bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology
Authors: Hyatt Kim J.
Published: May 2011

The focus of this chapter is how technology is used as a reflective tool for professional development. Specifically, the chapter addresses the utilization of an electronic data management system, coupled with reflective practice, to improve teaching and learning in a college classroom. Instead of utilizing only a traditional Teacher Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ) for feedback at the end of the semester, the instructor entered scores for each element on twelve assessment rubrics as fields in the electronic data management system. Scores were collected and analyzed over multiple semesters in order to make improvements to instruction. Evidence of higher scores on assessment rubrics followed course revisions.
Availability and Utilization of Classroom Computers Across Urban and Rural Schools in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aduwa-Ogiegbaen Sam. E. O. , Iyamu Ede O.S.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the availability and use of classroom computers in urban and rural schools in Southwestern Nigeria. Since it is nearly a universal agreement that, when properly utilized, computers hold a great deal of promise to improve teaching and learning, it is pertinent to ascertain the availability of computer facilities and their use by teachers in secondary school in urban and rural schools in Southwestern Nigeria. Data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire which was administered to 540 (300 male and 240m female) teachers in the schools. The result indicated that the urban schools were better equipped with computers than the rural schools. Also, it was found that the female teachers utilized computer facilities in their instructional activities than the male teachers. Recommendations were made as to how the situation can be improved in terms of computer supply and usage in the schools.
Influences on Student Performance in a University Networks and Telecommunications Course
Authors: Brookshire Robert G. , Crews Tena B. , Brown Herbert F.
Published: May 2011

Students at a large southeastern university typically find the introductory networking and telecommunications course difficult. This study examines factors that contribute to the success of undergraduate technology support and training management students in this required course. College transcripts and academic student files provided the data, which were analyzed using multiple regression. In contrast to previous research, only performance in an introductory technology prerequisite course significantly predicted success. These findings have implications for faculty designing or organizing curricula who want to improve the success of students in networking and telecommunications courses.
Information and Communication Technology in China
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Huang Yuxing , Tang Xiayun
Published: May 2011

This article provides an overview of the current development of information and communication technology (ICT) utilized in Chinese education since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Specifically, the article describes and discusses the positive impacts ICT has on Chinese basic education (grade one to grade nine), as well as the existing problems in the application of ICT. The article also discusses ICT’s application in higher education and the issues that have to be dealt with. The potential for further developing distance education with ICT is considered. In addition, recommendations are made with regard to providing better distance education with ICT. The target audience of this article is policy makers, educators, ICT professionals and researchers. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Evolution by Evaluation
Authors: Mahlow Cerstin , Hess Michael , Grund Sven
Published: May 2011

This paper describes the process of formally evaluating an E-Learning system that has been in use for several years. Professional usability evaluation offers deeper insight into user behaviour and needs than accidental feedback collection or introspection by system developers. A first analysis of the evaluation samples shows satisfaction of users with the general design of the system but also dissatisfaction with certain aspects of navigation that would otherwise have escaped our attention. State of the art formal evaluation turned out to be instrumental in making an existing system considerably more user-friendly. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
A Case Study of Ontology-Driven Development of Intelligent Educational Systems
Authors: Deline Gordon , Lin Fuhua , Wen Dunwei , Gaševic Dragan , N/A Kinshuk
Published: May 2011

This article presents a case study of ontology-driven development of intelligent educational systems. Following a review of literature related to ontology development, ontology-driven software development, and traditional software engineering, we developed an ontology-driven software development methodology appropriate for intelligent ontology-driven systems which have ontologies as key execution components, such as e-Advisor, and which is biased toward an integration of incremental and iterative ontology development and downstream Model Driven Architecture for development of software components.
Learning with Online Activities
Authors: Abdallah Salam
Published: May 2011

