The underlying assumptions for interpreting the meaning of data often change over time, which further complicates the problem of semantic heterogeneities among autonomous data sources. As an extension to the COntext INterchange (COIN) framework, this paper introduces the notion of temporal context as a formalization of the problem. We represent temporal context as a multi-valued method in F-Logic; however, only one value is valid at any point in time, the determination of which is constrained by temporal relations. This representation is then mapped to an abductive constraint logic programming framework with temporal relations being treated as constraints. A mediation engine that implements the framework automatically detects and reconciles semantic differences at different times. We articulate that this extended COIN framework is suitable for reasoning on the Semantic Web. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Thesis (M.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Recent years have seen rapid growth and adoption of powerful mobile devices such as smartphones, equipped with sophisticated input and display systems, and multiple communication technologies. This trend has coincided with the rapid deployment and adoption of high-speed Internet services and web-based applications. While this rapid development of mobile technology has provided great opportunities, it also presents significant new challenges compared to traditional desktop computing. Specifically, unlike the traditional desktop computing experience where users are stationary and physically isolated, users in mobile and social settings can be faced with real time demands for their attention. This thesis examines the relationship between mobile devices, context awareness, and mobile users. We propose the use of physical proximity context to adapt and improve system behavior, and enable mobile users to more effectively access and share content in non-desktop settings. This work identifies three distinct challenges in mobile software, and addresses these challenges using physical proximity context awareness. First we address improvements to mobile node network utilization by using proximity awareness to automatically manage local radio resources. Next we address improvements to mobile web-backed applications and services by enabling social proximity awareness. Finally, we enable greater mobility and physical awareness for visually impaired users on mobile devices by providing an interface which enables exploration of spatial geometric layouts.

Recent years have seen rapid growth and adoption of powerful mobile devices such as smartphones, equipped with sophisticated input and display systems, and multiple communication technologies. This trend has coincided with the rapid deployment and adoption of high-speed Internet services and web-based applications. While this rapid development of mobile technology has provided great opportunities, it also presents significant new challenges compared to traditional desktop computing. Specifically, unlike the traditional desktop computing experience where users are stationary and physically isolated, users in mobile and social settings can be faced with real time demands for their attention. This thesis examines the relationship between mobile devices, context awareness, and mobile users. We propose the use of physical proximity context to adapt and improve system behavior, and enable mobile users to more effectively access and share content in non-desktop settings. This work identifies three distinct challenges in mobile software, and addresses these challenges using physical proximity context awareness. First we address improvements to mobile node network utilization by using proximity awareness to automatically manage local radio resources. Next we address improvements to mobile web-backed applications and services by enabling social proximity awareness. Finally, we enable greater mobility and physical awareness for visually impaired users on mobile devices by providing an interface which enables exploration of spatial geometric layouts.

Virtually all theories of visual word recognition assume (typically implicitly) that when a pathway is used, processing within that pathway always unfolds in the same way. This view is challenged by the observation that simple variations in list composition are associated with qualitative changes in performance. The present experiments demonstrate that when reading aloud, the joint effects of stimulus quality and word frequency on RT are driven by the presence/absence of nonwords in the list. Interacting effects of these factors are seen when only words appear in the experiment whereas additive effects are seen when words and nonwords are randomly intermixed. One way to explain these and other data appeals to the distinction between cascaded processing (or interactive-activation) on the one hand versus a thresholded mode of processing on the other, with contextual factors determining which mode of processing dominates.

Virtually all theories of visual word recognition assume (typically implicitly) that when a pathway is used, processing within that pathway always unfolds in the same way. This view is challenged by the observation that simple variations in list composition are associated with qualitative changes in performance. The present experiments demonstrate that when reading aloud, the joint effects of stimulus quality and word frequency on RT are driven by the presence/absence of nonwords in the list. Interacting effects of these factors are seen when only words appear in the experiment whereas additive effects are seen when words and nonwords are randomly intermixed. One way to explain these and other data appeals to the distinction between cascaded processing (or interactive-activation) on the one hand versus a thresholded mode of processing on the other, with contextual factors determining which mode of processing dominates.

