@phdthesis{Ahmad2014, author = {Ahmad, Nadeem}, title = {People centered HMI's for deaf and functionally illiterate users}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-70391}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The objective and motivation behind this research is to provide applications with easy-to-use interfaces to communities of deaf and functionally illiterate users, which enables them to work without any human assistance. Although recent years have witnessed technological advancements, the availability of technology does not ensure accessibility to information and communication technologies (ICT). Extensive use of text from menus to document contents means that deaf or functionally illiterate can not access services implemented on most computer software. Consequently, most existing computer applications pose an accessibility barrier to those who are unable to read fluently. Online technologies intended for such groups should be developed in continuous partnership with primary users and include a thorough investigation into their limitations, requirements and usability barriers. In this research, I investigated existing tools in voice, web and other multimedia technologies to identify learning gaps and explored ways to enhance the information literacy for deaf and functionally illiterate users. I worked on the development of user-centered interfaces to increase the capabilities of deaf and low literacy users by enhancing lexical resources and by evaluating several multimedia interfaces for them. The interface of the platform-independent Italian Sign Language (LIS) Dictionary has been developed to enhance the lexical resources for deaf users. The Sign Language Dictionary accepts Italian lemmas as input and provides their representation in the Italian Sign Language as output. The Sign Language dictionary has 3082 signs as set of Avatar animations in which each sign is linked to a corresponding Italian lemma. I integrated the LIS lexical resources with MultiWordNet (MWN) database to form the first LIS MultiWordNet(LMWN). LMWN contains information about lexical relations between words, semantic relations between lexical concepts (synsets), correspondences between Italian and sign language lexical concepts and semantic fields (domains). The approach enhances the deaf users' understanding of written Italian language and shows that a relatively small set of lexicon can cover a significant portion of MWN. Integration of LIS signs with MWN made it useful tool for computational linguistics and natural language processing. The rule-based translation process from written Italian text to LIS has been transformed into service-oriented system. The translation process is composed of various modules including parser, semantic interpreter, generator, and spatial allocation planner. This translation procedure has been implemented in the Java Application Building Center (jABC), which is a framework for extreme model driven design (XMDD). The XMDD approach focuses on bringing software development closer to conceptual design, so that the functionality of a software solution could be understood by someone who is unfamiliar with programming concepts. The transformation addresses the heterogeneity challenge and enhances the re-usability of the system. For enhancing the e-participation of functionally illiterate users, two detailed studies were conducted in the Republic of Rwanda. In the first study, the traditional (textual) interface was compared with the virtual character-based interactive interface. The study helped to identify usability barriers and users evaluated these interfaces according to three fundamental areas of usability, i.e. effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. In another study, we developed four different interfaces to analyze the usability and effects of online assistance (consistent help) for functionally illiterate users and compared different help modes including textual, vocal and virtual character on the performance of semi-literate users. In our newly designed interfaces the instructions were automatically translated in Swahili language. All the interfaces were evaluated on the basis of task accomplishment, time consumption, System Usability Scale (SUS) rating and number of times the help was acquired. The results show that the performance of semi-literate users improved significantly when using the online assistance. The dissertation thus introduces a new development approach in which virtual characters are used as additional support for barely literate or naturally challenged users. Such components enhanced the application utility by offering a variety of services like translating contents in local language, providing additional vocal information, and performing automatic translation from text to sign language. Obviously, there is no such thing as one design solution that fits for all in the underlying domain. Context sensitivity, literacy and mental abilities are key factors on which I concentrated and the results emphasize that computer interfaces must be based on a thoughtful definition of target groups, purposes and objectives.