Rater reliability and concurrent validity of the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS)

This paper describes the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and the concurrent validity of an observational instrument, the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS), which assesses stereotypical postures and movements associated with computer keyboard use. Three trained raters independently rated the video clips of 45 computer keyboard users to ascertain inter-rater reliability, and then re-rated a sub-sample of 15 video clips to ascertain intra-rater reliability. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the ratings obtained using the K-PeCS to scores developed from a 3D motion analysis system. The overall K-PeCS had excellent reliability [inter-rater: intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)=.90; intra-rater: ICC=.92]. Most individual items on the K-PeCS had from good to excellent reliability, although six items fell below ICC=.75. Those K-PeCS items that were assessed for concurrent validity compared favorably to the motion analysis data for all but two items. These results suggest that most items on the K-PeCS can be used to reliably document computer keyboarding style.     

The validation of the E-Victimisation Scale (E-VS) and the E-Bullying Scale (E-BS) for adolescents

This study investigates the psychometric properties of the E-Victimisation Scale (E-VS) and E-Bullying Scale (E-BS) designed to assess Cyber Bullying among Chinese adolescents. Participants were 484 adolescents aged between 11–16 years randomly recruited from high schools within a region. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were applied to investigate the factorial structure of these scales. Reliability was examined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients by sex. The convergent validity was investigated by correlations among these scales and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression for Children as well as the Zung’s Anxiety Scales. A single-factor model for the E-VS and a 2-factor model for the E-BS were resulted from the EFA with large factor loadings and about 47% and 56% of variance explained respectively. Cronhach’s alpha values provided evidence for good internal reliability with values ranging from 0.55 to 0.96. Correlations between the E-VS and Depression as well as Anxiety scales showed positive and significant relationships, however, the E-BS was only related to Depression. Psychometric evidence has shown that both E-VS and E-BS are valid instruments for measuring Cyber bullying behaviour and victimisation. Further studies are required on the test–retest reliability, discriminate validity, responsiveness, as well as normative information for standardisation.     

Towards evidence-based guidelines for wise use of computers by children

This paper argues for the systematic development and presentation of evidence-based guidelines for appropriate use of computers by children. The currently available guidelines are characterised and a proposed conceptual model presented. Five principles are presented as a foundation to the guidelines. The paper concludes with a framework for the guidelines, key evidence for and against guidelines, and gaps in the available evidence, with the aim of facilitating further discussion.

Relevance to industry

The current generation of children in affluent countries will typically have over 10 years of computer experience before they enter the workforce. Consequently, the primary prevention of computer-related health disorders and the development of good productivity skills for the next generation of workers needs to occur during childhood.     

藏文计算机通用键盘布局与输入法研究

为了改进现有各种藏文计算机键盘布局与输入法,本文依据键盘布局的基本理论、若干原则、相关科学数据和基于藏文语料库的字符、部件、音节、词汇统计数据,遵循藏语语法规则及其特殊性,在对键盘键位的属性进行专门研究的基础上,研制出“一键多符”和“一键到位”的智能化藏文计算机通用键盘布局与输入法,其藏文文本的键盘输入速度和效率成倍提高,对藏文印刷、办公自动化和信息处理具有广泛的使用价值。     

On the use of a multimedia platform for music education with handicapped children: A case study

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for students with special learning needs is being particularly studied by the research community. Likewise, music has gained recognition through the years in the field of learning disabilities, playing lately a key role in providing a better quality of life to people with special needs. However, there is still a gap on the combination of ICT and music teaching tools. In this work, we present the results of a case study where students with disabilities took a 3-month introductory music course using the multimedia tool called PLAIME (PLAtform for the Integration of handicapped children in Music Education) developed by the same authors. The aims of this work are three-fold: i) to explore the capability of disabled students to acquire musical knowledge using PLAIME, ii) to measure the improvement in their ICT skills, and iii) to observe their behavior along the study. At the end of the program, students showed an advance in their music knowledge and a positive improvement in behavioral development, being able to perfectly manage the computer platform.     

基于VC 6.0的PC机和单片机的接口设计

基于32位Windows操作系统的PC机和单片机间的串行通信是一种常见的通信方式.PC机与多单片机结合的测控系统越来越占主导地位.如何更好的在Windows平台下实现PC机与单片机的通信设计,成为测控系统中一个关键技术问题.为此,详细阐述了两种程序设计的方法.即,在VC 6.0中使用WindowsAPI函数编写程序和使用VC 自带的Microsoft Communications Control控件(即MSComm控件)编写程序.     

