New Trends in Informatics Research - NTIR
April 27, 2007 The University at Albany | State University of New York
Research Presenters
Michael Kolta, Computer Science
Melody Matching Using Strictly Relative Musical Abstractions
Abstract:
Have you ever had a tune stuck in your head, and cannot figure out what it is? This is a fairly common frustration in our media saturated society. Often times we are able to find the song by doing a text based search on whatever lyrics we can remember utilizing the Internet. However, what if we cannot remember enough of the lyrics to create a useful query, or if the piece is instrumental and does not have lyrics? The main goal of this research is solve this problem, that is, to devise a new type of search engine specifically for music that is based on melodies, not text or words.
The foundation of the search mechanism is known as the Parson's code and was developed in 1975 by Denys Parsons. This is a simplified musical abstraction that allows users with no musical training to be able to find songs based on their melodies. Parson's original publication of the Parson's code was an actual book, and thus was limited to only the first 16 notes of songs. Kolta's system is designed to be able to search for any part of the melodies; beginning, middle, or end.
Our experimental system currently utilizes the Smith-Waterman algorithm from the field of Bioinformatics which was originally designed to find matching sequences of DNA. The algorithm gives the highest scores to exact matches and also calculates lesser scores for approximate matches. The result is a tune-based search engine that will enable users to identify melodies and find the songs from which they originate based on their unique musical “DNA”.
Preliminary testing shows that the system is somewhat successful. We are conducting a survey that will show the relative usefulness of different abstractions of melodies and help us to improve the system. You may learn more while simultaneously helping Mr. Kolta with his research by participating in the previously mentioned survey at www.albany.edu/~mk1787.
Biography:
Michael Kolta is currently a fourth year Doctoral student in Computer Science at the University at Albany with a minor in Computer Music. With only his dissertation to complete, he expects to graduate in the summer of 2007. Michael holds degrees from University at Albany (M.S. Computer Science) and RPI (B.S. Industrial Engineering; minor in Electronic Arts). He is a lifetime member of the Engineering Honor Society (TBΠ) and is on the National Dean's List. Michael's research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval, Informatics and Computer Music. His previous work experiences include: Software QA Engineer (Autodesk), Multimedia Engineer (CNN), and college instructor (Marist, University at Albany ). Michael plans to pursue careers as a professor and an entrepreneur. Michael is an accomplished and active musician playing local shows regularly. For over 20 years, he has played piano, keyboard, and drums. Later, Michael began singing and songwriting under the stage name “F.L.E.X”. He now produces music under his own label ReFLEXion Records (www.ReFLEXionRecords.com).
Kevin Knuth, Physics & Informatics
Intelligent Instruments
Abstract:
Bayesian inference has been used in an automated fashion for over two decades to analyze data from a wide array of scientific problems. The results of the inference procedures are used by scientists to design follow-up experiments so that our scientific knowledge can continue to be refined. In this talk, we will discuss our work to build intelligent instruments that close the loop between data acquisition, inference, and experimental design or what we call inquiry. The basic idea is to take our knowledge about the system under study and compute the expected information gain from a set of possible experiments and their associated design parameters. The experiment with the greatest expected information gain is then chosen as the next step in the scientific method. The intelligent instrument is completed by coupling the instrument to both an inference engine and an inquiry engine. We are working toward demonstrate this methodology in robotic systems designed to solve problems such as acoustic radiation characterization and actively learning the structure of a room.
Biography:
Kevin Knuth was born in Fond du Lac , Wisconsin , USA in 1965. He received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (1988), his M.S. in physics from Montana State University (1990), and his Ph.D. in physics with a minor in mathematics at the University of Minnesota (1995). He held postdoctoral positions studying neuroscience at Louisiana State University Medical Center (1996), the City University of New York and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1997-1998), where he was later an instructor. He was also an instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University (1999) where he worked on neurodatabases, and was a research scientist at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging at the Nathan Kline Institute (1999-2001). From 2001-2005 he worked as a Research Scientist developing machine learning techniques and their applications in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center. He joined the University at Albany faculty in October 2005 with a dual appointment in the Departments of Physics and Informatics. His scientific interests include: probability theory, astrophysics, complex systems, and brain dynamics. For recreation, he enjoys hiking, birdwatching and poking around tidal pools.
