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The aim of this paper was to assess the validity and reliability of the touch-screen standard Portuguese version of the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs), compared with paper format, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life scale (ASQoL), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and visual analogue scales (VAS) measuring pain and burden of disease. Adult patients with RA and spondyloarthritis attending the Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology were recruited from March 2013 to January 2014. Patients filled the paper and touch-screen formats of the standard Portuguese versions of the PROs. Two groups of VAS were used, RA and psoriatic arthritis (Global VAS) and another specific for spondyloarthrites (Spa-VAS). Paper questionnaires were filled 15 min before touch-screen formats. Agreement between formats (validity) was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while internal consistency of scales (reliability) was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Overall, 134 patients were included with a mean age of 51 years, 74.6 % female and 57.5 % presenting RA. BASDAI, BASFI, HAQ and ASQoL showed high ICC between paper and touch-screen formats (0.977, 0.958, 0.974 and 0.940, respectively). ICC for Global VAS ranged from 0.906 to 0.921, while Spa-VAS ranged from 0.867 to 0.943. The mean ICC for all SF-36 domains was 0.889 (ICC for each domain ranged from 0.781 to 0.944). Touch-screen standard Portuguese formats of these PROs may be valid and reliable tools for PRO measurement in rheumatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that aim to assess the measure's equivalence across paper-and computer-based survey formats in a community-based school setting. The use of computers and electronic systems to complete questionnaires is becoming popular in health and education research. The electronic methods have good efficiency in collecting, managing and storing data.

In Ghana, due to the social dynamics of modernization, there has been an increasing awareness among the population about modern ceramics and fashion owing to the influence of print and electronic media. This paper brings to light the effects of technology and the responsiveness of the ceramic and fashion industries in Ghana. The research design adopted for this study was a mixed-methods design. This design involves the collection and analysis of quantitative data followed by qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The study adopted a stratified sample size of 105 out of a targeted population of 142 from three groups at Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. The study covered ceramic and fashion lecturers (15), ceramic and fashion students (35), and non-ceramic and fashion students (55). A structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to gather information. The questionnaire was subjected to a reliability test with Cronbach's alpha, and it resulted in a reliability coefficient of 0.82 (82%), which was above the recommended minimum of 0.7. The gathered data was analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 software and ATLAS.ti were used for data analysis. The study revealed that the availability and exposure to technologies in the twenty-first century have had a major influence on indigenous pottery and the choice of clothing in Ghanaian society. The collective evidence from the results also underscores the transformative impact of digital platforms and technology in shaping perceptions, practices, and preferences within the indigenous pottery and fashion domains. The paper recommended that the stakeholders in these creative industries strategically harness the synergy of social media and technological tools to enhance global exposure, foster economic growth, and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big data technology has undoubtedly accelerated the efficiency of data processing, made data become an important reference basis in enterprise operation, and changed the mode of enterprise operation as well as the existing business model. With the development of computer technology and related equipment, more and more enterprises and organizations can begin to use big data processing technology. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises, because they cannot afford the high cost of research and development and leasing, are gradually eliminated in the information-based business competition, so it is necessary to adopt certain strategies to help small and medium-sized enterprises out of this crisis. For fragmented big data obtained from different data sources, this paper adopts load-balancing technology to provide horizontal service cluster scalability and designs a separate system module for routine testing. The experimental results show that the improved big data processing system based on genetic algorithm in this paper can better meet the business needs of small and medium-sized enterprises and meet the application needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The simulation results also show the advantages of the system in this paper, which is faster, higher accuracy, less energy consumption, lower requirements for equipment, and more suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. This paper designs a kind of effective big data processing system by studying genetic algorithm and computer technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To compare the agreement between anxiety, depression and supportive care needs data obtained using a touchscreen computer survey with traditional pen-and-paper surveys. Methods : The sample consisted of 1304 consecutive patients attending the medical or radiation oncology outpatient department in two public cancer treatment