bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation Approach of Arabic Character Recognition
Authors: Aljuaid Hanan , Mohamad Dzulkifli , Sarfraz Muhammad
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes and contributes towards designing a complete system for off-line Arabic character recognition. The proposed system is specifically meant for Arabic handwriting recognition, but it equally works for the typed character recognition. It has various phases including preprocessing and segmentation. It also includes thinning phase and finds vertical and horizontal projection profiles. The recognition phase is managed by genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm stands on feature extraction algorithm that defines six features for each segment. The algorithm, for Arabic handwriting recognition, obtained 90.46 recognition rate. The proposed system has been compared with other systems in the literature. It has achieved the second best recognition rate.
Edge Detection by Maximum Entropy
Authors: Guelzim Ibrahim , Hammouch Ahmed , Mouaddib El Mustapha , Aboutajdine Driss
Published: October 2011

In the edge detection, the classical operators based on the derivation are sensitive to noise which causes detection errors. It is even more erroneous in the case of omnidirectional images, due to geometric distortions caused by the used sensors. This paper proposes a statistical method of edge detection invariant to image resolution applied to omnidirectional images without preliminary treatments. It is based on the entropy measure. The authors compared its behavior with existing methods on omnidirectional images and perspectives images. The criteria of comparisons are the parameters of Fram and Deutsch. For omnidirectional images, the authors used two types of neighborhood: fixed and adapted to the parameters of the sensor. The authors compared the results of detection visually. The tests are performed on grayscale images.
Sliding Window Based Fast Corner Matching Palmprint Authentication
Authors: Malik Jyoti , Sainarayanan G. , Dahiya Ratna
Published: October 2011

Authentication time is the main and important part of the authentication system. Normally the response time should be fast but as the number of persons in the database increases, there is probability of more response time taken for authentication. The need of fast authentication system arises so that authentication time (matching time) is very less. This paper proposes a sliding window approach to make fast authentication system. The highlight of sliding window method is constant matching time, fast and can match translated images also. Several palmprint matching methods like match by correlation etc. are dependent upon the number of corners detected and so is the matching time. In sliding window method, matching time is constant as the numbers of matching operations are limited and the matching time is independent of the number of corners detected. The palmprint corner features extracted using two approaches Phase Congruency Corner Detector and Harris Corner Detector are binarized so that only useful information (features) is matched. The two approaches of Phase Congruency Corner Detector and Harris Corner Detector, when matched with hamming distance using sliding window can achieve recognition rate of 97.7% and 97.5% respectively.
Faster Ranking Using Extrapolation Techniques
Authors: Norozi Muhammad Ali
Published: October 2011

Extrapolations are techniques in linear algebra that require little additional infrastructure that must be incorporated in the existing query-dependent Link Analysis Ranking (LAR) algorithms. Extrapolations in LAR settings relies on the prior knowledge of the (iterative) process that created the existing data points (iterates) to compute the new (improved) data point, which periodically leads to the desired solution faster than the original method. In this study, the author presents novel approaches using extrapolation techniques to speed-up the convergence of query-dependent iterative methods, link analysis based ranking methods, where hyperlink structures are used to determine relative importance of a document in the network of inter-connections. The author uses the framework defined in HITS and SALSA and proposes the use of different Extrapolation techniques for faster ranking. The paper improves algorithms like HITS and SALSA using Extrapolation techniques. With the proposed approaches it is possible to accelerate the iterative ranking algorithms in terms of reducing the number of iterations and increasing the rate of convergence.
A Semi-Supervised Metric Learning for Content-Based Image Retrieval
Authors: Daoudi I. , Idrissi K.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors propose a kernel-based approach to improve the retrieval performances of CBIR systems by learning a distance metric based on class probability distributions. Unlike other metric learning methods which are based on local or global constraints, the proposed method learns for each class a nonlinear kernel which transforms the original feature space to a more effective one. The distances between query and database images are then measured in the new space. Experimental results show that the kernel-based approach not only improves the retrieval performances of kernel distance without learning, but also outperforms other kernel metric learning methods.
Frameworks for the Benchmarking of Digital and Knowledge Management Best Practice In SME and Organizations
Authors: Cartelli Antonio
Published: October 2011

