bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting Open Source Development Tools in a Commercial Production Environment
Authors: Persson Anna , Gustavsson Henrik , Lings Brian , Lundell Bjorn , Mattsson Anders , Arlig Ulf
Published: May 2011

Many companies are using model-based techniques to offer a competitive advantage in an increasingly globalised systems development industry. Central to model-based development is the concept of models as the basis from which systems are generated, tested, and maintained. The availability of high-quality tools and the ability to adopt and adapt them to the company practice are important qualities. Model interchange between tools becomes a major issue. Without it, there is significantly reduced flexibility and a danger of tool lock-in. We explore the use of a standardised interchange format (XMI) for increasing flexibility in a company environment. We report on a case study in which a systems development company has explored the possibility of complementing its current proprietary tools with open-source products for supporting its model-based development activities. We found that problems still exist with interchange and that the technology needs to mature before industrial-strength model interchange becomes a reality.
Coordination and Social Structures in an Open Source Project
Authors: Basset Thomas
Published: May 2011

This chapter tackles the issue of the distribution of work in an open source project through the influence of social relationships among developers. The author demonstrates that the concentration of code in the VideoLAN project —already pointed out in other projects—does not only depend on technical expertise but is strongly influenced by the nature of social relationships among developers. Face-to-face relationships have a great importance, as does friendship which can favor the circulation of advice. In addition to technical expertise, a second kind of expertise —the ability to be aware of who is working on what—determines the hierarchy within this entity that looks like a collegial organization. The author hopes that this work will help to reduce the hiatus between technical and social considerations on open source software.
Extending Apache Axis for Monitoring of Web Service Offerings
Authors: Tosic Vladimir , Ma Wei , Esfandiari Babak , Pagurek Bernard , Lutfiyya Hanan
Published: May 2011

The Web Service Offerings Infrastructure (WSOI) is a monitoring and management infrastructure for the Web Service Offerings Language (WSOL). It extends Apache Axis, an open-source tool for hosting Web services. We present technical details of several WSOI solutions for monitoring Web Services. To pass management information among management parties, we built WSOI serializer and WSOI deserializer modules converting data between formats of Axis’ MessageContext properties and SOAP headers. To perform different monitoring activities for different WSOL service offerings, we implemented Web Service Offering Descriptor (WSOD) as a complement to Axis’ Web Service Deployment Descriptor (WSDD) component. To represent run-time values of WSOL-related management information, we developed WSOI management information model. All these solutions were verified with a prototype implementation of WSOI 2.0 and validated on case studies.
Internet-Based Spatial Decision Support Using Open Source Tools
Authors: Hall G. Brent , Leahy Michael G.
Published: May 2011

In the last half decade, there has been growing interest in the concept of collaborative geographic information systems (GIS) in support of decision making, especially in the context of various domains of planning. This interest has spawned an already substantial literature in what is now becoming popularly known as public participation GIS (PPGIS) or community GIS. A central and general objective of PPGIS is to encourage the use of GIS technology by broadly based and geographically dispersed nonexpert users. In the context of planning decision support, this involves creating software with map-based functionality that is responsive to the needs of user groups that have limited experience with computers and only a rudimentary knowledge of even simple spatial analysis concepts. This functionality should be designed to enable these individuals to communicate and interact with higher level users and agencies on an equal footing so that all participants can be both better informed of each others perspectives and more involved in decision-making processes that involve land and resource use planning and management. This chapter considers the general issue of PPGIS in the context of use of the Internet and the World Wide Web as a means of achieving broad participation and collaboration in decision making among dispersed participants with a diversity of backgrounds and competencies in using spatial concepts and analyses. The chapter also considers the role that open source software tools can play in crafting accessible and highly customizable solutions using an example for assessing the quality of primary-level education in Peru.
The Status of SAP-Related Education
Authors: Rosemann Michael , Maurizio Amelia A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on the most popular enterprise system — SAP — and summarizes the outcomes of a global survey on the status quo of SAP-related education. Based on feedback of 305 lecturers and more than 700 students, it reports on the main factors of Enterprise Sys-tems education including, critical success factors, alternative hosting models, and students’ perceptions. The results show among others an overall increasing interest in advanced SAP solutions and international collaboration, and a high satisfaction with the concept of using application hosting centers. Integrating enterprise systems solutions in the curriculum of not only universities but all types of institutes of higher learning has been a major challenge for nearly ten years. Enterprise systems education is surprisingly well documented in a number of papers on information systems education. However, most publications in this area report on the individual experiences of an institution or an academic.
Voice Over IP for Rural Telecommunication Provision
Authors: Wilsdon Thomas , Slay Jill
Published: May 2011