centres. Of the 357 eligible patients, 355 (99%) consented to participate and 350 (98%) completed both touchscreen computer and pen-and-paper versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and short-form Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-short). Results : Simple κ values indicated moderate agreement ($\{\backslash bar\; X\}$ = 0.57) between the two modes of survey administration for most HADS items. Simple κ coefficients indicated only fair agreement ($\{\backslash bar\; X\}$ = 0.28) when a simplified response option format was used in the computerised SCNS-short. When the paper and computerised survey used the same response format, simple kgr; coefficients increased and indicated moderate agreement ($\{\backslash bar\; X\}$ = 0.44) for most SCNS-short items. κ Coefficients indicated at least moderate agreement (κ > 0.41) in identifying patients with elevated levels of anxiety and depression; there were no significant differences in the proportion of patients identified with elevated levels of anxiety and depression according to computer survey compared to paper survey. Prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted κ (PABAK) coefficients indicated at least moderate agreement ($\{\backslash bar\; X\}$ = 0.79) in identifying participants with moderate/high levels of unmet needs. However, participants tended to report lower levels of unmet needs with a simplified response format in the computerised SCNS-short compared to the paper survey. This was not observed when the response format of the computerised SCNS-short replicated the paper survey. Conclusions : Despite the advantages that computerised surveys offer for simplifying survey presentation, current results suggest the need to exactly replicate the question and response option format of the original paper survey to ensure the data collected are equivalent. This finding is particularly important given the potential application of computerised surveys in the clinical setting to quickly assess and identify patients' concerns requiring intervention by health care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, computer aided design (CAD) is widely used by designers. Would children learn to draw more easily and more efficiently if they were taught with computerised tools? To answer this question, we made an experiment designed to compare two methods for children to do the same drawing: the classical 'pen and paper' method and a CAD method. We asked two groups of 14 children to draw a geometrical figure: the Rey- Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). The first group drew it with a pen on a sheet of paper ('paper' group) and the second on a computer screen with CAD software ('computer' group). Two drawing conditions were studied: 'Copying' the figure and drawing from memory. Results showed that the 'computer' group was better at copying the figure but that both groups performed equally well when the figure was drawn from memory. These preliminary results suggest that using a CAD tool could help children while they copy a model, but that it does not improve their ability to draw the same figure using their own, internal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In surveys, individuals tend to misreport behaviors that are in contrast to prevalent social norms or regulations. Several design features of the survey procedure have been suggested to counteract this problem; particularly, computerized surveys are supposed to elicit more truthful responding. This assumption was tested in a meta-analysis of survey experiments reporting 460 effect sizes (total N =125,672). Self-reported prevalence rates of several sensitive behaviors for which motivated misreporting has been frequently observed were compared across self-administered paper-and-pencil versus computerized surveys. The results revealed that computerized surveys led to significantly more reporting of socially undesirable behaviors than comparable surveys administered on paper. This effect was strongest for highly sensitive behaviors and surveys administered individually to respondents. Moderator analyses did not identify interviewer effects or benefits of audio-enhanced computer surveys. The meta-analysis highlighted the advantages of computerized survey modes for the assessment of sensitive topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer technology has become an increasingly important tool for conducting eyewitness identifications. In the area of lineup identifications, computerized administration offers several advantages for researchers and law enforcement. PC_Eyewitness is designed specifically to administer lineups. To assess this new lineup technology, two studies were conducted in order to replicate the results of previous studies comparing simultaneous and sequential lineups. One hundred twenty university students participated in each experiment. Experiment 1 used traditional paper-and-pencil lineup administration methods to compare simultaneous to sequential lineups. Experiment 2 used PC_Eyewitness to administer simultaneous and sequential lineups. The results of these studies were compared to the meta-analytic results reported by N. Steblay, J. Dysart, S. Fulero, and R. C. L. Lindsay (2001). No differences were found between paper-and-pencil and PC_Eyewitness lineup administration methods. The core findings of the N. Steblay et al. (2001) meta-analysis were replicated by both administration procedures. These results show that computerized lineup administration using PC_Eyewitness is an effective means for gathering eyewitness identification data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans have the ability to quickly identify their own environment, understand, judge and analyze it, which is one of the important reasons why human beings can survive in nature for a long