Maximization of users experience in websites: estimating the optimum size of the multimedia content

In this paper, an extended experimental research is performed in order to calculate the mean opinions score (MOS) of several users considering quality of experience variables such as “information perception” and “multimedia type of preference”. The experimental campaign resulted in a great archive of measurements of the MOS of users over several multimedia files. It was found that multimedia type affects information perception whereas users prefer information to be presented by certain multimedia types. A quality factor $q_{i}$ is introduced for the first time for each multimedia type at the best of the authors’ knowledge. This quality factor connects MOS (i.e. user quality experience) and file size (i.e. network resources) with multimedia type. These quality factors express a measure of how MOS is affected by each individual multimedia type and it is inherent to the multimedia type. Approximating equations incorporating MOS and file size as well as quality factors are extracted and are used to construct an optimization problem. The optimization problem has as a target to optimize (i.e. maximize) the overall MOS of “information perception” and “multimedia type of preference” of a website that present information using several multimedia types, constrained by the total size of the website in bytes. Finally, an upper bound for the MOS is extracted based on the total file size of the website in terms of bytes.     

The Future of Cryptography

Abstract

Whether you subscribe to a professional code of conduct¹ or you just claim to be the “good guy” who is protecting the information assets of your organization, your colleagues, your employer, and those whose information you protect expect you to behave ethically. In this context, I use ethics to mean “the rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession.”² How- ever, elements of its common use as a synonym for morals also apply. Ethical conduct includes both acts of commission and acts of omission. We have obligations to perform certain tasks and obligations not to perform others. Just as a soldier may be held to account for accepting an unlawful order, so may the information security professional be held to account for acceding to management requests if they would violate professional ethics. I have found, however, a wide diversity of opinion among people who assert professional status in our field.     

A common type of commercially available LED light source allows for colour discrimination performance at a level comparable to halogen lighting

Abstract

As light sources based on light emitting diodes (LED) are increasingly used to replace classic tungsten-based light sources in household lighting applications, possible impairments of colour perception under those light sources due to a different spectral power distribution become a major concern. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) which is the only measure available to the end user is controversial and does not represent a comprehensive measure of colour perception. Aspects of colour perception disregarded by the CRI such as colour discrimination have to be taken into account as well. Therefore, we evaluated colour discrimination performance under a commercially available phosphor-converted LED light source from a popular brand (OSRAM) in comparison to a classic tungsten-based halogen light source. Colour discrimination performance was not affected by the type of light source, indicating that the phosphor-converted LED light source enables colour discrimination performance comparable to that of halogen lighting despite being associated with a lower CRI.

Practitioner summary: Considering the increasing use of energy efficient light sources, we compared colour discrimination under a common type of phosphor-converted LED and under traditional halogen lighting. Colour discrimination performance was comparable in both lighting conditions, indicating that the phosphor-converted LED can replace halogen lighting without sacrificing colour discrimination for energy efficiency.

Abbreviations: LED: light emitting diode; CRI: colour rendering index; CCT: correlated colour temperature; CIE: commission internationale de l’éclairage; FMHT: Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test; lm: lumen; lx: lux, lumen/m^2; W: watt; nm: nanometer; K: kelvin     

WISDOM: A website design method based on reusing design and software solutions

ContextWebsites are increasingly important for advertising and announcing information and they have become virtual business operations support tools. Thus, website designers have to take an increasing number of criteria (cost, delay, quality, security, maintenance) into account during design process to satisfy the needs.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to present our WISDOM method that: guides the designer through the website design process, proposes design solutions based on already existing solutions for online website design, facilitates the choice of software components to implement specific services, and speeds up website construction.MethodThe originality of our method is that it links the design process to formalized experience and a software component characterization that allows both functional and non-functional aspects to be considered.ResultsThis method relies on the state-of-the-art strengths in the website design process, modeling dimensions, Model-Driven Engineering and the patterns approach. We propose an implementation of our method as a dedicated website which helps website design and provides a website analysis catalog and a software component analysis catalog.ConclusionOur analysis of the method’s use highlights that formalizing the steps of the design process helps designers, especially novice designers, to design a website; our analysis of the tool’s use highlights its efficiency for rapid website development and its use of the “website family” concept. The results are so very encouraging for both method and tool; both facilitate website design by reusing existing solutions and components.     