As one of the factors influencing consumers purchase behavior, decision-making styles are crucial for understanding consumer shopping behavior and for developing successful marketing strategies. Decision-making styles have been mainly viewed as a relatively enduring consumer personality that seldom changes even when applied to different goods and situations. Recently, a study showed that consumer decision-making styles are influenced by product type, suggesting that decision-making styles are individual response patterns in a specific decision context rather than personality trait based. Despite extensive research regarding consumer decision making styles, relatively little attention has been paid to identify whether consumer decision-making styles are truly personality trait based or context-dependent. Thus, this work challenged the theory that decision-making styles are personality trait based and investigated whether decisionmaking styles are context dependent. Three independent studies, focusing on extending our knowledge regarding consumer decision-making styles, were conducted. The first study examined whether consumer decision-making styles depend on channel type (online versus offline channels). In addition, it explored new types of decision-making styles which better represent current consumer needs and preferences. Study results supported previous arguments suggesting that decision-making styles are not personality trait based but vary across contexts. Results also demonstrated the need to continuously observe consumers’ decision-making styles and capture emerging new styles. The second study explored whether product characteristics, specifically intangibility and non-standardization, influence consumer decision-making styles in an online context. At the same time, this study examined whether there is any interaction effect between product type and product involvement. The results showed that certain types of online decision-making styles are influenced by product type. The results also showed that product involvement has an important role in influencing online decision-making styles. The third study investigated whether consumer online decision-making styles influence loyalty toward online travel agencies. The results of the study provide support for five out of eleven hypotheses, indicating that consumers’ online decision-making styles significantly influence loyalty toward online travel agencies. Finally, the overall findings, limitations of the studies, agenda for future research, and practical and theoretical implications were discussed.

This study deals with the role of 'self’ within the context of the family, from a pastoral point of view. A number of questions arise within the topic, including: • What is meant by 'self from psychology's point of view? . • What is meant by 'self from a Biblical point of view? • What is the role of 'self within the context of the family? Psychology has wrestled with the concept of 'self since the days of the ancient Greek philosophers where 'self was deemed to be the core of personality. Psychology's current viewpoint is that it is difficult to define 'self as various fields of study within psychology ascribe various meanings to the word, and 'self is often interpreted from a behaviouristic point of view. The result is that a universally accepted definition of 'self is lacking, and 'self is often described within the parameters of a reflexive noun, i.e. 'self-image', 'self-worth' and 'self-concept'. Theology defines 'self as the soul of man that was given to him by God as a dichotomous part of his creation. Scripture refers to the soul as the person's 'heart', 'life', his 'mind' and 'himself, indicating that the soul of man is also his 'self. Scripture also indicates that the original sinless 'self’ enjoyed perfect harmony with God and creation and his spouse, Eve. Since the fall of man destroyed this situation and brought him in to a situation where the ever-present debilitating effect of sin ruled his life and relations, it is only the redemption offered in Christ that can amend this situation. The aim of this study was to utilize the guidelines posited by Zerfas, to investigate the meta- and basis-theoretical perspectives of 'self and to develop a practice-theory for pastoral theology. Research indicated that, as 'self refers to the soul and heart of man, and this is in turn has direct implications for his relationship with God and other family members, counselling people in regard to 'self also means a journey into the spiritual life of the counselee. Healing the wounded 'self is connected to the Biblical concept of sanctification, and similar strategies and methods can be employed. The conclusion of this research is that individuals who suffer from a dysfunctional 'self, or, interchangeably, dysfunctional relationships within the family can be assisted to overcome these problems and enjoy a restored relationship with God. / Thesis (M.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Six experiments investigating the relationship of familiarity and context to the processing of metaphor are presented. Experiment 1 compares time to understand sets containing idiom or metaphor targets following 1-2 sentence contexts in four conditions: NONLITERAL, where the context was completed by an idiom or metaphor, PARAPHRASE, where the same context was completed by a literal target with the same meaning, SURPRISE, where the context was completed by a less-anticipated literal target, and LITERAL, where the target from the NONLITERAL condition was used in its literal sense in a different context. In Experiment 2, sets of dead metaphors replaced the idiom sets, and the metaphor sets had novel metaphors. Experiment 3 matched the targets in each condition for overall printed word frequency, to investigate whether word familiarity was interacting with type of usage. It also included an UNFAMILIAR condition, where the same context was completed by a much less familiar word used literally. Experiment 4 took 20 contexts from Experiment 3 and asked subjects to generate their own endings. Experiment 5 replicated Experiment 3 but with a two-target semantic choice instead of a single response. Experiment 6 shortened contexts and reduced their information content. Its purpose was to see how much context was contributing to understanding, and whether some conditions would be more affected than others. The results may be interpreted as indicating that familiarity with the use of a word is important in determining speed of understanding. Dead metaphors could be understood just as quickly as words used literally, but novel metaphors took longer. Contextual expectations are also a powerful adjunct to the understanding process. When expectations are thwarted, errors and understanding time increases. Metaphor understanding is interpreted as a class-inclusion process in the manner described by Glucksberg and Keysar (1990), where a word used metaphorically is viewed as a prototypical exemplar of a hierarchically superordinate class that becomes extended to incorporate the context topic. This process takes time, but metaphors have a response latency advantage over surprising or unfamiliar literal words encountered in context. When context is reduced, metaphors are still advantageous in terms of time, but are less useful to depth of understanding.

Annual poster session where NEXUS investigators and trainees share their research on the social contexts of health behaviour.