time and gradually develop it into a prosperous society today. The key to human's ability to perceive and understand the environment lies in the ability to accurately find and identify objects, understand and describe visual scenes, and even express emotions on this basis. And if computers can realize automatic and accurate image recognition, and even understand the semantics of images correctly, it will surely improve and facilitate human life. Based on this, the author integrated and optimized the computer image recognition system and applied it in this paper. The core technology of the system is to improve the image algorithm, which can complete the training, testing and classification of target images. The experimental data are available. Choosing this algorithm to improve the learning and training of the data generated by the original image processing is more effective than directly training the original image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the need for internet connectivity and technological devices across the population, but especially among school-aged children. For a large proportion of pupils, access to a connected computer nowadays makes the difference between being able to keep up with their educational development and falling badly behind. This paper provides a detailed account of the digitally deprived children in Europe, according to the latest available wave of the European Union – Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). We find that 5.4% of school-aged children in Europe are digitally deprived and that differences are large across countries. Children that cohabit with low-educated parents, in poverty or in severe material deprivation are those most affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital image technology is penetrating into various fields of people's life, and it has been very mature and can effectively store and transmit data. Moreover, there are still various researches on image recognition, the core of this technology. The algorithm is mainly based on computer technology to obtain the target image for different scene categories, thus completely replacing the traditional classification form. Because of the limitations of traditional identification technology, there are some problems in the actual use. It does not depend on the prior knowledge requirements and can carry out complex feature space division. In this paper, an image recognition computer system is established by introducing an improved neural network algorithm. The algorithm is designed and tested, and the results show it has lower image recognition error rate. Subsequently, this research result is applied to the actual scene for testing. The test results show that the improved neural network optimization algorithm can make the extracted features more accurately expressed in the image processing, which is more effective than the traditional algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the swimming athletes' turning technology and improve the athlete's swimming performance, this paper analyzes the data collected with the help of computer technology, aiming to make coaches better guide the athletes to master essentials of turning technique. Based on the existing research results, this paper summarizes the kinematic parameters of the research object, and conducts reliability analysis of the kinematic parameters. Then with the time of turning 15 m as the core of the kinematic parameters, this paper explores the influence of kinematic parameters, such as the distance from the pool wall before turning, speed before and after turning and rollover time in the swimming process on the time of turning 15 m, and then sums up the key influencing factors of turning technique. Lastly, according to the related kinematic parameters, it puts forward some suggestions on the optimization of the swimming turning technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazard identification is an important basis for the design of coal mine safety signs. This paper analyses the coal face hazard checklists in a large state-owned coal mine enterprise in China from January 2015 to December 2015. The conclusion is hazard occurring most frequently on top five are liquid leakage, spray unopened, belt deviation, littering, cylinder distance too close. According to the conclusion, the paper designed five safety signs which are cylinders must have a sufficient distance, be careful not to let the belt running deviation, prohibit littering, precaution the liquid leakage and must open spray using computer graphics software. Using information formula to calculate five disigned safety signs of design, it is found that no ambiguity for the sign of must be sprayed marks. Information of sufficient distance between cylinders sign and caution liquid leakage sign is between 0 and 1, which are acceptable. Information of no littering sign and warning the belt deviation sign is between 1 and 2, which means there are too many ambiguities for the signs and need to be redesigned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the feasibility and acceptance of electronic monitoring of symptoms and syndromes in oncological outpatient clinics using a PALM (handheld computer). Methods: The assessment of a combination of symptoms and clinical benefit parameters grouped in four pairs was tested in a pilot phase in advanced cancer patients. Based on these experiences, the software E-MOSAIC was developed, consisting of patient-reported symptoms and nutritional intake and objective assessments (weight, weight loss, performance status and medication for pain, fatigue, and cachexia). E-MOSAIC was then tested in four Swiss oncology centers. In order to compare the methods, patients completed the E-MOSAIC as a paper and a PALM version. Preferences of version and completion times