28 results
Search Results
2. An Automated Individual Feedback and Marking System: An Empirical Study
- Author
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Barker, Trevor
- Abstract
The recent National Students Survey showed that feedback to students was an ongoing problem in Higher Education. This paper reports on the extension of our past research into the provision of automated feedback for objective testing. In the research presented here, the system has been further developed for marking practical and essay questions and providing automated feedback. Recent research at the University of Hertfordshire was able to show that learners and tutors accept and value our automated feedback approach based on objective tests and Computer Adaptive Testing. The research reported in this paper is an important extension to this work. The automated feedback system developed for objective testing has been extended to include practical testing and essay type questions. The automated feedback system, which can be used within any subject area, is based on a simple marking scheme created by the subject tutor as a text file according to a simple template. Marks for each option and a set of feedback statements are held within a database on a computer. As marks are awarded for each question by the teacher an individual feedback file is created automatically for each learner. Teachers may also add and modify comments to each learner and save additional feedback to the database for later use. Each individual feedback file was emailed automatically to learners. The development of the system is explained in the paper and testing and evaluation with 350 first year (1 final practical test), 120 second year (1 written and 1 practical tests) and 100 final year (1 final practical test) undergraduate Computer Science students is reported. It was found that the time to mark practical and essay type tests was reduced by more than 30% in all cases compared to previous years. More importantly it was possible to provide good quality individual feedback to learners rapidly. Feedback was delivered to all within three weeks of the test submission date. In end of module tests it was very beneficial indeed as it had proven difficult to provide feedback in the past after modules had ended. Examples of the feedback provided are presented in the paper and the development of the system using a user-centred approach based on student and staff evaluation is explained. The comments of staff teaching on these modules and a sample of students who took part in this series of evaluations of the system are presented. The results of these evaluations were very positive and are reported in the paper, showing the changes that were made to the system at each iteration of the development cycle. The provision of fast effective feedback is vital and this system was found to be an important addition to the tools available. (Contains 8 tables and 4 figures.)
- Published
- 2011
3. Information Professionals as Intelligent Agents--Or When Is a Knowbot Only a Robot?
- Author
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Hey, Jessie
- Abstract
With the explosion in information resources being developed by computer scientists, subject specialists, librarians, and commercial companies, the challenge for the information professional is to keep abreast of the most significant developments and to distill the information for a wide range of users. This paper looks at some of the developments in electronic libraries on both sides of the Atlantic and the impact on the information professional. New projects involve multimedia, hypermedia, user interfaces, and other aspects of the integration of diverse libraries, and show that methods of research are also changing. Information professionals must continually keep aware of new techniques and sources if they are to contribute to their usefulness. Intelligent agents are beginning to replicate some of the tasks which are familiar to librarians, such as current awareness, but intelligent agents can also act as a tool for the librarian. The challenge for the researcher and developer, and also for the librarian, is to make an efficient transport system for the information superhighway. Knowledge robots and 3D visualization are tools to simplify the increasingly complex and diverse information world. However, pooling skills and resources between information professionals will become ever more essential. (Contains 41 references.) (Author/SWC)
- Published
- 1996
4. Arguing for Computer Science in the School Curriculum
- Author
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Fluck, Andrew, Webb, Mary, Cox, Margaret, Angeli, Charoula, Malyn-Smith, Joyce, Voogt, Joke, and Zagami, Jason
- Abstract
Computer science has been a discipline for some years, and its position in the school curriculum has been contested differently in several countries. This paper looks at its role in three countries to illustrate these differences. A reconsideration of computer science as a separate subject both in primary and secondary education is suggested. At EDUsummIT 2015 it was argued that the major rationales for including computer science as a subject in the K-12 curriculum are economic, social and cultural. The paper explores these three rationales and also a beneficence matrix to assist curriculum designers. It also argues computer science is rapidly becoming critical for generating new knowledge, and should be taught as a distinct subject or content area, especially in secondary schools. The paper concludes by looking at some of the key questions to be considered when implementing computer science in the school curriculum, and at ways its role might change in the future.