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Arnold2014, author = {Arnold, Anne}, title = {Modeling photosynthesis and related metabolic processes : from detailed examination to consideration of the metabolic context}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-72277}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Mathematical modeling of biological systems is a powerful tool to systematically investigate the functions of biological processes and their relationship with the environment. To obtain accurate and biologically interpretable predictions, a modeling framework has to be devised whose assumptions best approximate the examined scenario and which copes with the trade-off of complexity of the underlying mathematical description: with attention to detail or high coverage. Correspondingly, the system can be examined in detail on a smaller scale or in a simplified manner on a larger scale. In this thesis, the role of photosynthesis and its related biochemical processes in the context of plant metabolism was dissected by employing modeling approaches ranging from kinetic to stoichiometric models. The Calvin-Benson cycle, as primary pathway of carbon fixation in C3 plants, is the initial step for producing starch and sucrose, necessary for plant growth. Based on an integrative analysis for model ranking applied on the largest compendium of (kinetic) models for the Calvin-Benson cycle, those suitable for development of metabolic engineering strategies were identified. Driven by the question why starch rather than sucrose is the predominant transitory carbon storage in higher plants, the metabolic costs for their synthesis were examined. The incorporation of the maintenance costs for the involved enzymes provided a model-based support for the preference of starch as transitory carbon storage, by only exploiting the stoichiometry of synthesis pathways. Many photosynthetic organisms have to cope with processes which compete with carbon fixation, such as photorespiration whose impact on plant metabolism is still controversial. A systematic model-oriented review provided a detailed assessment for the role of this pathway in inhibiting the rate of carbon fixation, bridging carbon and nitrogen metabolism, shaping the C1 metabolism, and influencing redox signal transduction. The demand of understanding photosynthesis in its metabolic context calls for the examination of the related processes of the primary carbon metabolism. To this end, the Arabidopsis core model was assembled via a bottom-up approach. This large-scale model can be used to simulate photoautotrophic biomass production, as an indicator for plant growth, under so-called optimal, carbon-limiting and nitrogen-limiting growth conditions. Finally, the introduced model was employed to investigate the effects of the environment, in particular, nitrogen, carbon and energy sources, on the metabolic behavior. This resulted in a purely stoichiometry-based explanation for the experimental evidence for preferred simultaneous acquisition of nitrogen in both forms, as nitrate and ammonium, for optimal growth in various plant species. The findings presented in this thesis provide new insights into plant system's behavior, further support existing opinions for which mounting experimental evidences arise, and posit novel hypotheses for further directed large-scale experiments.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Bamberg2014, author = {Bamberg, Marlene}, title = {Planetary mapping tools applied to floor-fractured craters on Mars}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-72104}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Planetary research is often user-based and requires considerable skill, time, and effort. Unfortunately, self-defined boundary conditions, definitions, and rules are often not documented or not easy to comprehend due to the complexity of research. This makes a comparison to other studies, or an extension of the already existing research, complicated. Comparisons are often distorted, because results rely on different, not well defined, or even unknown boundary conditions. The purpose of this research is to develop a standardized analysis method for planetary surfaces, which is adaptable to several research topics. The method provides a consistent quality of results. This also includes achieving reliable and comparable results and reducing the time and effort of conducting such studies. A standardized analysis method is provided by automated analysis tools that focus on statistical parameters. Specific key parameters and boundary conditions are defined for the tool application. The analysis relies on a database in which all key parameters are stored. These databases can be easily updated and adapted to various research questions. This increases the flexibility, reproducibility, and comparability of the research. However, the quality of the database and reliability of definitions directly influence the results. To ensure a high quality of results, the rules and definitions need to be well defined and based on previously conducted case studies. The tools then produce parameters, which are obtained by defined geostatistical techniques (measurements, calculations, classifications). The idea of an automated statistical analysis is tested to proof benefits but also potential problems of this method. In this study, I adapt automated tools for floor-fractured craters (FFCs) on Mars. These impact craters show a variety of surface features, occurring in different Martian environments, and having different fracturing origins. They provide a complex morphological and geological field of application. 433 FFCs are classified by the analysis tools due to their fracturing process. Spatial data, environmental context, and crater interior data are analyzed to distinguish between the processes involved in floor fracturing. Related geologic processes, such as glacial and fluvial activity, are too similar to be separately classified by the automated tools. Glacial and fluvial fracturing processes are merged together for the classification. The automated tools provide probability values for each origin model. To guarantee the quality and reliability of the results, classification tools need to achieve an origin probability above 50 \%. This analysis method shows that 15 \% of the FFCs are fractured by intrusive volcanism, 20 \% by tectonic activity, and 43 \% by water \& ice related processes. In total, 75 \% of the FFCs are classified to an origin type. This can be explained by a combination of origin models, superposition or erosion of key parameters, or an unknown fracturing model. Those features have to be manually analyzed in detail. Another possibility would be the improvement of key parameters and rules for the classification. This research shows that it is possible to conduct an automated statistical analysis of morphologic and geologic features based on analysis tools. Analysis tools provide additional information to the user and are therefore considered assistance systems.