were collected. Assessments were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests , and the test-retest reliability was evaluated. Results: The pilot phase was completed by 22 patients. Most patients and physicians perceived the assessment as useful. Sixty-two patients participated in the feasibility study. Twelve patients reported problems (understanding, optical, tactile), and five patients could not complete the assessment. The median time to complete the PALM-based assessment was 3 min. Forty-nine percent of patients preferred the PALM, 23 % preferred a paper version, and 28 % of patients had no preference. Paper vs. PALM revealed no significant differences in symptoms, but in nutritional intake ( p = 0.013). Test-retest (1 h, n = 20) reliability was satisfactory ( r = 073-98). Conclusion: Electronic symptom and clinical benefit monitoring is feasible in oncology outpatient clinics and perceived as useful by patients, oncology nurses, and oncologists. E-MOSAIC is tested in a prospective randomized trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction begins by posing the question that this Special Issue addresses and briefly considers historical precedents and why the issue is important. The discussion then moves on to the consideration of important milestones in the history of computing, up until the present time. A brief specification of the essential components of computational systems is then offered. The final section introduces the papers that are included in this volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on teachers' and students' perceptions about the effectiveness of computer use to enhance the teaching and learning of chemistry in inclusive classrooms. This study aims to investigate how students with visual and those with hearing disabilities can easily access chemistry instructions. The study adopted a mixed-method approach where the qualitative and quantitative data were collected. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 chemistry teachers. Besides, a semi-structured interview was used to collect qualitative data from 10 students comprising 5 students with hearing disabilities and 5 students with visual disabilities from five inclusive schools selected purposely. The quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics whereby percentages were computed. The qualitative data obtained through interviews were analyzed by discourse and interpretive approaches. The results revealed that the computer is effective for teaching chemistry since it supports students with hearing and visual disabilities to learn chemistry. Moreover, a computer helps teachers to teach chemistry concepts and share with students the required chemistry resources in their learning. This encourages learners to explore new concepts, brainstorm and search for relevant information for both teachers and students. The lack of enough computers adapted by students with hearing and visual disabilities and the limited teachers' training in teaching students with disabilities were reported by some teachers as challenges. Therefore, the provision of computers and teachers' training to deal with every student's differences and needs were among the suggested potential solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this review, the epidemiological evidence examining associations between upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders and keyboard use intensity (hours of computer use-per day or per-week) and computer user posture was explored. Methods: An OVID Medline® literature search was conducted to identify papers published in the peer-reviewed medical literature between 1966 and November, 2005. A total of 558 citations were found and reviewed. Those papers in which associations between musculoskeletal outcomes and (1) posture (ascertained by a study investigator) or (2) computer use, in units of hours-per-day, hours-per-week, or as a percent of work-time, were included in the review. Results: Thirty-nine epidemiological studies examining associations between computer use and MSD outcomes were identified. While the observational epidemiological literature was heterogeneous, some trends did emerge. It appears that the most consistent finding was the association observed between hours keying and hand/arm outcomes. Associations between some postural effects and musculoskeletal outcomes may also be inferred from the literature. In particular, placing the keyboard below the elbow, limiting head rotation, and resting the arms appears to result in reduced risk of neck/shoulder outcomes. Minimizing ulnar deviation and keyboard thickness appears to result in reduced risk of hand/arm outcomes. Conclusions: Several methodological limitations, including non-representative samples, imprecise or biased measures of exposure and health outcome, incomplete control of confounding, and reversal of cause and effect, may contribute to the heterogeneity of observed results. Suggestions are made for improving the validity of future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes Christopher Alexander's combined use of mathematical graphs and hand-made diagrams, and argues that such affinities marked the insertion of roughness into architectural computational thinking. Within the techno-scientific context of American postwar architecture, the techniques of transcription and calculation used by Alexander at the Center for Environmental Structure reveal the progressive erasure of determinacy that took place within an architecture practice with empiricist, mathematic and computational preferences. Rather than establishing an optimized and quantified standard to which architecture had to conform, Alexander's rough diagrams and mathematical graphs serialized variation and provided room for indeterminacy and contingency within a clearly defined set of rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomised control studies and prospective cohort studies of mid-term functional outcome of total knee replacement undertaken using imageless computer navigation compared with conventional instrumented total knee replacement. The literature search strategy included a search of the electronic databases, visual scanning of reference lists, hand searching of key journals and conference proceedings, and abstracts, citations, and trial registers. In total, 440 papers were retrieved after removal of duplicates, and with further screening, 11 papers were included in the systematic review and 6 papers were considered appropriate for meta-analysis. Analysis of the data showed evidence of a modest improvement in functional outcome at mid-term follow-up with use of imageless computer navigation assistance compared with conventional instrumented total knee replacement with a total score point estimate of 3.36 confidence interval (CI) (− 0.583, 7.298), objective score point estimate of 1.45 CI (0.11, 2.799), and functional score point estimate of 2.4, CI (− 1.174, 5.977). The predominant risk of bias was from random allocation and attrition. There is evidence of a modest improvement in functional outcome with the use of imageless computer navigation assistance compared with conventional instrumented total knee replacement at mid-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology is available and accessible in many mathematics classrooms. Adopting technology to support teaching and learning requires teachers to change their teaching practices. This paper reports the responses of a diverse cohort of 92 secondary mathematics teachers who chose to respond to an Australian state-wide survey (Mathematics with Technology Perceptions Survey) developed using a Theory of Planned Behaviour framework. The items discussed in this paper targeted mathematics teachers’ perceptions of possible barriers and enablers to their intention to use technology in their teaching. The responses are varied but, overall, strength of agreement with enablers outweighed agreement with perceived barriers. However, it is clear that despite an overall positive attitude towards the use of technology for teaching mathematics, some perceived barriers to change are notable. It is, therefore, helpful if those responsible for professional development, promoting the use of technology, recognise and address these barriers as well as working to strengthening enablers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a model and a method for optimizing computational processes in parallel computing systems. The model is constructed by the decomposition of computer programs for solving problems into relatively independent elements (blocks) and presenting the information dependence of the blocks in the form of corresponding directed graphs. Here, the computational process organization consists in the dynamic allocation of resources of a computing system for the implementation of operations of each block. As an efficiency indicator of this process, we take the time of implementing operations of all blocks of considered programs (the solution time of related problems). The goal of the optimization is to reduce this time as much as possible. To form the optimal resource allocation, we propose the method based on the branch-and-bound procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the effect of computer use on earnings among a cohort of recent Italian high school graduates. The IV and Heckman techniques are used in order to control for endogeneity of computer use. Results show that the wage premium associated with computer use disappears once selection into computer use is accounted for. On the other hand, using the computer to perform a number of specific tasks leads to higher earnings. It is therefore suggested that not all individuals who use a computer at work receive a wage premium, but only those possessing complementary computer skills such as communication, networking and problem solving abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been much debate whether computers can be responsible. This question is usually discussed in terms of personhood and personal characteristics, which a computer may or may not possess. If a computer fulfils the conditions required for agency or personhood, then it can be responsible; otherwise not. This paper suggests a different approach. An analysis of the concept of responsibility shows that it is a social construct of ascription which is only viable in certain social contexts and which serves particular social aims. If this is the main aspect of responsibility then the question whether computers can be responsible no longer hinges on the difficult problem of agency but on the possibly simpler question whether responsibility ascriptions to computers can fulfil social goals. The suggested solution to the question whether computers can be subjects of responsibility is the introduction of a new concept, called “quasi-responsibility” which will emphasise the social aim of responsibility ascription and which can be applied to computers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawaii bibliographic database has been created to contain all of the literature, from 1779 to the present, pertinent to the volcanological history of the Hawaiian-Emperor volcanic chain. References are entered in a PC- and Macintosh-compatible EndNote Plus bibliographic database with keywords and abstracts or (if no abstract) with annotations as to content. Keywords emphasize location, discipline, process, identification of new chemical data or age determinations, and type of publication. The database is updated approximately three times a year and is available to upload from an ftp site. The bibliography contained 8460 references at the