Complex Systems Science: Dreams of Universality, Reality of Interdisciplinarity

Using a large database (~ 215 000 records) of relevant articles, we empirically study the "complex systems" field and its claims to find universal principles applying to systems in general. The study of references shared by the papers allows us to obtain a global point of view on the structure of this highly interdisciplinary field. We show that its overall coherence does not arise from a universal theory but instead from computational techniques and fruitful adaptations of the idea of self-organization to specific systems. We also find that communication between different disciplines goes through specific "trading zones", ie sub-communities that create an interface around specific tools (a DNA microchip) or concepts (a network).Comment: Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (2012) 10.1002/asi.2264

Batch kernel SOM and related Laplacian methods for social network analysis

Large graphs are natural mathematical models for describing the structure of the data in a wide variety of fields, such as web mining, social networks, information retrieval, biological networks, etc. For all these applications, automatic tools are required to get a synthetic view of the graph and to reach a good understanding of the underlying problem. In particular, discovering groups of tightly connected vertices and understanding the relations between those groups is very important in practice. This paper shows how a kernel version of the batch Self Organizing Map can be used to achieve these goals via kernels derived from the Laplacian matrix of the graph, especially when it is used in conjunction with more classical methods based on the spectral analysis of the graph. The proposed method is used to explore the structure of a medieval social network modeled through a weighted graph that has been directly built from a large corpus of agrarian contracts

Bibliometric cartography of information retrieval research by using co-word analysis

The aim of this study is to map the intellectual structure of the field of Information Retrieval (IR) during the period of 1987-1997. Co-word analysis was employed to reveal patterns and trends in the IR field by measuring the association strengths of terms representative of relevant publications or other texts produced in IR field. Data were collected from Science Citation Index (SCI) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) for the period of 1987-1997. In addition to the keywords added by the SCI and SSCI databases, other important keywords were extracted from titles and abstracts manually. These keywords were further standardized using vocabulary control tools. In order to trace the dynamic changes of the IR field, the whole 11-year period was further separated into two consecutive periods: 1987-1991 and 1992-1997. The results show that the IR field has some established research themes and it also changes rapidly to embrace new themes

The (unknown) role of map librarian and the challenge of satisfying the cartographic user needs

The (unknown) role of map librarian and the challenge of satisfying the cartographic user needs The profession of librarianship is developed and is being recognized in Sri Lanka. But we have neither heard of a map library nor a map librarian in our local environment. In Europe and USA map libraries are well known and map librarians are recognized Librarians who deal with maps come under the special library group and have to manage the map collection in a special manner. It needs specialized knowledge in managing map collection. Reading of maps needs technical equipments and storage and preservation too is different from books. Hence the librarian who deals with maps should undergo training to familiarize himself/herself with the technical methods of storage, search co ordination and manage archives and enhance access of cartographic materials. After world War 11 traditional map depositories are converted into cartographic centres and new technology is heavily used in map production, storage and usage. This paper highlights the role to be played by map librarians in a modern library using new technologies. Map users are very much advanced in using different type of technologies in reading, creating, copying etc.maps. This technological advancement has not caused much change in map collection in the developing countries. Even in the 21st century we see the traditional collection of maps in Sri Lanka. . While studying the situation (advance collection and advance users) in other countries, a sample study was carried out with reference to the local environment by selecting academic and special library groups. This paper elucidates the role played by a librarian who handle maps, who is not recognized as a map librarian It also discuses the attitudes of the cartographic users towards map libraries in our country the institutions where map collections are available, the barriers experienced by the users in accessing the collections, important issues neglected by the higher authorities and lack of a national body to authorize map production in the country. The role that could be played by the national body or a regulatory body such as management of collection and databases, setting of standards, copyright law and implementing a national policy in map production and the problems faced in producing maps are discussed. The study reveals that the gap between the traditional map libraries (collection) and the users of cartographic material is widening. The author suggests that the librarians could overcome this problem by undergoing professional training. This will change the attitude of the users towards the map librarians and map libraries. This will give recognition to the professionals who work as map librarians

The Collective Building of Knowledge in Collaborative Learning Environments

The intention of this chapter is to investigate how collaborative learning environments (CLEs) can be used to elicit the collective building of knowledge. This work discusses CLEs as lively cognitive systems and looks at some strategies that might contribute to the improvement of significant pedagogical practices. The study is supported by rhizome principles, whose characteristics allow us to understand the process of selecting and connecting what is relevant and meaningful for the collective building of knowledge. A brief theoretical and conceptual approach is presented and major contributions and difficulties about collaborative learning environments are discussed. New questions and future trends about the collective building of knowledge are suggested

Harnessing Collaborative Technologies: Helping Funders Work Together Better

This report was produced through a joint research project of the Monitor Institute and the Foundation Center. The research included an extensive literature review on collaboration in philanthropy, detailed analysis of trends from a recent Foundation Center survey of the largest U.S. foundations, interviews with 37 leading philanthropy professionals and technology experts, and a review of over 170 online tools.The report is a story about how new tools are changing the way funders collaborate. It includes three primary sections: an introduction to emerging technologies and the changing context for philanthropic collaboration; an overview of collaborative needs and tools; and recommendations for improving the collaborative technology landscapeA "Key Findings" executive summary serves as a companion piece to this full report