bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Information Modelling Maturity Matrix
Authors: Succar Bilal
Published: May 2010

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an expanding collection of concepts and tools which have been attributed with transformative capabilities within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry. BIM discussions have grown to accommodate increasing software capabilities, infinitely varied deliverables, and competing standards emanating from an abundance of overlapping definitions attempting to delineate the BIM term. This chapter will steer away from providing its own definition of BIM yet concurs with those identifying it as a catalyst for change (Bernstein, 2005) poised to reduce industry’s fragmentation (CWIC, 2004), improve its efficiency (Hampson & Brandon, 2004) and lower its high costs of inadequate interoperability (NIST, 2004). In essence, BIM represents an array of possibilities and challenges which need to be understood and met respectively through a measurable and repeatable approach. This chapter briefly explores the multi-dimensional nature of the BIM domain and then introduces a knowledge tool to assist individuals, organisations and project teams to assess their BIM capability, maturity and improve their performance (Figure 1). The first section introduces BIM Fields and Stages which lay the foundations for measuring capability and maturity. Section 2 introduces BIM Competencies which can be used as active implementation steps or as performance assessment areas. Section 3 introduces an Organisational Hierarchy/Scale suitable for tailoring capability and maturity assessments according to markets, industries, disciplines and organisational sizes. Section 4 explores the concepts behind ‘capability maturity models’ and then adopts a five-level BIM-specific Maturity Index (BIMMI). Section 5 introduces the BIM Maturity Matrix (BIm³), a performance measurement and improvement tool which identifies the correlation between BIM Stages, Competency Sets, Maturity Levels and Organisational Scales. Finally, Section 6 introduces a Competency Granularity Filter which enables the tailoring of BIM tools, guides and reports according to four different levels of assessment granularity.
A Comparative Analysis of 2D Computer-Aided Estimating (CAE) and BIM Estimating Procedures
Authors: Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Sher William David
Published: May 2010

Most estimators are trained with, and are used to, manual and Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) two dimensional (2D) drawings. The spatio-temporal limitations of these designs complicate information management, estimators’ judgments, speed and accuracy. In addition, conventional estimating practices also need to cater to the nuances of diverse standard methods of measurements (SMM) and unstable market conditions. Building Information Modeling (BIM) promises major improvements that overcome the limitations of conventional 2D methods in both design and construction processes. It provides platforms for value integration, robust information sources, simultaneous access to design database, automated quantification, project visualization and simulation, among others capabilities. These capabilities facilitate accuracy, objective risk assessment, comprehensive information management and early integration of cost management principles during design. Arguably, the uptake of Information Technology (IT) in construction is increasing and this discipline-specific study on BIM highlights its considerable potential for improving professional service delivery. Consequently, the integration of BIM and process driven Computer-Aided Estimating (CAE) tools and applications provide robust opportunities for process improvement in Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Facilities Management (AECFM) industries. As part of a research initiative, this chapter reviews the impacts of BIM on cost estimating procedures. In a bid to develop a conceptual framework for underpinning BIM-propelled changes in estimating practice, CAE applications are categorized and compared. Moreover, some features for producing automated quantities from BIMs are compared with provisions of SMM used by estimators. The research concludes with recommendations about the capacity of BIM to revolutionize construction procurement and systems.
The Applications of Building Information Modelling in Facilities Management
Authors: Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Sher William David
Published: May 2010

Effective processes in facilities management are responsive to the quality of information flow across various levels and stages of design, procurement and construction processes. Considerable empirical evidence from industry reports shows how construction and facilities management processes could be jeopardized by some of the limitations of conventional design and procurement processes. To address these limitations, there are promising indications showing that the potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM) will trigger major improvements in both construction and facilities management systems. This study reviews some of the capabilities of BIM which may revolutionize conventional practices in facilities management processes. Specific platforms for this include, integrated analysis and simulation of project variables in virtual environments, effective communication between project stakeholders and project teams and multi-disciplinary collaboration. Others are interoperability, project visualization, value intelligence and other digital facilities management applications. In the study it is argued that BIM capabilities such as project visualization, simulation, auto-alert and value intelligence could stimulate major improvements in facilities management processes. Finally conclusions are drawn on the relationships between BIM and digital facilities management, including suggestions on areas of further studies.
Developing Context Sensitive BIM Based Applications
Authors: Hartmann Timo
Published: May 2010

