bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capability Approach
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Dwivedi Prasoom , Seth Piyush
Published: January 2012

This paper acknowledges the role of entrepreneurship for the development of the process of sustained livelihood. The paper proposes a systematic usage of the ‘Capability’ approach (Sen, 2000) as the basis of the methodology applied by agencies having objectives in lieu with the process of sustained livelihood, because of the wider applicability and span of this approach. Taking examples of rural non-farm sector schemes of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the proposition of the usage of ‘Capability’ approach emphasizes the emergence of better criterion for measuring the effectiveness of the implementation of such schemes.
BI's Impact on Analyses and Decision Making Depends on the Development of Less Complex Applications
Authors: Sawyer Robert
Published: January 2012

This paper addresses where BI developers have failed to create applications suited for the common end-user and provide a conceptual roadmap to address these shortfalls. It is argued that BI’s impact on analyses and decision-making depends on the development of less complex applications. Research conducted for this paper finds that BI lacks a common definition and standard, that BI tools are too complex for the common user, and that a shortage of analytical literacy relevant to BI among business professionals is a barrier to BI adoption. The paper suggests that until BI analysis tools become more “human-centric, design-oriented” and less from a “technology-centric, engineering-oriented perspective”, BI will continue to fail in its objective to routinely improve business decision-making.
Teaching Online
Authors: Söderström Tor
Published: January 2012

This article examines adult online education by investigating the complex relationship between technology and community. The aim was to explore online teaching in relation to the handbook dilemma teachers meet in their teacher profession by focusing on participation and sharing opportunities. This study analysed several handbooks that aim to help teachers design and implement online education. The advice in the handbooks was contrasted against two empirical cases. Specifically, the study examined how two cases – online adult education courses and special needs teacher training courses – implemented online education with respect to participation and sharing. The analysis suggests that pedagogy is the crucial point and a planned pedagogy is absolutely necessary for designing and implementing effective online education, education that encourages participation and sharing. The findings showed that some handbooks offer meaningful guidance regarding the development of online education, but other publications were not helpful which creates a dilemma for teachers.
A Simple Physically-Based 3D Liquids Surface Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Amador Gonçalo N. P. , Gomes Abel J. P.
Published: January 2012

Navier-Stokes-based methods have been used in computer graphics to simulate liquids, especially water. These physically based methods are computationally intensive, and require rendering the water surface at each step of the simulation process. The rendering of water surfaces requires knowing which 3D grid cells are crossed by the water’s surface, that is, tracking the surface across the cells is necessary. Solutions to water surface tracking and rendering problems exist in literature, but they are either too computationally intensive to be appropriate for real-time scenarios, as is the case of deformable implicit surfaces and ray-tracing, or too application-specific, as is the case of height-fields to simulate and render water mantles (e.g., lakes and oceans). This paper proposes a novel solution to water surface tracking that does not compromise the overall simulation performance. This approach differs from previous solutions in that it directly classifies and annotates the density of each 3D grid cell as either water, air, or water-air (i.e., water surface), opening the opportunity for easily reconstructing the water surface at an interactive frame rate.
On-Line Approaches to Data Delivery and Visualisation in Landscape Planning and Management
Authors: Bishop Ian D.
Published: January 2012

Those involved in planning and management in landscape have long recognised the value of good information provided in the form of timely, appropriate and digestible data. Whether the data is part of government infrastructure or is augmented by contributions from the public, it is apparent that on-line delivery can help ensure that the best available data is accessible while visualisation techniques can make the data easier to interpret. A collaborative virtual environment then allows for cooperative decision-making in a well informed situation. Add smartphones into the technology mix and augmented reality presentation allows for in-field collaboration and also on-demand location specific data access and capture. A series of projects are described which illustrate this potential. A scenario for application in a situation of emergency management in the landscape concludes the paper.
Creating 3D Models from Sketch Plans for Spatial Landscape Evaluation
Authors: de Vries Bauke , van den Tillaart Joop , Slager Kymo , Vreenegoor Rona , Jessurun Joran
Published: January 2012

2D sketch plans are hard to interpret for non-professionals and do not contain enough information for plan evaluation. Simple extrusion of 2D sketch plans into 3D will not suffice. This problem is faced by stakeholders in the early stages of the plan design process. Landscape types play an important role in bridging the gap between abstract 2D plans and 3D physical models. A landscape type consists of pictures from an existing landscape, a 3D model and additional attributes providing quantitative data. Through a matching algorithm, 2D landscape components in the sketch plan are replaced by 3D objects. Multiple 3D plans can be created from a specific area with different landscape types. These 3D plans are visualized with a high level of realism and they can be evaluated using the additional data. In this paper examples are shown for an apartment district and a villa district under different energy scenarios. The visual consequences of strategic energy decisions become apparent in the 3D model.
E-Planning Through the Wisconsin Land Information Program
Authors: Day Patrice , Ghose Rina
Published: January 2012

