bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oak (Quercus frainetto Ten.) Honeydew Honey—Approach to Screening of Volatile Organic Composition and Antioxidant Capacity (DPPH and FRAP Assay)
Authors: Jerković Igor , Marijanović Zvonimir
Published: May 2010

Two samples of oak honeydew honey were investigated. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with GC and GC/MS enabled identification of the most volatile organic headspace compounds being dominated by terpenes(mainly cis- and trans-linalool oxides). The volatile and less-volatile organic composition of the samples was obtained by ultrasonic assisted extraction (USE) with two solvents (1:2 (v/v) pentane -diethyl ether mixture and dichloromethane) followed by GC and GC/MS analysis. Shikimic pathway derivatives are of particular interest with respect to the botanical origin of honey and the most abundant was phenylacetic acid (up to 16.4%). Antiradical activity (DPPH assay) of the honeydew samples was 4.5 and 5.1 mmol TEAC/kg. Ultrasonic solvent extracts showed several dozen times higher antiradical capacity in comparison to the honeydew. Antioxidant capacity (FRAP assay) of honeydew samples was 4.8 and 16.1 mmol Fe2+/kg, while the solvent mixture extracts showed antioxidant activity of 374.5 and 955.9 Fe2+/kg, respectively, and the dichloromethane extracts 127.3 and 101.5 mmol Fe2+/kg.
Vitamin A–Not for Your Eyes Only: Requirement for Heart Formation Begins Early in Embryogenesis
Authors: Zile Maija H.
Published: May 2010

Vitamin A insufficiency has profound adverse effects on embryonic development. Major advances in understanding the role of vitamin A in vertebrate heart formation have been made since the discovery that the vitamin A active form, all-trans-retinoic acid, regulates many genes, including developmental genes. Among the experimental models used, the vitamin A-deficient avian embryo has been an important tool to study the function of vitamin A during early heart formation. A cluster of retinoic acid-regulated developmental genes have been identified that participate in building the heart. In the absence of retinoic acid the embryonic heart develops abnormally leading to embryolethality.
When Food Meets Man: the Contribution of Epigenetics to Health
Authors: De Fabiani Emma , Mitro Nico , Gilardi Federica , Galmozzi Andrea , Caruso Donatella , Crestani Maurizio
Published: May 2010

Post-translational modifications of chromatin contribute to the epigenetic control of gene transcription. The response to food intake and individual nutrients also includes epigenetic events. Bile acids are necessary for lipid digestion and absorption, and more recently have emerged as signaling molecules. Their synthesis is transcriptionally regulated also in relation to the fasted-to-fed cycle, and interestingly, the underlying mechanisms include chromatin remodeling at promoters of key genes involved in their metabolism. Several compounds present in nutrients affect gene transcription through epigenetic mechanisms and recent studies demonstrate that, beyond the well known anti-cancer properties, they beneficially affect energy metabolism.
Molecular Mechanism for Various Pharmacological Activities of NSAIDS
Authors: Mizushima Tohru
Published: May 2010

The anti-inflammatory action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is mediated through their inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. On the other hand, NSAID use is often associated with gastrointestinal complications. The inhibition of COX by NSAIDs is not the sole explanation for the gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs. Furthermore, recent epidemiological studies have revealed that prolonged NSAID use reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a COX-independent unknown mechanism is suggested to be involved in these activities of NSAIDs. In this article, I review our recent work on the COX-independent mechanism involved in NSAID-induced gastric lesions and anti-tumor and anti-AD activities of NSAIDs. Using DNA microarray analysis, we found that NSAIDs affect expression of various genes in a COX-independent manner. We found that membrane permeabilization activity of NSAIDs and resulting NSAID-induced apoptosis are involved in NSAID-induced gastric lesions. On the other hand, induction of expression of tight junction-related genes and endoplasmic reticulum chaperones were suggested to be involved in anti-tumor and anti-AD, respectively, activities of NSAIDs. These results suggest that NSAIDs affect expression of various genes in a COX-independent manner, which is involved in various pharmacological activities of NSAIDs.
Beneficial and Harmful Interactions of Antibiotics with Microbial Pathogens and the Host Innate Immune System
Authors: Anderson Ronald , Tintinger Gregory , Cockeran Riana , Potjo Moliehi , Feldman Charles
Published: May 2010

