bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Cutting Parameters for Drilling Magnesium Alloy AZ 91
Authors: Kayir Yunus
Published: February 2014

In this study, machinability of AZ 91D magnesium alloy, which has been widely used in automotive and aircraft industries, was investigated by using HSS and carbide tools at dry cutting conditions. Taguchi's L18 (2**1 3**2) mixed model was used for the experiments. Drilling parameters such as feed rate, spindle speed and cutting tool were optimized according to the multiple responses (diametral error, circularity and surface roughness) by grey relational analysis. The effects of machining parameters and their interactions on the hole diameter, circularity and surface roughness were determined. The analysis of Taguchi and ANOVA indicated that the influence of drill material on the surface roughness of the drilled hole was high, but on the hole diameter and circularity it was low. Furthermore, the results of grey relational analysis revealed that optimal combination of the drilling parameters (0.3 mm/rev feed rate, carbide tool and 3000 rpm spindle speed) can be used to obtain the minimum diametral error, circularity error and surface roughness.
Assessment of Thermal Effects on the Free Vibration Characteristics of Composite Beams
Authors: Ergun Emin , Alkan Veysel
Published: February 2014

In this study, thermal effects on the free vibration characteristics of composite beams are studied for different temperatures and boundary conditions by using numerical and experimental techniques. Different ply angles, stacking sequences and specimen thickness are also considered. The comparison revealed a good agreement between numerical and experimental results. It is also concluded that regardless of the type of boundary condition and thickness, natural frequencies are decreased with increasing temperature. In addition, a minimum natural frequency value occurs in the natural frequency-ply angle graph at 60° ply angle for all considered temperatures. It can also be stated that the natural frequencies of the composite beams can be adjusted by controlling the temperature as well as the stacking sequences.
Generalized Maximum Entropy Analysis of the Linear Simultaneous Equations Model
Authors: Marsh Thomas , Mittelhammer Ron , Cardell Nicholas
Published: February 2014

A generalized maximum entropy estimator is developed for the linear simultaneous equations model. Monte Carlo sampling experiments are used to evaluate the estimator’s performance in small and medium sized samples, suggesting contexts in which the current generalized maximum entropy estimator is superior in mean square error to two and three stage least squares. Analytical results are provided relating to asymptotic properties of the estimator and associated hypothesis testing statistics. Monte Carlo experiments are also used to provide evidence on the power and size of test statistics. An empirical application is included to demonstrate the practical implementation of the estimator.
Wave Basin Experiments with Large Wave Energy Converter Arrays to Study Interactions between the Converters and Effects on Other Users in the Sea and the Coastal Area
Authors: Stratigaki Vasiliki , Troch Peter , Stallard Tim , Forehand David , Kofoed Jens , Folley Matt , Benoit Michel , Babarit Aurélien , Kirkegaard Jens
Published: February 2014

Experiments have been performed in the Shallow Water Wave Basin of DHI (Hørsholm, Denmark), on large arrays of up to 25 heaving point absorber type Wave Energy Converters (WECs), for a range of geometric layout configurations and wave conditions. WEC response and modifications of the wave field are measured to provide data for understanding WEC array interactions and to evaluate array interaction numerical models. Each WEC consists of a buoy with a diameter of 0.315 m and power take-off (PTO) is modeled by realizing friction based energy dissipation through damping of the WEC’s motion. Wave gauges are located within and around the WEC array. Wave conditions studied include regular, polychromatic, long- and short-crested irregular waves. A rectilinear arrangement of WEC support structures is employed such that several array configurations can be studied. In this paper, the experimental arrangement and the obtained database are presented. Also, results for wave height attenuation downwave a rectilinear array of 25 heaving WECs are presented, for the case of irregular waves. Up to 16.3% and 18.1% (long-crested) and 11.2% and 18.1% (short-crested waves) reduction in significant wave height is observed downwave the WEC array, for the radiated wave field only and for the combination of incident-diffracted-radiated (perturbed) wave field, respectively. Using spectra at different locations within and around the array, the wave field modifications are presented and discussed.
4-(Hexyloxy)aniline-linked chitooligosaccharide-2,5-anhydro-D-mannofuranose
Authors: Salim Emil , Galais Alice , Trombotto Stéphane
Published: February 2014

Low molecular weight chitooligosaccharide with one 2,5-anhydro-D-mannofuranose unit at the reducing end (COSamf) was prepared by nitrous deamination of fully N-deacetylated chitosan. The functionalization of the amf unit by reductive amination with 4-(hexyloxy)aniline in presence of NaBH3CN was achieved in high yield. The chemical structure of the targeted 4-(hexyloxy)aniline-linked chitooligosaccharide-2,5-anhydro-D-mannofuranose was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and size-exclusion chromatography. This synthesis opens the way to a new generation of COSamf derivatives with potential amphiphilic properties.
Carbon Felt-Based Bioelectrocatalytic Flow-Through Detectors: 2,6-Dichlorophenol Indophenol and Peroxidase Coadsorbed Carbon-Felt for Flow-Amperometric Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Wang Yue , Hasebe Yasushi
Published: February 2014

