Social navigation

In this chapter we present one of the pioneer approaches in supporting users in navigating the complex information spaces, social navigation support. Social navigation support is inspired by natural tendencies of individuals to follow traces of each other in exploring the world, especially when dealing with uncertainties. In this chapter, we cover details on various approaches in implementing social navigation support in the information space as we also connect the concept to supporting theories. The first part of this chapter reviews related theories and introduces the design space of social navigation support through a series of example applications. The second part of the chapter discusses the common challenges in design and implementation of social navigation support, demonstrates how these challenges have been addressed, and reviews more recent direction of social navigation support. Furthermore, as social navigation support has been an inspirational approach to various other social information access approaches we discuss how social navigation support can be integrated with those approaches. We conclude with a review of evaluation methods for social navigation support and remarks about its current state

Combining brain-computer interfaces and assistive technologies: state-of-the-art and challenges

In recent years, new research has brought the field of EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) out of its infancy and into a phase of relative maturity through many demonstrated prototypes such as brain-controlled wheelchairs, keyboards, and computer games. With this proof-of-concept phase in the past, the time is now ripe to focus on the development of practical BCI technologies that can be brought out of the lab and into real-world applications. In particular, we focus on the prospect of improving the lives of countless disabled individuals through a combination of BCI technology with existing assistive technologies (AT). In pursuit of more practical BCIs for use outside of the lab, in this paper, we identify four application areas where disabled individuals could greatly benefit from advancements in BCI technology, namely,“Communication and Control”, “Motor Substitution”, “Entertainment”, and “Motor Recovery”. We review the current state of the art and possible future developments, while discussing the main research issues in these four areas. In particular, we expect the most progress in the development of technologies such as hybrid BCI architectures, user-machine adaptation algorithms, the exploitation of users’ mental states for BCI reliability and confidence measures, the incorporation of principles in human-computer interaction (HCI) to improve BCI usability, and the development of novel BCI technology including better EEG devices

Responsible research and innovation in science education: insights from evaluating the impact of using digital media and arts-based methods on RRI values

The European Commission policy approach of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is gaining momentum in European research planning and development as a strategy to align scientific and technological progress with socially desirable and acceptable ends. One of the RRI agendas is science education, aiming to foster future generations' acquisition of skills and values needed to engage in society responsibly. To this end, it is argued that RRI-based science education can benefit from more interdisciplinary methods such as those based on arts and digital technologies. However, the evidence existing on the impact of science education activities using digital media and arts-based methods on RRI values remains underexplored. This article comparatively reviews previous evidence on the evaluation of these activities, from primary to higher education, to examine whether and how RRI-related learning outcomes are evaluated and how these activities impact on students' learning. Forty academic publications were selected and its content analysed according to five RRI values: creative and critical thinking, engagement, inclusiveness, gender equality and integration of ethical issues. When evaluating the impact of digital and arts-based methods in science education activities, creative and critical thinking, engagement and partly inclusiveness are the RRI values mainly addressed. In contrast, gender equality and ethics integration are neglected. Digital-based methods seem to be more focused on students' questioning and inquiry skills, whereas those using arts often examine imagination, curiosity and autonomy. Differences in the evaluation focus between studies on digital media and those on arts partly explain differences in their impact on RRI values, but also result in non-documented outcomes and undermine their potential. Further developments in interdisciplinary approaches to science education following the RRI policy agenda should reinforce the design of the activities as well as procedural aspects of the evaluation research

Encountering on the road to Serendip? Browsing in new information environments

Considers the continuing relevance of the ideas of browsing, serendipity, information encountering, and literature discovery in a digital information environment