In general antibiotics interact cooperatively with host defences, weakening and decreasing the virulence of microbial pathogens, thereby increasing vulnerability to phagocytosis and eradication by the intrinsic antimicrobial systems of the host. Antibiotics, however, also interact with host defences by several other mechanisms, some harmful, others beneficial. Harmful activities include exacerbation of potentially damaging inflammatory responses, a property of cell-wall targeted agents, which promotes the release of pro-inflammatory microbial cytotoxins and cell-wall components. On the other hand, inhibitors of bacterial protein synthesis, especially macrolides, possess beneficial anti-inflammatory/cytoprotective activities, which result from interference with the production of microbial virulence factors/cytotoxins. In addition to these pathogen-directed, anti-inflammatory activities, some classes of antimicrobial agent possess secondary anti-inflammatory properties, unrelated to their conventional antimicrobial activities, which target cells of the innate immune system, particularly neutrophils. This is a relatively uncommon, potentially beneficial property of antibiotics, which has been described for macrolides, imidazole anti-mycotics, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. Although of largely unproven significance in the clinical setting, increasing awareness of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of antibiotics may contribute to a more discerning and effective use of these agents.
Carbon Nanostructure-Based Field-Effect Transistors for Label-Free Chemical/Biological Sensors
Authors: Hu PingAn , Zhang Jia , Li Le , Wang Zhenlong , O’Neill William , Estrela Pedro
Published: May 2010

Over the past decade, electrical detection of chemical and biological species using novel nanostructure-based devices has attracted significant attention for chemical, genomics, biomedical diagnostics, and drug discovery applications. The use of nanostructured devices in chemical/biological sensors in place of conventional sensing technologies has advantages of high sensitivity, low decreased energy consumption and potentially highly miniaturized integration. Owing to their particular structure, excellent electrical properties and high chemical stability, carbon nanotube and graphene based electrical devices have been widely developed for high performance label-free chemical/biological sensors. Here, we review the latest developments of carbon nanostructure-based transistor sensors in ultrasensitive detection of chemical/biological entities, such as poisonous gases, nucleic acids, proteins and cells.
A Reusable PZT Transducer for Monitoring Initial Hydration and Structural Health of Concrete
Authors: Yang Yaowen , Divsholi Bahador Sabet , Soh Chee Kiong
Published: May 2010

During the construction of a concrete structure, strength monitoring is important to ensure the safety of both personnel and the structure. Furthermore, to increase the efficiency of in situ casting or precast of concrete, determining the optimal time of demolding is important for concrete suppliers. Surface bonded lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers have been used for damage detection and parameter identification for various engineering structures over the last two decades. In this work, a reusable PZT transducer setup for monitoring initial hydration of concrete and structural health is developed, where a piece of PZT is bonded to an enclosure with two bolts tightened inside the holes drilled in the enclosure. An impedance analyzer is used to acquire the admittance signatures of the PZT. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) is employed to associate the change in concrete strength with changes in the PZT admittance signatures. The results show that the reusable setup is able to effectively monitor the initial hydration of concrete and the structural health. It can also be detached from the concrete for future re-use.
Estimation of Visual Maps with a Robot Network Equipped with Vision Sensors
Authors: Gil Arturo , Reinoso Óscar , Ballesta Mónica , Juliá Miguel , Payá Luis
Published: May 2010

In this paper we present an approach to the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) problem using a team of autonomous vehicles equipped with vision sensors. The SLAM problem considers the case in which a mobile robot is equipped with a particular sensor, moves along the environment, obtains measurements with its sensors and uses them to construct a model of the space where it evolves. In this paper we focus on the case where several robots, each equipped with its own sensor, are distributed in a network and view the space from different vantage points. In particular, each robot is equipped with a stereo camera that allow the robots to extract visual landmarks and obtain relative measurements to them. We propose an algorithm that uses the measurements obtained by the robots to build a single accurate map of the environment. The map is represented by the three-dimensional position of the visual landmarks. In addition, we consider that each landmark is accompanied by a visual descriptor that encodes its visual appearance. The solution is based on a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter that estimates the paths of the robots and the position of the visual landmarks. The validity of our proposal is demonstrated by means of experiments with a team of real robots in a office-like indoor environment.
NEURON: Enabling Autonomicity in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zafeiropoulos Anastasios , Gouvas Panagiotis , Liakopoulos Athanassios , Mentzas Gregoris , Mitrou Nikolas
Published: May 2010

Future Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) will be ubiquitous, large-scale networks interconnected with the existing IP infrastructure. Autonomic functionalities have to be designed in order to reduce the complexity of their operation and management, and support the dissemination of knowledge within a WSN. In this paper a novel protocol for energy efficient deployment, clustering and routing in WSNs is proposed that focuses on the incorporation of autonomic functionalities in the existing approaches. The design of the protocol facilitates the design of innovative applications and services that are based on overlay topologies created through cooperation among the sensor nodes.
Basic Test Framework for the Evaluation of Text Line Segmentation and Text Parameter Extraction
Authors: Brodić Darko , Milivojević Dragan R. , Milivojević Zoran
Published: May 2010