The paper discusses the impact of IT/ICT on society by analyzing the effects it has on subjects and organizations. The recent proposal of frameworks for digital competence assessment and the construction of suitable instruments helping students in the acquisition of this competence are the main reason for the transfer to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In this paper, the author compares knowledge phenomena in subjects with the strategies of knowledge management in the organizations. A framework for benchmarking best practices in SME and organizations is also given on the basis of the results obtained in virtual campuses. The author presents instruments for the acquisition of further information from all stakeholders, and possible interventions toward the improvement of digital processes in SMEs and organizations are discussed.
Optimizing the Performance of Plastic Injection Molding Using Weighted Additive Model in Goal Programming
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Li Ming-Hsien
Published: October 2011

Injection molding process is increasingly more significant in today’s plastic production industries because it provides high-quality product, short product cycles, and light weight. This research optimizes the performance of this process with three main quality responses: defect count, cycle time, and spoon weight, using the weighted additive goal programming model. The three quality responses and process factors are described by appropriate membership functions. The Taguchi’s orthogonal array is then utilized to provide experimental layout. A linear optimization based on the weighted additive model in goal programming model is built to minimize the deviations of the product/process targets from their corresponding imprecise fuzzy values specified by the process engineer’s preferences. The results show that the average defect count is reduced from an average of 0.75 to 0.16. Moreover, the average cycle time becomes 13.06 seconds, which is significantly smaller than that obtained at initial factor settings (= 15.10 seconds). Finally, the average spoon weight is exactly on its target value of 2.0 gm.
Semidefinite Programming-Based Method for Implementing Linear Fitting to Interval-Valued Data
Authors: Li Minghuang , Yu Fusheng
Published: October 2011

Building a linear fitting model for a given interval-valued data set is challenging since the minimization of the residue function leads to a huge combinatorial problem. To overcome such a difficulty, this article proposes a new semidefinite programming-based method for implementing linear fitting to interval-valued data. First, the fitting model is cast to a problem of quadratically constrained quadratic programming (QCQP), and then two formulae are derived to develop the lower bound on the optimal value of the nonconvex QCQP by semidefinite relaxation and Lagrangian relaxation. In many cases, this method can solve the fitting problem by giving the exact optimal solution. Even though the lower bound is not the optimal value, it is still a good approximation of the global optimal solution. Experimental studies on different fitting problems of different scales demonstrate the good performance and stability of our method. Furthermore, the proposed method performs very well in solving relatively large-scale interval-fitting problems.
Approximate Fuzzy Continuity of Functions
Authors: Burgin Mark , Duman Oktay
Published: October 2011

The conventional continuity of a function was further advanced by the concept of approximate continuity introduced by Denjoy to solve some problems of differentiation and integration. According to this new type of continuity, the (classical) continuity conditions may be true not necessarily everywhere, but almost everywhere with respect to some measure, e.g., Borel measure or Lebesgue measure. However, functions that come from real life sources, such as measurement and computation, do not allow, in a general case, to test whether they are continuous or even approximately continuous in the strict mathematical sense. Hence, in this paper, the authors overcome these limitations by introducing and studying the more realistic concept of the approximate fuzzy continuity of functions.
Extension of the TOPSIS for Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making under Atanassov IFS Environments
Authors: Li Deng-Feng , Nan Jiang-Xia
Published: October 2011

This paper extends the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for solving multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems under Atanassov intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) environments. In this methodology, weights of attributes and ratings of alternatives on attributes are extracted from fuzziness inherent in decision data and making process and described using Atanassov IFSs. An Euclidean distance measure is developed to calculate the differences between alternatives for each decision maker and an Atanassov IFS positive ideal solution (IFSPIS) as well as an Atanassov IFS negative ideal-solution (IFSNIS). Degrees of relative closeness to the Atanassov IFSPIS for all alternatives with respect to each decision maker in the group are calculated. Then all decision makers in the group may be regarded as “attributes” and a corresponding classical MADM problem is generated and hereby solved by the TOPSIS. The proposed methodology is validated and compared with other similar methods. A numerical example is examined to demonstrate the implementation process of the methodology proposed in this paper.
Modelling the Long-Term Cost Competitiveness of a Semiconductor Product with a Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: October 2011

Unit cost is undoubtedly the most critical factor for the competitiveness of a product. Therefore, evaluating the competitiveness of a product according to its unit cost is a reasonable idea. The current practice assesses the competitiveness at a number of check points in the product life cycle, and then averages the results. This approach is computationally simple but theoretically doubtful. This study evaluates the long-term cost competitiveness of a semiconductor product based on its cost learning model from a new viewpoint – the trend in the mid-term competitiveness. Using a fuzzy value to express the long-term cost competitiveness, the flexibility in the interpretation and implementation of the evaluation result is increased. A practical example is used to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Leveraging Mobile Games for Place-Based Language Learning
Authors: Holden Christopher L. , Sykes Julie M.
Published: October 2011

