bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’industrie minière et le développement urbain en milieu nordique : l’exemple de Fermont au Québec
Authors: Simard Martin , Brisson Carl
Published: April 2013

La carte du Québec affiche une vaste péninsule de plus de 1,6 millions de km2. Toutefois, la partie nord, successivement appelée l’Ungava, le Nouveau-Québec et le Nord-du-Québec, appartient à la Province du Québec depuis seulement 1912. Dans une perspective québécoise, le processus d’appropriation de ces vastes espaces peuplés d’Inuit et d’Autochtones s’est réalisé tardivement. Par ailleurs, les cycles économiques liés à l’industrie minière ont marqué en profondeur le développement des espaces nordiques. Ainsi, des phases de stagnation et de déclin succèdent aux périodes d’investissements massifs, avec la mise en place d’infrastructures colossales et d’établissements humains. La ville de Fermont est l’un de ces établissements soumis aux ruptures évolutives. Son plan urbain original, qui a été conçu par l’architecte-urbaniste Norbert Schoenauer en 1972, illustre une volonté d’adaptation aux climats froids. L’objectif de cet article est de proposer un bilan de cette ville de front pionnier quarante ans après sa naissance. Il interroge la résilience des collectivités nordiques au moment où le Gouvernement du Québec fait à nouveau la promotion du développement du Nord de la province.
Online Semantic Knowledge Management for Product Design Based on Product Engineering Ontologies
Authors: Zhu Lijuan , Jayaram Uma , Kim Okjoon
Published: April 2013

This paper formulates an approach to use the semantic web for knowledge management in the product design domain to provide enhanced capabilities of authoring/updating, querying/reasoning, searching, and visualization of information. Engineering has unique challenges, due to the pervasive use of CAD models and underlying interoperability and integration issues. The authors propose a distributed model composed of a host hybrid-data repository, external public linked data sources, a semantic data management engine, and a web-based user interface layer. The hybrid-data repository consists of ontologies to preserve knowledge for the product design domain and a conventional product data base to utilize legacy design data. Near full integration with a web based environment is achieved. The importance of accessing product related CAD data that has been instantiated in ontology models, querying them, and then displaying the data on a web interface in real time with other legacy data, such as hand sketches and notes that have been scanned and relevant information from conventional rational databases public linked data sites, is a useful and transformational capability. The system clearly facilitates design and information management beyond traditional CAD capabilities and creates a foundation for important capability improvements in the domain.
Semi-Automatic Ontology Construction by Exploiting Functional Dependencies and Association Rules
Authors: Cagliero Luca , Cerquitelli Tania , Garza Paolo
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a novel semi-automatic approach to construct conceptual ontologies over structured data by exploiting both the schema and content of the input dataset. It effectively combines two well-founded database and data mining techniques, i.e., functional dependency discovery and association rule mining, to support domain experts in the construction of meaningful ontologies, tailored to the analyzed data, by using Description Logic (DL). To this aim, functional dependencies are first discovered to highlight valuable conceptual relationships among attributes of the data schema (i.e., among concepts). The set of discovered correlations effectively support analysts in the assertion of the Tbox ontological statements (i.e., the statements involving shared data conceptualizations and their relationships). Then, the analyst-validated dependencies are exploited to drive the association rule mining process. Association rules represent relevant and hidden correlations among data content and they are used to provide valuable knowledge at the instance level. The pushing of functional dependency constraints into the rule mining process allows analysts to look into and exploit only the most significant data item recurrences in the assertion of the Abox ontological statements (i.e., the statements involving concept instances and their relationships).
Challenges of LMS Implementation in a Multi-Cultural Context
Authors: Vance Ross Ian , Crawford Beth
Published: April 2013

Utilization of a learning management system (LMS) to deploy web-based learning content creates opportunities to cross cultural boarders and distribute education on a global scale. However, cultural norms, language development, and the cultural diffusion of technology create barriers to the global growth of an LMS. In order to overcome these barriers successfully, instructional designers must use various strategies to work with international teams effectively, and create a virtual learning environment that meets educational goals that are mindful of the diversity present in cultural context. In this chapter, we explore the design, communication, and technology that challenge the development of LMS-based instruction in varied cultures. In the conclusion, we suggest best business practices for navigating these challenges in cross-cultural implementation.
Integrating iPad Technology in Learning Experiences
Authors: Curtin Rebecca , Tarnow Michael
Published: April 2013