Learning through social interactions and critical thinking is becoming a fundamental teaching approach, especially for adult students. This approach promotes holistic and deeper understanding for the subject being learned. Online technologies are offering us new opportunities to create communities of inquiry that allow for more active learning that enhances students’ critical thinking. This article introduces an exploratory case in a Middle Eastern context that uses multiple online activities to supplement and strengthen the students’ face-to-face learning environment. This interpretive case discusses the students’ perceptions of their experience when using online activities. The case indicates that students improved their learning, are very positive about their first interaction with online activities and would like to see it as a standard practice to supplement their face-to-face learning.
Analyzing functionalities of Course Management Systems
Authors: Adlakha V. G. , Aggarwal A. K.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter the authors offer a faculty perspective on desirable features of a Course Management System (CMS) to teach a course efficiently and effectively. This paper is the result of our Web teaching experiences over a period of ten years using three different CMS platforms. We develop a list of necessary functionalities that a CMS must provide web-based or web-enhanced learning. The authors anticipate that this paper could help guide software developers in developing appropriate CMS tools and would help institutions to gain greater insight into the selection of an appropriate CMS for effective Web-based or web-enhanced education (WBE), also called hybrid education. The discussion could also assist current and future Web course instructors by increasing their awareness to take advantage of many features that might exist in their CMS.
An Evaluation of Blending Technology with Pedagogy for Teaching Educators and its Implication for their Classroom Teaching
Authors: Kennedy Carol Kahan , Hinkley Maureen
Published: May 2011

Although research has been conducted on the benefits and drawbacks of online courses, more is specifically needed in teacher-education to increase understanding of the transfer process from technology integration learning to the classroom. This study was designed to evaluate a model for blending technology with traditional classroom methods in preparing teachers to do the same. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to examine the collaborative and scaffolding approaches to the teacher-learners construction of meaning in the online discourse. Data has been collected from blended graduate-level courses taught in the area of educational technology for in-service and pre-service teachers from 2001 through 2006. These findings will be used to help identify best-practices for technology integration with teacher-education through informed applied research, and to create a new model for more comprehensive future blended course design.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges in Cognitively-Complex Collaboration with CoPe_it!
Authors: Karacapilidis Nikos , Tzagarakis Manolis , Karousos Nikos , Gkotsis George , Kallistros Vassilis , Christodoulou Spyros , Mettouris Christos , Nousia Dora
Published: May 2011

In this article, we demonstrate how CoPe_it! – a web-based argumentative collaboration support tool – enables one to manage cognitively-complex collaboration settings, that is settings characterized by big volumes of interrelated data obtained from diverse sources and knowledge expressed by diverse participants. The CoPe_it! approach focuses on issues related to the representation of such settings and aims at making it easier for participants to follow the evolution of a collaboration, comprehend it in its entirety, and meaningfully aggregate data in order to resolve the issue under consideration.
Learner-Centered Teaching and the Use of Technology
Authors: Greer Annette , Mott Vivian W.
Published: May 2011

This article explores the use of various learning technologies as tools for facilitating learner-centered teaching. The article offers another perspective on the scholarship of teaching with technology—through discussion of various theoretical models of learner-centered teaching, the role of technology on the student/instructor relationships, the impact on technology in different educational settings and contexts, and learners’ cultural differences. The article concludes with a brief discussion of future trends, cautions, and speculations related to technology use in learner-centered teaching.
Towards an Effective ICT-based University Learning
Authors: Ahedo Manuel
Published: May 2011

The principles and practices of university learning are being subject to critical reconsideration from new approaches to adult teaching and a growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). ICTs in adult learning have an ambivalent effect. On the one hand, they offer potential improvement in on-line communicative activities and the transmission of codified or explicit knowledge. On the other hand, they can reduce socially- and interactive-mediated tacit teaching and learning. Thus, the crucial criterion for effective and complementary use of ICTs in adult andragogy is whether they enable time and interactive social space for the tacit dimension of teaching and learning. This chapter analyzes these issues by comparing how two young universities in Spain have dealt with these effects of ICTs in relation to the tacit and interaction challenging dimensions of learning and teaching.
What can we learn from the Past about Future Technological Trends in Adult Education?
Authors: Hope John K.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the past two decades of technology use in adult education with the intention of providing a critical lens with which to view future technological trends in adult education. The article begins with a brief summary of technological trends, such as the introduction of the Internet and the World Wide Web, that have influenced adult education over the past two decades. Political, economic, social, and pedagogical issues that have influenced the use of technology in adult education are also discussed and possible solutions to these issues are outlined. The article concludes with an attempt to extrapolate future technological trends that could influence the direction of adult education in the decade to come.
Large-Scale Computational Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Yu Ting , Lenzen Manfred , Dey Christopher
Published: May 2011