Current Building Information Model (BIM) based applications do not integrate well with the varying and frequently changing work processes of Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professionals. One cause for this problem is that traditionally software developers apply software design methods that aim to design software that cater to a broad range of different users without accounting for the possibility of changing work processes. This chapter theoretically introduces a different method to design software - context sensitive software development – and theoretically argues that it is poised to enable application developers to adjust BIM based applications to the varying and frequently changing work processes of AEC professionals. As a first starting point for the practical applicability of the theoretical method, first user categories that BIM based application developers can use as a starting point for the analysis of different user contexts are provided. These categories were derived from the author’s experience supporting more than ten projects with the implementation of BIM based applications and from what they learned on a number of industry BIM workshops. The chapter closes by mapping out future research directions to evaluate the practical value of the method and with a theoretical analysis of how researchers can apply state-of-the-art software development methods, software development technologies, and software dissemination models to support their research.
The Idealization of an Integrated BIM, Lean, and Green Model (BLG)
Authors: Fernández-Solís José L. , Mutis Iván
Published: May 2010

Idealization, “a very high level view,” is defined here as looking at the possibilities of integrating Green socially responsible requirements with Lean principles of construction practices with well-developed Unifying Models, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM, Lean, and Green (BLG) will allow a rapid prototyping of design and construction, the integration of drawings, specifications, and manufacturing in a Green best practice ambient that employs benchmarked Lean principles. This chapter explains our propositions on Green as a concept that gives direction on what to do right (effectiveness), on Lean that captures how to do it right (efficiently), and on BIM as an enabling platform that will facilitate the implementation of this effort. The integration of this concept addresses the quest for economically viable construction projects with the purpose of finding the best optimum performance. We consider the design as a theory, the project as an experiment, and the resulting products as a test that validates the theory. BLG allows for multiple executions of a theory to find the best option, and then test it against the final product. This chapter contributes to the body of knowledge but does not cover all aspects of the subject.
A BIM Based Application to Support Cost Feasible ‘Green Building' Concept Decisions
Authors: Hua Goh Bee
Published: May 2010

The client’s role in leading the change in the construction industry has been widely perceived as crucial and, on the theme of sustainable building, it is advocated that clients must play their role to lead in engaging industry stakeholders in managing sustainable performance of construction projects. In essence, it is the client that makes the initial decision to procure construction works and the way in which procurement takes place. This influences the degree of environmentally-friendly (or sustainable) practice that is implemented in a project. For most building owners and property developers, this decision is affected by cost. A proposed rule-based system that contains decision-support rules pertaining to the assessment of (whole-life) cost implications for building projects is described in this chapter. The system is to be developed to meet the assessment criteria of Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Scheme and to support the use of BIM for designing energy efficient buildings and beyond.
Integrating BIM with Urban Spatial Applications
Authors: Song Yonghui , Bogdahn Jürgen , Hamilton Andy , Wang Hongxia
Published: May 2010

BIM as a developing concept is adding sophisticated data structures to 3D building models. From recent experience, it can be seen that BIM is enabling the sharing and management of building information. However, BIM is a building scale concept; to fully consider and assess the building information, BIM should be put in the larger geospatial information context, because buildings cannot be isolated from the context of their surrounding neighbourhood and city environment. A review of (3D-) GIS tells us that GIS adds an attribute database to geospatial data, and therefore greatly enables geographical analysis. Geo-spatial related decision-making now-a-days can hardly be done without the help of GIS systems. This chapter reviews recent research into integration of geo-spatial information and building information and in particular, it reviews the VEPS project, its scenarios and approaches, achievements and future development. This review shows the benefit of integrating BIM with the urban scale contextual data. More than that, this chapter also discusses the range of stakeholders such as building contractors, estate agents, city management, and public sector that will benefit from the integration of BIM and (3D-) GIS. Finally, there is a discussion of the way forward in the integration of BIM and urban models.
Basic Topological Notions and their Relation to BIM
Authors: Paul Norbert
Published: May 2010

Each building sets up a topological space in the mathematical sense. Therefore every Building Information Model (BIM) has to store topological information. Such information can be found, for example, in the IFC (Liebich et al. 2005). The volume modelling part of the IFC uses a so-called ‘IfcTopologyResource’ which is a topological model on the local scope of each single building element. At a global scope, the ‘IfcRelConnects’ class and its subclasses are used for the connectivity of the building parts. This chapter presents a generalizing concept which handles both “local” and “global” connectivity information in a common way and provides means to mutually relate them.
Removing Barriers to BIM Adoption
Authors: Harty James , Laing Richard
Published: May 2010

