Virtual Reality for Scientific Visualization: an Exploratory Analysis of Presentation Methods (open access)

Virtual Reality for Scientific Visualization: an Exploratory Analysis of Presentation Methods

Humans are very effective at evaluating information visually. Scientific visualization is concerned with the process of presenting complex data in visual form to exploit this capability. A large array of tools is currently available for visual presentation. This research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of three different presentation models that could be used for scientific visualization. The presentation models studied were, two-dimensional perspective rendering, field sequential stereoscopic three dimensional rendering and immersive virtual reality rendering. A large section of a three dimensional sub surface seismic survey was modeled as four-dimensional data by including a value for seismic reflectivity at each point in the survey. An artificial structure was randomly inserted into this data model and subjects were asked to locate and identify the structures. A group of seventeen volunteers from the University of Houston student body served as subjects for the study. Detection time, discrimination time and discrimination accuracy were recorded. The results showed large inter subject variation in presentation model preference. In addition the data suggest a possible gender effect. Female subjects had better overall performance on the task as well as better task acquisition.
Date: August 1997
Creator: Hetsel, Gene A. (Gene Arthur)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Library CD-ROM LAN Performance and Patron Use: a Computer Simulation Model (open access)

Library CD-ROM LAN Performance and Patron Use: a Computer Simulation Model

In this study, a computer simulation model for library CD-ROM LAN systems was created. Using this model, the system optimization problems were examined. The simulation model imitated the process of the actual decision variables changing their values and generated the corresponding results. Under a certain system environment, if the values of decision variables are changing, the system performances are getting changed also. This study investigated these relationships with the created model. The system users' interarrival time, service time, and other relevant data were collected on randomly selected days in a university library. For data collection, both of the observation and the system automatic metering software were used. According to the collected data, a discrete events simulation model was created with GPSS/H. The simulation model was proven valid and accurate by a pilot test and by the calculation with queuing theory. Statistical tests were used for data comparison and analysis. In addition, animation technique was used to show the simulation process by using Proof Animation. By this technique, the simulation process was monitored on the screen.
Date: May 1996
Creator: Xia, Hong
System: The UNT Digital Library
Information Management in Local Area Networks: Impact on Users' Perceptions (open access)

Information Management in Local Area Networks: Impact on Users' Perceptions

In this study, computer human interaction factors are examined as a possible source of information to aid in the operation and management of local area computer networks. Users' perceptions of computer performance and response time are evaluated in relation to specific modifications in the information organization of a file server in a local area network configuration running in Novell 3.11.
Date: May 1994
Creator: Norton, Melanie J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Effects of Computer Performance Assessment on Student Scores in a Computer Applications Course (open access)

The Effects of Computer Performance Assessment on Student Scores in a Computer Applications Course

The goal of this study was to determine if performance-based tests should be routinely administered to students in computer application courses. The purpose was to determine the most appropriate mode of testing for individuals taking a computer applications course. The study is divided into areas of assessment, personality traits, and computer attitudes.
Date: July 1994
Creator: Casey, Sue Hartness
System: The UNT Digital Library
Evaluation by Korean Students of Major Online Public Access Catalogs in Selected Academic Libraries (open access)

Evaluation by Korean Students of Major Online Public Access Catalogs in Selected Academic Libraries

The objective of this study was to provide information on the characteristics of a specific group of international college students from a developing country in order to assist system managers in the selection of OPACs.
Date: December 1994
Creator: Park, Il-jong
System: The UNT Digital Library