bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of early thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis after intracranial hemorrhage from traumatic brain injury
Authors: Farooqui Ali , Hiser Bradley , Barnes Stephen L. , Litofsky N. Scott
Published: September 2013

Object

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk for development of thromboembolic disease. The use of chemoprophylaxis in this patient group has not fully been characterized. The authors hypothesize that early chemoprophylaxis in patients with TBI is safe and efficacious.

Methods

In May 2009, a protocol was instituted for patients with TBI where chemoprophylaxis for thromboembolic disease (either 30 mg of Lovenox twice daily or 5000 U of heparin 3 times a day) was initiated 24 hours after an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was demonstrated as stable on head CT image. Two cohorts were evaluated: Cohort A included patients from May 2008 through April 2009 who had no routine administration of chemoprophylaxis, and Cohort B included patients from May 2009 through May 2010 after the protocol was instituted. The groups were compared, with the major outcomes being deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and increase in size of ICH.

Results

Of the 312 patients with TBI who were seen during the study course, 236 patients met criteria for inclusion in the study: 107 patients in Cohort A and 129 patients in Cohort B. The DVT rate was 6 occurrences (5.61%) in Cohort A and 0 occurrences (0%) in Cohort B, which was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0080). Pulmonary embolism was found in 4 patients (3.74%) in Cohort A and 1 patient (0.78%) in Cohort B, a difference that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.18). Three instances (2.8%) in Cohort A and 1 instance (0.7%) in Cohort B of increased ICH occurred after starting anticoagulation for chemoprophylaxis; this was not statistically different (p = 0.33).

Conclusions

Use of chemoprophylaxis in TBI 24 hours after stable head CT is safe and decreases the rate of DVT formation.
Rupture of lenticulostriate artery aneurysms
Authors: Heck Olivier , Anxionnat René , Lacour Jean-Christophe , Derelle Anne-Laure , Ducrocq Xavier , Richard Sébastien , Bracard Serge
Published: September 2013

The authors report on 3 rare cases of ruptured lenticulostriate artery (LSA) aneurysms that were heralded by deep cerebral hematomas. The hematomas were unilateral in 2 cases and bilateral in 1; in the bilateral case, only a single LSA aneurysm could be identified on the right side of the brain. Because of their small size (≤ 2 mm), fusiform aspect, and deep location within the brain, all of the aneurysms were treated conservatively. There was no hemorrhage recurrence, and follow-up angiography demonstrated spontaneous thrombosis in 2 of the 3 cases. The clinical course was favorable in 2 of the 3 patients. The course in the patient with the bilateral hematoma was marked by an ischemic event after the initial episode, resulting in an aggravation of deficits. The cause of this second event was uncertain.

Because our knowledge about the natural history of LSA aneurysms is incomplete, there is no consensus concerning a therapeutic strategy. The authors' experience in 3 reported cases leads them to think that a conservative approach involving close angiographic monitoring may be proposed as first-line treatment. If the monitored aneurysm then persists or grows in size, its occlusion should be considered. Nonetheless, other studies are needed to further strengthen the legitimacy of this strategy.
Delayed postoperative neurological complication in a patient with congenital kyphoscoliosis: recovered by revision of the 4-rod instrumentation technique
Authors: Javidan Pooya , Kabirian Nima , Mundis Gregory M. , Akbarnia Behrooz A.
Published: September 2013

The authors report a case of progressive congenital kyphoscoliosis in which the patient, a boy, originally underwent combined anterior and instrumented posterior spinal fusion at the age of 7 years and 3 months. Early proximal junctional kyphosis and implant failure mandated proximal extension of implants with 2 new rods connected to the old caudad short rods. At the 3-year follow-up, clinical and CT assessment revealed a thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis for which the patient underwent a 2-stage procedure without complication. Recordings of somatosensory evoked potentials intraoperatively were normal. Twelve hours after surgery, his neurological status started to progressively deteriorate. The patient was brought to the operating room, and the initially achieved correction was reversed by an apex-only exposure of the 4-rod system. After surgery the patient started to show progressive improvement in his neurological function. A final myelography was performed and showed free passage of the dye without evidence of obstruction. Clinically, the patient continued to improve and at his 3-month follow-up had near-complete resolution of his neurological deficits. Findings on his physical examination were normal at the final 12-year follow-up.