The introduction of user-friendly modern technology is significantly changing the traditional conduct of everyday life in all its manifestations, from health care and business to sport and all forms of entertainment, including social media. The education sector has been slow since the introduction of Internet communication and Web 2.0 technology to integrate new delivery platforms into how its courses are taught and learned. However, the introduction of tablet computers, specifically the game-changing iPad, has led to education institutions and the local governments that fund them being prepared to move from traditional teaching methods anchored in age-old practices to embrace the possibilities of major paradigmatic change enabled by technology. This chapter examines the introduction of iPad-based learning in 2012 in a private middle school in the Chinese city of Shanghai. The case study adds to the emergent literature in the field and shares the strengths, limitations and subsequent recommendations that arise from the project. Project outcomes reveal a benefit to be gained from a flexible, teacher- and student-driven integration of iPad technology as a tool in learning environments. The challenges and limitations incurred from such an approach are not insurmountable and are arguably worth the nuanced, context-appropriate integration of the technology that would arise.
Practices and Tools in Online Course Delivery
Authors: Jones Nory B. , Graham Christian
Published: April 2013

Education continues to evolve to meet changing educational needs, budgetary pressures, and evolving lifestyles of different students. Distance and online education has become a greater force in the portfolio of products offered by colleges and universities. This chapter reviews recent trends in the courses and methods of delivery offered to meet the changing needs of students.
Using Digital Tools to Teach Writing in K-12 Classrooms
Authors: Anderson Rebecca S. , Goode Gretchen S. , Mitchell Jessica S. , Thompson Rachael F.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to provide four examples from K-12 classrooms that use a variety of current, research-based online tools for teaching the following writing pedagogies: (1) process writing, (2) cultural studies, (3) content area writing, and (4) collaborative writing. Each classroom example includes supporting research, a teacher story, variations and barriers of technology tools, and additional website resources. These examples adapt five of Leu’s (2002) new literacies principles: (1) change is a defining element of the new literacies, (2) literacies build on and complement previous literacies, (3) new literacies require new forms of strategic knowledge, (4) new literacies are socially constructed, and (5) the teacher’s role becomes even more important within the new literacies. The chapter concludes with future research directions for using digital tools to teach writing.
Reading Beyond the Borders
Authors: Edwards Jason T.
Published: April 2013

Many adolescents resist reading texts for academic purposes because they perceive books as isolated and primitive; furthermore, they feel assigned readings hold little interest for them. An alternative is the digital ebook reader, which offers users the ability to instantly access and read a wide variety of books. As part of the discussion on integrating technology into classrooms to enhance Language Arts instruction, this chapter highlights general findings from a semester-long case study involving high school students using Kindle® ebook readers. The purpose of the study was to determine whether ebooks are a preferable medium for younger users, and whether ebooks influence reading behaviors and practices among adolescents in both academic and non-academic contexts. The study yielded insight into students’ purposes for academic and for leisurely reading, as well as the benefits, and drawbacks, to using digital ebook readers. By understanding the relationship between technology and classroom pedagogy, educators can foster students’ critical engagement in reading tasks and actively contribute to curricular reading lists.
Technology-Based Literacy Approach for English Language Learners
Authors: White Erin L.
Published: April 2013

There is a growing need to implement an alternative and viable solution in U.S. K-12 schools that will address the ever-growing gap that the rapidly growing English Language Learner (ELL) population presents. This chapter examines various technology-based tools and their potential impact. These technology-based solutions could help to alleviate an already taxed educational system, as well as significantly aid in improving and increasing English language acquisition among the nation’s K-12 ELL population. A review of recent research provides evidence and a strong foundation that supports the integration of these solutions. An ELL Design Quadrant ensures that one follows best practices when integrating technology, and a practical applications section presents examples of contemporary technology with accompanying instructional strategies that educators can utilize in the everyday classroom. Throughout the chapter, references to language acquisition and learning theories provide the evidence and background knowledge necessary to integrate technology into the ELL literacy curriculum, based on sound judgment.
Imagination in Creative Design
Authors: Wiltschnig Stefan
Published: April 2013