Building information modelling (BIM) is not only an authoring tool for architects and engineers, but also for all stakeholders in the building programme procurement process. Analysis tools like code checking of building regulations and environmental simulations that can report on heating loads, daylighting and carbon use will push the adoption of intelligent modelling faster and further than previously thought. The benefits for clients should not be underestimated either and some are already reaping them where project certainty is to the fore. However, the professional language that architects and engineers espouse is a latent force that can run counter to fostering collaboration. An emerging professional, the Architectural Technologist, can bridge that divide and adopt the adjunct role of manager in the integrated project delivery.
The Role of BIM in the Architectural Design Process
Authors: Moum Anita
Published: May 2010

The objective of this chapter is to identify the role of BIMs in the architectural design process from the practitioners’ point of view. The chapter investigates the main factors affecting the practitioners’ use of BIM, and how BIM impacts their work and interactions. The chapter presents a holistic research approach as well as the findings from its application in four real-life projects. In these projects, much of the practitioners’ focus was on upgrading skills and improving technology. Nevertheless, a number of their challenges were linked to the nature of the architectural design process, particularly to its “hardto- grasp” iterative and intuitive features. A conclusion of this research indicates that the role of BIM is affected by the many interdependencies, relations and interfaces embedded in the highly complex and partly unpredictable real world practice. A future challenge would be to understand, master and balance these relationships - upstream and downstream across multiple levels, processes and activities. The presented holistic research approach and the related findings contributed to research which aimed to embrace the complexity of real-life problems and gain a more comprehensive understanding of what is happening in practice.
Lean Enabled Structural Information Modeling
Authors: Lostuvali Baris , Love Jay , Hazleton Robert
Published: May 2010

Lean production revolution started in manufacturing with origin in the Toyota Production System (TPS). Since Womack, Jones, and Roos (1990) announced this concept as a new production paradigm, various industries including the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry have paid attention to its possible applications. While design, engineering and building practices in AEC are substantially different from manufacturing, the ideas drawn from Lean Production can be tailored for the AEC environment. The synthesis of lean production principles and techniques applied in AEC form the basis for a Lean Project Delivery System™ (LPDS). The principles of LPDS and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies offer new approaches and opportunities to improve the quality, cost, schedule and productivity of building products in a highly fragmented multi-disciplinary sector. The case study presented in this chapter provides an overview of the synergy between the principles and tools of LPDS with BIM technologies used at the California Pacific Medical Center’s (CPMC) Cathedral Hill Hospital (CHH) project in San Francisco, California.
Enhanced Speech-Enabled Tools for Intelligent and Mobile E-Learning Applications
Authors: Selouani S. A. , Lê T. H. , Benahmed Y. , O’Shaughnessy D.
Published: May 2010

Web-based learning is rapidly becoming the preferred way to quickly, efficiently, and economically create and deliver training or educational content through various communication media. This chapter presents systems that use speech technology to emulate the one-on-one interaction a student can get from a virtual instructor. A Web-based learning tool, the Learn IN Context (LINC+) system, designed and used in a real mixed-mode learning context for a computer (C++ language) programming course taught at the Université de Moncton (Canada) is described here. It integrates an Internet Voice Searching and Navigating (IVSN) system that helps learners to search and navigate both the web and their desktop environment through voice commands and dictation. LINC+ also incorporates an Automatic User Profile Building and Training (AUPB&T) module that allows users to increase speech recognition performance without having to go through the long and fastidious manual training process. New Automated Service Agents based on the Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML) are used to provide naturalness to the dialogs between users and machines. The portability of the e-learning system across a mobile platform is also investigated. The findings show that when the learning material is delivered in the form of a collaborative and voice-enabled presentation, the majority of learners seem to be satisfied with this new media, and confirm that it does not negatively affect their cognitive load.
Constructivist Learning Through Computer Gaming
Authors: Jong Morris S.Y. , Shang Junjie , Lee Fong-lok
Published: May 2010