Despite normal findings on intraoperative neuromonitoring, a delayed neurological deficit can occur after complex spine reconstruction. Preoperative risk assessment, surgical approach, and instrumentation deserve careful attention. Advantages of a 4-rod construct are discussed in this case.
Physiological and Molecular Timing of the Glucose to Acetate Transition in Escherichia coli
Authors: Enjalbert Brice , Letisse Fabien , Portais Jean-Charles
Published: September 2013

The glucose-acetate transition in Escherichia coli is a classical model of metabolic adaptation. Here, we describe the dynamics of the molecular processes involved in this metabolic transition, with a particular focus on glucose exhaustion. Although changes in the metabolome were observed before glucose exhaustion, our results point to a massive reshuffling at both the transcriptome and metabolome levels in the very first min following glucose exhaustion. A new transcriptional pattern, involving a change in genome expression in one-sixth of the E. coli genome, was established within 10 min and remained stable until the acetate was completely consumed. Changes in the metabolome took longer and stabilized 40 min after glucose exhaustion. Integration of multi-omics data revealed different modifications and timescales between the transcriptome and metabolome, but both point to a rapid adaptation of less than an hour. This work provides detailed information on the order, timing and extent of the molecular and physiological events that occur during the glucose-acetate transition and that are of particular interest for the development of dynamic models of metabolism.
A Novel Methodology to Estimate Metabolic Flux Distributions in Constraint-Based Models
Authors: Massucci Francesco , Font-Clos Francesc , De Martino Andrea , Castillo Isaac
Published: September 2013

Quite generally, constraint-based metabolic flux analysis describes the space of viable flux configurations for a metabolic network as a high-dimensional polytope defined by the linear constraints that enforce the balancing of production and consumption fluxes for each chemical species in the system. In some cases, the complexity of the solution space can be reduced by performing an additional optimization, while in other cases, knowing the range of variability of fluxes over the polytope provides a sufficient characterization of the allowed configurations. There are cases, however, in which the thorough information encoded in the individual distributions of viable fluxes over the polytope is required. Obtaining such distributions is known to be a highly challenging computational task when the dimensionality of the polytope is sufficiently large, and the problem of developing cost-effective ad hoc algorithms has recently seen a major surge of interest. Here, we propose a method that allows us to perform the required computation heuristically in a time scaling linearly with the number of reactions in the network, overcoming some limitations of similar techniques employed in recent years. As a case study, we apply it to the analysis of the human red blood cell metabolic network, whose solution space can be sampled by different exact techniques, like Hit-and-Run Monte Carlo (scaling roughly like the third power of the system size). Remarkably accurate estimates for the true distributions of viable reaction fluxes are obtained, suggesting that, although further improvements are desirable, our method enhances our ability to analyze the space of allowed configurations for large biochemical reaction networks.
La double fin du Philoctète de Sophocle : rythme et spectacle
Authors: Jouanna Jacques
Published: September 2013

Le présent article, qui a été prononcé sous forme de communication à la séance commune des Études grecques et des Études latines de l'année 2001, est une étude de la fin du Philoctète qui s'efforce de lier l'analyse des changements de rythme (changements de mètres, changements dans le dialogue) avec les degrés de l'émotion des personnages et avec les articulations du spectacle. Sophocle a réuni tous les moyens pour conduire le spectateur à croire à une première fin (départ de Philoctète et de Néoptolème depuis Lemnos vers l'ouest pour un retour dans la patrie), avant de le suprendre par une seconde fin qui est en apparence opposée à la première (départ de Philoctète et de Néoptolème vers l'est pour Troie). Les changements de rythme dans la seconde fin, comme dans la première, sont liés aux degrés de l'émotion et aux changements de spectacle (arrivée d'Héraclès par la méchanè, émotion de Philoctète au moment de l'apparition du dieu et du départ). Mais Sophocle a atténué ce renversement entre les deux fins par une continuité dans le spectacle (la même parodos est utilisée pour le départ), par une évocation ambiguë de la destination finale, et aussi par une progression dans la maturation de la décision finale de Philoctète, la persuasion d'un ami humain Néoptolème ayant préparé en profondeur, malgré un échec, la persuasion d'un ami divin Héraclès.
La « décadence » du grand roi et les ambitions de Cyrus le Jeune : aux sources perses d'un mythe occidental?
Authors: Lenfant Dominique
Published: September 2013

We undertake to study the development of the Persian decadence myth. The image of the decadent king was based upon a specific ruler, Artaxerxes II, who was said by his brother and rival Cyrus the Younger to be the opposite of the ideal Achaemenid king. The mercenaries who had served Cyrus played a part in conveying this image to the Greek world. It was at first used by Athenian rhetors and philosophers, who changed its meaning. Greek accounts on Persia played only a minor part at the beginning, but their interpretation was later influenced by Athenian views.
L'édition française à l'heure de la rupture du livre numérique
Authors: Riot Elen
Published: September 2013

L’innovation est souvent présentée comme une amélioration dans une industrie. On retient que les entreprises qui ne s’adaptent pas assez rapidement sont alors en mauvaise posture, surtout s’il s’agit d’une innovation de rupture. Le rôle des traditions et des innovations antérieures est cependant sous-estimé. Une recherche menée auprès des maisons d’édition indépendantes en France montre que ces dimensions permettent d’expliquer la stratégie défensive des acteurs pris dans un jeu concurrentiel en plein changement du fait de l’introduction du livre numérique (e-book) sur le marché.
L’internationalisation de la R&D au service de l’innovation : Quelles approches pour les entreprises françaises ?
Authors: Bénard Christine
Published: September 2013