Input-output table plays a central role in the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) method. This chapter presents an integrated and distributed computational modeling system capable of estimating and updating large-size input-output tables. The complexity of national economy leads to extremely large-size models to represent every detail of an economy. In order to construct the table reflecting the underlying industry structure faithfully, multiple sources of data are integrated and analyzed together. The major bottleneck of matrix estimation is the lack of memory allocation. In order to include more memory, this unique distributed matrix estimation system runs over a parallel supercomputer to enable it to estimate a matrix with the size of more than 1,000-by-1,000 with relatively high accuracy. This system is the first distributed matrix estimation package for such a large-size economic matrix. This chapter presents a comprehensive example of facilitating this estimation process by integrating a series of components with the purposes of data retrieval, data integration, distributed machine learning, and quality checking.
Wastewater Systems Management at the Regional Level
Authors: Cunha Maria da Conceição
Published: May 2011

Wastewater systems are very important environmental systems. They should be carefully planned and managed to contribute to a more sustainable development. Decision models are very useful tools that can contribute to defining the best solutions for these purposes. In this chapter an overview about the planning and management of wastewater systems and presentation of different decision models is given. Solutions methods are discussed and the results that can be obtained with such models are commented on. The vulnerability of such systems is reflected and new approaches are proposed to tackle them.
Estimation of Irrigation Water Demand on a Regional Scale Combining Positive Mathematical Programming and Cluster Analysis in Model Calibration
Authors: Viaggi Davide , Raggi Meri
Published: May 2011

Mathematical programming tools are widely used to simulate agriculture water use thanks to their ability to provide a detailed technical and economic representation of farm choices. However, they also require a significant amount of basic information and appropriate methods for the organization of such information. The objective of the paper is to test a methodology for the estimation of irrigation water demand using a combination of Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP) at farm level, and a cluster analysis. The methodology is applied in an area of Northern Italy. The main outcome of our empirical application is the variety and complexity of reactions of different farms. The scenarios considered highlight the potential importance of the effects of price and cost variables, while the changes in the (area-based) tariff system appear less significant. The change in water cost/pricing appears somehow relevant, but does not motivate major changes in present water management policy, at least in the range of scenarios considered.
A Spatial Multicriteria Decision Analysis to Manage Sewage Sludge Application on Agricultural Soils
Authors: Passuello Ana , Schuhmacher Marta , Mari Montse , Cadiach Oda , Nadal Martí
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the spatial problem of disposing sewage sludge on agricultural soils is addressed. Sewage sludge application on agricultural soils is recommended by governments in order to recycle nutrients and organic matter. Moreover, a new utility is given to a by-product of wastewater treatment. However, this managing practice may lead to environmental and human health risks. Soil amendment has also several related economic costs. In order to solve this decision problem, a spatial multicriteria decision analysis is presented. This method allows solving the decision problem taking into account the geographical peculiarities of each agricultural site. The purpose of this chapter is to present a methodology to solve the decision problem of managing sewage sludge on agricultural soils. For that, the most used multicriteria decision analysis procedures reported in the literature are reviewed and other novel methods are suggested. By the end of the chapter, a brief example of the method application is presented.
Economic Concepts, Methods, and Tools for Risk Analysis in Forestry under Climate Change
Authors: Williamson Tim B. , Hauer Grant K. , Luckert M. K.(Marty)
Published: May 2011

Climate change will affect the expected values and distributions of key variables that influence forest management decisions. Risk analysis will likely play a more prominent role in forestry decision making. There are, however, different types of risk problems and different types of models and approaches to choose from. Three possible models that could have application in a climate change risk context are: (1) the Markowitz Portfolio Frontier Model; (2) Expected Value-variance/Chance Constraint Hybrid Model; (3) Discrete Stochastic Programming. These models are applicable in different contexts and answer different questions. For example, the Markowitz model looks for the asset mix that minimizes portfolio variance subject to a minimum expected return. The expected value-variance/chance constraint model accounts for risk preferences and uncertainty in both objective function and constraints variables. The objective function is to maximize certainty equivalent. The discrete stochastic programming model allows for learning to occur and for the decision maker to modify his/her decisions as new information becomes available over a planning horizon.
Habermas, Networks and Virtual Public Spheres
Authors: Raman Veena V.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines Habermas’ conceptualization of the public sphere as it applies to a non-Western context, in Bangalore City, India. It provides examples of how Information and Communication Technologies are being used to empower ordinary citizens to participate in local governance, though deep digital divides persist. The chapter highlights problematic aspects of using technologies to promote better governance in the face of pervasive asymmetries in access to resources, power to leverage networks, and in levels of civic competencies. Drawing on the capabilities approach, it argues that there is need for a blended model of deliberative ‘e-democracy’ that does not privilege online venues and interactions, but employs technologies in strategic combinations with existing civic networks to improve governance in developing countries.
Conceptualizing E-Participation in the Public Sphere
Authors: Backhouse Jenny
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews the current understanding of the role of e-participation in democratic processes, in particular emphasizing the deliberative aspects of participatory democracy and the factors that impinge on successful participation initiatives. It considers what lessons can be learnt, if any, from related aspects of e-government and from e-business, in order to refine the concept of e-participation. The chapter concludes that e-participation has a role to play in a modern society where the Internet is increasingly the medium of choice for social communications. However, e-participation projects need to be appropriately developed so that they truly engage the citizenry and encourage meaningful participation in deliberative facets of democracy.
An Investigation of the Use of Computer Supported Arguments Visualization for Improving Public Participation in Legislation Formation
Authors: Loukis Euripidis , Xenakis Alexander , Tserpeli Nektaria
Published: May 2011

