Benchmarking project of the Department of Electrical Engineering of Lappeenranta University of Technology

Lappeenrannan teknillisen korkeakoulun sähkötekniikan osasto muutti 1.8.2005 sähkötekniikan tutkinnon kaksiportaiseksi ja vastaamaan näin Bologna-prosessia ja Suomen yliopistolainsäädäntöä. Tutkinnonuudistuksen myötä osasto haluaa varmistaa sähkötekniikan tutkintojen laadun ja vertailtavuuden sekä parantaa opiskelijoidensekä henkilökunnan liikkuvuutta. Tutkintojen laatu ja vertailtavuus osoitetaan sähkötekniikan osaston benchmark-projektilla, jossa kerätään tietoja maisteri- ja tohtorintutkintoa tarjoavista eurooppalaisista yliopistoista. Diplomityö käsittää BM-projektin kolmannen vaiheen suunnittelun ja toteutuksen sisältäen teoriaa benchmark-projekteille tyypillisistä toimintatavoista. Hyväksi havaitut menetelmiä, kuten kyselyt ja matriisit, on tässä työssä otettu soveltuvin osin sähkötekniikan osaston BM-projektin työkaluiksi. Diplomityössä analysoidaan työkalujen avulla BM-kumppaneilta kerättyjä tietoja sekä esitetään ratkaisuja, miten sähkötekniikan osastolla voidaan jatkaa parhaiden toimintatapojen löytämistä.

RiskDiff: A web tool for the analysis of the difference due to risk and demographic factors for incidence or mortality data.

Background Analysing the observed differences for incidence or mortality of a particular disease between two different situations (such as time points, geographical areas, gender or other social characteristics) can be useful both for scientific or administrative purposes. From an epidemiological and public health point of view, it is of great interest to assess the effect of demographic factors in these observed differences in order to elucidate the effect of the risk of developing a disease or dying from it. The method proposed by Bashir and Estève, which splits the observed variation into three components: risk, population structure and population size is a common choice at practice. Results A web-based application, called RiskDiff has been implemented (available at http://rht.iconcologia.net/riskdiff.htm webcite), to perform this kind of statistical analyses, providing text and graphical summaries. Code from the implemented functions in R is also provided. An application to cancer mortality data from Catalonia is used for illustration. Conclusions Combining epidemiological with demographical factors is crucial for analysing incidence or mortality from a disease, especially if the population pyramids show substantial differences. The tool implemented may serve to promote and divulgate the use of this method to give advice for epidemiologic interpretation and decision making in public health.

Evaluation de la qualité des sites internet francophones traitant de la dépendance à l'alcool [Assessing the quality of French language web sites pertaining to alcohol dependency]

The objective of this article is to systematically assess the quality of web-based information in French language on the alcohol dependence. The authors analysed, using a standardised pro forma, the 20 most highly ranked pages identified by 3 common internet search engines using 2 keywords. Results show that a total of 45 sites were analysed. The authors conclude that the overall quality of the sites was relatively poor, especially for the description of possible treatments, however with a wide variability. Content quality was not correlated with other aspects of quality such as interactivity, aesthetic or accountability.

Valoración experiencial del aprendizaje tras formación virtual.