Sur la base d’une enquête approfondie auprès de responsables R&D de grands groupes français, cette étude analyse les stratégies mondiales de R&D de grandes entreprises manufacturières françaises : localisation de leurs centres de recherche, partenariats académiques, recrutements d’ingénieurs et chercheurs, dans les pays matures et les pays émergents. Ce travail met en évidence la diversité des principaux mécanismes à la base de leurs stratégies de R&D. Connaître et comprendre les pratiques de ces entreprises est déterminant : le départ progressif de leur R&D vers des marchés plus porteurs ruinerait l’espoir d’une politique d’innovation technologique en France.
Oui, on peut manager l'innovation de rupture !
Authors: Millier Paul
Published: September 2013

L’idée défendue par cet article est que ce n’est pas parce que l’innovation de rupture est imprévisible qu’on ne peut pas manager son émergence et son déploiement. Pour ce faire l’article propose un toolkit, assemblage d’outils organisés de manière logique au sein d’une méthode robuste qui suit les meilleures pratiques du management de l’innovation.
La participation en ligne
Authors: Cardon Dominique
Published: September 2013

Internet est-il susceptible de renouveler les formes fatiguées de la participation politique conventionnelle ? Cette question a suscité beaucoup d’espoir lors du développement des usages du réseau des réseaux aux débuts des années 2000. S’il est naïf de prêter à un outil technique la charge de transformer le champ des pratiques participatives, il est en revanche incontestable que les possibilités de communication offertes par les outils numériques ont accompagné une transformation des formes d’expression politiques ces quinze dernières années. Mais les pratiques participatives numériques sont beaucoup moins polarisées par l’espace politique représentatif que par l’expression, de plus en plus autonome, des capacités d’auto-organisation de la société civile.
1. Les mesures du chômage
Authors: Jugnot Stéphane
Published: September 2013

Régulièrement, les statistiques du chômage suscitent des débats dans l’espace public au motif qu’elles ne refléteraient pas la réalité. Cette récurrence provient d’abord de la coexistence de mesures concurrentes. En particulier, il faut distinguer les comptages administratifs sur les demandeurs d’emploi inscrits auprès des organismes de placement et d’indemnisation, d’une part ; des mesures statistiques sur le chômage au sens du Bureau international du travail, utilisées pour calculer le taux de chômage, d’autre part. Les déclarations spontanées des personnes dans le recensement ou dans les enquêtes constituent une troisième forme de mesure. Ces trois types de mesures ne sont pas de même nature, elles n’ont pas le même objectif et ne mesurent pas la même chose. Mais la confusion demeure et une divergence entre elles peut faire naître des soupçons. Les controverses récurrentes mettent aussi en cause les contours du chômage, trop restrictifs pour rendre compte de l’ensemble des personnes laissées aux marges du marché du travail. Il est donc utile de rappeler que le chômage n’est pas une réalité absolue, qu’un bon outil permettrait de mesurer parfaitement. C’est aussi une construction historique, donc une réalité évolutive et sujette à débats.
7. Les emplois non pourvus : mythes et réalités
Authors: Estrade Marc-Antoine
Published: September 2013

Le débat sur les emplois non pourvus se concentre sur l’inadéquation supposée entre les compétences des candidats et les besoins des entreprises. La réponse classiquement apportée consiste à former les demandeurs d’emploi et/ou les jeunes aux « métiers qui recrutent ». Cette inadéquation n’explique toutefois qu’une part très limitée des emplois vacants. Ceux-ci sont essentiellement liés, d’une part au fonctionnement « normal » du marché du travail qui implique une durée incompressible de recrutement et, d’autre part, à l’inexpérience des recruteurs qui conduit à des échecs, plus fréquents dans les petites entreprises.
13. Pourquoi est-il nécessaire de flexibiliser le marché du travail français ?
Authors: Kramarz Francis
Published: September 2013

Le marché du travail français souffre d’un chômage de masse et d’un niveau de précarité important. Cet article propose différentes pistes afin de lutter contre ces fléaux. Premièrement, il est nécessaire de réformer notre système de formation initiale afin de réduire le nombre trop élevé de décrocheurs. Deuxièmement, il faut réformer le système de formation professionnelle, en supprimant notamment l’obligation de participation financière des entreprises, très désincitative pour les petites entreprises. Enfin et surtout, il est nécessaire de flexibiliser le marché du travail à travers l’instauration d’une sécurité sociale professionnelle et d’un contrat unique, qui permettraient d’augmenter la productivité des entreprises et ainsi réduire le chômage.
Contribution of Ivan Gams to Slovenian physical geography and geography of natural hazards
Authors: Zorn Matija , Komac Blaž
Published: September 2013

In his long career as a researcher, Ivan Gams was focused mainly on karstology, although he contributed significantly to physical geography and geography of natural hazards as well. These topics are central to more than 80% of Gams's scientific and professional articles. Since Gams wrote more than 150 scientific articles in just a few decades, he is considered one of the most important Slovenian physical geographers, and rightly so. He was also the pioneer of studying natural hazards by means of modern geographical methods.
The role of identifying and managing cultural values in rural development
Authors: Šmid Hribar Mateja , Ledinek Lozej Špela
Published: September 2013

Cultural and natural elements contribute to the development of rural areas. Identifying and evaluating development aspects and the interconnection of cultural values and local stakeholders are key to managing cultural values. This article defines cultural values with development potential by studying the relevant research literature and legislation, carrying out field studies in the Idrija countryside, and using an online questionnaire to evaluate development aspects.
Reactive and Proactive Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Holsapple Clyde W. , Oh Jae-Young
Published: September 2013

This chapter investigates the dynamic capabilities of market creators and followers by studying the nature of the environments they face. The turbulent and rapidly changing business environment forces a firm seeking to sustain its competitiveness to choose whether to enter an emerging market or create a new market. Both directions can lead firms to success in a market but only when they cultivate appropriate dynamic capabilities. In the mobile industry, for instance, the different approaches for success of Apple, market creator of the smart phone, and Samsung, a successful follower in that emerging market, provide an example for considering and understanding such capabilities. In this study, the authors examine ways in which several theories attempt to explain the success of Apple and Samsung. They introduce the idea of classifying dynamic capabilities into reactive and proactive types, each of which can lead to success. The classification is enriched into a knowledge-based framework by applying the knowledge chain theory. The framework also accommodates concepts from other theories that are reviewed. This study makes contributions to understanding knowledge-based competitiveness: (1) the classification of dynamic capabilities into “proactive” and “reactive” gives a unified understanding of how both a pioneer and followers can succeed in a market; (2) the framework delves into mechanisms of how competitive advantage from the two kinds of dynamic capabilities is produced through the lens of the knowledge chain theory; (3) the framework can serve as an action guide in coping with turbulent business situations.
How Knowledge Creation Capabilities Lead to Competitive Advantage
Authors: Chung Tingting (Rachel) , Liang Ting-Peng , Peng Chih-Hung , Chen Deng-Neng
Published: September 2013

This chapter examines the roles of organizational creativity and organizational learning effectiveness in explaining the processes through which knowledge creation capabilities help firms to obtain and sustain competitive advantage. The proposed model specifies that organizational learning effectiveness plays a pivotal role in the relationship between knowledge creation and creativity. New knowledge develops better routines that make operations more efficient and effective. As organizations learn from newly generated knowledge, not only do they improve existing processes, but dynamic capabilities also develop to integrate knowledge into creative ideas, novel solutions, and new products and services. This theoretical examination leads to the proposition that organizational learning effectiveness mediates the relationship between knowledge creation capabilities and organizational creativity. This chapter also examines whether the effect of knowledge creation processes on organizational creativity exists in all organizations or is contingent on the nature of the organization’s knowledge. Based on the common understanding that tacit and explicit knowledge differ substantially in their codifiability and transferability, the authors specify the moderating role of knowledge characteristics in the process of using knowledge management to foster organizational creativity. The theoretical examination leads to the proposition that the degree of tacitness of the organization’s critical knowledge moderates the effect of knowledge creation capabilities on organizational creativity mediated by organizational learning effectiveness. Finally, the authors argue that the degree of institutionalization of the organization’s critical knowledge moderates the effect of knowledge creation capabilities on organizational creativity, which is in turn mediated by organizational learning effectiveness. Implications for research and managerial practices are discussed.
The Role of Social Intelligence in Acquiring External Knowledge for Human Capital Development, Organisational Learning, and Innovation
Authors: Kong Eric
Published: September 2013

Social intelligence can be interpreted as one’s tacit knowledge, ability, and skills to sense and understand the needs of external stakeholders, and constantly interact appropriately with the stakeholders for the benefits of the firm. Based on 25 qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews across 15 Australian organisations, this chapter examines the role of social intelligence and argues that social intelligence acts as a catalyst to external knowledge acquisition, which can have a dynamic influence on human capital and organisational learning that lead to innovation in organisations. The analysis also reveals that the participants’ understandings of social intelligence were different from those contained in the literature. This chapter argues that the implications of the theory-practice divide of social intelligence in organisations cannot be undermined, and a better understanding of the concept is necessary if knowledge management, organisational learning, and an intellectual capital-view of the firm are to be fully integrated.
Management of Group Knowledge and the Role of E-WOM for Business Organizations
Authors: Franco Massimo , Di Virgilio Francesca , Di Pietro Loredana
Published: September 2013