2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCIP) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were coadsorbed on a porous carbon felt (CF) from their mixed aqueous solution under ultrasound irradiation for 5 min. The resulting DCIP and HRP-coadsorbed CF (DCIP/HRP-CF) showed an excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity for the reduction of H2O2. The coadsorption of DCIP together with HRP was essential to obtain larger bioelectrocatalytic current to H2O2. The DCIP/HRP-CF was successfully used as a working electrode unit of a bioelectrocatalytic flow-through detector for highly sensitive and continuous amperometric determination of H2O2. Under the optimized operational conditions (i.e., applied potential, +0.2 V versus Ag/AgCl; carrier pH 5.0, and carrier flow rate, 1.9 mL/min), the cathodic peak current of H2O2 linearly increased over the concentration range from 0.1 to 30 µM (the sensitivity, 0.88 µA/µM (slope of linear part); the limit of detection, 0.1 µM (S/N = 3) current noise level, 30 nA) with a sample through-put of ca. 40–90 samples/h.
In situ Neutron Diffraction during Casting: Determination of Rigidity Point in Grain Refined Al-Cu Alloys
Authors: Drezet Jean-Marie , Mireux Bastien , Szaraz Zoltan , Pirling Thilo
Published: February 2014

The rigidity temperature of a solidifying alloy is the temperature at which the solid plus liquid phases are sufficiently coalesced to transmit long range tensile strains and stresses. It determines the point at which thermally induced deformations start to generate internal stresses in a casting. As such, it is a key parameter in numerical modelling of solidification processes and in studying casting defects such as solidification cracking. This temperature has been determined in Al-Cu alloys using in situ neutron diffraction during casting in a dog bone shaped mould. In such a setup, the thermal contraction of the solidifying material is constrained and stresses develop at a hot spot that is irradiated by neutrons. Diffraction peaks are recorded every 11 s using a large detector, and their evolution allows for the determination of the rigidity temperatures. We measured rigidity temperatures equal to 557 °C and 548 °C, depending on cooling rate, for a grain refined Al-13 wt% Cu alloy. At high cooling rate, rigidity is reached during the formation of the eutectic phase and the solid phase is not sufficiently coalesced, i.e., strong enough, to avoid hot tear formation.
A Variable Temperature X-ray Diffraction Investigation of [PPN+][S4N5−]: Supramolecular Interactions Governing an Order/Disorder Transformation and the First High Resolution X-ray Structure of the Anion
Authors: Boeré René , Roemmele Tracey , Krall Maria
Published: February 2014

The title salt, triphenyl(P,P,P-triphenylphosphineimidato-kN)-phosphorus(1+) 1,3,5,7-tetrathia(1,5-SIV)-2,4,6,8,9-pentaazabicyclo[3.3.1]nona-1,4,6,7-tetraene(1−), CAS [48236-06-2], prepared by the literature method, is found by crystallography to be a 1:1 CH3CN solvate. Disorder exists for the N atoms of the anion. A VT crystal structure study was conducted at 100 K, 120 K, 140 K, 172 K, 200 K, 240 K and 280 K. The 100 K structure is superior, with only 10% of a second anion position oppositely-oriented w.r.t the diad axis of point group 2mm. At 120 K, an adjacent two-site disorder is encountered, but at higher temperatures three-site disorder with both opposite and adjacent placements of S4N5− ions is required w.r.t. the primary component. At 240 and especially 280 K, the anion nitrogen atoms appear fully scrambled amongst the six possible sites on the edges of an S4 tetrahedron with 83.3% occupancy for each. The PPN+ geometry does not show strong cation-cation interactions. However, there are numerous supramolecular contacts corresponding mostly to non-classical H-bonds between PPN+ ions and S4N5− as well as CH3CN. The geometry of the anion is corroborated from B3LYP/6-311++G(3df) DFT calculations, and the infra-red spectrum was assigned with excellent agreement between experimental and calculated frequencies.
Botulinum Neurotoxin A Complex Recognizes Host Carbohydrates through Its Hemagglutinin Component
Authors: Yao Guorui , Lee Kwangkook , Gu Shenyan , Lam Kwok-Ho , Jin Rongsheng
Published: February 2014

