No description available.

No description available.

The rapid evolution of portable devices and social media has enabled pervasive forms of distributed cooperation. A group could perform a task using a heterogeneous set of the devices (desktop, mobile), connections (wireless, wired, 3G) and software clients. We call this form of systems Distributed Dynamic Cooperative Environments (DDCEs). Content in DDCEs is created and shared by the users. The content could be static (e.g., video or audio), dynamic (e.g.,wikis), and/or Objects with behavior. Objects with behavior are programmed objects that take advantage of the available computational services (e.g., cloud-based services). Providing a desired Quality of Experience (QoE) in DDCEs is a challenge for cooperative systems designers. DDCEs are expected to provide groups with the utmost flexibility in conducting their cooperative activities. More flexibility at the user side means less control and predictability of the groups' behavior at the system side. Due to the lack of Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees in DDCEs, groups may experience changes in the system behavior that are usually manifested as delays and inconsistencies in the shared state. We question the extent to which cooperation among group members is sensitive to system changes in DDCEs. We argue that a QoE definition for groups should account for cooperation emergence and sustainability. An experiment was conducted, where fifteen groups performed a loosely-coupled task that simulates social traps in a 3D virtual world. The groups were exposed to two forms of system delays. Exo-content delays are exogenous to the provided content (e.g., network delay). Endo-content delays are endogenous to the provided content (e.g., delay in processing time for Objects with behavior). Groups' performance in the experiment and their verbal communication have been recorded and analyzed. The results demonstrate the nonlinearity of groups' behavior when dealing with endo-content delays. System interventions are needed to maintain QoE even though that may increase the cost or the required resources. Systems are designed to be used rather than understood by users. When the system behavior changes, designers have two choices. The first is to expect the users to understand the system behavior and adjust their interaction accordingly. That did not happen in our experiment. Understanding the system behavior informed groups' behavior. It partially influenced how the groups succeeded or failed in accomplishing its goal. The second choice is to understand the semantics of the application and provide guarantees based on these semantics. Based on our results, we introduce the following design guidelines for QoE provision in DDCEs. • If possible the system should keep track of information about group goals and add guarding constraints to protect these goals. • QoE guarantees should be provided based on the semantics of the user-generated content that constitutes the group activity. • Users should be given the option to define the content that is sensitive to system changes (e.g., Objects with behavior that are sensitive to delays or require intensive computations) to avoid the negative impacts of endo-content delays. • Users should define the Objects with behavior that contribute to the shared state in order for the system to maintain the consistency of the shared state. • Endo-content delays were proven to have significantly negative impacts on the groups in our experiment compared to exo-content delays. We argue that system designers, if they have the choice, should trade processing time needed for Objects with behavior for exo-content delay. / Ph. D.

The goal of this Ph.D. research is to explore the IPD contractual strategies, to highlight the elements that distinguish IPD from a traditional delivery approach, to analyze how trust-based relationships are established and promoted, and to demonstrate if/how trust and IPD contractual principles correlate. The result of this research will promote the understanding of the industry on the strategies that promote trust and integration through real world case studies. The significance of the subject becomes more evident when reflecting on the current industry's crisis: productivity loss, fragmented delivery process, and lack of trust and collaboration. Through a literature review a Project Delivery and Contracting Strategies (PDCS) framework, an IPD traits framework, and a trust-Building framework are developed. The frameworks are used as the organizational tools to structure and inquire relevant information on the two IPD projects. An expert panel is assembled to discuss the frameworks and the findings of literature analysis and to seek the industry's insight on the units of analysis for contract, and the units of measure for trust. The units of analysis for contract are elements, such as strategies for risks/rewards sharing, liability considerations, decision making authority, and governance. The units of measure for trust are the individuals' perception, and the trust-building attributes as outlined in table 4-1. Two IPD projects were selected and their contract agreements were studied. A questionnaire including both open-ended questions and multiple choice questions was developed based on the information collected through: 1. the IPD agreements in each case study, 2. the literature-based frameworks on trust and project delivery contracting strategies. Accordingly, two IPD case studies are developed following the analysis of their IPD agreements and the individual one-on-one interviews with their key IPD players. The trust-building framework presented in this work includes a series of techniques that the contracting parties can follow when establishing their contractual and managerial strategies and also when interacting with each other. / Ph. D.

