Provenance Explorer: A Tool for Viewing Provenance Trails and Constructing Scientific Publication Packages

This paper presents Provenance Explorer, a secure provenance visualization tool, designed to dynamically generate customized views of scientific data provenance that depend on the viewer's requirements and/or access privileges. Using RDF and graph visualizations, it enables scientists to view the data, states and events associated with a scientific workflow in order to understand the scientific methodology and validate the results. Initially the Provenance Explorer presents a simple, coarse-grained view of the scientific process or experiment. However the GUI allows permitted users to expand links between nodes (input states, events and output states) to reveal more fine-grained information about particular sub-events and their inputs and outputs. Access control is implemented using Shibboleth to identify and authenticate users and XACML to define access control policies. The system also provides a platform for publishing scientific results. It enables users to select particular nodes within the visualized workflow and drag-and-drop them into an RDF package for publication or e-learning. The direct relationships between the individual components selected for such packages are inferred by the rule inference engine

Generating eScience Workflows from Statistical Analysis of Prior Data

A number of workflow design tools have been developed specifically to enable easy graphical specification of workflows that ensure systematic scientific data capture and analysis and precise provenance information. We believe that an important component that is missing from these existing workflow specification and enactment systems is integration with tools that enable prior detailed analysis of the existing data - and in particular statistical analysis. By thoroughly analyzing the existing relevant datasets first, it is possible to determine precisely where the existing data is sparse or insufficient and what further experimentation is required. Introducing statistical analysis to experimental design will reduce duplication and costs associated with fruitless experimentation and maximize opportunities for scientific breakthroughs. In this paper we describe a workflow specification system that we have developed for a particular eScience application (fuel cell optimization). Experimental workflow instances are generated as a result of detailed statistical analysis and interactive exploration of the existing datasets. This is carried out through a graphical data exploration interface that integrates the widely-used open source statistical analysis software package, R, as a web service

Towards an Ontology for Data-driven Discovery of New Materials

Materials scientists and nano-technologists are struggling with the challenge of managing the large volumes of multivariate, multidimensional and mixed-media data sets being generated from the experimental, characterisation, testing and post-processing steps associated with their search for new materials. In addition, they need to access large publicly available databases containing: crystallographic structure data; thermodynamic data; phase stability data and ionic conduction data. Materials scientists are demanding data integration tools to enable them to search across these disparate databases and to correlate their experimental data with the public databases, in order to identify new fertile areas for searching. Systematic data integration and analysis tools are required to generate targeted experimental programs that reduce duplication of costly compound preparation, testing and characterisation. This paper presents MatOnto – an extensible ontology, based on the DOLCE upper ontology, that aims to represent structured knowledge about materials, their structure and properties and the processing steps involved in their composition and engineering. The primary aim of MatOnto is to provide a common, extensible model for the exchange, re-use and integration of materials science data and experimentation

FUSION: A Knowledge Management System for Fuel Cell Optimization

Fuel cells are highly complex multi-component systems. Their efficiency depends on their internal nanostructure and the complex chemical and physical processes occurring across their internal interfaces. Significant advances in the accurate modeling of fuel cell components (electrodes, membrane and catalyst layers) can be achieved by improved analysis and assimilation of existing data and more systematic, controlled design and monitoring of tests and experiments. Within the FUSION project, we are employing the latest information technologies to provide a robust knowledge mining system for collaborative teams of fuel cell scientists

La déconnexion temporaire à Facebook : entre le FOMO et l’intériorisation douce du contrôle social