Ira Goldstein, Informatics & Anna Arzrumtsyan, Informatics
Three Approaches to Automatic Assignment of ICD-9-CM Codes to Radiology Reports
Abstract:
This presentation will describe and report the results of evaluating three systems for automatically assigning the ICD-9-CM codes from short excerpts of text extracted from patients' medical records, specifically their radiology reports. The three systems differ in their approach to determining ICD-9-CM codes. The first benefits from an open source search engine, Lucene, and the relevance of documents to one other. The second uses BoosTexter, a boosting algorithm based on n-grams of words. The third employs a set of hand-crafted rules derived from ICD-9-CM diagn`ostic definitions and alternate terminology. Comparison of these systems shows that keywords are informative for ICD-9-CM coding; however, their predictive power is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of synonymy and negation information. As a result, a simple hand-crafted rule-based system with synonymy and negation information can outperform algorithmically more complex systems that base their ICD-9-CM predictions upon keywords.
Biography:
Ira Goldstein is a second year Informatics Ph.D. student specializing in Knowledge Organization and Management (KOM) and Information Technology and Learning (ITL). He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Math, as well as an M.B.A. from the University at Albany . His research interests include natural language processing and categorization of knowledge. He is thrilled to be part of the Informatics program, pursing these interests with inspiring mentors and like-minded fellow students.
Goldstein is a long time employee at the Capital Region BOCES Regional Information Center and has always received great satisfaction knowing that his work has helped in the education of primary and secondary students. This spring, he was honored to be selected as the 2007 recipient of the Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).
Anna Arzrumtsyan is a first year Ph.D. student at the College of Computing and Information, University at Albany . She completed her M.S. in Library and Information Sciences at St. John’s University , NY . Her research interests are in various applications of geographic information systems, including education and government.
Joanne Malatesta, Criminal Justice
Exploring the Impact of the Internet Environment on Online Sexual Offending
Abstract:
The Internet has introduced the world to a new social, technological, and commercial environment. While this medium has changed the way that people communicate, learn, and explore, it has also impacted the way people engage in deviant and criminal behavior. This research examines patterns of Internet usage to understand the role of the Internet in facilitating sexually deviant and/or abusive behavior. While there is anecdotal and empirical support that the Internet plays an increasingly important role in sexually deviant behavior, little is known about the individual level characteristics of those who utilize the Internet to engage in sexually deviant behavior, the role the Internet plays in their lives, and the pathways through which the Internet facilitates engagement in deviant behavior.
In an important departure from prior research, this study aims to collect and compare data on Internet behavior from Internet users via an online survey. The study explores three main research objectives. The first objective is to examine the levels of computer literacy and Internet usage among those who engage in online sexually deviant behavior and determine if these levels are comparable to the general online population. Secondly, this research intends to examine the various ways in which online users engage with the Internet environment to explore issues of sex and sexuality. Third, this research is an exploration of the effect of perceived anonymity, engagement with like minded peers, and excessive engagement with online erotica on a person’s engagement in online sexually deviant behaviors.
Finally, this presentation utilizes situational crime prevention techniques to explore preventive measures that might be used to limit engagement in deviant behavior. This exploration examines the “physical” space of the Internet and environmental influences that can lead to offending opportunities by the very nature of the environmental structure.
Biography:
Joanne is a doctoral student in the School of Criminal Justice . Currently she is ABD and anticipates graduating during the summer or fall of 2007. Her area of specialization focuses on patterns of sexual offending and computer crimes. Her dissertation research examines the impact of perceived anonymity in an online environment on disinhibition and engagement in deviant sexual behavior. She has been interested in examining sexual offending patterns throughout her doctoral study, but it was only about 5 years ago when she began to examine sexual deviance in an online environment. She anticipates continuing this research and teaching upon completion of the degree. During her time as a doctoral student she has also worked full time for the University at Albany . Currently, she is the Student Services Coordinator for the School of Criminal Justice .
Kwang Seok Yoon, Informatics
Testing the Firestone and McElroy Knowledge Management Model: An Empirical Study
Abstract:
Knowledge management has been regarded as a significant contributing tool to enhance the competitiveness/performance of organizations. However, few studies have empirically tested and validated the theories, tools, and models of knowledge management. Therefore, purpose of this research is to either empirically validate or invalidate the Firestone and McElory knowledge management model, and see if there are practices not identified in the model. In addition, this research will more examine two main areas where it is important to do more research in the model. These two areas for further research relate to potential differences in knowledge management practice based on the nature of the problem to be solved and the expertise of the user.