Apart from the ability of computer games to make learning more interesting, a number of researchers and educators have been exploring other educational potentials of computer games. In parallel with the advancement of computer and information technology and the advocacy of constructivism in education, the issue of harnessing computer games to create new constructivist learning opportunities has received attention in both education and game research domains. This chapter is aimed at giving an introduction to computer game-based learning. Besides discussing computer games’ intrinsic educational traits favouring constructivist learning from different perspectives, the authors also review a number of instances of two recent foci in the game-based learning domain. The first one is education in games that involves the adoption of existing recreational games in the commercial market for educational use. The second is games in education that entails designing and developing educational games articulated with different constructivist learning paradigms or pedagogical approaches.
Stimulating Learners Motivation in a Web-Based E-Learning System
Authors: Matsuo Keita , Barolli Leonard , Xhafa Fatos , Koyama Akio , Durresi Arjan
Published: May 2010

The authors of this chapter designed and implemented new functions such as: a new ranking function, automatic interface change function, vibration function, room light control function and sound emission function in order to improve the performance of their Web-based e-learning system. By using these new functions, the proposed e-learning system can increase learner’s efficiency by stimulating learner’s motivation. The experimental results showed that the implemented system has better performance than previous systems.
Virtual On-Line Classroom for Mobile E-Learning over Next Generation Learning Environment
Authors: Wu Tin-Yu
Published: May 2010

This chapter develops an environment for mobile e-Learning with interactive courses, virtual online labs, interactive online tests, lab-exercise training platform and the identification of learning information by next generation tag on the 4th generation mobile communication system. What the Next Generation Learning Environment (NeGL) promotes is “Knowledge Economy” At present, inter-networking has become one of the most popular technologies in Mobile e-Learning for the Next Generation Networks (NGN) environment. This system uses various computer embedded devices to ubiquitously access multimedia information like smart phones and PDAs, and the most important feature is its greater available bandwidth. The future learning mode will include an immediate, virtual, interactive classroom with personal identification that enables learners to learn and interact. (Wu et al. 2008)
Individual and Collaborative Approaches in E-Learning Design
Authors: Usoro Abel , Majewski Grzegorz , Bloom Len
Published: May 2010

There is no doubt that e-learning is not all about technology but includes the human aspect which is often neglected in studies of e-learning. This chapter addresses the interface between technology and the learner by using cognitive psychology to discuss learning processes in formal and informal groups, investigate how to create competent learning groups, and how to design e-learning to facilitate optimal learning by an individual in a group setting. The chapter proposes an e-learning design based on a blend of cognitive and activity theories. It also presents a pilot empirical study that measured the value of e-learning from four constructs derived from the theories. The result of the study suggests that pure virtual learning environments may not always be the best option as some users require some physical contact. While e-learning may fill many gaps, it should be perceived as a tool that needs to be attended with emotional and social contact.
PAUL
Authors: Angeli Charoula , Veletsianos George
Published: May 2010

Adaptive e-learning systems can be extremely valuable tools in developing innovative learner-centered environments in any content domain. One area that can benefit greatly from adaptive e-learning systems is teacher development in the educational uses of computers. In this chapter, we discuss the design of PAUL, an adaptive computer-based learning environment for the development of ICT-related pedagogical content knowledge, a unique body of knowledge that teachers need to develop in order to be able to teach with ICT. PAUL combines two opposing trends in adapting instruction, namely instruction that is both controlled by the learner and the system. We expect the impact of PAUL to be significant as it will provide a venue for effective teacher professional development situating learning in virtual communities of practice and supporting teacher thinking about the educational uses of ICT in teaching and learning.
Virtual Structures and Collaborative Processes to Enhance Teaching and Learning Across Dispersed Sites
Authors: Stevens Ken
Published: May 2010

This case outlines the development of a pre-internet education initiative in New Zealand that linked eight rural schools, each with declining enrollments, to collaborate through audio technology in sharing specialist high school teachers. The collaborative structure that was formed enabled senior high school students in the intranet to access courses not available on-site, thereby expanding their range of curriculum options. Replication of the New Zealand model in rural Atlantic Canada, enhanced by the Internet, enabled senior students in an intranet to access four Advanced Placement (AP) science subjects, each taught from a participating site. Within the New Zealand and Canadian intranets collaborative teaching and learning has developed. The creation of virtual educational structures that support and enhance traditional classes has expanded the capacity of participating rural schools and reduced the significance of their physical locations. The New Zealand and Canadian initiatives highlight the possibilities of inter-school collaboration to sustain education in small rural communities.
Getting Teachers to use New Technology by just Giving them Time
Authors: Haydn Terry , Barton Roy
Published: May 2010