Through the lenses of Critical GIS and political economy, this paper examines the history of the Wisconsin Land Information Program (WLIP), which was created in 1989 and provides an early US example of the adoption of GIS at the local government level. Using a mixed methods approach and a case study design, the authors focus on the cooperation and conflicts among various actors and networks, at and between scales, during times of plentiful and lean resources. Catalyzed by the 1978 Larsen Report, the WLIP was unique in its inclusiveness of everyone involved in land records management. University academics brought together all the stakeholders to create a thematic and territorial network with political power and a unique funding mechanism. As land use planning and state budget deficits became prominent, the program became a target, leading to conflict and power struggles, particularly with the state Department of Administration (DOA). What began as an egalitarian, grass-roots, socially just, forward-thinking program has shape-shifted, and while the WLIP is still a viable and functioning program, its egalitarian goals have been subverted by economics.
International Symposium on System-on-Chip 2010
Authors: Nurmi Jari
Published: January 2012

International Symposium on System-on-Chip 2010 was the 12th SoC event in Tampere, Finland. The theme of this symposium was Embedded Multi-processor/multi-core Computation Platforms. That was reflecting the increasing interest in multicore and many core implementations on System-on-Chip. This paper discusses briefly the history of the event which is technically co-sponsored by IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. The main focus is in an overview of the year 2010 contents, and in particular in its tutorial and invited talks.
Martian Boneyards
Authors: Asbell-Clarke Jodi , Edwards Teon , Rowe Elizabeth , Larsen Jamie , Sylvan Elisabeth , Hewitt Jim
Published: January 2012

This paper reports on research of a game designed for scientific inquiry in a new and publicly available massively-multiplayer online environment (MMO). Educators and game designers worked together to create a highly immersive environment, a compelling storyline, and research-grounded tools for scientific inquiry within the game. The designers also played characters within the game that allowed them to deliver an evolving and responsive game narrative while also serving as participant observers for the research. Researchers integrated these observations with survey data, log data, artifact review, and interviews, to provide a broad picture of the player experience and the gaming environment. This study provides evidence that sustained scientific inquiry can be nurtured in an MMO game and that gamers’ relationships with characters in the game and other players may help facilitate that inquiry.
Information Technology and Firm Innovations
Authors: Datta Avimanyu
Published: January 2012

This paper provides a framework comprising of research agenda explicating the relations between IT Capability and Firm Innovation. Firm innovation is conceptualized as a combination of three constructs: networks, capabilities (absorptive capacity), and commercialization of innovations (CI). These three constructs have received a very lukewarm response from the IS research community. Inclusion of these three constructs, and examining how IT- capability affects the relationships between these constructs, is essential to examining the role of IT in innovation at the firm-level. Five research agendas are identified.
Business Service Modeling for the Service-Oriented Enterprise
Authors: Arachchige Jeewanie Jayasinghe , Weigand Hans , Jeusfeld Manfred
Published: January 2012

Service-oriented architectures are the upcoming business standard for realizing enterprise information systems, thus creating a need for analysis and design methods that are truly service-oriented. Most research on this topic so far takes a strict software engineering perspective. For a proper alignment between the business and the IT, a service perspective at the business level is needed as well. Using an MDA approach, this paper introduces a new business service and resource modeling language – BSRM, based on the REA business ontology. Coordination services are identified as boundary objects between the conceptual and operational level. A meta-modeling approach is used to map the service modeling language with complimentary models, in particular value network (e3value), data model (ER) and process models (BPMN).
Social Software Support for Collaborative Innovation Development within Organizations
Authors: Reinhardt Michael , Wiener Martin , Frieß Marc René , Groh Georg , Amberg Michael
Published: January 2012

Applying a design science approach, the authors developed and tested a social network-based open innovation platform prototype that supports two major aspects of an organization’s ability to drive ideas into innovation concepts. First, the system implements a structured and transparent process logic that enables knowledge aggregation through content sharing and information integration as well as individual workflows of single actors. Second, the platform shapes a collaborative, time- and space-independent common context, which enables employees to build and run an open innovation community. Based on a prototype, the authors also evaluated the platform’s usability as well as its usefulness for collaborative development of innovative concepts.
Attributive Idea Evaluation
Authors: Schwarz Sven , Bodendorf Freimut
Published: January 2012