Nature of the problem refers to the differences between epistemic problems and non-epistemic problems in terms of workers’ knowledge management approaches. The expertise of the user refers to the differences between experienced workers and novice workers in their knowledge management practices when dealing with problems. In order to understand the different perspectives of knowledge management, a literature review on knowledge management has been implemented. Both qualitative and quantitative research on a real world organization will be done. The qualitative research will be a content analysis based on interview data with 55 employees of a large state agency in New York . It will be supplemented by a statistical analysis of survey data collected from practitioners in the same organization.
Biography:
Kwang Seok Yoon is a Ph.D. candidate in information science at the University at Albany . He is specializing in Public Information Policy and Information Decision System. Kwang Seok holds a double degree in Information Science and Public Administration. He holds degrees from University at Albany (M.S. Information Science), Chung-Ang University (M.S. Public Administration), and Chung-Ang University (B.S. Public Administration). His research interests include Knowledge Management, Information Policy, and Information System. His previous research experiences include: Statewide IT inventory project (New York State Office for Technology), Condentialing Process Analysis (New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services), and Knowledge Capture Project (New York State Office of State Comptroller). Kwang Seok is currently working on his dissertation, "Testing the Firestone and McElroy Knowledge Management Model." His dissertation is supported by University at Albany dissertation research fellowship program. Kwang Seok plans to continue his career as a professor.
Wil Doane, Informatics & Joette Stefl-Mabry, Information Studies
Trans-Generational Web Development Learning Experience
Abstract:
We will describe our experiences with the evolution of a web development, trans-generational learning experience at the University at Albany , State University of New York, in light of instructional design best practices. This learning experience engages K-12 educators and students, university undergraduate and graduate students, university professors, and community partners in an effort to provide authentic curriculum and web development experiences to a range of pre- and in-service educators and information professionals. Over the past 5 years, University at Albany professors have worked to establish relationships with area K-12 schools to enable graduate pre-service school library media specialists to meet New York State credentialing requirements while participating in the development of web-enhanced instructional units for use by K-12 students. Undergraduate web development students provide technical and design expertise while working to implement the vision of their K-12 educator and graduate partners. Project teams of 4-5 students collaborate on the development of each web site. Each team is responsible for determining the content of their web sites; developing the skills necessary to implement it; and implementing, deploying, and evaluating the success of their web sites. Additionally, graduate students are responsible for evaluating instructional practice and pedagogy in the K-12 classes with which they intern. We believe that the presentation of a case study of this learning experience provides a valuable insight into the potential for PBL in varied fields such as information science, computer science, library science, and education.
Biography:
William E. J. Doane holds a Masters degree in Information & Computer Science with a focus on uses of computing technologies to support K-12 education. He is currently reading for a Ph.D. in Informatics at the University at Albany , State University of New York, where he also teaches computing-related courses. He participated in a National Science Foundation funded initiative in Hawaii to develop web-based tools to support K-12 teacher collaboration and professional development at a distance. He has extensive experience teaching computer science to students from 9 to 90. Doane is also a founding member of ACASE, a professional organization of educators and scientists working to improve education.
Joette Stefl-Mabry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Studies, College of Computing & Information, as well as an Assistant Research Professor with the School of Education , at the University at Albany , State University of New York. She received a Ph.D. from Long Island University in Educational Technology and Information Studies. She earned her M.A. degree in psychology and education from Ball State University and her B.A. degree in education from Hunter College , City University of New York. She conducts longitudinal research on the impact of technology on teaching and learning in education, and explores ways to use technology to build bridges among faculty, departments, and the greater community.