Text line segmentation is an essential stage in off-line optical character recognition (OCR) systems. It is a key because inaccurately segmented text lines will lead to OCR failure. Text line segmentation of handwritten documents is a complex and diverse problem, complicated by the nature of handwriting. Hence, text line segmentation is a leading challenge in handwritten document image processing. Due to inconsistencies in measurement and evaluation of text segmentation algorithm quality, some basic set of measurement methods is required. Currently, there is no commonly accepted one and all algorithm evaluation is custom oriented. In this paper, a basic test framework for the evaluation of text feature extraction algorithms is proposed. This test framework consists of a few experiments primarily linked to text line segmentation, skew rate and reference text line evaluation. Although they are mutually independent, the results obtained are strongly cross linked. In the end, its suitability for different types of letters and languages as well as its adaptability are its main advantages. Thus, the paper presents an efficient evaluation method for text analysis algorithms.
A Bayesian Framework for Human Body Pose Tracking from Depth Image Sequences
Authors: Zhu Youding , Fujimura Kikuo
Published: May 2010

This paper addresses the problem of accurate and robust tracking of 3D human body pose from depth image sequences. Recovering the large number of degrees of freedom in human body movements from a depth image sequence is challenging due to the need to resolve the depth ambiguity caused by self-occlusions and the difficulty to recover from tracking failure. Human body poses could be estimated through model fitting using dense correspondences between depth data and an articulated human model (local optimization method). Although it usually achieves a high accuracy due to dense correspondences, it may fail to recover from tracking failure. Alternately, human pose may be reconstructed by detecting and tracking human body anatomical landmarks (key-points) based on low-level depth image analysis. While this method (key-point based method) is robust and recovers from tracking failure, its pose estimation accuracy depends solely on image-based localization accuracy of key-points. To address these limitations, we present a flexible Bayesian framework for integrating pose estimation results obtained by methods based on key-points and local optimization. Experimental results are shown and performance comparison is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Exfoliative Toxins of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bukowski Michal , Wladyka Benedykt , Dubin Grzegorz
Published: May 2010

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of humans and livestock. It causes a diverse array of diseases, ranging from relatively harmless localized skin infections to life-threatening systemic conditions. Among multiple virulence factors, staphylococci secrete several exotoxins directly associated with particular disease symptoms. These include toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), enterotoxins, and exfoliative toxins (ETs). The latter are particularly interesting as the sole agents responsible for staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a disease predominantly affecting infants and characterized by the loss of superficial skin layers, dehydration, and secondary infections. The molecular basis of the clinical symptoms of SSSS is well understood. ETs are serine proteases with high substrate specificity, which selectively recognize and hydrolyze desmosomal proteins in the skin. The fascinating road leading to the discovery of ETs as the agents responsible for SSSS and the characterization of the molecular mechanism of their action, including recent advances in the field, are reviewed in this article.
Microsatellite markers in the tree peony,Paeonia suffruticosa(Paeoniaceae)
Authors: Homolka Andreas , Berenyi Maria , Burg Kornel , Kopecky Dieter , Fluch Silvia
Published: May 2010

•Premise of the study:Microsatellite primers were developed in the tree peony,Paeonia suffruticosa, to perform paternity tests as well as assignment to variety in special Austrian collections.

•Methods and Results:Using SSR‐enriched libraries and EST‐mining, 8 polymorphic primer sets were identified in Austrian collections ofPaeoniasect.MoutanDC. The primers amplified di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with 2–6 alleles per locus. All primers also amplified inP. ostii, P. pontaniniivar.trolloides, P. delavayi, andP. lutea, and in the herbaceous speciesP. peregrinaandP. tenuifolia(Paeoniasect.Paeon).

•Conclusions:These results show the usefulness of primers inP. suffruticosafor population genetic studies and their ability to cross amplify in related taxa across the genus.
One-pot three-component synthesis of quinoxaline and phenazine ring systems using Fischer carbene complexes
Authors: Roy Priyabrata , Ghorai Binay Krishna
Published: May 2010

One-pot three-component coupling of o-alkynylheteroaryl carbonyl derivatives with Fischer carbene complexes and dienophiles leading to the synthesis of quinoxaline and phenazine ring systems has been investigated. This involves the generation of furo[3,4-b]pyrazine and furo[3,4-b]quinoxaline as transient intermediates, which were trapped with Diels–Alder dienophiles. This is the first report on furo[3,4-b]pyrazine intermediates.
Domogis: prototipo de un interfaz del sistema de control de un edificio integrado en un SIG
Authors: Álvarez M. , Arquero Á. , Martínez E. , Río O.
Published: May 2010

