scholarly journals Computational observation : Challenges and opportunities of automated observation within algorithmically curated media environments using a browser plug-in

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Haim ◽  
Angela Nienierza
Keyword(s):  
Media Use ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Empirical Observation ◽  
Panel Surveys ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
Media Environments ◽  
Automated Observation ◽  
Repetitive Analysis

Abstract A lot of modern media use is guided by algorithmic curation, a phenomenon that is in desperate need of empirical observation, but for which adequate methodological tools are largely missing. To fill this gap, computational observation offers a novel approach—the unobtrusive and automated collection of information encountered within algorithmically curated media environments by means of a browser plug-in. In contrast to prior methodological approaches, browser plug-ins allow for reliable capture and repetitive analysis of both content and context at the point of the actual user encounter. After discussing the technological, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to this automated solution, we present our open-source browser plug-in as an element in an adequate multi-method design, along with potential links to panel surveys and content analysis. Ultimately, we present a proof-of-concept study in the realm of news exposure on Facebook; we successfully deployed the plug-in to Chrome and Firefox, and we combined the computational observation with a two-wave panel survey. Although this study suffered from severe recruitment difficulties, the results indicate that the methodological setup is reliable and ready to implement for data collection within a variety of studies on media use and media effects.

scholarly journals Computational observation: Challenges and opportunities of automated observation within algorithmically curated media environments using a browser plug-in

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Haim ◽  
Angela Nienierza
Keyword(s):  
Media Use ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Empirical Observation ◽  
Panel Surveys ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
Media Environments ◽  
Automated Observation ◽  
Repetitive Analysis

A lot of modern media use is guided by algorithmic curation, a phenomenon that is in desperate need of empirical observation, but for which adequate methodological tools are largely missing. To fill this gap, computational observation offers a novel approach—the unobtrusive and automated collection of information encountered within algorithmically curated media environments by means of a browser plug-in. In contrast to prior methodological approaches, browser plug-ins allow for reliable capture and repetitive analysis of both content and context at the point of the actual user encounter. After discussing the technological, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to this automated solution, we present our open-source browser plug-in as an element in an adequate multi-method design, along with potential links to panel surveys and content analysis. Ultimately, we present a proof-of-concept study in the realm of news exposure on Facebook; we successfully deployed the plug-in to Chrome and Firefox, and we combined the computational observation with a two-wave panel survey. Although this study suffered from severe recruitment difficulties, the results indicate that the methodological setup is reliable and ready to implement for data collection within a variety of studies on media use and media effects.

A Novel Approach of Plasma Nitrocarburizing Using a Solid Carbon Active Screen – a Proof of Concept

2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 254-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Burlacov ◽  
S. Hamann ◽  
H.-J. Spies ◽  
A. Dalke ◽  
J. Röpcke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Carbon ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Plasma Nitrocarburizing ◽  
Active Screen

scholarly journals Laparoscopic augmented reality registration for oncological resection site repair

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Joeres ◽  
Tonia Mielke ◽  
Christian Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Tumour Resection ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Registration Accuracy ◽  
Target Registration Error ◽  
Concept Evaluation ◽  
Navigation Support ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Abstract Purpose Resection site repair during laparoscopic oncological surgery (e.g. laparoscopic partial nephrectomy) poses some unique challenges and opportunities for augmented reality (AR) navigation support. This work introduces an AR registration workflow that addresses the time pressure that is present during resection site repair. Methods We propose a two-step registration process: the AR content is registered as accurately as possible prior to the tumour resection (the primary registration). This accurate registration is used to apply artificial fiducials to the physical organ and the virtual model. After the resection, these fiducials can be used for rapid re-registration (the secondary registration). We tested this pipeline in a simulated-use study with $$N=18$$ N = 18 participants. We compared the registration accuracy and speed for our method and for landmark-based registration as a reference. Results Acquisition of and, thereby, registration with the artificial fiducials were significantly faster than the initial use of anatomical landmarks. Our method also had a trend to be more accurate in cases in which the primary registration was successful. The accuracy loss between the elaborate primary registration and the rapid secondary registration could be quantified with a mean target registration error increase of 2.35 mm. Conclusion This work introduces a registration pipeline for AR navigation support during laparoscopic resection site repair and provides a successful proof-of-concept evaluation thereof. Our results indicate that the concept is better suited than landmark-based registration during this phase, but further work is required to demonstrate clinical suitability and applicability.

