Abductive retrieval for multimedia information seeking

In this paper we discuss an approach to the retrieval of data annotated using the MPEG-7 multimedia description schema. In particular we describe a framework for the retrieval of annotated video samples that is based on principles from the area of abductive reasoning

Thesaurus-assisted search term selection and query expansion: a review of user-centred studies

This paper provides a review of the literature related to the application of domain-specific thesauri in the search and retrieval process. Focusing on studies which adopt a user-centred approach, the review presents a survey of the methodologies and results from empirical studies undertaken on the use of thesauri as sources of term selection for query formulation and expansion during the search process. It summaries the ways in which domain-specific thesauri from different disciplines have been used by various types of users and how these tools aid users in the selection of search terms. The review consists of two main sections covering, firstly studies on thesaurus-aided search term selection and secondly those dealing with query expansion using thesauri. Both sections are illustrated with case studies that have adopted a user-centred approach

Towards memory supporting personal information management tools

In this article we discuss re-retrieving personal information objects and relate the task to recovering from lapse(s) in memory. We propose that fundamentally it is lapses in memory that impede users from successfully re-finding the information they need. Our hypothesis is that by learning more about memory lapses in non-computing contexts and how people cope and recover from these lapses, we can better inform the design of PIM tools and improve the user's ability to re-access and re-use objects. We describe a diary study that investigates the everyday memory problems of 25 people from a wide range of backgrounds. Based on the findings, we present a series of principles that we hypothesize will improve the design of personal information management tools. This hypothesis is validated by an evaluation of a tool for managing personal photographs, which was designed with respect to our findings. The evaluation suggests that users' performance when re-finding objects can be improved by building personal information management tools to support characteristics of human memory

Evaluating the implicit feedback models for adaptive video retrieval

Interactive video retrieval systems are becoming popular. On the one hand, these systems try to reduce the effect of the semantic gap, an issue currently being addressed by the multimedia retrieval community. On the other hand, such systems enhance the quality of information seeking for the user by supporting query formulation and reformulation. Interactive systems are very popular in the textual retrieval domain. However, they are relatively unexplored in the case of multimedia retrieval. The main problem in the development of interactive retrieval systems is the evaluation cost.The traditional evaluation methodology, as used in the information retrieval domain, is not applicable. An alternative is to use a user-centred evaluation methodology. However, such schemes are expensive in terms of effort, cost and are not scalable. This problem gets exacerbated by the use of implicit indicators, which are useful and increasingly used in predicting user intentions. In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of a number of interfaces and feedback mechanisms and compare their relative performance using a simulated evaluation methodology. The results show the relatively better performance of a search interface with the combination of explicit and implicit features

Patients’ perspectives on the medical primary-secondary care interface : systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research

Funding NHS Highland Research, Development & Innovation Department, Aberdeen University, and Stirling University provided funds to meet publication costs.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A granular approach to web search result presentation

In this paper we propose and evaluate interfaces for presenting the results of web searches. Sentences, taken from the top retrieved documents, are used as fine-grained representations of document content and, when combined in a ranked list, to provide a query-specific overview of the set of retrieved documents. Current search engine interfaces assume users examine such results document-by-document. In contrast our approach groups, ranks and presents the contents of the top ranked document set. We evaluate our hypotheses that the use of such an approach can lead to more effective web searching and to increased user satisfaction. Our evaluation, with real users and different types of information seeking scenario, showed, with statistical significance, that these hypotheses hold

Understanding new audiences: an audience reception study of 'non-theatregoers' attending La Boite Theatre Company's 1998 season

The primary aim of the project was to expose audience perceptions of La Boite Theatre's 1998 season; secondly, to test and to refine the methodology; thirdly, to discover the reasons why participants do not regularly attend theatre productions. La Boite Theatre is a professional company seen to be positioned between the larger State company and smaller professional and amateur companies in Brisbane. It is a theatre-in-the-round and so its spatial dynamics are conducive to audience participation and close involvement with the drama. In 1998 La Boite Theatre's season of plays was as follows: The John Wayne Principle, Emma Celebrazione!, The Conjurers, Speaking in Tongues, X-Stacy, and A Beautiful Life. The 1998 La Boite Theatre audience reception study contained three groups of twelve participants. All were non-regular theatregoers. In each group there were two of each gender in the 20s, 30-40s, and 50+ age groups earning a variety of incomes. An outline of this study, its success as an industry collaborative venture, and some results will be presented