Media – Mixed Reality Lab

カリフォルニア大学、イリノイ大学など海外大学との提携を締結

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Emma Zhang

情報経営イノベーション専門職大学（東京都墨田区、学長中村伊知哉、http://www.i-u.ac.jp、以下「iU」）は、このほど海外大学との提携の第一段階として、米国カリフォルニア大学サン・ディエゴ校（The University of California, San Diego (UCSD)、米国イリノイ大学シカゴ校（The University of Illinois at Chicago Campus）、英国シェーフィールド大学（The University of Sheffield）、マレーシアラッフルズ大学(Raffles University Malaysia )、シンガポール国立大学（National University of Singapore）、英国ニコラ・テスラ大学院大学 (Nikola Tesla Graduate School)、アフリカアクレ連邦技術大学（The Federal University of Technology、Akure、 Ondo State、 Nigeria: FUTA）の7校との包括的提携に合意しました。

世界大学構想について

iUは今後も国内外の主要大学と積極的に提携し、iUを中心とした、ITとビジネスの世界に向けての、知的ハブとしての世界大学、「世界大学構想」の実現を目指します。
具体的には学生、教員の交流や、共同研究の実施に加え、以下を目的としています。
(1) 提携大学での授業が受けられ、卒業単位として認められるパスポート制度
(2) 戦略特区の共同利用による新産業、新製品の共同開発研究
(3) 海外留学生へのビザ特区の設置
(4) その他eスポーツ、超教育、超スポーツ、アニメ、オタクなどの国際的共同研究
(5) 起業支援、及び人材育成

今後について

今般の海外大学との提携は、iUが提唱する「世界大学構想」の一貫として推進します。
各校との提携により、今後iUは、それぞれの大学の学生及び教員の交流を通じ、国際的共同講義の開発・開催、各種IT技術に関する国際共同実験・実装、そして国際的共同研究などを、各大学と、またこの活動を支援する内外著名企業各社とともに、展開してまいります。

＜大学概要＞

■大学・学部学科名
・大学名：「情報経営イノベーション専門職大学」　※愛称「ｉＵ（あいゆー）」
・学部名：情報経営イノベーション学部　情報経営イノベーション学科

■学長　

中村伊知哉（なかむらいちや）
<職歴>
1984年、ロックバンド少年ナイフのディレクターを経て旧郵政省入省
1998年、MITメディアラボ客員教授
2002年、スタンフォード日本センター研究所長
2006年、慶應義塾大学大学院教授
2020年4月より、情報経営イノベーション専門職大学学長に就任

■設置概要
・本校舎：東京都墨田区文花1-18-13
・サテライトオフィス：東京都港区海岸1-7-1 東京ポートシティ竹芝オフィスタワー8階・学生数：1期生230名
・専任教員数：28名

■教育理念
「変化を楽しみ、自ら学び、革新を創造する。」

■基本構想
ICT×ビジネス×グローバルコミュニケーション　＋　全員インターンシップ×全員起業×オンライン学習
・ICT教育：電子学園が積み上げた基盤により、プログラミング・AI・ビッグデータなど、幅広いICTスキル教育を展開
・ビジネス創造教育：実務家教員によるビジネススキル教育を実施、ビジネス教養、ビジネスプラン策定力などを身につける
・使える英語・グローバル教育：国際舞台で仕事をするために必要な英語力を磨く教育と留学生の受け入れにより国際性も強化
・インターンシップとリアルプロジェクト：1人640時間のインターン、実ビジネスの中でハンズオンのリアルプロジェクト教育を実施
・全員起業：希望者全員に対し、在学中に起業にチャレンジできるサポート体制
・オンラインを活用した授業サポート：『いつでもどこからでも学ぶことができる』をキーワードに、自ら積極的に学ぶための環境の充実

■育成人材像
・ICTを活用する様々な業界・団体において課題を解決し、新たな商品・サービスやビジネスを生み出すことのできる人材
・ICTを活用し新たな商品・サービスやビジネスを生み出すことで、国際社会と地域社会の産業発展に貢献する起業家

【本リリースに関するお問い合わせ先】

iU 情報経営イノベーション専門職大学　TEL：03-5655-15555　　E-mail：info@i-u.ac.jp

iU announces partnership with 7 international universities.