[eng] An observable study on the behaviour in the laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology II (pharmaceutical pilot plant), with two groups of students of 3rd course (proactive aptitude and valuation of the"knowledge to do acquired") is carried out. The variable between groups is that one has realised a training (by means of self-study of an interactive application multimedia, especially designed), without tutorship on behalf the teacher in front of the other group that carried out the same training with the same material but with the guide of the teacher in the computer lab. On the one hand it is valued if there is some effect differentiator between both types of training, by means of the accounting of the correct results obtained in a previous test to the entrance in the pilot plant and by another one the valuation that the professors made responsible for the groups of practices in situ. The results demonstrate the previous hypothesis that there must not be significant differences between the groups, beyond the inherent ones to personality of the students itself (interest and personal implication by the subject). On the other hand the test for the observation in the laboratory did not facilitate the distinction of objective differences. [spa] Se lleva a cabo un estudio observacional sobre el comportamiento de los estudiantes (aptitud pro-activa y valoración del “saber hacer adquirido”) en el laboratorio de Tecnología Farmacéutica II (planta piloto farmacéutica) de dos grupos de estudiantes de 3er curso. La variable entre los dos grupos es que uno ha realizado una formación no presencial (mediante el autoestudio de una aplicación interactiva multimedia, especialmente diseñada), sin tutoría por parte del profesor, frente al otro grupo que llevó a cabo la misma formación con el mismo material pero con la guía del profesor en el aula de informática. Por una parte se valora si hay algún efecto diferenciador entre ambos tipos de formación, mediante la contabilización de los resultados correctos obtenidos en un test previo a la entrada en la planta piloto y por otro la valoración que hicieron los profesores responsables de los grupos de prácticas in situ. Los resultados demuestran la hipótesis previa de que no debían existir diferencias significativas entre los grupos, más allá de las inherentes a la propia personalidad de los estudiantes (interés e implicación personal por el tema). Por otra parte el test para la observación en el laboratorio no facilitó la distinción de diferencias objetivas.

Semantic Web applications: a framework for industry and business exploitation – What is needed for the adoption of the Semantic Web from the market and industry

In recent years, Semantic Web (SW) research has resulted in significant outcomes. Various industries have adopted SW technologies, while the ‘deep web’ is still pursuing the critical transformation point, in which the majority of data found on the deep web will be exploited through SW value layers. In this article we analyse the SW applications from a ‘market’ perspective. We are setting the key requirements for real-world information systems that are SW-enabled and we discuss the major difficulties for the SW uptake that has been delayed. This article contributes to the literature of SW and knowledge management providing a context for discourse towards best practices on SW-based information systems.

Digitaalinen osaamisen kehittäminen osana henkilöstökoulutusta

Tieto- ja viestintätekniikan kehittyminen on muuttanut työn luonnetta monella tavalla ja työelämän jatkuva muutos ja joustavuuteen pyrkiminen edellyttävät uusien tietojen ja taitojen hankkimista. Verkko-opetus, verkko-opiskelu ja verkko-oppiminen näyttävät tarjoavat uusia ulottuvuuksia henkilöstökoulutukseen. Tämän diplomityön tarkoituksena on tutkia voidaanko digitaalisella osaamisen kehittämisellä tukea yrityksen henkilöstökoulutusta ja henkilöstöä opiskelussa ja oppimisessa? Osaaminen on strateginen kysymys ja sen kehittämisessä pyritään yrityksissä aiempaa pitkäjänteisempään ja kokonaisvaltaisempaan toimintatapaan. Digitaalinen osaamisen kehittäminen oikein toteutettuna näyttää vahvistavan henkilöstön osaamistasoa. Tekniset apuvälineet eivät ehkä koskaan tule korvaamaan kokemusta ja työssä oppimista, silti ne näyttävät helpottavat tiedonkulkua ja ovat apuna osaamisen kehittämisessä. Kuvitelma verkko-opintojen helppoudesta, täysin ajasta ja paikasta riippumattomana, sekä itsenäisestä opiskelusta on harhaa. Verkkokoulutuksen suurena haasteena on sen soveltaminen järkevällä tavalla organisaation toimintakulttuuriin ja toimintatapoihin. Ajanoloon verkko-opiskelu saattaa muuttua osaksi työtä, mutta asenteiden muokkaamisessa on vielä paljon tekemistä. Yritysten johdon tulee näyttää tietä ja toimia esimerkkinä uusien toimintatapojen käyttöönotossa.

La prescripción web y el empoderamiento de los pacientes: una alianza entre profesionales de la salud y de la información

El objetivo de esta propuesta es poner en valor la prescripción web desde las bibliotecas de ciencias de la salud para favorecer el empoderamiento de los pacientes. Se propone normalizar el uso de la prescripción web en las consultas médicas, tanto en un contexto de atención primaria como de atención hospitalaria o especializada. Esta actuación se enmarca en el derecho a la información sobre la propia salud de los ciudadanos así como en el derecho a una atención sanitaria que incluya actividades relacionadas con la promoción de la salud, la educación sanitaria y la prevención de la enfermedad.

