology and social psychology of lone wolf radicalization. We tried to identify emotions, behaviors, prejudicial thoughts, and beliefs that could indicate a process of radicalization in the individual.
 

Chapter 4 explores the instruments of the prevention of radicalization. Using an actuarial, social, psychiatric, and mathematical model, we aimed to deliver the information that some events linked to lone wolf radicalization could be explored by mathematical models and could be somehow prevented.
 

Chapter 5 represents a further exploration of the psychiatric analysis of lone wolf individuals. Mental-health professionals can help identify and prevent radicalization by robust assessment of people at risk of radicalization. Also, community mental-health practitioners are privileged to detect social signs that indicate a radicalized entourage that might favor potential victims of it, including children.
 

Chapter 6 explores the methodological basis for the use of psychology in research on radicalization and terrorism. It has a philosophical cut, although it has been created to provide the ground of the assumptions or truth delivered into the book. Besides, the chapter gives some indication of what grounds psychiatric research on radicalization was conducted.
 

The Appendices report the instrument frequently used by the authors during the assessment of lone-wolves or to guide Delphi-group discussions.

About the Editor:

Carlo Lazzari, MD, is a medical doctor and psychiatrist working in the United Kingdom. He has a particular interest in the study of forensic psychiatry and social factors leading to the emergence of lone-wolf terrorism. Lazzari has published articles in peer-reviewed journals on radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism. He collaborates with several organizations to prevent extremism. He has also operated in conflict areas to reduce factors leading to the radicalization of children and adolescents. In research on radicalization, the author has extended the concept to include less-known aspects of radicalization, including corporate forms of the phenomenon.

Keywords:

Forensic Psychiatry, Psychology of Terrorism, De-radicalization, Terrorism Prevention, Research on Terrorism, re-education, Handbook of the Criminology of Terrorism, Criminology, Ethnography, Focus Groups, Delphi Groups, Psychiatry,  Psychology

For further information please visit: https://bit.ly/3zPGlIM

Podcast: A podcast by Dr. Rajnish Srivastava

Research Article: Formulation and Evaluation of α-Pinene Loaded Self-emulsifying Nanoformulation for In-vivo Anti-Parkinson’s Activity

Author(s): Rajnish Srivastava*, P.K. Choudhury, Suresh Kumar Dev, Vaibhav Rathore

Journal Name: Recent Patents on Nanotechnology

Read the Article here: https://www.eurekaselect.com/192514/article

Postcast link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dr6jCtOgkeA

Abstract:

Aim: The present study was aimed to developed and optimize the self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system of α-pinene (ALP-SNEDDS) and evaluate its in-vivo anti-Parkinson’s activity.

Background: Different lipid-based drug delivery technologies have been researched to upgrade drug bioavailability and expand their clinical adequacy upon oral administration. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have pulled in developing the interest specifically for self nano emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS).

Objective: The present work was attempted to improve the bioavailability of the ALP by defining the role of self-nano emulsifying formulations for its neuroprotective effect.

Methods: Miscibility of the ALP was estimated in various excipient components to select the optimized combination. Self-nano emulsification, thermodynamic stability, the effect of dilution on robustness, optical clarity, viscosity, and conductivity tests were performed. The in-vivo anti-Parkinson’s activity of the ALP-SNEDDS formulations were done using Pilocarpine antagonism induced Parkinsonism in rodents. Behavioral tests like tremulous jaw movements, body temperature, salivation, and lacrimation are performed.

Result: Two optimized formulations, composed of Anise oil, Tween 80, and Transcutol-HP of Oil: Smix ratio (4:6 and 3:7) were selected. The Smix ratio for both the formulation was 2:1. The particle size was found to consistent with the increase in dilution. The mean negative zeta potential of the formulations was found to be increased with an increase in dilution. The TEM images of the formulations revealed spherical shape of the droplet. The in-vitro drug release profile was found to be significant as compared to plain ALP suspension.

Conclusion: The results of in-vivo studies indicate that nanosizing and enhanced solubilization of oral ALP-SNEDDS formulations significantly improved the behavioral activities compared to plain ALP suspension.

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Recent Patents on Nanotechnology – Aims and Scope

AIMS & SCOPE

Recent Patents on Nanotechnology publishes full-length/mini reviews and research articles that reflect or deal with studies in relation to a patent, application of reported patents in a study, discussion of comparison of results regarding application of a given patent, etc., and also guest edited thematic issues on recent patents in the field of nanotechnology. A selection of important and recent patents on nanotechnology is also included in the journal. The journal is essential reading for all researchers involved in nanotechnology. To know more about the journal, please visit: https://bit.ly/3mYtSyK

Podcast:Common Issues Among Asthma, Epilepsy, and Schizophrenia: From Inflammation to Ca2+/cAMP Signalling

Author Name:  Leandro Bueno Bergantin*

Journal Name: Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry

Abstract:

A large amount of evidence has described that asthma may be associated with a high epilepsy risk, and epilepsy may be linked with a high asthma risk, especially among children and individuals in their 30s. Curiously, asthma has also been associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia. Most interestingly, a bidirectional link between schizophrenia and epilepsy has also been established, and has been of interest for many years.