Bahadir K. Akcam, Informatics
Socio-Technical Processes in Interorganizational Collaboration: World Trade Center Case
Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to understand socio-technical processes in interorganizational collaboration under emergency situations. This ongoing dissertation research has three parts. The discussions in the first two parts are built around testing a generic dynamic theory of Inter-Agency Information Integration (Luis Luna, et al. 2004). The first part focuses on techniques for secondary, qualitative data analysis for System Dynamics (SD) Modeling to test a specific theory. The data for this research were collected by a research team of the Center for Technology in Government (CTG) through semi-structured interviews of responders of the World Trade Center (WTC) crisis. The second part of the research is about building a SD model based on the findings from the case analysis. This model focuses on the structure and behavior of processes, artifacts, and social accumulations involved in the interorganizational collaboration process. The third part of the research evaluates the WTC case findings employing Bourdeiu’s (1972) Theory of Practice, specifically his ideas on habitus, field and capital.
Biography:
Bahadir K. Akcam is an information science Ph.D. Student at the University at Albany and he is working as a research assistant at the Center for Technology in Government. His research interests are organization management, information management, project management, information technology, security management, and emergency management issues.
Before joining the INF Ph.D. Program at the University at Albany , he worked as the information technology manager of the Turkish Criminal Police Laboratories (KPL) for seven years. In that position, he was managing information technology, organizational development, and quality management projects for KPL. He received his M.Sc. degree in Information Systems from M.E.T.U. with a focus on IT-enabled organizational change and his other M.Sc. degree in Physical Examination and Criminalistics from Ankara University , with a focus on evidence databases. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
His specialization areas in the Ph.D. program are Group Decision Support Modeling and Information Decision Systems. The System Dynamics (SD) Methodology plays an important role in his research.
Fawzi Mulki, Informatics
The Effects of E-Government Initiatives on Developing Countries: A Case Study of the Jordanian E-Government Initiative
Abstract:
Digital government is the application of information and communication technologies to enhance the activities of public sector organizations, operating at the intersection of government services, society, and information and communication technologies. This proposal focuses on a case study of the Jordanian e-government initiative to study its effects on the overall well-being of the government and citizens. This research project proposes both quantitative and qualitative design approaches. The quantitative design approach uses self-administered surveys, which will be distributed to government employees in ministries and government agencies implementing e-government services. The qualitative designs use focus groups, and semi-structured interviews as the main data collection methodologies. The sample frame used for the focus groups consists of government officials who are directly involved in the e-government initiative in each of the participating agencies, whereas the sample frame used for the semi-structured interviews consists solely of high-level government officials directly involved in the initiative. Data gathered using the quantitative methodology will be analyzed using descriptive and statistical analyses as well as statistical significance to evaluate the confidence in the findings. However, grounded theory will be the main technique used for analyzing the data gathered using the qualitative methodologies. Some of the strengths of this study includes, amongst others, accessibility to the required data sets, the researcher's ability to communicate in Arabic, cultural knowledge possessed by the researcher in understanding the sampled population, and strengths associated with the triangulation of methodologies. This proposal will conclude with future research possibilities including comparative and international-related research in the domain of e-government in developing nations.
Biography:
Fawzi Mulki is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Informatics at the College of Computing and Information, University at Albany . Fawzi is specializing in Information, Government and Democratic Societies, with interests in information policy and public management, and e-government research, especially in developing countries.
After completing a master degree in IT, Fawzi worked as the IT manager for the Arab Potash Company, a large manufacturing company in Amman , Jordan . During his time in Jordan , he became interested in information management and policy within the public sector. This led him to search for a Ph.D. program that would incorporate IT, management, and public policy development. Fawzi joined the Ph.D. program in August 2005, and began working as a Graduate Assistant for CTG in February 2006.
After completing his degree, Fawzi plans on returning to Jordan to pursue a professional career in the Jordanian government. He would like to continue performing research in the domain of digital government in a similar framework to CTG’s.
Working at CTG has offered an invaluable experience in developing his skills as a researcher. This has only been made possible by giving him the opportunity to work, as a team member, on actual research projects dealing with information management and public policy.
Yu-Hui Chen & Carol Anne Germain
Web Usability in Academic Libraries - The First Leg
Abstract:
The advent of web technology significantly effected information organization and retrieval. The manner in which documents are arranged, labeled, and presented on the Web (the site's "information architecture") can have a major influence on how users effectively navigate Web sites and accurately access information. Implementation of proper usability standards contributes to user satisfaction and thus strongly affects a Web site's success. Usability guidelines are crucial for library Web developers to create user friendly and functional sites. In this research, the authors reviewed the Web site/usability guidelines of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members to determine usability initiatives and strategies at these institutions. In addition, the researchers created and distributed a survey to investigate specific issues such as usability testing, staffing, and oversight.