With the continual convergence of analogue technologies with those either simulated or implemented in digital based equivalents, future benefits usually involve better reliability and lower costs. As current technical limitations are removed, the literature does not show any large scale assessment of the legal and security implications of the removal of cables in this digital world or the effect of a move toward wireless transmission in this context. Neither Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) nor IEEE 802.11b is new technology, but the combination of these services to provide a primary telephone network for small regional centres is an innovative solution to rural telecommunication problems.
A Comparative Study of Diffusion of Web-Based Education (WBE) in Singapore and Australia
Authors: Wong Y. Y. Jessie , Gerber R. , Toh K. A.
Published: May 2011

Examined and compared in this chapter is the diffusion of WBE in Singapore and Australia. These two countries were chosen in this study because of the close educational collaborations and developments between them. A number of Australian universities have offshore bases in Singapore. It would be more cost-effective and profitable to use WBE instead of using the usual corresponding method, or flying professors into the country a few times a year for intensive residential studies. In this chapter, WBE at some selected institutions is reported in detail, because these institutions represent the more advanced developments of WBE in the respective country. Meta-analysis, using a modified Taylor’s model (Taylor, 2001), reveals that though Singapore and Australia are different in their approach and policies to education and technology, they share similar trends and achievements in the development of WBE. Tertiary institutions in both countries have generally achieved all the characteristics of Generations 4 and 5 of the development model of Distance Education, as described by Taylor. However, this is not to say that face-to-face teaching has been phased out. This study also indicates that WBE supports the development of distance education and e-universities in Australia. On the other hand, it is hard to say when Singapore will develop its first e-university.
Digital Access, ICT Fluency, and the Economically Disadvantages
Authors: Whybrow Ellen
Published: May 2011

The digital divide is a complex phenomenon inextricably linked to income security and not easily addressed through programs that provide simple solutions of training and access. This chapter details the importance of digital access and fluency as they relate to economic disadvantage and explores a variety of models that are used to address the problem. The chapter argues that programs addressing digital divide issues require a multi-faceted approach to address a variety of needs that exist as a result of the condition. While there may be a clash between community, educational, and employer groups, the chapter proposes an alliance model of stakeholders working towards common goals as well as their own organizational interests.
Digital Divide Challenge
Authors: Papazafeiropoulou Anastasia , Pouloudi Anastasia
Published: May 2011

Following an initial euphoria about the power of the information superhighway to provide better access to information and wealth for all, what we have experienced in reality instead is that information and communication technologies have created further inequalities at individual, business, national and international level. To ease the effects of this “digital divide,” policy makers have taken up the role of change agencies, influencing the public in using innovative information technologies. This chapter focuses on the role of these change agencies for technology diffusion and the elimination of the digital divide. It is argued that examining the interest of change agencies and the other stakeholders involved in the diffusion process from a normative perspective can help in the preparation of effective information technology diffusion policies.
E-Government in Developing Countries
Authors: Samaratunge Ramanie , Waddell Dianne
Published: May 2011

Even though there is an emerging literature on information age reform of the public sector, research focused on potential and problems related to introduction of information-based reforms in developing countries is still limited. Thus in this chapter, experience in one developing country, Sri Lanka, is examined. Problems related to information-based technology is analysed and the lacuna in the literature is narrowed. It is argued that despite the great potential for IT in enhancing effective and efficient public sector in Sri Lanka, there are a number of difficulties hindering the development of computerised information systems. The upgrading of infrastructure facilities in Sri Lanka is long overdue. A lack of competent and committed individuals who could provide effective guidance in developing IT services in the public sector is another concern. The issues such as appropriate training, attractive promotion systems and remunerations for public officials need to be addressed urgently. Reforming existing organizational structures and changing officials’ attitudes towards change are essential. The increasing public awareness of the potential of IT services enhancing the quality and timeliness of the public service is essential.
Inter-Organizational E-commerce in Healthcare Services
Authors: Kalyanpur Arjun , Latif Firoz , Saini Sanjay , Sarnikar Surendra
Published: May 2011

