Mapping Knowledge Flows in ExploratoryWeb Searches

This paper provides an understanding of the knowledge flow in exploratory Web searches. Based on the Design Science Research epistemology, we represented the information-gathering behaviour and uncovered the knowledge flow of Web searchers as a Knowledge-intensive Process (KiP). By mapping searchers' steps and paths during Web searches, representing their search patterns and decision-making process, it was possible to reveal the knowledge flow and infer the resources more likely to be selected to meet the searchers' information needs. With the help of six teachers, we applied the Think-Aloud method in a scenario where they searched for online (educational) resources on the Web. The application of the Think-Aloud method made knowledge-flow processes explicit throughout Web searches. The results can support new strategies for information retrieval systems and be applied to support expertise exchange and innovation

A Quantitative Study of Robustness Characteristics in Steel Framed Structures

Robustness is a desirable property in any structural design. Robustness may be thought of as the building\u27s inherent structural ability to resist loads other than those anticipated during design. Examples of unanticipated loads are damage to a column or beam due to impact; damage due to the concussion of a blast; strength reduction due to extreme heat during a fire; and localized accidental overload of a beam or column. Each of these events, although very different in their nature, has one major point in common; in each case the path of load resistance changes in a way that was not and perhaps could not be anticipated during the original design. A three-story, pre-Northridge Boston building was chosen as the basis for this study. Although the building is generic, it is representative of typical office buildings constructed in non-seismic areas of the Central and Eastern United States. The building was modeled using structural engineering software capable of performing a second-order, inelastic analysis with user defined connection characteristics. Ten connection models with varying parameters were considered for evaluation and comparison of their capabilities to withstand loading after a column has been rendered ineffective. The varied parameters include connection placement; bolt quantity; inclusion or exclusion of a seat angle; inclusion or exclusion of the tensile capacity of a reinforced composite floor slab; and depth of concrete in the composite floor slab. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional frameworks are evaluated. A robustness measure was defined as the relative change in applied load ratio compared to the applied load ratio of a base system. The base system was identified as one that would be the result of a design considering efficiency in strength and serviceability to withstand code required load combinations. Models that include both a seat angle and tensile capacity of slab reinforcement produced the most robust system. Adding one additional bolt produced only modest improvement in robustness. Adding depth of concrete was counterproductive due to increased weight. A three-dimensional analysis is very important to adequately quantify robustness in a particular framework. The opposing girders and beams along the gridlines, along with the infill framing, work together to resist unanticipated loading and their total contributions are significant

Logic and the Foundations of Game and Decision Theory (LOFT 7)

This volume collects together revised papers originally presented at the 7th Conference on Logic and the Foundations of Game and Decision Theory (LOFT 2006). LOFT is a key venue for presenting research at the intersection of logic, economics and computer science, and the present collection gives a lively and wide-ranging view of an exciting and rapidly growing area

Characterization of design parameters for fiber reinforced polymer composite reinforced concrete systems

Corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures results in significant repair and rehabilitation costs. In the past several years, new fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing bars have been introduced as an alternative to steel reinforcing bars. Several national and international organizations have recently developed standards based on preliminary test results. However, limited validation testing has been performed on the recommendations of these standards. High variability of the tensile properties, degradation of tensile strength, direct shear capacity, predicted deflections due to creep, cracking behavior of FRP-reinforced concrete flexural members, bond behavior and development length, and effects of thermal expansion on cracking of FRP reinforced concrete have all been reported, but are areas that need further investigation and validation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of glass FRP reinforcing bars and provide recommendations on the design and construction of concrete structures containing these bar types with regard to the areas described. The recently developed ACI 440 design guidelines were analyzed and modifications proposed