A theoretical basis for using virtual worlds as a personalised process visualisation approach

Communication processes are vital in the lifecycle of BPM projects. With this in mind, much research has been performed into facilitating this key component between stakeholders. Amongst the methods used to support this process are personalized process visualisations. In this paper, we review the development of this visualization trend, then, we propose a theoretical analysis framework based upon communication theory. We use this framework to provide theoretical support to the conjecture that 3D virtual worlds are powerful tools for communicating personalised visualisations of processes within a workplace. Meta requirements are then derived and applied, via 3D virtual world functionalities, to generate example visualisations containing personalized aspects, which we believe enhance the process of communcation between analysts and stakeholders in BPM process (re)design activities.

Probabilistic distribution of one-phase structure seminvariants for an isomorphous pair of structures: Theoretical basis and initial applications

Given a special type of triplet of reciprocal-lattice vectors in the monoclinic and orthorhombic systems, there exist eight three-phase structure seminvariants (3PSSs) for a pair of isomorphous structures. The first neighborhood of each of these 3PSSs is defined by the six magnitudes and the joint probability distribution of the corresponding six structure factors is derived according to Hauptman's neighborhood principle. This distribution leads to the conditional probability distribution of each of the 3PSSs, assuming as known the six magnitudes in its first neighborhood. The conditional probability distributions can be directly used to yield the reliable estimates (0 or pi) of the one-phase structure seminvariants (1PSSs) in the favorable case that the variances of the distributions happen to be small [Hauptman (1975). Acta Cryst. A31, 680-687]. The relevant parameters in the formulas for the monoclinic and orthorhombic systems are given in a tabular form. The applications suggest that the method is efficient for estimating the 1PSSs with values of 0 or pi.

Language teaching : theoretical basis and curricular design.

Este libro intenta ofrecer una panorámica diferente de la enseñanza de idiomas y llenar el vacío con el que con mucha frecuencia se encuentran los opositores al cuerpo de Enseñanza de Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas y de Secundaria cuando deciden buscar información sobre un amplio temario. Esta obra combina una base teórica, que cubre aspectos sobre las teorías del lenguaje y de la enseñanza, con un diseño curricular práctico. La primera parte consta de cuatro bloques: 1) El proceso de comunicación, funciones del lenguaje y comunicación oral y escrita. 2) Competencia comunicativa y enseñanza comunicativa del inglés. 3) Teorías sobre el aprendizaje y la adquisición de un idioma extranjero, el concepto de interlenguaje y el tratamiento de error. 4) Evolución de la enseñanza de idiomas. La segunda parte trata del diseño curricular: los objetivos principales que se persiguen en la enseñanza de un idioma, los contenidos, la metodología a seguir con los estudiantes y criterios de evaluación. Es un tratado basado en la propia experiencia personal de la autora como profesora de inglés.

A review of the theoretical basis for bulk mass flux convective parameterization

Most parameterizations for precipitating convection in use today are bulk schemes, in which an ensemble of cumulus elements with different properties is modelled as a single, representative entraining-detraining plume. We review the underpinning mathematical model for such parameterizations, in particular by comparing it with spectral models in which elements are not combined into the representative plume. The chief merit of a bulk model is that the representative plume can be described by an equation set with the same structure as that which describes each element in a spectral model. The equivalence relies on an ansatz for detrained condensate introduced by Yanai et al. (1973) and on a simplified microphysics. There are also conceptual differences in the closure of bulk and spectral parameterizations. In particular, we show that the convective quasi-equilibrium closure of Arakawa and Schubert (1974) for spectral parameterizations cannot be carried over to a bulk parameterization in a straightforward way. Quasi-equilibrium of the cloud work function assumes a timescale separation between a slow forcing process and a rapid convective response. But, for the natural bulk analogue to the cloud-work function (the dilute CAPE), the relevant forcing is characterised by a different timescale, and so its quasi-equilibrium entails a different physical constraint. Closures of bulk parameterization that use the non-entraining parcel value of CAPE do not suffer from this timescale issue. However, the Yanai et al. (1973) ansatz must be invoked as a necessary ingredient of those closures.

SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE RHETORIC: FROM THE THEORETICAL BASIS TO THE PRODUCTION OF DIDACTIC MATERIAL FOR UNDERGRADUATE CHEMISTRY TEACHING

This work is part of a study that focused on analyzing the contributions of didactic activities related to scientific language rhetoric characteristics aimed at developing students' abilities to identify such characteristics in chemistry scientific texts and critical reading of those texts. In this study, we present the theoretical basis adopted to determine the scientific discourse characteristics and for the production of the didactic material used in those activities. Latour, Coracini and Campanario studies on persuasive rhetorical strategies present in scientific articles aided the production of such material.