Advances in healthcare information technology have enabled new models for electronic delivery of healthcare services. In this article, we present the case of electronic delivery of radiological services and describe the market-based and technological factors that have led to the development of Internet-based service models for flexible delivery of radiological services. Specifically, we describe the technical, regulatory, and security issues that affect teleradiology and propose a service delivery model for providing cost-effective and flexible radiological services.
E-Democracy and E-Economy in Africa
Authors: Hellsten Sirkku K.
Published: May 2011

A new world governance and economy characterised by globalisation has an increasing emphasis on knowledge and knowledge-transfer as the primary driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and participation. The economic, social, and political landscape in which future development will take place has then also changed. All countries, rich and poor, must now reconsider their approach to development to incorporate this new reality. Opportunities exist for poor countries to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to make rapid advances in their economic and political development, but there are also risks that a digital divide might widen the inequality between the “have’s” and “have not’s” across the world. This article focuses on the role of ICT and the development of e-democracy and e-economy in Africa. The chapter will discuss the prospects and problems in enhancing e-democracy and e-economy in Africa by examining global and local obstacles to the access and use of ICT in many African countries. It also discusses whether ICT can empower people locally and regionally to participate more actively in politics, public affairs and economics.
Innovation Diffusion and E-Collaboration
Authors: Miranda Shaila M. , Carter Pamela E.
Published: May 2011

Organizational arrangements such as telework are often believed to disrupt workers’ social networks. This raises a concern regarding teleworkers’ abilities to adjust to technological changes in organizations. Based on innovation diffusion theory, this chapter considers telework and interdependence as parallel dimensions of social proximity that may be expected to affect the diffusion of innovation in terms of users’ social information processing (i.e., their technology beliefs, communication channels, and information sources). This proposition is investigated in a field-study conducted during the migration of a business unit to a new communications system. Technology users at the business unit were surveyed three times over a 12-week period—right before the conversion to the new system and at two six-week intervals following the conversion. These surveys assessed the impact of telework on respondents’ beliefs toward the communication technology. Findings partially supported our hypotheses regarding the negative effect of remoteness on beliefs about technology. Users were then surveyed to investigate the media and sources they utilized to stay informed about the new technology. As anticipated, telework was related to an increased use of electronic media and of individual and authority information sources. Contrary to our expectations, though, results indicated a positive effect of telework on the use of collective sources and face-to-face media. Therefore, we conclude that teleworkers make a special effort to preserve their social networks.
An Agent-Based Collaborative Negotiation System for Global Manufacturing Supply Chain Management
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , You Xiao , Kumar Arun
Published: May 2011

This chapter applies the multi-agent system paradigm to collaborative negotiation in a global manufacturing supply chain network. Multi-agent computational environments are suitable for dealing with a broad class of coordination and negotiation issues involving multiple autonomous or semi-autonomous problem-solving agents. An agent-based multi-contract negotiation system is proposed for global manufacturingsupply chain coordination. Also reported is a case study of mobile phone global manufacturing supply chain management.
An Investigation of GISM Issues for Successful Management of the Globalization Process
Authors: Lan Yi-chen
Published: May 2011

This chapter investigates issues related to the global transition of an enterprise through the application of information technology and information systems. It starts with the discussion of the issues that are critical to the successful transition of an enterprise to transborder business operations using information systems. The expected outcome of such transition would be a globalized organization that would not be limited by geographical and time zone barriers, nor restricted by cultural differences. The global transition issues are further classified into five categories embracing business information systems management, information technology management, people management, end user management, and culture. It is then followed by a comprehensive examination of individual issues that is vital in understanding their impact on the transition and how to alleviate that impact. The chapter concludes by indicating a future research direction that might augment the development of this emerging field.
Competitive Strategies and Global Management
Authors: Li Mingfang
Published: May 2011

Competitive strategies remain a central topic of research in strategic management. Recent conceptual developments and practices reveal possible additional types of competitive strategies due to the advances in information as well as manufacturing technologies. This paper proposes a conceptual extension of the generic strategies originally developed by Michael Porter (1980) to include additional competitive approaches as various combinations and extensions of the original four. Furthermore, this paper applies the extended model of competitive strategies to global strategic management to present a number of propositions. Contributions, limitations and future research are considered.
Global Internet Marketing Strategy
Authors: Iyer Gopalkrishnan R.
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores some key managerial issues in the development and implementation of a global Internet marketing strategy. While it appears that the Internet has opened up infinite possibilities for an integrated global marketing strategy, this chapter notes several infrastructural and cultural issues that limit the effectiveness of global strategies. This chapter offers insights on using the full potential of the Internet in the deployment of global marketing strategies, while being cognizant of various other realities and limitations. Several practical managerial recommendations are offered for crafting and deploying a global marketing strategy.
Cultural Diversity and the Digital Divide
Authors: Rhoten Eulace Scott
Published: May 2011

