10,745 research outputs found
Towards Autopoietic Computing
A key challenge in modern computing is to develop systems that address
complex, dynamic problems in a scalable and efficient way, because the
increasing complexity of software makes designing and maintaining efficient and
flexible systems increasingly difficult. Biological systems are thought to
possess robust, scalable processing paradigms that can automatically manage
complex, dynamic problem spaces, possessing several properties that may be
useful in computer systems. The biological properties of self-organisation,
self-replication, self-management, and scalability are addressed in an
interesting way by autopoiesis, a descriptive theory of the cell founded on the
concept of a system's circular organisation to define its boundary with its
environment. In this paper, therefore, we review the main concepts of
autopoiesis and then discuss how they could be related to fundamental concepts
and theories of computation. The paper is conceptual in nature and the emphasis
is on the review of other people's work in this area as part of a longer-term
strategy to develop a formal theory of autopoietic computing.Comment: 10 Pages, 3 figure
Algorithmic Complexity for Short Binary Strings Applied to Psychology: A Primer
Since human randomness production has been studied and widely used to assess
executive functions (especially inhibition), many measures have been suggested
to assess the degree to which a sequence is random-like. However, each of them
focuses on one feature of randomness, leading authors to have to use multiple
measures. Here we describe and advocate for the use of the accepted universal
measure for randomness based on algorithmic complexity, by means of a novel
previously presented technique using the the definition of algorithmic
probability. A re-analysis of the classical Radio Zenith data in the light of
the proposed measure and methodology is provided as a study case of an
application.Comment: To appear in Behavior Research Method
Computational universes
Suspicions that the world might be some sort of a machine or algorithm
existing ``in the mind'' of some symbolic number cruncher have lingered from
antiquity. Although popular at times, the most radical forms of this idea never
reached mainstream. Modern developments in physics and computer science have
lent support to the thesis, but empirical evidence is needed before it can
begin to replace our contemporary world view.Comment: Several corrections of typos and smaller revisions, final versio
Factors that influence the sustainability of structured allied health journal clubs: a qualitative study
Background: Structured journal clubs are a widely used tool to promote evidence-based practice in health professionals, however some journal clubs (JC) are more effectively sustained than others. To date, little research has provided insights into factors which may influence sustainability of JCs within health care settings. As part of a larger randomised controlled study, this research aimed to gain understanding of clinicians' experiences of sustaining a structured JC format (TREAT- Tailoring Research Evidence and Theory) within their clinical context. The study also aimed to identify which strategies may assist longer term sustainability and future implementation of the TREAT format. Methods: We employed a qualitative methodology, informed by behaviour change theory. Clinicians (n=19) from five different JCs participated in focus groups to explore their experience in sustaining the JC format six months after the formal trial period had completed. Clinicians were asked to describe factors which they perceived helped or hindered sustaining components of the JC format within their local context. Following a descriptive summary of the data, barriers and enablers were thematically analysed according to behaviour change theory domains: capability, motivation and opportunity and further mapped to targeted implementation strategies. Results: Participants reported perceived benefits of maintaining the TREAT format and described several components that promoted its sustainability. Sustaining factors linked to individuals' capability included building research knowledge and skills and having access to research experts. Sustaining factors that enhanced opportunities for behaviour change included management expectation to attend and a team culture which values evidence based practice, while factors found to enhance individuals' motivation included the JC having close application to practice and clinicians sensing ownership of the JC. Several implementation strategies to enhance these factors are described including graduated support to clinicians in facilitation of JCs and greater engagement with managers. Conclusions: Long-term sustainability of a structured JC is dependent on both individual and service level factors and a balance of implementation strategies that enhance capability, opportunity and motivation. Consideration of how clinicians can be engaged to take ownership and build their own capability from the commencement of the JC is important. Trial registration: ACTRN12616000811404
Is Virtual Marriage Acceptable? A Psychological Study Investigating The Role of Ambiguity Tolerance and Intimacy Illusion in Online Dating among Adolescents and Early Adults
Marriage is one of the most important topics in the education field since life in this world is structured by interaction among families and between families and other social institutions. Dissatisfaction and unsustainability of marriage have led the urgency of premarital education in various countries. The problem is that the spread of virtual reality has made marriage itself to become more complex and experience reinterpretation and reconfiguration, moreover with the emergence of new kind of marriage in the digital era, i.e. virtual marriage. Everybody who has observed, known, or even tried, certainly asks the question, âCould (or: should) I accept virtual marriage?â . This study was aimed to investigate the role of tolerance of ambiguity and illusion of intimacy in online dating in predicting the acceptance of virtual marriage. There were 420 adolescents and young adults (212 males, 208 females; Mage=21.10 years old, SDage=1.459 years; 338 students, 82 employees or entrepreneurs) in the Greater Jakarta, Indonesia, participated in this study. It was found that the acceptance was not predicted by the ambiguity tolerance, but by the illusion of intimacy in online dating. The psychometric issues, substantive discussion, and recommendation are presented at the end of this article. The trend of virtual marriage should not be allowed to roll away, by autopilot, without loaded by strategies in designing an online game as one of the pivotal educational technologies that needs to shape appropriate character and attitude for it
Making Space for Stories: Ambiguity in the Design of Personal Communication Systems
Pervasive personal communication technologies offer the potential for
important social benefits for individual users, but also the potential for
significant social difficulties and costs. In research on face-to-face social
interaction, ambiguity is often identified as an important resource for
resolving social difficulties. In this paper, we discuss two design cases of
personal communication systems, one based on fieldwork of a commercial system
and another based on an unrealized design concept. The cases illustrate how
user behavior concerning a particular social difficulty, unexplained
unresponsiveness, can be influenced by technological issues that result in
interactional ambiguity. The cases also highlight the need to balance the
utility of ambiguity against the utility of usability and communicative
clarity.Comment: 10 page
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