Wearable sensors and systems have become increasingly popular for diverse applications. An emerging technology for physical activity assessment is Smart Textile Systems (STSs), comprised of sensitive/actuating fiber, yarn, or fabric that can sense an external stimulus. All required components of an STS (sensors, electronics, energy supply, etc.) can be conveniently embedded into a garment, providing a fully textile-based system. Thus, STSs have clear potential utility for measuring health-relevant aspects of human activity, and to do so passively and continuously in diverse environments. For these reasons, STSs have received increasing interest in recent studies. Despite this, however, limited evidence exists to support the implementation of STSs during diverse applications. Our long-term goal was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of using an STS to monitor human activities. Our immediate objective was to investigate the accuracy of an STS in three representative applications with respect to occupational scenarios, healthcare, and activities of daily living. A particular STS was examined, consisting of a smart socks (SSs), using textile pressure sensors, and smart undershirt (SUS), using textile strain sensors. We also explored the relative merits of these two approaches, separately and in combination. Thus, five studies were completed to design and evaluate the usability of the smart undershirt, and investigate the accuracy of implementing an STS in the noted applications. Input from the SUS led to planar angle estimations with errors on the order of 1.3 and 9.4 degrees for the low-back and shoulder, respectively. Overall, individuals preferred wearing a smart textile system over an IMU system and indicated the former as superior in several aspects of usability. In particular, the short-sleeved T-shirt was the most preferred garments for an STS. Results also indicated that the smart shirt and smart socks, both individually and in combination, could detect occupational tasks, abnormal and normal gaits, and activities of daily living with greater than 97% accuracy. Based on our findings, we hope to facilitate future work that more effectively quantifies sedentary periods that may be deleterious to human health, as well as detect activity types that may be help or hinder health and fitness. Such information may be of use to individuals and workers, healthcare providers, and ergonomists. More specifically, further analyses from this investigation could provide strategies for: (a) modifying a sedentary lifestyle or work scenario to a more active one, and (b) helping to more accurately identify occupational injury risk factors associated with human movement. / PHD / The use of interactive or “smart” textiles that have sensing material(s) incorporated into them supports an emerging technology for physical activity assessment called Smart Textile Systems (STSs). STSs are an increasingly useful technology for researchers, athletes, patients, and others. Our aims in the current study were the development and assessment of a new smart undershirt (SUS) that was designed to monitor low-back and shoulder motions, and to evaluate the preferred placement and usability of two STSs. We also assessed the accuracy of two smart garments, smart socks (SSs) and the SUS, both individually and in combination. Accuracy was evaluated in terms of the ability of these systems to distinguish between diverse simulated occupational tasks, normal and abnormal walking patterns, and several typical daily activities. Our investigation indicated that STSs could discriminate between different human activities common in three domains: occupational scenarios, healthcare, and activities of daily life. We also found that both smart garments (i.e., SSs and SUS) provided similar accuracy for activity classification, typically exceeding 97%, and thus there was no clear superiority between these two smart garments. We conclude that, overall, smart garments represent a promising area of research and a potential alternative for discriminating and monitoring a range of human activities. Use of this technology in the future may have positive implications for health promotion.