- Published
- 2016
5. Providing Fine-Grained Feedback within an On-Line Learning System--Identifying the Workers from the Lurkers and the Shirkers
- Author
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Egan, Colin, Jefferies, Amanda, and Johal, Jason
- Abstract
This paper describes a mechanism developed by the authors to gather student feedback from formative revision Multiple Choice Questionnaires (MCQs) within an on-line learning system. The MCQs provided first year Computer Science students with instant formative feedback, while data was also gathered about student responses, such as the percentage opting for each answer and the time taken to answer the question. We measured how students were using our on-line learning system; whether they were in fact "workers" who provided answers to the MCQs, were "lurkers" who did not provide answers but asked for solutions or "shirkers", who did not access the site at all! The data indicates that the time taken to answer a harder question was less than that of an easier question suggesting that the workers turned into lurkers strategically when they thought they could not answer successfully. It was not however clear whether the lurker suddenly finding an easier question would change back into a worker. Future work to encourage the shirkers to participate is also discussed.
- Published
- 2006
6. Criteria for Good Practice in Computer and Information Technology in the Youth Training Scheme. Publication No. 3.
- Author
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Surrey Univ. (England)., Roehampton Inst. of Higher Education (England)., Centre for Research in Youth and Further Education, Surrey (England)., Brown, Alan, and Mills, Julian
- Abstract
A study examined the role of computer and information technology (CIT) instruction in the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). A number of successful local YTS training schemes and initiatives are identified and analyzed in the first part of this report. This process resulted in the formulation of specific policy recommendations that are spelled out in the second part of this report and concern the role of CIT in YTS programs and practices for conducting CIT training. It was determined that the overall purpose of CIT in the YTS should be to develop an information technology capability in each trainee. Because vocational relevance can be a powerful motivator, CIT training in YTS activities should emphasize the practical applications of information technology. The precise content and level of the CIT component of YTS should focus on trainees' prior interests, their YTS experience and its context, and the type of CIT qualifications being sought. The existing position of CIT as a component of transferable core skills should be maintained, and programs should be encouraged to develop an overall approach to CIT training that includes both off- and on-the-job training. (Appendixes include discussions of relevant activities for industries with apparently little use of CIT and development of training resources, case studies of the delivery of the CIT training, and a position paper supporting the adoption of a broad view of information technology training.) (MN)
- Published
- 1987
7. Macro-Indicators of Citation Impacts of Six Prolific Countries: InCites Data and the Statistical Significance of Trends.
- Author
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Bornmann, Lutz and Leydesdorff, Loet
- Subjects
STATISTICAL significance ,CITATION analysis ,COMPUTER science ,WEB-based user interfaces ,BIBLIOMETRICS - Abstract
Using the InCites tool of Thomson Reuters, this study compares normalized citation impact values calculated for China, Japan, France, Germany, United States, and the UK throughout the time period from 1981 to 2010. InCites offers a unique opportunity to study the normalized citation impacts of countries using (i) a long publication window (1981 to 2010), (ii) a differentiation in (broad or more narrow) subject areas, and (iii) allowing for the use of statistical procedures in order to obtain an insightful investigation of national citation trends across the years. Using four broad categories, our results show significantly increasing trends in citation impact values for France, the UK, and especially Germany across the last thirty years in all areas. The citation impact of papers from China is still at a relatively low level (mostly below the world average), but the country follows an increasing trend line. The USA exhibits a stable pattern of high citation impact values across the years. With small impact differences between the publication years, the US trend is increasing in engineering and technology but decreasing in medical and health sciences as well as in agricultural sciences. Similar to the USA, Japan follows increasing as well as decreasing trends in different subject areas, but the variability across the years is small. In most of the years, papers from Japan perform below or approximately at the world average in each subject area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. A Project-Based Biologically-Inspired Robotics Module.
- Author
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Crowder, Richard M. and Zauner, Klaus-Peter
- Subjects
PROJECT method in teaching ,BIOENGINEERING ,STUDY & teaching of robotics ,STUDENTS ,ENGINEERING education ,CURRICULUM planning - Abstract
The design of any robotic system requires input from engineers from a variety of technical fields. This paper describes a project-based module, Biologically-Inspired Robotics, that is offered to Electronics and Computer Science students at the University of Southampton, U.K. The overall objective of the module is for student groups to investigate the interface between robotics and biology and develop a system (either hardware or software) to illustrate biological principles. This paper discusses the details of the implementation and delivery of the module, together with evaluation feedback. A number of the robotic systems developed by project groups are presented in order to illustrate the diversity and quality of the systems that have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Automatic short answer grading and feedback using text mining methods.
- Author
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Süzen, Neslihan, Gorban, Alexander N., Levesley, Jeremy, and Mirkes, Evgeny M.
- Subjects
PSYCHOLOGICAL feedback ,COMPUTER science ,DATA mining ,NATURAL language processing ,NATURAL languages - Abstract
Automatic grading is not a new approach but the need to adapt the latest technology to automatic grading has become very important. As the technology has rapidly became more powerful on scoring exams and essays, especially from the 1990s onwards, partially or wholly automated grading systems using computational methods have evolved and have become a major area of research. In particular, the demand of scoring of natural language responses has created a need for tools that can be applied to automatically grade these responses. In this paper, we focus on the concept of automatic grading of short answer questions such as are typical in the UK GCSE system, and providing useful feedback on their answers to students. We present experimental results on a dataset provided from the introductory computer science class in the University of North Texas. We first apply standard data mining techniques to the corpus of student answers for the purpose of measuring similarity between the student answers and the model answer. This is based on the number of common words. We then evaluate the relation between these similarities and marks awarded by scorers. We consider an approach that groups student answers into clusters. Each cluster would be awarded the same mark, and the same feedback given to each answer in a cluster. In this manner, we demonstrate that clusters indicate the groups of students who are awarded the same or the similar scores. Words in each cluster are compared to show that clusters are constructed based on how many and which words of the model answer have been used. The main novelty in this paper is that we design a model to predict marks based on the similarities between the student answers and the model answer. We argue that computational methods be used to enhance the reliability of human scoring, and not replace it. Humans are required to calibrate the system, and to deal with situations that are challenging. Computational methods can provide insight into which student answers will be found challenging and thus be a place human judgement is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. The Impact of Information Technology Development on the Legal Concept — Particular Examination on the Legal concept of 'Signatures'.
- Author
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Wang, Minyan
- Subjects
INFORMATION technology ,LAW & economic development ,COMPUTER science ,CIVIL law ,SIGNATURES (Writing) - Abstract
This paper intends to explore the impact of Information technology (IT) development on the legal concept of `signatures'. To what extent and in which way does it impact on the legal concept of `signatures'? This paper attempts to examine this issue from an international and comparative perspective. It was found that IT development has different levels of impact on the legal concept of `signatures' in different jurisdictions. In the Common Law system such as the UK and the US, it does not change the legal concept of `signatures'. However, it does put the legal concept on such an important position. On the contrary, IT development changes the legal concept of `signatures' in the Civil Law system such as Germany and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Cybernetics and the Mangle: Ashby, Beer and Pask.