This paper unpacks the notion of imagination presented in the I5-system of knowledge creation along several theoretical contributions and process models from “knowledge science”, creativity research and design studies. It aims at conceptual clarification and integration around the key notion of “insight moments” across various levels of abstraction from system perspectives through foci on groups and individuals to mental activity. This work is meant to serve as a conceptual foundation for micro-analyses of in-vivo data of creative design processes based on protocols of participatory ethnographic research and interview accounts from first, second and third person perspectives.
Model of Meta-Reflection and In-Depth Analysis of Knowledge Creation Process in Design
Authors: Georgiev Georgi V. , Nagai Yukari
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes a model of meta-reflection and in-depth analysis of the knowledge creation process (KCP). The authors focus on observation of the KCP in research on creative design. The new method of meta-reflection is applied both to reflection on ‘research about design creativity’ and object of research—‘design creativity’. One result of the applied method of meta-reflection was that the analysis of KCP in research on design involved different tacit forms of knowledge and creativity and included a wide spectrum of knowledge processes and knowledge types. The roots of creativity and imagination were identified, which then stemmed into certain parts of research activities, such as development of hypotheses and theory proposition. The authors produced a model of meta-reflection (MMR) and an in-depth analysis of the KCP. This study is a step that provides understanding of the role that human creativity and imagination play in research.
Total System Intervention for System Failure
Authors: Nakamura Takafumi , Kijima Kyoich
Published: April 2013

In this paper, total system intervention for system failure (TSI for SF) is proposed for preventing further occurrences of system failures. TSI is a critical system practice for managing complex and differing viewpoints. First, the authors introduce meta-methodology called “system of system failures” (SOSF) as a common language among various stakeholders to improve their understanding of system failures. The actual application scenario is proposed: “TSI for SF.” The SOSF and related methodologies are used in the course of the subsequent discussion and debate to agree on who is responsible for the failure and identify the preventative measures to be applied. An application example in information and communication technologies engineering demonstrates that using the proposed “TSI for SF” helps prevent future system failures by learning from previous system failures. Three actions are identified for preventing further system failures: closing the gap between the stakeholders, introducing absolute goals, and enlarging system boundary.
Using Network Analysis and Visualization to Analyze Problematic Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Greenwood David , Sommerville Ian
Published: April 2013

Society is demanding larger and more complex information systems to support increasingly complex and critical organisational work. Whilst troubleshooting socio-technical issues in small-to-medium scale situations may be achievable using approaches such as ethnography, troubleshooting enterprise scale situations is an open research question because of the overwhelming number of socio-technical elements and interactions involved. This paper demonstrates proof-of-concept tools for network analysis and visualisation that may provide a promising avenue for identifying problematic elements and interactions among an overwhelming number of socio-technical elements. The findings indicate that computers may be used to aid the analysis of problematic large-scale complex socio-technical situations by using analytical techniques to highlighting elements, or groups of interacting elements, that are important to the overall outcome of a problematic situation.
Ethical Issues of ‘Morality Mining’
Authors: Christen Markus , Alfano Mark , Bangerter Endre , Lapsley Daniel
Published: April 2013

When data mining aims to disclose information about the moral competences and values of individuals or groups – an undertaking we call ‘morality mining’ –, novel ethical problems emerge. These are only partially covered by the current debate on ethical data mining focusing on privacy with respect to discrimination, threats to autonomy, misuse of data, and the consequences of erroneous information. An ethics of morality mining is of particular relevance for research in social science and psychology that increasingly relies on data emerging from social networks, media portals, etc., where people act from or at least in accordance with their own values. In this conceptual contribution, we outline the basic idea of morality mining, explain why we believe that morality mining is associated with novel ethical problems, and suggest ways to address these problems that could potentially help to resolve various socio-economic problems a society or community faces.
Spidering Scripts for Opinion Monitoring
Authors: Capriello Antonella , Rossi Piercarlo
Published: April 2013

With the advent of Web 2.0 technologies, online forms of communication are rich sources of data to study socio-economic growth patterns and consumer behaviours. In this research field, the more robust development of data mining and opinion monitoring depends on fully automating data collection to monitor the evolution of customer opinions and preferences in real time. Although web crawlers or spiders can assist researchers in an innovative and effective way, this data collection approach could give rise to ethical concerns on the cost of web crawling processes and on data protection and privacy. With a focus on opinion monitoring, the chapter aims to discuss the ethical and legal issues of data mining in relation to spidering scripts. This contribution proposes a detailed analysis of the ethical and legal aspects of online data collection by comparing existing legislations. For illustrative purposes, a spidering software is presented to discuss its potential and explore ethical solutions in the data-mining sphere.
Data Mining Algorithms for Measuring Performance Impact of Social Development Processes
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: April 2013

This chapter has given focus on data mining applications and their utilizations in formulating performance measuring tools for social development initiatives upholding ethical issues. In this context, this chapter has provided justifications to include data mining algorithm to establish monitoring and evaluation tools for various social development applications. Specifically, this chapter gave in-depth analytical observations to establish knowledge centers (has been found successful in many regions as a catalyst of socio-economic growth) with various approaches and finally it put forward a few research issues and challenges to transform the contemporary human society into a knowledge society.
Digital Rights Management and Corporate Hegemony
Authors: Moro Nikhil
Published: April 2013