It has been argued that representative democracy, in order to be effective and address the problems and needs of different groups, and also at the same time legitimate and acceptable, should be combined with public participation (both off-line and on-line) of individual citizens and the civil society. However, the participation of citizens (either as individuals or as representatives of groups or any type of collective entities) in political debates in order to be meaningful and effective needs to be informed, which necessitates extensive study of large amounts of relevant material, such as reports, laws, committees’ minutes, opinions expressed by experts, stakeholders, political parties, et cetera. Most of this material is in a legalistic or in other specialist languages, or in a political rhetoric style that hides their substance, making it less discernible. The above problems are putting barriers to a meaningful and effective participation. This chapter presents research on the use of ‘Computer Supported Argument Visualization’ (CSAV) methods for addressing these problems and supporting and enhancing public participation in the legislation formation process. Based on an analysis of this process and its main documents, a comprehensive approach to the use of CSAV in the legislation formation process is designed, which covers all its fundamental stages and documents, and assists citizens and civil society groups to participate in it in a meaningful and effective manner with a reasonable amount of effort. It is based on the issue-based information systems (IBIS) framework. This approach has been implemented in a pilot e-participation project in the Greek Parliament, which was then evaluated based on the ‘Technology Acceptance Model’ (TAM) with positive results. Based on the conclusions of this evaluation an enrichment of the IBIS framework has been developed for improving the visualization of the main content (articles) of bills and laws.
Making Room for E-Government through Succession Planning
Authors: Loutzenhiser Kim
Published: May 2011

Few innovations have more impact on government’s work culture and the delivery of public services than e-government. E-government is a global phenomenon that is much researched, but researchers often neglect to research the demands it places on the human resources, the administrative infrastructure, and training and development. There is very little written on e-government and why it matters in succession planning. Those who design and implement well executed e-government systems need technological and culturally relevant competencies to make e-government responsive to e-citizens. In addition, there is no shortage of articles on government budget overruns tied to IT projects. The rush to have needed technologies has outpaced recruitment and training strategies to manage the technology infrastructure that makes e-government work. The infrastructure of e-government includes concepts tied to the provision of a seamless flow of services, logical one-stop-shops, efficiency, and an ability to do more with less. These concepts, however, will not support e-government indefinitely without adequate succession planning. The succession planning for this year and beyond must include training, maintaining and transitioning employees in a world where technical competencies need to be addressed and citizens clamor for more direct involvement. Succession planning can train employees to create a work culture that promotes accountability, transparency, efficiency, and build an appreciation for a competent representative bureaucracy. Succession planning, more than any other tool, can tap into the diversity pipeline, something that could narrow the digital divide. Human resources in the public sector faces fierce competition for talent. Talent is recruited nationally and internationally. Thus the public service is at risk if it persists in holding onto 20th century technology and 20th century cultural world-views.
Evaluation of Arab Municipal Websites
Authors: Al-Nuaim Hana Abdullah
Published: May 2011

