A perceptual evaluation of grating frequencies and velocities in the analysis of dynamic images

Dynamic images that possess beauty and are user-friendly can increase the use of digital technology. In addition to information conveyance, dynamic images also act as a communication bridge in the human–machine interface. Dynamic images are widely used in the application of digital media. Therefore, understanding the visual effects of dynamic images on viewers is a very important issue. From a visual communication design perspective, dynamic images influence not only image quality, but also the viewers’ perception and impression of the displayed image. In the contemporary age characterized by universal usage of dynamic images, designers should attain synchronized knowledge and understanding of relevant media technology so as to present preferred design quality in the management of digital design such as animation design, Web page design, multimedia design, and so on. The current study noted that psychological effects such as viewers’ visual attention, preferences, and understanding were more important than image quality. Therefore, this study adopted the viewpoint of “visual design” and conducted a perceptual evaluation of grating frequency and grating velocity. The pair-comparison method and scale method were adopted in the research methodology to simplify perceptual evaluations and enhance their validity. The purpose of this study was: (1) To propose recommendations for displaying dynamic images and improving image performance using perceptual evaluation methods. (2) To examine the influence of psychological factors on viewer’s comfort when they experience dynamic images. (3) To identify the best grating feature combinations that meet viewer’s psychological characteristics and propose recommendations for dynamic images design. The study concludes that it is useful to establish criteria for evaluating users’ perception and to, develop perceptual evaluations of dynamic images. It is recommended that designers find a balance between watching a moving imaging display “clearly” and watching it “comfortably” for successful reception by the viewer.     

Using the cloud to develop applications supporting geo-collaborative Situated Learning

Situated Learning stresses the importance of the context in which learning takes place. It has been therefore frequently associated with informal learning or learning outside the classroom. Cloud technologies can play an important role supporting this type of learning, since it requires ubiquitous computing support, connectivity and access to data across various scenarios: on the field, in the classroom, at home, etc. In this paper we first present the situated learning theory and how we can take advantage of services offered by Cloud Computing to implement computer applications implementing learning activities based on this theory, providing pertinent geographical information and discussion boards. Next we propose a software architecture schema which can be used as a basis for integrating existing cloud services into new applications supporting learning activities. Then we present two examples developed with this approach with its viability and advantages. These are discussed in the concluding chapter.     

Empathy and Modern Technology: A Neuroergonomics Perspective

The primary purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of empathy in the design of advanced systems in manufacturing and service industries in order to ensure suitable working conditions for employees from the social and technological point of view. The origins and components of empathy are briefly reviewed. The neural underpinnings of three components of empathy, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects, are considered in the context of human–human and human–machine interactions, as well as design of working environments. Finally, the potential advantages of applying empathy‐related knowledge to the design and development of human‐centered technology are discussed.     

略论平面广告认知的多维性

平面广告的历史非常悠久,但直至18世纪前后才逐渐真正为人所关注。在现代商业社会中,平面广告作为广告宣传的主力军,发挥了其价格便宜、发布灵活、信息传递迅速的优势,构成了大众传媒以至文化生活中一个不容忽视的组成部分。本文主要从信息需求、视觉审美、情感趋向、社会文化四个维度着眼,阐述受众对平面广告的认知过程,期冀对平面广告的设计创作有所启发与借鉴。     

Safety implications of cultural and cognitive issues in nuclear power plant operation

This research project was designed to investigate cultural and cognitive issues related to the work of nuclear power plant operators during their time on the job in the control room and during simulator training (emergency situations), in order to show how these issues impact on plant safety. The modeling of the operators work deals with the use of operational procedures, the constant changes in the focus of attention and the dynamics of the conflicting activities. The paper focuses on the relationships between the courses of action of the different operators and the constraints imposed by their working environment. It shows that the safety implications of the control room operators' cognitive and cultural issues go far beyond the formal organizational constructs usually implied. Our findings indicate that the competence required for the operators are concerned with developing the possibility of constructing situation awareness, managing conflicts, gaps and time problems created by ongoing task procedures, and dealing with distractions, developing skills for collaborative work.     

程序理解

程序理解是从计算机程序中获取有关信息的过程。作为程序维护中必不可少的环节,一直受到大家的关注。结合最近比较熟门的软件重建工程,分析程序理解中出现的一些问题以及解决方案。     

Teachers' perceptions of the barriers to technology integration and practices with technology under situated professional development

This case study examines 18 elementary school teachers' perceptions of the barriers to technology integration (access, vision, professional development, time, and beliefs) and instructional practices with technology after two years of situated professional development. Months after transitioning from mentoring to teacher-led communities of practice, teachers continued to report positive perceptions of several barriers and were observed engaging in desirable instructional practices. Interviews suggest that the situated professional development activities helped create an environment that supported teachers' decisions to integrate technology. Implications for teacher professional development and technology integration are discussed in conjunction with the strengths and limitations of the study.     

Negative emotional and cognitive responses to being unfriended on Facebook: An exploratory study

We consider Facebook unfriending as a form of relationship termination with negative emotional and cognitive consequences. Specifically, ruminative and negative emotional responses are examined via an online survey of adult Facebook users who were unfriended. These responses were positively related to each other and to Facebook intensity. Rumination was positively predicted by using Facebook to connect with existing contacts and was more likely when the unfriender was a close partner. Participants also responded with greater rumination and negative emotion when they knew who unfriended them, when they thought they were unfriended for Facebook-related reasons, and when participants initiated the Facebook friend request. The contribution of these exploratory findings to our growing understanding of negative relational behaviors on Facebook are discussed.     

Same-different reaction time to stimuli presented simultaneously to separate cerebral hemispheres

This research was concerned with same-different reaction time to two stimuli presented simultaneously, one to the left and one to the right visual field, so that they projected to separate cerebral hemispheres. In experiment 1, subjects compared two colour patches, two colour words, or a colour word with a colour patch. In experiment 2, subjects compared two geometric shapes, two shape words, or a geometric shape with a shape word. Comparisons of two colours or two shapes were faster than comparisons of words that named these attributes. Responses to colours were faster than to shapes, and responses to colour words were faster than to shape words. Within-mode comparisons were faster than between-mode comparisons. Direct access of the separate stimuli to the dominant hemispheres did not produce faster responses.