This paper builds on the emerging body of research aimed at exploring the educational potential of mobile technologies, specifically, how to leverage place-based, augmented reality mobile games for language learning. Mentira is the first place-based, augmented reality mobile game for learning Spanish in a local neighborhood in the Southwestern United States. This paper explores both the complexities and benefits of integrating mobile games in second and foreign language learning contexts. Relevant background issues are discussed and the Mentira project is described, including an exploration of the setting, narrative, gameplay, and curriculum. Initial findings and future goals are explored. Gameplay, the importance of ’place’ for language learning, is discussed and the role of student buy-in. The paper concludes with future considerations for the continued use of mobile games projects for language learning as well as other disciplines.
Affordances and Constraints of Scaffolded Learning in a Virtual World for Young Children
Authors: Black Rebecca W. , Reich Stephanie M.
Published: October 2011

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of virtual worlds aimed at populations between the ages of 6 to14 years. This article examines the content and design of one such site, Webkinz World, as a sociocultural context for informal learning. Focusing on the design and activities of this site sheds light on the ways in which Webkinz World supports learning, especially for nascent users, and the apparent limits of these support structures as users gain more expertise.
Collaborative Strategic Board Games as a Site for Distributed Computational Thinking
Authors: Berland Matthew , Lee Victor R.
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the idea that contemporary strategic board games represent an informal, interactional context in which complex computational thinking takes place. When games are collaborative – that is, a game requires that players work in joint pursuit of a shared goal -- the computational thinking is easily observed as distributed across several participants. This raises the possibility that a focus on such board games are profitable for those who wish to understand computational thinking and learning in situ. This paper introduces a coding scheme, applies it to the recorded discourse of three groups of game players, and provides qualitative examples of computational thinking that are observed and documented in Pandemic. The primary contributions of this work are the description of and evidence that complex computational thinking can develop spontaneously during board game play.
Assessment through Achievement Systems
Authors: Evans Monica , Jennings Erin , Andreen Michael
Published: October 2011

Educational games have great potential as tools for motivating and engaging students, in addition to teaching learning content and objectives, but have had difficulty proving their potential through traditional means. This article proposes that recent advances in the achievement systems of entertainment games can be used to measure motivation and engagement in educational games, and can serve as a self-assessing tool for both students and teachers. Achievements may also be utilized as a way to measure things that have been traditionally difficult to measure, such as creativity, curiosity, and the nuances of problem-solving ability. This article proposes a structure for categorizing achievements in relation to assessment, and discusses future research directions for achievements as measures of assessment for educational games. The article covers both traditional and non-traditional measures of assessment as they relate to gaming achievement systems, as well as the psychological aspects of achievements and player behavior, good design principles for learning assessment achievements, and potential for achievements as an additional measure of motivational engagement by students.
Formulating a Serious-Games Design Project for Adult Offenders with the Probation Service
Authors: Bates Matthew Ian , Brown David , Cranton Wayne , Lewis James
Published: October 2011

This paper documents an investigation evaluating if adult offenders can benefit from a facilitated serious-games design project as part of their probation program. Research has observed a participatory design group of adult offenders working with their probation managers and a PhD researcher to create a new serious-game for use by the probation service. A voluntary participant group of six male offenders was observed over a five week design process using the game authoring software Game-Maker. Weekly meetings have allowed participants to learn basic game authoring skills and share design ideas within a multi-disciplinary team. Investigators have observed the amount and type of assistance required by participants when interacting with new software, the range and suitability of ideas communicated by participants, and the ability of participants to convert their ideas into functional media. This paper presents qualitative results from this exploratory field study and compares the results to previous investigations with secondary school children.
The Mobile Learning Network
Authors: Petley Rebecca , Parker Guy , Attewell Jill
Published: October 2011