Este trabajo trata de la utilización de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) en uno de las nuevos requerimientos de la arquitectura, el control domótico. El objetivo es el desarrollo de un interfaz de comunicación del Sistema de Control de un Edificio (SCE) integrado en un SIG. La consecución de este objetivo implica previamente el desarrollo del SIG del Campus de Montegancedo sede de la Facultad de Informática de la UPM y la creación de un interfaz integrado en el SIG, desarrollado en lenguaje de programacion C# de Microsoft. Este interfaz dirige al usuario en la realización de ciertas tareas de control domótico de las instalaciones urbanas y edificios del Campus universitario, como evaluar, monotorizar y gestionar datos procedentes de sensores estratégicamente situados en dicho Campus.
Un criterio robusto para la medida del margen –coeficiente– de seguridad
Authors: Cervera J.
Published: May 2010

En este trabajo se analizan en primer lugar algunos inconvenientes de los habituales coeficientes parciales de seguridad —factores multiplicadores de las cargas— como medida del alejamiento a las condiciones de colapso en el caso de las estructuras con anisotropías importantes, como son especialmente aquellas sin resistencia a la tracción —los arcos de fábrica, como ejemplo paradigmático— Para superar dichas dificultades se propone un criterio sencillo y robusto basado en la contracción de la superficie límite, criterio que aporta una medida coincidente con la habitual para los casos isótropos, pero que permite medir igualmente de forma consistente el alejamiento a las condiciones del colapso para el resto de las situaciones. Se aplica finalmente el modelo a la determinación de los márgenes de seguridad en secciones de doble simetría sometidas a compresión esviada para materiales sin, y con resistencia a tracción, así como al problema de la estabilidad de un prisma frente al vuelco, mostrando las mejoras que aporta para caracterizar dichos problemas.
Una aproximación analítica a las mallas recíprocas diseñadas por Leonardo
Authors: Sánchez J. , Escrig F. , Rodríguez Mª T.
Published: May 2010

Ya resulta tópico referirse a Leonardo cada vez que tocamos algún tema de arte, ciencia o técnica puesto que en sus escritos siempre podemos encontrar aspectos que nadie estudió antes ni, en muchos casos, nadie explotó después. Esto se explica porque sus manuscritos no fueron publicados hasta cinco siglos después. Sus observaciones respecto al diseño de estructuras son menos conocidas y son también las menos estudiadas. Realmente sus principales aportaciones se contienen en el Códice I de Madrid, y menos en el Códice II de Madrid, algunas otras, más generales, en el Códice Atlántico. Sus otros cuadernos de notas no tratan de estas cuestiones. En sus dibujos, Leonardo manifestó una obsesiva búsqueda de soluciones para cubrir grandes luces con piezas cortas. En sus Cuadernos encontramos diagramas de muchas variantes para construir cubiertas, forjados y puentes que pudieran salvar grandes luces con piezas manejables y disponibles. En este artículo se analizan con los actuales programas de cálculo cómo funcionan sus propuestas y establecemos algunas conclusiones.
Sobre los teoremas de rotura, sus corolarios y su aplicación al cálculo de arcos de fábrica
Authors: Quintas V.
Published: May 2010

En este trabajo se enuncian los teoremas de rotura y sus corolarios para aplicarlos al cálculo en rotura de arcos. Después de analizar la teoría de arcos, se estudia el significado de la línea de presiones y de la línea de empujes desde el punto de vista del cálculo a rotura.
An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) egg clutch
Authors: Cuccu Danila , Mereu Marco , Cannas Rita , Marcias Sandro , Cau Angelo , Jereb Patrizia
Published: May 2010

An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana egg clutch at 544 m depth is described within an updating study of the reproductive aspects of the species in Sardinian waters. Egg species identity was determined by genetic analysis and morphological and biometrical data of the eggs, embryos and one newly hatched specimen are reported and discussed. Illustrations of the eggs, spermatophores and spermatangia by photographic material are also included. Data on bathymetric distribution and sexual maturity are reported and compared with data already available for the species in other geographical areas of distribution.
Instructional Interactivity in a Web-Based Learning Community
Authors: Bodomo Adams
Published: May 2010

It is demonstrated in this chapter that enhanced interactivity is the single most important reason why teachers should practise web-based teaching and why students should be encouraged to construct web-based learning communities. The notion of conversational learning community (CLC) as a kind of constructivist learning environment is introduced. It is shown that instructional interactivity, defined as active communication in a conversational learning community between instructor(s), learners, course materials, and links to remote experts and resources, is a central aspect of the learning situation. A practical implementation of the CLC model is presented through describing the interactive features of a web-based course using WebCT. It is concluded that web-based learning and teaching actually enhances interactivity both within and beyond the classroom setting.
Strategic Market Driven IS/IT Planning Model
Authors: Shawyun Teay
Published: May 2010