- Author
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Pickering, Andrew
- Subjects
CYBERNETICS ,INFORMATION theory ,SYSTEMS theory ,COMMUNICATION ,ARTIFICIAL intelligence ,ELECTRONICS ,COMPUTER scientists ,COMPUTER science - Abstract
This paper aims to enrich our understanding of the history and substance of cybernetics. It reviews the work of three British cyberneticians — W. Ross Ashby, Stafford Beer and Gordon Pask — paying attention particularly to the materiality of their practice — the strange and fascinating devices and systems that were at the heart of their work — and to the worldly projects they pursued — scientific, technological, artistic, organizational, political and spiritual. Connections are drawn between cybernetics and recent theoretical work in science and technology studies, in the hope of illuminating key features of both. The paper concludes by suggesting that the antidisciplinary impulse of contemporary science studies might find inspiration in the work of cyberneticians — that theory does not have to remain confined to the realm of theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
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12. ARREST: From work practices to redesign for usability
- Author
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Iqbal, Rahat, Shah, Nazaraf, James, Anne, and Duursma, Jacob
- Subjects
- *
ENGINEERING design , *USER-centered system design , *SMALL business , *COMPUTER science , *SOCIAL support , *AUTOMATION , *CASE studies , *COMPUTER systems - Abstract
Abstract: In this paper we discuss the redesign of a support management system deployed in a small and medium sized enterprise (SME) in the UK. The original system was not fulfilling its needs as it had not captured work practices in a way that was recognizable to the users. The advantages of the redesign included: improved usefulness; improved efficiency and productivity; reduced learning time; improved usability; and increased acceptance among users. The system is used to support complex and distributed cooperative activities taking place in an SME. We evaluated the current system and analysed work practices using a user-centred design and evaluation philosophy. In this paper we discuss how user needs are incorporated into the enhanced design of the support management system. The user-centred design techniques used in this research include interviews, questionnaires, observations and user tests. We present comparative evaluation results that show significant improvement in performance of user tasks using the redesigned support management system. The contribution of this paper is the presentation of a case study to show how a user-centred design and evaluation philosophy can lead to better requirements capture resulting in systems that more accurately capture the users’ conceptual models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Towards a Definition of Source-Code Plagiarism.
- Author
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Cosma, Georgina and Joy, Mike
- Subjects
PLAGIARISM ,SOURCE code ,COMPUTER science ,LITERARY ethics - Abstract
A survey using a scenario-based questionnaire format has provided insight into the perceptions of U.K academics who teach programming on computing courses. This survey across various higher education (HE) institutions investigates what academics feel constitutes source-code plagiarism in an undergraduate context. Academics' responses on issues surrounding source-code reuse and acknowledgement are discussed. A general consensus exists among academics that a "zero tolerance" plagiarism policy is appropriate; however, some issues concerning source-code reuse and acknowledgement raised controversial responses. This paper discusses the most important findings from the survey and proposes a definition of what can constitute source-code plagiarism from the perspective of U.K. academics who teach programming on computing courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Embedding Hands-On Experience with ERP Systems into University Courses: Aligning Academic and Industry Needs.
- Author
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Stevenson, Mark
- Subjects
ENTERPRISE resource planning ,COLLEGE graduates ,COMPUTER science ,BUSINESS - Abstract
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are widely used by many of the top recruiters of computer science and business school graduates, providing significant business benefits when implemented effectively. While ERP concepts are taught within Universities from a theoretical point of view, few students have any hands-on experience of using an ERP system when they graduate. As a result, there is a significant gap between the way in which ERP concepts are applied in practice and the way in which they are taught in Universities. This paper describes the adoption of new, innovative material during 2006 which enhances two postgraduate courses taught at a leading UK management school and provides students with hands-on experience with an ERP system. It is argued here that this enhances their student experience, improves their employability and increases their 'readiness' for industry, thereby contributing to aligning the objectives of higher education institutions and practitioners. The paper also describes how a number of challenges to incorporating the new material within existing course structures were overcome, providing guidance for fellow academics embarking on similar ventures. Issues discussed include: coping with the uncertainty of new material, maintaining academic integrity and encouraging critical self reflection and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
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15. Motivationally Appealing Computer Science e-Learning Games: An Inclusive Design Approach.