“Since ancient times philosophers, politicians, and social critics have debated the nature of community” (Parrish, 2002, p. 260; Bunn, 1998). “Aristotle and others have claimed that community is a broader concept, but have still kept their focus on the geographical and face-to-face nature of community” (Parrish, 2002, p. 260; Aristotle, 1991). “These views were reasonable in their time, but the advent of computer networking has caused these classic interpretations of community to lose currency” (Parrish, 2002; Cooley, 1983; Marvin, 1884). Some (Fernback & Thompson, 1997) like Edmund Burke have focused on the intergenerational and traditional aspects of life that he believes form true communities (Burke, 1790). “Even such proponents of virtual community as Rheingold (1993), Schwartz (1994), and McClellan (1994) maintain ‘face-to-face meetings’ can be valuable in the formation of a true sense of community” (Ferguson, 1994, p. 48; Mowitt, 2001). However, with our new abilities to communicate synchronously with multiple parties over the Internet—called synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC), we have opened up entirely new possibilities for the formation of true communities (Parrish, 2002; Robins, 2000). Daniel Filmus (2003), Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Republic of Argentina, states, “The issue of cultural diversity is the central and most essential theme of our discussion” within cyberspace’s virtual community. In order to discuss cultural diversity within this context, the reader must first find the meanings of community—both traditional (geographically) and contemporary (virtually). Literature throughout history is reviewed for definitions, succinctness, and clarity on this particular topic of virtual community diversity. “Although the classic discussions of community cannot be applied directly to the context of the Internet, traditional community and virtual community have many [similarities]” (Parrish, 2002, p. 261). This work is an analysis of the traditional “community” (Cooke, 1990)—geographic community (Cartesian space) and the progress toward the virtual community. “Individuals, or a functional substitute such as a computer identity, come together to pursue and realize common interests, which tend to privilege [those certain] particular interests and needs” (Schuler, 1994, p. 63; Holmes, 1997, p. 28). There are imbalances in the virtual cosmos, similar to the Cartesian plane. “The Internet reaches only a very small portion of the inhabitants of this planet” (Samara, 2003). While analyzing these “inhabitants,” many “technical, political, and financial challenges” (Gowing, 2003) are addressed. This article also addresses the opportunities and challenges associated with “reconciling free flow of information and the need to preserve diversity in [the] digital world” (Vike-Freiberga, 2003). Finally, this article summarizes what many global leaders and scholars say about cultural diversity and the impact on the world and on the virtual community.
Epistemic Value Theory and the Digital Divide
Authors: Fallis Don
Published: May 2011

The digital divide refers to inequalities in access to information technology. Those people who do not have access to information technology are at a significant economic and social disadvantage. As with any other policy decision, in order to evaluate policies for dealing with the digital divide, we need to know exactly what our goal should be. Since the principal value of access to information technology is that it leads to knowledge, work in epistemology can help us to clarify our goal in the context of the digital divide. In this paper, I argue that epistemic value theory can help us to determine which distribution of knowledge to aim for. Epistemic value theory cannot specify a particular distribution to aim for, but it can significantly narrow down the range of possibilities. Additionally, I indicate how the exercise of applying epistemic value theory to the case of the digital divide furthers work in epistemology.
Gender Issues in HCI Design for Web Access
Authors: Boiano Stefania , Borda Ann , Bowen Jonathan P. , Faulkner Xristine , Gaia Giuliano , McDaid Sarah
Published: May 2011

We consider the design and provision of Web sites, with respect to gender issues, from various perspectives. A general view of the field is given, and educational issues are specifically considered in relation to gender differences in the use of IT as an effective educational aid, especially by children. Human-computer interaction (HCI) models at different levels of abstraction are presented, together with how gender issues could impinge at each of these levels. A number of examples, both from the commercial and cultural fields, are discussed as design case studies of home pages for Web sites that exhibit gender-related orientation. Finally, looking to the future, online gaming is discussed in the context of usage. It is hoped that the guidance provided here will help minimize any gender discrimination on Web sites with respect to their interfaces, increasing general accessibility in the process.
Global Digital Divide, Global Justice, Cultures and Epistemology
Authors: Hongladarom Soraj
Published: May 2011