IS literature continues to highlight the issues of strategic business and IT planning alignment to achieve business performance. As an alternative to the mainstream models in the planning and implementation of the IS/IT by an organization, this chapter proposes an externalized approach by identifying the market driven needs through the firm’s value proposition to the customer derived from the product/service consumption. The market based push-pull framework is to ensure that the push strategy of the firm in what it wants to offer and at a price that it intends to offer is matched with the pull strategy of the market in what it wants to buy and at a price it is willingly to pay. This externalized customer value is reconciled by the internalized firm’s creation and delivery of the value as proposed by the firm based on the reconciliation of the market-pull and firm-push value proposition affecting customer satisfaction. Once the market pull and firm push strategy is identified, the alignment of the IT would be based on the pushpull effect of the business requirement to serve and satisfy not only the internal customer needs but also the more important external customer needs and requirements in term of the firm’s value proposition. The IT as a key enabler would be the main enabling mechanism to create and deliver on the value as proposed to the customer. A case study of how a university revamp its Information Management System by aligning the external and the internal elements is used to illustrate this reconciliation in its market driven IS/IT planning. The “market driven IS/IT” planning model is the base of the strategic integration of the internal and external elements that is contended to address the key planning issues in a more integrated and comprehensive way.
CEO/CIO Communication and the Strategic Grid Dimensions
Authors: Johnson Alice M. , Lederer Albert L.
Published: May 2010

McFarlan’s strategic grid postulated that the impact of existing information systems and impact of the portfolio of planned information systems constitute two dimensions on which the chief executive officer and chief information officer could assess their information technology. But what predicts their agreement on those impacts? Mutual understanding between an organization’s CEO and CIO is an important factor in the organization’s efforts to gain the greatest value from information technology, a factor that communications theory predicts, moreover, can be the product of greater communication frequency and channel richness. This research used a postal survey of 202 pairs of CEOs and CIOs to investigate the effect of such frequency and channel richness on CEO/CIO mutual understanding of the impact of existing information systems and of the impact of the portfolio of planned information systems. More frequent communication between the executives predicted mutual understanding about the current and future impacts of IT. However, the use of richer channels did not predict mutual understanding about the current impact, but did predict it about the future impact when the extent to which the organization relied on IT to support future projects was used as a covariate. Moreover, the finding that CEOs and CIOs perceived e-mail to be a richer communication channel than telephone was an unexpected outcome of the research. From a research perspective, the study extended theory about communication frequency, media richness, mutual understanding, and the impact of IT in organizations. It also provided additional validation of existing instruments that can be used to help future researchers of communications and IT. It provided direction for CEOs and CIOs who may be interested in increasing their mutual understanding of the impact of IT, improving their relationship with each other, and thus improving their planning of new information systems.
Strategic Capital Capacity and Capability Management of IS/IT
Authors: Shawyun Teay
Published: May 2010

As IS/IT are technology enablers in the creation and delivery of the value, it is contended that all the core processes enabled by its technology should be aligned through the “ways and means” and the “what and how” value is added through the IT enabled processes. The management and implementation of the IT is dependant on the capacity and capability of the firm, and these are human and organizational based, that ultimately defines the firm’s competency affecting successful implementation and utilization of the IS/IT. This chapter proposes a “capacity and capability” model based on the management of technology approach (the management of its Technoware, Humanware, Inforware and Orgaware) and its technology capabilities approach to manage its human, information and organization capitals critical to the successful IS/IT implementation and utilization. The “capacity and capability” model is the base of the integrated strategic capability driven implementation model that is contended to address the key implementation issues in a more integrated and comprehensive way. The capability and capacity management of the IS/IT is contended to better address the utilization success based on the inter-twined THIO that addresses the human and organizational issues as compared to the traditional approach of having the MIS resources.
Optimizing IT Implementation by Using the Enterprise Architecture Approach (EA)
Authors: Ioannidis Anthony , Skarpetis Nikolaos
Published: May 2010

Businesses world-wide are faced with similar challenges including changing business conditions, shrinking profit margins, and competitive pressures. An organization is affected daily by the vast amounts of information received and stored from both external and internal environments. This information when not organized or standardized in a strategic manner, leads to the fragmentation of this same information. In turn, this fragmentation negatively affects an organization’s productivity, competitive advantage and thus its profitability. This chapter discusses the importance of developing a system that not only works in support of, but hand-in-hand with the specific needs of a given business. Through the discussion of its main characteristics and its implementation, it will be shown that the Enterprise Architecture Approach (EA) meets this specific need, as it provides the “blue-prints” to strategically organize information.
Object-Oriented Software Design Patterns Applied to Management Theory
Authors: Tachibana Eric , Florey David Ross
Published: May 2010