The Mobile Learning Network currently in its third year, is a unique collaborative initiative encouraging and enabling the introduction of mobile learning in English post-14 education. The programme, funded jointly by the Learning and Skills Council and participating colleges and schools and supported by LSN has involved nearly 40,000 learners and over 7,000 staff. MoLeNET projects have procured a range of handheld devices and supporting technologies since the initiative began in 2007, with a significant increase in purchases of games technologies (mainly the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, but also the Nintendo Wii) observed in the second year of the programme. Colleges and schools across England have exploited both the gaming potential of these devices for teaching and learning and the numerous opportunities afforded by their impressive additional functionality. This paper explores the key findings from the MoLeNET research and evaluation strand in relation to mobile games technologies and games based learning and the contribution of these to improvements in teaching practice and learning experiences.
Motivational Aspects of Gaming for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Saridaki Maria , Mourlas Constantinos
Published: October 2011

The attention to learners with special needs, in particular those with intellectual disabilities, is an area of continuous development. It is considered important to develop adaptive educational solutions for the integration of people with educational difficulties according to their needs. Digital games provide an attractive and direct platform in order to approach students of every intellectual level. However, practical game based learning application in the special education classroom is still regarded with skepticism by educators, or has been treated solely as an extrinsic reinforcement. Moreover, the design and usage of digital games as a motivational tool for students with intellectual disabilities has not been thoroughly documented. This paper presents a review of the motivational theories and research findings regarding the usage of digital games in the educational experience of users with intellectual disabilities, with a scope to define the potentials, prerequisites and possible limitations of such an intervention.
Performance Evaluation of Full Diversity QOSTBC MIMO Systems with Multiple Receive Antenna
Authors: Shah Hardip K. , Parmar Tejal N. , Kothari Nikhil , Dasgupt K. S.
Published: October 2011

Multipath fading is inherent in wireless communication systems. Diversity is the technique which takes advantage of multipath to mitigate the effect of fading and increase signal strength. Space Time Block codes (STBC) are used in MIMO systems to improve the performance by maximizing transmit and/or receive diversity. Among different schemes based on STBC, Quasi Orthogonal Space Time Block Code (QOSTBC) is able to achieve full rate transmission for more than two transmit antennas. Constellation Rotation QOSTBC (CR-QOSTBC) achieves full diversity and improves performance further along with full rate, to overcome the limitation of QOSTBC, which is unable to maintain orthogonality amongst the codes transmitted by different antennas. Higher diversity can be achieved by increasing uncorrelated paths between transmitter and receivers using higher number of receive antennas. This paper examines improvement in BER with reference to a number of receive antennas. Simulations were carried out under ideal as well as realistic environments, using least square technique with four antennas at transmitter side and variable receive antennas. Results of simulations presented in this paper indicate performance improvement of CR-QOSTBC over QOSTBC in flat fading channel environment. Simulation results also show performance degradation in BER when channel is estimated at the receiver.
Developing a University-Wide Instructional Design Blog for Information Sharing and Professional Development
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: October 2011

As an interactive communications tool, work-related blogs can offer professionals a way to reflect on their practices and connect with other professionals around the world who have similar backgrounds and interests. Reflection helps practitioners make connections between various information streams, their work experiences, and interactions with clients. Reflection can also help connect educational research with applied practices. This essay focuses on the development and evolution of the Instructional Design Open Studio (IDOS) blog, which started in early 2006. The IDOS blog was designed as a professional and academic blog to serve the faculty community as a way to disseminate information about e-learning. The author discusses the steps that went into developing the blog, as well as a range of specific issues, including technological, organizational, policy-based, and design. In conclusion, the author shares insight into the overall experience and provides directions for the future.
Who Blogs in 2010?
Authors: Okdie Bradley M. , Guadagno Rosanna E. , Rempala Daniel M. , Eno Cassie A.
Published: October 2011

Research suggests gender and personality differences are predictive of general Internet use. Specifically, people high in openness and women high in neuroticism are more likely to keep a blog. Given the rapidity of change owing to technological advances, the authors sought to re-examine the validity of these findings in an era where other forms of online interaction are prevalent. Specifically, the authors sought to replicate and expand on these findings and to examine other individual difference factors that may predict who is likely to maintain a blog. Participants filled out multiple personality measures, demographic characteristics, and reported on their blogging behavior (e.g., writing blog entries and reading blogs). Results replicated the prior research, indicating that openness predicted blogging to a greater degree than any other personality trait. Moreover, results also revealed that individuals high in self-consciousness and those who saw more of their “true self” on the Internet were more likely to blog. These findings suggest that in addition to openness, individual differences, such as self-focus and personality, predict who is likely to blog.
Jumping the Border in the Blogosphere?
Authors: Haferkamp Nina , Lam-chi Anh D. , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: October 2011

