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Implications of an Ethic of Privacy for Human-Centred Systems Engineering
Get PDFPrivacy remains an intractable ethical issue for the information society. Given its complicity, there is a moral obligation to redress privacy issues in systems engineering practice itself. This paper investigates the role the concept of privacy plays in contemporary systems engineering practice. Ontologically a nominalist human concept, privacy is considered from an appropriate engineering perspective: human-centred design. Two human-centred design standards are selected as exemplars of best practice, and are analysed using an existing multi-dimensional privacy model. The findings indicate that the human-centred standards are currently inadequate in dealing with privacy issues. Some implications for future practice are subsequently highlighted
A Multimedia Instruction to Enhance the Social Skills of the Young Learner with Autism
No full textThis study researches the social development of young learners with autism in order to develop a multimedia-based social instructional program. The main feature incorporated within the software is the implementation of social routines as an eLearning virtual environment. Social stories teach social skills to children with autism. They prepare the child’s understanding for upcoming events by highlighting key points of the event. Social stories are a successful educational tool currently used via videotape and paper-based means. This body of work is an original approach involving the creation of routines/stories through a computer animation. This project focuses on researching social development of learners with autism in order to develop a multimedia-based instructional software program. A fully functional multimedia based prototype is currently being developed which will provide an educational environment to assist in the social development of the young learner with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The software will adopt and seek to improve upon the framework of standards set out by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. The software design is strictly “human – centred” in that the learners with autism in local schools are included in the design process. During requirements analysis phase of the usability lifecycle children with autism in the four to nine year range are observed using educational software in their school environment. Any problems, trends or preferences in software usability are recorded. All collaborations and fieldwork will be completed on a local level with a possibility of expanding the multimedia technology to a global internet-based audience. Through a combination of the pedagogical requirements of the learners and assessments made through observations, a user profile is created which provides a framework for the design of the educational technology. A user-centred design approach is implemented throughout this software development. Young learners and their tutors are included throughout the design process. Teachers are employed as collaborators on the project, to obtain their insight into the usability and effectiveness of educational software on learning. Initial collaborations with teachers have involved benchmarking of software currently available. Design advice has been merged with standard HCI principles in the building of initial storyboards, to provide for the learner with special needs. This account provides a synopsis of the current body of work and future implementations in the design of the multimedia instructional software. The user-profile is being explored in order to create an educational framework for the learner with special needs. Further phases will assess usability guidelines and principles such as the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in order to cater for the accessibility needs of the learner
A Visual Narrative for Teaching Social Routines: Animations for Young Learners with Autism
Get PDFThis study investigates the design structure of an online social educational program, for young learners with autism. Prior investigations of learner requirements and child/user roles have provided a representation of the user profile for the child learner with special needs. Online lesson interfaces are evaluated by tutors in special needs schools. Social skill story themes have been decided upon and implemented into animated online lessons. The accompaniment of computer-based vocabulary and word-based quizzes, adopts the Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) method of learning reinforcement. This may lead to added retention of information and increased improvement in the transfer of knowledge. It is concluded that further computer-based implementation of reinforcers, such as the inclusion of flash games and audio, should be incorporated to motivate learning
A Human-Centred Framework for Eliciting Users' Embedded Knowledge Requirements during Information Systems Development
Get PDFDespite considerable research widely acknowledging that embedded knowledge is a necessity for successful development and implementation of information systems, there has been insufficient empirical research carried out in this area. Existing literature has been significant in directing attention towards the importance of embedded knowledge and the determinants that affect its transfer. However, it offered little insight into the actual knowledge transfer process itself. Thus, the research set out to investigate and understand how user embedded knowledge requirements could be transferred from the user to developer and then elicited by the developer during the systems development process.
An interpretive multi-case study approach based upon interviews, reflective practices, observation and document analysis was chosen. The findings presented in this thesis illustrate the knowledge transfer processes that were used by systems developers to ensure the successful elicitation of the users’ embedded knowledge requirements. The analysis of both case studies supported the initial conceptualisations that participation in the users’ context, observations, investigation of the informal networks, personal interactions, user collaboration and storytelling result in the transfer of these requirements between the system users and developers. Since this research was interested in understanding the transfer of knowledge for systems development, it relied upon the human centred systems theory for its theoretical explanations.