The problem of global digital divide, namely disparity in internet access and use among the various regions of the world, is a growing concern. Even though, according to some reports, the gap is getting narrower, this does not mean that the problem is disappearing, because the problem does not just consist in getting more people to become ‘wired’, so to speak. This paper investigates the various relationships among the global digital divide, global justice, cultures and epistemology. Very briefly stated, not getting access to the Internet constitutes an injustice because the access is a social good that can lead to various other goods. Furthermore, as information technology is a second-order technology, one that operates on meaning bearing symbols, access to the technology is very much an issue of social epistemology, an attempt to find out the optimal way to distribute knowledge across the social and cultural domains.
Role of Culture in Electronic Business Diffusion in Developing Countries
Authors: Hafez Marwa M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter includes discussions pertaining to the role of culture in influencing electronic business diffusion in developing countries. In this chapter, the author discusses specific cultural factors and their influences on the individual components required for Internet rollout and use in developing countries. Cases from developing countries are also presented to illustrate the effects culture produces on the levels of electronic business technology usage. The discussions of the lessons learned from those cases along with the theoretical foundations presented throughout the chapter, culminate in the author’s provision of recommendations to the reader, deemed necessary for effectively increasing the diffusion of electronic business in developing countries as well as for reaping the potential benefits generated from its use.
Techno-Feminist View on the Open Source Software Development
Authors: Lin Yuwei
Published: May 2011

Current debate on women in free/libre open source software (FLOSS) tends to fall into the gender stereotype of men and women when coming across to the gender issue. This article stays away from a reductionism that simplifies the gender issue in the FLOSS community to the level of a fight between men and women. Instead of splitting women from men in the FLOSS development, this analysis helps motivate both men and women to work together, reduce the gender gap and improve the disadvantaged statuses of women and a wider users’ community in the FLOSS development. More importantly, it addresses not only the inequality that women face in computing, but also other inequalities that other users face, mainly emerging from the power relationships between expert and lay person (namely, developer and user) in software design. In so doing, the issue at stake is not only to create a welcome environment for women to join the FLOSS development, but also to come up with a better way of encouraging both sexes to collaborate with each other. This article starts from how FLOSS can make a difference for today’s information society, and present some successful stories of implementing FLOSS in developing countries and rural areas to empower women and the minority. Consequently, it discusses the problem of including more women and the minority in the FLOSS development through deconstructing the myth of the programming skill.
The Co-Evolution of Systems and Communities in Free and Open Source Software Development
Authors: Ye Yunwen , Nakakoji Kumiyo , Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Kishida Kouichi
Published: May 2011

Because a Free and Open Source Software (F/OSS) project is unlikely to sustain a long-term success unless there is an associated community that provides the platform for developers, users, and user-turned-developers to collaborate with each other, understanding the well-observed phenomenon that F/OSS systems experience “natural product evolution” cannot be complete without understanding the structure and evolution of their associated communities. This chapter examines the structure of F/OSS communities and the co-evolution of F/OSS systems and communities based on a case study. Although F/OSS systems and communities generally co-evolve, they co-evolve differently depending on the goal of the system and the structure of the community. A systematic analysis of the differences leads us to propose a classification of F/OSS projects into three types: Exploration-Oriented, Utility-Oriented, and Services-Oriented. Practical implications of realizing the co-evolution and recognizing the different types of F/OSS projects are discussed to provide guidance for F/OSS practitioners.
Women's Access to ICT in an Urban Area of Nigeria
Authors: Daramola Olukunle Babatunde , Oniovokukor Bright E.
Published: May 2011

