Easy Development and Use of Dialogue Services

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07596-9_9We present a framework for Dialogue-Based Web Services (DBWS), i.e. services that require several message exchanges during their execution. Service development is simplified with the use of script languages and abstracting the communication layer. Service advertisements are carried out with a semantic Web Service directory with search and reputation capabilities. Execution can be performed from a mobile user interface that includes capabilities for user assistance. Our framework aims at filling the gap between services and non-IT users/experts. An example illustrates our proposal.Work partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the project ”AT” (grant CSD2007-0022; CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010) and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project iHAS (grant TIN2012-36586-C03-01/02/03).Durán, JJ.; Fernández, A.; Rodríguez, S.; Julian Inglada, VJ.; Billhardt, H. (2014). Easy Development and Use of Dialogue Services. En Ambient Intelligence - Software and Applications. Springer. 81-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07596-9_9S8188Guinard, D., Ion, I., Mayer, S.: In search of an internet of things service architecture: REST or WS-*? A developers’ perspective. In: Puiatti, A., Gu, T. (eds.) MobiQuitous 2011. LNICST, vol. 104, pp. 326–337. Springer, Heidelberg (2012)Pautasso, C., Zimmermann, O., Leymann, F.: Rest- ful web services vs. ”big’” web services: Making the right architectural decision. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on World Wide Web, WWW 2008, pp. 805–814. ACM (2008)Lawton, G.: Developing software online with platform-as-a- service technology. Computer 41(6), 13–15 (2008)Kopel, M., Sobecki, J., Wasilewski, A.: Automatic web-based user interface delivery for soa-based systems. In: Bǎdicǎ, C., Nguyen, N.T., Brezovan, M. (eds.) ICCCI 2013. LNCS, vol. 8083, pp. 110–119. Springer, Heidelberg (2013)Bartolini, C., Bertolino, A., Marchetti, E., Polini, A.: Ws-taxi: A wsdl-based testing tool for web services. In: International Conference on Software Testing Verification and Validation, ICST 2009, pp. 326–335 (2009)Fernandez, A., Cong, Z., Balta, A.: Bridging the gap between service description models in service matchmaking. Multiagent and Grid Systems 8(1), 83–103 (2012)Hermoso, R., Billhardt, H., Centeno, R., Ossowski, S.: Effective use of organisational abstractions for confidence models. In: O’Hare, G.M.P., Ricci, A., O’Grady, M.J., Dikenelli, O. (eds.) ESAW 2006. LNCS (LNAI), vol. 4457, pp. 368–383. Springer, Heidelberg (2007

Specification Techniques for Multi-Modal Dialogues in the U-Wish Project

In this paper we describe the development of a specification\ud technique for specifying interactive web-based services. We\ud wanted to design a language that can be a means of\ud communication between designers and developers of interactive services, that makes it easier to develop web-based services fitted to the users and that shortens the pathway from design to implementation. The language, still under development, is based on process algebra and can be\ud connected to the results of task analysis. We have been\ud working on the automatic generation of executable prototypes\ud out of the specifications. In this way the specification\ud language can establish a connection between users, design\ud and implementation. A first version of this language is\ud available as well as prototype tools for executing the specifications. Ideas will be given as to how to make the connection between specifications and task analysis

Towards a tool for the subjective assessment of speech system interfaces (SASSI)

Applications of speech recognition are now widespread, but user-centred evaluation methods are necessary to ensure their success. Objective evaluation techniques are fairly well established, but previous subjective techniques have been unstructured and unproven. This paper reports on the first stage of the development of a questionnaire measure for the Subjective Assessment of Speech System Interfaces (SASSI). The aim of the research programme is to produce a valid, reliable and sensitive measure of users' subjective experiences with speech recognition systems. Such a technique could make an important contribution to theory and practice in the design and evaluation of speech recognition systems according to best human factors practice. A prototype questionnaire was designed, based on established measures for evaluating the usability of other kinds of user interface, and on a review of the research literature into speech system design. This consisted of 50 statements with which respondents rated their level of agreement. The questionnaire was given to users of four different speech applications, and Exploratory Factor Analysis of 214 completed questionnaires was conducted. This suggested the presence of six main factors in users' perceptions of speech systems: System Response Accuracy, Likeability, Cognitive Demand, Annoyance, Habitability and Speed. The six factors have face validity, and a reasonable level of statistical reliability. The findings form a userful theoretical and practical basis for the subjective evaluation of any speech recognition interface. However, further work is recommended, to establish the validity and sensitivity of the approach, before a final tool can be produced which warrants general use

Adaptation of WASH Services Delivery to Climate Change and Other Sources of Risk and Uncertainty

This report urges WASH sector practitioners to take more seriously the threat of climate change and the consequences it could have on their work. By considering climate change within a risk and uncertainty framework, the field can use the multitude of approaches laid out here to adequately protect itself against a range of direct and indirect impacts. Eleven methods and tools for this specific type of risk management are described, including practical advice on how to implement them successfully

A National Dialogue on Health Information Technology and Privacy

Increasingly, government leaders recognize that solving the complex problems facing America today will require more than simply keeping citizens informed. Meeting challenges like rising health care costs, climate change and energy independence requires increased level of collaboration. Traditionally, government agencies have operated in silos -- separated not only from citizens, but from each other, as well. Nevertheless, some have begun to reach across and outside of government to access the collective brainpower of organizations, stakeholders and individuals.The National Dialogue on Health Information Technology and Privacy was one such initiative. It was conceived by leaders in government who sought to demonstrate that it is not only possible, but beneficial and economical, to engage openly and broadly on an issue that is both national in scope and deeply relevant to the everyday lives of citizens. The results of this first-of-its-kind online event are captured in this report, together with important lessons learned along the way.This report served as a call to action. On his first full day in office, President Obama put government on notice that this new, more collaborative model can no longer be confined to the efforts of early adopters. He called upon every executive department and agency to "harness new technology" and make government "transparent, participatory, and collaborative." Government is quickly transitioning to a new generation of managers and leaders, for whom online collaboration is not a new frontier but a fact of everyday life. We owe it to them -- and the citizens we serve -- to recognize and embrace the myriad tools available to fulfill the promise of good government in the 21st Century.Key FindingsThe Panel recommended that the Administration give stakeholders the opportunity to further participate in the discussion of heath IT and privacy through broader outreach and by helping the public to understand the value of a person-centered view of healthcare information technology