Since the late 1990s, blogs have become a popular platform to communicate various facets of Internet users’ personal lives such as thoughts, opinions, interests, and ideas. However, what remains open is the question of how much intercultural differences determine the specific motives of bloggers to write a virtual diary, as well as their attitudes and reactions towards comments. A cross-cultural online survey with 79 German, 68 American, and 68 Russian bloggers investigates whether the bloggers’ cultural backgrounds impacted these individual usage patterns. Analysis indicates that Russian bloggers tend to be more reserved towards documentation and are more insecure towards received comments than American and German bloggers who, on the contrary, blog more frequently. Results are discussed in the light of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.
Modeling, Simulation and Motion Cues Visualization of a Six-DOF Motion Platform for Micro-Manipulations
Authors: Asif Umar , Iqbal Javaid
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the problem of realizing a 6-DOF motion platform by proposing a closed loop kinematic architecture that benefits from an anthropological serial manipulator design. In contrast to standard motion platforms based on linear actuators, a mechanism with actuator design inspired from anthropological kinematic structure offers a relatively larger motion envelope and higher dexterity making it a viable motion platform for micromanipulations. The design consists of a motion plate connected through only revolute hinges for the passive joints, and three legs located at the base as the active elements. In this hybrid kinematic structure, each leg is connected to the top (motion) plate through three revolute hinges and to the bottom (fixed) plate through a single revolute joint forming a closed-loop kinematic chain. The paper describes the mathematical modeling of the proposed design and demonstrates its simulation model using SimMechanics and xPC Target for real-time simulations and visualization of the motion cues.
Analysis and Implementation for a Walking Support System for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Hossain Eklas , Khan Md Raisuddin , Muhida Riza , Ali Ahad
Published: October 2011

Visually impaired people are faced with challenges in detecting information about terrain. This paper presents a new walking support system for the blind to navigate without any assistance from others or using a guide cane. In this research, a belt, wearable around the waist, is equipped with four ultrasonic sensors and one sharp infrared sensor. Based on mathematical models, the specifications of the ultrasonic sensors are selected to identify optimum orientation of the sensors for detecting stairs and holes. These sensors are connected to a microcontroller and laptop for analyzing terrain. An algorithm capable of classifying various types of obstacles is developed. After successful tests using laptop, the microcontroller is used for the walking system, named ‘Belt for Blind’, to navigate their environment. The unit is also equipped with a servo motor and a buzzer to generate outputs that inform the user about the type of obstacle ahead. The device is light, cheap, and consumes less energy. However, this device is limited to standard pace of mobility and cannot differentiate between animate and inanimate obstacles. Further research is recommended to overcome these deficiencies to improve mobility of blind people.
Improved Parameterless K-Means
Authors: Mohd Wan Maseri Binti Wan , Beg A.H. , Herawan Tutut , Noraziah A. , Rabbi K. F.
Published: October 2011

K-means is an unsupervised learning and partitioning clustering algorithm. It is popular and widely used for its simplicity and fastness. K-means clustering produce a number of separate flat (non-hierarchical) clusters and suitable for generating globular clusters. The main drawback of the k-means algorithm is that the user must specify the number of clusters in advance. This paper presents an improved version of K-means algorithm with auto-generate an initial number of clusters (k) and a new approach of defining initial Centroid for effective and efficient clustering process. The underlined mechanism has been analyzed and experimented. The experimental results show that the number of iteration is reduced to 50% and the run time is lower and constantly based on maximum distance of data points, regardless of how many data points.
Modeling Operational Robustness and Resiliency with High-Level Petri Nets
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Busch Timothy E. , Davis Eleanor L.
Published: October 2011

Military operations are highly complex workflow systems that require careful planning and execution. The interactive complexity and tight coupling between people and technological systems has been increasing in military operations, which leads to both improved efficiency and a greater vulnerability to mission accomplishment due to attack or system failure. Although the ability to resist and recover from failure is important to many systems and processes, the robustness and resiliency of workflow management systems has received little attention in literature. The authors propose a novel workflow modeling framework using high-level Petri nets (PNs). The proposed framework is capable of both modeling structure and providing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative analysis. The concepts of self-protecting and self-healing systems are captured by the robustness and resiliency measures proposed in this study. The proposed measures are plotted in a Cartesian coordinate system; a classification scheme with four quadrants (i.e., possession, preservation, restoration, and devastation) is proposed to show the state of the system in terms of robustness and resiliency. The authors introduce an overall sustainability index for the system based on the theory of displaced ideals. The application of the methodology in the evaluation of an air tasking order generation system at the United States Air Force is demonstrated.
Organizational Conditions as Catalysts for Successful People-Focused Knowledge Sharing Initiatives
Authors: Sáenz Josune , Aramburu Nekane
Published: October 2011