A study of the relationship between color-concept association and occupational background for Chinese

BackgroundThe use of colors in visual displays can facilitate visual search and perception, but their use may not be effective without consideration of differences in the interpretation of their connoted meanings between individuals of different occupational backgrounds.ObjectiveThis study examined color-concept associations for Hong Kong Chinese students and white-collar workers, and then compared their associations with those of two other occupational groups to assess whether occupational background is related to color-concept associations.MethodA questionnaire survey was used to examine color-concept associations among 100 university students and 100 white-collar workers in Hong Kong. The participants were presented with 16 safety-related concepts and were asked to choose one of 10 colors that best represented each concept. The associations reported by four groups with different occupations (the two groups in this study and the groups of managerial staff and steel workers examined in our previous study) were compared. A chi-square test was applied to determine whether significant color association(s) existed for each concept.ResultsOur results revealed that each concept was significantly associated with at least one color (p < 0.01). The Hong Kong white-collar workers and managerial staff in mainland China both expressed the same color associations for 14 of the tested concepts, and differed only over which colors were associated with “strong,” and “radiation hazard.” These findings generally suggest that populations with similar occupations can have similar color perceptions. However, the students and the other three employee groups reported different color associations with the concepts “normal,” “off” and “potential hazard.”ConclusionsOccupational background is associated with how color is interpreted for its connoted meaning. One should consider occupational background carefully when choosing colors in product designs, especially for safety.     

The effect of dissolved “yellow substance” on the quantitative retrieval of chlorophyll and total suspended sediment concentrations from remote measurements of water colour

Abstract

The effect of the dissolved “yellow substance” on the quantitative retrieval of chlorophyll and suspended sediment concentrations from remote measurements of water colour, has been investigated through a sensitivity analysis applied to theoretical simulations. Two different models for yellow substance absorption, derived from experimental observations, have been used in the computation. The results obtained showed important effects, leading to the conclusion that the presence of yellow substance must be taken into careful account in the process of inferring water composition from its colour signature.     

Portrait des différences entre les genres dans le contexte de l'apprentissage de l'électricité en fonction de la certitude exprimée lors de la production de réponses

Abstract

This exploratory research aims to describe changes in the “feeling-of-knowing” (FOK) experienced by high school students who are being introduced to the fundamental concepts of electricity through learning by discovery. The analysis focuses first on the initial state of boys and girls in terms of their prior experience and the perception they have of their abilities in science and technology, then on the change in their performance (i.e. the conceptual shifts that take place) and the FOK of these same groups as they participate in “electronic problem-solving” activities. The results seem to indicate that this pedagogical approach produces the same results among both sexes in terms of learning acquisition, but favors boys in terms of the certainty they have of the solutions they provide.     

Enhancing mirror adaptive random testing through dynamic partitioning

ContextAdaptive random testing (ART), originally proposed as an enhancement of random testing, is often criticized for the high computation overhead of many ART algorithms. Mirror ART (MART) is a novel approach that can be generally applied to improve the efficiency of various ART algorithms based on the combination of “divide-and-conquer” and “heuristic” strategies.ObjectiveThe computation overhead of the existing MART methods is actually on the same order of magnitude as that of the original ART algorithms. In this paper, we aim to further decrease the order of computation overhead for MART.MethodWe conjecture that the mirroring scheme in MART should be dynamic instead of static to deliver a higher efficiency. We thus propose a new approach, namely dynamic mirror ART (DMART), which incrementally partitions the input domain and adopts new mirror functions.ResultsOur simulations demonstrate that the new DMART approach delivers comparable failure-detection effectiveness as the original MART and ART algorithms while having much lower computation overhead. The experimental studies further show that the new approach also delivers a better and more reliable performance on programs with failure-unrelated parameters.ConclusionIn general, DMART is much more cost-effective than MART. Since its mirroring scheme is independent of concrete ART algorithms, DMART can be generally applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of various ART algorithms.     

COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS THEORY

Abstract

This paper tries to give a system-theoretical foundation to cognitive psychology, starting from the theoretical and experimental work done in the departments of psychology and mathematics of the Rome University “La Sapienza” by a team formed by M. Olivetti Belardinelli, E. Pessa, V. De Pascalis, C. Del Miglio, and F. S. Marucci. It contains a new mathematical formulation of the organism-environment relationship, a new global brain model, a theory of visual perception based on higher-order neural networks, and reports of experimental observations of phase transitions taking place in the cognitive system.     

Autonomous Vehicles and Avoiding the Trolley (Dilemma): Vehicle Perception,Classification, and the Challenges of Framing Decision Ethics

Abstract

This article aims to introduce a degree of technological and ethical realism to the framing of autonomous vehicle perception and decisionality. The objective is to move the socioethical dialog surrounding autonomous vehicle decisionality from the dominance of “trolley framings” to more pressing ethical issues. The article argues that more realistic ethical framings of autonomous vehicle technologies should focus on the matters of HMI, machine perception, classification, and data privacy, which are some distance from the decisionality framing premise of the MIT Moral Machine experiment. To support this claim the article appeals to state-of-the-art technologies and emerging technologies concerning autonomous vehicle perception and decisionality, as a means to inform and frame ethical contexts. This is further supported by considering a context specific ethical framing for each time phase we anticipate regarding emerging autonomous vehicle technology.     

