A complexity-based analysis of the turn-taking sequences produced during peers' compu... more A complexity-based analysis of the turn-taking sequences produced during peers' computer-mediated collaboration is presented in this paper. The collaborative contributions monitored by the system, namely Lin2k, are mapped to turn-taking sequences, which, in turn, are transformed to symbol-sequences and analyzed for pattern extraction. The use of a normalized complexity measure when applied to collaborative data from the field of environmental
A fuzzy logic-based expert system, namely collaboration/reflection-fuzzy inference system (C/R-FI... more A fuzzy logic-based expert system, namely collaboration/reflection-fuzzy inference system (C/R-FIS,) is presented. By means of interconnected fuzzy inference systems (FIS), it automatically evaluates the collaborative activity, during asynchronous, written, Web-based collaboration. This information is used for the provision of enhanced support during the collaboration. The proposed model extents the evaluation system of a Web-based collaborative tool namely Lin2k, which served as a test-bed for the C/R-FIS experimental use. The results proved the potentiality of the proposed model to significantly contribute to the enhancement of the collaborative activity.
2015 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2015
Recent evidence suggests that cross-frequency coupling (CFC) plays an essential role in multi-sca... more Recent evidence suggests that cross-frequency coupling (CFC) plays an essential role in multi-scale communication across the brain. The amplitude of the high frequency oscillations, responsible for local activity, is modulated by the phase of the lower frequency activity, in a task and region-relevant way. In this paper, we examine this phase-amplitude coupling in a two-tone oddball paradigm for the low frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) and determine the most prominent CFCs. Data consisted of cortical time series, extracted by applying three-dimensional vector field tomography (3D-VFT) to high density (256 channels) electroencephalography (HD-EEG), and CFC analysis was based on the phase-amplitude coupling metric, namely PAC. Our findings suggest CFC spanning across all brain regions and low frequencies. Stronger coupling was observed in the delta band, that is closely linked to sensory processing. However, theta coupling was reinforced in the target tone response, revealing a task-dependent CFC and its role in brain networks communication.
CIT. Journal of Computing and Information Technology,, 2014
The paper offers an experience-based viewpoint on two key phases of the development of an Informa... more The paper offers an experience-based viewpoint on two key phases of the development of an Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)-based system: the defini-tion of requirements and the identification of related criteria and methodology for its evaluation. In doing so, it refers to the unique context of the i-Treasures EU project, which deals with the development of an innovative integrated platform to support the learning and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The i-Treasures inte-grated platform is conceived to support both traditional learning approaches and innova-tive and active learning processes, based on extensive use of sensor-technologies. In this light, during the development process, particular attention has been devoted to the defi-nition of requirements with specific reference to sensor- mediated Human Computer In-teraction (HCI) issues and the evaluation process was designed accordingly, in coher-ence with the specific advanced features of the integrated platform. The paper offers a view of the complexity of the design of ICT-based tools supporting the preservation and transmission of ICH and also provides an insight (and this could have a broader impact) into the methodology adopted to harmonize the requirements and the evaluation phases which are key pillars for the construction of any educationally effective ICT-based learning system.
Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily ... more Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily tasks and enhance their quality of life. Navigation systems to assist visually impaired people that use computer vision techniques are very resource intensive and as such, not suitable for mobile devices. This work describes a computer vision algorithm intended to reduce processing demands with possible application in portable devices. The model proposed employs 2D-Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (2D-EEMD) in order to reduce the problem complexity. It uses a combination of Peano-Hilbert space filling curves as a dimension reduction of image data and EEMD to implement a fast algorithm. Tests results have shown that Peano-Hilbert EEMD exhibits substantially reduced processing power compared with 2D-EEMD approaches, enabling new opportunities for its use in portable applications on low computer power devices.
The present study examines the effect of orchestral music on the perception of related conducting... more The present study examines the effect of orchestral music on the perception of related conducting gestures by exploring the different levels of sensorimotor cortical activity. Electroencephalogram recordings were acquired from orchestral musicians and non-musicians, during audiovisual and visual experimental modes. The auditory stimulus consisted of an excerpt of Beethoven’s fifth symphony, and the visual one presented a conductor directing the same excerpt. Initially, the electrophysiological signals were processed using fractal dimension (FD) analysis and subsequently, a video-based signal of the conductor’s mobility was correlated to the FD data. Results showed stronger sensorimotor activity in the case of orchestral musicians compared to the non-musicians when both auditory and visual stimuli were present, while, on the absence of the acoustic stimulus, the response of the two groups converged. These findings point to the general fact that depending on the level of musical skill...
ABSTRACT Technology has dramatically changed the way in which knowledge is shared within and outs... more ABSTRACT Technology has dramatically changed the way in which knowledge is shared within and outside of traditional classroom settings. The application of fuzzy logic to new forms of technology-centered education has presented new opportunities for analyzing and modeling learner behavior. Fuzzy Logic-Based Modeling in Collaborative and Blended Learning explores the application of the fuzzy set theory to educational settings in order to analyze the learning process, gauge student feedback, and enable quality learning outcomes. Focusing on educational data analysis and modeling in collaborative and blended learning environments, this publication is an essential reference source for educators, researchers, educational administrators and designers, and IT specialists. This premier reference monograph presents key research on educational data analysis and modeling through the integration of research on advanced modeling techniques, educational technologies, fuzzy concept maps, hybrid modeling, neuro-fuzzy learning management systems, and quality of interaction.
