A peer-to-peer communication function among Web browsers for Web-based Volunteer Computing

Author(s):  
Makoto Kuhara ◽  
Noriki Amano ◽  
Kan Watanabe ◽  
Yasuyuki Nogami ◽  
Masaru Fukushi
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Vitger ◽  
Henning Langberg ◽  
Dan Grabowski

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent chronic disease that affects not just patients but entire families. Both the patient and the rest of the family may benefit from gaining knowledge about the disease and from supportive interfamilial interaction. The Internet is becoming a widely-used resource for health information, so a Web-based solution could potentially promote awareness and knowledge on how to manage T2D as a family, while also providing support for the family. OBJECTIVE We aim to assess the usage of online diabetes information by patients with T2D and their relatives, and explore the families’ needs and preferences regarding online information on diabetes. METHODS A quantitative self-reported questionnaire survey was performed with Danish families that had at least one family member diagnosed with T2D. The survey consisted of 36 closed questions on demographics, usage of the Internet, preferences in the source of information, interest in online information on six problem domains within family life related to T2D, preferences towards the delivery format of online information, and peer-to-peer communication. Two open-ended questions were also included to elicit any additional comments or suggestions about improving online information on T2D regarding family life. RESULTS Fifty participants from 22 families with T2D answered the questionnaire individually. Relatives (25/28, 89%) and patients (22/22, 100%) indicated that information on T2D is relevant for them, while indicating that the Internet is the first or second preferred source when in need of information on T2D (25/28, 89% vs 21/22, 95%). Only a minority of the participants indicated that they had searched the Internet to gain knowledge on T2D regarding family life (9/28, 32% vs 10/22, 46%). Also, patients were more likely to have used the Internet to gain information on T2D (P=.027). Both groups indicated a preference for watching videos or reading about T2D in relation to family life while a minority of the participants indicated an interest in peer-to-peer communication. Regarding the six problem domains, the domains Support, Knowledge, and Everyday Life were slightly more popular. These three domains were considered interesting by at least 79% (22/28) and 73% (16/22) of the relatives and patients respectively, while the domains Communication, Worries, and Roles were considered interesting by at least 46% (20/28) and 50% (11/22). CONCLUSIONS Despite an interest in online information on T2D, there appears to be an unsatisfied need for more supportive online information on T2D aimed at Danish families with T2D. Based on family preferences, online information should focus on the six problem domains and be presented through text and videos by health care practitioners and peers. Peer-to-peer communication elements may be beneficial, but are only expected to be used by a very limited number of families.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (07) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongcheng Lei ◽  
Wenshan Hu ◽  
Hong Zhou

<div class="WordSection1"><p><span style="font-size: 10px;">With the recent achievements in Internet and communication technology and its utilization in online laboratory, remote learning and online laboratory are made possible in the last few decades. This not only provides learning opportunities for people living in rural areas of developing countries, but also offers simple alternatives for those who are already able to access educational resources. The evolution of Web technologies makes it relatively easy to facilitate laboratory deployments, thus, more and more different online laboratory platforms emerge. However, the use of Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML5) and related standards such as WebGL and CSS3 in experimental platform, which is future trends and provides full-featured environment, is rare so far. This paper introduces a new HTML5 version of Networked Control System Laboratory (NCSLab), which has been developing for over 10 years since 2006. The 3D version of NCSLab has been developing for almost 5 years in Wuhan University (WHU), whose rendering solution is changed from Flash 3D engine to HTML5 recently. Therefore, Flash player plug-in is eliminated to provide better user experience for users since most of the mainstream web browsers are compatible with HTML5.</span></p></div>


Author(s):  
Richard D. Johnson

Although previous research has suggested that women may be at a learning disadvantage in e-learning environments, this study examines communication differences between women and men, arguing that women’s communication patterns may provide them with a learning advantage. Using data from 303 males and 252 females, this paper discusses gender differences in course communication processes and course outcomes in a web-based introductory information systems course. Results indicate that women communicated more, perceived the environment to have greater social presence, were more satisfied with the course, found the course to be of greater value, and had marginally better performance than men. Despite the challenges facing women in e-learning environments, the results of this study suggest that e-learning environments that allow for peer to peer communication and connectedness can help females overcome some of these disadvantages. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.


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