Despite the rapid and revolutionized development of communication and media around the world in the last few decades, which culminated in the term information communication technology (ICT), most of the developing countries are yet to clearly understand its significance or maximize the use of various forms of ICTs, because of other pressing issues such as access roads, potable drinking water supply, electricity and health facilities. This has greatly caused a wide gap between and within countries in the areas of social, economic, political, health and educational developments. ICTs encompass all the technologies that facilitate the processing, transfer and exchange of information and communication services. Various forms of ICTs exist, such as radio, television, newspaper, telephone, magazine, billboard, Internet, electronic and print media, and so forth. In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in knowledge of the importance and developmental trends of ICTs worldwide. ICTs are very important in analyzing one’s existing/potential audience using the most cost-effective way to communicate; evaluating the quality of messages; and making provision for information feedback. ICTs bring about various opportunities, ranging from employment and education to economic, health, social and environmental development. As a result of the digital divide between and within countries, there are uneven disparities between the economic, social, educational and political status of the international community. This brings about classification of countries into “developed and developing” or “haves and have nots.” Gender disparity has served as a strong barrier to women’s use of ICTs, considering the fact that women in most developing countries are still considered unequal in status with their male counterparts. This has, thus, reduced enrollment in sciences and technological fields of study. This also is probably as a result of the limited awareness of the full range of opportunities in ICTs other than access to information. To achieve the goal of universal access to ICTs, there is a need to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s access to the use of ICTs. This can be accomplished by making technology accessible, relevant and useful to both women and men. State policies could be made holistic by taking into consideration women’s needs as well as addressing related issues, such as the urban-rural bias, promoting enrollment of girls in ICTs programs and empowering women to use ICTs for profitable ventures.
Reconstructing Human Intelligence within Computational Sciences
Authors: Doeben-Henisch Gerd
Published: May 2011

This chapter outlines a possible research program for computational systems representing humanlike intelligence. After a short historical introduction, a possible theoretical framework is described showing how it is possible to integrate heterogeneous disciplines like neurobiology, psychology and phenomenology within one and the same computational framework. Concrete examples are given by reconstructing behavioural (Morris) and phenomenal semiotics (Peirce) with the aid of formal theories. The author hopes to improve the interdisciplinary discussion about adaptive computational models of humanlike intelligence through a unified theoretical framework.
Agent-Oriented Methodologies
Authors: Giorgini Paolo , Henderson-Sellers Brian
Published: May 2011

As an introduction to agent-oriented (AO) methodologies, we first describe the characteristics of both agents and multi-agent systems (MASs). This leads to a discussion of what makes an AO methodology that can be used to build an MAS. Finally, we briefly introduce the ten methodologies that are described in the remaining chapters in this book.
Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kamruzzaman Joarder , Sarker Ruhul
Published: May 2011

The primary aim of this chapter is to present an overview of the artificial neural network basics and operation, architectures, and the major algorithms used for training the neural network models. As can be seen in subsequent chapters, neural networks have made many useful contributions to solve theoretical and practical problems in finance and manufacturing areas. The secondary aim here is therefore to provide a brief review of artificial neural network applications in finance and manufacturing areas.
Genetic Programming
Authors: Hsu William H.
Published: May 2011

Genetic programming (GP) is a subarea of evolutionary computation first explored by John Koza (1992) and independently developed by Nichael Lynn Cramer (1985). It is a method for producing computer programs through adaptation according to a user-defined fitness criterion, or objective function.
Question Answering from Procedural Semantics to Model Discovery
Authors: Kontos John , Malagardi Ioanna
Published: May 2011

Question Answering (QA) is one of the branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that involves the processing of human language by computer. QA systems accept questions in natural language and generate answers often in natural language. The answers are derived from databases, text collections, and knowledge bases. The main aim of QA systems is to generate a short answer to a question rather than a list of possibly relevant documents. As it becomes more and more difficult to find answers on the World Wide Web (WWW) using standard search engines, the technology of QA systems will become increasingly important. A series of systems that can answer questions from various data or knowledge sources are briefly described. These systems provide a friendly interface to the user of information systems that is particularly important for users who are not computer experts. The line of development of ideas starts with procedural semantics and leads to interfaces that support researchers for the discovery of parameter values of causal models of systems under scientific study. QA systems historically developed roughly during the 1960-1970 decade (Simmons, 1970). A few of the QA systems that were implemented during this decade are: • The BASEBALL system (Green et al., 1961) • The FACT RETRIEVAL System (Cooper, 1964) • The DELFI systems (Kontos & Kossidas, 1971; Kontos & Papakontantinou, 1970)
Fuzzy Logic Usage in Emotion Communication of Human Machine Interaction
Authors: Xu Zhe , John David , Boucouvalas Anthony C.
Published: May 2011