This article introduces a new idea evaluation method, named “Attributive Idea Evaluation” (AIE), for corporate open innovation communities. AIE aims on the contextual integration of all employees’ knowledge and is based on twenty attributes. Assigning these attributes to ideas facilitates intuitive evaluations. Ranking different ideas is enabled by enclosing corresponding numerical values, correlating to success potential. The method generated convincing results when utilized to evaluate innovation ideas within a large German service company, fulfilling most of the requirements for evaluating ideas in early phases of the innovation management process. Additional discussions with the participants and an expert interview confirmed AIE’s utility, usability, and reliability.
Information Hiding by Machine Learning
Authors: Naoe Kensuke , Sasaki Hideyasu , Takefuji Yoshiyasu
Published: January 2012

In this paper, the authors propose information hiding by machine learning: a method of key generation for information extracting using neural network. The method consists of three layers for information hiding. First, the proposed method prepares feature extraction keys, which are saved by feature extraction attributes like feature coordinates and the region of frequency coefficients. Second, the proposed method prepares hidden patterns in advance to the embedding procedure as a watermark signal of the target contents. Finally, the proposed method generates information extraction keys by using machine learning to output presented hidden patterns. The proper hidden patterns are generated with the proper information extraction key and feature extraction key. In the experiments, the authors show that the proposed method is robust to high pass filtering and JPEG compression. The proposed method contributes to secure visual information hiding without damaging any detailed data of the target content.
The Changed Role of Professor in Online Courses
Authors: Reid Scott
Published: January 2012

This qualitative research paper examines how the role of a university professor changes in asynchronous online courses and makes analytical comments about the significance of these changes. Semi-structured interviews with 32 professors who have taught online courses provide insight into the perspective of early adopters of this relatively new technology. The findings highlight several issues such as; the skills needed, the flow of information, the less centralized role of the professor, variations based on personality, the pre-planning required, and how previous experience impacts on the degree of role change required.
An Efficient 3D Segmentation Method for Spinal Canal Applied to CT Volume Sequence Data
Authors: Zimeras S.
Published: January 2012

With modern treatment planning techniques, the accurate definition of the target volume as well as the organs at risk is a crucial step for the treatment outcome. One of the key organs that must be protected during the irradiation treatment is the spinal canal. Nowadays, high resolution computed tomography (CT) data are required to perform accurate treatment planning, and there is demand for quick but accurate segmentation tools. In this work, a very simple approach that can accurately extract the spinal canal in three dimensions (3D) from CT images is presented. The user must define only the starting point for the algorithm, and the rest of the process is performed automatically. The core of the method is a boundary-tracing algorithm combined with linear interpolation techniques in the longitudinal (z) direction.
Adaptive Hybrid Intelligent Tracking Control for Uncertain Fractional Order Chaotic Systems
Authors: Lin Tsung-Chih , Kuo Chia-Hao
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an adaptive hybrid fuzzy controller to achieve prescribed tracking performance of fractional order chaotic systems. Depending on plant knowledge and control knowledge, a weighting factor can be adjusted by combining the indirect adaptive fuzzy control effort and the direct fuzzy adaptive control effort. Nonlinear fractional order chaotic response system is fully demonstrated to track the trajectory generated from fractional order chaotic drive system. The numerical results show that tracking error and control effort can be made smaller and the proposed hybrid intelligent control scheme is more flexible during the design process.
Load Balancing Aware Multiparty Secure Group Communication for Online Services in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Kumar Neeraj
Published: January 2012

The internet offers services for users which can be accessed in a collaborative shared manner. Users control these services, such as online gaming and social networking sites, with handheld devices. Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are an emerging technology that can provide these services in an efficient manner. Because services are used by many users simultaneously, security is a paramount concern. Although many security solutions exist, they are not sufficient. None have considered the concept of load balancing with secure communication for online services. In this paper, a load aware multiparty secure group communication for online services in WMNs is proposed. During the registration process of a new client in the network, the Load Balancing Index (LBI) is checked by the router before issuing a certificate/key. The certificate is issued only if the value of LBI is less than a predefined threshold. The authors evaluate the proposed solution against the existing schemes with respect to metrics like storage and computation overhead, packet delivery fraction (PDF), and throughput. The results show that the proposed scheme is better with respect to these metrics.
Adaptive Sending Rate Over Wireless Mesh Networks Using SNR
Authors: Fowler Scott , Eberhard Marc , Blow Keith , Shaikh Ahmed
Published: January 2012