Reconnecting biology,social relations and epistemology--a systemic appreciation of autopoietic theory

This paper seeks to tease out the systemic character of a body of work that elsewhere in both the primary and secondary literature tends to be described, discussed and applied in fragmented and reductionist terms. The origins of "autopoietic theory" may be traced back to experimental work in cellular biology and neuro-physiology and to the concept of "autopoiesis" (a theory of living systems) itself. From there, it has extended its coverage into a wide range of diverse areas including cognition, perception, emotion, evolution, language, culture, epistemology, the philosophy of science and ethics. Against this background, the paper seeks to outline a high-level systemic interpretation of autopoietic theory; specifically one that integrates its various biological, social and epistemological components and which shows that it is best evaluated and understood as an explanatory whole and not in a reductionist manner.     

Understanding reuse of software examples: A case study of prejudice in a community of practice

ContextThe context of this research is software developers’ perceptions about the use of code examples in professional software development.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this paper is to identify the human factors that dominate example usage among professional software developers, and to provide a theory that explains these factors.MethodTo achieve this goal, we analyzed the perceptions of professional software developers as manifested on LinkedIn online community. We analyzed the data qualitatively using adapted grounded theory research procedures.ResultsThe research yields an initial framework of key factors that dominate professional developers’ perception regarding example usage. We use the theoretical lens of prejudice theory to put these factors in a broader context, and outline initial recommendations to address these factors in professional organizational context.ConclusionThe results of this work, in particular the use of qualitative techniques – allowed us to obtain rich insight into key human factors that affect professional software developers, and enrich the body of literature on the issues of reuse. These factors need to be taken into account as part of an organizational reuse strategy.     

Investigating critical success factors in online learning environments in higher education systems in the Caribbean*

ABSTRACT

Online learning has grown as a key method in education management over the last couple of decades. Studies have shown that significant investments in this technology are being made by universities, yet the full benefits expected have not been realized due to issues and challenges experienced by stakeholders such as learners and instructors in adopting and effectively using e-learning. This is especially true in developing economies where they may be attempting online delivery modes for the first time. In this study, we explore the question “What are the factors that influence university students’ adoption and use of an e-learning system in the context of the English-speaking Caribbean?” using an extended technology acceptance model framework. Partial least squares analysis was used to test the derived research model and found that critical success factors influencing students’ perception and use in online learning settings, particularly those within a developing economy conditions, include supportive cultural practices, access to computers, system or online environment availability, computer and online learning self-efficacy, user perception of usefulness and ease of use. These results have significant implications for university executives and policy-makers as they consider adopting online learning delivery modalities for users.     

Comparison of lifting and bending demands of the various tasks performed by daycare workers

The objective of this study was to evaluate lifting and trunk postural demands of the tasks performed by daycare workers. Twenty-four caregivers were monitored for approximately 3.5 h. Eleven tasks were identified. Posture was monitored by a dosimeter with sensors at T1 and S1. Flexion-extension, lateral bending and torsion angles were investigated using Exposure Variation Analyses (EVA).Most of the lifting, in both weight lifted and repetitions, was performed during two tasks: “Preparation” (0.6 lifts/min) and “Changing diapers” (0.8 lifts/min).EVA allowed identifying the most demanding tasks in sagittal flexion for both amplitude and duration.The most asymmetric tasks (large lateral bending) were “Caring,” “Changing diapers” and “Cleaning”. All the tasks listed as demanding for posture or duration also had a low level of variability.RelevanceThis study was able to identify the most physically stressful tasks in terms of lifting and postural demands. These tasks should be redesigned in priority taking into account this information and the specific context of individual daycare centres to improve the work context of workers.     

Enterprise system lifecycles in transition and less developed economies within the European Union

ABSTRACT

We analyze the lifecycle of enterprise systems (ES) in one transition (Poland) and two less developed economies (Greece and Portugal), all of them members of the European Union (EU). This study, involving practitioners with an accumulated experience of more than 280 projects, enables the comprehension of the approach to phases, activities, and the relevance of key players throughout the lifecycle. We found differences and similarities across these parameters that suggest that the traditional partition into “developed” and “transition” economies may be too simplistic, as the level of development of the economy should be taken into account. The main findings suggest that practitioners from less developed economies attach significant importance to technical issues, and adopters in transition economies strongly depend on external help. Although not directly transferrable, our results point to issues that should be taken into consideration when adopting or studying ES in countries with similar traits, such as Ukraine and Belarus in Central and Eastern Europe, or more recent EU member states, such as Croatia, Bulgaria, or Romania.     

