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Crack detection or segmentation on concrete structures is a vital process in structural health monitoring (SHM). Though supervised machine learning techniques have gained tremendous success in this domain, data collection and annotation continue to be challenging. Image data collection is challenging, tedious, and laborious, including accessing representative datasets and manually labeling training data in the SHM domain. According to the literature, there are significant issues with the hand-annotation of image data. To address this gap, this paper proposes a two-stage weakly supervised learning framework utilizing a novel "crack attention network (CrANET)" with attention mechanism to detect and segment cracks on images with no human annotations in pixel-level labels. This framework classifies concrete surface images into crack or no-cracks and then uses gradient class activation mapping visualization to generate crack segmentation. Professionals and domain experts subsequently evaluate these segmentation results via a human expert validation study. As the literature suggests that weakly supervised learning is a limited practice in SHM, this research title will motivate researchers in SHM to research and develop a weakly supervised learning approach processing as state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the challenges of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure in growing cities, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions for sustainable development. It introduces a Research Topic on infrastructure maintenance and monitoring, featuring four articles that address practical challenges and solutions in sustainable cities. The articles cover various aspects, from urban governance to environmental benefits of new materials, highlighting the need for informed policies and governance strategies to promote equitable and environmentally conscious urban growth. [Extracted from the article]

Recognizing the global role of information technology, this article describes a USDOE-funded transatlantic mobility program in the area of IT project management. The project enhances intercultural as well as German language skills and promotes a mutual understanding of EU and US cultures. The relationship between IT and German-language programs addresses the MLA's recent appeal to language departments to train students in all disciplines in global readiness, cultural literacy, and the international exchange of knowledge and creativity. This article outlines the results of quantitative and qualitative assessments of the program's achievement of these goals.