Developing climate services for surfing activity

Aquesta tesi representa una contribució metodològica i un pas endavant cap al desenvolupament de Serveis Climàtics pel surf. Els serveis climàtics pretenen entregar informació climàtica als seus usuaris. La informació que s’entregui ha d’ajudar als individuals i a les organitzacions a implementar decisions climàticament intel·ligents. El Marc Global pels Serveis Climàtics afirma que equipar als decision makers dels sectors climàticament sensibles ajuda a la societat a adaptar-se a la variabilitat i al canvi del clima. Aquest marc global va establir cinc àrees d’actuació prioritària: agricultura, seguretat alimentària; reducció de riscos, energia, salut i aigua. Tot i amb això, els serveis climàtics es poden desenvolupar per altres sectors, com ara el turisme. Aquesta tesi es centra en el desenvolupament d’un servei climàtic pel turisme del surf, fet que no s’ha intentat abans, segons el nostre coneixement. Per a fer-ho, primerament s’identifiquen les condicions atmosfèriques i oceàniques que influeixen la pràctica de surf. Això segueix la recerca anterior i, com a resultat, s’obtenen els dies esperats de surf per any per aquells surf spots més rellevants a la Península Ibèrica. Aquest indicador es validat a través de la construcció d’un benchmark basat amb ciència ciutadana, integrat per sessions de surf registrades. Després, per comprendre les necessitats actuals d’informació climàtica i meteorològica per part d’usuaris i empreses involucrades amb l’activitat del surf, s’ha desenvolupat i analitzat una enquesta en línia. Finalment, responent a les necessitats identificades en el pas anterior, un dataset amotsfèric- oceànic amb alta resolució espacial s’ha desenvolupat a través d’un downscaling híbrid. També s’han dissenyat una sèrie d’indicadors per recomanat sobre l’activitat en les destinacions turístiques. Per a veure el potencial d’aplicació d’aquests indicadors, s’han testejat a Somo (Cantabria, Espanya), un pioner i reconegut surf spot d’Espanya.Esta tesis representa una contribución metodológica y un paso hacia delante para el desarrollo de Servicios Climáticos para el surf. Los servicios climáticos pretenden entregar información climática a sus usuarios. La información que se entregue tiene que ayudar a los individuales y a las organizaciones a implementar decisiones climáticamente inteligentes. El Marco Global por los Servicios Climáticos afirmar que equipar los decisión makers de los sectores climáticamente sensitivos ayuda a la sociedad a adaptarse a la variabilidad y al cambio del clima. Este marco global estableció cinco áreas de actuación prioritaria: agricultura, seguridad alimentaria, reducción de riesgos, energía, salud y agua. Aun así, los servicios climáticos se pueden desarrollar para otros sectores, como ahora el turismo. Esta tesis se centra en el desarrollo de un servicio climático para el turismo de surf, hecho que no se ha intentado antes, según nuestro conocimiento. Para llevarlo a cabo, primeramente, se identifican las condiciones atmosféricas y oceánicas que influyen en la practica de surf. Esto sigue la investigación anterior y, como resultado, se obtienen los días esperados de surf por año para aquellos surf spots más relevantes en la Península Ibérica. Este indicador es validado a través de la construcción de un benchmark basado con ciencia ciudadana, integrado por sesiones de surf registradas. Después, para comprender las necesidades actuales de información climática y meteorológica por parte de los usuarios y las empresas involucradas con la actividad de surf, se ha desarrollado y analizado un cuestionario en línea. Finalmente, respondiendo a las necesidades identificadas en el paso anterior, un dataset atmosférico-oceánico con altra resolución espacial se ha desarrollado a través de un downscaling híbrido. También se han diseñado una serie de indicadores para recomendar sobre la actividad en las destinaciones turísticas. Para ver el potencial de aplicación de estos indicadores, se han testeado a Somo (Cantabria, España), un pionero y reconocido surf spot de España.This thesis represents a methodological contribution and a step forward towards the development of climate services for surf. Climate services aim to deliver climate information their users. The information provided must help individuals and organizations to implement climate-smart decisions. The Global Framework for Climate Services states that it equips decision-makers in climate-sensitive sectors to help society to adapt to climate variability and change. This global framework established five priority areas of action: agriculture and food security; disaster risk reduction; energy; health; and water. However, climate services can be developed for other sectors, such as tourism. In this thesis we focus on the development of a climate service for surf tourism, which has not attempted before, to our best knowledge. To do so, we first identify the atmospheric and oceanic conditions influencing the practice of surfing. This relies on the previous research and, as a result, we obtain the expected surfing days per year are for the most relevant surf spots in the Iberian Peninsula. This is indicator is validated constructing a citizen science based benchmark, integrated by recorded surfing sessions. Next, to apprehend the actual needs for meteorological and climatic information by users and companies involved in surfing activity we develop and analyze an online survey. Finally, responding the necessities identified in the previous steep, an atmospheric-oceanic database with high spatial resolution is developed through a hybrid downscaling approach. A series of indicators are also designed to advise on the activity in tourist destinations. To ascertain the potential application of these indicators, we test them over Somo (Cantabria, Spain), a pioneer and world-known surf Spot in Spain