Since the mid to late 1990’s, object-oriented software design patterns have proven to be a powerful tool in support of software design and product management. However, the usefulness of the methodology need not be restricted to the technical domain alone. In fact, the design pattern methodology represents a powerful tool that can also be used in support of it management at a business level. In this paper, we discuss the design pattern methodology, provide an example of how the methodology could be implemented to solve a business problem, the multivariate vector map (mvm), and then apply the mvm pattern to the problem of choosing an it outsourcing strategy as a means to demonstrate its effectiveness to it managers and to it outsourcing vendors
The Interplay of Strategic Management and Information Technology
Authors: Tang Zaiyong , Walters Bruce
Published: May 2010

The authors trace historical developments in the fields of information technology (IT) and strategic management. IT’s evolution from the mainframe era to the Internet era has been accompanied by a shift in the strategic emphasis of IT. In the early days, IT’s contribution to the organization was largely information provision, monitoring and control. Current research at the intersection of IT and strategic management increasingly highlights the impact of IT in terms of informing strategic decisions and enabling information flow vis-à-vis all manner of organizational processes. We believe these fields are ripe for research focusing on their complementary impact on organizational performance.
IT Portfolio Management
Authors: Cameron Brian H.
Published: May 2010

Information Technology Portfolio Management (ITPM) is a topic of intense interest in the strategic management of IT. In ITPM, IT synchronization with corporate business strategy is operationalized by the application of the principles of financial portfolio management to IT investments. This perspective is crucial to the continual alignment of business strategy and IT investments. Portfolio management is the discipline of managing projects together as a portfolio that meets stated corporate goals and objectives (Combe & Githens, 1999). It facilitates the optimization of resource allocation and development investment across multiple projects. This chapter investigates current techniques and issues for managing IT project portfolios and aligning those portfolios with the strategy of the business. The models and concepts presented are regarded as a starting point for dialogue and further research among IT project researchers and practitioners.
Capturing Data in Healthcare Using Patient-Centered Mobile Technology
Authors: Pajak Sarah , De Souza Lorraine H. , Gore Justin , Williams Christopher G.
Published: May 2010

This chapter outlines and discusses how an increasingly popular approach of incorporating patient perspectives and experience in research can be used to inform the development of user-centered technology in healthcare, with particular emphasis on hand-held mobile devices. The chapter draws on a program of research and technological developments between an acute hospital trust and the Schools of Health Sciences and Social Care (SHSSC) and Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics (SISCM) at Brunel University in West London. The authors critically review existing literature and discuss the development of a new prototype mobile device for use by healthcare professionals in capturing patient information at the front end of hospital care.
Where do Technology-Induced Errors Come From? Towards a Model for Conceptualizing and Diagnosing Errors Caused by Technology
Authors: Borycki Elizabeth M. , Kushniruk Andre W.
Published: May 2010

Borycki, Elizabeth M.; Kushniruk, Andre W. Health information technology has the potential to greatly improve healthcare delivery. Indeed, in recent years many have argued that introduction of information technology will be essential in order to decrease medical error and increase healthcare safety. In this chapter we review some of the evidence that has accumulated indicating the positive benefits of health information technology for improving safety in healthcare. However, a number of recent studies have indicated that if systems are not designed and implemented properly health information technology may actual inadvertently result in new types of medical errors—technology-induced errors. In this chapter we discuss where such error may arise and propose a model for conceptualizing and diagnosing technology-induced error so that the benefits of technology can be achieved while the likelihood of the occurrence of technology-induced medical error is reduced.
The Right Path to SCM-CRM Integration
Authors: Mason Charlotte H. , Roth Aleda V.
Published: May 2010

Growing competitive pressures and escalating customer demands have led businesses to sophisticated information technology to manage costs and enhance revenues. Two popular initiatives are supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM). SCM focuses on optimizing the materials, information, services, and financial flows through a supply network. CRM focuses on marketing, sales, and customer service, and aims to maximize the value of customer relationships. Furthermore, the real potential lies in the integration of SCM and CRM. Disconnected implementations can result in IT “silos” with redundancies in hardware, software and staff, breaks in the information chain, and disappointing performance. There are different paths to integration. The right path depends on the organization’s relative maturity on 6 key factors: 1) interconnectivity, 2) interoperability of systems’ functionality, 3) information integrity, 4) interorganizational competence, 5) intellectual capital, and 6) innovative capability.
IT and the Social Construction of Knowledge
Authors: Revilla Elena , Sánchez-Alarcos José
Published: May 2010