To the extent that data constitutes creative work in a tangible form, it represents intellectual property and implicates copyright. Understanding data mining, thus, invokes an appreciation of the principle and law of copyright. With the advent of digital rights management (DRM), the discourse of the U.S. law of copyright has shifted from fair use to circumventions of copyright-protecting software by hackers. In light of the ever-rising market power of transnational media corporations, this essay engages the political philosophy of Antonio Gramsci to address a normative question of who ought to control protected content and to what extent. It identifies six inflection points for any effort to divest copyright law of the disproportionate influence of corporate lobbying. Underlying the discussion is a presumption that reform of the law of copyright through dialogue among key stakeholders – creative individuals, technology innovators, legislators, policy makers, international mediators, data miners and other scholars, and transnational corporations – would help preempt any Gramsci-prescribed socialist reaction to the exclusive copyright regime enabled by DRM.
Explaining the Underdevelopment of Rural E-Government
Authors: Stoica Virgil , Ilas Andrei
Published: April 2013

The advent of information and communications technology led the public administration of many countries to step into a new era. During the last decade, an increasing number of researchers analysed the e-government performance of national governments, regions, and large cities. However, far less attention has been paid to villages and rural areas, probably because their e-government was not a prioritised target for national policies and, consequently, was not developing at the same pace. In fact, rural e-government is nothing but a part of e-government and should be included in e-government policies. However, from a practical point of view, rural e-government raises specific issues, especially in those society where the divide between cities and villages still clearly exists. E-government could significantly improve rural services, support economic development, and encourage citizen engagement. The goal of this research is to assess the rural e-government level in Romania by evaluating five core components: 1) security and personal data protection; 2) usability; 3) content; 4) type of services; and 5) digital democracy. The low scores obtained by the only two measurable components—usability and content—allow one to conclude that Romanian rural e-government is in its early stages. Based on some unexpected collateral conclusions, the authors offer suggestions for future researches and policy makers.
The Evolution and Development of Self in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Wexler Richard H. , Roff-Wexler Suzanne
Published: April 2013

Understanding the concept of Self and its relationship to virtual worlds is not a luxury. Virtual worlds render a universe not limited to present laws of nature, where perception of gravity may be suspended and humans may morph and communicate in ways yet imagined. As technology progresses, distinguishing virtual from reality may become more difficult. For some, this offers gains. For others, such as individuals with a confused sense of Self and fractured identity, this is problematic. Venturing deeper, it is necessary to explore who one is and what it means to be human. Does the concept of Self, transform and evolve in virtual worlds into something different than it is in the “real world?” If the Self is transformed, what are the implications for mental health and pathology, competency assessment, and development and experiential learning? This article explores such questions in the context of the evolution and development of the concept of Self in virtual worlds. It describes differences between major philosophical frameworks developed to explain the concept of Self and identity and provides relevant research and literature. It presents a working model to understand how virtual world technology affects the concept of Self and identity and how to maintain a healthy and stable Self and identity.
Exploring Instructor and Student use of an American Sign Language E-Assessment System
Authors: Hooper Simon , Miller Charles , Rose Susan , Rook Michael M.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, the authors examine how instructors used an online assessment environment designed to evaluate the performance of undergraduate students enrolled in American Sign Language (ASL) courses. 640 undergraduate ASL students at a large Midwestern university participated in this study. The findings suggest that instructors varied greatly in the manner in which they used the e-assessment system both in terms of the amount of time spent evaluating student assessments and in the proportion of total assessments scored. Furthermore, students’ responses to an open-ended survey on their experiences with the system generated useful insight to guide future design. Finally, implications for the design and integration of world language e-assessment environments are discussed.
Becoming a Swarm Catalyst
Authors: Kokkonen Juhana , Paavola Sami , Engeström Yrjö
Published: April 2013

This article analyzes the problems of bringing in social media in a traditional, hierarchical organization. Difficulties rise from the contradiction between the bureaucratic approach of an organization and the collaborative community approach connected to social media. A change in the role of a developer is analyzed through a case study. The data was collected in a co-development process of a work unit at a Finnish University of Applied Sciences. The method of this study is analytic autoethnography, which proved to be a valuable tool for capturing a long-term development process and the changing role of the developer inside the organization. A new change agent, a swarm catalyst, is introduced at the end of the article. The initial characteristics of a swarm catalyst are based on the experiences of various, iterative developmental experiments. A swarm catalyst operates within an organization as an autonomous developer, and as a negotiator between the traditional organization and decentralized developmental swarms.
Simulation of Structural, Thermal and Electrical Load for High Voltage Ceramic Cap and Pin Disc Insulator Assembly
Authors: Palhade R. D. , Tungikar V. B. , Dhole G. M. , Kherde S. M.
Published: April 2013