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have emerged as a key technology for the next generation of wireless networking. Instead of being another type of ad-hoc networking, WMNs diversify the capabilities of ad-hoc networks. Several protocols that work over WMNs include IEEE 802.11a/b/g, 802.15, 802.16 and LTE-Advanced. To bring about a high throughput under varying conditions, these protocols have to adapt their transmission rate. This paper proposes a scheme to improve channel conditions by performing rate adaptation along with multiple packet transmission using packet loss and physical layer condition. Dynamic monitoring, multiple packet transmission and adaptation to changes in channel quality by adjusting the packet transmission rates according to certain optimization criteria provided greater throughput. The key feature of the proposed method is the combination of the following two factors: 1) detection of intrinsic channel conditions by measuring the fluctuation of noise to signal ratio via the standard deviation, and 2) the detection of packet loss induced through congestion. The authors show that the use of such techniques in a WMN can significantly improve performance in terms of the packet sending rate. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated in a simulated wireless network testbed via packet-level simulation.
Wireless Transport Layer Congestion Control Evaluation
Authors: Ahuja Sanjay P. , Shore W. Russell
Published: January 2012

The performance of transport layer protocols can be affected differently due to wireless congestion, as opposed to network congestion. Using an active network evaluation strategy in a real world test-bed experiment, the Transport Control Protocol (TCP), Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP), and Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in terms of throughput, fairness, and smoothness. Though TCP’s fairness was shown to suffer in wireless congestion, the results showed that it still outperforms the alternative protocols in both wireless congestion, and network congestion. In terms of smoothness, the TCP-like congestion control algorithm of DCCP did outperform TCP in wireless congestion, but at the expense of throughput and ensuing fairness. SCTP’s congestion control algorithm was also found to provide better smoothness in wireless congestion. In fact, it provided smoother throughput performance than in the network congestion.
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Identifying a Suitable Location for Groundwater Pumping Wells
Authors: Mimoun D. , Gaur S. , Graillot D.
Published: January 2012

The paper presents the methodology for the combined use of GIS-based multi-criteria analysis and simulation-optimisation modelling for management of the groundwater resources of the Dore river basin in France. The study identifies the suitable location and maximum discharge for the new groundwater pumping wells. The multi-criteria analysis (MCA), with the help of GIS-based geospatial analysis, was performed to identify those areas suitable for pumping wells by considering different criteria, such as hydraulic conductivity, land use, river aquifer exchange, depth to water, and geomorphology. Different criteria were selected with the help of regional experts and stakeholders. For the study area, the groundwater flow model was developed. Further, new pumping wells in the suitable zones, those identified by MCA, were considered and a simulation-optimisation technique was used to identify the maximum discharge from those wells. Finally, the results obtained from both the methods were to finalise the potential zone. The developed methodology proves to be a more realistic approach to identifying new locations for pumping wells.
Towards a Rwandan NSDI
Authors: Akinyemi Felicia O.
Published: January 2012

Awareness of the importance of spatial data in achieving development strategies is high in Rwanda. Government and non-governmental institutions are aspiring to use Geographic Information Technologies (GITs) in their day-to-day activities. The non-existence of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in Rwanda brings to light serious issues for consideration. Still lacking is a spatial data policy relating to spatial data use. A mechanism to ease spatial data access and sharing is imperative. This paper describes SDI related efforts in Rwanda in a bid to establish the NSDI. Employing a multi-stakeholder approach to drive the process is advocated. To support this, SDI models in some countries are presented that could be applicable to the Rwandan context. Key players with potential roles in the NSDI were identified.
The Application of RFID in the Life-Time Traceability of Animals
Authors: Liu Yun , Shao Peiji
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses how to use the RFID technology to realize the life-time traceability of animals. In order to record movements of an animal, the authors adapt the electronic pedigree designed for drugs to animals, which acts as standard data elements and is transferred between partners. Then a CIS is proposed based on the methodology which ensures movements of the animal to be recorded correctly. Results in a case study show that the solution can facilitate the life-time traceability of animals. It is reliable, convenient to query, easy to understand and use, and compatible with existing information systems.
Pseudo-Cut Strategies for Global Optimization
Authors: Glover Fred , Lasdon Leon , Plummer John , Duarte Abraham , Marti Rafael , Laguna Manuel , Rego Cesar
Published: January 2012