In a dynamic environment, knowledge is the only valid asset that allows organizations to adapt and change. That is why knowledge is one of the few resources on which any organization can support its sustained success. This resource, in its turn, appears as a result of a repetitive process of learning. Learning is a social product—knowledge is social and has synergic possibilities—therefore, its value increases when it is shared, enriched, and developed beyond the individual, proportioning coherence to the interpretations of the members of the group (Brown & Duguid, 2001; Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995). Many researchers have pointed out that the capacity of an organization to get into the environment, interpret it, and understand it, in short, to learn it, requires dialogue and discussion among its members. Through dialogue (Isaacs, 1993), each member exhibits a perception or personal image of the world, and these perceptions will affect the other members when they are shared during interaction. Together, the discussion of individual perceptions produces a shared image of reality. In addition, collective knowledge is a needed complement to the individual (Brown & Duguid, 1991). First of all, there are problems that require the integration of individual knowledge. Second, and not less important, collective knowledge implies that the members of an organization that share it are going to act according to the same criteria and that makes the organization predictable beyond individual contingences. For example, it is of little use for a driver to know the obligation to drive on the right if the others do not know such obligation (as anyone who has driven in countries where they drive on the left will have been able to confirm at the slightest distraction). It is collective knowledge that supplies standards of conduct whose validity stems precisely from the fact that it is collective. The idea of social construction of knowledge links it to the communities that create, use, and transform it. According to this, if learning is the result of personal experience and processes of interaction among individuals, this should be understood in relation to the social and cultural context in which these experiences and interactions take place, that is, in relation to communities of practice.
Regularity Analysis of the Magnetoencephalogram Background Activity in Alzheimer's Disease Patients Using Auto Mutual Information
Authors: Gómez Carlos , Hornero Roberto , Abásolo Daniel , Fernández Alberto , Escudero Javier
Published: May 2010

Magnetoencephalograpy (MEG) is a noninvasive technique that allows recording the magnetic fields produced by brain activity. SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) sensors immersed in liquid helium at 4.2 K are used to detect the extremely weak brain magnetic signals. MEG provides an excellent temporal resolution, orders of magnitude better than in other methods for measuring cerebral activity, as magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon-emission computed tomography and positron-emission tomography (Hämäläinen, Hari, Ilmoniemi, Knuutila, & Lounasmaa, 1993). A good spatial resolution is also provided, although this depends on the source configuration (Hari & Forss, 1999). Moreover, this technique is independent of any reference point. In addition, magnetic fields are not distorted by the resistive properties of the skull (Hämäläinen et al., 1993). Nevertheless, the recordings are very sensitive to external artifacts. Thus, the signals must be acquired in a magnetically shielded room. In this preliminary study, we examined the MEG background activity in patients with probable AD, and in age-matched control subjects using auto mutual information (AMI). Our purpose is to test the hypothesis that an abnormal type of nonlinear dynamics is associated with AD.
Support Vector Machine Classification applied on Weaning Trials Patients
Authors: Giraldo B.F. , Garde A. , Arizmendi C. , Jané R. , Diaz I. , Benito S.
Published: May 2010

The most common reason for instituting mechanical ventilation is to decrease a patient’s work of breathing. Many attempts have been made to increase the effectiveness on the evaluation of the respiratory pattern by means of respiratory signal analysis. This work suggests a method of studying the lying differences in respiratory pattern variability between patients on weaning trials. The core of the proposed method is the use of support vector machines to classify patients into two groups, taking into account 35 features of each one, previously extracted from the respiratory flow. 146 patients from mechanical ventilation were studied: Group S of 79 patients with Successful trials, and Group F of 67 patients that Failed on the attempt to maintain spontaneous breathing and had to be reconnected. Applying a feature selection procedure based on the use of the support vector machine with leave-one-out cross-validation, it was obtained 86.67% of well classified patients into the Group S and 73.34% into Group F, using only eight of the 35 features. Therefore, support vector machines can be an interesting classification method in the study of the respiratory pattern variability.
Collaborative Filtering Based Recommendation Systems
Authors: Thirumaran E.
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces Collaborative filtering-based recommendation systems, which has become an integral part of E-commerce applications, as can be observed in sites like Amazon.com. It will present several techniques that are reported in the literature to make useful recommendations, and study their limitations. The chapter also lists the issues that are currently open and the future directions that may be explored to address those issues. Furthermore, the authors hope that understanding of these limitations and issues will help build recommendation systems that are of high accuracy and have few false positive errors (which are products that are recommended, though the user does not like them).
The Integrative Model of E-Health Use
Authors: Bodie Graham D. , Dutta Mohan J. , Basu Ambar
Published: May 2010

This chapter overviews an integrative model of e-health use that connects social disparities at the population level with individual characteristics related to the amount and type of online health information usage, thus providing an account of the ways in which societal disparities play out in individual e-health usage patterns. Based on an overview of the literature on e-health disparities, we suggest that sociallevel disparities are manifested in the form of individual-level differences in health information orientation and health information efficacy, which in turn influence the amount and type of online health use. Exploring the underlying social structures that enable individual-level access, motivation, and ability to utilize the Internet for health and how these structures interact with individual motivation and ability advances our understanding of the Internet, the digital divide, and health disparities.
Quality and Reliability Aspects in Telehealth Systems
Authors: Kastania Anastasia N. , Zimeras Stelios
Published: May 2010