Psychopathological profiles of adolescent and young adult problematic Facebook users

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in the use of the Facebook in recent years has led to problematic use.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the psychopathological profiles of Facebook users.Participants and methodThe sample consisted of 456 adolescents and young adults aged from 12 to 25 with a Facebook account. They answered to an online self-questionnaire assessing Facebook use, motives for Facebook use, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, sensation seeking, borderline personality traits, parental bonding and attachment, and peer attachment.ResultsA three-cluster solution was identified among Facebook users. The first cluster, called “borderline” was well above the mean on borderline traits, depressive symptoms, social anxiety and sensation seeking. Another cluster, labeled “sensation seeking” was distinguished by high levels of sensation seeking and low levels of other psychopathological variables. The third cluster, called “low traits” was well below the mean on all psychopathological symptoms.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first study that examined associations between problematic Facebook use, motives, attachment and psychopathological symptoms among a sample of adolescents and young adults, using a person-centered approach. This social network could become an indicator of psychopathological features among adolescents and young adults.     

Effect of hypoxia,safety shoe type,and lifting frequency on cardiovascular and ventilation responses

ObjectiveThere is limited work on the physiological demands of lifting activities at different altitudes and different lifting frequencies when wearing different types of shoes. This study aimed to examine the heart rate variability (HRV) and ventilation responses of individuals in normobaric hypoxia (ambient oxygen of 15%, 18%, and 21%) while doing lifting tasks and wearing three types of different safety shoes (“light, medium, and heavy-duty”) at two different lifting frequencies (“1 lift/min and 4 lifts/min”).MethodsUsing an experimental study design, two sessions were conducted by ten male university students that included an acclimatization and training session followed by experimental lifting. The study used a four-way repeated measures design (4 independent and twenty-one responses, i.e., twelve HRV and nine ventilation responses).ResultsThe findings highlighted substantial low HRV and ventilation parameters for the light workload stress in the form of higher ambient oxygen content and lowered lifting frequency while wearing light safety shoe type. It also presented an increase in the physical demand, followed by increased lifting frequency and replication with increased mean heart rate and decreased mean RR, very low frequency (VLF) power, low frequency (LF) power, and low frequency to a high-frequency ratio (LF/HF).ConclusionOur findings suggest that if a safe lifting load limit is applied for workers in the industrial environment, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders will be mainly decreased, and the rate of production will be better with ambient oxygen content and appropriate safety shoes. This research would safeguard industrial workers' physical capacities and future health risks.     

动态书法墨迹的可回溯感评测

目的 可回溯感是艺术欣赏和临摹时产生的一种审美感受,即在审美过程中想象地再现原作的创作行为,是书法艺术凸显的审美心理现象。在计算机书法的研究中,鲜有研究以动画效果增强书法可回溯感,且缺少关于可回溯感的量化评估方法。因此,本文结合心理感知实验提出可回溯感的测评方法,并探究动态墨迹效果对书法作品可回溯感的影响。方法 首先将可回溯感分解为两种心理因素:顺序感和运动感。然后针对动态书法形式应用粒子动画制作7种不同墨迹效果,并设计心理感知实验对书法作品的可回溯感进行测量,即对选定标记点的运笔顺序进行排列以及对其运笔方向和相对速率进行估计。最后比较原作和动态书法可回溯感的差异,分析动态墨迹对书法作品可回溯感的影响。结果 实验结果证明测评方法是可行的,并发现恰当运用动态墨迹效果,即沿笔迹流动的墨迹动画,可以改进作品的运动感、显著增强顺序感以及提升可回溯感,反之则不能。若混入逆向流动墨迹效果,会削弱其提升顺序感的效用,但减弱的程度与正逆向墨迹的比例并非线性关系。结论 运笔顺序和笔触运动感知的评测方法可以有效量化视觉艺术品的可回溯感,为书法欣赏和临摹过程的研究提供实证方法。动态墨迹的设计也可用于增进书法...     

A reflexive dispositional analysis of mechanistic perception

The field of machine perception is based on standard informational and computational approaches to perception. But naturalistic informational theories are widely regarded as being inadequate, while purely syntactic computational approaches give no account of perceptual content. Thus there is a significant need for a novel, purely naturalistic perceptual theory not based on informational or computational concepts, which could provide a new paradigm for mechanistic perception. Now specifically evolutionary naturalistic approaches to perception have been—perhaps surprisingly—almost completely neglected for this purpose. Arguably perceptual mechanisms enhance evolutionary fitness by facilitating sensorily mediated causal interactions between an organism Z and items X in its environment. A ‘reflexive’ theory of perception of this kind is outlined, according to which an organism Z perceives an item X just in case X causes a sensory organ zi of Z to cause Z to acquire a disposition toward the very same item X that caused the perception. The rest of the paper shows how an intuitively plausible account of mechanistic perception can be developed and defended in terms of the reflexive theory. Also, a compatibilist option is provided for those who wish to preserve a distinct informational concept of perception.