As the popularity of the Internet has expanded, an increasing number of people spend time online. More than ever, individuals spend time online reading news, searching for new technologies, and chatting with others. Although the Internet was designed as a tool for computational calculations, it has now become a social environment with computer-mediated communication (CMC). Picard and Healey (1997) demonstrated the potential and importance of emotion in human-computer interaction, and Bates (1992) illustrated the roles that emotion plays in user interactions with synthetic agents. Is emotion communication important for human-computer interaction? Scott and Nass (2002) demonstrated that humans extrapolate their interpersonal interaction patterns onto computers. Humans talk to computers, are angry with them, and even make friends with them. In our previous research, we demonstrated that social norms applied in our daily life are still valid for human-computer interaction. Furthermore, we proved that providing emotion visualisation in the human-computer interface could significantly influence the perceived performances and feelings of humans. For example, in an online quiz environment, human participants answered questions and then a software agent judged the answers and presented either a positive (happy) or negative (sad) expression. Even if two participants performed identically and achieved the same number of correct answers, the perceived performance for the one in the positive-expression environment is significantly higher than the one in the negative-expression environment (Xu, 2005). Although human emotional processes are much more complex than in the above example and it is difficult to build a complete computational model, various models and applications have been developed and applied in human-agent interaction environments such as the OZ project (Bates, 1992), the Cathexis model (Velasquez, 1997), and Elliot’s (1992) affective reasoner. We are interested in investigating the influences of emotions not only for human-agent communication, but also for online human-human communications. The first question is, can we detect a human’s emotional state automatically and intelligently? Previous works have concluded that emotions can be detected in various ways—in speech, in facial expressions, and in text—for example, investigations that focus on the synthesis of facial expressions and acoustic expression including Kaiser and Wehrle (2000), Wehrle, Kaiser, Schmidt, and Scherer (2000), and Zentner and Scherer (1998). As text is still dominating online communications, we believe that emotion detection in textual messages is particularly important.
Designing Agent-Based Negotiation for E-Marketing
Authors: Murthy V. K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how to design agent-based negotiation systems in e-marketing. Such a negotiation scheme requires the construction of a suitable set of rules, called a protocol, among the participating agents. The construction of the protocol is carried out in two stages: first expressing a program into an object-based rule system and then converting the rule applications into a set of agent-based transactions on a database of active objects represented using high-level data structures. We also describe how to detect the termination of the negotiation process based on Commission-Savings-Tally Algorithm. A simple example illustrates how a set of agents can participate in a negotiation protocol to find the shortest travel route on a map of cities represented as a directed weighted graph.
Comparative Genome Annotation Systems
Authors: Choi Kwangmin , Kim Sun
Published: May 2011

Understanding the genetic content of a genome is a very important but challenging task. One of the most effective methods to annotate a genome is to compare it to the genomes that are already sequenced and annotated. This chapter is to survey systems that can be used for annotating genomes by comparing multiple genomes and discusses important issues in designing genome comparison systems such as extensibility, scalability, reconfigurability, flexibility, usability, and data mining functionality. We also discuss briefly further issues in developing genome comparison systems where users can perform genome comparison flexibly on the sequence analysis level.
Neural Networks for the Classification of Benign and Malignant Patters in Digital Mammograms
Authors: Verma Brijesh , Panchal Rinku
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents neural network-based techniques for the classification of micro-calcification patterns in digital mammograms. Artificial neural network (ANN) applications in digital mammography are mainly focused on feature extraction, feature selection, and classification of micro-calcification patterns into ‘benign’ and ‘malignant’. An extensive review of neural network based techniques in digital mammography is presented. Recent developments such as auto-associators and evolutionary neural networks for feature extraction and selection are presented. Experimental results using ANN techniques on a benchmark database are described and analysed. Finally, a comparison of various neural network-based techniques is presented.
Self-Organising Impact Sensing Networks in Robust Aerospace Vehicles
Authors: Prokopenko Mikhail , Poulton Geoff , Price Don , Wang Peter , Valencia Philip , Hoschke Nigel , Farmer Tony , Hedley Mark , Lewis Chris , Scott Andrew
Published: May 2011