This paper analyzes the impact of different organizational enablers on the degree of success of different people-focused knowledge sharing initiatives. Considering company size and technology intensity as two of the most relevant contingent variables in terms of organizational conditions (Mintzberg, 1979), the moderator role of these variables will be examined. For these relationships to be tested, an empirical study has been carried out among Spanish manufacturing firms with more than 50 employees which carry out R&D activities. Structural equation modelling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) has been applied in order to test the main hypotheses of the research. The results obtained show that organizational design and organizational culture play a substantial role when it comes to explaining the degree of success of implementation of people-focused knowledge sharing initiatives. Conversely, the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) is less relevant. Some interesting differences arise depending on technology intensity and company size.
Using Ontologies in Drug Prescription
Authors: Rodríguez-González Alejandro , García-Crespo Ángel , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Gómez-Berbís Juan Miguel , Jiménez-Domingo Enrique
Published: October 2011

Medical prescription has been touted as following an accurate approach to addressing particular health problems. However, the importance of the process might demand considering a formal knowledge-driven procedure to ensure its correctness which can be achieved through Medical Decision Support Systems (MDSS). Semantic Technologies have emerged as a potential silver bullet to become the backbone of those particular Information Systems since it provides seamless integration and an underlying logical formalism. This paper sheds light into using ontologies for drug prescription through the SemMed model, architecture and proof-of-concept implementation, being able to face challenges in these areas and solve day-to-day problems of health professionals in terms of drug prescription
An Efficient Algorithm for Data Cleaning
Authors: Pahwa Payal , Arora Rajiv , Thakur Garima
Published: October 2011

The quality of real world data that is being fed into a data warehouse is a major concern of today. As the data comes from a variety of sources before loading the data in the data warehouse, it must be checked for errors and anomalies. There may be exact duplicate records or approximate duplicate records in the source data. The presence of incorrect or inconsistent data can significantly distort the results of analyses, often negating the potential benefits of information-driven approaches. This paper addresses issues related to detection and correction of such duplicate records. Also, it analyzes data quality and various factors that degrade it. A brief analysis of existing work is discussed, pointing out its major limitations. Thus, a new framework is proposed that is an improvement over the existing technique.
3D Finite Element Modeling of High Speed Machining
Authors: Markopoulos A.P. , Kantzavelos K. , Galanis N.I. , Manolakos D.E.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents simulation of High Speed Machining of steel with coated carbide tools. More specifically, Third Wave Systems AdvantEdge commercial Finite Element Method code is employed in order to present turning models, under various machining conditions. As a novelty, the proposed models for High Speed Machining of steel are three-dimensional and are able to provide predictions on cutting forces, tool and workpiece temperatures, chip formation, and chip morphology. Model validation is achieved through experimental work carried out under the same conditions as the ones used in modeling. For the experimental work, the principles for design of experiment were used in order to minimize the required amount of experiments and obtain useful results at the same time. Furthermore, a Taguchi analysis is carried out based on the results. The analysis indicates that there is a good agreement between experiment and modeling, and the proposed models can be further employed for the prediction of a range of machining parameters, under similar conditions.
New Approaches of Nanocomposite Materials for Electromagnetic Sensors and Robotics
Authors: Massaro Alessandro , Spano Fabrizio , Caratelli Diego , Yarovoy Alexander , Cingolani Roberto , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors define new classes of devices based on nanocomposite materials (NMs). The work introduces approaches about the design and the experimental characterization of these materials. A wide range of applications is presented by discussing novel devices implemented by nanocomposite techniques including sensing and robotic in micro/nano scale. The approaches are oriented on the electromagnetic (EM) characterization of tailored devices such as sensors, and micro/nano antennas. New EM numerical approaches for the design are presented.
Software Tool for Assessment of Complexity and Variability in Physiological Signals of Respiration
Authors: Jablonski Ireneusz , Subzda Kamil , Mroczka Janusz
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors examine software implementation and the initial preprocessing of data and tools during the assessment of the complexity and variability of long physiological time-series. The algorithms presented advance a bigger Matlab library devoted to complex system and data analysis. Commercial software is unavailable for many of these functions and is generally unsuitable for use with multi-gigabyte datasets. Reliable inter-event time extraction from input signal is an important step for the presented considerations. Knowing the distribution of the inter-event time distances, it is possible to calculate exponents due to power-law scaling. From a methodology point of view, simulations and considerations with experimental data supported each stage of the work presented. In this paper, initial calibration of the procedures with accessible data confirmed assessments made during earlier studies, which raise objectivity of measurements planned in the future.
Thorax Physiological Monitoring and Modeling for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Urooj Shabana , Khan M. , Ansari A. Q.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors prove that variations in thoracic volumes are greatly responsive to the act of breathing (i.e., inspiration and expiration). These variations may be adopted for diagnosing various respiration related diseases and pulmonary edema. In this study, the authors present a method to estimate the thoracic volume non-invasively using anthropometric dimensions. The change in the geometry of thorax with the act of breathe is recorded by measuring the anthropometric parameters for nine healthy human subjects. The model based approach shows the extent of its sensitivity in terms of volumetric variations with the state of inspiration and expiration. Many deaths occur due to unavailability of health care and monitoring systems in rural areas and developing countries. The technique presented in this paper takes care of these situations and the volumetric estimation of thorax is independent of any instrumentation, expensive equipment, and clinical environment.
The Web Site and Brand Trust as Antecedents of Online Loyalty
Authors: Treiblmaier Horst , Neale Larry , Chong Sandy
Published: October 2011