Gameful Experience Questionnaire (GAMEFULQUEST): an instrument for measuring the perceived gamefulness of system use

User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction - In this paper, we present the development and validation of an instrument for measuring users’ gameful experience while using a service. Either...     

计算机生成剪纸风格流水动画

针对手工制作剪纸风格流水动画极其费工、费时的问题,提出一种用计算机手段生成剪纸风格流水动画的方法.首先对手工剪纸中的流水纹样进行分类,构建它们的静态结构模型,并对于各种类型的水波纹建立不同的动态控制机制;在生成流水动画时,对各种波纹在时空上进行有机组合,包括浪花纹在流水波纹上的出现位置与动态控制,以及在有移动物体情况下物体和水面交界处各种纹样的控制.采用文中系统,用户只需进行少量交互确定流水波纹的位置,便能生成运动流畅的剪纸风格流水动画.最后给出了平稳水波、激烈水波以及水上移动物体与水面相交流水波纹的动画图例.     

Validation of the Cybervictimization Questionnaire (CYVIC) for adolescents

The Cybervictimization Questionnaire (CYVIC) for adolescents was designed to assess the extent to which the informant is a victim of aggression by mobile phone or Internet. The goal of this study is to analyze its factor and criterion validity and reliability in a sample of adolescents of Asturias (Spain). For this purpose, the CYVIC was applied to 3159 young people, aged 12 to 18, along with three scales to measure Internet Risk Behaviors, Offline School Victimization, and Self-esteem. Regarding factor validity, the model that best represents the internal structure of the CYVIC has four factors (Impersonation, Visual-Sexual Cybervictimization, Written-Verbal Cybervictimization, and Online Exclusion) and four additional indicators of Visual Cybervictimization-Teasing/Happy slapping. Regarding criterion validity, the CYVIC scores correlate positively with Internet Risk Behaviors and Offline School Victimization, and negatively with Self-esteem, three variables that previous empirical evidence indicates correlate with cybervictimization. The reliability of the CYVIC factors and items are both adequate. Therefore, it is concluded that the CYVIC is a valid and reliable self-report measure of cybervictimization in adolescents.     

基于VC＋＋6.0的PC机和单片机的接口设计

基于32位Windows操作系统的PC机和单片机间的串行通信是一种常见的通信方式。PC机与多单片机结合的测控系统越来越占主导地位。如何更好的在Windows平台下实现PC机与单片机的通信设计,成为测控系统中一个关键技术问题。为此,详细阐述了两种程序设计的方法。即,在VC＋＋6.0中使用WindowsAPI函数编写程序和使用VC＋＋自带的Microsoft Communications Control控件（即MSComm控件）编写程序。     

Toward a model for the study of children’s informal Internet use

Throughout history, the development and widespread use of new technologies has impacted human cognition and social structures. By integrating a range of cognitive and socio-cultural theories we are better able to understand the impact of technological tools, such as the Internet, on children in the context of their local and global communities. An integrated theoretical approach enables us to more comprehensively ascertain the potential of the Internet to significantly impact children’s cognitive processes and the larger social implications of this global phenomenon. This paper presents a small-scale exploratory study that, through the development of an Internet-mediated learning model, examines the skills and characteristics of young, competent Internet-users engaged in informal Internet activities. At present, there is much conjecture on the ways in which the Internet may affect learning and this paper describes an approach to research that could inform future data collection procedures and analysis in empirical studies.     

A neurofeedback video game (MindLight) to prevent anxiety in children: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildhood anxiety is a global mental health concern. Interventions are needed that are effective, but also cost less, are more accessible and engage children long enough to build emotional resilience skills through practice.MethodsThe present randomized controlled study aimed to examine the prevention effects of a neurofeedback video game, MindLight, developed based on evidence-based practices with anxious youth. Over 750 children (7–13 years old) in elementary schools were screened for elevated anxiety; 136 selected children were randomly assigned to play Mindlight or a control game. Self- and parent-reported anxiety was assessed at pre-, post-intervention and 3-month follow up.Results/conclusionsIntent-to-treat analyses revealed an overall significant reduction in child- and parent-reported anxiety, but the magnitude of improvements did not differ between conditions. Future research comparing MindLight to cognitive-behavioral interventions is suggested, as well as testing a range of specific (e.g., exposure) and non-specific (e.g., expectations, motivation) therapeutic factors as mediators of outcomes.     