Biography:
Yu-Hui Chen is a third year doctoral student in the Information Science Ph.D. Program. She is also the Bibliographer and Outreach Librarian for Education at the University at Albany . Her research interests include information organization, Human-Computer Interaction, Web usability, and user studies. With an IFW Presidential Award and other professional development grants, she is attending the 2007 Usability in Practice three-day workshop held by the Nielsen Norman Group (chaired by Jakob Nielsen, the world-renowned scholar on Web usability) from April 22 to April 24 in Washington D.C.
Carol Anne Germain is the Networked Resources Education Librarian at the University at Albany . In this position, she teaches UNL 205 (the Libraries' credit-based information literacy course) and other course-related sessions; develops web-based instruction; and provides reference services at the University Library. Her research interests include the persistence of URLs in academic resources, Web usability and instruction. Her articles appear in the peer-reviewed journals, College & Research Libraries, portal, and the Journal of Academic Librarianship.
Don Robadue & Terry Maxwell
Tuna May be the King of the Sea, but Who is the King of the Tuna? Information System Dynamics and Drivers of Policy in Blue Fin Tuna Ranching in Mexico , Australia and the Mediterranean Sea
Abstract:
Finfish aquaculture is a major and growing use of the world's coastal and marine zones. A wide range of species is cultivated to meet protein needs for local populations and for export to global mass markets. These range from the humble salmon and shrimp to the exotic blue fin tuna, highly prized fish for sashimi in Japan and other Asian countries. The demand for seafood is expected to outstrip supply from wild and aquaculture sources. Rohana Subasinghe, the lead author of a new United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report, The State of World Aquaculture, 2006, states: “It is apparent that the aquaculture sector continues to intensify and diversify, is continuing to use new species and is modifying its systems and practices. Effective regulation is only possible with an effective information system."
Tuna ranching is a highly specialized value-added economic activity along the coast of Baja California in Mexico, southern Australia and the Mediterranean region involving the live capture and transport of migrating juvenile blue fin tuna to pens located near shore, where they are fed for a period of months then harvested, processed and shipped fresh to Japan. Little is known about the functioning of Mexican tuna ranching, compared to its Australian and controversial Mediterranean competitors. The presentation examines the information flows surrounding the management of this activity and asks what kind of information system could be helpful in contributing to adequate planning, regulation and monitoring of mariculture so it can provide sustained benefits? The presentation compares the structure and reference mode dynamics of a model of the industry from two main approaches: content analysis and system dynamics modeling. It concludes with evidence of policy resistance at the global scale in part through strategic disruption of information flows by key stakeholders.
Biography:
Don Robadue is a third year Ph.D. student in Information Studies, focusing on decision and policy sciences and holds a master's degree in Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island (1976), a B.A. in sociology from the University of Massachusetts (1974) and a certificate of advanced study from MIT (2000). He is a planner, project manager and trainer in the field of coastal resources management at the Coastal Resources Center , Graduate School of Oceanography, at the University of Rhode Island , including more than two decades working in Latin America , the South Pacific and East Africa . His work as part of a team preparing the Marine Resources Development Plan for Rhode Island, which drew extensively from analyses carried out during his current studies at the University at Albany, won the Northeast Sea Grant outreach award in 2006. He is presently principal investigator for the Tanzania Community Watershed Partnership Program, jointly funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Coca-Cola Company. The work on blue fin tuna ranching is supported through grants from the Packard Foundation.
Terry Maxwell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Studies, where he specializes in information policy and management. He has a A.B. in English from Bard College; an M.P.A. from the University at Albany, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the Rockefeller College, University at Albany, specializing in Policy Analysis and Organizational Behavior. Previously Terry served as the Executive Director of the New York State Forum for Information Resource Management, a membership organization of more than 2500 individuals and 70 NY state and local agencies. His experience with government information resources management spans 30 years. He is a former Eastern Regional Director for the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), and serves as the Research Director for the University’s Intergovernmental Solutions Program. He has consulted on information policy issues for New York state and local government agencies, the US General Accounting Office, and the government of Lebanon .