- Author
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Osunde, Joseph, Bacon, Liz, and Mackinnon, Lachlan
- Subjects
COMPUTER science ,SCIENTIFIC computing ,DIGITAL learning ,COMPUTER science education ,EDUCATIONAL games - Abstract
Research has shown that e-learning games do not have the same level of appeal to girls, as they do to boys; particularly in the crucial 11-14 age group. In the United Kingdom, this is typically when they start to make subject choices that impact their future studies and careers. Given the shortage of females who choose computer science as a career, this study explores how e-learning games can be designed to be motivationally appealing to young learners. It further explores the role of game representations and its appeal to this age group. This empirical study addresses the research question: "Can we develop e-learning games which appeal and motivate girls of age 11-14 to study computer science concepts?" Two e-learning games were developed: one included game representations such as game colour, graphics, character, age appropriateness, storyline, number of players, violence, identified as appealing to young females and the other game included antithetical or neutral representations. The two developed prototypes were used to explore key e-learning game representations as used to teach computer science concepts. A total of 304 participants, comprising of 152 girls and 152 boys from a combination of same sex and mixed secondary schools in Southeast England, engaged with both experimental games. The experiment also elicited information on how learners interact with these games and the resulting game appeal, motivation and learning. The insight gained from the analysis of data captured during the experiments, provide the evidence to demonstrate that inclusive e-learning games which motivate and appeal to girls of age 11-14 can be developed. This can have a positive influence on their willingness to use such games to learn computer science concepts. This implies that the study found positive outcomes related to e-learning game appeal, motivation and the learning of girls of this age group. A follow-up longitudinal study could investigate the impact of significant e-learning game representations that appeal to the target group. This could provide additional evidence on the changes in the appeal of the investigated significant game representations over time, due to the influence of other factors such as socio-economic and socio-cultural differences. This understanding can further enhance inclusive e-learning strategies to improve diversity in computer science education and consequently the career pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications in Medicine: Analysis of the Scientific Literature.
- Author
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Yeung, Andy Wai Kan, Tosevska, Anela, Klager, Elisabeth, Eibensteiner, Fabian, Laxar, Daniel, Stoyanov, Jivko, Glisic, Marija, Zeiner, Sebastian, Kulnik, Stefan Tino, Crutzen, Rik, Kimberger, Oliver, Kletecka-Pulker, Maria, Atanasov, Atanas G, and Willschke, Harald
- Subjects
SCIENTIFIC literature ,VIRTUAL reality ,COMPUTER engineering ,COMPUTER science ,SCIENCE databases ,AUGMENTED reality ,BIBLIOGRAPHIC databases ,MEDICAL standards - Abstract
Background: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have recently become popular research themes. However, there are no published bibliometric reports that have analyzed the corresponding scientific literature in relation to the application of these technologies in medicine.Objective: We used a bibliometric approach to identify and analyze the scientific literature on VR and AR research in medicine, revealing the popular research topics, key authors, scientific institutions, countries, and journals. We further aimed to capture and describe the themes and medical conditions most commonly investigated by VR and AR research.Methods: The Web of Science electronic database was searched to identify relevant papers on VR research in medicine. Basic publication and citation data were acquired using the "Analyze" and "Create Citation Report" functions of the database. Complete bibliographic data were exported to VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, dedicated bibliometric software packages, for further analyses. Visualization maps were generated to illustrate the recurring keywords and words mentioned in the titles and abstracts.Results: The analysis was based on data from 8399 papers. Major research themes were diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as rehabilitation. Commonly studied medical conditions were pain, stroke, anxiety, depression, fear, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, contributions to the literature were globally distributed with heaviest contributions from the United States and United Kingdom. Studies from more clinically related research areas such as surgery, psychology, neurosciences, and rehabilitation had higher average numbers of citations than studies from computer sciences and engineering.Conclusions: The conducted bibliometric analysis unequivocally reveals the versatile emerging applications of VR and AR in medicine. With the further maturation of the technology and improved accessibility in countries where VR and AR research is strong, we expect it to have a marked impact on clinical practice and in the life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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17. The Ideological Construction of a New Form of Digital Exclusion: Computer Science as Latin or Total Deus Ex Machina?