High speed wireless networks and mobile and web-based services are changing the way we, as consumers of information, communicate, learn, do business and receive services. Successful e-commerce models have raised the expectations of citizens to have government agencies and organizations provide public services that are timely and efficient. With the growth and development of Arab cities, especially in the capitals, life becomes a little bit harder for citizens dealing with highly bureaucratic government agencies as their demands for basic services increase. Although e-readiness in the region has grown considerably with impressive progress, Arab cities have been clearly absent from studies on worldwide e-municipal websites. In this study, an evaluation checklist for was used to evaluate official municipal websites of Arab capitals. The study found that these websites were not citizen centered, suffered from fundamental problems, had some features that were inoperable and did not follow basic guidelines for any municipal website. These sites were dominated by aesthetics and technical novelties alone, providing inactive information rather than the inclusion of interactive e-services with immediate feedback and easy to use, navigable interfaces.
Comparing Citizens’ use of E-Government to Alternative Service Channels
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the role e-government has over citizens’ when they initiate contact with their government. It also compares the influence that other contact channels have on citizens’ contacts with government. A public opinion survey is analyzed to determine what factors explain the different methods of contacting government, namely through the phone, e-government, visiting a government office, or a combination of approaches. This chapter also analyzes citizens’ preferred method of contacting government, examining different types of information or assistance that citizens’ can get from government. The results of this study indicate that e-government is just one of many possible service channels that citizens use, with the phone being the most common. The overall importance of the survey results indicate that e-government is just one contact channel for citizens, and resources should also be devoted towards other contact channels given their importance as well to citizens.
Implementing Free Wi-Fi in Public Parks
Authors: Al-Shafi Shafi , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: May 2011

This article examines the adoption of free wireless Internet parks (iPark) by Qatari citizens as a means of accessing electronic services from public parks. The Qatari government has launched the free wireless Internet parks concept under their national electronic government (e-government) initiative with a view to providing free Internet access for all citizens whilst enjoying the outdoors. By offering free wireless internet access, the Qatari government hopes to increase the accessibility of e-government services and encourage their citizens to actively participate in the global information society with a view to bridging the digital divide. The adoption and diffusion of iPark services will depend on user acceptance and the availability of wireless technology. This article examines an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) that proposes individual differences and technology complexity in order to determine perceived usefulness and perceived ease of the iPark initiative by using a survey-based study. The article provides a discussion on the key findings, research implications, limitations, and future directions for the iPark initiative in Qatar.
The Key Organisational Issues Affecting E-Government Adoption in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shehry Abdullah AL , Rogerson Simon , Ben Fairweather N. , Prior Mary
Published: May 2011

The e-government paradigm refers to utilizing the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the whole government body to meet citizens’ expectations via multiple channels. It is, therefore, a radical change within the public sector and in the relationship between a government and its stakeholders. In the light of that, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a keen interest in this issue and thus it has developed a national project to implement e-government systems. However, many technological, managerial, and organisational issues must be considered and treated carefully before and after going online. Based on an empirical study, this article highlights the key organisational issues that affect e-government adoption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at both national and agency levels.
Stages of Information Systems in E-Government for Knowledge Management
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

A stage model for knowledge management systems in policing financial crime is developed in this chapter. Stages of growth models enable identification of organizational maturity and direction. Information technology to support knowledge work of police officers is improving. For example, new information systems supporting police investigations are evolving. Police investigation is an information-rich and knowledge-intensive practice. Its success depends on turning information into evidence. This chapter presents an organizing framework for knowledge management systems in policing financial crime. Future case studies will empirically have to illustrate and validate the stage hypothesis developed in this paper.
Temporally Autonomous Agent Interaction
Authors: Conover Adam J. , Hammell Robert J.
Published: May 2011

This work reflects the results of continuing research into “temporally autonomous” multi-agent interaction. Many traditional approaches to modeling multi-agent systems involve synchronizing all agent activity in simulated environments to a single “universal” clock. In other words, agent behavior is regulated by a global timer where all agents act and interact deterministically in time. However, if the objective of any such simulation is to model the behavior of real-world entities, this discrete timing mechanism yields an artificially constrained representation of actual physical agent interaction. In addition to the behavioral autonomy normally associated with agents, simulated agents must also have temporal autonomy in order to interact realistically. Intercommunication should occur without global coordination or synchronization. To this end, a specialized simulation framework is developed. Several simulations are conducted from which data are gathered and we subsequently demonstrate that manipulation of the timing variable amongst interacting agents affects the emergent behaviors of agent populations.
Quantifying Disorder in Networks
Authors: Passerini Filippo , Severini Simone
Published: May 2011

