http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2547 Sun, 19 May 2013 09:14:30 GMT 2013-05-19T09:14:30Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4255 Making Sense of Mobile and Web Based Wellness Information Technology: A Cross Generational Study Kutz, Daniel O.; Shankar, Kalpana; Connelly, Kay Information and communication technologies (ICTs) that can harness the knowledge and support of other people and allow individuals to manage and understand their health and wellness can empower individuals to actively manage their health, change their behaviors, and learn more about health conditions [1,2]. Examples include general social networking platforms such as Facebook [3], online patient communities [4], smartphones [5] and exercise oriented video games [6]. These applications generate data about and for the individual, data that can influence their health-related decision-making and technology adoption. Individuals' preferences about using such applications, useful features, and related factors will be predicated upon their previous experiences with ICTs, similar systems and other contextualizing concerns, including what others think about them. The popularity and potential of user-targeted health applications for personal empowerment argues for research that can provide us with a deeper understanding of how people perceive such technologies and their interests and concerns about sharing health-related information.   Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4255 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4254 Confronting Institutional and Structural Inequities in Computing and Academia Shankar, Kalpana Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4254 2012-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4243 Aging, Privacy, and Home-Based Computing: Developing a Design Framework Shankar, Kalpana; Camp, L. Jean; Connelly, Kay; Huber, Lesa Applications for "aging in place" focus on supporting elders and informing the caregiver but often at the risk of abrogating privacy. The authors developed and tested various prototypes to create a privacy framework for designing home-based computing for seniors. Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4243 2012-10-24T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4226 Pervasive Computing and an Aging Populace: Methodological Challenges for Understanding Privacy Implications Shankar, Kalpana Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the methodological challenges of investigating privacy and ubiquitous computing in the home, particularly among the healthy elderly. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on focus groups with 60 senior citizens either living independently or in an assisted living facility. Prototypes of home-based ubiquitous computing devices were created and deployed in a home-like living lab setting; elders were brought to the lab to interact with the prototypes, then brought together in focus groups to discuss their insights and concerns. Findings – Initial analyses suggest that extant metaphors of privacy may be inadequate for understanding pervasive computing in the home. Concepts of data, affective concerns, and the creation of appropriate prototypes for eliciting privacy are considered. Considerations for future studies of the elderly and privacy are made. Research limitations/implications – The homogeneity of the study population in terms of socioeconomic status, location, and community networks suggests that the study needs to be repeated with wider populations. Originality/value – Although a number of projects and studies have examined the usability of home-based ubiquitous computing and design for aging, there has been little integration of privacy and ethical concerns into general research discourse. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4226 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4209 A Review of "Scientific Collaboration on the Internet" edited by Gary M. Olsen, Ann Zimmerman, and Nathan Bos Shankar, Kalpana Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4209 2012-05-11T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4208 Virtual Research Environments: Balancing Incentives and Closure in an Emergent Information Infrastructure Shankar, Kalpana Innovation in Information Infrastructures workshop, Edinburgh, 9-11th October, 2012 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4208 2012-10-09T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4135 How In-Home Technologies Mediate Caregiving Relationships in Later Life Huber, Lesa; Shankar, Kalpana; Connelly, Kay; Caine, Kelly E.; Camp, L. Jean; Walker, Beth Ann; Borrero, Lisa In-home technologies can support older adults' activities of daily living, provide physical safety and security, and connect elders to family and friends. They facilitate aging in place while reducing caregiver burden. One of older adults' primary concerns about in-home technologies is their potential to reduce human contact, particularly from cherished caregivers. In this exploratory in-situ study, we provided an ecosystem of networked monitoring technologies to six older adults and their caregivers. We analyzed the amount and content of communication between them. The amount of non-computer-mediated communication did not decrease through the six week study. The content of communication coalesced into four themes: communication about the technologies, communication facilitated by technologies, intrusiveness of technologies, and fun and playfulness with the technologies. Results suggest that in-home technologies, designed with sensitivity to older adults' primary motivations, have the potential to shape and tailor important relationships in later life. Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4135 2012-10-03T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3607 The experience of Chinese students in Irish third level libraries: an investigation of current challenges and an analysis of possible solutions Mannion, David; Thornley, Clare V. Past research has shown that international students often experience difficulty in the library due to cultural differences and difficulties with language and communication. This can cause a gap between the quality of library service experienced by international students and indigenous students in any country. Previous studies have tended to investigate international students as one entire group rather than a multitude of different nationalities with different needs. In the Irish context little has been done to investigate the library experiences of international students, despite the constant efforts being made to attract international students to study here and the huge revenues they generate into the economy. This article, based on a Masters thesis in Library and Information Studies (2010), provides an insight into the academic library experiences of Chinese students (both under-graduate and post-graduate) studying at an Irish third level institution. Corroborating past research conducted elsewhere, it found that they do not always enjoy the same quality of library service as indigenous students or those whose first language is English. This is due to factors such as limited communication skills, diverse cultural traits, and a lack of understanding of library services. It also found that the library failed to adapt to a diverse user base in areas such as policy making and user instruction. It suggests that the library should acknowledge the cultural traits of Chinese students, and others, when developing library induction and training courses. It recommends that library staff undergo training in how best to serve an international user base. Finally, it suggests that co-operation with the International office and student societies are essential to find ways to establish a library service that is useful to all patrons. Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3607 2011-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3606 Do RFIDs (radio frequency identifier devices) provide new ethical dilemmas for librarians and information professionals? Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes; Ferguson, Stuart; Weckert, John Abstract: This paper provides an analysis of the current and potential ethical implications of RFID technology for the library and information professions. These issues are analysed as a series of ethical dilemmas, or hard-to-resolve competing ethical obligations, which the librarian has in relationship to information objects, library users and the wider social and political environment or state. A process model of the library is used as a framework for the discussion to illustrate the relationship between the different participants in the library system and it is argued that ethical analysis should involve the identification of future developments as well as current issues. The analysis shows that RFIDs do currently pose some dilemmas for librarians in terms of the conflicts between efficient service, privacy of users and an obligation to protect the safety of society as a whole, and that these are likely to become more problematic as the technology develops. This paper is part 2 of a series of papers on RFIDs and the library and information professions. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3606 2011-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3605 Dilemmas in information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR): recurring challenges or new solutions? Thornley, Clare V. Purpose: This paper analyses the extent to which understanding IS and IR as disciplines characterised by intractable dilemmas is a useful conceptual framework through reviewing and re-evaluating an important contribution to the field (Neill, 1987, 1992) in light of more recent developments. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reviews the discussion of central dilemmas within information science (IS) and information retrieval (IR), through literature review and conceptual analysis. It assesses the extent to which they remain intractable problems or whether improved solutions have been developed and discusses the implications of these ongoing challenges. The main problem addressed is, in Neill’s (1987, 1992) terminology “the dilemma of the subjective in information organisation and retrieval” which is understood as the problem of how the meaning of documents can be represented to meet the needs of the user. Findings: Many of the dilemmas discussed within IS and IR remain fairly intractable primarily because information and meaning have both subjective and objective qualities which often have a complex relationship. Recent technological developments have, however, altered the nature of some of these dilemmas and also created some new dilemmas for the subject. Research implications/limitations: Historical perspectives within IR and IS should be used when discussing theoretical and technological developments in the subject. The conceptual framework of dilemmas remains a useful theoretical tool for IS and IR in terms of examining the nature of problems in research and practice. Originality/value: This paper re-visits an important theme in IS and IR and provides an updated perspective on some central issues. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3605 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3604 A dialectical approach to information retrieval Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes Purpose:The paper explores the question of whether the often paradoxical and conceptually contradictory discipline of information retrieval (IR) can be understood more clearly when it is analysed from a dialectical perspective. Methodology/Approach:Conceptual analysis and literature review. Findings:A dialectical understanding of meaning can assist in clarifying some aspects of the complex nature of current IR theory. Research Implications:Philosophy has the potential to explore the conflicts and contradictions in IR and should not be used just as a means of synthesis and resolution. The use of the philosophy of meaning should include a broader understanding of the philosophical oppositions which lie behind the nature of meaning. Originality/value of paper:This paper suggests a new perspective on the role of meaning in IR: the dialectical model. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3604 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3587 The application of RFIDs in libraries : an assessment of technological, management and professional issues Gibb, Forbes; Thornley, Clare V.; Ferguson, Stuart; Weckert, John This paper starts by outlining the technologies involved in RFIDs and reviews the issues raised by their general application. It then identifies their potential application areas within the library sector based on a generic process view of library activities. Finally it highlights the issues that are raised by their application in libraries and provides an assessment of which of these issues are likely to raise ethical concerns for library professionals. The purpose is to provide an overview of the technology within the context of the library process and to highlight issues which may raise ethical concerns for the profession. A second paper will focus specifically on these concerns within the context of the professional obligations of the librarian. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3587 2011-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3579 Meaning in philosophy and meaning in information retrieval (IR) Thornley, Clare V.; Gibb, Forbes Purpose -The paper explores the question of whether the differences between meaning in philosophy and meaning in information retrieval (IR) have implications for the use of philosophy in supporting research in IR. Design/methodology/approach - Conceptual analysis and literature review. Findings - There are some differences in the role of meaning in terms of purpose, content and use which should be clarified in order to assist a productive relationship between the philosophy of language and IR. Research Implications -This provides some new theoretical insights into the philosophical context of IR. It suggests that further productive work on the central concepts within IR could be achieved through the use of a methodology which analyses how exactly these concepts are discussed in other disciplines and the implications of any differences in the way in which they may operate in IR. Originality/value - This paper suggests a new perspective on the relationship between philosophy and IR by exploring the role of meaning in these respective disciplines and highlighting differences, as well as similarities, with particular reference to the role of information as well as meaning in IR. This contributes to an understanding of two of the central concepts in IR, meaning and information, and the ways in which they are related. There is a history of work in IR and information science (IS) examining dilemmas (Neill, 1987; Ellis, 1992, 1996) and this paper builds on this work by relating it to some similar dilemmas in philosophy. Thus it develops the theory and conceptual understanding of IR by suggesting that philosophy could be used as a way of exploring intractable dilemmas in IR. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3579 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3038 A bibliometric study of video retrieval evaluation benchmarking (TRECVid) : a methodological analysis Thornley, Clare V.; McLoughlin, Shane J.; Johnson, Andrea C.; Smeaton, Alan F. This paper provides a discussion and analysis of methodological issues encountered during a scholarly impact and bibliometric study within the field of computer science (TRECVid Text Retrieval and Evaluation Conference, Video Retrieval Evaluation). The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection and analysis of the methods used to provide useful information and guidance for those who may wish to undertake similar studies, and is of particular relevance for the academic disciplines which have publication and citation norms that may not perform well using traditional tools. Scopus and Google Scholar are discussed and a detailed comparison of the effects of different search methods and cleaning methods within and between these tools for subject and author analysis is provided. The additional database capabilities and usefulness of “Scopus More” in addition to “Scopus General” is discussed and evaluated. Scopus paper coverage is found to favourably compare to Google Scholar but Scholar consistently has superior performance at finding citations to those papers. These additional citations significantly increase the citation totals and also change the relative ranking of papers. Publish or Perish (PoP), a software wrapper for Google Scholar, is also examined and its limitations and some possible solutions are described. Data cleaning methods, including duplicate checks, expert domain checking of bibliographic data, and content checking of retrieved papers are compared and their relative effects on paper and citation count discussed. Google Scholar and Scopus are also compared as tools for collecting bibliographic data for visualisations of developing trends and, due to the comparative ease of collecting abstracts, Scopus is found far more effective. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3038 2011-12-19T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2967 'With your unconstraining voice still persuade us to rejoice' : poetry promotion in public libraries Hegarty, Brian; Thornley, Clare V. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2967 2010-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2861 Migrants' information practices and use of social media in Ireland : networks and community Komito, Lee; Bates, Jessica Migrants, having left their home society and community, often depend on electronic modes of communication to maintain contacts with distant friends and relations. Their practices illustrate the affordances provided by social media when face to face communication is not available. This paper describes the information and communication practices of Polish and Filipino nationals in Ireland, based on interviews with over sixty-five migrants in 2009. Migrants display increased dependence on the Internet as an information source and use various electronic media to maintain significant contacts with friends and relations in their home societies. Social media (including Web 2.0) practices have an impact on long distance relations that previous technologies have not had, due to differences in the way these technologies are utilized. Social media usage is a passive monitoring that complements the active communication of first generation technologies; this monitoring creates a background awareness and presence in terms of which active communication takes place, which facilitates bonding as well as bridging capital. This enables resilient and durable transnational links, while also facilitating greater mobility for migrants. Presented at iConference 2011, February 8-11, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2861 2011-02-10T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2860 Virtually local : social media and community amongst Polish nationals in Dublin Komito, Lee; Bates, Jessica Purpose - This paper examines the impact of social media (including social networking technologies) on migration strategies and integration, focusing on the use of new technologies for information seeking and dissemination, as well as personal communication. Methodology - Twenty-six Polish nationals resident in Ireland were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews, in 2008. Findings - Results indicated a significant use of new social media, especially social networking technologies based in Poland and largely used by Polish language speakers. The use of social networking technologies enabled “media rich” and resilient social groups to develop, founded on the latent monitoring of activities characteristic of face-to-face, geographically delimited communities. The resulting social groups incorporated friends and relations based in Poland, Ireland and throughout the world. These networks tended to minimize integration into Irish society, as most Polish nationals interacted only with other Polish people, whether resident in Ireland or elsewhere. Originality - This research demonstrates that new technologies are having a significant impact on patterns of migration. New social media are changing the character of international migration, with an emphasis on mobility rather than assimilation. Where foreign nationals previously tended to integrate into the societies where they resided, migrants are now more likely to be peripatetic mobile workers. Furthermore, while these migrants often no longer live in physical ghettos, they now live in “virtual” ghettos or enclaves, as they use new technologies to create separate lives within the wider society in which they work and live. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2860 2009-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2803 The scholarly impact of TRECVid (2003-2009) Thornley, Clare V.; Johnson, Andrea C.; Smeaton, Alan F.; Lee, Hyowon This paper reports on an investigation into the scholarly impact of the TRECVid (TREC Video Retrieval Evaluation) benchmarking conferences between 2003 and 2009. The contribution of TRECVid to research in video retrieval is assessed by analyzing publication content to show the development of techniques and approaches over time and by analyzing publication impact through publication numbers and citation analysis. Popular conference and journal venues for TRECVid publications are identified in terms of number of citations received. For a selection of participants at different career stages, the relative importance of TRECVid publications in terms of citations vis a vis their other publications is investigated. TRECVid, as an evaluation conference, provides data on which research teams ‘scored’ highly against the evaluation criteria and the relationship between ‘top scoring’ teams at TRECVid and the ‘top scoring’ papers in terms of citations is analysed. A strong relationship was found between ‘success’ at TRECVid and ‘success’ at citations both for high scoring and low scoring teams. The implications of the study in terms of the value of TRECVid as a research activity, and the value of bibliometric analysis as a research evaluation tool, are discussed. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2803 2011-04-01T00:00:00Z