Bearing in mind the experience of our group in the field of Ca2+/cAMP signalling pathways, this article discussed, beyond inflammation, the role of these signalling pathways in this link among epilepsy, asthma, and schizophrenia. View this article: https://www.eurekaselect.com/187803/article

Subscribe to our YouTube Chanel: https://bit.ly/3h9kV2f

Podcast: Thread Type and Stitch Density Suitable for Seams in Ghanaian Public Basic School Uniforms

Author Name: Patience Danquah Monnie*

Journal Name: Current Materials Science

Abstract:

The serviceability of a sewn garment is influenced by the quality of its seams, which form the basic structural element. The factors that affect seam quality in garments include, sewing thread type and stitch density. Their right choice helps with the achievement of quality seams in garments. However, the choice of suitable sewing threads and stitch densities for particular fabrics can only be determined through testing.

Problems associated with the poor performance of school uniforms include seam failure. The aim of the study was to determine sewing thread brand and stitch density suitable for seams for a selected fabric (79% polyester and 21% cotton) for Ghanaian public basic school uniforms. View the Article here: https://www.eurekaselect.com/193060/article

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Press Release – Prevention, Detection and Various Approaches on Coronaviruses

Editor: Jean-Marc Sabatier

In this difficult period of the SARS-CoV-2 (and its variants) infection responsible for Covid-19 diseases, the importance of scientific works and reviews dealing with these viruses has never been more essential. This book Coronavirus brings together essential data regarding prevention (vaccination), detection, and various approaches (chemotherapeutic drugs and antibodies) to the potential treatment of coronavirus infections.

This volume brings together essential data regarding prevention (vaccination), detection, and various approaches (chemotherapeutic drugs and antibodies) to the potential treatment of coronavirus infections.

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About the Editor:

Jean-Marc Sabatier is a Director of research at the French CNRS, with PhD and HDR degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He headed several academic research teams (CNRS, INSERM, and University), as well as a combined academic-industry research laboratory devoted to the engineering of therapeutic peptides (ERT62, Marseilles, France). He was also a Director of Research for several French private companies as well as a Canadian public company. He acts as a Consultant for top pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Dr Sabatier works in the field of animal toxins and microbes. He contributed to several books in toxinology and virology and more than 170 scientific articles, 180 communications, and 55 patents in both biology and chemistry. He is o member of 61 Editorial Boards of scientific journals, such as ‘Peptides’, ‘Molecules’, ‘Antibiotics’, and the ‘Journal of Biological Chemistry. He also reviewed articles submitted for publication in > 100 international journals and acts as an expert for numerous national and international institutions. He won the ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ from the Novel Economist (1994) for his work on antivirals. He is o member of a dozen scientific societies, such as the ‘American Peptide Society’ (charter member), ‘European Peptide Society’, ‘American Society for Microbiology’, ‘Biochemical Society’, and ‘New-York Academy of Sciences.

Keywords:

Virology, Medicinal Chemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, SARS-CoV-2, Neutralizing antibody, Covid-19 Diagnostic, Herd Immunity, Vaccine, vacation, drug, Antiviral

For further information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3d4PW5h

Webinar For Authors: Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as an Academic

Thursday, 26 Aug 2021, 10:00 AM London Time

WEBINAR FOR AUTHORS

Bentham Science organizes webinars for emerging researchers, authors, editors, reviewers, academicians, and professionals to help them gain comprehensive knowledge about scholarly publishing.

We invite you to register for the following webinar to gain useful knowledge about communicating with the Editors and Reviewers.

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as an Academic

Thursday, 26 Aug 2021, 10:00 AM London Time

Our team will talk through some of their experiences and we’ll have an open discussion about how to deal with pressure and other feelings of inadequacy in this presentation, including dreaded ‘imposter syndrome.

Tune in to ensure you are able to respond to the journal editor and peer-review comments on your work to maximize your publication success.

We welcome you to register here: https://bit.ly/3kq25WP

World Lung Cancer Day 2021!

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 235,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year and 131,000 will succumb to the disease. Lung cancer is far and away the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, making up almost a quarter of all cancer deaths. That’s more than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

World Lung Cancer Day is an annual observance that began August 1, 2012 as a way to promote lung cancer awareness and overall lung health. It’s a necessary way to inform the public on risk factors that may lead to lung disease, especially smoking.

– Save 20% on ALL relevant books, journals, and articles
– Subscribe to our print issues by paying secure payment

Use code BSPWHD2021 for 20% OFF your purchase!
Shop now @ https://bit.ly/2MykUVK

Bentham Science Article on Kudos: Effect of CaCO3 on bio composite properties

General Research Article: Preparation and Characterization of Calcium Carbonate Reinforced Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biocomposites

Author(s): Semra Kirboga, Mualla Öner*, Süleyman Deveci

Journal Name: Current Nanoscience

What is it about?

Calcium carbonate is a simple and cheap plastic additive found in nature abundantly. PHBV is a biopolymer and can be used in many applications in industries such as packaging, coatings, films, foams, and fibers. . In this work we prepared PHBV biocomposites by using calcium carbonate. This work clearly demonstrated that the addition of calcium carbonate could be a viable strategy for obtaining PHBV/CaCO3 biocomposites with improved thermal, barrier and thermomechanical performances. It is important to point out that the improvements were achieved with commercially available low-cost particles at very low filler content.

Why is it important?

The applications of PHBV and its composites can have many environmental benefits, such as reducing CO2 emission, landfill wastes, and dependence on fossil fuels. It is biodegradable and can be developed as alternatives to conventional nondegradable polymers. PHBV composites show significant potential with a wide range of applications with mechanical performance equivalent to the polypropylene, which is the most commonly used polymer in the industry. Learn more here: https://www.growkudos.com/publications/10.2174%25252F1573413716999200723120228/reader