The authors introduce a novel entropic notion with the purpose of quantifying disorder/uncertainty in networks. This is based on the Laplacian and it is exactly the von Neumann entropy of certain quantum mechanical states. It is remarkable that the von Neumann entropy depends on spectral properties and it can be computed efficiently. The analytical results described here and the numerical computations lead us to conclude that the von Neumann entropy increases under edge addition, increases with the regularity properties of the network and with the number of its connected components. The notion opens the perspective of a wide interface between quantum information theory and the study of complex networks at the statistical level.
Reward Shaping and Mixed Resolution Function Approximation
Authors: Grzes Marek , Kudenko Daniel
Published: May 2011

A crucial trade-off is involved in the design process when function approximation is used in reinforcement learning. Ideally the chosen representation should allow representing as closely as possible an approximation of the value function. However, the more expressive the representation the more training data is needed because the space of candidate hypotheses is larger. A less expressive representation has a smaller hypotheses space and a good candidate can be found faster. The core idea of this chapter is the use of a mixed resolution function approximation, that is, the use of a less expressive function approximation to provide useful guidance during learning, and the use of a more expressive function approximation to obtain a final result of high quality. A major question is how to combine the two representations. Two approaches are proposed and evaluated empirically: the use of two resolutions in one function approximation, and a more sophisticated algorithm with the application of reward shaping.
Inductive Logic Programming and Embodied Agents
Authors: Kulakov Andrea , Laukkanen Joona , Mustafa Blerim , Stojanov Georgi
Published: May 2011

Open-ended learning is regarded as the ultimate milestone, especially in intelligent robotics. Preferably it should be unsupervised and it is by its nature inductive. In this article we want to give an overview of attempts to use Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) as a machine learning technique in the context of embodied autonomous agents. Relatively few such attempts exist altogether and the main goal in reviewing several of them was to find a thorough understanding of the difficulties that the application of ILP has in general and especially in this area. The second goal was to review any possible directions for overcoming these obstacles standing on the way of more widespread use of ILP in this context of embodied autonomous agents. Whilst the most serious problems, the mismatch between ILP and the large datasets encountered with embodied autonomous agents seem difficult to overcome we also found interesting research actively pursuing to alleviate these problems.
Interactions in Context-Zero
Authors: Braman James
Published: May 2011

Designing computer interfaces and other technologies that interact with users in adaptive ways that attempt to emulate natural styles of learning is generally difficult. As technology has become common in our daily interactions, adaptive interfaces are key in helping users in many situations. In this chapter the preliminary investigation with the intelligent agent Izbuhska is discussed, along with how it can be used to collect various data from users in an attempt to understand how they perceive the program and “learn” while interacting. Izbushka as a tool will help to generate new ways of understanding and conceptualizing interaction by presenting users with a “zero-context” environment. Izbushka presents users with a unique interface in an attempt to study user interactions that lack traditional metaphors or ontological grounding typical in many computer interfaces. The Izbushka agent is our first step towards filtering our preconceived metaphorical ideas in order to generate new understanding of human-computer interaction.
Modeling a Multi-Agents System as a Network
Authors: Araújo Tanya , Louçã Francisco
Published: May 2011

The article presents an empirically oriented investigation on the dynamics of a specific case of a multi-agents system, the stock market. It demonstrates that S&P500 market space can be described using the geometrical and topological characteristics of its dynamics. The authors proposed to measure the coefficient R, an index providing information on the evolution of a manifold describing the dynamics of the market. It indicates the moments of perturbations, proving that the dynamics is driven by shocks and by a structural change. This dynamics has a characteristic dimension, which also allows for a description of its evolution. The consequent description of the market as a network of stocks is useful for the identification of patterns that emerge from multi-agent interaction, and defines our research, as it is derived from a system of measure and it is part of the logic of a defined mathematics.
Towards Learning ‘Self’ and Emotional Knowledge in Social and Cultural Human-Agent Interactions
Authors: Ho Wan Ching , Dautenhahn Kerstin , Lim Meiyii , Enz Sibylle , Zoll Carsten , Watson Scott
Published: May 2011

