Evaluation of a Scenario-Based Socratic Style of Teaching and Learning Practice

This chapter presents the central features of a knowledge-based system, evaluation method, which is deeply rooted to the principle of the Socratic style learning in law school. Software system evaluation is placed in the context of a hybrid legal intelligent tutoring system, Guidance for Business Merger and Acquisition (GBMA) process. The legal knowledge for GBMA is presented in two forms, as rules and previously decided cases. Besides distinguishing the two different forms of knowledge representation, the chapter outlines the actual use of these forms in a computational framework designed to generate a plausible solution for a given case by using rule-based reasoning (RBR) and case-based reasoning (CBR) in an integrated environment. The nature of the suitability assessment of a solution has been considered as a multiple-criteria decision-making process in GBMA evaluation. The evaluation was performed by a combination of discussions and questionnaires with different user groups in a scenario-based teaching and learning practice.

Strategy for Optimal Grid Planning and System Evaluation of Networked Distribution Systems

The meshed network may become a standard for future distribution systems owing to its various benefits regarding voltage profile, reliability, losses, and the distributed generation (DG). Therefore, in Korea, there is a plan to introduce an advanced form of meshed network called a networked distribution system (NDS). This refers to a system with permanent linkages between four distribution lines (DLs) and N×N communication-based protection. To properly introduce NDS to an actual grid, this study proposes a strategy for optimal grid planning and system evaluation. Four different topologies and four practical indicators are explained. First, load imbalance is used to find the optimal grid that maximizes the load capacity. Second, line overload, fault current, and temporary overvoltage (TOV) were used to evaluate the necessity of load transfer, availability of circuit breakers, relay settings, and system stability. PSCAD/EMTDC were employed for the simulation. This study establishes the construction and evaluation guidelines of NDS for distribution system operators (DSOs).

Telemonitoring system Diani intervention in type 1 diabetes patients: unacceptability and feasibility study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Telemedicine systems have been proven to be a successful tool for the supporting patients in diabetes mellitus selfmanagement. Despite this, a large percentage of patients do not use of all available functions of telemedicine systems. And this is one of the reasons, why patients do not meet the target compensation of their disease. This paper presents the current features of the Diani telemedicine system and the evaluation outcomes of its use. Dani has been designed to provide the patients with a comprehensive overview of their collected data including carbohydrate intake, insulin doses, physical activity level (steps) and blood glucose. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits of the Diani telemedicine system for the treatment of type 1 diabetes patient. The obtained suggestions will lead to further verification and development of the system in order to better compensate for diabetes mellitus. METHODS Data were obtained on the basis of a 24-week, randomized, crossover, intervention study. Patients responded to the standardized WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire and the system evaluation questionnaire. Both the level of glycated hemoglobin and the patient's weight were examined. The patient's usage of the telemedicine system was monitored and daily physical activity was measured. All data were being sent from the device to the Diani server using a real-time diabetic diary application. Wilcoxon and Friedman tests and LME method were used for data analysis. This study involved 10 patients (5 men and 5 women) who participated in the Diani system evaluation. The mean age of the participants was 47.7 ± 19.3 years; the mean duration of diabetes was 10.5 ± 8.6 years; and the mean HbA1c was 59.5 ± 6.7 mmol/mol. RESULTS The median number of days during which the patients tested the system was 84. After the intervention the mean HbA1c decreased by 4.35 mmol/mol (p = 0.011). Patients spent 18.6 ± 6.8 minutes on average using the application daily. After the Diani system intervention, the number of patients who measured their blood glucose at least 3 times a day increased by 30%. The graphical display of measured quantities, automatic transmission of measured data from the glucometer, compatibility and interconnection of individual devices when entering data were evaluated by patients in a positive way. CONCLUSIONS Diani system is beneficial for type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in terms of controlling their disease. Patients perceive it positively; it strengthens their education in the field of diabetes and understanding the influence of measured values on the compensation of their disease. Its use has a positive effect on the HbA1C level.

Investigating socially assistive systems from system design and evaluation: a systematic review

Purpose The development of assistive technologies that support people in social interactions has attracted increased attention in HCI. This paper presents a systematic review of studies of Socially Assistive Systems targeted at older adults and people with disabilities. The purpose is threefold: (1) Characterizing related assistive systems with a special focus on the system design, primarily including HCI technologies used and user-involvement approach taken; (2) Examining their ways of system evaluation; (3) Reflecting on insights for future design research. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the keywords “social interactions” and “assistive technologies” within the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ACM, Science Direct, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore. Results Sixty-five papers met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Our results showed that there were 11 types of HCI technologies that supported social interactions for target users. The most common was cognitive and meaning understanding technologies, often applied with wearable devices for compensating users’ sensory loss; 33.85% of studies involved end-users and stakeholders in the design phase; Four types of evaluation methods were identified. The majority of studies adopted laboratory experiments to measure user-system interaction and system validation. Proxy users were used in system evaluation, especially in initial experiments; 42.46% of evaluations were conducted in field settings, primarily including the participants’ own homes and institutions. Conclusion We contribute an overview of Socially Assistive Systems that support social interactions for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as illustrate emerging technologies and research opportunities for future work.