User-Centered Evaluation of Adaptive and Adaptable Systems

Adaptive and adaptable systems provide tailored output to various users in various contexts. While adaptive systems base their output on implicit inferences, adaptable systems use explicitly provided information. Since the presentation or output of these systems is adapted, standard user-centered evaluation methods do not produce results that can be easily generalized. This calls for a reflection on the appropriateness of standard evaluation methods for user-centered evaluations of these systems. We have conducted a literature review to create an overview of the methods that have been used. When reviewing the empirical evaluation studies we have, among other things, focused on the variables measured and the implementation of results in the (re)design process. The goal of our review has been to compose a framework for user-centered evaluation. In the next phase of the project, we intend to test some of the most valid and feasible methods with an adaptive or adaptable system

Omineca Herald, July, 13, 1966

We derive a real gravity equation and gain several new insights that were hidden in the nominal specification used so far. Most importantly, the real effective exchange rate (REER) of the exporter and, via the importer's terms of trade, also the importer's REER matter, and we can identify the elasticity of substitution. We estimate real gravity for 18 OECD countries. Therefore, we extend the untangling normalization method from an “it” to an “ijt” panel data model and use it to exploit all variables proposed by theory, despite a broad set of fixed effects (FE). We find that both REERs are important and estimate an elasticity of substitution of 1.5. If we assume homogeneous parameters, as is common, the remaining unexplained exporter-time and importer-time deviations are still substantial, relaxing this assumption improves this. We now explain 64 and 70% of the exporter-time and importer-time deviations, respectively, and thus the majority of the exporter and importer multilateral resistances. Untangling normalization helps to get a better view of what is still unexplained by theory

Septic Arthritis Caused by Legionella dumoffii in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Like Disease

We describe a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease on immunosuppressive treatment who developed septic arthritis of the knee involving Legionella dumoffii. Cultures initially remained negative. A broad-range 16S PCR using synovial fluid revealed L. dumoffii rRNA genes, a finding that was subsequently confirmed by positive Legionella culture results