Research

417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Data Protection Safeguards Ethically

by Ugo Pagallo

Information 2011, 2(2), 247-265; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020247 - 29 Mar 2011

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8522

Since the mid 1990s, lawmakers and scholars have worked on the idea of embedding data protection safeguards in information and communication technology (ICT) with the aim to access and control personal data in compliance with current regulatory frameworks. This effort has been strengthened [...] Read more.

Since the mid 1990s, lawmakers and scholars have worked on the idea of embedding data protection safeguards in information and communication technology (ICT) with the aim to access and control personal data in compliance with current regulatory frameworks. This effort has been strengthened by the capacities of computers to draw upon the tools of artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research. However, work on AI and the law entails crucial ethical issues concerning both values and modalities of design. On one hand, design choices might result in conflicts of values and, vice versa, values may affect design features. On the other hand, the modalities of design cannot only limit the impact of harm-generating behavior but also prevent such behavior from occurring via self-enforcement technologies. In order to address some of the most relevant issues of data protection today, the paper suggests we adopt a stricter, yet more effective version of “privacy by design.” The goal should be to reinforce people’s pre-existing autonomy, rather than having to build it from scratch. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trust and Privacy in Our Networked World)

539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of “Characteristic” Terms in MEDLINE Literatures

by Neil R. Smalheiser, Wei Zhou and Vetle I. Torvik

Information 2011, 2(2), 266-276; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020266 - 30 Mar 2011

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7638

Abstract

Given the occurrence frequency of any term within any set of articles within MEDLINE, we define “characteristic” terms as words and phrases that occur in that literature more frequently than expected by chance (at p [...] Read more.

Given the occurrence frequency of any term within any set of articles within MEDLINE, we define “characteristic” terms as words and phrases that occur in that literature more frequently than expected by chance (at p < 0.001 or better). In this report, we studied how the cut-off criterion varied as a function of literature size and term frequency in MEDLINE as a whole, and have compared the distribution of characteristic terms within a number of journal-defined, affiliation-defined and random literatures. We also investigated how the characteristic terms were distributed among MEDLINE titles, abstracts, and last sentence of abstracts, including “regularized” terms that appear both in the title and abstract of the same paper for at least one paper in the literature. For a set of 10 disciplinary journals, the characteristic terms comprised 18% of the total terms on average. Characteristic terms are utilized in several of our web-based services (Anne O’Tate and Arrowsmith), and should be useful for a variety of other information-processing tasks designed to improve text mining in MEDLINE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Information Applications)

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346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spencer-Brown vs. Probability and Statistics: Entropy’s Testimony on Subjective and Objective Randomness

by Julio Michael Stern

Information 2011, 2(2), 277-301; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020277 - 04 Apr 2011

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7491

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of entropy in Bayesian statistics, focusing on its use as a tool for detection, recognition and validation of eigen-solutions. “Objects as eigen-solutions” is a key metaphor of the cognitive constructivism epistemological framework developed by the philosopher Heinz von [...] Read more.

This article analyzes the role of entropy in Bayesian statistics, focusing on its use as a tool for detection, recognition and validation of eigen-solutions. “Objects as eigen-solutions” is a key metaphor of the cognitive constructivism epistemological framework developed by the philosopher Heinz von Foerster. Special attention is given to some objections to the concepts of probability, statistics and randomization posed by George Spencer-Brown, a figure of great influence in the field of radical constructivism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "FIS 2010 Beijing")

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743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Approaches to Referential Domains and the On-Line Processing of Referring Expressions in Unscripted Conversation

by Sarah Brown-Schmidt and Agnieszka E. Konopka

Information 2011, 2(2), 302-326; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020302 - 06 May 2011

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 9141

Abstract

This article describes research investigating the on-line processing of language in unscripted conversational settings. In particular, we focus on the process of formulating and interpreting definite referring expressions. Within this domain we present results of two eye-tracking experiments addressing the problem of how [...] Read more.