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Emma Zhang

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Professional University of Information and Management for Innovation (Sumida-ku, Tokyo, President Ichiya Nakamura, http://www.iu.ac.jp, “iU”) announces that since opening the University on April 1st 2020, it already has reached a comprehensive partnership agreement with global seven prominent schools such as The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), The University of Sheffield, Raffles University Malaysia, National University of Singapore, Nikola Tesla Graduate School in UK, and the Federal University of Technology, Africa (Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria: FUTA). Many more international collaborations will follow.

iU will continue to actively collaborate with major universities in Japan and overseas, aiming to realize the “World University Concept”, a world university as an intellectual hub for the IT and business world centered around iU. While at the same time providing students the best opportunities to finance their careers so they can get the best student loan refinance opportunities.

Best Natural Substitutes for Adderall: Improving Mental Clarity

In the quest for improved mental clarity and focus, many individuals turn to smart drugs or nootropics as alternatives to prescription medications like Adderall. These natural substances are known for their ability to support brain health and cognitive function. Let’s explore some of the best natural substitutes for Adderall that can help enhance mental performance without the potential side effects see here timesunion.com.

Nootropics: L-theanine, DMAE, and Phosphatidylserine

One popular nootropic is L-theanine, an amino acid commonly found in green tea. It has been shown to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it an excellent choice for reducing anxiety and improving focus. L-theanine works by increasing alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of calm alertness.

Another nootropic worth considering is DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol). DMAE is believed to enhance mental stamina and reduce brain fog by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. By boosting acetylcholine production, DMAE may improve cognitive function and overall brain power.

Phosphatidylserine is another natural substance that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal brain health. It supports cell membrane structure and function while promoting healthy communication between brain cells. Studies have shown that phosphatidylserine supplementation can improve memory, attention, and cognitive performance in individuals with age-related cognitive decline.

Supporting Brain Health and Cognitive Function

These natural substances offer several benefits when it comes to supporting brain health and cognitive function:

Improved Mental Energy: Nootropics like L-theanine can provide a boost of mental energy without the jitters or crashes associated with stimulants.

Enhanced Focus: DMAE helps sharpen focus by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain.

Reduced Anxiety: L-theanine has a calming effect that can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation.

Memory Enhancement: Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive performance, particularly in older adults.

Safe Alternatives to Adderall

While Adderall may be effective for treating certain conditions like ADHD, it also comes with potential side effects and risks. Natural substitutes like L-theanine, DMAE, and phosphatidylserine offer a safer alternative for individuals seeking improved mental clarity without the drawbacks of prescription medications.

Pros of natural substitutes:

Fewer side effects compared to Adderall

Non-addictive nature

Can be purchased over the counter without a prescription

Cons of natural substitutes:

Effects may vary from person to person

May take time to see noticeable results

It’s important to note that individual responses to these natural substances may vary, so it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and health history.

Effective Drug Testing Practices for Employers

In order to maintain safety standards in the workplace, implementing a robust drug testing program is crucial. However, it’s important for employers to strike a balance between respecting employee privacy rights and ensuring a safe work environment. Here are some effective practices for workplace drug testing:

Implementing a Robust Workplace Drug Testing Program

A comprehensive workplace drug testing program should be established to deter drug abuse and create a healthy work environment. This program should include regular screenings for all employees as well as random drug testing. By implementing such measures, employers can identify individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to substance abuse more information https://www.ndtv.com/.

Balancing Employee Privacy Rights

While it’s essential to prioritize safety, it’s equally important to respect employee privacy rights during the drug testing process. Employers must ensure that their drug testing policies comply with applicable laws and regulations. This may involve seeking legal counsel to establish protocols that strike the right balance between maintaining safety and respecting privacy.