- Author
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Rudd, Tim
- Subjects
COMPUTER science ,EDUCATIONAL technology ,NEOLIBERALISM ,INFORMATION & communication technologies ,EDUCATION policy ,SOCIAL justice ,EDUCATION - Abstract
This paper offers a critical analysis of the UK coalition Government's educational computing policies. It argues that such policies must be viewed in relation to the broader ideological intent underpinning their development and the neo liberal orientation that seeks to further privatise and marketise education. In examining the related justificatory discourse, it is argued that the ideological origins of policy direction are masked through the use of selective and questionable 'evidence', which facilitates the further encroachment of vested industry interests. Furthermore, the symbolic re-presentation and repositioning of technology in schools through the disapplication of ICT Programmes of Study and a new emphasis on the teaching of computer science, not only diverts the purpose of education and educational technology further toward the needs of industry but may also lead to computer science being constructed as an elitist and selective subject. This is likely to have profound implications in terms of equality, with schools, individuals and groups who have less economic, social and cultural capitals being most at risk of a new form of digital exclusion. Similarly, in Higher Education, policy changes are in danger of excluding disadvantaged groups. Here too, technology is becoming an increasingly central tenet in the drive toward new forms of privatisation and marketisation. Educational technology therefore is an important site of struggle, where there is both the need and opportunities to challenge the increasingly prevalent profit and loss motives of business, and to also promote wider values associated with equality and social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
18. Time for research networks to be trained in informatics and based within informatics centres.
- Author
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De Lusignan, Simon
- Subjects
PATIENT selection ,CLASSIFICATION ,COMPUTER science ,INFORMATION science ,RESEARCH ,DATA warehousing ,HUMAN research subjects ,MEDICAL coding - Abstract
The author discusses the importance of research networks to be trained in information technology (IT). He states that Great Britain has effective research network focused on supporting applied clinical research but feels that computerized data will help researchers identify eligible cases for studies. Data extraction for research trials is complex therefore, research networks should be linked to informatics centers and those engaged in research should be trained in clinical informatics.
- Published
- 2012
19. INFORMATICS IN THE UK: CURRENT PERSPECTIVES.
- Author
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White, Su and Irons, Alastair D.
- Subjects
COMPUTER systems ,COMPUTER science ,COLLEGE students ,HIGHER education ,INTERVIEWING - Abstract
Computing, Computer Science and Information Science are the nearest UK equivalents of the European Informatics degree. Informatics is a term more often associated with research or multidisciplinary applications of Computing. Barely five percent of UK departments concerned with the discipline actually use the word Informatics in their title, and potential students searching the application clearing house for university undergraduate courses would not find Informatics in its subject index. However the components of European understanding of the Informatics discipline are widely researched, taught and studied throughout UK Higher Education. If we are to support mobility of study in Europe or to successfully pursue international educational collaboration, then understanding the realisation of the discipline in the UK and how it relates to understanding in other countries, is important and necessary to support constructive future discussion, planning and action. This paper presents data collected via surveys of existing practice, individual interviews and group discussions. It summarises and analyses the structure of current practice, and draws on current debate and technological trends to suggest future direction of our fields of study in the short and medium term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Max Newman: Forgotten Man of Early British Computing.
- Author
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Anderson, David
- Subjects
COMPUTER scientists ,COMPUTER science ,MENTORS ,HISTORY - Abstract
The author profiles Maxwell "Max" Herman Alexander Newman, a noted figured in the early history of British computer science often associated with computer scientist Alan Turing. He looks at how Newman's mentorship of Turing as well as his work as a cryptanalyst during World War II, where he helped develop an electromechanical code-breaking machine known as "Heath Robinson," influenced computer science.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Increased HIV Incidence in Men Who Have Sex with Men Despite High Levels of ART-Induced Viral Suppression: Analysis of an Extensively Documented Epidemic.
- Author
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Phillips, Andrew N., Cambiano, Valentina, Nakagawa, Fumiyo, Brown, Alison E., Lampe, Fiona, Rodger, Alison, Miners, Alec, Elford, Jonathan, Hart, Graham, Johnson, Anne M., Lundgren, Jens, and Delpech, Valerie C.