Motivated by the successful use of a pseudo-cut strategy within the setting of constrained nonlinear and nonconvex optimization in Lasdon et al. (2010), we propose a framework for general pseudo-cut strategies in global optimization that provides a broader and more comprehensive range of methods. The fundamental idea is to introduce linear cutting planes that provide temporary, possibly invalid, restrictions on the space of feasible solutions, as proposed in the setting of the tabu search metaheuristic in Glover (1989), in order to guide a solution process toward a global optimum, where the cutting planes can be discarded and replaced by others as the process continues. These strategies can be used separately or in combination, and can also be used to supplement other approaches to nonlinear global optimization. Our strategies also provide mechanisms for generating trial solutions that can be used with or without the temporary enforcement of the pseudo-cuts.
Construction Competitiveness Evaluation System of Regional BioPharma Industry and Case Study
Authors: Zhao Bing , Zhang Dong Sheng , Zhao Yong Zheng
Published: January 2012

Biological pharmaceutical industry not only has the continuous pulling action to region economy, also makes a positive contribution on the human productivity and quality of life. Biological pharmaceutical industry will become the leading industry of the century in quite a long time in the future. Taking Shijiazhuang as an example, according to the regional biopharmaceutical industry planning needs, building the industry competitiveness evaluation system, this paper analyzes the comparative advantage of Shijiazhuang in developing bio-pharmaceutical industry from 4 level evaluation index, including: the industry environment and policy, R & D capability, competitiveness of economic scale and industry support system. Provide a reference for local governments and business.
Modern Educational Technique Center Educational Media Management Based on Design and Practice of Questionnaire
Authors: Jie Hou
Published: January 2012

Questionnaire on teachers periodically based on traditional and passive equipment management mode is put forward in order for better equipment maintenance, for the teaching demand and for maximize utilize of educational media. Questionnaire content is composed of educational media technique training, equipment faults, utilize and demand of electrified education resource and job evaluation. Practice has shown that questionnaire that was favorably reviewed in school has made manager have an insight into the operation of equipment and teaching demand, improved educational service level.
Stress Diffusion through Complex Networks
Authors: Cipresso Pietro , Gaggioli Andrea , Serino Silvia , Riva Giuseppe
Published: January 2012

Research has proven that stress reduces quality of life and causes many diseases. It is not clear how stress spreads among the population and how its diffusion in a society can be estimated. From a complex system perspective, this paper defines the rules of stress transmission, including input and output factors. Stress transmission flow is defined to describe an entropy-derived measure of stress between two interconnected individuals, and the analysis is extended to networked individuals to analyze stress diffusion in a theoretical setting that includes the modeling of complex networks and the use of agent-based models in a simulated framework. These approaches endow artificial, interacting agents with behavioral rules, allowing the authors to determine the important components that must be considered as the nature of the equilibrium that exists between two distinctly different classifications of individuals. The first classification is “isolated individuals” who experience self-induced stress. The second classification consists of “too connected individuals” who have a high perception of social pressure, have a higher probability of being stressed, and who are surrounded by a higher number of stressed people.
Dynamic Genetic Algorithms with Hyper-Mutation Schemes for Dynamic Shortest Path Routing Problem in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Cheng Hui
Published: January 2012

In recent years, the static shortest path (SP) routing problem has been well addressed using intelligent optimization techniques, e.g., artificial neural networks (ANNs), genetic algorithms (GAs), particle swarm optimization (PSO), etc. However, with the advancement in wireless communications, more and more mobile wireless networks appear, e.g., mobile ad hoc network (MANET), wireless mesh network (WMN), etc. One of the most important characteristics in mobile wireless networks is the topology dynamics, that is, the network topology changes over time due to energy conservation or node mobility. Therefore, the SP routing problem in MANETs turns out to be a dynamic optimization problem. This paper proposes to use two types of hyper-mutation GAs to solve the dynamic SP routing problem in MANETs. The authors consider MANETs as target systems because they represent new generation wireless networks. The experimental results show that the two hyper-mutation GAs can quickly adapt to the environmental changes (i.e., the network topology change) and produce good solutions after each change.
Inventory Management Process
Authors: Agrahari Amit , Jhunjhunwala Saket
Published: January 2012

This case captures inventory management process in an Indian convenience store. Unlike retail stores in developed countries, Indian convenience stores are a special format of organized retailing, where retailers open multiple smaller stores in a town instead of one big centralised store. An excellent inventory management process is the key to make such stores perform well. This case describes inventory management problems faced by an Indian convenience store chain and asks students to propose solutions to these problems. This case illustrates how processes realities and their IT solutions differ in an emerging economy. Using inventory management process as an example, this teaching case can introduce students to the process and technological realities in an Indian context and differences between India and the West.
Microsoft Power Point Files
Authors: Tiwari Rajesh Kumar , Sahoo G.
Published: January 2012