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are potent bacterial toxins. The high oral toxicity of BoNTs is largely attributed to the progenitor toxin complex (PTC), which is assembled from BoNT and nontoxic neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs) that are produced together with BoNT in bacteria. Here, we performed ex vivo studies to examine binding of the highly homogeneous recombinant NAPs to mouse small intestine. We also carried out the first comprehensive glycan array screening with the hemagglutinin (HA) component of NAPs. Our data confirmed that intestinal binding of the PTC is partly mediated by the HA moiety through multivalent interactions between HA and host carbohydrates. The specific HA-carbohydrate recognition could be inhibited by receptor-mimicking saccharides.
Practical synthesis of aryl-2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ols from aryl bromides via conventional and decarboxylative copper-free Sonogashira coupling reactions
Authors: Caporale Andrea , Tartaggia Stefano , Castellin Andrea , De Lucchi Ottorino
Published: February 2014

Two efficient protocols for the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of aryl-2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ols from aryl bromides in the absence of copper were developed. A simple catalytic system consisting of Pd(OAc)2 and P(p-tol)3 using DBU as the base and THF as the solvent was found to be highly effective for the coupling reaction of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (4) with a wide range of aryl bromides in good to excellent yields. Analogously, the synthesis of aryl-2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ols was performed also through the decarboxylative coupling reaction of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentynoic acid with aryl bromides, using a catalyst containing Pd(OAc)2 in combination with SPhos or XPhos in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as the base and THF as the solvent. Therefore, new efficient approaches to the synthesis of terminal acetylenes from widely available aryl bromides rather than expensive iodides and using 4 or propiolic acid rather than TMS-acetylene as inexpensive alkyne sources are described.
Pharmacokinetics of Raltegravir in the Semen of HIV-Infectedmen
Authors: Antoniou Tony , Loutfy Mona R , Brunetta Jason , Smith Graham , Halpenny Roberta , la Porte Charles
Published: February 2014

Background

We sought to determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of raltegravir in the blood and seminal plasma of HIV-infected men.

Methods

We conducted a pharmacokinetic study using a staggered sampling approach. A total of 16 HIV-infected men receiving raltegravir-based therapy were recruited into the study. Each participant provided six blood plasma and six seminal plasma samples for quantification of drug concentrations in both compartments. Blood and semen samples were obtained within 1 h of each other and were collected prior to the morning dose and at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h post-ingestion. Drug concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

A total of 96 semen samples and 96 blood samples were obtained from all participants during the study period. The median age and baseline CD4+ T-cell count of the study participants were 48 years (IQR 42–53) and 450 cells/mm3 (IQR 289–585). Virological suppression to <50 copies/ml had been maintained for a median of 21 months (IQR 7–35) at the time of study enrolment. The median seminal plasma-to-blood plasma ratios and AUC0–12 h seminal plasma-to-blood plasma ratios of raltegravir were 3.25 (IQR 1.46–5.37) and 2.26 (IQR 1.05– 4.45), respectively.

Conclusions

Concentrations of raltegravir in seminal plasma are several fold higher than those attained in blood plasma and those required to inhibit viral replication in this compartment. Further research examining the therapeutic and prophylactic implications of these findings is warranted.
Early syphilis: serological treatment response to doxycycline/tetracycline versus benzathine penicillin
Authors: Li Jun , Zheng He-Yi
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Benzathine penicillin G is the treatment of choice for syphilis, but doxycycline and tetracycline are effective second-line treatments. The objective of this study was to assess the serological response to treatment for early syphilis with benzathine penicillin compared with doxycycline or tetracycline. Methodology: We examined rapid plasma regain (RPR) serological test results of all first-time early syphilis patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2000 and 2011, comparing treatment with two doses of penicillin to 14-day course of oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) or oral tetracycline (500 mg 4 times a day). Results: Of the 641 early syphilis cases with available treatment outcome data, 606 (94.5%) received penicillin and 35 (5.5%) received doxycycline/tetracycline. More than half (52.1%) had secondary syphilis, 13.4% had primary syphilis, and 34.5% had early latent syphilis. A statistically similar serological treatment success rate (p = 0.157) was observed in penicillin-treated patients 91.4% (554/606), when compared with patients treated with doxycycline/tetracycline 82.9% (29/35). Conclusion: Doxycycline/tetracycline had a similar serological treatment success rate when compared to penicillin in the treatment of early syphilis.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Kenyan human bocavirus isolates
Authors: Misigo Dennis , Mwaengo Dufton , Mburu David
Published: February 2014