A complexity-based analysis of the turn-taking sequences produced during peers' compu... more A complexity-based analysis of the turn-taking sequences produced during peers' computer-mediated collaboration is presented in this paper. The collaborative contributions monitored by the system, namely Lin2k, are mapped to turn-taking sequences, which, in turn, are transformed to symbol-sequences and analyzed for pattern extraction. The use of a normalized complexity measure when applied to collaborative data from the field of environmental
A fuzzy logic-based expert system, namely collaboration/reflection-fuzzy inference system (C/R-FI... more A fuzzy logic-based expert system, namely collaboration/reflection-fuzzy inference system (C/R-FIS,) is presented. By means of interconnected fuzzy inference systems (FIS), it automatically evaluates the collaborative activity, during asynchronous, written, Web-based collaboration. This information is used for the provision of enhanced support during the collaboration. The proposed model extents the evaluation system of a Web-based collaborative tool namely Lin2k, which served as a test-bed for the C/R-FIS experimental use. The results proved the potentiality of the proposed model to significantly contribute to the enhancement of the collaborative activity.
2015 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2015
Recent evidence suggests that cross-frequency coupling (CFC) plays an essential role in multi-sca... more Recent evidence suggests that cross-frequency coupling (CFC) plays an essential role in multi-scale communication across the brain. The amplitude of the high frequency oscillations, responsible for local activity, is modulated by the phase of the lower frequency activity, in a task and region-relevant way. In this paper, we examine this phase-amplitude coupling in a two-tone oddball paradigm for the low frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) and determine the most prominent CFCs. Data consisted of cortical time series, extracted by applying three-dimensional vector field tomography (3D-VFT) to high density (256 channels) electroencephalography (HD-EEG), and CFC analysis was based on the phase-amplitude coupling metric, namely PAC. Our findings suggest CFC spanning across all brain regions and low frequencies. Stronger coupling was observed in the delta band, that is closely linked to sensory processing. However, theta coupling was reinforced in the target tone response, revealing a task-dependent CFC and its role in brain networks communication.
CIT. Journal of Computing and Information Technology,, 2014
The paper offers an experience-based viewpoint on two key phases of the development of an Informa... more The paper offers an experience-based viewpoint on two key phases of the development of an Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)-based system: the defini-tion of requirements and the identification of related criteria and methodology for its evaluation. In doing so, it refers to the unique context of the i-Treasures EU project, which deals with the development of an innovative integrated platform to support the learning and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The i-Treasures inte-grated platform is conceived to support both traditional learning approaches and innova-tive and active learning processes, based on extensive use of sensor-technologies. In this light, during the development process, particular attention has been devoted to the defi-nition of requirements with specific reference to sensor- mediated Human Computer In-teraction (HCI) issues and the evaluation process was designed accordingly, in coher-ence with the specific advanced features of the integrated platform. The paper offers a view of the complexity of the design of ICT-based tools supporting the preservation and transmission of ICH and also provides an insight (and this could have a broader impact) into the methodology adopted to harmonize the requirements and the evaluation phases which are key pillars for the construction of any educationally effective ICT-based learning system.
Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily ... more Assistive technology enables people to achieve independence in the accomplishment of their daily tasks and enhance their quality of life. Navigation systems to assist visually impaired people that use computer vision techniques are very resource intensive and as such, not suitable for mobile devices. This work describes a computer vision algorithm intended to reduce processing demands with possible application in portable devices. The model proposed employs 2D-Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (2D-EEMD) in order to reduce the problem complexity. It uses a combination of Peano-Hilbert space filling curves as a dimension reduction of image data and EEMD to implement a fast algorithm. Tests results have shown that Peano-Hilbert EEMD exhibits substantially reduced processing power compared with 2D-EEMD approaches, enabling new opportunities for its use in portable applications on low computer power devices.
The present study examines the effect of orchestral music on the perception of related conducting... more The present study examines the effect of orchestral music on the perception of related conducting gestures by exploring the different levels of sensorimotor cortical activity. Electroencephalogram recordings were acquired from orchestral musicians and non-musicians, during audiovisual and visual experimental modes. The auditory stimulus consisted of an excerpt of Beethoven’s fifth symphony, and the visual one presented a conductor directing the same excerpt. Initially, the electrophysiological signals were processed using fractal dimension (FD) analysis and subsequently, a video-based signal of the conductor’s mobility was correlated to the FD data. Results showed stronger sensorimotor activity in the case of orchestral musicians compared to the non-musicians when both auditory and visual stimuli were present, while, on the absence of the acoustic stimulus, the response of the two groups converged. These findings point to the general fact that depending on the level of musical skill...
ABSTRACT Technology has dramatically changed the way in which knowledge is shared within and outs... more ABSTRACT Technology has dramatically changed the way in which knowledge is shared within and outside of traditional classroom settings. The application of fuzzy logic to new forms of technology-centered education has presented new opportunities for analyzing and modeling learner behavior. Fuzzy Logic-Based Modeling in Collaborative and Blended Learning explores the application of the fuzzy set theory to educational settings in order to analyze the learning process, gauge student feedback, and enable quality learning outcomes. Focusing on educational data analysis and modeling in collaborative and blended learning environments, this publication is an essential reference source for educators, researchers, educational administrators and designers, and IT specialists. This premier reference monograph presents key research on educational data analysis and modeling through the integration of research on advanced modeling techniques, educational technologies, fuzzy concept maps, hybrid modeling, neuro-fuzzy learning management systems, and quality of interaction.
Uploads