http://hdl.handle.net/2436/110737 Sun, 26 May 2013 07:31:13 GMT 2013-05-26T07:31:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/106644 Title: $1 Internet - exploiting limited bandwidth in developing countries Authors: Heinz, Ignatz; Dennett, Christopher Paul Abstract: INFONET-BioVision.org is an freely available internet based knowledge-management system, funded by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LDS) and the BioVision Foundation for Environment and Development, that offers Kenyan farmers information on affordable, effective and ecologically sound technologies in crop and livestock production as well as environmental and human health. One of the challenges faced by the project is the secure provision of information to the rural areas that would most benefit from advice on crop pests and productivity [Avallain, 2008] . Bandwidth is sometimes available in these areas, but is limited, unmanaged and relatively expensive. This paper discusses current work in the development of a novel system that brings together hardware and software to make better use of available bandwidth, whilst offering a financially viable and sustainable method of extending internet provision to these hard-to-reach areas, providing rural farmers with access to the INFONET-BioVision platform and other internet based sources of information. The system currently in development is premised on the fact that some internet based applications require more bandwidth than others. Moreover, their real-time requirements differ greatly. Although it is conceivable that a number of users can share low-bandwidth connections, the multiple bandwidth requests created can easily overwhelm the connection due to the way in which these are managed by protocols developed for bandwidth-rich countries. This results in virtually no bandwidth availability for the user applications themselves. It is clear, therefore, that to maximise the number of users on one low-bandwidth connection, allocation should take place before applications actually make the bandwidth requests. Indeed, similar bandwidth management exists on a larger scale, with domestic broadband providers controlling the amount of data provided through existing channels to a home user at the exchange, based on a tariff system. The system effectively applies a scaled down version of this scenario to available connectivity, be that GPRS, satellite or wired. An inexpensive single-board computer acts as a hub between users and internet, allowing software management of bandwidth and connectivity to users mobile devices through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and wired LAN. The allocation of bandwidth to each user is based on a voucher system that effectively splits the cost of the connection. Users purchase these vouchers, which are priced according to usage, ranging from very low, none real-time e-mail access to more expensive web-browsing, prior to accessing the system. The proposed system is intended to provide communities with inexpensive connectivity through shared costs which is scaleable, such that, should there be a requirement for extra provision of bandwidth or number of users, subsequent devices can be added or moved simply, easily and at low cost. The system is scheduled for testing later in 2008, at which point a full evaluation will be undertaken. Description: Abstract only Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/106644 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85974 Title: Dimensions of web site credibility and their relation to active trust and behavioural impact Authors: Cugelman, Brian; Thelwall, Mike; Dawes, Philip L. Abstract: This paper discusses two trends that threaten to undermine the effectiveness of online social marketing interventions: growing mistrust and competition. As a solution, this paper examines the relationships between Web site credibility, target audiences’ active trust and behaviour. Using structural equation modelling to evaluate two credibility models, this study concludes that Web site credibility is best considered a three-dimensional construct composed of expertise, trustworthiness and visual appeal, and that trust plays a partial mediating role between Web site credibility and behavioural impacts. The paper examines theoretical implications of conceptualizing Web sites according to a human credibility model, and factoring trust into Internet-based behavioural change interventions. Practical guidelines suggest ways to address these findings when planning online social marketing interventions. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85974 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85973 Title: Communication-based influence components model Authors: Cugelman, Brian; Thelwall, Mike; Dawes, Philip L. Abstract: This paper discusses problems faced by planners of real-world online behavioural change interventions who must select behavioural change frameworks from a variety of competing theories and taxonomies. As a solution, this paper examines approaches that isolate the components of behavioural influence and shows how these components can be placed within an adapted communication framework to aid the design and analysis of online behavioural change interventions. Finally, using this framework, a summary of behavioural change factors are presented from an analysis of 32 online interventions. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85973 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85507 Title: Proceedings of CGAMES'2009 USA. 14th International Conference on Computer Games: AI, Animation, Mobile, Interactive Multimedia, Educational and Serious Games, 29th July - 2nd August 2009, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Authors: Mehdi, Qasim; Elmaghraby, Adel; Anderson, Don; Ch'ng, Eugene Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/85507 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z