Introduction: The commonly expected causative agents associated with flu-like symptoms in Kenya are the classical viral pathogens identifiable as influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enteroviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus. However, newer agents have been identified globally that present with illnesses clinically indistinguishable from those caused by the classical pathogens; one of them is human bocavirus. Methodology: A total of 384 specimens were analyzed, primarily to determine if the emerging human bocavirus (HBoV) infections exist in Kenya as coinfections with other respiratory viruses and to describe the genotype of the virus in circulation. In brief, viral nucleic acids were extracted from culture supernatants, amplified by PCR, and sequenced. Results: HBoV DNA was amplified from 1.8% of screened specimens. Coinfection with parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus was 2.5%, 2%, and 1.4%, respectively. Multiple coinfections consisting of HBoV plus two other viruses were found in 3% of specimens. Isolation occurred in the months of January, March, April, August, and November. Retrospective review of clinical parameters indicated that all the individuals complained of non-specific symptoms, mainly fever, coughs, nasal stuffiness, runny noses, and vomiting. Phylogenetically, the GenBank deposited sequences of this study’s isolates cluster closely to the reference strain NC_07455 (HBoV1). Conclusion: Coinfections with human bocavirus (HBoV1) occur in Kenya, and high incidence might primarily be during the early stages of children’s lives.
Influence of Bacille Calmette-Guérin on tuberculin skin testing in Venezuelan Amerindians in high tuberculosis burden areas
Authors: Maes Mailis , Verhagen Lilly M , Ortega Dagmarys , Sánchez Gregorio L , Segovia Yajaira , Del Nogal Berenice , De Waard Jacobus H
Published: February 2014

Introduction:E xtraordinarily high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence rates have been reported in Venezuelan Amerindians. Amerindian populations often live in geographically isolated villages where they receive little medical attention and live under precarious sanitary conditions. TB prevalence varies by ethnicity and geographic location and is generally higher in Amerindians than in non-indigenous (Creole) people. Methodology: Between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was administered during field operations to 9,538 Amerindian and Creole people between 0 and 94 years of age living in Venezuela. In 6,979 individuals (73%), Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status, age, and ethnicity were recorded.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the influence of previous BCG vaccination, age, and ethnicity on TST outcomes. Results: Age, ethnicity, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered each had a significant influence on TST outcomes (p < 0.001). The influence of BCG vaccination on TST outcomes varied by ethnicity and was only significant in children aged between 0 and 3 years. Conclusions: The utility of TST in the diagnosis of TB infection in high TB burden settings with widespread BCG vaccination should be evaluated locally and individually as this depends on ethnicity, age, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered. In Venezuelan children 4 years of age and older, the TST remains a useful tool for the detection of TB infection, independent of BCG vaccination status.
Recognizing true H5N1 infections in humans during confirmed outbreaks
Authors: Zaman Mukhtiar , Gasimov Viktor , Oner Ahmet Faik , Dogan Nazim , Adisasmito Wiku , Coker Richard , Bamgboye Ebun L , Chan Paul KS , Hanshaoworakul Wanna , Lee Nelson , Phommasack Bounlay , Touch Sok , Tsang Owen , Swenson Anna , Toovey Stephen , Dreyer Nancy A
Published: February 2014

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether any characteristics that are evident at presentation for urgent medical attention could be used to differentiate cases of H5N1 in the absence of viral testing. Methodology: Information about exposure to poultry, clinical signs and symptoms, treatments, and outcomes was abstracted from existing data in the global avian influenza registry (www.avianfluregistry.org) using standardized data collection tools for documented and possible cases of H5N1 infection who presented for medical attention between 2005-2011 during known H5N1 outbreaks in Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Turkey. Results: Demography, exposure to poultry, and presenting symptoms were compared, with only the common symptoms of fever and headache presenting significantly more frequently in confirmed H5N1 cases than in possible cases. Reported exposure to  infected humans was also more common in confirmed cases. In contrast, unexplained respiratory illness, sore throat, excess sputum production, and rhinorrhea were more frequent in possible cases. Overall, oseltamivir treatment showed a survival benefit, with the greatest benefit shown in H5N1 cases who were treated within two days of symptom onset (51% reduction in case fatality). Conclusion: Since prompt treatment with antivirals conferred a strong survival benefit for H5N1 cases, presumptive antiviral treatment should be considered for all possible cases presenting during an outbreak of H5N1 as a potentially life-saving measure.
Bacteriophage therapy: a potential solution for the antibiotic resistance crisis
Authors: Golkar Zhabiz , Bagasra Omar , Pace Donald Gene
Published: February 2014

The emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria has prompted interest in alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. One of the possible replacement options for antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages as antimicrobial agents. Phage therapy is an important alternative to antibiotics in the current era of drug-resistant pathogens. Bacteriophages have played an important role in the expansion of molecular biology and have been used as antibacterial agents since 1966. In this review, we describe a brief history of bacteriophages and clinical studies on their use in bacterial disease prophylaxis and therapy. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents in this regard.
New genomics studies to understand the link between nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia and gastroenteritis in Africa
Authors: Onsare Robert S , MacLennan Calman A
Published: February 2014

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Musées et adolescents : l'impossible médiation ?
Authors: Nouvellon Maylis , Jonchery Anne
Published: February 2014