This paper studies mechanical- stress-strain, thermal- temperature distribution, electrical potential and electric field distribution for 11 kV, single ceramic cap and pin disc insulator assembly used for high voltage transmission and distribution systems. The coupled field finite element computer simulation is carried out by using a commercially available software package, which allows quantifying the effects of insulator assembly on where structural, thermal and electrical load distribution considered simultaneously. The simulation result shows stress concentration due to application of structural, thermal, and electrical load. The stress was maximum on pin and moderate on sealing material and disc. Similarly in electrical analysis, nodal electrical potential and electrical field distribution observed decreasing from bottom pin of insulator assembly to top cup end of insulator model. Remarkable stresses, temperature, electrical potential and electrical field rise was not observed at porcelain but mainly observed in critical areas like triple junction (pin-porcelain, porcelain-cup junction of insulator assembly), despite high tension, high temperature of conductor and high voltage-current. With continuous use of an insulator and varying environmental condition, this high tension, temperature and high voltage may cause small crack in sealing material and the insulator disc material. This may reduce performance or cause failure of an insulator without any prior notice.
Family and Care Work Facing Social Change and Globalization
Authors: Ogawa Reiko
Published: April 2013

This article examines the complex interplay between family and elderly care in Japan by taking into account both paid and unpaid reproductive work. The elderly care has gone through a discursive shift from the private sphere to the public sphere since 2000 through the introduction of Long Term Care Insurance. The article first elaborates the two major structural changes in the society namely demographic change and deterioration of the social welfare system including the transformation in the family institutions. Secondly, it discusses the globalization of care work through the entry of migrants into care workforce especially the resident migrants in Japan and how family serves as a driving force in affecting their decision. The article attempts to analyze the role of family in relation to both paid and unpaid reproductive work within the global restructuring of care, which is not only gendered but increasingly becoming ethnicized.
Comparing Electronic and Face-to-Face Communication in the Success of a Long-Term Care Quality Improvement Collaborative
Authors: Arling Priscilla A. , Miech Edward J. , Arling Greg W.
Published: April 2013

Researchers have long debated the effectiveness of electronic communication for getting work done in organizations, with many arguing that face-to-face interaction is key to high quality work and desired outcomes. Yet in healthcare quality improvement (QI) collaboratives, membership is frequently comprised of individuals from different, geographically dispersed organizations. This study examines the relationship between electronic and face-to-face interaction and the outcomes of a specific QI collaborative, the Empira Fall Prevention project in Minnesota. Outside of regularly scheduled meetings, the level of electronic communication reported by participants was associated with better outcomes in terms of reducing the percentage of new falls in facilities, along with other measures of effectiveness. In-person communication outside of meetings was related to subjective measures of success. The findings suggest ways in which collaboratives and members can leverage different modes of communication to maximize the benefits derived from participation.
Improving Knowledge and Information Sharing to Promote Best Practices in Stroke Care
Authors: Sternke Elizabeth , Burrus Nicholas , Daggett Virginia , Plue Laurie , Carlson Katherine , Hershey Linda , Chumbler Neale R.
Published: April 2013