Cette recherche explore les logiques d’action liées aux usages de Facebook par les jeunes adultes et à la déconnexion temporaire au site. Facebook est utilisé pour pratiquer de la surveillance sociale, mettre à jour son statut et contribuer aux discussions en lien avec les travaux universitaires. Les formes de déconnexion privées sont des conduites de préservation. La reconnexion au site s’effectue car ces usagers succombent aux pressions sociales, par peur de manquer quelque chose (FOMO) et d’être exclus des activités sociales. Les bénéfices liés aux pratiques de socialisation jouent également un rôle en la matière et priment sur le besoin de se protéger de la surveillance. Ces usagers intériorisent doucement le contrôle social. Force est de constater qu’ils ont une connaissance limitée des modes opératoires du site. Il est important de se demander dans quelle mesure la faible visibilité des pratiques de surveillance institutionnelle et les changements constants introduits aux architectures des médias sociaux façonnent les inégalités d’usage. Ce qui contribuerait à la déconnexion, même temporaire.This research explores motivations linked to the use of Facebook by young adults and temporary disconnection from the site. Facebook is used to practice social surveillance, update status and contribute to discussions related to academic group work. “Private” forms of disconnection aim at protecting the self. Reconnection to the site occurs as users succumb to social pressures, for fear of missing out (FOMO) or being excluded from social activities. The benefits associated with social practices also play a role with regard to reconnection to Facebook and are perceived as more important than protecting oneself from surveillance. These users are internalizing soft social control. However, they have a limited knowledge of the site’s operating modes. It is important to know to what extent the limited visibility of institutional surveillance practices and the architectural changes introduced to social media sites shape digital inequalities. This may lead to temporary disconnection.La presente investigación explora las lógicas de actuación vinculadas a los usos de Facebook que realizan los jóvenes adultos y a la desconexión temporal del sitio. Facebook puede ser utilizado para la vigilancia social, para actualizar la situación y para contribuir a las discusiones relacionadas con las tareas universitarias. En este contexto, las formas privadas de desconexión son conductas de preservación. En este sentido, la reconexión al sitio se efectúa porque los usuarios ceden a presiones sociales, o bien por miedo a perderse algo (FOMO en inglés) o por la posibilidad de ser excluidos de actividades sociales. Los beneficios vinculados a las prácticas de socialización también juegan un rol importante en la materia y pesan más que la necesidad de protegerse de la vigilancia, de forma que los usuarios interiorizan el control social. Los usuarios tienen también un conocimiento limitado sobre los modos operatorios del sitio. De esta manera, es importante preguntarse en qué medida la débil visibilidad de prácticas de vigilancia institucional y los cambios constantes introducidos en las arquitecturas de los medios sociales conforman las desigualdades en su utilización. Lo cual también contribuye a la desconexión, incluso temporal

Intervention goals for preschoolers with language difficulties and disorders A scoping review using the ICF framework

Purpose: The primary aim of this scoping review was to categorize language therapy goals reported in intervention studies for preschoolers (i.e., children from 0 to 5;0 years old) with language difficulties and disorders within the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. A secondary aim was to determine whether different therapy goals were reported for different language difficulty/disorder subtypes (i.e., comparing language difficulty/disorder associated with a biomedical condition to those without an associated biomedical condition). Method: The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) guidelines. Articles were retrieved from speechBITE, with age (under 5), intervention area (language), and study design (all but systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines) specified as inclusion criteria. Language goals were extracted and categorized into the ICF components. From there, the distributions of these ICF components were compared between intervention studies for different language difficulty/disorder subtype. Results: A total of 287 articles were identified; 140 met inclusion criteria. Of the 293 goals extracted, 48% aligned with the Activities component of the ICF framework, followed by Participation (26%), Environmental Factors (20%), Body Functions and Structures (3%) and Personal Factors (3%). Most participation-focused goals were reported from intervention studies of preschoolers with a language difficulty/disorder associated with a biomedical condition. Conclusions: Few participation-focused goals were reported in intervention studies for preschoolers with language difficulty/disorder without an associated condition. Future work is needed to support integrating the ICF framework in goal setting for both research and practice

Strengths and challenges of the COSMIN tools in the appraisal of outcome measures: A case example for speech-language therapy

Background: The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) is an international initiative that offers standardized and validated tools to guide the appraisal of outcome measures in healthcare. Aims: This study aimed to explore the use of a new set of tools from COSMIN to appraise studies on outcome measures available to speech and language therapists (SLTs). Methods: We used the COSMIN tools to appraise seven studies and a user manual that reported the measurement properties of the Focus on the Outcomes of Children Under Six (FOCUS), a validated measure of preschoolers’ communicative participation that is used in various contexts around the world. Results: Using COSMIN guidelines, the FOCUS was categorized as a “Category A” tool because there was a sufficient level of evidence to support its content validity and internal consistency. According to the COSMIN guidelines, this means that the FOCUS can be recommended for clinical use. The quality of evidence supporting measurement properties of the FOCUS received a rating of ‘moderate’, meaning users can have moderate confidence in its measurement properties. Since these ratings from the COSMIN tools may be unclear to users of the FOCUS, we have provided more specific recommendations. Conclusions & Implications: The COSMIN tools offer detailed standards to support the appraisal of outcome measures available to SLTs. However, several limitations were observed, and recommendations to support the application of the COSMIN tools are provided

The process of telepractice implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative inquiry of preschool speech-language pathologists and assistants from one center in Canada

Background: Many professional services were pressed to adopt telepractice in response to the global coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. The need to adopt a new service delivery approach quickly created different implementation challenges. This study explored the lived experiences of frontline clinicians who successfully transitioned their in-person speech-language therapy services to telepractice through an implementation science lens. Methods: The study was conducted in partnership with one publicly funded program in Ontario, Canada that offers services to preschoolers with speech, language and communication disorders. Sixteen frontline speech-language pathologists and assistants at this organization shared their lived experience transitioning to telepractice during the pandemic during videoconference interviews. A narrative inquiry approach was used to analyze interview transcripts to identify the processes (or steps) this program took to implement telepractice and to understand the facilitators and barriers to telepractice implementation during the pandemic. Results: The following six stages were identified from clinicians\u27 narratives: abrupt lockdown; weeks of uncertainty; telepractice emerged as an option; preparation for telepractice; telepractice trials; and finally, full implementation of telepractice. The stages of events offered significant insights into how government public health measures influenced clinicians\u27 decisions and their processes of adopting telepractice. In terms of barriers, clinicians reported a lack of knowledge, skills and experience with telepractice and a lack of technological support. The organization\u27s learning climate and team approach to transitioning services were identified as the main facilitator of implementation. Conclusions: Findings suggest a need for better coordination of public health measures and professional services, which would have eased clinicians\u27 stress and facilitated an earlier transition to telepractice. Fostering an organization\u27s learning climate may improve organization\u27s resilience in response to emergency situations

Selecting and tailoring implementation interventions: A concept mapping approach

© 2020 The Author(s). Background: To improve the uptake of research into practice, knowledge translation frameworks recommend tailoring implementation strategies to address practice barriers. This study reports our experience pairing the Theoretical Domains Framework with information from multiple stakeholder groups to co-develop practice-informed strategies for improving the implementation of an evidence-based outcome measurement tool across a large community health system for preschoolers with communication impairments. Methods: Concept mapping was used to identify strategies for improving implementation of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) in Ontario Canada\u27s Preschool Speech and Language Program. This work was done in five stages. First, we interviewed 37 speech-language pathologists (clinicians) who identified 90 unique strategies to resolve practice barriers to FOCUS implementation. Second, clinicians (n = 34), policy-makers (n = 3), and members of the FOCUS research team (n = 6) sorted and rated the strategies by importance and feasibility. Third, stakeholders\u27 sorting data were analyzed to generate a two-dimensional concept map. Based on the rating data from stakeholders, we prioritized a list of strategies that were rated as highly important and highly feasible, and summarized the practice barriers addressed by each of the prioritized strategies. Fourth, we validated these findings with stakeholders via an online survey. Fifth, the mechanisms of action of the prioritized list of strategies were considered based on available evidence from the Theoretical Domains Framework and associated behavior change literature. Results: Stakeholders categorized the 90 unique implementation strategies into a six-cluster concept map. Based on stakeholders\u27 ratings, a list of 14 implementation strategies were prioritized. These implementation strategies were reported to resolve barriers within the environmental context and resources and beliefs about consequences domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. All but one of the prioritized strategies have a demonstrated link in resolving existing barriers according to the behavioral change literature. Conclusions: Our study contributes to a growing literature that demonstrates the process of tailoring implementation strategies to specific barriers. Practical drawbacks and benefits of using concept mapping as a way to engage stakeholders in implementation research are discussed

SCOPE: A Scientific Compound Object Publishing and Editing System

This paper presents the SCOPE (Scientific Compound Object Publishing and Editing) system which is designed to enable scientists to easily author, publish and edit scientific compound objects. Scientific compound objects encapsulate the various datasets and resources generated or utilized during a scientific experiment or discovery process, within a single compound object, for publishing and exchange. The adoption of “named graphs” to represent these compound objects enables provenance information to be captured via the typed relationships between the components. This approach is also endorsed by the OAI-ORE initiative and hence ensures that we generate OAI-ORE-compliant Scientific Compound Objects. The SCOPE system is an extension of the Provenance Explorer tool – which supports access-controlled viewing of scientific provenance trails. Provenance Explorer provided dynamic rendering of RDF graphs of scientific discovery processes, showing the lineage from raw data to publication. Views of different granularity can be inferred automatically using SWRL (Semantic Web Rules Language) rules and an inferencing engine. SCOPE extends the Provenance Explorer tool and GUI by: 1) Adding an embedded web browser that can be used for incorporating objects discoverable via the Web; 2) Representing compound objects as Named Graphs, that can be saved in RDF, TriX, TriG or as an Atom syndication feed; 3) Enabling scientists to attach Creative Commons Licenses to the compound objects to specify how they may be re-used; 4) Enabling compound objects to be published as Fedora Object XML (FOXML) files within a Fedora digital library