L’offre muséale à destination des adolescents se développe le plus souvent dans un cadre scolaire ou périscolaire. Or, une enquête réalisée à Paris auprès d’adolescents très familiers ou peu familiers des musées (à l’intérieur du Centre Pompidou et à l’extérieur, dans le quartier des Halles) met en lumière deux rapports à la pratique de visite du musée, selon que celle-ci s’intègre au cercle familial et amical ou seulement au contexte scolaire, questionnant alors la construction du lien et l’attachement à la pratique. Des dispositifs de médiation intégrant les spécificités des cultures adolescentes révèlent la possibilité que cette pratique s’inscrive dans l’agenda des loisirs adolescents.
Los interlocking directorates en España. Evolución, poder y consejeros independientes
Authors: De Andrés Pablo , Blanco-Alcántara David , López-de-Foronda Óscar
Published: February 2014

Esta investigación explora la evolución de las redes sociales formadas por la conexión entre consejos de administración —relación interlocking directorates— de las empresas cotizadas españolas en el periodo 1999-2008, mostrándose como una nueva dimensión en el estudio del gobierno corporativo. Permite descubrir cómo se estructura el poder en la esfera económica, avanzar en la comprensión del papel desarrollado por el consejo de administración y ahondar en el rol de los consejeros independientes propiciados por los códigos de buen gobierno. Los resultados muestran cambios estructurales en la red, fragmentándose en mayor medida en los últimos años y con menores valores de densidad, características más propias de redes de países anglosajones. El análisis de centralidad evidencia un desplazamiento de las empresas del sector financiero a posiciones más periféricas, otorgando mayor protagonismo a empresas privadas del sector energético o de la construcción, intuyendo un cambio del modelo de banca a un modelo más anglosajón.
Aunando colaboración con una gestión más eficaz. Comentario del artículo de Heckscher y Martín-Ríos
Authors: Erhardt Niclas , Manev Ivan
Published: February 2014

No disponible
La naturaleza única y particular de la universidad latinoamericana en la construción de la sociedad
Authors: Lozada Barahona Nelson , Gutiérrez Vargas Liliana María
Published: February 2014

No disponible
Enterprise Interoperability Science Base Structure
Authors: Popplewell Keith
Published: February 2014

A science base for enterprise interoperability was first proposed in 2006 as a mechanism to formalize knowledge being generated by researchers and applied by industry to facilitate collaboration between enterprises through mutual interoperability of their enterprise systems. Subsequently, the community of researchers and exploiters of Enterprise Interoperability research addressed this issue as a group, culminating in a project funded by the European Commission FP7 programme. In this chapter, the authors explore the structure for an Enterprise Interoperability Science Base defined in this project, based on analysis of its purposes, the knowledge already available from pragmatic research, and the lessons learned, both on interoperability and the theoretical structure of a science base. The resulting science base is now evolving from the body of knowledge used for its initial population to embrace new research results and issues. This chapter focuses on the structure devised for an Enterprise Interoperability Science Base capable of delivering benefit to a comprehensive range of stakeholders with research and industry interests.
Underpinning EISB with Enterprise Interoperability Neighboring Scientific Domains
Authors: Agostinho Carlos , Jardim-Goncalves Ricardo , Steiger-Garcao Adolfo
Published: February 2014

Over the last decade, interoperability appeared as a key enabler towards unlocking the full potential of enterprises, products, processes, and systems. With methods to support their lifecycle, contributing towards removing communication barriers, and fostering a new-networked business culture in industrial domains, Enterprise Interoperability (EI) requires tangible scientific foundations. This chapter recognizes that, in terms of content, any scientific field exists in an ecosystem of neighboring domains and presents a methodology to identify EI’s relationship with its neighbors, thus supporting the foundations of EI Science Base (EISB). It can be agreed that formalisms like logic and mathematics are an integrant part of every science, but others also share relationships such as application fields’ boundaries, methodologies, techniques, or even tools. With the support of the European Commission, through the Future Internet and Enterprise Systems (FInES) cluster of research projects, the authors have initiated an analysis of comprehensive domains (e.g. complexity and software).
The Multidimensional Business Value of Information Systems Interoperability
Authors: Loukis Euripidis , Charalabidis Yannis , Diamantopoulou Vasiliki
Published: February 2014