Tallinjen är en visuell representation av talordningen som kan användas i undervisningen, där eleverna utmanas att förklara sina tankar. Denna studie utgår ifrån tidigare forskning, närmare bestämt en undersökning genomförd av Skoumpourdi (2010) i Grekland. Syftet med denna studie är att bidra med kunskap om hur användningen av tallinjen påverkar elevers förmåga att lösa problemlösningsuppgifter. Frågeställningarna som har besvarats är: Hur skiljer sig elevers förmåga att lösa problemlösningsuppgifter med och utan tallinje? På vilka olika sätt använder elever tallinjen i sina lösningar? Vilka kritiska aspekter identifieras i elevers lösningar av uppgifter med en tallinje? 124 elever i årskurs 2 fick svara på sex problemlösningsuppgifter där hälften av eleverna fick uppgifter när tallinjen fanns med och hälften fick utan tallinje. De skulle även visa hur de löste uppgifterna. Utifrån det insamlade materialet gjordes en kvantitativ analys där svaren sammanställdes i ett Excel dokument över rätt, fel och icke svar. Resultatet visar att elever löser problemlösningsuppgifter mer framgångsrikt när det finns en tallinje med. Denna studies resultat skiljer sig från Skoumpourdis (2010) studie som visade att eleverna lyckades bättre med problemlösningsuppgifterna när tallinjen inte fanns med. Studiens teoretiska utgångspunkt var variationsteorin. Det gjordes även en kvalitativ analys av hur elever som använde tallinjen löste två av uppgifterna. Utifrån denna analys identifierades kritiska aspekter. / The number line is a visual representation of the numerical order, which can be used for educational purposes, as it challenges students to explain their thought processes. This study is based on previous research/studies, particularly the study from Greece by Skoumpourdi (2010). The purpose of this study is to contribute to a further understanding of how to use the number line that effectively helps students solve problem-solving questions. The formulated questions that have been answered in this study are: What are the differences in students’ ability to solve problem-solving questions with and without the number line? In which ways do students incorporate the number line in their solutions? What critical aspects can be identified in the students’ solutions with the number line? 124 students in grade 2 answered six problem-solving questions in which half of the students were given the number line beside the questions and the other half without it. They would also provide an explanation for how they solved the questions. From the collected data, a quantitative method was used to compile the answers by the students in an Excel document, which was divided into the correct, wrong and no answer. The result showed that students solved problem-solving questions more successfully using the number line. This study’s result differs from the survey by Skoumpourdis (2010), which showed that students solved problem-solving questions more successfully without incorporating the number line. The study’s theoretical starting point was variation theory. A qualitative approach was also used to analyze how the students used the number line to solve two of the problems. Thereafter, an analysis was conducted of this to identify the critical aspects.

No description available.

At the moment, there is a low level of students’ knowledge in natural sciences. The problem is particularly acute in the field of tasks solving. This paper offers actual ways to solve a task by developing a universal technology for solving tasks. This technology will become the basis for training courses aimed at filling students' knowledge gaps and improving their ability to solve tasks. The paper also considers the automation of educational activities of the Network Engineering School. As a result of the work, the current level of schoolchildren’s training was determined and the causes of the problem were identified. The existing methods of solving tasks were analyzed and identified their shortcomings. A universal technology for solving problems using the method of tabular analysis has been developed and its mathematical justification has been given. Compiled methodological manual and published in scientific journals. The business processes of the Network Engineering School were also automated: a distance learning system was introduced into the learning process. The obtained results have already been applied in practice: the developed methodology has become the base of mathematics course at the Network Engineering School, in which classes are already being held. Also, the effectiveness of the methodology was evaluated during a study conducted on the basis of the school Olympiad. In addition, an assessment of the effectiveness of the project on the implementation of a distance learning system was made and it was revealed that the project is profitable. / В настоящий момент наблюдается низкий уровень подготовки школьников по естественно-научным направлениям. Особенно остро ощущается проблема в области решения задач. Данная работа предлагает актуальные пути решения проблемы путем разработки универсальной технологии решения задач. Данная технология станет основой для учебных курсов, направленных восполнить пробелы в знаниях учеников и подтянуть их способности решать задачи. Также в работе рассматривается автоматизация учебной деятельности Сетевой инженерно-технической школы. В результате работы был определен текущий уровень подготовки школьников и определены причины возникновения проблемы. Проанализированы существующие методики решения задач и выявлены их недостатки. Разработана универсальная технология решения задач методом табличного анализа и дано ее математическое обоснование. Составлено методическое пособие и опубликовано в научных изданиях. Также были автоматизированы бизнес-процессы Сетевой инженерно-технической школы: в процесс обучения была внедрена система дистанционного обучения. Полученные результаты уже применены на практике: разработанная методика стала основной курса по математике в Сетевой инженерно-технической школе, по которому уже проводятся занятия. Также эффективность методики была оценена во время исследования, проведенного на базе школьной Олимпиады. А также была произведена оценка эффективности проекта по внедрению системы дистанционного обучения и выявлено, что проект является прибыльным.