The Path between Pedagogy and Technology: Establishing a Theoretical Basis for the Development of Educational Game Environments

The power of computer game technology is currently being harnessed to produce “serious games”. These “games” are targeted at the education and training marketplace, and employ various key game-engine components such as the graphics and physics engines to produce realistic “digital-world” simulations of the real “physical world”. Many approaches are driven by the technology and often lack a consideration of a firm pedagogical underpinning. The authors believe that an analysis and deployment of both the technological and pedagogical dimensions should occur together, with the pedagogical dimension providing the lead. This chapter explores the relationship between these two dimensions, and explores how “pedagogy may inform the use of technology”, how various learning theories may be mapped onto the use of the affordances of computer game engines. Autonomous and collaborative learning approaches are discussed. The design of a serious game is broken down into spatial and temporal elements. The spatial dimension is related to the theories of knowledge structures, especially “concept maps”. The temporal dimension is related to “experiential learning”, especially the approach of Kolb. The multi-player aspect of serious games is related to theories of “collaborative learning” which is broken down into a discussion of “discourse” versus “dialogue”. Several general guiding principles are explored, such as the use of “metaphor” (including metaphors of space, embodiment, systems thinking, the internet and emergence). The topological design of a serious game is also highlighted. The discussion of pedagogy is related to various serious games we have recently produced and researched, and is presented in the hope of informing the “serious game community”.

Modeling the Aesthetic Axis of Information Organization Frameworks, Part 1: Theoretical Basis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework, based on contemporary philosophical aesthetics, from which principled assessments of the aesthetic value of information organization frameworks may be conducted.Design/methodology/approach – This paper identifies appropriate discourses within the field of philosophical aesthetics, constructs from them a framework for assessing aesthetic properties of information organization frameworks. This framework is then applied in two case studies examining the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Sexual Nomenclature: A Thesaurus. Findings – In both information organization frameworks studied, the aesthetic analysis was useful in identifying judgments of the frameworks as aesthetic judgments, in promoting discovery of further areas of aesthetic judgments, and in prompting reflection on the nature of these aesthetic judgments. Research limitations/implications – This study provides proof-of-concept for the aesthetic evaluation of information organization frameworks. Areas of future research are identified as the role of cultural relativism in such aesthetic evaluation and identification of appropriate aesthetic properties of information organization frameworks.Practical implications – By identifying a subset of judgments of information organization frameworks as aesthetic judgments, aesthetic evaluation of such frameworks can be made explicit and principled. Aesthetic judgments can be separated from questions of economic feasibility, functional requirements, and user-orientation. Design and maintenance of information organization frameworks can be based on these principles.Originality/value – This study introduces a new evaluative axis for information organization frameworks based on philosophical aesthetics. By improving the evaluation of such novel frameworks, design and maintenance can be guided by these principles.Keywords Evaluation, Research methods, Analysis, Bibliographic systems, Indexes, Retrieval languages

Theoretical analysis of serrated chip formation based on ideal models in high speed cutting

In this paper, two ideal formation models of serrated chips, the symmetric formation model and the unilateral right-angle formation model, have been established for the first time. Based on the ideal models and related adiabatic shear theory of serrated chip formation, the theoretical relationship among average tooth pitch, average tooth height and chip thickness are obtained. Further, the theoretical relation of the passivation coefficient of chip's sawtooth and the chip thickness compression ratio is deduced as well. The comparison between these theoretical prediction curves and experimental data shows good agreement, which well validates the robustness of the ideal chip formation models and the correctness of the theoretical deducing analysis. The proposed ideal models may have provided a simple but effective theoretical basis for succeeding research on serrated chip morphology. Finally, the influences of most principal cutting factors on serrated chip formation are discussed on the basis of a series of finite element simulation results for practical advices of controlling serrated chips in engineering application.

Application of a theoretical framework to foster a cardiac-diabetes self-management programme

AIM: This paper analyses and illustrates the application of Bandura's self-efficacy construct to an innovative self-management programme for patients with both type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. BACKGROUND: Using theory as a framework for any health intervention provides a solid and valid foundation for aspects of planning and delivering such an intervention; however, it is reported that many health behaviour intervention programmes are not based upon theory and are consequently limited in their applicability to different populations. The cardiac-diabetes self-management programme has been specifically developed for patients with dual conditions with the strategies for delivering the programme based upon Bandura's self-efficacy theory. This patient group is at greater risk of negative health outcomes than that with a single chronic condition and therefore requires appropriate intervention programmes with solid theoretical foundations that can address the complexity of care required. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: The cardiac-diabetes self-management programme has been developed incorporating theory, evidence and practical strategies. DISCUSSION: This paper provides explicit knowledge of the theoretical basis and components of a cardiac-diabetes self-management programme. Such detail enhances the ability to replicate or adopt the intervention in similar or differing populations and/or cultural contexts as it provides in-depth understanding of each element within the intervention. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the concepts alone is not sufficient to deliver a successful health programme. Supporting patients to master skills of self-care is essential in order for patients to successfully manage two complex, chronic illnesses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE OR HEALTH POLICY: Valuable information has been provided to close the theory-practice gap for more consistent health outcomes, engaging with patients for promoting holistic care within organizational and cultural contexts.