One of the major characteristic of cryptography and steganography is unlimited and limited secret data conversion and embedding respectively. In steganography, concealing unlimited secret data in cover media is unfeasible. Majority of researchers have taken image, text, html, executable files as a steganographic cover media. In this proposed work the authors have considered Microsoft Power Point Files as a cover medium. The authors have developed a methodology which consist two techniques for embedding the valuable unlimited data with three layers of security and high robustness. The resultant stego file undoubtedly can be transmitted any where using any channel. Experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed methodology.
A Study of the Predictive Relationships Between Faculty Engagement, Learner Satisfaction and Outcomes in Multiple Learning Delivery Modes
Authors: Yen Cherng-Jyh , Abdous M’hammed
Published: January 2012

This study assessed the predictive relationships between faculty engagement, learner satisfaction, and outcomes across multiple learning delivery modes (LDMs). Participants were enrolled in courses with the options of three learning delivery modes: face-to-face, satellite broadcasting, and live video-streaming. The predictive relationship between faculty engagement and student satisfaction remained constant across the three learning delivery mode groups. In addition, faculty engagement was an effective predictor for learner satisfaction, regardless of LDM. Similarly, the predictive relationship between faculty engagement and learning outcomes as measured by final grades remained constant. The results also suggested that an increase in the faculty engagement score was accompanied by an increased probability of obtaining a better course final grade. Overall, findings from the study supported the importance of faculty engagement in student learning outcomes and satisfaction regardless of the LDM.
Developing a Reflective Competence for a Master’s Level Programme on E-Learning
Authors: Nuzzaci Antonella
Published: January 2012

This study examines the effects of an activity of reflection on a group of students enrolled in the Master for Intercultural Education and European dimension of distance education, who participated in the construction of the model for a “reflection participant” and a self-evaluation tool to be used for training teachers. The activity is part of the research carried out within the Leonardo da Vinci “REFLECT” - “reflective practice for training the trainers” - Reflective Practice and VET (Vocational Education and Training), aimed at the creation of a specific methodology for the implementation of reflective practices in VET contexts, so that new processes of updating and re-professionalization required by the challenges of today’s society can be started. It envisaged the creation of a testing laboratory, organized within the Faculty of Education at the University of Valle d’Aosta, which brings together teaching and research functions, contemplating an experiment involving the direct training of educators and teachers and demonstrating how to make a significant change in the actors who take part in the process. The study results show that it is possible to develop, enhance and strengthen skills through reflective mode online. The study indicates in post-treatment that the impact of such differences is based on the contextual features of the training.
Analyzing the Strategy of Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Taiwan’s Photovoltaic Industry
Authors: Chen Yi-Fen , Hsieh Chang-Lung , Chen Wen-Yu , Tsai Chai-Wen , Wei Lee-Wei
Published: January 2012

Solar energy is one of the most popular resources in recent years. It has seemed as the best alternative for solving energy problem and protecting global environment. Moreover, many countries are very enthusiastic about the development of PV industry. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to find out the best strategy for Taiwan’s photovoltaic (PV) industry. First, Taiwan PV industry was analyzed by using SWOT. Second, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) structure was formed and modified by Expert Depth Interview. Then, the questionnaires were designed and sent to experts. Finally, the authors used the returned questionnaires to calculate the weighting and select the best strategy for Taiwan PV industry. The research results showed that the diversification strategy was the most appropriate. With this consequence, the manager of PV industry can take this strategy in order to maintain the sustainable competitive advantage in PV industry of the world.
Hierarchical Database Model for Querying Economic Network Independence Distribution
Authors: Taofiki Akinwale Adio
Published: January 2012

The development of the internet has been triggering numerous mutations in the visualization of actors in economic network independence distribution (ENID) of goods. ENID overcomes the physical barriers of shop-floor space so unprecedented variety of products could be offered to the customers. Avoidance of expensive trade space allows suppliers to reduce price compared to those in the physical world. User friendly and easy contact with the supplier of the goods make shopping very convenient. Despite these advantages of ENID, there is a need to develop better theories about how this system should behave in order to protect participants’ interests. This work employed hierarchical database model using B-tree and pre-order algorithm to insert and traverse participant records for easy processing. N-level models were adopted to calculate each level and sub-level cluster commission. The implementation was carried out using C# and sql. The application of the model permits the participants to query any information about ENID for on line real time decision makings.
Web Aesthetics and Usability
Authors: Coursaris Constantinos K. , Kripintris Konstantinos
Published: January 2012