A model for calculation of the costs of poor assembly ergonomics (part 1)

In product development there are many design requirements to meet and often tough project budgets to keep. Requirements that are considered not profitable will often be neglected, which affects assembly ergonomics. The objective of this study was to develop a calculation model for application in practice that enables calculation of costs of poor assembly quality related to assembly ergonomic conditions. The model is meant to be used by engineers and stakeholders in the design or redesign of manual assembly solutions. For that purpose, manual assembly tasks of 47061 cars at high, moderate and low physical load levels were analyzed with respect to assembly-related quality errors and corresponding action costs during production and on the market. The results showed that ergonomics high risk issues had 5–8 times as many quality errors as low risk issues and the earlier these were found the less were the action costs. The action costs for errors that were discovered late in assembly were 9.2 times more costly compared to early repair of errors in the factory. The action costs for quality errors that were found and corrected on the market were further 12.2 times more expensive to correct compared to actions taken in the factory. Examples are shown of how to apply the calculation model that was developed based on the obtained quality data.     

分布式计算机系统

提出了一种具有安全性，高可靠性，高可用性的异构分布式计算机系统结构，讨论了ＨＤＣＳ各子系统的功能和组成。     

A new parameter for validation molecular dynamics simulation (MD) data

We have obtained the new parameters coming from the simulated wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) (halo shapes, peak maximum (PM) and full width half maximum (FWHM)) for the validation of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data.     

Investigating the applicability of Agility assessment surveys: A case study

ContextAgile software development has become popular in the past decade without being sufficiently defined. The Agile principles can be instantiated differently which creates different perceptions of Agility. This has resulted in several frameworks being presented in the research literature to evaluate the level of Agility. However, the evidence of their actual use in practice is limited.ObjectiveThe objective is to identify online surveys that assess/profile Agility in practice, and to evaluate the surveys in an industrial setting.MethodThe Agility assessment surveys were identified through searching the web. Then, they were explored and two surveys were identified as most promising for our objective. The selected surveys were evaluated in a case study with three Agile teams in a software consultancy company.ResultsEach team and its customer separately judged the team's Agility. This outcome was compared with the two survey results in focus-group meetings, and finally one of the surveys was agreed to provide a more holistic assessment of Agility.ConclusionsDifferent surveys may judge Agility differently, which supports the viewpoint that Agile is not well defined. Therefore, practitioners must decide what Agile means to them and select the assessment survey that matches their definition.     

Optimizing the interaction of children with information and communication technologies

This paper outlines the major changes in the lives of children in industrially advanced countries associated with the increased interaction with information and communication technologies. The potential opportunities and threats to the cognitive, social, physical and visual development of children are reviewed to emphasize the importance of optimizing the interaction. The change in children's use of technology also poses opportunities and threats for ergonomics that should be noted if the profession is to continue being relevant and useful into this century. The paper ends with a pathway to the development and implementation of guidelines about child information and communication technology use for different groups of guideline users.     

A direct observation instrument for assessment of nurses' patient transfer technique (DINO)

The aim of this project was to develop a direct observation instrument to assess the work technique of nursing personnel during patient transfers and to test the validity and reliability of the instrument. An expert group developed this instrument, called DINO (DIrect Nurse Observation instrument for assessment of work technique during patient transfers), which contains 16 items divided into three phases of a transfer: the preparation, performance and result phases. To quantify the assessments a scoring system was constructed, giving an overall score for each transfer, depending on the level of musculoskeletal health and safety. Four observers assessed 45 patient transfers at hospital wards and showed in an evaluation that the inter-observer reliability and criterion-related validity of DINO was satisfactory. The assessments with the DINO instrument are done directly when the transfer occurs, without costly equipment. Therefore, it has a wide range of applications. For example, when evaluating training in work technique or when identifying an unsafe work technique as a risk factor for musculoskeletal problems in epidemiological studies.     

Flow in context: Development and validation of the flow experience instrument for social networking

Flow theory is a popular theoretical framework for understanding the underpinnings of the prolonged use of information systems. While there has been an increasing interest in examining flow experience during nearly four decades, the concept of flow still suffers from various limitations concerning its use as a measurable construct in empirical research. To address these limitations, the present study developed a 26-item instrument for examining flow experience in the domain of social networking services. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 804 Facebook users. The development and validation process consisted of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, second-order factor analysis, and examination of instrument validity and reliability. The developed instrument represents six components of flow experience: skill, machine interaction, social interaction, playfulness, concentration and enjoyment. The developed instrument possesses good model fit and high validity and reliability. This paper discusses the uses and limitations of the instrument in the examination of users' experiences of social networking services, and suggests avenues for future research on the topic with a special focus on research on user-centric innovations in online service.