scholarly journals Use of Oxidative Stress Responses to Determine the Efficacy of Inactivation Treatments on Cryptosporidium Oocysts

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1463
Author(s):  
Tamirat Tefera Temesgen ◽  
Kristoffer Relling Tysnes ◽  
Lucy Jane Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocyst ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Environmental Matrices ◽  
Oocyst Wall ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts

Cryptosporidium oocysts are known for being very robust, and their prolonged survival in the environment has resulted in outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis associated with the consumption of contaminated water or food. Although inactivation methods used for drinking water treatment, such as UV irradiation, can inactivate Cryptosporidium oocysts, they are not necessarily suitable for use with other environmental matrices, such as food. In order to identify alternative ways to inactivate Cryptosporidium oocysts, improved methods for viability assessment are needed. Here we describe a proof of concept for a novel approach for determining how effective inactivation treatments are at killing pathogens, such as the parasite Cryptosporidium. RNA sequencing was used to identify potential up-regulated target genes induced by oxidative stress, and a reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) protocol was developed to assess their up-regulation following exposure to different induction treatments. Accordingly, RT-qPCR protocols targeting thioredoxin and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein 7 (COWP7) genes were evaluated on mixtures of viable and inactivated oocysts, and on oocysts subjected to various potential inactivation treatments such as freezing and chlorination. The results from the present proof-of-concept experiments indicate that this could be a useful tool in efforts towards assessing potential technologies for inactivating Cryptosporidium in different environmental matrices. Furthermore, this approach could also be used for similar investigations with other pathogens.

Practicality Assessment of a Frugal Nanoparticle Generator: Opening doors to Nano Pharmaceuticals for the researchers and students of underprivileged academic institutions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swayamprakash Patel ◽  
Ashish Patel ◽  
Mruduka Patel ◽  
Umang Shah ◽  
Mehul Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zeta Potential ◽  
Organic Solvent ◽  
Ultrasonic Vibration ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Patent Application ◽  
Entrapment Efficiency ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Sophisticated Equipment

Background: Probe sonication and High-speed homogenizer are comparatively costly equipment to fabricate the nanoparticles. Many academic and research institutions cannot afford the procurement and maintenance of such sophisticated equipment. In the present work, a newer idea is conceptualized, which can be adopted by the underprivileged research institutions to fabricate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) in the absence of sophisticated equipment. The current work describes the pilot-level trials of this novel approach. This study represents the preliminary proof-of-concept trials for which the Indian patent application (3508/MUM/2015) is filed. Method: A frugal piece of equipment was made using a 50 ml centrifuge tube with conical bottom and a piezoelectric mist maker or humidifier. SLNs were prepared by combining the quasi-emulsion solvent evaporation approach and ultrasonic vibration approach. A quasi-emulsion was composed by the dropwise mixing of the organic solvent containing drug & lipid with an aqueous solution containing surfactant under continuous ultrasonic vibration in the piezoelectric chamber. The size of the droplets was significantly reduced due to piezoelectric ultrasonic vibration. Under the provision of mild vacuum and heat generated by vibration, the organic solvent was evaporated, which leaves behind a suspension of SLN. In the present work, albendazole was selected as a model drug. Various trials with Compritol 888 ATO® and Precirol ATO 5® as a lipid carrier and Tween 80 and Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant were performed. Zeta potential of SLNs was improved by the addition of polyelectrolytes like K2SO4 and Na4P2O7. Result and Conclusion: The ratio of drug to lipid was optimized to 1:4 for the most favorable results. SLN with a minimum Z-average diameter of 98.59 nm, -21 mV zeta potential, and 34.064 % (SD 10.78, n=9) entrapment efficiency were developed using the Precirol ATO 5 ® as a lipid carrier. The proof of concept for this novel approach is established through the development of Albendazole SLNs. This approach must also be evaluated for the development of polymeric nanoparticles and vesicular formulations. The further sophistication of the frugal equipment may allow more control over the quality of SLN. This approach will enable underprivileged researchers to prepare Nanopharmaceuticals. Researchers and students of such institutions can focus on the application of SLN by resolving the constraint of sophisticated equipment with this novel approach. This novel approach should also be tried for polymeric and vesicular nanopharmaceuticals.