Usability has been an essential component of the Web User Experience (UX) and a focal research topic. In recent years, the penetration of interactive technologies in all aspects of everyday life challenges the way UX is understood and designed. The past decade, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) scholars have been continuously attempting to introduce and explore new and non-traditional factors in the UX arena, such as aesthetics, emotions, affect, and trust. This study contributes to the field by exploring the relationship between aesthetics and UX; specifically the impact of the classical design element of white space on the perceived attractiveness and perceived usability of an e-commerce website. A between-subject research design involves the manipulation a website’s white space. Three different versions were constructed using 25, 50 and 75% of the white space, respectively. Findings offer support for the relationship between aesthetics and the perceived usability of a website. The study results suggest that the usability of a website is impacted negatively when white space increases over 50%. Practitioners should consider that in the context of eCommerce Web design, reduction of content and shrinking of visual elements, in favor of white space, is likely to negatively impact the usability of a website.
Respecting the Deal
Authors: Bonazzi Riccardo , Golnam Arash , Pigneur Yves , Wegmann Alain
Published: January 2012

Platforms like eBay allow product seekers and providers to meet and exchange goods. On eBay, consumers can return a product if it does not correspond to expectations; eBay is the third-party firm in charge of assuring that the agreement among seekers and providers will be respected. Who provides the same service for what concerns open innovation, where specifications might not be fully defined? This paper describes the business model of an organizational structure to support the elicitation and respect of agreements among agents, who have conflicting interests but that gain from cooperating together. Extending previous studies, the business model takes into account the economic dimensions concerning the needs of knowledge share and mutual control to allow a third-party to sustainably reinforce trust among untrusted partners and to lower their overall relational risk.
Improving Sustainable Procurement
Authors: Allal-Chérif Oihab
Published: January 2012

Sustainability has become a central corporate concern and can determine a company’s success. The purchasing function is crucial to a firm’s sustainability policy. It drives a company’s sourcing activities and connects its internal functions to external suppliers and providers. Sustainable purchasing plays a key role in effecting a global strategy, requiring high-performance tools. Information systems can provide support services and stimulate and disseminate sustainable purchasing policies. This article combines a literature review with a qualitative study to illustrate how information systems contribute to corporate sustainable purchasing policies. Using an exploratory approach and constructivist positioning, a business-forecasting method is implemented to suggest a possible sustainable purchasing management path and a new role for information systems. A scenario is co-constructed from the responses of 12 purchasing function experts to questions about their practices and experiences, the effects of the rising wave of environmentalism, and the problems in implementing and optimizing information systems.
Architecting Enterprises for IT-enabled Value Creation Part 1
Authors: SenGupta Siddhartha
Published: January 2012

In spite of rapid strides in evolving architecture processes that can help enterprises leverage IT for creating value, shortcomings are widely perceived. In this paper, the author discusses four points beginning with structuring the enterprise, partitioning enterprise capabilities, standardized core and support functions, and the internal and external relations contain the complexity of architecture initiatives and prioritize value-enhancing changes. Next, business value and its measurement is discussed. Although value is ultimately economic, it is difficult to measure. The author proposes an enhanced version of the standardized and functionally-partitioned Level 1 Performance Measures proposed by the Supply Chain Council. Maximizing returns from IT assets is then examined, with globalization increasing the complexities of scale and scope, the major benefits from IT are increasingly in deploying science to automate enterprise planning. Lastly, architecting for value, IT enabled Part II is addressed. A subsequent paper will study the application through a case study and share recommendations for IT services vendors.
Neural Predictive Controller Based Diesel Injection Management System for Emission Minimisation
Authors: Arunaa C. N. , Devasenapati S. Babu , Ramachandran K. I. , Vishnuprasad K. , Surendra C.
Published: January 2012

Rapid growth in production of automobiles has increased emissions. Automotive control engineers use innovative control techniques to meet the upcoming emission standards. This paper proposes a novel method of employing artificial neural network (ANN) based predictive controller design. The controller predicts the injection duration based on the inputs from various sensors. The results are then evaluated over a simulated engine model developed in AMESim (Advanced Modelling Environment for Simulation), which ensures a green design process with almost negligible carbon foot print. The results obtained are encouraging and promotes the use of neural predictive control. Implementation of the controller will lead to emission reduction.
Using Webinar Polls to Collect Online Survey Data
Authors: Sahu Chinmoy
Published: January 2012