Background: Research on nursing practice has highlighted a relationship between non-nursing tasks (NNTs), nursing tasks left undone (NTLU), and internationally it was found that these factors have an effect on job satisfaction. Since the last study done on NNTs and NTLU in 1988, much has changed in South Africa`s health system. Current South African studies have revealed that decreased numbers of PNs in South Africa experience satisfaction. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction on both individual PN level and unit level in South Africa, and contributes to the international debate. Aim: To investigate the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction among professional nurses (PNs) in medical and surgical units in private and public hospitals in South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used including 1166 PNs in 60 medical and surgical units in 55 private hospitals and seven national referral hospitals in South Africa who completed the survey. Measures: Relationships between NNTs, NTLU, job satisfaction and aspects of job satisfaction. Results: The three main NNTs performed were filling-in for non-nursing services (d=0.47), cleaning patient’s rooms and equipment (d=0.48) and obtaining supplies and equipment (d=0.64). Nationally more than 50% of PNs reported the following NTLU – comfort/talk with patients (62.2%), educating patients and family (57.9%) and develop or update nursing care plans/pathways (51.6%). PNs in private hospitals are more satisfied with their jobs than PNs in public hospitals. PNs were most dissatisfied with the opportunities for advancement (M = 2.60) and educational opportunities (M=2.64) aspects of job satisfaction. At unit level, NTLU positively correlated with three NNTs, and job satisfaction correlated mostly and negatively with NTLU. Conclusion: South African PNs perform many NNTs. However, the performance of NNTs does not influence their job satisfaction to the extent the NTLU does. Although PNs in this study indicated that NNTs do not have a significant influence on NTLU, it may reveal a greater issue, in that PNs have grown accustomed to performing NNTs as part of their workload. Clarifying professional nurses’ scope of practice and increased use of support services may provide PNs with more time to conduct nursing tasks which should improve job satisfaction. Recommendations for practice, education, policy/orientation programmes and research are made from the findings of this study. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Background: Research on nursing practice has highlighted a relationship between non-nursing tasks (NNTs), nursing tasks left undone (NTLU), and internationally it was found that these factors have an effect on job satisfaction. Since the last study done on NNTs and NTLU in 1988, much has changed in South Africa`s health system. Current South African studies have revealed that decreased numbers of PNs in South Africa experience satisfaction. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction on both individual PN level and unit level in South Africa, and contributes to the international debate. Aim: To investigate the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction among professional nurses (PNs) in medical and surgical units in private and public hospitals in South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used including 1166 PNs in 60 medical and surgical units in 55 private hospitals and seven national referral hospitals in South Africa who completed the survey. Measures: Relationships between NNTs, NTLU, job satisfaction and aspects of job satisfaction. Results: The three main NNTs performed were filling-in for non-nursing services (d=0.47), cleaning patient’s rooms and equipment (d=0.48) and obtaining supplies and equipment (d=0.64). Nationally more than 50% of PNs reported the following NTLU – comfort/talk with patients (62.2%), educating patients and family (57.9%) and develop or update nursing care plans/pathways (51.6%). PNs in private hospitals are more satisfied with their jobs than PNs in public hospitals. PNs were most dissatisfied with the opportunities for advancement (M = 2.60) and educational opportunities (M=2.64) aspects of job satisfaction. At unit level, NTLU positively correlated with three NNTs, and job satisfaction correlated mostly and negatively with NTLU. Conclusion: South African PNs perform many NNTs. However, the performance of NNTs does not influence their job satisfaction to the extent the NTLU does. Although PNs in this study indicated that NNTs do not have a significant influence on NTLU, it may reveal a greater issue, in that PNs have grown accustomed to performing NNTs as part of their workload. Clarifying professional nurses’ scope of practice and increased use of support services may provide PNs with more time to conduct nursing tasks which should improve job satisfaction. Recommendations for practice, education, policy/orientation programmes and research are made from the findings of this study. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014