OMEN (On-demand Metadata Extraction Network) addresses a fundamental problem in Music Information Retrieval: the lack of universal access to a large dataset containing significant amounts of copyrighted music. This thesis proposes a solution to this problem that is accomplished by utilizing the large collections of digitized music available at many libraries. Using OMEN, libraries will be able to perform on-demand feature extraction on site, returning feature values to researchers instead of providing direct access to the recordings themselves. This avoids copyright difficulties, since the underlying music never leaves the library that owns it. The analysis is performed using grid-style computation on library machines that are otherwise under-used (e.g., devoted to patron web and catalogue use).

This thesis offers a detailed socio-historical exploration of the practice of molecular modelling in chemistry and allied disciplines. This exploration leads to observations and conclusions that are of relevance to the sociology of science in general and to the issue of representation in scientific practice, in particular. After a general introduction in chapter one, chapter two offers a review of the science studies' literature relevant to the topic, namely the literature on representation and on experimental practices in the sciences. The lack of sources dealing with the issue of physical modelling is highlighted. Chapter three, through specific cases studies, presents the argument that the circulation of structural concepts and accounts in chemistry has been historically associated with the circulation not only of graphical representations, but also of physical models. Implications of this argument for a semiotically-centred view of scientific practice are discussed. Chapter 4 discusses the role of models as a research tool. Through various historical cases, it shows how physical models have been central in the process of defining, exploring and intervening on the domain of molecular-structures as accessed through laboratory manipulations. The work of molecular modelling is presented in particular as the experimental articulation of structural constraints within clearly defined research settings. Chapters five and six analyse the development of three specific modelling systems from the late 1930s to the mid-1960s. These chapters show these developments as contingent processes based on the involvement of elite researchers and both private and public institutions. It shows in particular how these modelling systems were made relevant across individual research sites by providing not only a technical solution to the problem of assembling model structures, but also by incorporating specific structural constraints. Finally, it is argued that these systems are one of

Behavioural research studies often include a data acquisition process, during which subjects are observed, and the displayed behaviours recorded, and a subsequent analysis process, during which the observed behaviours are analysed. In addition the data acquisition process could occur in real-time, or at a later stage, by referring to a recording of the original session. This dissertation addresses the latter approach through the use of computer based digital video technology. A windows based video analysis system, called VAS, that was developed to assist with the acquisition of observed behaviours from the video, and the analysis thereof is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of the implementation of VAS. Finally the directions for further research are identified, and discussed. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

The integration of technology into teaching and learning has come as new in education. It is a shifting of paradigm from one way of educational thinking to the other. Before entering their classrooms for the first time students already have been using technology devices and educators’ cannot ignore this facts. The South African Ministry of Education has responded to this issue by designing implementation strategies and has mandated all schools in the country to have integrated Technology in the curriculum by 2013. The study anticipated to understand how Educational Video (EV) is used to facilitate learning of mathematics in two Secondary schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province. The underlying principle was to ascertain the challenges educators encounter in facilitating teaching and learning of mathematics, using EV in two secondary schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province. A qualitative research approach and case methodology were used to explore these experiences of educators in mathematics instruction. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documents review methods were used to collect data that were analysed and discussed, using the principles of Engagement and Activity theories. Four purposively selected educators and ten grade ten students were interviewed and their mathematics lessons observed. The findings indicated that the integration of video in teaching and learning appears to assist both learners and educators in two schools, and the educators from the two Secondary Schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province have shown to be comfortable with its use in facilitating mathematics instruction for it enables authentic and higher order thinking in learners by engaging them in complex tasks within collaborative learning contexts. Issues of professional empowerment financial support, and lack of materials, delay the integration of EV in two schools. This would be solved easier if all stakeholders in the education sector were effective in their individual roles for the betterment of education in the whole country. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

The present study was an exploratory investigation of the efficacy and acceptability of a parent-teacher mediated intervention program for young boys demonstrating externalizing behavior problems. A primary purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of three indirect models of service delivery: a highly individualized behavioral consultation model (BC); group videotape therapy with minimal consultation (GVT); and a self-administered videotape therapy (VT) program. A second purpose was to investigate the acceptability and satisfaction with these programs as evaluated by parents. More specifically, the relationships between treatment acceptability and outcome as well as factors influencing parent treatment acceptability were examined. Thirty preschool and elementary school children, their parents, and teachers were assigned to one of three intervention conditions (BC, VT, and GVT). A total of 37 parents (29 mothers, 7 fathers, 1 grandmother) participated in the delivery of intervention services over an 8 to 10 week period. An A-B research design was used to analyze the effectiveness of consultation. Outcome variables included parent and teacher ratings of social skills and problem behaviors as well as direct observations. Results indicated that children's target behaviors improved from baseline to treatment in all three intervention conditions. Pretest and posttest parent treatment acceptability was assessed via rating scales, and at the end of the program parents also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. During the intervention phase, a brief semi-structured interview was used to assess parental perceptions of acceptability. High acceptability and satisfaction ratings were reported by parents in all three intervention conditions. There was partial support indicating a relationship between treatment effectiveness and acceptability but there was little evidence of an association between parental perceptions of problem-solving skill, parenting competence, an