The outcomes of this project suggest that in the area of developing teachers’ use of ICT in subject teaching, simply providing support for teachers, in the form of time to explore the potential of ICT, to meet together to discuss ICT in subject groupings, and freedom to focus on their preferred ICT agendas, may be a more effective way forward than prescribing lists of required competences and providing generic ‘training’ type courses. This goes against the grain in an era characterised by ‘top-down’, centrally directed national strategies, high levels of accountability and auditing of teachers, and ‘coverage’ models of competence (Ball, 2003), but given the disappointingly sluggish and modest outcomes of such programmes, in the UK and elsewhere, such approaches may be worth exploring more extensively.
A Cyber-Apple for the Teacher
Authors: Federman Mark , Laiken Marilyn
Published: May 2010

In an age seemingly defined by near-ubiquitous access to Internet-based communication, there is little wonder that adult educators are turning to online, distance education as a means to reach their participants. In the traditional academy, post-secondary institutions increasingly include online courses and programs as elements, or comprising the entirety, of both undergraduate and graduate degrees (Allen & Seaman, 2006). Even in the realm of non-formal adult education, “hacktivism1” has become one of the most effective mechanisms through which engagement for social change – especially on a global scale – occurs (Day, 2004; Ganesh, Zoller & Cheney, 2005). Ironically, rather than truly integrating the philosophy of emancipatory and transformative adult education, cyber-education environments as typically implemented throughout the academy, overwhelmingly – if unwittingly – reproduce and reinforce the hegemony of traditional teacher-pupil power relations. By examining the mechanism of hegemony, and its pervasive presence in contemporary pedagogical technologies, this chapter will demonstrate how organized power is maintained through these mechanisms. In contrast, a case will be offered that demonstrates how engaged intellectuals can reconstruct the cyber-education environment in order to challenge the pretensions of entrenched academic power, and manifest adult education principles. In particular, the case will explore how the many years of research on how adults learn can be applied with the use of technology, so that the cyber learning milieu is as dynamic, personal and collaborative as the physical presence classroom context can be in the hands of a skilled adult educator.
Application of VoiceXML in e-Learning Systems
Authors: Azeta A. A. , Ayo C. K. , Atayero A. A. , Ikhu-Omoregbe N. A.
Published: May 2010

This chapter examines the learning environment of visually impaired students in the school for the blind. The level of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) utilization and adoption is reported with specific interest in VoiceXML and its application areas. As a case study, a prototype voice-based e-Learning application for course registration and examination was developed and reported. The system was evaluated using ISO 9241-11 usability criteria. The outcome of the usability evaluation is also presented. The voice-based e-Learning technology described in this chapter will improve accessibility to education, including distance learning for learners who are visually impaired in the school for the blind.
The e-Learning Puzzle in Turkey
Authors: Özdemir Selçuk
Published: May 2010

This chapter aims to share Turkey’s ICT integration experiences from a country-wide perspective rather than a school or classroom case. Many experiences in different countries indicate that successful ICT integration requires interlocking components, such as purchasing hardware, in-service training for principals and teachers, curriculum integration, financial resources for maintenance, technical, and pedagogical support, and an adequate amount and quality of digital learning material. Lack of one of the components may cause the failure of the whole integration process. The employment of ICT in education is a complex process comprising intricate components, much like the pieces of a puzzle. Sharing the experiences gained from national initiatives is especially important for developing countries, which should make an effort to learn from the experiences of other countries because loans granted by foreign sources make up a majority of the e-learning investment.
Users' Satisfaction with e-Learning
Authors: Tella Adeyinka
Published: May 2010

This chapter examines a case study of the user’s satisfaction with e-learning at the University of Botswana. The study drawn on 415 undergraduate students who are users of e-learning from across six faculties and 39 departments of the university. Data was collected through an adapted and validated questionnaire. The result reveals generally that students were satisfied with e-learning system at the University of Botswana. Overall, 87.3% were adequately satisfied, satisfied, and moderately satisfied; while on the other hand, 11.8% were less satisfied and not satisfied. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system quality, content quality teaching and learning effectiveness dimensions were indicated to have the capacity to determine users’ satisfaction with e-learning. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the entire user satisfaction dimension positively and significantly correlate with and adequately predict and determine satisfaction with e-learning. Challenges indicated facing use of e-learning system are log on problems, loss/forgotten password, network/ server failure, access, and long download time for large adobe and PPT files. Upon these findings recommendations such as increase in the number of access and bandwidth of the system to allow it to work faster than before were suggested.
A Case Study Analysis of the Use of Online vs. Proctored Final Exams in Online Classes
Authors: Gold Stuart S.
Published: May 2010