This article describes research investigating the on-line processing of language in unscripted conversational settings. In particular, we focus on the process of formulating and interpreting definite referring expressions. Within this domain we present results of two eye-tracking experiments addressing the problem of how speakers interrogate the referential domain in preparation to speak, how they select an appropriate expression for a given referent, and how addressees interpret these expressions. We aim to demonstrate that it is possible, and indeed fruitful, to examine unscripted, conversational language using modified experimental designs and standard hypothesis testing procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognition and Communication)

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230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Floridi’s “Open Problems in Philosophy of Information”, Ten Years Later

by Gordana Dodig Crnkovic and Wolfgang Hofkirchner

Information 2011, 2(2), 327-359; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020327 - 23 May 2011

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 13696

Abstract

In his article Open Problems in the Philosophy of Information [1] Luciano Floridi presented a Philosophy of Information research program in the form of eighteen open problems, covering the following fundamental areas: Information definition, information semantics, intelligence/cognition, informational universe/nature and values/ethics. We revisit [...] Read more.

In his article Open Problems in the Philosophy of Information [1] Luciano Floridi presented a Philosophy of Information research program in the form of eighteen open problems, covering the following fundamental areas: Information definition, information semantics, intelligence/cognition, informational universe/nature and values/ethics. We revisit Floridi’s program, highlighting some of the major advances, commenting on unsolved problems and rendering the new landscape of the Philosophy of Information (PI) emerging at present. As we analyze the progress of PI we try to situate Floridi’s program in the context of scientific and technological development that have been made last ten years. We emphasize that Philosophy of Information is a huge and vibrant research field, with its origins dating before Open Problems, and its domains extending even outside their scope. In this paper, we have been able only to sketch some of the developments during the past ten years. Our hope is that, even if fragmentary, this review may serve as a contribution to the effort of understanding the present state of the art and the paths of development of Philosophy of Information as seen through the lens of Open Problems. Full article

173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pervasive Computing, Privacy and Distribution of the Self

by Soraj Hongladarom

Information 2011, 2(2), 360-371; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020360 - 27 May 2011

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6599

Abstract

The emergence of what is commonly known as “ambient intelligence” or “ubiquitous computing” means that our conception of privacy and trust needs to be reconsidered. Many have voiced their concerns about the threat to privacy and the more prominent role of trust that [...] Read more.

The emergence of what is commonly known as “ambient intelligence” or “ubiquitous computing” means that our conception of privacy and trust needs to be reconsidered. Many have voiced their concerns about the threat to privacy and the more prominent role of trust that have been brought about by emerging technologies. In this paper, I will present an investigation of what this means for the self and identity in our ambient intelligence environment. Since information about oneself can be actively distributed and processed, it is proposed that in a significant sense it is the self itself that is distributed throughout a pervasive or ubiquitous computing network when information pertaining to the self of the individual travels through the network. Hence privacy protection needs to be extended to all types of information distributed. It is also recommended that appropriately strong legislation on privacy and data protection regarding this pervasive network is necessary, but at present not sufficient, to ensure public trust. What is needed is a campaign on public awareness and positive perception of the technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trust and Privacy in Our Networked World)

58 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward a New Science of Information

by Wolfgang Hofkirchner

Information 2011, 2(2), 372-382; https://doi.org/10.3390/info2020372 - 16 Jun 2011

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6598

Abstract

Currently, a Science of Information does not exist. What we have is Information Science that grew out of Library and Documentation Science with the help of Computer Science. The basic understanding of information in Information Science is the Shannon type of “information” at [...] Read more.

Currently, a Science of Information does not exist. What we have is Information Science that grew out of Library and Documentation Science with the help of Computer Science. The basic understanding of information in Information Science is the Shannon type of “information” at which numerous criticisms have been levelled so far. The task of an as-yet-to-be-developed Science of Information would be to study the feasibility of, and to advance, approaches toward a more general Theory of Information and toward a common concept of information. What scientific requirements need to be met when trying to develop a Science of Information? What are the aims of a Science of Information? What is the scope of a Science of Information? What tools should a Science of Information make use of? The present paper responds to these questions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "FIS 2010 Beijing")

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Information, Volume 2, Issue 2 (June 2011) – 7 articles , Pages 247-382

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