Despite many advances in stroke care treatment, there is substantial room for improvement in quality of care for stroke patients. In an attempt to disseminate up-to-date quality information and evidence-based best practices of stroke care, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)and the VHA Stroke QUERI implemented an innovative web-based toolkit tailored for providers and program planners interested in improving stroke care quality. This study evaluated the VA Stroke QUERI Toolkit to determine its most useful aspects and those that require improvement. In-depth qualitative interviews (n = 48) were conducted with a geographically dispersed sample of clinicians and program planners throughout the VHA system. Findings suggest the Stroke QUERI toolkit was perceived as an effective, efficient and user-friendly site but knowledge of the toolkit continues to be initiated and shared mainly through individuals and small groups. To achieve greater impact a comprehensive set of strategies designed to encourage broader uptake is required.
REDCap and Rural Health
Authors: Ellis-Griffith Gregory , Michimi Akihiko , English Gary , Peterson Tina
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the opportunities for promoting collaborative research and improving rural health care delivery by the implementation of REDCap software. In the era of advanced technologies, rapid development and dissemination of electronic health data may be possible. Health data are accessed by collaborating researchers in various academic disciplines through the Internet. Community-based approaches to health care delivery through the mobile health clinics may be integrated into the development and utilization of databases through REDCap to improve rural health. Multifunctional features of REDCap provide useful tools in various stages of health care delivery planning that support both research and operational endeavors. The authors will discuss potential usage of REDCap using an existing mobile health clinic in South Central Kentucky as a primary source of data, and describe how health data may be used in conjunction with REDCap with the goal of improving the health of rural communities in South Central Kentucky.
A Novel Quota Sampling Algorithm for Generating Representative Random Samples given Small Sample Size
Authors: Fouad Ahmed M. , Saleh Mohamed , Atiya Amir F.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a novel algorithm is proposed for sampling from discrete probability distributions using the probability proportional to size sampling method, which is a special case of Quota sampling method. The motivation for this study is to devise an efficient sampling algorithm that can be used in stochastic optimization problems -- when there is a need to minimize the sample size. Several experiments have been conducted to compare the proposed algorithm with two widely used sample generation methods, the Monte Carlo using inverse transform, and quasi-Monte Carlo algorithms. The proposed algorithm gave better accuracy than these methods, and in terms of time complexity it is nearly of the same order.
Using Conjoint Methodology to Address Textbook Needs
Authors: Hassaskhah Jaleh
Published: April 2013

The common approach to textbook needs analysis is using questionnaires in which every item focuses on one clear-cut segment of textbook attributes. However, arguing that isolated items may not be of much value, this study employs conjoint methodology which, as a human behavioral model, simulates all possible combinations of attributes and their accompanying levels to predict the needs for the potential textbook at college level. Accordingly, the researcher invited 450 students and teachers to assign a preference score to 32 profile cards, each assessing the importance of 7 attributes and their accompanying levels based on a scale from 1 to 7. Then the responses underwent conjoint analysis. The results obtained are especially valuable for three groups: for textbook market analysts who might consider using this methodology in their future investigations and for the authors and publishers who might use the findings in planning and publishing books for this research context.
The State of Social Media in Saudi Arabia’s Higher Education
Authors: Al-Khalifa Hend S. , Garcia Regina A.
Published: April 2013

Social media platforms are designed not only for entertainment but also for exchange of information, collaboration, teaching and learning. With this, Higher Education institutions in Saudi Arabia have started utilizing these platforms for the main reason that many students are embracing this new trend in technology. In this article, a discussion of this media in education in terms of its roles, used in different settings, and its policies and management in accordance with Saudi culture will be covered. Furthermore, the state of this media in Higher Education institutions among the country’s universities and colleges will be highlighted.
Innovative Strategic Planning for the Design of a High Volume Production Line using Quality Function Deployment and a Batch
Authors: Yumbla Roberto , Lumley Stuart , Khan M. Khurshid
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes an innovative factory planning methodology to achieve the objectives that were defined by Flexitallic for the future expansion of the Thermiculite production line. The concepts under investigation extend to the analysis of flow benefits and restrictions considering product features and demands addressed in a proposed Batch/Flow Comparative Matrix. Furthermore, this paper introduces the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) concept to support the manufacturing line design using a mechanism of incorporating commercial awareness in all stages of the product deployment. The original QFD ensures process planning by bringing parts deployment into parts characteristics through the House of Quality. This study renews the original QFD by developing the Strategic Alignment of Quality Function Deployment (SAQFD) to achieve proactive management of Houses III and House IV. The case study demonstrates the utilization and applicability of the proposed methodologies, and demonstrates their importance during the design of a high volume production line.
Activity Based Cost Estimation System for Product Lifecycle Using Object Oriented Programming
Authors: Darla Siva Prasad , Narayanan S
Published: April 2013

The costs incurred during production, use, and disposal is mostly committed by early design decisions. Product designers started giving due consideration to life cycle cost implications of their design decisions. In this paper we developed a product lifecycle cost estimation system which can able to find the product lifecycle cost especially at early design stage in order to provide lifecycle cost information of a product efficiently and effectively to support decision makings. This system is built using object-oriented programming and linked to user interface. It is used to help designers for detailed cost information when needed at any stage of product development process. Activity based costing method is used to estimate the lifecycle cost through cost drivers of the product. Researchers presented and proposed cost estimation methods for one stage like manufacturing not all stages of lifecycle, certain manufacturing processes, specific category of products like machine parts and injection moulded part. A case study from local company is considered to validate the system for successful implementation. It is compared with the result of the same case study using concurrent cost module of DFMA software.
TSI-Enhanced Pedagogical Agents to Engage Learners in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Leung Steve , Virwaney Sandeep , Lin Fuhua , Armstrong AJ , Dubbelboer Adien
Published: April 2013