This case study examines the results of an effort by a large regionally accredited institution to assure the integrity of its online final examination process. The question of whether the student outcomes achieved when administering an entirely online final exam are comparable to the outcomes achieved when administering proctored final exams for online (elearning) university classes is the primary focus of this study. The results of an analysis of over 100 online courses and 1800 students indicate that it is possible to establish processes and procedures that allow the results achieved by students on their final exam to be comparable irrespective of whether the final exam is proctored or is a fully online examination.
The Effects of E-learning on African American Males
Authors: Graham Tammy J. , Hewett Stephenie M.
Published: May 2010

The chapter examines the experiences of three African American males who were placed in an electronic learning (e-learning) classroom in a rural secondary school. The three case studies provide detailed descriptions of the young men’s backgrounds, educational experiences, and academic achievement results before the implementation of e-learning. Furthermore, the case studies detail their academic achievement results and dispositions during the e-learning process, pitfalls of their e-learning program, and lessons learned from the implementation of the program. It is the authors’ hope that educators and business professionals will utilize the information and lessons learned in this chapter when planning and implementing e-learning classes and trainings in order to enhance e-learning experiences for African American males.
Building Quality Assessment into Online Courses Across the Institution
Authors: Rodgers Michael L.
Published: May 2010

This case shows how a long-term, campus-wide effort balanced technological, pedagogical, financial, and political considerations to develop and implement a system for online course quality assessment at a medium-sized public university in the Midwest. The case shows how the need for an assessment system came to be recognized, and how the committee charged with creating the system arrived at a solution which took into account both course design and instructor performance. Thus, the institution now has, for the first time, a tool for improving the quality of its online courses. Moreover, it is hoped that administrators, faculty, and faculty developers will see that the quality assessment system joins a course management software suite development effort and a series of faculty training workshops in a wide-ranging list of tools for enhancing faculty competence as users of technology for teaching and learning.
Case Study of the CUForum @ CUHK
Authors: Jakubowicz Peter
Published: May 2010

In contrast to the formal school setting where learning is often linear, structured and controlled (be it online or face-to-face), for the ‘net generation,’ (Google, MySpace, MSN, YouTube and Yahoo) learning is often incidental and a sense of ‘fun’ is frequently of great importance. Such students’ learning is often non-linear, unstructured and explained well by the tenets of Anderson’s theory of online learning. This research discusses the benefits of fostering non-linearity in an online learning environment. A case study of an online business communication course at a university in Hong Kong is used to illustrate the importance of non-linear online learning by demonstrating how participants in this course adopted learning approaches that are consistent with, and a reflection of, the theory of online learning. Qualitative data from complete sets of online communication (including focus group interviews) collected over a one-semester, tertiary level course conducted at a university in Hong Kong are analyzed. The findings show that Chinese-speaking learners’ online interactions, categorized into three broad areas (cognitive, affective and social), demonstrate that interactivity is a key feature of an online learning environment. Its nature is exposed and discussed, not least the finding that for the participants in this study, learning was incidental and a sense of ‘fun’ was important. The study suggests ways in which online theory can contribute to, as well as help in, understanding this phenomenon and makes recommendations for future research.
From Biomedical Image Analysis to Biomedical Image Understanding Using Machine Learning
Authors: Romero Eduardo , González Fabio
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces the reader into the main topics covered by the book: biomedical images, biomedical image analysis and machine learning. The general concepts of each topic are presented and the most representative techniques are briefly discussed. Nevertheless, the chapter focuses on the problem of image understanding (i.e., the problem of mapping the low-level image visual content to its high-level semantic meaning). The chapter discusses different important biomedical problems, such as computer assisted diagnosis, biomedical image retrieval, image-user interaction and medical image navigation, which require solutions involving image understanding. Image understanding, thought of as the strategy to associate semantic meaning to the image visual contents, is a difficult problem that opens up many research challenges. In the context of actual biomedical problems, this is probably an invaluable tool for improving the amount of knowledge that medical doctors are currently extracting from their day-to-day work. Finally, the chapter explores some general ideas that may guide the future research in the field.
Variational Approach Based Image Pre- Processing Techniques for Virtual Colonoscopy
Authors: Chen Dongqing , Farag Aly A. , Falk Robert L. , Dryden Gerald W.
Published: May 2010