- Subjects
DIAGNOSIS of HIV infections ,DISEASE incidence ,MEN who have sex with men ,EPIDEMICS ,HIV infection transmission ,UNSAFE sex ,HIV prevention - Abstract
Background: There is interest in expanding ART to prevent HIV transmission, but in the group with the highest levels of ART use, men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), numbers of new infections diagnosed each year have not decreased as ARTcoverage has increased for reasons which remain unclear. Methods: We analysed data on the HIV-epidemic in MSM in the UK from a range of sources using an individual-based simulation model. Model runs using parameter sets found to result in good model fit were used to infer changes in HIV-incidence and risk behaviour. Results: HIV-incidence has increased (estimated mean incidence 0.30/100 person-years 1990–1997, 0.45/100 py 1998–2010), associated with a modest (26%) rise in condomless sex. We also explored counter-factual scenarios: had ART not been introduced, but the rise in condomless sex had still occurred, then incidence 2006–2010 was 68% higher; a policy of ART initiation in all diagnosed with HIV from 2001 resulted in 32% lower incidence; had levels of HIV testing been higher (68% tested/year instead of 25%) incidence was 25% lower; a combination of higher testing and ART at diagnosis resulted in 62% lower incidence; cessation of all condom use in 2000 resulted in a 424% increase in incidence. In 2010, we estimate that undiagnosed men, the majority in primary infection, accounted for 82% of new infections. Conclusion: A rise in HIV-incidence has occurred in MSM in the UK despite an only modest increase in levels of condomless sex and high coverage of ART. ART has almost certainly exerted a limiting effect on incidence. Much higher rates of HIV testing combined with initiation of ART at diagnosis would be likely to lead to substantial reductions in HIV incidence. Increased condom use should be promoted to avoid the erosion of the benefits of ART and to prevent other serious sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. A day in the life of the Leg Club: the importance of informatics.
- Author
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LINDSAY OBE, ELLIE
- Subjects
ASSOCIATIONS, institutions, etc. ,COMMUNITY health nursing ,COMPUTER science ,ECONOMIC aspects of diseases ,INFORMATION science ,LEG ulcers ,EVIDENCE-based nursing - Abstract
The article focuses on the exposure and effectiveness of the Leg Club model in the healthcare system in Great Britain. Topics discussed include an overview of the Leg Club model, the significance of informatics, the wound care of the National Health Service, and the plan of Finland to set its first Leg Club.
- Published
- 2018
23. NHS records system delays cost CSC ?5m.
- Author
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Collins, Tony
- Subjects
FINES (Penalties) ,INFORMATION technology ,ELECTRONIC systems ,COMPUTER software ,COMPUTER systems ,ELECTRONIC data processing ,COMPUTER science - Abstract
The article addresses issues on the penalty paid by CSC company to the National Health Service (NHS) trust for the delay of deployment of patient administration software under the National Program for information technology (IT) in Great Britain. According to CSC spokeswoman, information that is related to penalties either paid by or requested by CSC are confidential. She adds that they are on final stages of agreeing the roll-out of the new platform that will be available in 2008. Moreover, it points out that the current patient administration software is an administrative system which has limited clinical functionality.
- Published
- 2008
24. Women and Computing in the UK.
- Author
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Adam, Alison
- Subjects
COMPUTERS & women ,RESEARCH ,INFORMATION technology ,COMPUTER science ,ACADEMIC achievement - Abstract
In the absence of a funding program or substantial support from industry, much research and many initiatives on women and computing in Great Britain follow a "self-help" style. Women and men who are interested in gender-related issues often find that they must maintain a research area more acceptable to the academic establishment as a primary interest. Despite this tension, women and computing is a lively research topic. The women into technology approach addresses the limited presence of women in information technology (IT), and focuses on education, training and equal opportunity initiatives to increase the number of women in the IT field. Sociological and philosophical approach focuses on the nature of IT work, the gendering of technology. There are a number of initiatives in Great Britain, but Women into Computing (WIM) has been the most active in this tradition. WIC provides a great deal of support and friendship for women starting up gender-oriented research program.
