A web-based software tool for participatory optimization of conservation practices in watersheds

WRESTORE (Watershed Restoration Using Spatio-Temporal Optimization of Resources) is a web-based, participatory planning tool that can be used to engage with watershed stakeholder communities, and involve them in using science-based, human-guided, interactive simulation–optimization methods for designing potential conservation practices on their landscape. The underlying optimization algorithms, process simulation models, and interfaces allow users to not only spatially optimize the locations and types of new conservation practices based on quantifiable goals estimated by the dynamic simulation models, but also to include their personal subjective and/or unquantifiable criteria in the location and design of these practices. In this paper, we describe the software, interfaces, and architecture of WRESTORE, provide scenarios for implementing the WRESTORE tool in a watershed community's planning process, and discuss considerations for future developments.     

Creating formative feedback spaces in large lectures

Large lectures are the predominant way of teaching first-year students at universities in Norway. However, this forum for education is seldom discussed as a context for a formative feedback practice. The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to address whether and how a student-response system can open for a formative feedback practice in lectures and thereby support students' ability to monitor their own learning, as well as supply insight into how students engage with the feedback in their course work. The context for the study was large lectures (150–200 students) in a qualitative method course for first-year psychology students. Findings from the survey (n = 149) showed a positive correlation between the extent to which students report that they use clickers to monitor their own learning, and the extent to which they report that they used the feedback in their own course work. However, findings indicate that students valued the process of monitoring their own learning during the lectures to a greater extent than they actually used the feedback in their course work. Findings from interviews (n = 6) illustrated various ways students applied feedback in their course work.     

光纤通信在市内接入网的应用

先说明市内接入网的单位用户和住家用户两大类使用通信和电视、交互型和分配型业务的要求不相同，相应地对光纤传输的应用须作不同的考虑，文中认为；光纤从市内交换局直连办公大楼是合乎现实需要的，而对于居民住家，宜选用光纤连至路边或光纤与同轴结合和适当利用无源光网络等方案，俟将来时机成熟才实行光纤连至每一家，文末有概括总结，说明接入网不同于长途网，接入网的光纤系统可以使用常规单模光纤，工作于波长1．3μm，而光放大器和波分多路系统不是普遍需要，但光电子集成在光端机中是必要的。     

Interactive simulated patient—an advanced tool for student-activated learning in medicine and healthcare

An advanced learning system for interactive simulation of patient cases (ISP) is described. The system was designed to meet specific pedagogical needs where student activation and problem orientation were two of the key issues. The system includes features such as video based illness history-taking function using free text input, highly interactive physiological examination procedures, extensive laboratory tests and detailed user feedback. The system was constructed mainly in Authorware Professional, starting more than 10 years ago, and it is now available in refined versions in different languages. Twelve pedagogical and three technical features were initially defined for the project. All of these aims were fulfilled. The ISP system has been successfully used in education, and in international collaboration, including three applicability field tests. The system is also a powerful research tool for studying for instance medical decision-making.     

Paper remote: an augmented television guide and remote control

The television (TV) is one of the most common entertainment devices in homes. Searching and finding TV programs is a common task and using TV guides is one way of performing this. This paper presents three studies that are focused on examining audiences’ TV habits and TV guide usage, evaluating a new concept based on linking paper and pen with TV technology, and studying the audiences’ attitudes toward and anticipated interest in the future guide. The results of our first study emphasize the value of using paper based TV guides and also identify the deficiencies. We also found indications that the advantages and disadvantages of paper-based TV guides are related to the physical properties of paper. Thus, we suggest a solution that uses digital pen and paper technology to offer a new interaction method for TV. A research system “Paper Remote”, is developed and used in the two subsequent studies. Viewers tick designated areas on the paper-based guide to perform actions such as channel switching. However, this solution is not a substitute for the remote control device. We argue that these user studies on linking digital paper to the TV for everyday information navigation illuminate the possibilities of providing innovative solutions also for home information systems also.     

Interactive key frame selection model

Video summarization can provide a fine representation of the content of video stream and reduce a large amount of data involved in video indexing, browsing, and retrieval. Moreover, Key frame selection is an important step in the research of content-based video analysis and retrieval. Although there exist a variety of methods for key frame selection, they are heuristic and closed systems, which cannot dynamically generate video summary with user’s preference. In this paper, an M-estimator and epipolar line distance constraint camera motion estimation algorithm is introduced as camera parameters is an important motion feature for key frame selection, and Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method is applied to optimize estimated parameters. Moreover, since Interactive Computing is a novel-computing model that represents the transition of algorithm to interaction, an interactive model of key frame selection (IKFS) is presented as a result of improving the model of key frame selection (KFS). The model of KFS and IKFS are proved to satisfy the criterion of induction and coinduction, respectively. Experimental results show that the processing scheme generates flexible and desirable summarizations whose distortion rate is lower than current method. Above all, IKFS is an extension to KFS.     

新型彩电面面观

新型彩电最能集中反映显示技术的突破性进展。本文介绍全球彩电市场概况、交互式彩电、数字式彩电、数字式有线彩电及近年来不断涌现的彩电新品，如眼控式彩电、声控式彩电、声控式彩电、多媒体彩电、三维立体彩电及无荧屏彩电等。     

Cost estimation of structural skeleton using an interactive automation algorithm: A conceptual approach

This paper addresses a new concept for generating bills of quantities (B.o.Qs) using AutoCAD drawings for a building project, which demonstrates the application of Industry Foundation Class (IFC), developed by International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI). The procedure considers types of materials and the structural shapes of the AutoCAD drawings to compute the cost of the structural skeleton elements using interactive automation. The main concept focuses on using layer computation of the AutoCAD drawing after converting it into a drawing inter-exchangeable file format (DXF). Once the coordinates are detected, it is easier to determine the area and volume for any structural shape, including circles and polygons. The extracting method is a new technique for structural engineers and quantity surveyors to estimate required material for beam, columns, slabs and foundations. The algorithm extracts and recognizes the layers and objects from a two dimensional DXF drawing along with the coordinates information. The results obtained using this technique are more accurate and reliable than manual procedures or any other traditional techniques. In this paper, an automated and interactive procedure for B.o.Q computation is demonstrated. The process involves a user-friendly interface, dynamic linking to the structural drawings and tracking of B.o.Q modifications at the same time.     

CAL delivery selection criteria and authoring systems

Abstract  In the past, authoring systems have been used to generate computer-assisted learning materials that have often followed the rather restrictive programmed learning format. A number of innovative ways of using recently developed systems to develop CAL packages that include a wider range of learning activities (access to data bases, simulations, interactive video, etc.) are described. Analogous to the concept of a media selection model, a computer delivery mode selection model is presented as an aid to decision making for designers. This increase in flexibility should broaden the applicability of computerassisted learning (CAL) to a wider range of educational objectives and raise the level of the cognitive emphasis in learning packages, as well as facilitate the implementation of visually appealing materials. The paper also implies a standard of acceptability for authoring systems.