In recent years there is an increasing usage of on line technologies from a group and managerial point of view. As a consequence, the availability of user-generated contents is growing rapidly, due to the new and easy tools provided by these technologies, which enable group participation, group knowledge sharing, and connectivity among group members. This chapter introduces a conceptual model of group knowledge in business organizations. The most important result is the analytical framework to explore group knowledge investigating the influence of group variables and the role of E-WOM – Electronic Word Of Mouth. In the first section, the authors discuss the frame structure approach to the topic of group knowledge and describe the content and organization of knowledge extrapolated from published literature. Following that, they represent a theoretical model for explaining the group’s dynamics to question the possible role of E-WOM. At the end, directions for future studies are suggested. The chapter presents three main objectives: (1) the contribution to the body of literature of organizational and group knowledge relevant for researchers; (2) the development of a conceptual approach of group knowledge; (3) the investigation of scientific inquiries regarding the role of E-WOM in relation to the conceptual approach. The approach introduces a new framework applicable both as a tool for enhancing the understanding of group knowledge and as a useful guide to future research on knowledge as a whole. The content discussed herein attempts to establish the building blocks toward the development of a theory of group knowledge.
A Synthesis of Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management Literatures
Authors: Tatachari Srinivasan , Manikandan K. S. , Gunta Srinivas
Published: September 2013

This chapter contributes to the literature through a synthesis of the hitherto disparate organizational learning and knowledge management fields. Two distinct epistemological traditions are identified, and the literature under each tradition is synthesized separately to start with. Epistemology of possession considers knowledge as an object that can be codified, stored, retrieved, and applied to achieve organizational outcomes. One of the major contributions of this chapter is to present an integrated model of organizational learning synthesizing the frameworks of Kolb (1993), Crossan, Lane, and White (1999), and Nonaka (1994), each of which is a dominant theoretical strand within the epistemology of possession. The epistemology of practice, in contrast, assumes knowledge as an integral part of doing and as something that cannot be distinct from the process of learning. By indicating a directional attempt at synthesizing the two epistemologies themselves through the multi-faceted literature on routines, the authors make another contribution to the literature. They illustrate implications for competitive advantage throughout the chapter.
Organizational Barriers and Facilitators in Embedding Knowledge Strategy
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: September 2013

The knowledge that exists within organizations is a sustainable source of competitive advantage. This makes knowledge management a strategic imperative for all. Much has been written on the subject of Knowledge Management (KM), strategy development, and implementation. There are numerous approaches one can take to develop a successful strategy, and there is no one right or wrong way. What ultimately constitutes a successful KM strategy? One that is signed off by management, is resourced, and is allowed to be implemented. Once that is achieved, then one can make all the adjustments needed to ensure strategic alignment with organizational strategy. The value of a KM strategy comes when the strategy is resourced, implemented, and the organization begins to realize the benefits. That is possible only when there is a unified understanding of the organizational barriers and facilitators in embedding knowledge strategy with organizational strategy for successful goal attainment. The objective of this study is to aid researchers in recognizing and understanding the organizational barriers and facilitators in embedding knowledge strategy. This would be indispensable for successful goal attainment in a modern complex economy.
Using ERG Theory as a Lens to Understand the Sharing of Academic Tacit Knowledge
Authors: Van Canh Ta , Zyngier Suzanne
Published: September 2013

This chapter provides a direct view of the higher education environment in a transition economy. It reports research findings on barriers to sharing knowledge among Vietnamese academic and managerial colleagues, focusing on three factors: time, capital, and management capacity. It draws on data from focus groups and from in-depth interviews of Vietnamese members of faculty from six major universities. A key finding of this study is that work-overload leaves little time for collaborative research. Together with insufficient English skills and bureaucratic management, it contributes to measurable levels of cheating and corruption in education that in turn lead to low quality and quantity of international academic publications and of patents. This finding indicates that there is a strong link with both Existence, Relatedness, and Growth (ERG) theory and Maslow’s theory of need with both the quality and quantity of international publications produced by Vietnamese academics.
Exploring Knowledge Types and Knowledge Protection in Organizations
Authors: Masrom Maslin , Mahmood Nik Hasnaa Nik , Al-Araimi Aida A. Aziz
Published: September 2013

Knowledge management has emerged as an area of enquiry for managing organizational knowledge. It is a key driver for organizational effectiveness and competitive advantage and an effective way to address economic problems including losses related to high turnovers and retiring workforce. It also has been considered an important weapon for maximizing the potential of knowledge for sustainable performance for public and private organizations. Knowledge is a critical resource for organizations, and the knowledge resources need to be properly recognized and used for achieving organizational goals. Knowledge has limited value if it is not shared within the organization. The aim of the chapter is to examine the relationship between knowledge types and knowledge protection. It will also identify several approaches (i.e. tools and programs) or mechanisms for protecting the knowledge from loss.
The Human Element of the Knowledge Worker
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: September 2013