From this study, a number of important practical and theoretical contributions arose. For example, the detailed case description provided substantial insights into the knowledge transfer processes and techniques that should be employed during every stage of the development lifecycle. By utilising these processes and techniques, developers can ensure that the developed system will meet and support the users’ working practices and knowledge needs. Indeed, for these requirements to be successfully elicited, the developer must collaborate and involve the users throughout the development lifecycle at every stage. The research has also contributed to theory by expanding the literature on information systems development. For instance, the development of a model that would allow systems developers to identify and elicit embedded knowledge requirements is a significant contribution to theory as it has not been researched before. Furthermore, this research has expanded the literature on knowledge transfer by illustrating that knowledge transfer processes do not transpire as a sequential orderly progression but are complex and occur simultaneously
The Development and Application of Oil-in-Water Microemulsion Liquid and Electrokinetic Chromatography for Pharmaceutical Analysis
Get PDFSince the term ‘microemulsion’ was first coined almost fifty years ago to describe clear, isotropic, thermodynamically stable systems composed of oil, water, surfactant and cosurfactant, numerous and varied reports of the applications of microemulsions have appeared in the literature. Reports of the use of microemulsions in separation science began to appear in the literature in the early 1990’s when they were first used as mobile phases for HPLC and as carrier electrolytes for CE separations, particularly for pharmaceutical applications.
Although both MELC and MEEKC have been used for the separation of a wide range of components, MEEKC has received the most attention in recent years as it can be used for the separation of both charged and neutral solutes has been shown to be particularly useful for rapid chiral separations.
The main objective of this study was the development of rapid O/W MELC and MEEKC methods for the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in highly hydrophobic formulations which require lengthy sample preparation and extraction procedures prior to analysis using currently preferred techniques such as titration and RP-HPLC.
Both cationic and anionic microemulsions were successfully utilised for the O/W MELC analysis of paracetamol in a suppository and ibuprofen in a cream formulation.
The results of validation studies were very favourable and the method for the analysis of the suppository was extremely rapid and easy compared to the reference method.
Analysis times for the cream were also rapid and were comparable to sample preparation and analysis times using the reference method. Similarly O/W MEEKC methods for the analysis of paracetamol in a suppository using cationic and anionic microemulsions were very rapid and validation results were comparable to those achieved with O/W MELC.
Investigations into the stability of microemulsions under gradient MELC conditions showed that the length of the surfactant alkyl chain was the major factor affecting the systems stability and hence chromatographic reproducibility. The reproducible separation of paracetamol and five of its related impurities in a suppository sample was achieved using a novel isocratic MELC method with a stable diluted CTAB microemulsion as eluent. The most stable microemulsions under diluted conditions were found to be formed with surfactants of longer alkyl chain lengths.
Rapid O/W MEEKC methods for paracetamol impurity profiling using both anionic and cationic microemulsions were also developed, however the methods sensitivities were too low for impurity detection at 0.1% levels. The higher solubilising power of longer alkyl chain surfactants was highlighted
One of the most active areas of MEEKC research to date has been chiral separations. Various chiral selectors such as; cyclodextrins, chiral oils, chiral alcohols etc have been incorporated into the microemulsions and successfully used to achieve enantioseparation using MEEKC. To date there have been no reports of chiral separations using MELC techniques. The effects of using chiral components in the microemulsion mobile phase for the separation of a number of chiral pharmaceutical compounds were assessed.
Microemulsions modified with β-cyclodextrin, a chiral bile salt and a chiral oil phase were used to assess the separations achieved for ibuprofen, ketoprofen, baclofen, atenolol and procyclidine HCl. No chiral separations were achieved, however the effects of surfactant type, microemulsion pH, modifier type & concentration and column temperature were found to effect the achiral separations of the test compounds
Wireless Attenuation by Energy Efficient Windows in the 8-12.5 GHz region
Get PDFMeasurements are presented of wireless propagation into buildings via standard double glazing and via heat isolating (Low Emissivity) double glazing in the region 8-12.5GHz.
Standard double glazing attenuates the signal in line with results published elsewhere.