The creation of complete scientific foundations in the IS interoperability domain necessitates not only the development of mature and widely applicable interoperability architectures, methods, and standards, but also the systematic investigation of the business value they generate. This chapter initially analyses the theoretical foundations of the multi-dimensional business value of IS interoperability and then reviews the quite limited empirical literature on it. Next, it presents an empirical study of the business value generated by the adoption of three main types of IS interoperability standards: industry-specific, proprietary, and XML-horizontal ones. It is based on a large dataset from 14065 European firms (from 25 countries and 10 sectors) collected through the e-Business Watch Survey of the European Commission. It is concluded that all three types of IS interoperability standards increase considerably the positive impact of firm’s ICT infrastructure on two important performance dimensions: business processes performance and innovation. However, the effects of these three types of standards differ significantly: the adoption of industry-specific IS interoperability standards has the highest positive impacts, while proprietary and XML-horizontal ones have similar lower impacts. Furthermore, it is concluded that the industry-specific and the proprietary interoperability standards also have positive impacts even at the level of firm’s financial performance.
Collaboration and Interoperability within a Virtual Enterprise Applied in a Mobile Maintenance Scenario
Authors: Münch Tobias , Hladik Jan , Salmen Angelika , Altmann Werner , Buchmann Robert , Karagiannis Dimitris , Ziegler Jens , Pfeffer Johannes , Urbas Leon , Lazaro Oscar , Ortiz Patricia , Lopez Oscar , Sanchez Etxahun , Haferkorn Frank
Published: February 2014

This chapter presents an infrastructure approach for virtual enterprises developed by the consortium of the European research project ComVantage and discusses its impact with respect to the mobile maintenance domain. The approach focuses on the core aspects of interoperability, which are data interoperability and process interoperability. Regarding the interorganisational access to enterprise data, the authors propose a semantic abstraction layer that is completely decentralised and therefore meets the key requirement of virtuality. The execution of business processes and workflows across organisational boundaries are addressed by the unique App Orchestration Concept.
An Enterprise Interoperability Framework based on Compliance and Conformance
Authors: Delgado José C.
Published: February 2014

The existing interoperability frameworks usually take an application-driven, top-down approach, in which the most relevant dimensions of interoperability are optimized for some problem space. For example, The European Interoperability Framework has been conceived primarily to support e-Government services. With the goal of contributing to the establishment of the scientific foundations of interoperability, this chapter presents a multidimensional interoperability framework, conceived in a generic, bottom-up approach. The basic tenet is to add an interoperability dimension (based on the concepts of compliance and conformance) to an enterprise architecture framework with lifecycle and concreteness as its main dimensions, forming a universal core framework. This core is then provided with an extensibility mechanism, based on a concerns dimension, into which the specific characteristics of applications and their domains can be added to instantiate the framework, now in an application-driven fashion. The most relevant concerns, with sufficient applicability breadth, can be promoted to full dimensions and extend the framework. The use of partial compliance and conformance reduces coupling while still allowing interoperability, which increases adaptability, changeability, and reliability, thereby contributing to a sustainable interoperability.
On the Scientific Foundations of Enterprise Interoperability
Authors: Charalabidis Yannis , Lampathaki Fenareti , Jardim-Goncalves Ricardo
Published: February 2014

In a rapidly evolving landscape, enterprises face unprecedented challenges and opportunities to become more innovative, competitive, and efficient. Despite the technological readiness and the abundance of solutions, the interoperability issues still afflict enterprises as they remain untackled at design time and without a systemic approach. To this end, the scientific foundations of enterprise interoperability shall structure the knowledge gained through pragmatic research in the domain over the last decades and more in order to avoid repeating research and missing opportunities for application. This chapter aims at outlining the objectives of the Enterprise Interoperability Science Base at its various evolution phases and documenting the key achievements made by the ENSEMBLE project. An overview of the actions to be implemented in this quest for scientific rigour is provided and the perspectives opened up through such an initiative are discussed.
Cluster Analysis
Authors: Nagar Pankaj
Published: February 2014

The cluster analysis, also known as grouping, clumping, unsupervised classification, is one of the multivariate analysis techniques. The technique of cluster analysis is highly useful in a wide range of problems related to managerial decisions, psychological solutions, categorization of business organizations on the basis of their performance for constructing separate policies for each clusters, in health sectors, societal problems, etc. For good governance there is a need to apply the proper statistical tools with ICT. Even today, the statistical tools are rarely used in the region of e-governance for better policy development. This chapter discusses the use of cluster analysis in classifying a large amount of data into sub-groups (known as clusters), which are homogeneous in a certain sense, and analyzes each sub-group separately to find solutions for each of them. The method in explained with the help of an illustration, by using the SPSS software.
Water Resources Management
Authors: Nayak Sabyasachi
Published: February 2014

This chapter explores grassroots interventions by forging partnerships with stakeholders in improving the management of water resources at the community level. In order to gain insight into the nuances of managing water resources in partnership, a pilot study was instituted in the State of Rajasthan, India. The efficacy of the partnership approach in ensuring equitable water management is demonstrated. The analysis is supported by data collected through the administration of a questionnaire for five different stakeholders. The impact of the intervention reiterates the positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes in a more sustainable manner.
Policy Factors Influencing Reduction of HIV/AIDS Stigma in Tanzanian Local Government Authorities
Authors: Kisusu R. W. , Menda H. N. , Magembe S. P. , Nyaonge E. M.
Published: February 2014

HIV/AIDS stigma creates disharmony in many countries including Tanzania. As such, it requires effective reduction. Policy factors influencing its reduction are shown through a study involving a sample size of 178 respondents selected in 4 Local Government Authorities using purposive sampling technique. Besides frequency analysis, a logistic regression model found 6 significant factors influencing reduction of the stigma: increasing educational level (P<0.10), increasing means of combating HIV (P<0.05), consolidating to marriage type (P<0.10), creating sufficiency of treating HIV/AIDS (P<0.10), adoption of effective economical occupation (P<0.10), and executing reliable treatment (P<0.10). Such findings conclude that high awareness and treating infected HIV/AIDS are effective policy factors in dealing with the reduction of stigma. However, it is recommended to keep educating the community on the hazards of HIV/AIDS. E-interventions can help in designing treatment policy for the increasing acceptability of infected ones.
Reflections on Government’s Accountability in Complex Socio-Economic Realities (In the Post-Political Era)
Authors: Zacher Lech W.
Published: February 2014

Government accountability is important for more rational and effective functioning of authorities and societies. The actual assessment of government performance in the present complex and diverse socio-economic realities is not possible without qualitative and quantitative analyses. Additionally, new approaches and methods in synchronization with ICTs, computer simulations, and modeling enable the improvement of execution of the governments. This chapter advocates that multicriterial and multilevel assessment of governments should be enriched by recognition and analyses of contexts in which they act. Government characteristics and the present contexts are diverse and their responses to new challenges are limited and differentiated.
Formulating Policies for the Environmentally Sustainable Solution to Mitigate Corrosion
Authors: Sharma Alka
Published: February 2014

For the development of a nation, three Es (Economy, Environment, and Energy) contribute greatly. Rapid economic development has increasingly been at loggerheads with environmental concerns. The two Es (Economic Development and Environmental Concerns) have a mutually exclusive and adversarial relationship. Metal dissolution, a big challenge ever since its discovery, has a huge economic and environmental impact on practically all facets of the world’s infrastructure. The corrosion management is an essential element for the development of a sustainable industrial society, including issues such as the selection and development of corrosion resistant materials, coatings, and environmentally friendly inhibitors, which alone can reduce 70 percent of the losses due to corrosion. This chapter visualizes how, combining economic success, social responsibility, environmental protection, and energy conservation, natural resources are the best to use as green inhibitors. The designing and building of an algorithm that is translated into action plans is possible only by policy.
Policy Perspectives and Strategy for Communication Data and Network Security Projects and Tools
Authors: Sodhi Inderjeet Singh
Published: February 2014

This chapter highlights the constant increase in the number of attacks on computer network systems, which has pushed governments, researchers, and experts to devise better security policies and strategies. However, the rapid growth of systems, components, and services offered has increased the difficulty of administering them. In many organizations in developed and developing countries, more emphasis is being given on use of Automatic Computing for proper network security. The chapter clarifies how various projects and tools could be relevant for network security. The chapter provides insights about what steps have been taken for network security in a developing country like India. It looks into various strategies adopted for communication data and network security in India. It emphasizes that, with increasing demand for basic/citizen services over the Internet, it has become important to protect data and ensure efficient backup and data recovery. The chapter proposes a need for better and effective policy and strategy for communication data and network security to make the government citizen-oriented in developing countries.
Facing Facebook in Higher Education
Authors: Korn Karen Abney
Published: February 2014

This chapter draws upon nine months of qualitative, netographic (Kozinets, 2010) research conducted both online and in face-to-face contexts on college student use of Facebook and explores the impact this online platform has on students by studying behaviors, experiences, and perspectives of undergraduate students at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. The primary question guiding this research is: How do college students use Facebook to fulfill social needs in the creation and maintenance of community while attending college? The data consists of an analysis of transcribed interviews, email communications, and the interactive content of student Facebook users’ Facebook walls. The results indicate that students use Facebook to undertake particular tasks and toward particular ends. These include, but are not limited to: fostering and maintaining community, nurturing relationships, making public statements and protecting privacy, establishing a personal identity, building social capital, establishing cultural competency, coping, and critiquing their peers and campus.
The Use of Social Media in the Networking Strategy of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Domański Tomasz , Sędkowski Michał
Published: February 2014

This chapter describes the opportunities that arise from the use of social media as an effective communication network between an educational institution and its stakeholders. Four examples of Polish tertiary institutions’ use of social media sites to communicate with stakeholders are analysed. Particular emphasis is placed on the “Connection” communication model developed by the Faculty of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Lodz, which is innovative by Polish standards. The goal of the Connection project is to implement a modern communications system that is based on a copyrighted social media site, the objective being to integrate the environment surrounding the faculty, as well as providing a tool that enables easier communication between four stakeholder groups: students, alumni, faculty staff, and local businesses. These groups have been defined as crucial from the point of view of the faculty. The role of social media sites in the communication structure of the faculty as well as its position in the future is described, as well as further possibilities to conduct research in the area.
Reaching Them Where They Live
Authors: Lawson Danielle
Published: February 2014