Whole-of-system approaches to physical activity;

Background: The literature on whole of system approaches (WSAs) has been largely theoretical in focus. The Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity is a national project designed to contribute a practical implementation focus to such approaches at the population level. Methods: National meetings were convened with federal and state government sector stakeholders to identify physical activity (PA) related policies and programs. Policies and programs were audited to develop an understanding of the existing PA system. A WSA conceptual map for PA was developed using feedback from system stakeholders, existing WSAs, and related work in obesity. Results: Completion of the policy audit has revealed key areas of need regarding policy governance, coordination, financing, and evaluation. An initial WSA conceptual map for Australia has been developed incorporating governance, translation, and advocacy. Stakeholder co-production of an integrated framework for PA and design plans for a community of practice knowledge hub has commenced. Conclusions: In Australia, Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity project partners have developed a conceptual whole of systems map that is guiding progress beyond the theoretical to application in the real world: A national PA policy audit, co-production of an integrated PA policy framework, and planning for a PA community of practice knowledge hub.</p

How do different devices impact users' web browsing experience?

The digital world presents many interfaces, among which the desktop and mobile device platforms are dominant. Grasping the differential user experience (UX) on these devices is a critical requirement for developing user focused interfaces that can deliver enhanced satisfaction. This study specifically focuses on the user's web browsing experience while using desktop and mobile. The thesis adopts quantitative methodology. This amalgamation presents a comprehensive understanding of the influence of device specific variables, such as loading speed, security concerns and interaction techniques, which are critically analyzed. Moreover, various UX facets including usability, user interface (UI) design, accessibility, content organization, and user satisfaction on both devices were also discussed. Substantial differences are observed in the UX delivered by desktop and mobile devices, dictated by inherent device attributes and user behaviors. Mobile UX is often associated with personal, context sensitive use, while desktop caters more effectively to intensive, extended sessions. A surprising revelation is the existing discrepancy between the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the persistent inability of many websites and applications to provide a satisfactory mobile UX. This issue primarily arises from the ineffective adaptation of desktop-focused designs to the mobile, underscoring the necessity for distinct, device specific strategies in UI development. By furnishing pragmatic strategies for designing efficient, user-friendly and inclusive digital interfaces for both devices; the thesis contributes significantly to the existing body of literature. An emphasis is placed on a device-neutral approach in UX design, taking into consideration the unique capabilities and constraints of each device, thereby enriching the expanding discourse on multiservice user experience. As well as this study contributes to digital marketing and targe­ted advertising perspe­ctives

How do different devices impact users' web browsing experience?

The digital world presents many interfaces, among which the desktop and mobile device platforms are dominant. Grasping the differential user experience (UX) on these devices is a critical requirement for developing user focused interfaces that can deliver enhanced satisfaction. This study specifically focuses on the user's web browsing experience while using desktop and mobile. The thesis adopts quantitative methodology. This amalgamation presents a comprehensive understanding of the influence of device specific variables, such as loading speed, security concerns and interaction techniques, which are critically analyzed. Moreover, various UX facets including usability, user interface (UI) design, accessibility, content organization, and user satisfaction on both devices were also discussed. Substantial differences are observed in the UX delivered by desktop and mobile devices, dictated by inherent device attributes and user behaviors. Mobile UX is often associated with personal, context sensitive use, while desktop caters more effectively to intensive, extended sessions. A surprising revelation is the existing discrepancy between the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the persistent inability of many websites and applications to provide a satisfactory mobile UX. This issue primarily arises from the ineffective adaptation of desktop-focused designs to the mobile, underscoring the necessity for distinct, device specific strategies in UI development. By furnishing pragmatic strategies for designing efficient, user-friendly and inclusive digital interfaces for both devices; the thesis contributes significantly to the existing body of literature. An emphasis is placed on a device-neutral approach in UX design, taking into consideration the unique capabilities and constraints of each device, thereby enriching the expanding discourse on multiservice user experience. As well as this study contributes to digital marketing and targe­ted advertising perspe­ctives