An approach to the structural health management (SHM) of future aerospace vehicles is presented. Such systems will need to operate robustly and intelligently in very adverse environments, and be capable of self-monitoring (and ultimately, self-repair). Networks of embedded sensors, active elements, and intelligence have been selected to form a prototypical “smart skin” for the aerospace structure, and a methodology based on multi-agent networks developed for the system to implement aspects of SHM by processes of self-organisation. Problems are broken down with the aid of a “response matrix” into one of three different scenarios: critical, sub-critical, and minor damage. From these scenarios, three components are selected, these being: (a) the formation of “impact boundaries” around damage sites, (b) self-assembling “impact networks”, and (c) shape replication. A genetic algorithm exploiting phase transitions in systems dynamics has been developed to evolve localised algorithms for impact boundary formation, addressing component (a). An ant colony optimisation (ACO) algorithm, extended by way of an adaptive dead reckoning scheme (ADRS) and which incorporates a “pause” heuristic, has been developed to address (b). Both impact boundary formation and ACO-ADRS algorithms have been successfully implemented on a “concept demonstrator”, while shape replication algorithms addressing component (c) have been successfully simulated.
Robust Algorithms for DOA Estimation and Adaptive Beamforming in Wireless Mobile Communications
Authors: Shubair R. M. , AlMidfa K. O. , Al-Marri A. , Al-Nuaimi M.
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a tool for the modelling, analysis and simulation of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation and adaptive beamforming needed in the design of smart antenna arrays for wireless mobile communications. The developed tool implements the Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) algorithm for DOA estimation and the Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm for adaptive beamforming. Performance of each algorithm is investigated with respect to the variation of a number of parameters that related to the signal environment and sensor array. Results of numerical simulation are useful for the design of smart antennas systems with optimal performance. Hence, the developed simulation tool can be used to improve and accelerate the design of wireless networks. It can also be used for computer-aided learning of modern communication systems utilizing smart antenna arrays.
Fuzzy Reasoning Approach for Local Connectivity Management in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Natsheh Essam , Jantan Adznan B. , Khatun Sabira , Subramaniam Shamala
Published: May 2011

Routing is an important functional aspect in wireless ad hoc networks that handles discovering and maintaining the paths between nodes within a network. Due to nodes’ mobility, the efficiency of a dynamic ad hoc routing protocol depends highly on updating speed of network topology changes. To achieve continuous updated routing tables, the nodes periodically broadcast short Hello messages to their neighbors. Although benefits of these messages have been proven, many studies show some drawbacks for these messages. In this paper, we adaptively optimize the frequent needs of those messages using a fuzzy logic system. The proposed fuzzy algorithm is used to model the uncertainty measurements for updating local connectivity successfully in time. Extensive performance analysis via simulation proves the effectiveness of the proposed method to improve the accuracy of neighborhood information and, hence, overall network performance.
Stochastic Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Collet Pierre , Rennard Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2011

When looking for a solution, deterministic methods have the enormous advantage that they do find global optima. Unfortunately, they are very CPU intensive, and are useless on untractable NP-hard problems that would require thousands of years for cutting-edge computers to explore. In order to get a result, one needs to revert to stochastic algorithms that sample the search space without exploring it thoroughly. Such algorithms can find very good results, without any guarantee that the global optimum has been reached; but there is often no other choice than using them. This chapter is a short introduction to the main methods used in stochastic optimization.
Games and Simulations
Authors: Akilli Göknur Kaplan
Published: May 2011

Computer games and simulations are considered powerful tools for learning with an untapped potential for formal educational use. However, the lack of available well-designed research studies about their integration into teaching and learning leaves unanswered questions, despite their more than thirty years’ existence in the instructional design movement. Beginning with these issues, this chapter aims to shed light on the definition of games and simulations, their educational use, and some of their effects on learning. Criticisms and new trends in the field of instructional design/development in relation to educational use of games and simulations are briefly reviewed. The chapter intends to provide a brief theoretical framework and a fresh starting point for practitioners in the field who are interested in educational use of games and simulations and their integration into learning environments.
A Fuzzy Logic-Based Approach for Supporting Decision-Making Process in B2C Electronic Commerce Transaction
Authors: Akhter Fahim , Maamar Zakaria , Hobbs Dave
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this article is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This article uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user’s transaction decision process and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.
Engineering Information Modeling in Databases
Authors: Ma Z. M.
Published: May 2011

Computer-based information technologies have been extensively used to help industries manage their processes and information systems become their nervous center. More specifically, databases are designed to support the data storage, processing, and retrieval activities related to data management in information systems. Database management systems provide efficient task support and tremendous gain in productivity is thereby accomplished using these technologies. Database systems are the key to implementing industrial data management. Industrial data management requires database technique support. Industrial applications, however, are typically data- and knowledge-intensive applications and have some unique characteristics (e.g., large volumes of data with complex structures) that makes their management difficult. Product data management supporting various life-cycle aspects in the manufacturing industry, for example, should not only to describe complex product structure but also manage the data of various life-cycle aspects from design, development, manufacturing, and product support. Besides, some new techniques, such as Web-based design and artificial intelligence, have been introduced into industrial applications. The unique characteristics and usage of these new technologies have created many potential requirements for industrial data management, which challenge today’s database systems and promote their evolvement.