time this paper was submitted for publication. Use of the database greatly enhances the power and completeness of library searches for anyone interested in Hawaiian volcanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a qualitative review of a series of classical myths which are or could be used as interpretative metaphors or similes for people, settings, and situations relating to the Computer World. It will look at basic, widely accepted terms like Trojan or Trojan horse, cyberphobia, or Project Athena. It will also infer others through an exercise in hermeneutical mythopoeia. Examples include Tantalus, representing the controlled obsolescence of technological resources, turning the user into a revived Sisyphus, or Theseus as a powerful anti-virus. Not forgetting the clumsy navigator, Odysseus or Ulysses, representing disperse, inefficient Internet users, and especially the great myth of the teacher Mentor, representing the power of information available on the Internet and searchable via Google. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which postgraduate students' belief in their computer self-efficacy, self-esteem and subjective well-being predicts research self-efficacy. The study group consisted of 247 postgraduate students studying at the Karadeniz Technical University Institute of Social Sciences, Institute of Science and Institute of Health Sciences. The Research Self-Efficacy Scale, Computer Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Subjective Well-being Scale, and a Demographic Data Form were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed by Pearson moments correlation, multiple linear regression analysis, t test, one-way analysis of variance, and the Scheffe test. Study findings revealed a significant positive correlation between students' belief in their research self-efficacy and computer self-efficacy and subjective well-being, but no significant correlation with self-esteem. In terms of belief in their research self-efficacy, female students regarded themselves as more efficacious than did males, Institute of Science students regarded themselves as more sufficient than students at the other institutes, and students working on doctorates regarded themselves as more efficacious than master's degree students with or without a thesis component. In addition, findings revealed that belief in research self-efficacy varied depending on the number of scientific congresses attended within the year, number of papers written, subscriptions to scientific journals, and daily length of computer use for scientific purposes. These results showed that computer self-efficacy and subjective well-being are significant predictors of belief in research self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the idea of a computer is unique. Calculators and analog computers are not different ideas about computers, and nature does not compute by itself. Computers, once clearly defined in all their terms and mechanisms, rather than enumerated by behavioral examples, can be more than instrumental tools in science, and more than source of analogies and taxonomies in philosophy. They can help us understand semantic content and its relation to form. This can be achieved because they have the potential to do more than calculators, which are computers that are designed not to learn. Today’s computers are not designed to learn; rather, they are designed to support learning; therefore, any theory of content tested by computers that currently exist must be of an empirical, rather than a formal nature. If they are designed someday to learn, we will see a change in roles, requiring an empirical theory about the Turing architecture’s content, using the primitives of learning machines. This way of thinking, which I call the intensional view of computers, avoids the problems of analogies between minds and computers. It focuses on the constitutive properties of computers, such as showing clearly how they can help us avoid the infinite regress in interpretation, and how we can clarify the terms of the suggested mechanisms to facilitate a useful debate. Within the intensional view, syntax and content in the context of computers become two ends of physically realizing correspondence problems in various domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visualization can be a motivating way of teaching students about the microscopic world. This can become even more exciting if the information is based on accurate computational results rather than on crude approximations that eventually might create unreal alternative perceptions. Here, we report on a VMD plug-in, named vmdMagazine, which can turn computational simulations into stunning high-impact video presentations, suitable for classes/lectures and even conferences. The software will help students/audience to understand atoms and molecules better and learn to like them. The present paper is meant to give a general idea of the software’s potential, showing how it works and how it can be used for educational purposes. The software is freely available at: http://www.fc.up.pt/PortoBioComp/database/doku.php?id=vmdmagazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an efficient deinterlacing method for HDTV that preserves image structures, edges, and details. In the human visual system, the eyes are more sensitive to high-frequency information such as edge details than low-frequency information such as image background. Therefore, averaging low-pass filter results is not effective for image enhancement. The proposed method is a weighted filtering approach that generates a half-pixel 9-by-9 edge-based line average window. We also propose pixel-resemblance- and pixel-expansion-based fuzzy weights, which are assigned using a triangular membership function. Compared to conventional format conversion methods, the proposed method outperforms all benchmarks in terms of both objective and subjective qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual painting technology is a new technical means of modern art creation. 