Heat energy efficient double glazing, however, at least 20dB more than the standard glazing of the signal does not pass. The reason for this poor propagation is outlined and a
propagation model for the heat isolation window is presented
How is hearing heard in second year architectural design education
Get PDFArchitects are often accused of “not being interested in acoustics because it is invisible”. Surely, architectural design, particularly at preliminary stage, has always been driven visually: architects usually develop a project by vision, not by hearing. On the other hand, designing architects have to deal creatively with more or less invisible parameters: sociocultural demands, climatic aspects as wind or temperature, or even daylight which can be considered to be visible but certainly is everything but constant. If an architect's design ability is about observation and awareness, and to give an example, if light is considered to be much more than just being bright or dark, how then could we implement early awareness that sound is much more than noise or silence, and that sound planning is much more than just using anti‐noise‐panels? We asked second year architecture students at Waterford Institute of Technology to (re‐)think the architecture of schools and to question the sound qualities and their own sound recollection of such an environment. The paper will outline the teaching approach and present some student's responses to the given aims and brief. Finally, the lessons learnt by teaching staff will be summarized
Transport and Retinal Capture of Lutein and Zeaxanthin with Reference to age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Get PDFAbstract. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population in the western world. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain unclear. However, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, play an important role in protection against AMD, by filtering out blue light at a pre-receptoral level, or by quenching free radicals. Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary zanthophyll carotenoids, which are delivered to the retina via plasma lipoproteins. The biological mechanisms governing retinal capture and accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin, to the exclusion of other carotenoids, are still poorly understood. Although these mechanisms remain unclear, it is possible that selective capture of these carotenoids is related to lipoprotein, apolipoprotein, function and profile. Xanthophyll-blinding proteins appear to play an important role in the retinal capture of the xanthophyll carotenoids. The Pi isoform of GSTP1 has been isolated as a specific binding protein for zeaxanthin. The binding protein responsible for retinal uptake of lutein remains elusive. This article reviews the literature germane to the mechanisms involved in the capture, accumulation and stabilization of lutein and zeaxanthin by the retina, and the processes nvolvedin their transport in serum
Diet and risk factors for age-related maculopathy
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Evidence continues to accumulate that oxidative stress is etiologically important in the pathogenesis of age-related maculopathy (ARM) and that appropriate antioxidants of dietary origin may protect against this condition. OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for ARM may be classed as established or putative. We report a study designed to investigate whether such risk factors are associated with a dietary lack of antioxidants relevant to retinal health. DESIGN: Dietary, anthropometric, and sociodemographic details relating to 828 healthy Irish subjects aged 20-60 y were recorded in a cross-sectional fashion and analyzed for associations between risk factors for ARM and dietary intake of relevant nutrients. RESULTS: Of the established risk factors for ARM, increasing age was associated with a relative lack of dietary zeaxanthin (P < 0.05) and tobacco use with a relative lack of dietary vitamin C (P < 0.05). Of the putative risk factors for ARM, alcohol consumption was associated with a relative lack of dietary alpha-linoleic acid (P < 0.05), and female sex was associated with a relative lack of dietary zinc (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that several variables related to risk for ARM are associated with a relative dietary lack of key nutrients. Our finding that age, the most important and universal risk factor for ARM, is associated with a relative lack of dietary zeaxanthin, is an important finding that warrants further investigation
Using Waterford Credit Union as an exemplar of the larger Irish credit unions, what is the capacity and propensity of Irish credit unions to develop their current business model?
Get PDFAbstract The Irish Credit Union Movement has achieved remarkable success since it was first established fifty years ago. However fears are increasingly emerging that Irish credit unions may now be facing decline with a changing Ireland beginning to pass them by. There is an urgent need for credit unions to modernise their operations in other for them to survive. The Credit Union Development Association (2006) has made a timely call for action proposing that all of the basic elements of the Irish credit union business model now be revisited. The purpose of this study is to examine the current business model of Irish credit unions, and to identify the ways in which it may need to be renewed so that the Movement might continue to progress in light of its changing social, economic and political environment. The study also investigates the capacity and propensity of Irish credit unions to implement any necessary changes to their business model. A qualitative methodology was employed in achieving this study’s research objectives. Seven semi-structured interviews were carried out with key individual stakeholders of the Irish Credit Union Movement. Semi-structured interviews allow for an in depth understanding of a situation or phenomenon. This method was therefore deemed the most suitable due to the exploratory nature of the research objectives. A particular focus was placed on Waterford Credit Union (WCU) as an exemplar of the larger and more progressive credit unions of Ireland and therefore three of the interviewees selected had a direct connection with WCU. A number of significant findings have emerged from the primary research. The interviewees revealed that a number of key business model changes are required in order for Irish credit unions to continue to grow and develop. The main changes proposed include diversified product offerings, I.T. infrastructure and distribution channel development and rationalisation of The Movement. The participants haveindicated that Irish credit unions are capable of making these changes with a loyal membership base, good reserves and an excellent reputation found to be its greatest assets that will assist it during the change process