This chapter addresses the interconnected nature of social media use in higher education and business, exploring how educators and employers should use the social media literacy of “C-borgs” as a means of not just communicating with them, but allowing them to do what they do best – consume, create, collaborate, and connect with content. The chapter presents key issues educators and employers face when working to effectively harness the social media literacy of C-borgs, including: how their social media use differs according to their “mode” (work/personal/educational), how to strategically incorporate the C-borg’s social media use into educational and business contexts, and how to utilize the C-borg’s natural inclination toward a connected, content-centric lifestyle to facilitate educational and corporate engagement. The chapter concludes by discussing several key social media strategies educators and employers can use for harnessing the creative, collaborative, and communicative power of C-borgs.
The Roadmap for Experimental Teaching of Science and Engineering Based Subjects
Authors: Collier Gordana , Augousti Andy , Ordys Andrzej
Published: February 2014

The continual development of technology represents a challenge when preparing engineering students for future employment. At the same time, the way students interact in everyday life is evolving: their extra-curricular life is filled with an enormous amount of stimulus, from online data to rich Web-based social interaction. This chapter provides an assessment of various learning technology-driven methods for enhancing both teaching and learning in the science and engineering disciplines. It describes the past, present, and future drivers for the implementation of hands-on teaching methods, incorporating industry standard software and hardware and the evolution of learning experiments into all-encompassing online environments that include socializing, learning, entertainment, and any other aspect of student life when studying science and engineering.
Leveraging Facebook as a Peer-Support Group for Students
Authors: Salminen Joni
Published: February 2014

This chapter reports the use of Facebook in a Digital Marketing course in a Finnish university as a peer-support group for a course consisting of 80 marketing students. It identifies seven types of student-/teacher-generated content: (1) course-related posts, (2) substance-related posts, (3) course feedback, (4) course recommendations, (5) event posts, (6) job posts, and (7) business-related posts. It also discusses educators’ problems of using social media as a course support. For example, there is a risk of artificial communication if participation is required but motivation for posting is purely extrinsic. Commercial social networks may be useful in education because they are user-friendly, easy to adopt, and involve less friction than systems isolated from students’ day-to-day usage of the Internet. Peer support frees teachers’ time, but it needs to be devised correctly for students to participate. In practice, the teacher needs to invest time and effort in providing interesting content and guidance. More than technology, barriers of peer support relate to social issues and expertise – the students must differ in their substantive knowledge so that peer support is possible, and students must feel comfortable to ask for and provide help. Interestingly, the drop out of students in the group can be kept low even after the course by posting interesting content. In this sense, the group may demonstrate stronger ties than peer support groups that dissolve after the course.
The Use of Social Media in College Recruiting and the Student Job Search
Authors: Diepenbrock Amy , Gibson Wanda
Published: February 2014

This chapter addresses the gap in the literature regarding employer recruitment of college students, and more specifically, the use of social media in the recruitment and hiring processes by both students and employers. Background information on traditional recruiting strategies is briefly discussed as well as how employers are using social media. Additionally, how millennial college students typically communicate and how they should be using social media in the job search process are addressed. This chapter also includes data from a survey, administered by the authors, of U.S.-based employers who recruit college students with anecdotal information about how they utilize, or do not utilize, social media in their recruiting and hiring practices.
Justifying the ROI of Social Media Investment in Education
Authors: Benson Vladlena , Morgan Stephanie
Published: February 2014

To invest or not to invest? In the context of Higher Education, the decision around social media adoption is ultimately driven by the end users—students—increasingly demanding in their expectations of technology support provided by universities. This presents a new set of challenges to HE institutions of how to effectively adopt social media in a range of modes provided to students, alumni, external stakeholders, etc. This chapter sets the agenda for future research into methods of measuring effectiveness of social media applications in Higher Education. Drawing on a rich account of social media applications throughout the entire student lifecycle, the chapter identifies common objectives to social media campaigns and uses in educational settings. A framework for social strategy adoption by HE institutions is proposed for further empirical testing. The chapter provides an approach to measuring the effectiveness of social media in higher education and offers practical recommendations and identifies areas needing future research.
A Strategic Perspective on IT Outsourcing
Authors: Prasad Bhaskar , Martens Rudy
Published: February 2014

In the current business environment IT outsourcing has gained prominence. Many firms in Europe outsource their IT requirements to Asia. This study analyzes the factors which favor this trend in which clients are based in Europe and vendors are based in Asia. From a strategic perspective, this study identifies the characteristics that IT activities must possess for them to be outsourced from Europe to Asia. In addition to contributing to academic literature this study will put forward the implications for organization adopting IT outsourcing.