3D painting is a branch of virtual reality art. It uses computers or other intelligent computing devices to simulate the virtual 3D space environment, so that art creators can immerse themselves in painting creation. The difference between 3D painting and traditional painting is that it is a painting space from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. It is a painting creation process of double immersion of human brain and limbs. We believe that the artistic exploration of 3D painting is helpful to the improvement of painting artistic creation ideas and the expansion of skills. It is an embodiment of enriching the media and visualization of painting. Due to the complexity of 3D painting, this paper creates a cloud platform based on the high-speed and large storage characteristics of cloud computing, which will provide more efficient and convenient experience for 3D painting users. The key to the development of the cloud platform is to build an NX digital modeling and display platform based on cloud computing. Through the compression, serialization and network transmission of the three-dimensional image technology at the NX end, the three-dimensional model is finally displayed in the browser interface, and the basic functions of interacting with the model are provided for users. Cloud computing technology is used to arrange the computing work of 3D model compression into subsequent computing, which greatly reduces the redundancy of users' work. Through the research of cloud computing, this paper applies it to computer image technology, which makes the application of 3D painting flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, China's urbanization transformation is accelerating, the construction industry is developing rapidly, and people's requirements for buildings are also increasing, which leads to the increasing energy consumption. Therefore, energy-saving construction in the construction industry is imminent. During the actual life cycle of a building project, including planning, design, construction and later operation and maintenance, energy consumption will be generated in the above processes. Based on this background, this research realized the design of intelligent building management and information system for energy conservation projects by introducing computer vision algorithm. The system is integrated with laws and regulations, economic benefits, technical steps, quality management, cost management, schedule management and other modules. The design process is relatively complex. Therefore, this work adopts modern computer vision algorithm technology and uses relevant tools to collect, store, and analyze a large amount of information in each stage of energy-saving project management process and realize information management from project approval, design, drawing review, and construction to acceptance. Finally, this paper builds system interface layer, system function layer, and database support layer. The system measurement shows that the building energy consumption can be predicted easily, accurately and stably by inputting the energy consumption data collected by each part of the target building. The system realizes the combination of qualitative and quantitative research on energy conservation regulation and improves the informatization level of China's energy conservation research and construction. This paper designs a kind of intelligent building energy-saving management system by studying computer vision algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a reflection on the history and future of educational media. Over the last century various new media technologies were introduced in education. Most of these failed to meet the high expectations. The paper reviews the rise and fall of various 'revolutionary' learning media and analyses what went wrong. Three main driving factors are identified that influence the educational system: 1) educational practice, 2) educational research, and 3) educational technologies. The role and position of these factors is elaborated and critically reviewed. The paper concludes with identifying a number of relevant developments that substantiate a favourable future outlook of media for learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) can be effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety in adults, although the outcomes with children and adolescents are unclear. The aim of the study is to systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of cCBT for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. EMBASE, PsychInfo and Pubmed were searched using specific terms and inclusion criteria for cCBT studies involving young people under the age of 18. A hand search was also conducted, and the authors were contacted to identify additional papers. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. These included case series and randomised controlled trials concerned with both treatment and prevention. Six different software packages were described that varied in length and the nature and extent of professional contact and supervision. All studies reported reductions in clinical symptoms and also improvements in variables such as behaviour, self-esteem and cognitions. Satisfaction with treatment was moderate to high from both children and parents, though levels of drop out and non-completion were often high. Additional randomised controlled trials are required, as the literature is currently limited. However, preliminary evidence suggests that cCBT is an acceptable and effective intervention for this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]