- Published
- 1995
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Come to the international congress.
- Subjects
ELECTRONIC commerce conferences ,INFORMATION processing ,COMPUTER science - Abstract
Six days of conferences, seminars and workshops are being offered by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) at its 18th World Congress in Toulouse, France on 22-27 August. The BCS is IFIP's UK member body and a leading contributor among more than 60 national member organizations. The main body of the congress, from 23-26 August, offers nine concurrent conferences on subjects ranging from e-business and e-government to virtual organizations, security, artificial intelligence, smartcards, safety system development, parallel systems and computer science.
- Published
- 2004
26. A case-control study of autism and mumps-measles-rubella vaccination using the general practice research database: design and methodology.
- Author
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Smeeth, Liam, Hall, Andrew J., Fombonne, Eric, Rodrigues, Laura C., Xiangning Huang, Smith, Peter G., Smeeth, L, Hall, A J, Fombonne, E, Rodrigues, L C, Huang, X, and Smith, P G
- Subjects
AUTISM ,MMR vaccines ,FAMILY medicine ,AGE factors in disease ,ATTRIBUTION (Social psychology) ,COMPARATIVE studies ,COMPUTER science ,DATABASES ,INFORMATION science ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,PRODUCT safety ,RESEARCH ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,EVALUATION research ,DISEASE incidence ,CASE-control method - Abstract
Background: An association between mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccination and the onset of symptoms typical of autism has recently been suggested. This has led to considerable concern about the safety of the vaccine.Methods: A matched case-control study using data derived form the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database. Children with a possible diagnosis of autism will be identified from their electronic health records. All diagnoses will be validated by a detailed review of hospital letters and by using information derived from a parental questionnaire. Ten controls per case will be selected from the database. Conditional logistic regression will be used to assess the association between MMR vaccination and autism. In addition case series analyses will be undertaken to estimate the relative incidence of onset of autism in defined time intervals after vaccination. The study is funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council.Discussion: Electronic health databases offer tremendous opportunities for evaluating the adverse effects of vaccines. However there is much scope for bias and confounding. The rigorous validation of all diagnoses and the collection of additional information by parental questionnaire in this study are essential to minimise the possibility of misleading results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Mobile apps will boost productivity.
- Author
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Pritchard, Stephen
- Subjects
TECHNOLOGICAL innovations ,MOBILE communication systems ,INFORMATION technology ,CREATIVE ability in technology ,CUSTOMER services ,STRATEGIC planning ,SALES forecasting ,COMPUTER science - Abstract
The article discusses the significance of technological innovation of the mobile phone industry on information technology (IT) industry in Great Britain. The IT industry observers have remained uncertain regarding the value of Third Generation and Fourth Generation services including video calling to the consumer. The business sector sees the increasing productivity as a sign of growing the business by 65 percent since the launching of the system. The introduction of mobility to business applications reflect a number of challenges which include technical and practical difficulties.
- Published
- 2007
28. Health officials say IT scheme has enough scrutiny in response to technical audit call.
- Author
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Collins, Tony
- Subjects
INFORMATION technology ,COLLEGE teachers ,COMPUTER science ,AUDITING ,HIGH technology - Abstract
This article reports that the British Department of Health has reacted with limited enthusiasm to a call by more than 20 academics in computer-related sciences for an independent audit of the technical feasibility of the British National Health Service (NHS)'s national programme for information technology (IT) (NPfIT). In response to an open letter the department said that the national programme for IT is under constant review, scrutiny and audit by parliament and government bodies. An investigation into the project by public spending watchdog the National Audit Office has been delayed by nearly a year. Although there is still widespread support for the aims of the NPfIT, it has failed to win the hearts and minds of the clinicians and NHS staff that will eventually use the systems, according to John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office. The complexity of the project, delays, changes in leadership and policy issues that in part led to the academics' call for a technical audit have been tracked by the journal "Computer Weekly" over the past four years.
- Published
- 2006
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