Web user interface architecture for advanced planning and scheduling systems Case: Nokia Demand / Supply Planning Applications

In modem hitec industry Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems provide the basis for e-business solutions towards the suppliers and the customers. One objective of this thesis was to clarify the modem supply chain management with the APS systems and especially concentrate on the area of Collaborative Planning. In order Advanced Planning and Scheduling systems to be complete and usable, user interfaces are needed. Current Visual Basic user interfaces have faced many complaints and arguments from the users as well as from the development team. This thesis is trying to analyze the reasons and causes for the encountered problems and also provide ways to overcome them. The decision has been made to build the new user interfaces to be Web-enabled. Therefore another objective of this thesis was to research and find suitable technologies for building the Web-based user interfaces for Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems in Nokia Demand/Supply Planning business area. Comparison between the most suitable technologies is made. Usability issues of Web-enabled user interfaces are also covered. The empirical part of the thesis includes design and implementation of a Web-based user interface with the chosen technology for a particular APS module that enables Collaborative Planning with suppliers.

The Achieved Dreams of a Neighborhood

This article explains the social transformation process initiated at the end of the 1970s within the neighborhood of La Verneda-Sant Martı´ in Barcelona. This process started with the foundation of an adult education center that was organized as a Learning Community (the first one in the world). From the beginning, it was administered for and by the community. It became a space of debate where the demands and dreams of the neighbors converged about transforming their neighborhood along with the recommendations of the international scientific community. Twenty years later, the dreams came true: There have been substantial improvements throughout the urban space, infrastructures, housing, urban thoroughfares, and public highways. The INCLUD-ED European project, using the communicative methodology of research, has thoroughly studied the transformation carried out in the La Verneda-Sant Martı´ Adult School and its neighborhood. INCLUD-ED has identified successful practices within diverse social areas that are transferable to other contexts and contribute to overcoming inequalities and improving the most underprivileged neighborhoods.

Beyond the net generation debate: A comparison of digital learners in face-to-face and virtual universities

In the last decade, an important debate has arisen about the characteristics of today"s students due to their intensive experience as users of ICT. The main belief is that frequent use of technologies in everyday life implies that competent users are able to transfer their digital skills to learning activities. However, empirical studies developed in different countries reveal similar results suggesting that the"digital native" label does not provide evidence of a better use of technology to support learning. The debate has to go beyond the characteristics of the new generation and focus on the implications of being a learner in a digitalised world. This paper is based on the hypothesis that the use of technology to support learning is not related to whether a student belongs to the Net Generation, but that it is mainly influenced by the teaching model. The study compares behaviour and preferences towards ICT use in two groups of university students: face-to-face students and online students. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of students from five universities with different characteristics (one offers online education and four offer face-to-face education with LMS teaching support). Findings suggest that although access to and use of ICT is widespread, the influence of teaching methodology is very decisive. For academic purposes, students seem to respond to the requirements of their courses, programmes, and universities. There is a clear relationship between students" perception of usefulness regarding certain ICT resources and their teachers" suggested uses of technologies. The most highly rated technologies correspond with those proposed by teachers. The study shows that the educational model (face-to-face or online) has a stronger influence on students" perception of usefulness regarding ICT support for learning than the fact of being a digital native.

Web Software Engineering - value added approach

Taking the maximum advantage of technological innovations and the investment in them is of key importance for businesses. The IT industry offers a wide range of innovative high-technology solutions to manage information processing and distribution. However for end-user businesses to make informed decisions in this area is challenging. The aim of this research is to identify the key differences in principal solutions, and what the selection criteria should be for those involved. Existing methodologies for software development are classified, and some key criteria are described to help IT system developers and users determine what are the most important factors in system selection, development and deployment. Statistical data is researched and analysed, a theoretical basis is developed and reviewed, key issues from case studies are identified and generalized to be presented along with the conclusions in the current study. The results give a good basis for corporate consideration and provide overall support to the key decisions in developing web-based software. The conclusion is that new web developments should be considered the stakeholders as an evolution of existing business systems, but they should then pay particular attention to the new advantages that web-based software offers in terms of standardised interfaces and procedures, universal deployment opportunities, and a range of other benefits the study highlights.

