Effects of Team-Based Computer Interaction: The Media Equation and Game Design Considerations

The current paper applies media equation research to video game de-sign. The paper presents a review of the existing media equation research, de-scribes a specific study conducted by the authors, discusses how the findings of the study can be used to inform future game design, and explores how other media equation findings might be incorporated into game design. The specific study, discussed in detail in the paper, explores the notion of team formation between humans and computer team-mates. The results show that while highly experienced users will accept a computer as a team-mate, they tend to react more negatively towards the computer than to human teammates (a ‘Black Sheep’ Effect

The media equation and team formation: Further evidence for experience as a moderator

This study extends previous media equation research, which showed that interdependence but not identity leads to team affiliation effects with computers. The current study used an identity manipulation that more closely replicated the manipulation used in traditional team and group formation research than the original media equation research in this area. The study also sought further evidence for the relationship between experience with computers and behaviour reflecting a media equation pattern of results. Sixty students from the University of Queensland voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: control, human team (a team made of only humans) or human-computer team (a team made of computers and humans). Questionnaire measures assessing participants’ affective experience, attitudes and opinions were taken. Participants of high experience, but not low experience, when assigned to either of the team conditions enjoyed the tasks completed on the computer more than participants who worked on their own. When assigned to a team that involved a computer, participants of high experience, but not low experience, reacted negatively towards the computer (in comparison to high experience participants working on their own or on a team without a computer as a team member) – rating the information provided by the computer lower, rating themselves as less influenced by the computer and changing their own ratings and rankings to be less like those of the computer. These results are interpreted in light of the ‘Black Sheep’ literature and recognized as a media equation pattern of results

Lower Order Sharemilking in New Zealand

The objective of this paper is to describe the principal features of lower order sharemilking in New Zealand. The paper outlines the nature of sharemilking in general and lower order sharemilking in particular. The legislation underpinning lower order sharemilking and the reasons for it are described. The legislation operates through "Orders" and the paper reports the obligations of employers and sharemilkers under the most recent (2001) Order. Statistics on lower order sharemilkers are presented. A case study shows the nature of the returns to lower order sharemilking. The paper concludes with comments on the likely future of lower order sharemilking in New Zealand.Sharemilking, lower order sharemilker, Sharemilking Agreements Act, Livestock Production/Industries,

A New Family of Cavernicolous Millipedes with the Description of a New Genus and Species from Idaho (Diplopoda: Chordeumida: Chordeumidea)

The Chordeumidea is accumulating species names faster than any other group of North American Diplopoda. About one-half its species, 47, have been described since 1950. This recent growth has occurred because the small size, localized populations, and, frequently, cave habitus of these millipeds have obstructed thorough collection in the past. These factors have only recently been overcome by comprehensive collecting. As a result of this rapidgrowth and the many artificial groupings which result from it, much organization of the higher classification remains to be done. Hoffman (1961) emphasizes that co- operation between workers, more thorough descriptions, more accurate illustrations, and revisions are necessary if a proper classification is to be attained. Described herein is a new cave form unique among the known North American Chordeumidea. Related to Cleidogonidae, Conotylidae, and Bactropidae, it is distinguished from these families by having the ninth legs reduced and unsegmented. This species represents the type of a new family, which we name after the state in which it was collected

The Role of Mechanical Design in Mechatronics Education

A survey of Mechatronics course offerings around the United States shows a rich variety of approaches to this topic.[1] Indeed, it appears that a majority of Mechanical Engineering programs across the county offer some formal offering in this area and it seems clear that the vast majority of Mechatronics courses are offered through Mechanical Engineering departments. With the traditional emphasis on design skill in mechanical engineering, it would seem obvious that mechatronics courses would feature a major design component. Surprisingly, very few existing mechatronics courses (at least those reported in the literature) feature a strong emphasis on mechanical design. That is not to say that the creative process of design is not featured in Mechatronics courses, because it clearly is. It seems equally clear, however, that that accepted definition of mechatronics ( ...the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems and computers... )[2] is not being adequately implemented in the classroom. This paper will address this issue, suggest probable reasons for it and describe a new course being developed at Boise state University which places a much stronger emphasis on mechanical design skills and practice than many mechatronics courses

Preventing revolution: Cato Street, Bonnymuir, and Cathkin

Argues, from a range of evidence including popular poetry and woodcuts, that popular risings in 1820 in Scotland, England, and Ireland were produced as a coordinated strategy by central government in the aftermath of Peterloo to instigate (through agents provocateurs) local popular uprisings and then brutally suppress them, with show trials and public executions, in order to deter or forestall larger social unrest or revolution

'Conundrums of the Workshops 1890'

This paper arose out of research that I carried out at Anderson’s library in what is now the university of Strathclyde. I examined the minute books there from the formation of Anderson’s university in 1798, and specifically at the formation of the mechanics class which was established by George Birkbeck in 1800 and which split from Anderson’s in 1823. I discussed three bodies or institutions: Anderson’s university, Anderson’s Mechanics’ class and the Glasgow mechanic’s class. I ended by concluding on what sort of improvement the class were aiming for—was it the country, or the people who form the country