Editorial

Citation

Khalil Ibrahim, I., Tanier, D. and Pardede, E. (2007), "Editorial", International Journal of Web Information Systems, Vol. 3 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijwis.2007.36203caa.001

Editorial

In this issue of IJWIS, we have five papers: the first is titled “Web-based structured hypermedia algorithm explanation system” by Elhadi Shakshuki, Andreas Kerren, and Tomasz Müldner introduces a system called structured hypermedia algorithm explanation (SHALEX), that was developed as a solution for the limitations existing within the current traditional algorithm animation systems. SHALEX provides several novel features, such as use of invariants, reflection of the high-level structure of an algorithm rather than low-level steps, and support for programming the algorithm in any procedural or object-oriented programming language. By defining the structure of an algorithm as a directed graph of abstractions, algorithms may be studied top-down, bottom-up, or using a mix of the two. In addition, SHALEX includes a learner model to provide spatial links, and to support evaluations and adaptations.

The second paper “Architectural approach for handling semi-structured data in a user-centred working environment” by Andreas Ekelhart, Stefan Fenz, Gernot Goluch, Markus D. Klemen, and Edgar R. Weippl aims at discovering new ways of searching and finding semi-structured data by integrating semantic metadata. The proposed architecture allows cross border searches spanning various applications and operating system activities (e.g. file access and network traffic) and improves the human working process by offering context specific, automatically generated links that are created using ontologies.

The third paper “An innovative web-based approach for study skills development in higher education” by Caitriona Bermingham and Abdulhussain E. Mahdi describes a new custom-built learning content management system, which renders intelligent tutoring modules for the provision of study skills training, with emphasis on the educational pedagogies used by the system to deliver the training. The system comprises two principal units; an administrator unit and a student user unit. The administrator unit is designed to enable authorised users with no prior knowledge of web application design and development to create and modify highly dynamic and engaging multimedia training modules. The student unit delivers highly interactive and user-customised modules to help students develop their skills, using a pedagogical approaches based on active, student-centred and peer-assisted learning.

The fourth paper “An efficient algorithm for tree pattern query minimization under broad integrity constraints” by Dunren Che addresses the problem of tree pattern query minimization for efficient XML query processing. Although various minimization schemes/algorithms have been proposed, none of them can exploit broad integrity constraints for thoroughly minimizing the tree patterns in XML queries. The paper presents a novel scheme and an efficient algorithm for XML query pattern minimization under broad ICs which can be used to achieve a kind of quick optimisation for XML queries via fast minimization of the tree patterns involved in XML queries under broad ICs.

The fifth paper “Mubser: a bilingual Braille to text translation with an Arabic interface” by AbdulMalik Al-Salman, Mohamed Alkanhal, Yousef AlOhali, Hazem Al-Rashedand Bander Al-Sulami explains the development of a system called Mubser to translate Arabic and English Braille into normal text. The system can automatically detect the source language and the Braille grade. The system uses the concept of rule file to translate supported languages from Braille to text. The rule file is based on XML format. The identification of the source language and grade is based on a statistical approach.

Ismail Khalil Ibrahim, David Tanier and Eric Pardede