}, language = {en} } @article{Boka2014, author = {B{\´o}ka, J{\´a}nos}, title = {Use of the Comparative Method by the Hungarian Constitutional Court - Conceptual and Methodological Framework for an Ongoing Research Project}, series = {Internationale Konferenz zum zehnj{\"a}hrigen Bestehen des Instituts f{\"u}r Rechtsvergleichung der Universit{\"a}t Szeged}, journal = {Internationale Konferenz zum zehnj{\"a}hrigen Bestehen des Instituts f{\"u}r Rechtsvergleichung der Universit{\"a}t Szeged}, number = {1}, editor = {Bad{\´o}, Attila and Belling, Detlev W. and B{\´o}ka, J{\´a}nos and Mezei, P{\´e}ter}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-73632}, pages = {93 -- 107}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{Cheesman2014, author = {Cheesman, Samantha Joy}, title = {Comparative Perspectives on Plea Bargaining in Germany and the U.S.A.}, series = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, journal = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, number = {2}, editor = {Bad{\´o}, Attila and Belling, Detlev W.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-74572}, pages = {113 -- 151}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{Csatlos2014, author = {Csatl{\´o}s, Erzs{\´e}bet}, title = {The Application of International Law as an Instrument of Interpretation in Hungary - the Practice of the Constitutional Court and Ordinary Courts in a Comparative Approach}, series = {Internationale Konferenz zum zehnj{\"a}hrigen Bestehen des Instituts f{\"u}r Rechtsvergleichung der Universit{\"a}t Szeged}, journal = {Internationale Konferenz zum zehnj{\"a}hrigen Bestehen des Instituts f{\"u}r Rechtsvergleichung der Universit{\"a}t Szeged}, number = {1}, editor = {Bad{\´o}, Attila and Belling, Detlev W. and B{\´o}ka, J{\´a}nos and Mezei, P{\´e}ter}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-73683}, pages = {127 -- 142}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{Drori2014, author = {Drori, Itamar}, title = {The Beruriah Incident}, series = {PaRDeS : Zeitschrift der Vereinigung f{\"u}r J{\"u}dische Studien e.V.}, volume = {20}, journal = {PaRDeS : Zeitschrift der Vereinigung f{\"u}r J{\"u}dische Studien e.V.}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}tsverlag Potsdam}, address = {Potsdam}, issn = {1614-6492}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-71682}, pages = {99 -- 116}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The story known as the Beruriah Incident, which appears in Rashi's commentary on bAvodah Zarah 18b (related to ATU types 920A* and 823A*), describes the failure and tragic end of R. Meir and his wife Beruriah, two tannaic role-models. This article examines the authenticity of the story by tracking the method of distribution in traditional Jewish society before the modern era, and comparing the story's components with rabbinic literature and international folklore.}, language = {en} } @book{Ehebrecht2014, author = {Ehebrecht, Daniel}, title = {The challenge of informal settlement upgrading : Breaking new ground in Hangberg, Cape Town?}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}tsverlag Potsdam}, address = {Potsdam}, isbn = {978-3-86956-300-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-71232}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {184}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Despite its many challenges and limitations the concept of in situ upgrading of informal settlements has become one of the most favoured approaches to the housing crisis in the 'Global South'. Due to its inherent principles of incremental in situ development, prevention of relocations, protection of local livelihoods and democratic participation and cooperation, this approach is often perceived to be more sustainable than other housing approaches that often rely on quantitative housing delivery and top down planning methodologies. While this study does not question the benefits of the in situ upgrading approach, it seeks to identify problems of its practical implementation within a specific national and local context. The study discusses the origin and importance of this approach on the basis of a review of international housing policy development and analyses the broader political and social context of the incorporation of this approach into South African housing policy. It further uses insights from a recent case study in Cape Town to determine complications and conflicts that can arise when applying in situ upgrading of informal settlements in a complex local context. On that basis benefits and limitations of the in situ upgrading approach are specified and prerequisites for its successful implementation formulated.}, language = {en} } @article{Ember2014, author = {Ember, Alex}, title = {The History of the Hungarian Social Security System}, series = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, journal = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, number = {2}, editor = {Bad{\´o}, Attila and Belling, Detlev W.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-74593}, pages = {165 -- 189}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FarkasCsamango2014, author = {Farkas Csamang{\´o}, Erika}, title = {Hungarian Legislation on Climate Protection}, series = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, journal = {Rechtsentwicklungen aus europ{\"a}ischer Perspektive im 21. Jahrhundert}, number = {2}, editor = {Bad{\´o}, Attila and Belling, Detlev W.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-74583}, pages = {153 -- 162}, year = {2014}, language = {en} }