In this chapter the authors investigate telehealth quality and reliability assurance. Various models and standards can be applied to assess software quality and reliability in telehealth platforms and there are also general principles for total quality management which can be adopted. There are also models to assess the quality of the system and the quality of care which are also presented. The approach based on user satisfaction, considers the expectation measurement as information which is not inextricably linked to quality. A different approach is the one based on expectations as well as on disconfirmation of user expectations. The underlying structural model is based on a modified SERVQUAL approach that consists of five dimensions (Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy) which have been consistently ranked by customers to be most important for service quality across all industries. The model can thus be used for evaluation of healthcare services and for planning improvements on services. All these aspects for telehealth systems design are discussed to formulate epistemic criteria for evaluation purposes.
Google
Authors: Pauxtis Andrew
Published: May 2010

What began as simple homepages that listed favorite Web sites in the early 1990’s have grown into some of the most sophisticated, enormous collections of searchable, organized data in history. These Web sites are search engines—the golden gateways to the Internet—and they are used by virtually everyone. Search engines, particularly Google, log and stamp each and every search made by end-users and use that collected data for their own purposes. The data is used for an assortment of business advantages, some which the general population is not privy too, and most of which the casual end-user is typically unfamiliar with. In a world where technology gives users many conveniences, one must weigh the benefits of those conveniences against the potential intrusions of personal privacy. Google’s main stream of revenue is their content-targeted “AdWords” program. AdWords—while not a direct instance of personal privacy breach—marks a growing trend in invading personal space in order to deliver personalized content. Gmail, Google’s free Web-based e-mail service, marked a new evolution in these procedures, scanning personal e-mail messages to deliver targeted advertisements. Google has an appetite for data, and their hundreds of millions of users deliver that every week. With their eyes on moving into radio, television, print, establishing an Internet service provider, furthering yet the technology of AdWords, as well as creating and furthering technology in many other ventures, one must back up and examine the potential privacy and intrusion risks associated with the technological conveniences being provided.
A Taxonomic View of Consumer Online Privacy Legal Issues, Legislation, and Litigation
Authors: Secor Angelena M.
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, consumer online privacy legal issues are identified and discussed. Followed by the literature review in consumer online privacy legislation and litigation, a relational model is presented to explore the relationship of the issues, legal protections, and the remedies and risks for not complying with the legal requirements. Two survey studies are used to reinforce the vital need for a stronger role by the government and business community as well as the privacy awareness from online consumers themselves. This chapter is concluded with a vital call for consumer privacy education and awareness and government and legislators’ attention and timely responses with legislation that protects consumers against those who would misuse the technology.
Privacy or Performance Matters on the Internet
Authors: Hsu Chiung-wen ("Julia")
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces a situational paradigm as a means of studying online privacy. It argues that data subjects are not always opponent to data users. They judge contexts before disclosing information. This chapter proves it by examining online privacy concerns and practices with two contexts: technology platforms and users’ motivations. It explores gratifications of online photo album users in Taiwan, and finds the distinctive “staging” phenomenon under the theory of uses and gratifications, and a priori theoretical framework, the spectacle/performance paradigm. The users with “diffused audience” gratifications are concerned less about privacy but not disclose more of their information. Furthermore, it finds that users act differently in diverse platforms, implying that studying Internet as a whole is problematic. The author proposes that studying online privacy through the use of a situational paradigm will help better research designs for studying privacy, and assist in understanding of users’ behaviors among technology platforms.
An Analysis of Online Privacy Policies of Fortune 100 Companies
Authors: Li Suhong
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the current status of online privacy policies of Fortune 100 Companies. It was found that 94% of the surveyed companies have posted an online privacy policy and 82% of them collect personal information from consumers. The majority of the companies only partially follow the four principles (notice, choice, access, and security) of fair information practices. For example, most of the organizations give consumers some notice and choice in term of the collection and use of their personal information. However, organizations fall short in security requirements. Only 19% of organizations mention that they have taken steps to provide security for information both during transmission and after their sites have received the information. The results also reveal that a few organizations have obtained third-party privacy seals including TRUSTe, BBBOnline Privacy, and Safe Harbor.
Government Stewardship of Online Information
Authors: Erickson G. Scott
Published: May 2010

This chapter focuses on the specific issue of the federal Freedom of Information Act and associated state and local freedom of information laws. While full of good intentions regarding openness in government, the statutes have increasingly been applied to circumstances when individuals or organizations seek government records for legal or business purposes. As such, confidential business information and private personal information are both vulnerable when data are in government hands. Given the maze of exemptions and agency interpretations regarding freedom of information requests, the circumstances are both highly variable and unpredictable. Better understanding of the statutes and their interpretations will help individuals and organizations make better decisions regarding data interactions with various levels of government.