Building pedagogical applications in virtual worlds is a multi-disciplinary endeavor that involves learning theories, application development framework, and mediated communication theories. This paper presents a project that integrates game-based learning, multi-agent system architecture (MAS), and the theory of Transformed Social Interaction (TSI), the project implements a group of engaging, affectionate and effective pedagogical agents equipped with abilities of self-repsentation, emotional states reasoning and situational awareness. A prototype of a virtual quiz show, QuizMASter, has been implemented to realize these abilities, and will be used to test for the effectiveness of the approach.
Technical Feasibility of a Mobile Context-Aware (Social) Learning Schedule Framework
Authors: Yau Jane Y. K. , Joy Mike
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to show the technical feasibility of implementing their mobile context-aware learning schedule (mCALS) framework as a software application on a mobile device using current technologies, prior to its actual implementation. This process draws a set of compatible mobile and context-aware technologies at present and can be used as a reference point for implementing generic mobile context-aware applications. The authors’ mCALS framework retrieves the learner’s location and available time contexts via the built-in learning schedule (i.e., electronic organizer) on a mobile device. These contexts together with the learner’s learning styles and knowledge level (on a selected topic) are used as the basis for the software application to suggest learning materials that are appropriate for the learner, at the time of usage. This retrieval approach eliminates the use of context-aware technologies and the need to directly request the user to enter context information at the time of usage. The authors develop a fully functional prototype of this framework for learners to plan their individual as well as social learning activities amongst one another to make their individual learning processes collaborative and as a way to enhance individual and social learning experiences.
Learning Tasks, Peer Interaction, and Cognition Process An Online Collaborative Design Model
Authors: Durrington Vance A. , Du Jianxia
Published: April 2013

This paper illustrates a model for Online Group Collaborative Learning. The authors based the foundation of the Online Collaborative Design Model upon Piaget’s concepts of assimilation and accommodation, and Vygotsky’s theory of social interaction. The four components of online collaborative learning include: individual processes, the task(s) students work on, group member processes, and communication media. These elements become key components beginning with the theoretical framework, the models used, and implementation of the models. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Online Collaborative Design Model and student feedback related to its implementation in an online course. The model was piloted in a required multimedia graduate course using a problem-based learning approach. Students used synchronous chat rooms and asynchronous discussion boards for course discussions and for the final group project. The instructor, to gain an understanding of the piloted implementation of the Online Collaborative Design Model, gathered final reflections about collaboration and the final project. The reflections revealed that students sensed a connection between productivity and trust. Further research into the impact trust has on the interpersonal communications of the group and the intrapersonal communications of the individual would give interesting insights into the model.
ICT as an Engine for Community Participation
Authors: Semujju Brian
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses two issues prevalent in community media: Information communication technology (ICT) and Community participation. While several studies have explored community media and ICT in Uganda (Nassanga, 2003, 2009a, 2009b), the view that ICT has changed the way media operate to an extent of reversing the agenda-setting role to the listeners (McQuail, 2006, pp. 38-39; Straubhaar & Larose 2002, p. 386) needed investigation. Using Kagadi-Kibale Community radio (KKCR), the paper shows how ICT is spreading in one Ugandan region and the relationship that technology has with participation in community media activities. Findings show that there is need to redefine the relationship between ICT and geographically defined community media as usage of ICT is dependent on forces that still require decades to harmonize. The paper therefore suggests that an alternative to community media, herein called Basic Media, is best suited to match the communication patterns of a developing world.
Computing the Risk Indicators in Fuzzy Systems
Authors: Georgescu Irina
Published: April 2013

The modeling of complex risk situations imposes the existence of multiple ways to represent the risk and compare the risk situations between them. In probabilistic models, risk is described by random variables and risk situations are compared by stochastic dominance. In possibilistic or credibilistic models, risk is represented by fuzzy variables. This paper concerns three indicators of dominance associated with fuzzy variables. This allows the definition of three notions of fuzzy dominance: dominance in possibility, dominance in necessity and dominance in credibility. These three types of dominance are possibilistic and credibilistic versions of stochastic dominance. Each type offers a modality of ranking risk situations modeled by fuzzy variables. In the paper some properties of the three indicators of dominance are proved and relations between the three types of fuzzy dominance are established. For triangular fuzzy numbers formulas for the computation of these indicators are obtained. The paper also contains a contribution on a theory of risk aversion in the context of credibility theory. Using the credibilistic expected utility a notion of risk premium is defined as a measure of risk aversion of an agent in front of a risk situation described by a fuzzy variable and an approximate calculation formula of this indicator is proved.
Visualization of Insight Process in Concept Creation Focusing Handwriting Features
Authors: Ikeda Hisashi , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: April 2013