As online business thrives, a company’s Web presence holds enormous importance as a source of information, entertainment, and customer service for Internet users. Besides being user-friendly, a Web site should offer interesting and enjoyable content to attract online visitors in an ever-changing multimedia environment. Companies that operate globally must know how cultural differences influence the way potential customers perceive their sites. This paper presents a model that highlights the importance of ease of use, enjoyment, content, and brand trust for Web site loyalty. The model is subsequently tested in four countries: Australia, Japan, Mongolia, and the USA. The results show that perceptual differences exist: while ease of use is crucial for Web site loyalty in all four countries, the importance of content, perceived enjoyment, and brand trust varies across different cultures.
Balancing Growth
Authors: Dyerson Romano , Spinelli Riccardo
Published: October 2011

This article analyses the strategic, organisational, and structural conditions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully exploit the potential of information and communication technology (ICT). The authors build a conceptual framework relating “ICT readiness” (a new construct) to two more common dimensions: “strategic vision of ICT” and “ICT maturity”. Using the framework, the study identifies four distinct groups of SMEs, associated with differing degrees of readiness, before analysing possible evolutionary and regressive development paths among these groups. In discussing the implications of the framework, the authors argue that the framework represents a valid tool of diagnosis and intervention, especially in those circumstances where SMEs cannot fully exploit the potential of ICT. The framework helps identify the underlying causes of limited ICT readiness and supports owner-managers and consultants in choosing and implementing appropriate interventions.
Online Social Media as a Driver of Buzz Marketing
Authors: Taufique Khan Md. Raziuddin , Shahriar Faisal Mohammad
Published: October 2011

‘Buzz Marketing’ is an alternative strategy of creating preference and demand among prospective customers. Though given caution, this geometrically progressive marketing strategy offers significant opportunities for firms. The popularity of online social media adds a new dimension of buzz marketing, as these social networking sites accommodate a massive exchange of views among the users. Companies planning to use online social media as a driver of their buzz marketing efforts inevitably face the challenge of acquiring favorable response from a versatile and almost uncontrollable mass of users. Hence, profiling the users of social media is valuable. This paper examines the users of online social media and creates profiles of these “buzz riders.” Qualitative in nature, this study also proposes strategic implications for the different categories of online social media users to elicit positive responses of the buzz marketing efforts of the companies.
Competition in Online Comparison Shopping Services
Authors: Saastamoinen Jani
Published: October 2011

Retail markets in online comparison shopping websites are extremely competitive, yet firms voluntarily list in these services. The objective of this paper is to study competition and seller profitability in comparison shopping markets. In the proposed model, two profit-maximizing sellers sell a homogeneous good to Bayesian risk-neutral buyers. Buyers use a reputation system to update their beliefs about the sellers and purchase from the seller that maximizes the buyer’s expected surplus. The model shows that a seller’s profit depends on the distribution of buyer beliefs. A good reputation increases a seller’s profits. Empirical testing is carried out using data from Pricegrabber, a popular comparison shopping website. The evidence indicates that a good reputation may support price premiums as the model suggests.
Consumer-to-Consumer Internet Auction Models
Authors: Leung Timothy L. Y. , Knottenbelt William J.
Published: October 2011

