938 research outputs found
Sort by
A Framework for Improving User Experience in Ambient Assisted Living
Get PDFAmbient Assisted Living (AAL) refers to the integration of all kind of computerized devices into a home environment in order to provide their residents with a better quality of life. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can empower the growing elderly population by providing them with a longer independence, security and a lifestyle enhancement. In order to solve the problems of accessibility to elderly users who might have cognitive, physical or other limitations, interchangeable or adaptive interfaces are required. Looking into the future, adaptive interfaces with intelligent agents, known as assistive environments, can act as a substitute for care and benefit elderly users by increasing their level of activity and quality of life. This paper proposes a framework for improving the user experience by designing adaptive interfaces to support elderly people living in smart environments. This framework has been developed through experience of designing user interfaces for elderly and disabled users gained while conducting the EU-funded EASY LINE+ project (no. 045515)
A Hybrid Computational Electromagnetics Formulation for Simulation of Antennas Coupled to Lossy and Dielectric Volumes
Get PDFA heterogeneous hybrid computational electromagnetics method is presented, which enables different parts of an antenna simulation problem to be treated by different methods, thus enabling the most appropriate method to be used for each part. The method uses a standard frequency-domain moment-method program and a finite-difference time-domain program to compute the fields in two regions. The two regions are interfaced by surfaces on which effective sources are defined by application of the Equivalence Principle. An extension to this permits conduction currents to cross the boundary between the different computational domains. Several validation cases are examined and the results compared with available data. The method is particularly suitable for simulation of the behavior of an antenna that is partially buried, or closely coupled with lossy dielectric volumes such as soil, building structures or the human body
Improving the Performance of IP Filtering using a Hybrid Approach to ACLs
Get PDFWith the use of policy based security being implemented in Access Control Lists (ACLs) at the distribution layer and the increased speed of interfaces the delays introduced into networks by routers are becoming significant. This paper investigates the size of the problem that is encountered in a typical network installation. Additionally since specialized hardware is not always available a hybrid approach to optimizing the order of rules in an ACL is put forward. This approach is based on the off-line pre-processing of lists to enable them to be reordered dynamically based on the type of traffic being processed by the router
The Use of Interactive Visual Metaphors to Enhance Group Discussions using Mobile Devices
No full textIn this paper, we consider the problems of group discussions and collaborative decision-making, where one or more of the participants are using restrictive interfaces such as mobile phones or PDAs. We suggest possible solutions to some of these problems and present MAVis (Mobile Argumentation Visualizer), a web-based interface built upon upon a balancebeam visual metaphor. We report on user experiences of interacting with the visual metaphor, and on the challenges of transferring this to a multi-user environment supporting mobile devices
Simplicity, consistency, universality and familiarity: applying ‘SCUF’ principles to technology for assisted living
No full textThis paper describes the user interface design, and subsequent usability evaluation of assistive technology to support elderly and disabled people in their interaction with kitchen appliances in their homes. We have applied the four design principles of simplicity, consistency, universality and familiarity to a range of devices that can be used within the home environment. Our evaluations suggest that this approach has been successful
Temporal Stability of the Francis Scale of Attitude Toward Christianity Short-Form Among 10- To 12-Year-Old English Children: Test-Retest Data Over 15 Weeks
No full textRecently three studies have reported on the test-retest reliability of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity; however, these studies were limited to comparatively small samples (Ns = 39, 114, 58). The present study examined the temporal stability of the 7-item version of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity over a 15-week period among a sample of 581 English children aged between 10 and 12 years. Data demonstrated that stability across the two administrations was very high (r = .79); however, there was a significant change in mean scores between Time 1 and Time 2
Key Issues that apply to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) Technology from a Study of the Chinese Campuses and UK Equivalent
Get PDFWith wireless technology developing quickly, the wireless network service has become more popular on university campuses. More and more universities provide wireless Internet access to all users in academic buildings and students villages and throughout the entire campus. The availability of wireless APs (Access Points) throughout campus offers many educational opportunities and learning benefits for faculty, staff and students.
Compared with the wired local area network, WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) have many advantages, particularly in the area covered. However there are some issues with WLANs that are problematic for network managers such as usage, the signal stability and security. This investigation focuses on technical issues surrounding WLANs on the university campuses. Comparisons are made between the usage on campuses in the UK and China and a traffic model is created to enable simulations to be run on OPNET. This enables infrastructure comparisons to be made between different WLAN technologies such as WiFi and WiMAX and, following the analysis, conclusions to be drawn
Apostolic Networks in the UK: the dynamics of growth
Get PDFApostolic or New Churches came into existence in the UK as a result of a complicated set of historical and theological factors in the 1960s. By the mid-1970s these new churches, with their restorationist doctrines, were beginning to set trends within the wider evangelical scene and by the 1980s they had formed apostolic networks which functioned in some respects like conventional Pentecostal denominations and, in other respects, quite differently from them. In respect of the dynamics of church growth, as this empirical study shows, they appear to be similar
Welsh Language, Identity & Probation Practice: The Context For Change
Get PDFThis article draws upon the historical context of the oppression of the Welsh language within the UK, makes links with recent incidents in the public domain, and research on the experiences of Welsh speaking probation staff. The authors argue that linguistically sensitive practice is necessary, not just on the basis of equal opportunities, but also to effectively engage with offenders and protect the public. They then set out the reasons why the National Probation Service (and indeed the wider criminal justice system) must develop a fully bilingual service in Wales. Nine key principles are proposed to bring about a change in policy and practice