The goal of Knowledge Management (KM) is a practical one: to improve organizational capabilities through better use of the organization’s individual and collective knowledge resources. Astonishingly, despite the now-solid consensus on the importance of knowledge or intellectual capital to every organization’s success, most organizations actually manage knowledge very badly. Very few have clearly defined management roles, such as Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO), or organizational structures for the management of knowledge as a resource. Thus, the paramount protection of knowledge is not the type of knowledge itself, but the human element of the knowledge worker within knowledge management. In so doing, this chapter covers the human element of the Knowledge Worker (KW), the Learning Organization (LO) (organizations that are good at Organizational Learning [OL]), the history and meaning of knowledge, types of knowledge, and concludes with the protection of the human element of the KW.
Physical Layer Security in Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Cepheli Özge , Kurt Güneş Karabulut
Published: September 2013

Physical layer (PHY) security has become an emerging area of research recently. Wireless networks use unguided medium as communication channels, so gathering wireless data transmission is easier when compared to traditional cable systems. With the rise of new security challenges, many different solutions have been offered and are being developed. However, maintaining security in wireless networks still remains a challenge. Secure transmission techniques in these networks are discussed throughout this chapter. PHY security measures, the secrecy rate, the secrecy capacity, and the outage secrecy rate are introduced. Security needs of wireless networks are discussed and the related common attack types are described. Main countermeasures that are proposed to prevent these attacks are also presented with both practical and theoretical perspectives.
Security and Privacy in Mobile Ad hoc Social Networks
Authors: Ferrag Mohamed Amine , Nafa Mehdi , Ghanemi Salim
Published: September 2013

In this chapter, first, the authors briefly introduce the two new systems “MASN-OLSR” (Mobile Ad Hoc Social Networks with OLSR) and “MASN-AODV” (Mobile Ad Hoc Social Networks with AODV). Then they choose wormhole and black hole attack methods, because they are not completely solved, especially in a setting where MASN is used as OLSR or AODV routing protocol. The authors give a definition of the wormhole and black hole attacks on an ad hoc network using OLSR or AODV as routing protocol and then examine the various existing proposals in the literature to overcome this attack. With an analysis of these methods, they then determine the advantages and disadvantages of each of these new systems.
A Multi-Parameter Trust Framework for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Guo Ji , Marshall Alan , Zhou Bosheng
Published: September 2013

This chapter presents a novel trust model called Multi-Parameter Trust Framework for Mobile ad hoc networks (MTFM). A key feature of this proposed framework is its use of multiple rather than a single parameter to decide the resulting trust value, applying Grey theory. Results presented here demonstrate that the new framework can maintain consistent trust values in the presence of various types of mobility. Simulations conducted in an 802.11-based mobile ad hoc network also show that this framework offers good robustness in misbehaviour detection by employing multiple parameters. The detection capability of the new framework is examined for a range of misbehaviours and its performance is compared to existing single-parameter approaches, such as the Beta distribution method.
Voting Median Base Algorithm for Measurement Approximation of Wireless Sensor Network Performance
Authors: Elfadil Nazar , Al-Raisi Yaqoob J.
Published: September 2013

The success of Wireless Sensor Network application monitoring relies on the accuracy and reliability of its nodes operation. Unfortunately, operation deviations of these nodes appear as regular occurrences not isolated events as in traditional networks. This is due to their special characteristics that reduce network manufacturing and deployment costs and maintain the nodes immunity against internal and external conditions. The goal of this chapter is to propose a real-time, distributed, passive, and low resources usage performance-monitoring algorithm that monitors Wireless Sensor Network functionality and isolates the detected deviated nodes from norm operation. Simulation and empirical experiments showed that the proposed algorithm has a slight processing and storage overhead. It is important to mention that these experiments showed that the proposed algorithm has a high reliability in tracking and isolating network nodes problems.
Mobile Cloud Computing and Its Security and Privacy Challenges
Authors: Takabi Hassan , Zargar Saman Taghavi , Joshi James B. D.
Published: September 2013

Mobile cloud computing has grown out of two hot technology trends, mobility and cloud. The emergence of cloud computing and its extension into the mobile domain creates the potential for a global, interconnected mobile cloud computing environment that will allow the entire mobile ecosystem to enrich their services across multiple networks. We can utilize significant optimization and increased operating power offered by cloud computing to enable seamless and transparent use of cloud resources to extend the capability of resource constrained mobile devices. However, in order to realize mobile cloud computing, we need to develop mechanisms to achieve interoperability among heterogeneous and distributed devices. We need solutions to discover best available resources in the cloud servers based on the user demands and approaches to deliver desired resources and services efficiently and in a timely fashion to the mobile terminals. Furthermore, while mobile cloud computing has tremendous potential to enable the mobile terminals to have access to powerful and reliable computing resources anywhere and anytime, we must consider several issues including privacy and security, and reliability in realizing mobile cloud computing. In this chapter, the authors first explore the architectural components required to realize a mobile cloud computing infrastructure. They then discuss mobile cloud computing features with their unique privacy and security implications. They present unique issues of mobile cloud computing that exacerbate privacy and security challenges. They also discuss various approaches to address these challenges and explore the future work needed to provide a trustworthy mobile cloud computing environment.
Studies on Gymnemic Acids Nanoparticulate Formulations Against Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ravichandran R.
Published: September 2013

