From Models to Simulations

This book analyses the impact computerization has had on contemporary science and explains the origins, technical nature and epistemological consequences of the current decisive interplay between technology and science: an intertwining of formalism, computation, data acquisition, data and visualization and how these factors have led to the spread of simulation models since the 1950s. Using historical, comparative and interpretative case studies from a range of disciplines, with a particular emphasis on the case of plant studies, the author shows how and why computers, data treatment devices and programming languages have occasioned a gradual but irresistible and massive shift from mathematical models to computer simulations

MULTIMEDIA ON GEOGRAPHIC NETWORK

In this thesis we investigate the topic of the multimedia contents distribution on a geo- graphic network which is a rarefied and huge field. First of all we have to classify the main parts necessary in the multimedia distribution on a geographic network. The main aspects of a geographic network that will be highlighted in this thesis are: the mechanism used to retrieve the sources of the multimedia content; in the case of the peer-to-peer network on geographic network one of the most important mechanism is the query flooding protocol. The kind of overlay network (peer-to-peer) used to distribute the multimedia content. The usage of this overlay network in a multicast network. The security of the overlay network over a geographic network. Therefore the first topic which is investigated in this thesis is the query flooding protocol that can be used in any kind of query operation on a peer-to-peer network. For this protocol we achieve an analytical model through a complex analysis of the proxies network. In this analysis we can see how the proxies permit an improvement in the performance with respect to the routing operations in a generic network of routers. Moreover we address a simple formulation and framework about the performance of the network with and without layer 7 (proxy) and we apply them in three different types of scenarios to show the advantages achieved with the usage of proxies instead of routers. Through the query flooding operation, each peer of the peer-to-peer network can achieve the list of the peers that hold the desired multimedia content. In a multimedia content dis- tribution system, after the previous step in which the list of the peers that hold the desired multimedia content is retrieved, it is necessary to establish the kind of peer-to-peer network used to distribute this multimedia content to the peers that require it. Therefore the second aspect analysed in this thesis, is how the peer-to-peer network is built so that it is possible to provide the multimedia content to the vast majority of peers (that require this content) with the minimum delay. The construction of the peer-to-peer networks used for the distribution of the multimedia contents is not a very investigated field. Thus in this thesis we produce new algorithms used to build peer-to-peer networks in an incremental way on asymmetric and radio channel and we establish which algorithm is better with respect to the maximum delay of the network, the maximization of the number of peers accepted in the network and the minimization of the bit error probability of each peer of the peer-to-peer network. In this thesis, we propose an usage of the overlay network (peer-to-peer network) in a multicast network. We introduce an innovative mechanism that exploits the peer-to-peer network to make reliable a standard unreliable multicast network. Moreover we present an analytical model for this innovative mechanism. Finally the last aspect of a geographic network is the security of the communications among a group of peers. Thus to ensure the maximum level of security with secure commu- nications among a group of three or more peers, in this thesis we propose a new protocol, based on the Massey Omura protocol, which can allow the communications among the peers of a peer-to-peer network in a secure way. Moreover we present the security prob- lems of this Massey Omura Multiple Users Protocol and how it is possible to avoid these issues through a specific encryption function and a specific decryption function by chang- ing the encryption and decryption keys of each peer when the source peer changes. Finally we present a new cryptography protocol which we use to share the decryption shared key that is used in the Massey Omura Multiple Users Protocol

Re-embodied fear : Designing deep learning methods in virtual reality to unravel emotional body loops

This thesis is an experimental research that theoretically examines the ontological nature of virtual reality (VR) and its possible implications to be used in designing new emotional learning environments and experiences. The focus is set on fear as an emotion that physically and mentally manifests itself as a specific phobia. The applications of using virtual reality as a psychological tool for treating negative emotions are questioned by making apparent the unanswered questions about our emotions and perception taking abilities. Through different case studies related to the manipulations of our sense of embodiment in VR, the plasticity of our mind and body is researched and applied into emotion theories. The thesis examines how VR could be harnessed to reveal the phenomenal ‘body loops’ with the help of sensor technology (HRV) and ultimately, be designed to unravel the maladaptive loops. Hypothetically, it considers taking advantage of the virtual space design and our sense of embodiment by literally creating new perspectives for experiencing through virtual body manipulations. Through problematization and the ideology of ontological design, it is suggested that we should adapt more radical design in VR to overcome the existing scientific paradigms about emotional learning

Designing to Support Workspace Awareness in Remote Collaboration using 2D Interactive Surfaces

