MULTIMEDIA SICKNESS SIMULATOR FOR PREADOLESCENTS

在第一阶段，我们将开发原型3D模拟软件，允许用户操纵病毒感染，并观察后果，复杂性和影响随着时间的推移。第一阶段的受试者会看到感冒的症状，并追踪感冒的逐渐发作，持续一到两天。我们将说明空气传播的感冒病毒是如何被吸入或通过手到嘴、眼睛或鼻子传播的；病毒如何附着并进入宿主细胞；它们如何在宿主细胞中分解和复制；它们如何破坏宿主细胞，入侵其他细胞。随着感冒的进展，他们将能够观察到抗体附着在病毒上，巨噬细胞消化病毒和抗体的结合，看到鼻粘液变厚，身体恢复。研究对象还将了解为什么学校和人群密集的地方容易感染感冒，以及洗手对预防感冒的重要性。在原型开发的三个阶段，我们将收集8至11岁目标群体受试者的数据。数据将包括1)用户偏好的定性焦点小组数据；2)关于感冒知识和洗手行为的定量问卷调查数据。将报告第一阶段焦点小组讨论和问卷调查的结果，并用于第二阶段的设计。拟议的商业应用：我们正在与The Learning Co.进行第二阶段的谈判。（TLC）（www.softkey.com）发布我们的软件，包括本产品。TLC开发、出版和销售适合各个年龄层的软件。产品销往北美地区的学校、网络、直销及OEM（原始设备制造商）；在欧洲、日本和澳大利亚设有子公司；拉丁美洲和环太平洋地区。知名的TLC产品包括Reader Rabbit， Mavis Beacon, Sesame Street, PrintMaster, Oregon Trail。TLC最近与Broderbund合并。

In Phase I we will develop prototype 3D simulation software that will allow users to manipulate a viral infection and to observe consequences, complexity, and effects over time. Phase I subjects will see the symptoms of a cold, and trace a cold's gradual one- or two-day onset. We will illustrate how airborne cold viruses are inhaled or spread by hand to mouth, eyes, or nose; how viruses attach to and enter host cells; how they break down and make copies in host cells; how they destroy host cells, and invade other cells. As the cold progresses, they will be able to watch antibodies latch onto viruses, macrophages digest the combined viruses and antibodies, see nasal mucus thicken, and the body recover. Subjects will also learn why schools and crowded areas are likely places to catch colds, and the importance of hand washing in preventing colds. At three points during the prototype development we will collect data from 8 to 1l year old target group subjects. Data will include 1) qualitative, focus group data on user preferences; and 2) quantitative, questionnaire data on knowledge of colds, and intended hand washing behavior. Results of Phase I focus group discussions and questionnaires will be reported, and used in designing Phase II. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: We are in a second level of negotiations with The Learning Co.. (TLC)(www.softkey.com) to distribute our software, including this product. TLC develops, publishes and markets software for every age. Its products are sold in N. America to schools, online, direct marketing & OEM (original equipment manufacturer); subsidiaries in Europe, Japan, & Australia; Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. Well known TLC products include Reader Rabbit, Mavis Beacon, Sesame Street, PrintMaster, Oregon Trail. TLC recently merged with Broderbund.