Theo W.C. Huibers

Investigating aboutness axioms using information fields

This article proposes a framework, a so called information field, which allows information retrieval mechanisms to be compared inductively instead of experimentally. Such a comparison occurs as follows: Both retrieval mechanisms are first mapped to an associated information field. Within the field, the axioms that drive the retrieval process can be filtered out. Tn this way, the implicit assumptions governing an information retrieval mechanism can be brought to light. The retrieval mechanisms can then be compared according to which axioms they are governed by. Using this method it is shown that Boolean retrieval is more powerful than a strict form of coordinate retrieval. The salient point is not this result in itself, but how the result was achieved.

A study of aboutness in information retrieval

This paper addresses the notion of aboutness in information retrieval. First, an exposition is given on how aboutness relates to relevance—a fundamental notion in information retrieval. A short summary is given on how aboutness is defined in more prominent information retrieval models. A model-theoretic definition of aboutness is then analyzed in an abstract setting using so called information fields. These allows properties of aboutness to be expressed independent of any given information retrieval model. As a consequence, information retrieval models can be theoretically compared according to what aboutness postulates they support. The Boolean and Coordinate retrieval models are compared in this fashion. In addition to model-theoretic aboutness, preferential entailment and conditional probabilities are employed to define aboutness between primitive information carriers. The preferential entailment approach is based on a preference semantics derived from nonmonotonic logics. The nonmonotonic behaviour of aboutness under information composition is highlighted. Rules describing how aboutness may be preserved under composition are proposed. Finally, a term aboutness definition drawn from a network-based probabilistic framework is analyzed. Conclusions regarding the implied retrieval effectiveness are drawn.

Information retrieval and situation theory

In 1986, Van Rijsbergen suggested a model of an information retrieval system based on logic. We have advocated in earlier work that a logical approach should be based on a theory of information, Situation Theory, which provides a powerful range of concepts, and is useful for modelling documents and queries for the purpose of information retrieval. We also showed that Situation Theory provides a framework to represent different types of information retrieval models, thus allowing speculation on their properties and their characterization language. This paper is an essay to convince the reader that Situation Theory presents many characteristics that are both adequate and appropriate for the modelling and the study of information retrieval.

Changes in the value chain of scientific information: economic consequences for academic institutions

The economic impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the academic library and on the academic institution are discussed in terms of changes in the value chain of scientific information induced by the use of ICT. Argues that ICT is a very strong engine for change as it has the potential not only to transform the research information system, but also the educational information system or even the education system at large. Academic institutions will have to create their own publishing and archiving environments using the same technology as in research publishing. These developments will have a profound impact on the value chain of scientific information as it leads academic institutions to assume entirely new roles in this chain and to develop new capabilities. As well as a digital collection strategy, academic libraries will develop strategies for supporting e-learning and e-publishing. This leads to changes in the economic conditions at the institutional and also industrial level. The developments will be discussed in general.

Conceptual Graph Aboutness

In this paper we present an information retrieval model based on conceptual graphs named Elen [1]. In Elen a conceptual graph is a representative of the information inherent in the document and query. Graph operators can be used to determine whether a graph is a generalisation of another graph, in which case the information carried by the graph is said to be about the information carried by the generalisation of the graph. In this article we want to compare this conceptual graph aboutness with aboutness derivations of other information retrieval models. The aboutness derivations are first mapped to a situated logic framework. Within this framework, the axioms that drive the retrieval process can be filtered out. The retrieval mechanism can then be compared with other approaches according to which axioms they are governed by. Using this method we can show that Elen is indeed closely related to other classical aboutness derivations, and that in some aspects it has even more potential from an information retrieval perspective.

Towards an Axiomatic Aboutness Theory for Information Retrieval

In order to improve IR techniques, a detailed study of matching in IR systems is needed. This would allow us to evaluate, the way IR systems compute aboutness of documents with respect to queries.

Social Media Participation and Local Politics: A Case Study of the Enschede Council in the Netherlands

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are often seen as political game changers. Yet little is known of the effects of social media on local politics. In this paper the Social Media Participation Model (SMPM) is introduced for studying the effects of social media on local political communities. The SMPM aims to explore the relationship between Social Media Participation and Community Participation. The model comprises four constructs: Social Media Choice, Social Media Use, Sense of Community and Community Engagement. The design of the case study was based on the SMPM and took place among the members and parties of the Enschede council, from a large municipality in the Netherlands. Social media participation levels were measured and compared with the Social Media Indicator (SMI). A negative correlation between Social Media Use and Sense of Community has been discovered. However, we could not find a causal effect that explains this correlation. To analyze the effects in more detail, we show directions for further improvement of the model.

TeddIR: tangible information retrieval for children

Despite several efforts to make search engines more child-friendly, children still have trouble using systems that require keyboard input. We present TeddIR: a system using a tangible interface that allows children to search for books by placing tangible figurines and books they like/dislike in a green/red box, causing relevant results to be shown on a display. This way, issues with spelling and query formulation are avoided. A fully functional prototype was built and evaluated with children aged 6--8 at a primary school. The children understood TeddIR to a large extent and enjoyed the playful interaction.

Social Media Indicator and Local Elections in the Netherlands: Towards a Framework for Evaluating the Influence of Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook

Social media has become a popular tool in the political landscape. As a result, it is of increased importance to evaluate social media campaigns of politicians. However, there is currently little knowledge how to measure and evaluate the influence of social media in political campaigns, especially at the local scale. This chapter is a step further towards the development of a theoretical framework and an algorithm that contributes to more reliable impact measurement of social media campaigns by politicians. The Social Media Indicator-2 framework and a related scoring algorithm are introduced to evaluate the influence of individual political candidates via social media on their social environment. The framework is tested by applying it in an empirical pilot study based on the local 2014 municipal elections in the Netherlands. We collected data for the political candidates and their parties in a pre-defined period and were able to relate scores to voting outcome. Positive correlations were revealed between social media contribution scores of politicians and their preference votes within the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands.

Measuring the effects of social media participation on political party communities

Political parties can potentially benefit from Social Media to shape interactions between their members. This chapter presents the Social Media Participation Model (SMPM), which measures the effects of Social Media Participation on political party communities. As people and politicians increasingly adopt Social Media, measuring the effects of Social Media participation on party communities has become more important. However, a literature review revealed that currently there are few measurement methods. Furthermore, most politicians do not know how to use Social Media effectively. Therefore, we propose the Social Media Participation Model that reflects two concepts: Social Media Participation and Community Participation. To measure Social Media Participation, we developed the Social Media Indicator to assess the Social Media use by politicians. Additionally, we integrate media choice theory to evaluate appropriateness of Social Media for certain tasks and strategies. For measuring Community Participation, we deploy the following two constructs: Community Engagement and Sense of Community. By obtaining results from the Social Media Participation Model, it will be clear which use of Social Media positively influence member participation within political communities. This model is the first step in developing a standardized instrument to explore the impact of Social Media Participation on Community Participation.