The IS Core XII: Authority, Dogma, and Positive Science in Information Systems Research

Three related papers recently argued for the adoption of specific \u27organizing principles\u27 for academic research in Information Systems. These principles, centered on nomological networks of IT artifacts, are offered as prescriptions which, it is argued, resolve an \u27identity crisis\u27 in IS research. The present paper concludes that, rather than resolving an identity crisis, the prescriptions are likely to confound any search for identity by biasing future IS research into directions that do not move the field forward. We show how a positive science of Information Systems can retain the benefits sought without the recommended prescriptions

Design, Construction, and Performance of a Deep Braced Excavation

The engineering approach to design and specification development for a deep excavation is presented along with construction instrumentation data that illustrates the concepts, criteria, and performance of the excavation shoring system. The project included an excavation of up to about 20 m depth, over 650 m long, and 20 m wide made through generally competent glacial overburden with 46 structures located immediately adjacent to the excavation. Excavation support was achieved using a braced soldier-pile and lagging wall system. A detailed instrumentation program was undertaken by the owner to monitor contractor compliance with ground and structure movement criteria. Semi-empirical and theoretical concepts related to earth pressure diagrams and soldier-pile design reduction factors are explored in detail, with particular emphasis on contract provisions for specifying design of excavation support. The deformation performance, structural design, and construction pre-loading are shown to be directly linked an alternative approach is presented for future design and specification of excavation support

Failure of an Excavation Support System

The design, construction, and collapse of an excavation support system constructed through layered soils are presented in this paper. The braced soldier-pile and lagging shoring was installed through soft clay, with the base of the excavation in hard glacial deposits. Complicating factors included the use of soil berms for temporary support, construction sequencing, weather conditions, and the location of the failed section near a re-entrant corner of the shoring system. Rapid responses of all contract parties and careful evaluation of the failure causes limited subsequent safety and damage concerns, and no claims were made. Post-failure examination of the preceding events provides several insights into potential better specification practices. Theoretical comparison of soil strength and structural engineering principles demonstrate the true failure mechanisms in spite of several implied causes suggested at the outset of the investigation

Effect of long-wavelength light on electroencephalogram and subjective alertness

This study extends previous findings on the effect of different levels of short-wavelength light on human alertness. This study explores the alerting ability of long-wavelength light at two levels (40 lx and 160 lx). Eight subjects took part in the 60-minute experiment for each of two nights, during which their objective alertness and subjective alertness were evaluated using electroencephalogram and questionnaire. Results show that both levels increased electroencephalogram beta power, which shows a different pattern compared with the previous findings on short-wavelength light. These results strongly suggest that although short-wavelength light may impact alertness through circadian system, long-wavelength light will have to achieve that through other pathways. The further comparison between current and previous results also suggests that long-wavelength light is just as strong on acute alerting ability, as shown by electroencephalogram measures and self-rating questionnaire, as short-wavelength light

Designing Effective Warnings about Addiction on the Patient Information Leaflet of Over-the-Counter Codeine Sold in England to University Students

(1) Background: The harm of misusing over-the-counter (OTC) codeine-containing medicines among university students in England is being increasingly recognized. Based on English university students, this paper aims to study the importance of information design on information communication, explore methods for effective warning design, and investigate university students’ perception of OTC codeine. (2) Methods: The effective warning design is addressed through case studies, answering correctness by the heat map generated from the eye-tracking experiment (ETE), and the total time spent on the tasks. User perceptions are made though online surveys. (3) Results: Information design significantly affects the way user processes information. Therefore, two emphasized warnings displayed in the headline, and the “possible side effect (PSE)” sections and warning signs of addiction presented under the PSE are suggested as effective ways to display warnings. For students’ perception of OTC codeine, 80% of university students are unfamiliar with the substance. After reading the patient information leaflets (PILs), 47% recommended tight regulation on codeine. (4) Conclusions: The misuse of OTC codeine could be a potential problem among English university students. The design of the PIL significantly influences the chance of unintentional medicine misuse. The display of warnings on the PILs of OTC codeine should be redesigned for better understanding