The solid dosage forms of Gymnemic acid nanoparticulate formulations developed earlier were tested for anti-diabetic activity and hypoglycemic activity. Glucose, insulin and various biochemical parameters were monitored from blood samples of rats to study the efficacy of these formulations. The nano-formulations exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity and produced substantial hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels (mg/dL) in glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats after dosing with Gymnemic acids nano-formulations were 79 to 98, as against 105 in the control after 3 hours. Hypoglycemic activity of Gymnemic acids nano-formulations ranged between 63 to 66 (Blood glucose concentration, mg/dL) as against 80 in the control. Biochemical parameters studied also supported the above observations. The study clearly shows that gymnemic acid nanoparticulate formulations developed may be a better therapeutic adjunctive option for diabetes mellitus in humans.
A Novel Detection Approach for Cardio-Respiratory Disorders Using PPG Signals
Authors: Pradhapan Paruthi , Swaminathan Muthukaruppan , Mohan Hari Krishna Salila Vijayalal , Sriraam N.
Published: September 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the use of Photoplethysmography (PPG) as a tool for identifying cardiac and respiratory disorders using Decision tree mining technique. PPG signals were recorded from 45 healthy volunteers in the 19-22 age group. Recordings were carried out under normal, induced cardiac stress and induced apnea conditions to assess the changes in the PPG morphology under these settings. Three features, stiffness index (SI), reflection index (RI) and power ratio (PR), have been used for classification. Classification accuracy of 94.44% and 97.19% has been achieved for induced cardiac stress and induced apnea recordings respectively, using the decision tree classifier. The study indicates that PPG can be used as an effective screening tool for preliminary diagnosis of different cardiac and respiratory conditions. The results need to be validated for large datasets as well as for offline analysis of measurements from real life situations.
Automated Screening of Fetal Heart Chambers from 2-D Ultrasound Cine-Loop Sequences
Authors: Sriraam N. , S.Vijayalakshmi  , S.Suresh
Published: September 2013

Fetal cardiac ultrasonic imaging technique has become increasingly popular in the recent years for the detection of fetal congenital abnormalities at an early stage. Due to the low signal-to-noise ratio of the ultrasound imaging, the automatic detection methods should incorporate suitable preprocessing filtering techniques to enhance the segmentation techniques efficiently. This paper suggests the application of median and morphological filtering operation for removing speckle noise. Then the four heart chambers are segmented independently based on the shape priors. The amorphous snake’s helps in identifying the contours of the chamber edges individually based on shape pattern. Experimental study involves the ultrasound cine-loop sequences of the apical four chamber view of fetal heart with a constant frame rate of 25 frames per second (fps) with varying duration of 10-30s encompassing a range of 20-40 complete cardiac cycles. The simulation result confirms the suitability of proposed scheme for automated screening of fetal heart chambers.
Using Social Network-Mediated Bridging Activities to Develop Socio-Pragmatic Awareness in Elementary Korean
Authors: Reinhardt Jonathon , Ryu Jieun
Published: September 2013

Informed by a bridging activities model (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008), the authors designed and implemented a series of activities using Facebook to develop elementary level Korean learners’ socio-pragmatic awareness of the use of Korean honorifics. Nine students took part in the activities, which involved student collaboration to create five invented profiles and shared resources, guided analysis of expert/native use, role play activities to practice new socio-grammatical understandings, and analysis of peer production. Based on analysis of student work and post-instructional surveys, the authors found evidence for the development of socio-pragmatic awareness, as demonstrated by the practice of pragmatic flouting, the understanding of contextual constraints on use, and the creative use of Facebook affordances.
Online Communities of Practice and Second Language Phonological Acquisition
Authors: Lord Gillian , Harrington Stasie
Published: September 2013

Second language (L2) researchers have long recognized the potential benefits of incorporating pronunciation instruction in language curricula (e.g., Arteaga, 2000; Castino, 1996; Elliott, 1995, 1997; González-Bueno, 1997; Lord, 2005; Major, 1998; Moyer, 1999; Terrell, 1989; among others), and have investigated a variety of training types both in and out of the classroom, meeting with mixed successes. Likewise, technological advances provide educators with new tools that foster collaboration among learners and encourage the crucial processes of input, interaction and output (Long, 1996; Pica, 1994; Swain, 1985) beyond the walls of the classroom. The present study examines the potential of one such tool – podcasting – to create a community of practice for language learners to improve their second language phonological production (following Lord, 2008; see also Ducate & Lomicka, 2009). Although the results offer inconsistent evidence in favor of specific acoustic and articulatory improvements, the benefits of podcasting for such purposes are discussed.
Questionnaires to Inform a Usability Test Conducted on a CALL Dictionary Prototype
Authors: Hamel Marie-Josée
Published: September 2013