Data collection using respondent surveys is a common methodology used in many research projects. Increasing popularity of e-mail and internet has resulted in most of the modern surveys being carried out using these mediums. Declining response rates call for fresh methods of data collection. As a possible alternative to already popular methods like web-based and email surveys, this paper illustrates the use of webinar sessions to collect relevant data from the participants. The popularity of webinars in recent times throws up a tremendous potential in utilizing it as a data collection tool. The paper illustrates how the polling tool available within the web-conferencing systems can be used in a webinar session to survey respondents’ behavioral patterns. Using a behavioral finance problem, the paper examines an alternative to traditional methods of collecting online survey data. Although the paper uses a behavioral finance context, the findings should equally apply to any other research topic.
Beyond Classroom
Authors: Santos Ieda M. , Ali Nagla
Published: January 2012

This paper investigates how a group of undergraduate female students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) use mobile phones to support informal learning related to the content of their courses. It also addresses the usefulness of informal learning activities to support students’ formal learning. Data were collected using a survey and focus group interviews. Main findings show that students performed informal learning mainly from home and interacted with key individuals. Overall, students used basic mobile phone applications which they found useful to their learning. The paper discusses key themes emerging from the findings and makes a contribution towards understanding the uses of mobile technologies in informal learning settings within a non-Western culture. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Evaluating the Quality and Usefulness of Data Breach Information Systems
Authors: Ngugi Benjamin , Mana Jafar , Segal Lydia
Published: January 2012

As the nation confronts a growing tide of security breaches, the importance of having quality data breach information systems becomes paramount. Yet too little attention is paid to evaluating these systems. This article draws on data quality scholarship to develop a yardstick that assesses the quality of data breach notification systems in the U.S. at both the state and national levels from the perspective of key stakeholders, who include law enforcement agencies, consumers, shareholders, investors, researchers, and businesses that sell security products. Findings reveal major shortcomings that reduce the value of data breach information to these stakeholders. The study concludes with detailed recommendations for reform.
Breast Cancer Data Prediction by Dimensionality Reduction Using PCA and Adaptive Neuro Evolution
Authors: Janghel R. R. , Tiwari Ritu , Kala Rahul , Shukla Anupam
Published: January 2012

In this paper a new approach for the prediction of breast cancer has been made by reducing the features of the data set using PCA (principal component analysis) technique and prediction results by simulating different models namely SANE (Symbiotic, Adaptive Neuro-evolution), Modular neural network, Fixed architecture evolutionary neural network (F-ENN), and Variable Architecture evolutionary neural network (V-ENN). The dimensionality reduction of the inputs achieved by PCA technique to an extent of 33% and further different models of the soft computing technique simulated and tested based on efficiency to find the optimum model. The SANE model includes maximum number of connections per neuron as 24, evolutionary population size of 1000, maximum neurons in hidden layer as 12, SANE elite value of 200, mutation rate of 0.2, and number of generations as 100. The simulated results reflect that this is the best model for the prediction of the breast cancer disease among the other models considered in the experiment and it can effectively assist the doctors for taking the diagnosis results as its efficiency found to be 98.52% accuracy which is highest.
Towards Intelligent Supply Chains
Authors: Siurdyban Artur , Møller Charles
Published: January 2012

In their struggle for operational excellence, global companies face challenges in finding a common denominator to streamline and align supply chain operations across business units. The ever growing complexity of managing global flows of products, information and capital increases the risk of deploying inapt operations leading to deterioration of profits. To address this problem, the authors propose a unified business process design framework based on the paradigm of intelligence. Intelligence allows humans and human-designed systems cope with environmental volatility, and the authors argue that its principles applied to the context of organizational processes can increase the success rate of business operations. The framework is created using a set of theoretical based constructs grounded in a discussion across several streams of research including psychology, pedagogy, artificial intelligence, learning, business process management and supply chain management. It outlines a number of system tasks combined in four integrated management perspectives: build, execute, grow and innovate, put forward as business process design propositions for Intelligent Supply Chains.
Deploying a Zone-Based Massively Multiplayer Online Game on a Congested Network
Authors: Aboolian Robert , Sun Yi , Leu Jack
Published: January 2012

A massively multiplayer online game often deploys dozens or hundreds of servers to support millions of players around the world. A slow response time stemming from an ill-designed network infrastructure could render the game noncompetitive. To establish an efficient infrastructure, the authors focus on selecting host facilities on backbone network nodes, assigning client clusters to these facilities, and determining the required capacity for each host site. An exact solution approach is obtained from solving a minimum cost set-covering problem. The efficiency of the solution approach, in comparison with a greedy heuristic, is also reported.