Colorectal cancer includes cancer of the colon, rectum, anus and appendix. Since it is largely preventable, it is extremely important to detect and treat the colorectal cancer in the earliest stage. Virtual colonoscopy is an emerging screening technique for colon cancer. One component of virtual colonoscopy, image preprocessing, is important for colonic polyp detection/diagnosis, feature extraction and classification. This chapter aims at an accurate and fast colon segmentation algorithm and a general variational-approach based framework for image pre-processing techniques, which include 3D colon isosurface generation and 3D centerline extraction for navigation. The proposed framework has been validated on 20 real CT Colonography (CTC) datasets. The average segmentation accuracy has achieved 96.06%, and it just takes about 5 minutes for a single CT scan of 512*512*440. All the 12 colonic polyps with sizes of 6 mm and above in the 20 clinical CTC datasets are found by this work.
Machine Learning for Brain Image Segmentation
Authors: Morra Jonathan , Tu Zhuowen , Toga Arthur , Thompson Paul
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, the authors review a variety of algorithms developed by different groups for automatically segmenting structures in medical images, such as brain MRI scans. Some of the simpler methods, based on active contours, deformable image registration, and anisotropic Markov random fields, have known weaknesses, which can be largely overcome by learning methods that better encode knowledge on anatomical variability. The authors show how the anatomical segmentation problem may be re-cast in a Bayesian framework. They then present several different learning techniques increasing in complexity until they derive two algorithms recently proposed by the authors. The authors show how these automated algorithms are validated empirically, by comparison with segmentations by experts, which serve as independent ground truth, and in terms of their power to detect disease effects in Alzheimer’s disease. They show how these methods can be used to investigate factors that influence disease progression in databases of thousands of images. Finally the authors indicate some promising directions for future work.
A Genetic Algorithm-Based Level Set Curve Evolution for Prostate Segmentation on Pelvic CT and MRI Images
Authors: Ghosh Payel , Mitchell Melanie , Tanyi James A. , Hung Arthur
Published: May 2010

A novel genetic algorithm (GA) is presented here that performs level set curve evolution using texture and shape information to automatically segment the prostate on pelvic images in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging modalities. Here, the segmenting contour is represented as a level set function. The contours in a typical level set evolution are deformed by minimizing an energy function using the gradient descent method. In these methods, the computational complexity of computing derivatives increases as the number of terms (needed for curve evolution) in the energy function increase. In contrast, a genetic algorithm optimizes the level-set function without the need to compute derivatives, thereby making the introduction of new curve evolution terms straightforward. The GA developed here uses the texture of the prostate gland and its shape derived from manual segmentations to perform curve evolution. Using these high-level features makes automatic segmentation possible.
Assessment of Kidney Function Using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI Techniques
Authors: Aslan Melih S. , El Munim Hossam Abd , Farag Aly A. , El-Ghar Mohamed Abou
Published: May 2010

Graft failure of kidneys after transplantation is most often the consequence of the acute rejection. Hence, early detection of the kidney rejection is important for the treatment of renal diseases. In this chapter, authors introduce a new automatic approach to classify normal kidney function from kidney rejection using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). The kidney has three regions named the cortex, medulla, and pelvis. In their experiment, they use the medulla region because it has specific responses to DCE-MRI that are helpful to identify kidney rejection. In the authors’ process they segment the kidney using the level sets method. They then employ several classification methods such as the Euclidean distance, Mahalanobis distance, and least square support vector machines (LS-SVM). The authors’preliminary results are very encouraging and reproducibility of the results was achieved for 55 clinical data sets. The classification accuracy, diagnostic sensitivity, and diagnostic specificity are 84%, 75%, and 96%, respectively.
Ensemble of Neural Networks for Automated Cell Phenotype Image Classification
Authors: Nanni Loris , Lumini Alessandra
Published: May 2010

Subcellular location is related to the knowledge of the spatial distribution of a protein within the cell. The knowledge of the location of all proteins is crucial for several applications ranging from early diagnosis of a disease to monitoring of therapeutic effectiveness of drugs. This chapter focuses on the study of machine learning techniques for cell phenotype image classification and is aimed at pointing out some of the advantages of using a multi-classifier system instead of a stand-alone method to solve this difficult classification problem. The main problems and solutions proposed in this field are discussed and a new approach is proposed based on ensemble of neural networks trained by local and global features. Finally, the most used benchmarks for this problem are presented and an experimental comparison among several state-of-the-art approaches is reported which allows to quantify the performance improvement obtained by the approach proposed in this chapter.
Predicting Complex Patterns of Human Movements Using Bayesian Online Learning in Medical Imaging Applications
Authors: Gómez Francisco , Martínez Fabio , Romero Eduardo
Published: May 2010

