Widening the net

Widening the Evaluation Net

Intelligent Virtual Agent (IVA) systems are notoriously difficult to evaluate, particularly due to the subjectivity involved. From the various efforts to develop standard evaluation schemes for IVA systems the scheme proposed by Isbister & Doyle, which evaluates systems across five categories, seems particularly appropriate. To examine how these categories are being used, the evaluations presen...

e-Participation and Governance: Widening the net

As a solution to declining political and civic participation, many governments are seeking to increase the number of citizens who participate in policy-making and governance. Contrary to early expectations, recent research suggests that new information and communications technologies (ICTs) may not increase participation rates in formal organisations, and so may not improve participation rates....

Widening the net on genome sequencing

GENOMES: With the DNA sequencing of most key model organisms finished or well on the way, one genomics institute is filling an important niche, using novel criteria to take on species from organisms that occupy a unique place in the evolutionary tree to others that have an ability to digest explosives.

Widening the Net in Juvenile Justice and the Dangers of Prevention and Early Intervention

Introduction In recent years as concerns over youth violence and youth crime has increased, policy makers have devoted more resources to delinquency prevention programs. These prevention programs are generally based on the premise that early intervention reduces the likelihood that youths will later end up in the juvenile or criminal justice system. However, as prevention programs expand, polic...

Widening the Net: Considerations in Interpreting “Literacy Skills, Non-Cognitive Skills and Earnings: An Economist’s Perspective”