Homomorphic encryption (HE) is the ultimate tool for performing secure computations even in untrusted environments. Application of HE for deep learning (DL) inference is an active area of research, given the fact that DL models are often deployed in untrusted environments (e.g., third-party servers) yet inferring on private data. However, existing HE libraries [somewhat (SWHE), leveled (LHE) or fully homomorphic (FHE)] suffer from extensive computational and memory overhead. Few performance optimized high-speed homomorphic libraries are either suffering from certain approximation issues leading to decryption errors or proven to be insecure according to recent published attacks. In this article, we propose architectural tricks to achieve performance speedup for encrypted DL inference developed with exact HE schemes without any approximation or decryption error in homomorphic computations. The main idea is to apply quantization and suitable data packing in the form of bitslicing to reduce the costly noise handling operation, Bootstrapping while achieving a functionally correct and highly parallel DL pipeline with a moderate memory footprint. Experimental evaluation on the MNIST dataset shows a significant ($37\times$) speedup over the nonbitsliced versions of the same architecture. Low memory bandwidths (700 MB) of our design pipelines further highlight their promise toward scaling over larger gamut of Edge-AI analytics use cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use innovative structuring and scheduling of eLearning classes Block scheduling or blocking is a type of academic scheduling used in schools in the American K-12 system in which each pupil has fewer classes per day. Using this theoretical lens, the authors argue that given a virtual learning environment, there are ideal profiles of eLearning ("fit") that result from a combination of learner engagement, learner style, learning task, and the appropriate leveraging of IT capabilities. Learner support for self-paced learning may be provided using "learning or knowledge nuggets[2]" taking the cognitive load of the learners into consideration (Bailey et al., [5]; Dilger et al., [7]). Give learners control Online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with digital media and prompting learner reflection. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose Glaucoma patients with peripheral vision loss have in the past subjectively described their field loss as ‘blurred’ or ‘no vision compromise’. We developed an iPad app for patients to self-characterise perception within areas of glaucomatous visual field loss. Methods Twelve glaucoma patients with visual acuity ≥20/40 in each eye, stable and reliable Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) over 2 years were enrolled. An iPad app (held at 33 cm) allowed subjects to modify ‘blur’ or ‘dimness’ to match their perception of a 2×2 m wall-mounted poster at 1 m distance. Subjects fixated at the centre of the poster (spanning 45° of field from centre). The output was degree of blur/dim: normal, mild and severe noted on the iPad image at the 54 retinal loci tested by the HVF 24-2 and was compared to threshold sensitivity values at these loci. Monocular (Right eye (OD), left eye (OS)) HVF responses were used to calculate an integrated binocular (OU) visual field index (VFI). All three data sets were analysed separately. Results 36 HVF and iPad responses from 12 subjects (mean age 71±8.2y) were analysed. The mean VFI was 77% OD, 76% OS, 83% OU. The most common iPad response reported was normal followed by blur. No subject reported dim response. The mean HVF sensitivity threshold was significantly associated with the iPad response at the corresponding retinal loci (For OD, OS and OU, respectively (dB): normal: 23, 25, 27; mild blur: 18, 16, 22; severe blur: 9, 9, 11). On receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the HVF retinal sensitivity cut-off at which subjects reported blur was 23.4 OD, 23 OS and 23.3 OU (dB). Conclusions Glaucoma subjects self-pictorialised their field defects as blur; never dim or black. Our innovation allows translation of HVF data to quantitatively characterise visual perception in patients with glaucomatous field defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the need for effective cyber risk management processes across the supply chain, the AICPA issued a new SOC in March 2020 for assuring cyber supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) processes. This study examines supply chain relationship factors and cyber risk issues to better understand the demand for C-SCRM assurance. Resource-Advantage Theory of Competition provides the conceptual foundation for assessing the dual drivers of relationship building and cyber risk management on demand for assurance. We use a field survey to collect data from 205 professionals enabling evaluation of the complex relationships in the theoretical model. Results support all hypotheses, provide satisfactory model fit, and support the underlying theory. Trust and cyber supply chain risk both positively influence demand for assurance over C-SCRM processes. This study expands the literature on cyber assurance by auditors and elaborates on overall supply chain processes that help drive value from auditors providing such assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The use of the internet and newer activity monitors such as the Fitbit Charge HR to improve exercise adherence is limited. The primary aim of the Move on Virtual Engagement (MOVE-HF) was to investigate the effects of group social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video and objective physical activity feedback on adherence to recommended exercise guidelines. Methods: Thirty stable heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class I–III), aged 64.7±11.5 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental or comparison group. Participants were provided a handout on self-care in heart failure, an exercise routine, a Fitbit Charge HR and were asked to wear the Fitbit Charge HR daily, and record their exercise sessions using both the Fitbit Charge HR and exercise diaries. In addition, participants in the experimental group connected to Vidyo software, once a week, for 8 weeks, for a 45-minute face-to-face online group discussion/education session. Results: Overall Vidyo session attendance was 68%, with 73% of participants attending five or more sessions. Adherence to exercise was 58.8% in the experimental group and 57.3% in the comparison group. The experimental group perceived receiving social support through the internet-based synchronized face-to-face video meetings but due to a small sample size and lack of adequate power, no significant impact on exercise adherence was observed. Participants commented that feedback regarding physical activity from the Fitbit Charge HR was helpful and motivational. Conclusion: Delivering social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video is feasible with heart failure patients. However, more investigations are needed to understand its impact on exercise adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of wrist-worn activity monitors has increased over the past few years; however, the use of the Fitbit® Charge HR (FCHR) in a community setting in patients with heart failure has not been tested. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of utilizing the FCHR to validate self-reported exercise diaries and monitor exercise in community dwelling patients with heart failure. Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (12 females and 18 males) aged 64.7 ± 11.5 years were provided with a FCHR. Participants were provided with an exercise routine and for eight weeks, recorded their exercise sessions in self-reported exercise diaries and used the FCHR to record those exercise sessions. Results: Exercise data from the self-reported exercise diaries were validated with data from the FCHR. Participants’ perception and acceptance of using the FCHR was positive. Validation of exercise and physical activity interventions using the FCHR appears feasible and acceptable in patients with heart failure. Conclusion: Wrist-worn activity monitors can be useful for objective measurement of exercise adherence and monitoring of physical activity in patients with heart failure in a community setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern businesses face many challenges in today's increasingly complex environment characterized by uncertainty, rapid change, technological innovation and globalization. This necessitates the need for organizations to effectively share and manage knowledge to improve operational efficiency and enhance competitiveness. The ability to leverage knowledge effectively distinguishes a competitive firm from others. The increasing use of virtual projects and teams has presented challenges to effective knowledge sharing. This paper describes a software tool to facilitate knowledge management in virtual projects. Based on previous theoretical and empirical work on the notion of patterns in virtual projects by Khazanchi and Zigurs (2005, and 2008), a tool is developed to support the capturing of such patterns. Following a brief summary of the foundational concepts, the main components of the pattern-based knowledge management tool are described. Also discussed are the ways in which the tool can facilitate knowledge creation and knowledge transfer in virtual projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the virtual world (VW) and their technology capabilities. It defines VW as a computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact through avatars and software agents. It states that it uses three-dimensional graphic representation that has the capacity to transform education, organizational communication and virtual project management. It also mentions that this new environment enhances interaction and virtual-team collaboration compared to other technologies. It reveals several challenges on the new environment including temporal dispersion, security risks, and its reputation as a gaming environment. Also provided are the roles of VW in the minimization of project coordination challenges.

In this paper, we propose that information technology (IT) managers make investment decisions about new IT initiatives based on a modified rational expectation model. Unlike traditional rational expectation models, we emphasize the relevance of market uncertainty and its impact on the return of new IT investment. This results in information acquisition decisions by managers that can cause information asymmetry. This information asymmetry is endogenous and so the IT manager can become well informed if and only if it is beneficial to do so. We also capture different levels of IT investment across managers by introducing heterogeneity across managers in terms of different levels of initial capital. Based on a simulation analysis to validate our theoretical model, we find that it is the IT manager with larger initial capital outlay who is particularly interested in acquiring information about their IT investments in order to reduce any asymmetry with competitors. Furthermore, we find that holding other things constant, fewer IT investors are informed when information cost increases and in consequence the difference of investment level between the informed and uninformed investors is more pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a new taxonomy, using three fundamental information objects, to help information systems developer better understand decision problems and determine their information requirements. Characteristics of information objects; Information-oriented taxonomy of problems; Implications for systems development.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses information technology project management.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including management theory in the context of a global multivendor information systems development (ISD) outsource project distributed across geographic locations, concept of customer focus in an agile systems development environment and knowledge-based practices.