Àgora. La experiencia de la Escuela de personas adultas. La verneda-Sant Martí: del aprendizaje de las tecnologías al contexto de aprendizaje tecnológico

La Comunidad de Aprendizaje Escuela de personas adultas La Verneda-Sant Martí, lleva más de 10 años trabajando las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación desde una perspectiva transversal y global. A través del trabajo que venimos realizando día a día, hemos visto como las TIC han pasado de ser una necesidad formativa a convertirse en un contexto de aprendizaje cotidiano entre las personas que participan de nuestro proyecto. Desde que en 1999 decidimos transformar nuestras actividades para integrarnos plenamente en la sociedad de la información hemos cambiado metodologías, prioridades y formas de trabajar. Mostrar cuáles han sido esas transformaciones y qué resultados son los que se han alcanzado es el principal reto del artículo.

Centralized Identity Management for Web Applications

Internet-palvelujen määrä kasvaa jatkuvasti. Henkilöllä on yleensä yksi sähköinen identiteetti jokaisessa käyttämässään palvelussa. Autentikointitunnusten turvallinen säilytys käy yhä vaikeammaksi, kun niitä kertyy yhdet jokaisesta uudesta palvelurekisteröitymisestä. Tämä diplomityö tarkastelee ongelmaa ja ratkaisuja sekä palvelulähtöisestä että teknisestä näkökulmasta. Palvelulähtöisen identiteetinhallinnan liiketoimintakonsepti ja toteutustekniikat – kuten single sign-on (SSO) ja Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) – käydään läpi karkeiden esimerkkien avulla sekä tutustuen Nokia Account -hankkeessa tuotetun ratkaisun konseptiin ja teknisiin yksityiskohtiin. Nokia Account -palvelun ensimmäisen version toteutusta analysoidaan lopuksi identiteetinhallintapalveluiden suunnitteluperiaatteita ja vaatimuksia vasten.

Valoración experiencial del aprendizaje tras formación virtual.

[eng] An observable study on the behaviour in the laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology II (pharmaceutical pilot plant), with two groups of students of 3rd course (proactive aptitude and valuation of the"knowledge to do acquired") is carried out. The variable between groups is that one has realised a training (by means of self-study of an interactive application multimedia, especially designed), without tutorship on behalf the teacher in front of the other group that carried out the same training with the same material but with the guide of the teacher in the computer lab. On the one hand it is valued if there is some effect differentiator between both types of training, by means of the accounting of the correct results obtained in a previous test to the entrance in the pilot plant and by another one the valuation that the professors made responsible for the groups of practices in situ. The results demonstrate the previous hypothesis that there must not be significant differences between the groups, beyond the inherent ones to personality of the students itself (interest and personal implication by the subject). On the other hand the test for the observation in the laboratory did not facilitate the distinction of objective differences. [spa] Se lleva a cabo un estudio observacional sobre el comportamiento de los estudiantes (aptitud pro-activa y valoración del “saber hacer adquirido”) en el laboratorio de Tecnología Farmacéutica II (planta piloto farmacéutica) de dos grupos de estudiantes de 3er curso. La variable entre los dos grupos es que uno ha realizado una formación no presencial (mediante el autoestudio de una aplicación interactiva multimedia, especialmente diseñada), sin tutoría por parte del profesor, frente al otro grupo que llevó a cabo la misma formación con el mismo material pero con la guía del profesor en el aula de informática. Por una parte se valora si hay algún efecto diferenciador entre ambos tipos de formación, mediante la contabilización de los resultados correctos obtenidos en un test previo a la entrada en la planta piloto y por otro la valoración que hicieron los profesores responsables de los grupos de prácticas in situ. Los resultados demuestran la hipótesis previa de que no debían existir diferencias significativas entre los grupos, más allá de las inherentes a la propia personalidad de los estudiantes (interés e implicación personal por el tema). Por otra parte el test para la observación en el laboratorio no facilitó la distinción de diferencias objetivas.