This article presents research towards the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) inhabited by intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) and modelling a scenario of inter-cultural interactions. The ultimate aim of this VLE is to allow users to reflect upon and learn about intercultural communication and collaboration. Rather than predefining the interactions among the virtual agents and scripting the possible interactions afforded by this environment, we pursue a bottom-up approach whereby inter-cultural communication emerges from interactions with and among autonomous agents and the user(s). The intelligent virtual agents that are inhabiting this environment are expected to be able to broaden their knowledge about the world and other agents, which may be of different cultural backgrounds, through interactions. This work is part of a collaborative effort within a European research project called eCIRCUS. Specifically, this article focuses on our continuing research concerned with emotional knowledge learning in autobiographic social agents.
Health Care Information Systems and the Risk of Privacy Issues for the Disabled
Authors: Beswetherick John
Published: May 2011

The healthcare industry is moving towards adoption of electronic health records. There are associated privacy and security implications to this move towards electronic collection and storage of sensitive health information. This chapter suggests that the impact on the privacy and security of health information for disabled individuals is greater than that for the general populace. Contributors to this increased risk are related to the increase in dependence on the clinical care system and the related increase in volume of the data that is collected, stored and exchanged as a function of providing care to this population.
Implementation Issues on a National Electronic Health Record Network
Authors: McGaha John
Published: May 2011

The United States congress and the past several administrations have dedicated considerable funding for incentives focused on accelerating the adoption by the healthcare industry of Health Information Technology (HIT) solutions. The most recent effort towards these objectives includes a focus on the creation of a National Health Information Network that will support large scale exchange of health information. This chapter explores the technical, security and privacy implications of the advent of such an integrated network and the steps towards its successful completion.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Considerations for Healthcare Technology
Authors: Goldberg Edward M.
Published: May 2011

As the healthcare industry moves towards adoption of electronic collection and storage of health data it becomes increasingly dependent on the successful functioning of these technologies in order to ensure access to this important information. This chapter explores the technical, ethical and legal issues associated with the importance of careful planning and implementation of robust disaster recovery procedures as well as the importance of business continuity activities in assuring that this data is available following a system failure or other event that may introduce risk of data loss.
A Medical Data Trustworthiness Assessment Model
Authors: Alhaqbani Bandar , Fidge Colin
Published: May 2011

Electronic Health Record systems are being introduced to overcome the limitations associated with paper-based and isolated Electronic Medical Record systems. This is accomplished by aggregating medical data and consolidating them in one digital repository. Though an EHR system provides obvious functional benefits, there is a growing concern about reliability trust (trustworthiness) of Electronic Health Records. Security requirements such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability can be satisfied by traditional data security mechanisms. However, measuring data trustworthiness is an issue that cannot be solved with traditional mechanisms, especially since degrees of trust change over time. In this chapter, a Medical Data Trustworthiness Assessment model to assist an EHR system to validate the trustworthiness of received/stored medical data based on who entered the data and when is presented. The MDTA model uses a statistical approach that depends on the observed experiences available to the EHR system. In order to provide an accurate trustworthiness estimate for historical medical data, a time scope around the time when the data was entered was used. This scope enables the model to capture the dynamic behavior of the data entry agent’s trustworthiness. To conduct this assessment medical metadata is used to extract information about the medical data sources (e.g. timestamps, and the identities of healthcare agents and medical practitioners) and, thereafter, this information is used in a statistical process to derive a trustworthiness value for the medical data. The result can then be expressed in the displayed health record by manipulating the EHR’s metadata to alert the medical practitioner to possible trustworthiness problems.
Nursing, Ethics, and Healthcare Policy
Authors: Jaffe-Ruiz Marilyn , Matulis Sarah , Sayre Patricia
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines and analyzes ethical problems associated with the global nursing shortage, the international recruitment of nurses, and the strategies healthcare systems and governments use to minimize the impact of the nursing shortage within their borders. An argument is made that a more appropriate solution to the U.S. nursing shortage is not to pull from already burdened systems, but rather to recruit and provide financial aid to potential nursing students, especially underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, from within the United States. Implications for migration, education, and healthcare policy are explored. Resulting challenges for nursing leadership and demands on nursing education are addressed, as well as approaches for addressing the issues of providing safe patient care, a satisfying work environment, and professional development.
Reframing Dichotomies
Authors: Hoshi Kei
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to propose a new way to meaningfully bridge the dichotomy between technological and human concerns in the context of E-health systems. We see ‘Design’ as having the responsibility to ensure that humans can fulfill themselves in the world of things (or technology). First, this chapter raises issues surrounding human-centered design of E-health, caused by three major dichotomies which create imbalances that have caused a lack of true human-centered-ness: (1) the human-user dichotomy, (2) the virtual-physical dichotomy, and (3) the experiential-practical dichotomy. Second, this chapter reframes a categorization of customer, user, person and human, which allows us to discover new aspects of ‘humans’ and of true ‘Human-centered design’. Third, the concept of Tangible Presence in Blended Reality Space, an emerging integration of HCI concerns and Mediated Presence research, is introduced. Finally, the author proposes a new way of approaching human-centered design, what they call Human-Experiential Design, through which the experiential-practical dichotomy is effectively blended. The author believes that this view will be significantly important in attempts to go a further step in the development of better E-health, capitalizing on seamless combinations of the virtual and the physical in blended reality. Such blends will release human beings from the strain that existing dichotomies bring.
A Cup of Coffee
Authors: Jansson Maria , Mörtberg Christina
Published: May 2011