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of videotape recorders (VTR) as a medium of instruction in teaching English listening comprehension as compared to audiotape recorders (ATR).The material used for this study was a videotaped 16 minute talk by an American native speaker. Based on the talk, 32 questions were prepared for the listening comprehension tests.The subjects chosen for this study were 18 students from the Intensive English Institute (IEI), Ball State University, enrolled in the Summer Quarter, 1984. They were divided into two groups, A and B.Based on the evaluation and interpretation of the results of the tests by means of the statistical tests, t-test and ANOVA, it was discovered that the students' listening comprehension was slightly greater with the VTR than the ATR.This study suggests that the VTR will help EFL/ESL students' listening comprehension in addition to the ATR alone in a language laboratory.

Landscape scenic preference based on user input is an important element in planning decisions. On-site observation is generally not the most efficient method. As a consequence, various landscape simulations have been used including black and white pictures, color pictures, color slides, models, and 16mm film.Recognizing the need to simulate the landscape for user preference testing, the limitations of the presentation media currently being utilized were investigated. Shuttleworth (1980) discussed three possible limitations with photographic simulations: the restrictive field of vision found in a camera, the lack of three-dimensional objects and movement and the need to include landscape elements to resolve conflicts of where objects are in the landscape.Video was selected as the focus of this research because it was a medium which might mitigate the problems found in the use of other media. It was tested against an established presentation medium in the form of slides.Four formats were developed to test forty rural Indiana landscape scenes. All of the thirty respondents in the study participated in the landscape scenic preference testing using slides. The same group was then randomly assigned to three video formats for the second day of testing. Thethree video formats were video pan with sound (video pan is the rotation of the camera on its axis for ninety degrees), video pan without sound, and video hold (video hold is a focus on a particular scene for five to eight seconds).The respondents preference ratings were analyzed using three approaches: Analysis of Variance, Mean ratings of the various scenes, and a questionnaire. The results of this study clearly indicate that video pan with sound is the most accurate presentation medium than can be used to elicit observers' responses to landscape scenery. In addition, this study also suggests that video could have a major impact on understanding observers' preferences and revolutionize current approaches to understanding human behavior in the areas of planning and design. / Department of Landscape Architecture

This project has led to the development of a text "An Introduction to Mechanical Drawing" and slide series for this text, which will be used in combination to teach mechanical drawing to Junior High School students and a basic approach to drawing for any interested person.The text is written in a teachable sequence. That is, each chapter develops a particular segment of mechanical drawing, which is added to and built upon by each successive chapter.A preliminary stage setting to mechanical drawing for the students is developed through the use of the slide series.

The purpose of this creative project was to develop a promotional videotape to be used in the marketing process of Micro Coin(TM). This area had not been explored before by Micro Coin Electronics Incorporated. Based on the information given to me about Micro Coin I was given total control of the content of the videotape. I based my creative project on comparing current marketing techniques of computers and computer software, and Micro Coin builds and improves those techniques. Micro Coin is such a revolutionary idea, there was the need to show an example of Micro Coin being used. I learned that even with total control creativity is limited.

Polyvocal hypermedia publications provide an avenue of redress for certain postmodern, feminist, and postcolonial critiques of ethnographic and social sciences research and reportage. The thesis opens with a critical positioning of anthropology in colonialism and the construction of an exoticised "other' with reference to representations of the Nuu¬chah-nulth (Nootka) and Upper St'at'imc (Lillooet) First Nations with whom the author has worked collaboratively. This critical enquiry sets the background for an explication of the current politics, ethics, and methodologies for ethnographic research and publication. In light of these issues and current responses, the latter half of the thesis explores hypermedia publication as an avenue for further experimentation in research and publishing methods. An analysis of the features, benefits, possibilities and challenges of working in hypermedia is provided with illustrations from two hypermedia projects that the author co-produced with Nuu-chah-nulth and Upper St'at'imc organizations. In conclusion, the author supports further experimentation in hypermedia while raising concerns about navigational design and technological obsolescence.