Medical images, in its tough sense, are fundamental in most clinical procedures and have become part of the medical act. Different acquisition methodologies result in a large variety of challenges or diagnostic tasks. Overall, most applications are dedicated to imaging structures so that complex measurements may be achieved. However, function analysis necessitates imaging structures through the time, either at the level of the image itself or at the interaction strategy between the user and the image. This chapter presents a Bayesian Framework which allows an adequate temporal follow up of very complex human movements, which somehow have been imaged. The Bayesian strategy is implemented through a particle filter, resulting in real time tracking of these complex patterns. Two different imaged patterns illustrate the potential of the procedure: a precise tracking a pathologist in a Virtual Microscopy context and a temporal follow up of gait patterns.
A Modern Epistemological Reading of Agent Orientation
Authors: Wautelet Yves , Schinckus Christophe , Kolp Manuel
Published: May 2010

This article presents a modern epistemological validation of the process of agent oriented software development. Agent orientation has been widely presented in recent years as a novel modeling, design and programming paradigm for building systems using features such as openness, dynamics, sociality and intentionality. These will be put into perspective through a Lakatosian epistemological approach. The contribution of this article is to get researchers acquainted with the epistemological basis of the agent research domain and the context of the emergence of object and agent-orientation. This article advocates the use of the Lakatosian research programme concept as an epistemological basis for object and agent orientation. This is done on the basis of how these frameworks operationalize relevant theoretical concepts of the Kuhnian and Lakatosian theories.
Two Frameworks for the Adaptive Multimodal Presentation of Information
Authors: Bellik Yacine , Jacquet Christophe , Rousseau Cyril
Published: May 2010

Our work aims at developing models and software tools that can exploit intelligently all modalities available to the system at a given moment, in order to communicate information to the user. In this chapter, we present the outcome of two research projects addressing this problem in two different areas: the first one is relative to the contextual presentation of information in a “classical” interaction situation, while the second one deals with the opportunistic presentation of information in an ambient environment. The first research work described in this chapter proposes a conceptual model for intelligent multimodal presentation of information. This model called WWHT is based on four concepts: “What,” “Which,” “How,” and “Then.” The first three concepts are about the initial presentation design while the last concept is relative to the presentation evolution. On the basis of this model, we present the ELOQUENCE software platform for the specification, the simulation and the execution of output multimodal systems. The second research work deals with the design of multimodal information systems in the framework of ambient intelligence. We propose an ubiquitous information system that is capable of providing personalized information to mobile users. Furthermore, we focus on multimodal information presentation. The proposed system architecture is based on KUP, an alternative to traditional software architecture models for human-computer interaction. The KUP model takes three logical entities into account: Knowledge, Users, and Presentation devices. It is accompanied by algorithms for choosing and instantiating dynamically interaction modalities. The model and the algorithms have been implemented within a platform called PRIAM (PResentation of Information in AMbient environment), with which we have performed experiments in pseudo-real scale. After comparing the results of both projects, we define the characteristics of an ideal multimodal output system and discuss some perspectives relative to the intelligent multimodal presentation of information.
Towards Multimodal Mobile GIS for the Elderly
Authors: Doyle Julie , Bertolotto Michela , Wilson David
Published: May 2010

Information technology can play an important role in helping the elderly to live full, healthy and independent lives. However, elders are often overlooked as a potential user group of many technologies. In particular, we are concerned with the lack of GIS applications which might be useful to the elderly population. The main underlying reasons which make it difficult to design usable applications for elders are threefold. The first concerns a lack of digital literacy within this cohort, the second involves physical and cognitive age-related impairments while the third involves a lack of knowledge on improving usability in interactive geovisualisation and spatial systems. As such, in this chapter we analyse existing literature in the fields of mobile multimodal interfaces with emphasis on GIS and the specific requirements of the elderly in relation to the use of such technologies. We also examine the potential benefits that the elderly could gain through using such technology, as well as the shortcomings that current systems have, with the aim to ensure full potential for this diverse, user group. In particular, we identify specific requirements for the design of multimodal GIS through a usage example of a system we have developed. Such a system produced very good evaluation results in terms of usability and effectiveness when tested by a different user group. However, a number of changes are necessary to ensure usability and acceptability by an elderly cohort. A discussion of these concludes the chapter.