Internet auctions have become an increasingly common method for exchanging goods and services across the world both among consumers themselves, as well as between businesses and consumers. These Internet auction mechanisms have the scope of incorporating procedures of much greater complexity and variety, and they exhibit characteristics and properties that are quite distinct from conventional auctions. In this paper, the authors provide an experimental study of the performance characteristics and operational behaviour of a number of online auction models, including the fixed time forward auctions, the Vickrey auctions, and models with soft close variable auction times. These online auction models are studied through systematic simulation experiments, based on a series of operational assumptions, which characterize the arrival rate of bids, as well as the distribution from which the private values of buyers are sampled. Suggestions for efficient online auction design and procedures for improving auction performance are given, and the behaviour of the average auction income and average auction duration are quantified and compared.
Creating Competitive Advantage by Using Data Mining Technique as an Innovative Method for Decision Making Process in Business
Authors: Bal Mert , Bal Yasemin , Demirhan Ayse
Published: October 2011

Competitive advantage is at the heart of a firm’s performance in today’s challenging and rapidly changing environment. One of the central bases for achieving competitive advantage is the organizational capability to create new knowledge and transfer it across various levels of the organization. Traditional methods of data analysis, based mainly on human dealing directly with the data, simply do not scale to handle with large data sets. This explosive growth in data and databases has generated an urgent need for new techniques and tools that can intelligently and automatically transform the processed data into useful information and knowledge. Consequently, data mining has become a research area with increasing importance. Organizations of all sizes have started to develop and deploy data mining technologies to leverage data resources to enhance their decision making capabilities. Business information received from data analysis and data mining is a critical success factor for companies wishing to maximize competitive advantage. In this study, the importance of gaining knowledge for organizations in today’s competitive environment are discussed and data mining method in decision making process is analyzed as an innovative technique for organizations.
Factors Affecting the Success of Online Branding
Authors: Eid Riyad , Al Sharief Raja Yahya , Hussein Laila
Published: October 2011

Online branding has become a crucial part of companies’ activity since the mid-90s, when internet expansion began. As internet activity starts playing bigger and greater roles in sales and marketing communications, online branding becomes more important. However, the challenge for organisations today is to advance their online business activities. To address this challenge, organisations need to understand the critical success factors for building an online brand. This paper discusses this issue proposes 9 critical factors classified into two categories and validated empirically through a sample of 150 university students. The significance, importance, and implications for each category are discussed and then recommendations are made.
Promoting Wine on the Internet
Authors: Santos J. Freitas
Published: October 2011

This study examines the content of Portuguese wine blogs and addresses two main questions: (i) which content and design elements of Portuguese wine blogs have more impact on the promotion of wine, and (ii) how can the content and design quality of wine blogs be assessed and improved. To answer these questions, a number of features of wine blogs are examined, and an initial attempt is made to describe the profile, uses and practices of Portuguese wine bloggers. Strong correlations were found between performance measures (posts, comments and traffic). In addition, it was found that one of the main marketing features that bloggers can offer was in rating wines. On the other hand, presentation features were found to account for very little regarding the performance of the blog. Finally, accessibility features, such as cross-references and RSS/Feeds that tend to increase blog traffic, are only used by a minority of Portuguese bloggers.
Hotels Pricing at Travel Search Engines
Authors: Economides Anastasios A. , Kontaratou Antonia
Published: October 2011

Web 2.0 applications have been increasingly recognized as important information sources for consumers, including the domain of tourism. In the center of the travelers’ interest is the use of these applications in order to compare and choose hotels for their accommodation at various tourism destinations. It is important to investigate the issues related to the presence of the hotels on some of the most dominant tourism search engines and to the prices that they present. This paper compares the search engines and determines whether the cheapest and to the most complete one can be discovered. This paper focuses on analyzing the hotel prices presented on their official websites and on the following eight tourism search engines: Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hotelclub.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, and Venere.com. The data analysis, by the use of the descriptive statistics, showed that only 23% of the hotels examined are found at all the search engines. Furthermore, the price analysis showed that there are differences among the search engines. Although some search engines statistically give lower prices, there is not a single search engine that always gives the lowest price for every hotel.