Determining Appropriate Frequency and Randomization Strategies

Determining the frequency of screenings is crucial. The frequency will depend on various factors such as industry standards, job requirements, and the prevalence of substance abuse within the organization or industry. Randomization strategies should also be employed to ensure fairness and prevent employees from anticipating when they will be tested.

Educating Employees about Workplace Drug Testing

To foster transparency and understanding among employees, employers should provide education about the purpose and procedures involved in workplace drug testing. This includes explaining why drug testing is necessary for maintaining a safe work environment and outlining the consequences of positive test results. By educating employees about these processes, misconceptions can be dispelled, leading to greater acceptance of drug testing initiatives.

It’s important to note that no single method of drug testing can be considered “the most accurate.” Different tests have varying levels of accuracy depending on factors such as the type of drug being tested, the specimen used (urine, saliva, hair), and the detection window. Employers should consult with experts in the field to determine which testing methods are most appropriate for their specific needs.

Specifically, in addition to the exchange of students and faculty members and the implementation of joint research, the objectives are as follows:
(1) A “passport” system that allows classes at partner universities and is recognized as a graduation unit
(2) Joint development research of new industries and new products with joint use of strategic special zones
(3) Establishment of special visa zone for international students
(4) Other international collaborative research on eSports, super education, super sports, anime, otaku, etc.
(5) Entrepreneurship support and human resource development

This alliance with overseas universities is being promoted as part of the “World University Concept” advocated by iU. Through collaboration with each school, iU will be able to develop and hold international joint lectures, international joint experiments and implementation of various IT technologies, and international joint research through exchanges of students and teachers of each university. iU will work with universities and other well-known companies in Japan and overseas that support this activity.

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM awarded Order of Australia

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Emma Zhang

Adrian David Cheok is Director of the Imagineering Institute, Malaysia, Full Professor at i-University Tokyo, Visiting Professor at Raffles University, Malaysia, Visiting Professor at University of Novi Sad-Serbia, on Technical faculty “Mihailo Pupin”, Serbia, Faculty of Ducere Business School, and CEO of Nikola Tesla Technologies Corporation.

He is Founder and Director of the Mixed Reality Lab, Singapore. He was formerly Professor of Pervasive Computing, University of London, Full Professor at Keio University, Graduate School of Media Design and Associate Professor in the National University of Singapore. He has previously worked in real-time systems, soft computing, and embedded computing in Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Japan

Drug Test Kit: Ensuring Safety and Promoting Health

Drug abuse has become a prevalent issue in many societies, with detrimental effects on individuals’ health and well-being. In response to this growing concern, the use of drug test kits has gained momentum as a tool for detecting drug use efficiently and effectively. In this article, we delve into the world of drug test kits, exploring their importance, types, working mechanisms, benefits, and much more.

Importance of Drug Test Kits
Ensuring Safety
One of the primary reasons for the widespread adoption of drug test kits is their role in ensuring safety, particularly in environments where drug use can pose significant risks. Industries such as transportation, healthcare, and construction often implement drug testing to mitigate hazards and safeguard employees, customers, and the public at large.

Promoting a Drug-Free Environment
Drug test kits play a crucial role in promoting a drug-free environment, whether it be in workplaces, schools, or rehabilitation centers. By conducting regular drug tests, organizations can deter individuals from engaging in substance abuse, thereby fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

Types of Drug Test Kits
Drug test kits are available in various forms, each tailored to detect specific substances and suited for different testing scenarios.

Urine Drug Test Kits
Urine drug test kits are among the most commonly used types, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective method for detecting a wide range of drugs. These kits typically involve collecting a urine sample and analyzing it for the presence of drugs or their metabolites.

Saliva Drug Test Kits
Saliva drug test kits are gaining popularity due to their ease of use and ability to provide quick results. These kits are particularly useful in situations where immediate testing is required, such as roadside drug testing or on-the-spot screening in workplaces.

Hair Drug Test Kits
Hair drug test kits are designed to detect drug use over a more extended period, as traces of drugs can remain in hair follicles for several months. While requiring more time for sample collection and analysis, hair drug tests offer a comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug history.

How Drug Test Kits Work
Drug test kits employ various detection methods to identify the presence of drugs in biological samples such as urine, saliva, or hair.

Detection Methods
The most common detection methods include immunoassay tests, chromatography techniques, and mass spectrometry. These methods rely on specific interactions between drug molecules and detection reagents to produce measurable signals indicative of drug presence.

Testing Procedures
The testing procedures may vary depending on the type of drug test kit being used. However, the general process involves collecting a sample, preparing it for analysis, conducting the test according to the kit’s instructions, and interpreting the results based on predefined cutoff values.

Benefits of Using Drug Test Kits
Accuracy
Drug test kits offer high levels of accuracy when used correctly, allowing for reliable detection of drug use. Modern advancements in testing technologies have further improved accuracy rates, minimizing the likelihood of false-positive or false-negative results.

Convenience
The convenience of drug test kits makes them a preferred choice for many individuals and organizations. With easy-to-use testing procedures and rapid result turnaround times, drug test kits offer hassle-free solutions for conducting drug screenings in various settings.

Cost-Effectiveness
In comparison to laboratory-based drug testing methods, which can be costly and time-consuming, drug test kits provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising on accuracy or reliability. This affordability makes them accessible to a broader range of users, from small businesses to large corporations.

The idea of being rewarded for his efforts also compensates for the struggle he had with being overweight for years, and that today with the best phentermine alternatives this process can be easy and simple, available to everyone.

Adrian David Cheok in Channel News Asia Documentary “Becoming Human”

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Emma Zhang

What is the best pill for losing belly fat?

Excess belly fat can be a stubborn and frustrating issue for many people. It not only affects our physical appearance but also our overall health. The desire to shed those extra pounds around the midsection has led to a multitude of products and solutions flooding the market. One common question that arises is, “What is the best pill for losing belly fat?” In this article, we will delve into the world of belly fat, the significance of a healthy lifestyle, and whether or not there is a magical pill that can help you achieve your goal visit ndtv.com.

Understanding Belly Fat
Before we discuss pills, it’s essential to understand what belly fat is and why it accumulates in our bodies. Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is found deep within the abdominal cavity. It wraps around vital organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines. While some belly fat is necessary for protecting these organs, excess visceral fat can lead to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet
To combat belly fat effectively, a healthy diet is key. Here are some dietary considerations:

Balanced Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet ensures you get all the essential nutrients your body needs. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals.

Portion Control
Watching your portion sizes can prevent overeating and calorie excess. Smaller, balanced meals are the way to go.

Adrian David Cheok is featured in the Channel News Asia documentary series “Becoming Human”, which explores love and artificial intelligence. It will be televised on 10th March 2019, Sunday, 9PM (GMT +8, Singapore, Jakarta and Delhi).

Although these documentaries show us how well robotic technology is advancing, they should also make us think that human health treatments must also be directed towards constant improvement. Nowadays, with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is always convenient to have reliable pages that provide us with quick pre-diagnoses that allow us to make timely decisions. For more information please visit ukmeds.co.uk

Full Documentary: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/video-on-demand/becoming-human

These Researchers Want to Send Smells Over the Internet – Electrical stimulation of cells in the nasal passages produces sweet fragrances and chemical odors

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Emma Zhang

By Eliza Strickland, 17 Oct 2018

https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/these-researchers-want-to-send-smells-over-the-internet

These Researchers Want to Send Smells Over the Internet – Electrical stimulation of cells in the nasal passages produces sweet fragrances and chemical odors

A volunteer tries out a "digital smell" apparatus — Electrical stimulation of neurons high up in the nasal passages can cause people to perceive aromas that aren’t really there. Photo: Imagineering Institute

Imagine a virtual reality movie about the Civil War where you can smell the smoke from the soldiers’ rifles. Or an online dating site where the profiles are scented with perfume or cologne. Or an augmented reality app that lets you point your phone at a restaurant menu and sample the aroma of each dish.