The area of homecare is not normally associated with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Today ICT and mobile ICT are being implemented within homecare practice to make the job of caring more effective and attractive. This chapter focuses attention on the human aspects when an automatic planning system and a handheld computer were implemented in a homecare practice. The aim of the chapter is to explore care workers’ experiences of how these technologies supported and facilitated their day-to-day work, but also how they affect daily work in practice. The authors’ findings indicate that some of the wants and needs for ICT of the homecare team regarding their work practice were met. The integration of principles from Participatory Action Research (PAR) in the Participatory Design (PD) process made it possible for staff to participate during the full development process, take part in the design process and make decisions during the whole trial.
Human-Centered Design for Health Information Technology
Authors: Tang Charlotte , Carpendale Sheelagh
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents issues that may arise in human-centered research in health care environments. The authors first discuss why human-centered approach is increasingly employed to study and to design health care technology. They then present some practical concerns that may arise when conducting qualitative research in medical settings, from research design, to data collection and data analysis, and to technology design. Many of these concerns were also experienced in their own human-centered field studies conducted in the last few years. The authors conclude the chapter by illustrating some of these issues using their own research case study that investigated nurses’ information flow in a hospital ward.
Wireless Networking Credibility, Device Interoperability & Other Important Issues to Take Into Consideration for the Deployment of a Homecare Service Provision Model
Authors: Perakis Konstantinos , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: May 2011

The proposed chapter aims to provide a discussion on the issue of the utilization of wireless technologies, for the deployment of monitoring wireless personal area sensor networks for the unobtrusive monitoring of patients. The chapter aims to answer some of the fundamental questions raised by this, including which is the most appropriate technology for such a networking architecture, what is the best topology for home monitoring wireless sensor network solutions, and what is the performance of the wireless networking technologies. In addition, it aims to initiate some brainstorming as regards how many interoperability protocols we actually need, presenting the strong and weak points of most of the current interoperability standards utilized in the field of homecare, with emphasis on the encoding and formatting of ElectroCardioGram (ECG) waveforms. Last but not least it aims to pinpoint other important issues in the field of homecare, such as legal and safety issues which are worth of consideration.
mVITAL
Authors: Ozturk Yusuf , Sharma Jayesh
Published: May 2011

Pervasive care and chronic disease management to reduce institutionalization is a priority for most western countries. The realization of next generation ubiquitous and pervasive healthcare systems will be a challenging task, as these systems are likely to involve a complex structure. Such systems will consist of various devices, ranging from resource-constrained sensors and actuators to complex multimedia devices, supporting time critical applications. This is further compounded by cultural and socio-economical factors that must be addressed for next generation healthcare systems to be widely diffused and used. In this study, the requirements for a vital sign monitoring solution are derived and based on these requirements a standards compliant medical device networking solution is presented. mVITAL is an end-to-end solution based on IEEE-11073 framework. IEEE-11073 defines a family of standards and nomenclature for device communication protocol, data format and logical interface between monitoring station and standard compliant medical devices. mVITAL is not only providing medical sensor networking and vital sign monitoring but also closes the loop by signaling alert messages to the caregiver and allowing pervasive access to vital signs of a patient using smartphones over a heterogeneous network. A role based access control mechanism is developed to limit the access to secure data. The end-to-end delay and the variations in delay for both the sensor data collection and the pervasive access are analyzed. mVITAL is developed as a complementary solution augmenting functionality of a hospital information system and can be loosely coupled with the hospital information system using web services.