Miguel A. Garcia-Ruiz

An overview of auditory display to assist comprehension of molecular information

This paper presents an overview of auditory display (the use of non-speech sounds to convey information) applied to the study of molecular properties in human-computer interfaces, particularly in virtual environments. Chemistry researchers and students have difficulty in analysing and comprehending molecular structure and bonding and other biomolecular characteristics. Research reports that non-speech sounds have been useful in identifying trends in gene sequences and molecular characteristics, which when used in virtual environments, can facilitate comprehension of complex relationships that are difficult to perceive through visualisation alone.

Technology for Facilitating Humanity and Combating Social Deviations: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

This book presents socio-technical approaches to support the prevention, mitigation, and elimination of social deviations with the help of computer science and technology, providing historical backgrounds, experimental studies, and future perspectives on the use of computing tools to prevent and deal with physical, psychological and social problems that impact society as a whole--Provided by publisher.

A measurement model for secure and usable e-commerce websites

This paper presents a new method to assess usability, security, and e-commerce requirements of websites. Previous research works propose a list of primary requirements for human-computer interaction, security, and e-commerce in an independent way, but they do not integrate these three aspects into a single evaluation method. We present an overview of these basic requirements, which are subsequently incorporated into a set of metrics. The proposed measurement model is based on the Goal Question Metric technique and complemented with a set of mathematical formulae. We show the effectiveness of the metrics by using an illustrative example as a proof-of-concept together with a preliminary usability study.

Collaborating and learning a second language in a Wireless Virtual Reality Environment

Virtual Reality (VR), a computer-generated 3D space that is multisensorial, interactive and engaging, is today one of the new frontiers in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). VR can be used to promote language learning and practice as it simulates reality, while offering a stimuli-rich environment for language students. The purpose of this paper is twofold: To provide an introduction to VR applications in CALL, and to describe the implementation of a Collaborative Virtual Reality Environment (CVRE) running on a wireless network, which is currently being assessed by Mexican Engineering students for listening comprehension practice of the English language.

Toward sound-assisted intrusion detection systems

Network intrusion detection has been generally dealt with using sophisticated software and statistical analysis, although sometimes it has to be done by administrators, either by detecting the intruders in real time or by revising network logs, making this a tedious and timeconsuming task. To support this, intrusion detection analysis has been carried out using visual, auditory or tactile sensory information in computer interfaces. However, little is known about how to best integrate the sensory channels for analyzing intrusion detection alarms. In the past, we proposed a set of ideas outlining the benefits of enhancing intrusion detection alarms with multimodal interfaces. In this paper, we present a simplified sound-assisted attack mitigation system enhanced with auditory channels. Results indicate that the resulting intrusion detection system effectively generates distinctive sounds upon a series of simple attack scenarios consisting of denial-of-service and port scanning.

Cases on Usability Engineering: Design and Development of Digital Products

Cases on Usability Engineering: Design and Development of Digital Products provides readers with case studies and real-life examples on usability methods and techniques to test the design and development of digital products, such as web pages, video games, and mobile computer applications. Students, lecturers, and academics concentrating in computer science can use these cases to investigate how and why usability can improve the design of digital technology, offering diverse technological solutions that many academics have largely failed to disseminate. This book is part of the Advances in Human and Social Aspects of Technology series collection.

MAC Layer Mechanism for Wireless WiMAX Networks with Mesh Topology

The application of wireless local area networks has significantly increased in the last decade, and the 802.11x standards have directed this exponential growth. However, the need to cover greater areas at higher transmission speeds gave rise to the 802.16x standards. These new standards provide the necessary guidelines that establish coverage, transmission capacities, types and quality of services. The technologies required to implement the 802.16x standards, however, are much more costly than traditional WLANs. This work proposes a MAC layer mechanism that increases the coverage area of wireless broadband networks that does not require increased physical infrastructure.

Designing interactive activities within Scratch 2.0 for improving abilities to identify numerical sequences

This paper presents the progress of an ongoing research aimed at developing the number sense in third graders. Based on assessment results of a sample of elementary schools in the Municipality of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, we investigate the problem of mathematics learning with a cognitive approach. The study identifies the students weakness related to their abilities to conceptualize the meaning of the numbers and its relationships. We present the main ideas of pedagogical design of a serious game developed in Scratch 2.0 that enhances the ability to identify and build sequences. Preliminary results suggest the use of a webcam to increase students interaction and improve their numerical abilities.

Evaluation of a Driving Simulator with a Visual and Auditory Interface

Millions of driving accidents occur worldwide each year causing more than a million fatalities. Although traditional safety measures are largely reactive in nature, the application of wireless technologies has become much more common, thus promoting proactive strategies to save lives. This article presents the development and evaluation of usability of a driving simulator with a visual and auditory interface to assist drivers more quickly identify emergencies on the road, which, when used with the support of wireless ad hoc networking, can contribute to reducing vehicular accidents. The usability results obtained in this study were favorable according to the System Usability Scale (SUS) usability questionnaire, which was applied as a post-test. Employing the SUS, respondents reported the interface to be acceptable or good. Results show that utility of the visual interface was 69% and the score for the auditory interface was 100%. In sum, respondents felt the interfaces were useful in reported upcoming emergency or accident situations.

Estudio de usabilidad de visualización molecular educativa en un teléfono inteligente

Chemistry students have difficulty understanding molecular structures and their functions. To aide their comprehension, molecular visualization software has been developed to run on smart phones, but in order to positively influence learning it must have a high degree of usability (usability measures how software is used in terms of efficiency, efficacy and satisfaction). This paper describes a usability study of molecular visualization software running on a smart phone, where chemistry students analyzed molecular models. Results showed very good usability and 95% of students wanted to use it in further classes.