Breaking up and hooking up: A young woman’s experience of “sexual empowerment”

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joni Meenagh
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Young Woman ◽  
Hooking Up ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Sexual Empowerment ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Hookup Culture ◽  
Media Environments

With the rise of neoliberalism, postfeminism and “hookup culture,” young women face both challenges and opportunities when constructing themselves as sexual subjects. This paper explores the experiences of a young woman who sought to have sex with someone new in order to move on from the breakup of a long-term relationship. This case study is part of a larger project which explored how young people (aged 18–25) negotiate their love/sex relationships within the context of new media environments. While this young woman described her experience of having sex with someone new as “empowering,” within a neoliberal, postfeminist context the concept of empowerment may not be a useful theoretical tool for understanding young women’s sexuality. Situating her story within its broader sociocultural context, this paper explores how structural factors shape this young woman’s ability to navigate normative discourses about sexual empowerment and construct herself as a sexual subject.

A Genetic Algorithm Based Procedure for Extracting Optimal Solutions From a Morphological Chart

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Tiwari ◽  
Joshua Summers ◽  
Georges Fadel
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Mathematical Representation ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Optimization Framework ◽  
Mutation Operators ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Morphological Chart ◽  
Crossover And Mutation

A novel approach using a genetic algorithm is presented for extracting globally satisfycing (Pareto optimal) solutions from a morphological chart where the evaluation and combination of “means to sub-functions” is modeled as a combinatorial multi-objective optimization problem. A fast and robust genetic algorithm is developed to solve the resulting optimization problem. Customized crossover and mutation operators specifically tailored to solve the combinatorial optimization problem are discussed. A proof-of-concept simulation on a practical design problem is presented. The described genetic algorithm incorporates features to prevent redundant evaluation of identical solutions and a method for handling of the compatibility matrix (feasible/infeasible combinations) and addressing desirable/undesirable combinations. The proposed approach is limited by its reliance on the quantifiable metrics for evaluating the objectives and the existence of a mathematical representation of the combined solutions. The optimization framework is designed to be a scalable and flexible procedure which can be easily modified to accommodate a wide variety of design methods that are based on the morphological chart.

scholarly journals Engineered algae: A novel oxygen-generating system for effective treatment of hypoxic cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (21) ◽  
pp. eaba5996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Qiao ◽  
Fei Yang ◽  
Tingting Xie ◽  
Zhen Du ◽  
Danni Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Tumor Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hypoxic Environment ◽  
Sequential Combination ◽  
Hypoxic Tumor ◽  
Local Oxygen ◽  
Generating System

Microalgae, a naturally present unicellular microorganism, can undergo light photosynthesis and have been used in biofuels, nutrition, etc. Here, we report that engineered live microalgae can be delivered to hypoxic tumor regions to increase local oxygen levels and resensitize resistant cancer cells to both radio- and phototherapies. We demonstrate that the hypoxic environment in tumors is markedly improved by in situ–generated oxygen through microalgae-mediated photosynthesis, resulting in notably radiotherapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the chlorophyll from microalgae produces reactive oxygen species during laser irradiation, further augmenting the photosensitizing effect and enhancing tumor cell apoptosis. Thus, the sequential combination of oxygen-generating algae system with radio- and phototherapies has the potential to create an innovative treatment strategy to improve the outcome of cancer management. Together, our findings demonstrate a novel approach that leverages the products of photosynthesis for treatment of tumors and provide proof-of-concept evidence for future development of algae-enhanced radio- and photodynamic therapy.

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