Increasing distributions of the global workforce are leading to collaborative workamong remote coworkers. The emergence of such remote collaborations is essentiallysupported by technology advancements of screen-based devices ranging from tabletor laptop to large displays. However, these devices, especially personal and mobilecomputers, still suffer from certain limitations caused by their form factors, that hinder supporting workspace awareness through non-verbal communication suchas bodily gestures or gaze. This thesis thus aims to design novel interfaces andinteraction techniques to improve remote coworkers’ workspace awareness throughsuch non-verbal cues using 2D interactive surfaces.The thesis starts off by exploring how visual cues support workspace awareness infacilitated brainstorming of hybrid teams of co-located and remote coworkers. Basedon insights from this exploration, the thesis introduces three interfaces for mobiledevices that help users maintain and convey their workspace awareness with their coworkers. The first interface is a virtual environment that allows a remote person to effectively maintain his/her awareness of his/her co-located collaborators’ activities while interacting with the shared workspace. To help a person better express his/her hand gestures in remote collaboration using a mobile device, the second interfacepresents a lightweight add-on for capturing hand images on and above the device’sscreen; and overlaying them on collaborators’ device to improve their workspace awareness. The third interface strategically leverages the entire screen space of aconventional laptop to better convey a remote person’s gaze to his/her co-locatedcollaborators. Building on the top of these three interfaces, the thesis envisions an interface that supports a person using a mobile device to effectively collaborate with remote coworkers working with a large display.Together, these interfaces demonstrate the possibilities to innovate on commodity devices to offer richer non-verbal communication and better support workspace awareness in remote collaboration

Adaptation in the Age of Media Convergence

This collection considers new phenomena emerging in a convergence environment from the perspective of adaptation studies. The contributions take the most prominent methods within the field to offer reconsiderations of theoretical concepts and practices in participatory culture, transmedia franchises, and new media adaptations. The authors discuss phenomena ranging from mash-ups of novels and YouTube cover songs to negotiations of authorial control and interpretative authority between media producers and fan communities to perspectives on the fictional and legal framework of brands and franchises. In this fashion, the collection expands the horizons of both adaptation and transmedia studies and provides reassessments of frequently discussed (BBC’s Sherlock or the LEGO franchise) and previously largely ignored phenomena (self-censorship in transnational franchises, mash-up novels, or YouTube cover videos)

A Practice-Based Approach to Defining Maximalism

This practice-based Ph.D. is an exploration of the concept of maximalism in the field of visual arts. Previous studies of maximalism in disciplines such as literature and architecture signalled a lack of rigor surrounding the use of the term maximalism with regard to various cultural productions. In addition, the relative scarcity of works addressing maximalism in visual art drove the development of this research, which aims to clarify the definition of maximalism through the practice of art. Through critical interrogation, the body of work developed within this project revealed insights into the nature of artistic maximalism. During the development of the project, a methodological research gap was identified as the absence of a set of procedures enabling the understanding and use of the concept of maximalism. To address this methodological gap, a theoretical framework describing maximalism in terms of formal parameters was constructed. Maximalism was investigated through the exploration of a variety of new and traditional media: holography, virtual reality (VR) artmaking, 3D printing, printmaking and drawing. The study revealed the intrinsically maximalist nature of holography in conjunction with VR artmaking. VR holography, a new art form resulting from this research, expands physical space by using a flat surface to render potentially infinite 3D content. It also connects the realms of the virtual and the real. Other forms of artistic maximalism revealed by this study include: the expansion of the space of art through para-artistic devices, intensity maximalism explored through miniature drawing, chromatic maximalism, durational maximalism and narrative maximalism. Maximalism as an artistic practice reflects an engagement of the artist in a continual process of becoming, as a method to access and explore new tools for artistic expression. The main contribution of the research is a twofold definition of maximalism. On the one hand, maximalism is defined as a mode of artistic expression intrinsic to the artwork, a definition which lends itself to a type of art analysis partially grounded in formalism. On the other hand, maximalism is proposed as a characteristic of the process of artmaking, referring to a strategy which the artist employs as a means of decentralising the artistic self. Investigating these forms of maximalism showed the potential usefulness, to art theory and criticism, of a theory of maximalism based on aesthetic formalism. The clarification of the concept of maximalism constitutes a contribution to the vocabulary and discourse of art

Development of building information models (BIM) to support innovative time management and delay analysis

Although time is a critical factor for most projects, the majority of construction projects encounter delay. Conventional methods for managing time tend to use static medium, which can make understanding delay challenging. This can result in reactive management, which contributes to inappropriate mitigation measures, untimely and insufficient claims, and failures to award extensions of time. These consequences are common causes of dispute, which have a negative effect on the construction industry. The likelihood and severity of disputes on construction projects are increasing but it is suggested that Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to reduce the number of delays and disputes in the industry. However, literature directly addressing how to achieve this appears limited.To contribute research to this knowledge gap, this EngD aims to improve the understanding of delay on construction projects through BIM. This is addressed through five objectives, which gather data through a case study, workshop, simulation, questionnaire, focus group, content analysis and the available literature. The findings of each objective contribute to the next stage of research and led to the proposed interactive exhibit, which integrates VARK modes of presentation with 4D modelling technology developed to support BIM. The rationale behind this proposal is supported by five journal publications, which are appended to this document. [Continues.]</div