Questionnaires are often considered a suitable instrument to gather data on language learners’ experiences. To test the usability of an online dictionary prototype, a series of questionnaires were distributed to a class of language learners before and after they completed a language task at the computer using the dictionary prototype. Measures of task effectiveness and efficiency were obtained and correlated with the questionnaires’ results. This study shows how the questionnaire results informed the overall measure of usability and, in particular, addressed user satisfaction, a more subjective yet a central component of this measure. Pre-questionnaires prepared learners for the task, whereas post-questionnaires fostered a reflection about the task process and its outcome. Hence, it is argued that combining observation and questionnaire techniques in that context was effective in providing a fuller insight into the learner-task-tool interaction at the computer. In this CALL research and development context, questionnaires served a double function as an evaluative and a pedagogical instrument.
Internet Study
Authors: Bernik Igor
Published: September 2013

The authors present public comprehension and attitudes towards cyber threats and cybercrime in Slovenia. Cyberspace has become a wide area which can be exploited through various criminal activities, considering that access to information technology and the Internet is ubiquitous. As the number of users grows, so does the number of cybercrime incidences. Regrettably, users of information technology and the Internet know too little about the dangers in cyberspace and the protective measures to maximize security; they are also poorly informed about the legislation pertaining to cybercrime. In order to accurately gauge the knowledge of the average Internet user, the authors conducted a survey which was posted on the Internet in spring 2011. This survey is the basis for an examination of the perception of cybercrime and an attempt to make sense of the fear of it. The statistical analysis of the questionnaires show, how users perceive cybercrime. On the basis of theory and the results of their research, the authors present basic guidelines that can, if respected, minimize security risks in cyberspace. These guidelines can help increase awareness of cyber threats and are a source of information on how to safely interact in cyberspace. Users who are aware of the risks in cyberspace and know how to deal with them are less afraid of becoming victims of cybercrime. The insights acquired in this study are useful for all cyberspace users and have practical value as they can be used for further study of cybercrime.
The Meaningful Use of Information Therapy (Ix®)
Authors: Kemper Donald W. , Mettler Molly
Published: September 2013

Information Therapy (Ix), getting the right information to the right person at the right time in order to help the person make an informed health decision, is a field that is constantly evolving. Over the past decade, several changes –particularly technological and policy-based developments -- have helped to advance the model. This paper traces the evolution of Information Therapy from a good idea to one that has been widely adopted by clinicians. This paper emphasizes the use of the electronic medical record (EMR) in delivering information therapy prescriptions directly to patients. Patient Response (Px) is proposed as the next phase in the evolution of Information Therapy and patient-centered care.
eSelf or Computerized Self Network
Authors: Bagheri Fereydoon Baradaran
Published: September 2013

Empowering individuals is carried out through improving self-knowledge and self-awareness and maximization of their autonomous self-regulatory potential. In order to improve individual self-knowledge the author needs to provide evidence-based and need-oriented information to individuals and help them to process and self-reflect this information This paper attempts to describe a conceptual system, called Electronic-Self or Computerized Self Network, encompassing Medical Informatics Systems, Personal Informatics System, and Optimal Health Care Providers and explain how such a system can be considered as a practical solution. eSelf a complex adaptive system and based complexity sciences rules. eSelf strategy for individual empowerment based on each individual should be in personal health context play two role philosopher and scientist in personal health information processing and embodied self awareness.
Assistive Computing Technology for Enabling Differently-Abled Population in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrajit , Ramachandran Anandhi , Upadhyay Nekram , Sharma Megha
Published: September 2013

As per the WHO, nearly 10% of the world’s population suffers from some form of disability or impairment. The situation in developing countries is worse with growing population, aging, high prevalence of chronic diseases and vehicular accidents. It is pertinent to build institutional mechanisms for rehabilitation to help patients become self-sufficient and resource earners. Efforts are being made globally for the adoption of ‘Assistive computing technologies’ (ACT) for providing a user-driven healthcare intervention for rehabilitation of differently-abled (disabled) population. However, its adoption in India where nearly 12% of the population is disabled is abysmally low. This paper examines the feasibility of using ACT in India and explores the factors affecting its adoption. As a pilot study, the use of ACT was reviewed amongst disabled patients with spinal injuries being treated at a large private hospital in New Delhi. The study revealed that adoption of ACT by rural population is low compared to urban. Language barrier, cost and lack of awareness among the community were the main barriers to use. It was also highlighted by the respondents during the study that very few doctors and physiotherapists treating physically disabled were aware of ACT.