The researchers who are working on “digital smell” are still a very long way from such applications—in part because their technology’s form factor leaves something to be desired. Right now, catching a whiff of the future means sticking a cable up your nose, so electrodes can make contact with neurons deep in the nasal passages. But they’ve got some ideas for improvements.

This digital smell research is led by Kasun Karunanayaka, a senior research fellow at the Imagineering Institute in Malaysia. He started the project as a Ph.D. student with Adrian Cheok, now director of the institute and a professor at the City University of London, who’s on a quest to create a “multisensory Internet.” In one of Cheok’s earliest projects he sent hugs to chickens, and his students have also worked with digital kisses and electric taste.

Karunanayaka says most prior experiments with digital smell have involved chemical cartridges in devices that attach to computers or phones; sending a command to the device triggers the release of substances, which mix together to produce an odor.

Working in that chemical realm, Karunanayaka’s team is collaborating with a Japanese startup called Scentee that he says is developing “the world’s first smartphone gadget that can produce smell sensations.” They’re working together on a Scentee app that integrates with other apps to add smells to various smartphone functions. For example, the app could link to your morning alarm to get the day started with the smell of coffee, or could add fragrances to texts so that messages from different friends come with distinct aromas.

But Karunanayaka’s team wanted to find an alternative to chemical devices with cartridges that require refilling. They wanted to send smells with electricity alone.

For his experiments, he convinced 31 volunteers to let him stick a thin and flexible cable up their noses. The cable was tipped with both a tiny camera and silver electrodes at its tip. The camera helped researchers navigate the nasal passages, enabling them to bring the electrodes into contact with olfactory epithelium cells that lie about 7 centimeters above and behind the nostrils. These cells send information up the olfactory nerve to the brain.

Typically, these olfactory cells are stimulated by chemical compounds that bind to cell receptors. Instead, Karunanayaka’s team zapped them with an electric current.

The researchers had previously combed the scientific literature [PDF] for examples of electrical stimulation of nasal cells, and found some reports that the stimulation caused test subjects to perceive odors. So they decided to experiment with different parameters of stimulation, altering both the amount and frequency of the current, until they found the settings that most reliably produced smell sensations.

The subjects most often perceived odors they described as fragrant or chemical. Some people also reported smells that they described as fruity, sweet, toasted minty, or woody.

This experiment was a very basic proof-of-concept, Karunanayaka says. The next step is to determine whether certain stimulation parameters are reliably linked to certain smells. He must also investigate how much variability there is between subjects. “There may be differences due to age, gender, and human anatomy,” he says.

The biggest question, however, is whether he can find a way to produce these ghostly aromas without sticking a tube up people’s noses. The experiments were very uncomfortable for most of the volunteers, Karunanayaka admits: “A lot of people wanted to participate, but after one trial they left, because they couldn’t bear it.”

Two possible solutions suggest themselves, Karunanayaka says: They could make the insert smaller, more flexible, and less unbearable. Or they could skip past the nose’s olfactory cells and directly stimulate the brain.

As a step toward that neurotech goal, the Imagineering Institute researchers are planning a brain-scanning collaboration with Thomas Hummel, a leading expert in smell disorders at the Technische Universität Dresden in Germany. In the planned experiment, volunteers will both smell real odiferous objects, such as a rose, and also receive nasal stimulation. All these sniffs will take place while the volunteers are getting their brains scanned by a noninvasive method such as fMRI.

“We’ll see which areas in the brain are activated in each condition, and then compare the two patterns of activity,” Karunanayaka says. “Are they activating the same areas of the brain?” If so, that brain region could become the target for future research. Maybe the researchers could use a headset that provides a noninvasive form of stimulation to trigger that brain region, thus producing smell sensations without the need for either a rose or a nose-cable.

Such tech could serve a restorative purpose: People with smell disorders could theoretically wear some headgear to regain some smell functions. And for people with intact sniffer systems, it could provide enhancements: For example, VR headset makers could build in the brain-stimulating tech to provide users with a more immersive and richer sensory experience.