In order to support concept-creation, the authors focus on handwriting assuming that it should contain the information on the process toward insight. As a result of intensive analysis of handwriting in concept creation process, one observation is that pen speed gets faster on insight after the period in which pen speed is relatively slow or time gaps get increased. Another observation is that pen pressure gets higher on insight after the same kind of period as above. Based on those observations, the authors derive a hypothesis on relationship between insight process and handwriting. In some situations, they could create new concepts by getting aware of inconsistency or constraints, by making their viewpoint changed, and then by getting an insight. The authors think those processes can be visualized through handwriting by monitoring some features like writing speed and pressure, and this could be effective support for concept creation.
Unstick Tsugoes for Innovative Interaction of Market Stakeholders
Authors: Ohsawa Yukio , Akimoto Masahiro
Published: April 2013

Sticky information, has been known to well explain the localization of ideas, i.e., that information in the brain of either inventor in the producing/selling side or consumers in the buying/using side of products do not always prevail in the market. This sometimes disturbs the process of innovation. In this paper, the authors break sticky information into sticky tsugoes, where a tsugo is a triple of the intention and two types of constraints behind each stakeholder’s acting/planning. The authors studied cases of Innovators Market Game ® - a serious game for innovative workshop involving stakeholders in the market, to visualize the interaction of the tsugoes of those stakeholders, in the form of Human-Tsugo Network (HTN) by using KeyGraph™. In the results, links between inventors’ and consumers’ tsugoes in HTNs correspond with the performance of innovative communications more finely than sheer KeyGraph visualizing the relations among words in the dialogue.
Relation between Chance Discovery and Black Swan Awareness
Authors: Abe Akinori
Published: April 2013

Researchers have been researching for chance discovery more than 10 years. The aim of chance discovery is discover something, but chance discovery is rather different from data mining. In 2007 Taleb introduced a concept ``Black Swan.’’ Taleb uses this rare black swan metaphor to explain how general persons tend to ignore rare or novel events and the importance of being aware of such rare or novel events. The main concept of Black Swan seems to coincide with that of chance discovery. Thus, in this paper, the author compares a chance with Black Swan and presents the future feather of chance discovery. In addition, the author will discuss how to discover the better chance from the viewpoint of abduction and affordance, and give formalization.
Using Gamification and Metaphor to Design a Mobility Platform for Commuters
Authors: McCall Rod , Koenig Vincent , Kracheel Martin
Published: April 2013

In this paper the authors explain the use of gamification as a way to optimize mobility patterns within a heavily congested European City. They explore this from two perspectives, first by outlining a gaming concept and secondly by explaining how the use of a mobility game that took place in two locations can be used to explore incentives and design issues.
Research in the Large
Authors: Kranz Matthias , Murmann Lukas , Michahelles Florian
Published: April 2013

The adoption of NFC technology has taken longer than expected after its inception in 2004. Several projects on ticketing and payment are gaining momentum. However, the actual state of adoption of NFC is still unclear. As an alternative to consultants’ prediction (which mostly prove wrong), this paper describes a gamification-based approach to motivate users themselves to report on NFC tags they spotted in their environment. As part of a trading card context, users get rewarded with gadgets and points for documenting the existence of NFC technology in their environment. This paper describes the development of this game and the experiences of two release cycles. The paper concludes with lessons learned and provides an outlook on next steps.
Development Support of Learning Agent on Repository-based Agent Framework
Authors: Itazuro Syo , Uchiya Takahiro , Kinoshita Tetsuo , Takumi Ichi
Published: April 2013

Agent-oriented computing is a technique for generating an agent that operates autonomously according to behavioral knowledge. Moreover, an agent can have a characteristic called “learning” skill. More efficient operation of an agent can be expected by support an agent designer who designs and develops an agent equipped with “learning” skill. The authors propose a design support mechanism of a learning agent on a repository-based agent framework called the DASH framework. The proposed mechanism enables an agent designer to design and implement the learning agent without great expertise, thereby reducing the designer’s burden. Herein, they explain the DASH framework, Q-Learning, and the proposed design support mechanism. Moreover, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method using some experiments.