Abstract

The Iranian concept of home goes far beyond physical aspects, and its essence is interwoven with the spiritual nature of humankind. This concept has gained new meanings with the modernization and industrialization of societies. In Iranian architecture, every need is realized in socio-physical systems as well as in design issues. Therefore, spatial relationships are central to architecture, especially residential architecture that addresses a great proportion of an individual׳s daily life. Space syntax seeks to explain how spatial configurations express social or cultural meanings. One such meaning is confidentiality, which was mainly introduced into Iranian architecture as a result of religious beliefs. In Iranian architecture, confidentiality is viewed from the aspect of privacy. This study is a case study that makes use of description, analysis, and logical reasoning. The objective is to analyze behavioral patterns in the spatial configurations of traditional and modern houses in Hamedan. In so doing, library research, software simulation with the UCL Depthmap package, and comparison techniques are utilized. The findings indicate that the spatial configurations of houses have changed in the course of time. In terms of the indices of spatial configurations, however, the striking difference between traditional and modern houses in Hamedan revolves around the integration and equivalence of all spaces in a house. In other words, the hierarchy of access to spaces and the recognition of territories are limited in modern houses. Hence, privacy in modern houses fades.

Abstract

Traditional Islamic teachings and traditions involve guidelines that have direct applications in the domestic sphere. The principles of privacy, modesty, and hospitality are central to these guidelines, each principle has a significant effect on the design of Muslim homes, as well as on the organization of space and domestic behaviors within each home. This paper reviews literature on the privacy, modesty, and hospitality within Muslim homes. Nineteen publications from 1986 to 2013 were selected and analyzed for content related to the meaning of privacy, modesty, and hospitality in Islam and the design of Muslim homes. Despite the commonly shared guidelines for observing privacy, modesty, and hospitality within each home, Muslims living in different countries are influenced by cultural factors that operate within their country of residence. These factors help to shape the architectural styles and use of space within Muslim homes in different ways. Awareness of the multifactorial nature of the influences on the Muslim perception of home and the use of space is necessary for architects, building designers, engineers, and builders to be properly equipped to meet the needs of clients.

Abstract

To explore the relative failure of libraries in the social we, the ideas of community and networking are compared, considering the associated concepts of cognitive surplus and network behavior aswell. The environment is one of a changing universe of almost instant obsolescence, where everything is for sale -especially to users, who give up their privacy. The conclusion: the keys to unlock the language of the network must be mastered in order to take advantage of the benefits and confront potential threats.

Abstract

All trends seem to indicate that, to survive in a virtual environment, mass media need to incorporate some operational principles specific to the social media. This paper focusses on how the traditional Media are implementing 2.0 tools, incorporating to their know-how a new way of interaction with users based on collaborative participation and users- generated content. Some Spanish media, such as Elpais. com for online press and RTVE.es for the audiovisual sector, represent different strategies where users are connected with each other; they share ideas, information, entertainment and projects. However, when using 2.0 tools users and media should know they are facing potential legal risks, especially related to intellectual property, personal data protection, privacy, reputation and right to publicity.

Abstract

Last February, following a change in Facebook’s use policies, a discussion about social networks began in IweTel, expanding on multiple facets of previous messages to the list. Topics included: the policies of use and their acceptance by each individual; the privacy of information and its management; the differences between cloud computing and social networks; and the need to train users in the correct use of social networks as part of an information professional’s profile.

Abstract

Law and Information are two concepts that need each other, although the complexity of their relationship is not always fully understood. We propose an overview of the main areas where this relationship is more intimate and fundamental. To make this overview more comprehensive we will focus on the three functions that Law can exercise over Information: hide, preserve and share. All topics discussed are highly related and the discussion of one has to take into account the other. The good news is that Law has been responding to the needs of the society due to the challenges posed by technological and social changes for millenia and it has the tools to do it again. For this, legal practitioners need the support of information professionals to guide them through all the new phenomena arising from digital information.

Abstract

The main characteristics of cloud computing services are explained and the clauses typically included in contracts between suppliers and customers of such services are discussed. Storing data on a cloud service can be more comfortable for an organization and cheaper than local storage, but it involves several risks. Recommendations are given on how to negotiate contracts. A list of questions to be asked of cloud service suppliers is provided so that a potential client can take an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Abstract

Social networks are becoming overcrowded. Every day people share millions of files, videos and pictures, and the massive use of social networks is replacing other communications channels such as telephone, e-mail or sms. However, these networks are often used without knowing the possible repercussions. Gazela  is a platform with the aim to provide the general society and especially teenagers with the necessary tools to allow them to guarantee their privacy while using social networks. Gazela ’s activity is focused on three main elements: surveillance services, protection services and legal advising services.

Abstract

The main characteristics of cloud computing services are explained and the clauses typically included in contracts between suppliers and customers of such services are discussed. Storing data on a cloud service can be more comfortable for an organization and cheaper than local storage, but it involves several risks. Recommendations are given on how to negotiate contracts. A list of questions to be asked of cloud service suppliers is provided so that a potential client can take an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises.