bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tools for Representing and Processing Narratives
Authors: Nissan Ephraim
Published: May 2011

Narratives describe and link events. Narratives are pervasive. The representation of the handling of a project or life experiences are narratives (i.e., it is we that draw the links). Some suggest that Web sites should be designed considering visits as narratives. In research in museology, it has become popular to consider visiting a museum as a narrative. Narrative is stressed in some approaches to diagnosis (including in knowledge acquisition for intelligent systems). It stands to reason that handling narratives should loom large in information processing, or at the very least in artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, after the 1980s (during the “AI Winter”), AI retreated from a concern with narratives. However, narrative has leaked since then into other domains of computing, such as human interface design and multimedia (e.g., in tools for assisting in the editing of videos). Computational or computer tools for handling crime analysis and legal evidence need be aware of legal scholars’ work on legal narratives and how to apply argumentation to their reconstruction. Ethical arguments are applied in a narrative context. Consider computer crime events: hypothetical reconstruction constructs possible narratives to match what actually happened. We focus on AI tools for analyzing or generating narratives. We also devote a section of this article to organizational storytelling, which sometimes uses databases of stories.
An Academic Management Portal
Authors: Kettunen Juha
Published: May 2011

E-management is a definition for a group of tools and actions used in the organizational steering based on data systems. Emanagement can make strategic planning more solid and valid using data and information on past performance provided by the management information system (MIS). E-management requires a meta-level data system through which the data produced by the basic operational data system can be modified, restored and merged for use in operational steering. The possibility of merge the operational and financial data is especially important.
A Comprehensive Methodology for Campus Portal Development
Authors: Fuangvut Tharitpong , Hasan Helen
Published: May 2011

A campus portal is an exciting recent phenomenon forming part of the new generation of online services for all stakeholders in institutions of higher education. Conceptually, the general notion of a portal should be to be distinguished from that of other Web-based applications and the traditional phase of this research indicates that the major distinguishing characteristics of a campus portal are (1) personalisation, by which end-users are only able to access information and online services pertinent to their activities, and (2) customisation, by which end-users are able to select their preferred information channels and optional online services.
The IFIP Portal
Authors: Tatnall Arthur , Thompson J. Barrie
Published: May 2011

Many professional societies and organisations make use of Web portals to allow access to their many facilities, resources, and varied content materials. The International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) is no exception and the IFIP site (www.ifip.org) provides access to a vast amount of information about IFIP itself and its constituent parts. Beinga portal, although the site itself has some useful information, most of the information accessible through the IFIP site is stored at various locations around the world on servers in universities, other societies, and the computer industry. This article examines aspects of the IFIP portal with particular reference to several IFIP Working Group sites.
Models and Technologies for Adaptive Web Portals
Authors: Gallucci Lorenzo , Cannataro Mario
Published: May 2011

In modern Web-based information systems (WIS), the personalization of presentations and contents is becoming a major requirement. Personalization means adaptation to user’s requirements and goals, as well as adaptation to user’s technology and environment (Levene & Poulovassilis, 2004). Application fields where content personalization can be useful are manifold; they comprise e-government, online advertising, direct Web marketing, electronic commerce, online learning and teaching, and so forth. The need for adaptation arises from different aspects of the interaction between users and Web/hypermedia systems. User classes to be dealt with are increasingly heterogeneous due to different interests and goals, large-scale deployment of information and services, and so on. Furthermore, WIS should be made accessible from different user’s terminals, which can differ not only at the software level (browsing and elaboration capabilities) but also in terms of ergonomic interfaces (scroll buttons, voice commands, etc.). Finally, different kinds of network (e.g., wired or wireless) and other network-related conditions (e.g., bandwidth, latency, error rate, etc.) should be considered to obtain a comfortable and useful interaction.
Personalizing Web Portals
Authors: Kamthan Pankaj
Published: May 2011

A Web portal is a gateway to the information and services on the Web where its users can interchange and share information (Tatnall, 2005). It is designed and implemented for a specific community. However, it is unlikely that people who access a Web portal are all so similar in their interests that one standardized way of delivering information fits all needs. This has motivated the need for personalization in Web portals.
Vertical Web Portals in Primary Education
Authors: Preiser-Houy Lara , Russell Margaret
Published: May 2011

Advances in digital technologies and proliferation of the Internet as an ubiquitous platform for communication and information open up new opportunities for teaching and learning in the 21st century. In the past decade, K-12 schools have made considerable investments in the educational technology infrastructure, as evident by the decrease in students-per-computer ratios from 10.8 to 4 in a 10-year period between 1994 and 2004 (Robelen, Cavanagh, Tonn, & Honawar, 2005). However, while the investments in computing infrastructure have been steadily increasing, teachers’ training and the integration of technologies into the elementary school classrooms have lagged far behind the infrastructure investments (Ivers & Barron, 1999). One strategy to address the technology gap between teachers and their students is to develop customized grade-level Web portals for elementary classrooms, and to train teachers to maintain and integrate Web portals into the teaching-learning processes of their schools (Preiser-Houy, Navarrete, & Russell, 2005).
Infrastructures of Cyber Warfare
Authors: Owen Robert S.
Published: May 2011

Discussions of cyber warfare tend to focus on weakening or disrupting a physical critical core infrastructure. Critical infrastructures are systems and assets that if destroyed, would have an impact on physical security, economic security, and/or public health or safety. Some have argued that meaningful, sustainable damage to critical infrastructures is unlikely through cyber warfare tactics. However, damage to non-critical infrastructures could inflict considerable economic damage and could cause an existing or emerging technology to lose acceptance in a targeted region or society. War planners with goals of economic damage or decreased quality of life could achieve these ends at relatively low cost without attempts to physically attack the critical infrastructure itself. Much of the work to carry out attacks on non-critical infrastructures could be done by a worldwide network of volunteers who might not even be aware of the motivations of the war planners or cyber terrorists. Non critical infrastructures that are vulnerable to damage are outlined and discussed. Greater concern for and attention to the vulnerabilities of these non-critical infrastructures is advocated.
Toward a Deeper Understanding of Personnel Anomaly Detection
Authors: Ho Shuyuan Mary
Published: May 2011

Recent threats to prominent organizations have greatly increased social awareness of the need for information security. Many measures have been designed and developed to guard against threats from outsider attacks. Technologies are commonly implemented to actively prohibit unauthorized connection and/or limit access to corporate internal resources; however, threats from insiders are even more subtle and complex. Personnel whom are inherently trusted have valuable internal corporate knowledge that could impact profits or organizational integrity. They are often a source of potential threat within the corporation, through leaking or damaging confidential and sensitive information—whether intentionally or unintentionally. Identifying and detecting anomalous personnel behavior and potential threats are concomitantly important. It can be done by observation and evaluation of communicated intentions and behavioral outcomes of the employee over time. While human observations are subject to fallibility and systems statistics are subject to false positives, personnel anomaly detection correlates observations on the change of personnel trustworthiness to provide for both corporate security and individual privacy. In this paper, insider threats are identified as one of the significant problems to corporate security. Some insightful discussions of personnel anomaly detection are provided, from both a social and a systems perspective.
Cyber War Defense
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

Cyber war is real and is being waged. Cyber terrorists and cyber warriors are attacking systems, but fortunately, they are attacking systems in much the same way hackers attack systems. This is good for system security designers as the security controls installed to protect against hacking will work to protect against cyber terrorists and warriors. However, while there are several tools that can be used to identify security requirements including checklists, threat and risk analysis, and security policies, these methods are not integrated into an overall design methodology that can be used to ensure that security requirements are identified and then implemented. This chapter proposes using barrier analysis and the concept of defense in depth to modify Siponen and Baskerville’s (2001) integrated design paradigm that is more graphical and easier to understand and use methodology that is expected to improve security to be built into systems and improve defenses against cyber warfare.
Identification and Localization of Digital Addresses on the Internet
Authors: Årnes André
Published: May 2011

A central issue in assessing and responding to an attack on the Internet is the identification and localization of the attackers. In information warfare and cyber terrorism, an attack can be launched using a large number of hosts, in which case fast and accurate identification and tracing is crucial for handling and responding to the attack. In the digital world of the Internet, however, there are many cases where a successful trace is difficult or impossible. The design of the Internet, as well as services that hide the origin of communication and provide anonymity, complicate tracing and create a need for a wide range of tools for tracing. In this chapter, we provide a survey of different tools and services available for tracing the geographic location of hosts and users on the Internet. We consider both active and passive methods of identification and tracing. A passive trace uses information that is available through public sources, in log data, or through commercially available databases. Active methods involve the use of tools for probing the attacking party directly, for example, through scanning and pinging. Some of the methods for locating addresses on the Internet have been developed for use in electronic commerce and marketing applications, but the basic principles are equally applicable to digital investigations and information warfare. We consider only tracing of addresses on the Internet. Consequently, this chapter only considers the Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6), as well as higher level protocols using IP (such as TCP, UDP, and HTTP). We refer to the host that we try to identify as the target host and its address as the target address. The system used to execute the tracing is referred to as the trace host.
Hackers, Hacking, and Eavesdropping
Authors: Curran Kevin , Breslin Peter , McLaughlin Kevin , Tracey Gary
Published: May 2011

"Access" is defined in Section 2(1)(a) of the Information Technology Act as "gaining entry into, instructing or communicating with the logical, arithmetical, or memory function resources of a computer, computer system or computer network". Unauthorised access would therefore mean any kind of access without the permission of either the rightful owner or the person in charge of a computer, computer system or computer network. Thus not only would accessing a server by cracking its password authentication system be unauthorised access, switching on a computer system without the permission of the person in charge of such a computer system would also be unauthorised access.
IP Multicasting
Authors: Chodorek Robert R.
Published: May 2011

The origins of IP multicasting go back to 1986. However, multicasting in its current form was introduced only in 1989. During 20 years of IP multicasting, the service has been evolving continuously – new multicast transport protocols have been designed, new group management protocols have been developed and new transport protocols and multicast applications have appeared. Nowadays, IP multicast is a mature solution, and concepts and protocols designed for multicasting are also used in non-multicast services.
Mobility Protocols
Authors: Zeadally Sherali , Siddiqui Farhan
Published: May 2011

In recent years; we have witnessed a tremendous growth of wireless networks as well as the emergence of various kinds of devices (Personal Digital Assistants; handhelds; digital cellular phones) with different capabilities and processing power [Perkins; 1998]. These technological changes have paved the way for mobile networking and wireless Internet applications. In mobile networking; computing activities are not disrupted when the user changes the computer’s point of attachment to the network (e.g. to the Internet). All the needed reconnection occurs automatically and non-interactively [Perkins; 1998]. Providing mobile computing capabilities enables users to access the Internet services anytime; anywhere. In this context; there is increasing demand from end-users to support continuous connectivity and uninterrupted service of their Internet applications as they move about across different networking environments.
Web Mining
Authors: Hanke Henrik , Neumann Alf
Published: May 2011

The scale and scope of information on the Internet has been extended enormously over the past decade. The growth of more and more intelligent Web-based services and applications has resulted in an enormous growth of potentially useful data of both commercial and non-commercial interest. While this rise has brought a great amount of positive impact on global economic, social, and political development, it also implies an enormous flood of information into an increasingly complex information space. This is to be found on a vast variety of topics originating from a vast variety of sources, which range from private Web sites containing different kinds of information, to business-to-business B2B platforms. In most cases, these data are of an unsorted and unstructured kind, making efficient and target-oriented information retrieval very hard, if not nearly impossible. Coping with the challenge of a lack of transparency can be remedied by intelligent software agents, also referred to as softbots, which guide users through finding, sorting, and filtering this accruing data on the Internet like commonly used search engines.
Hacker Culture and the FLOSS Innovation
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei
Published: May 2011

This chapter aims to contribute to our understanding of the free/libre open source software (FLOSS) innovation and how it is shaped by and also shapes various perceptions on and practices of hacker culture. Unlike existing literature that usually normalises, radicalises, marginalises, or criminalises hacker culture, I confront such deterministic views that ignore the contingency and heterogeneity of hacker culture, which evolve over time in correspondence with different settings where diverse actors locate. I argue that hacker culture has been continuously defi ned and redefi ned, situated and resituated with the ongoing development and growing implementation of FLOSS. The story on the development of EMACSen (plural form of EMACS—Editing MACroS) illustrates the consequence when different interpretations and practices of hacker culture clash. I conclude that stepping away from a fi xed and rigid typology of hackers will allow us to view the FLOSS innovation from a more ecological view. This will also help us to value and embrace different contributions from diverse actors including end-users and minority groups.
On the Role of Public Policies Supporting Free/Open Source Software
Authors: Comino Stefano , Manenti Fabio M.
Published: May 2011

Governments’ interest in free/open source software is steadily increasing. Several policies aimed at supporting free/open source software have been taken or are currently under discussion all around the world. In this chapter, we review the basic (economic) rationales for such policy interventions and we present some summary statistics on policies taken within the European countries. We claim that in order to evaluate correctly the consequences of such interventions one has to consider both the role and the administrative level at which such decisions are taken as well as the typology of software that is involved. Moreover, we argue that the level playing field cannot be taken for granted in software markets. Therefore, non-intrusive public policies that currently prevail at the European level in terms, for instance, of the promotion of open standards or in terms of campaigns aimed at informing IT decision-makers, are likely to be welfare enhancing.
Business Models in Open Source Software Value Creation
Authors: Seppänen Marko
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores how the use of a business model enables value creation in the open source software (OSS) environment. We argue that this value can be attained by analyzing the value creation logic and the elements of potential business models emerging in the OSS environment, since profitable business is all about creating value and capturing it properly. Open source (OS) offers one possibility for firms that are continuously finding new opportunities to organize their business activities and increase the amount of value they appropriate according to their capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a business model is considered a tool for exploring new business ideas and capturing the essential elements of each alternative. We propose that a general business model is also applicable in the context of OSS, and we provide a list of questions that may help managers deal with OSS in their businesses.
Selecting Open Source Software for Use in Schools
Authors: Moyle Kathryn
Published: May 2011

Schools are places where the choices made about computing technologies not only reflect their technical requirements but also reflect the philosophical priorities directing those choices. Schools can deploy a startling range of software (i.e., operating systems, databases, office productivity software, and applications software) for specifc teaching and learning purposes. Applications software deployed in schools must be suitable for use by students who are young and often have limited reading and fine motor skills. Back-end software must be robust enough to handle hundreds and sometimes thousands of users concurrently. One issue that faces schools interested in deploying open source software is the number of choices available; there is a wide variety of open source software that is suitable for use in schools. It is intended that this chapter provide readers with entry points to selecting open source software by identifying criteria that can be used by schools to shortlist potential open source software appropriate for their local environments.
An Awareness Framework for Divergent Knowledge Communities
Authors: Daneshgar Farhad , Canal Gerome , Diaz Alicia
Published: May 2011

With the recent growing body of literature on knowledge management and e-collaboration, much attention is now being given to creation of many novel conceptual/technological frameworks for managing knowledge creation in various kinds of e-communities. This article represents one such attempt with particular attention given to the divergence occurrences in knowledge communities, and their management as will be discussed later. A recent study by Diaz and Canals (2004) demonstrated that as the degree of people’s involvement in various communications acts increases, so will the opportunities for divergence. Contrary to the general tendency within the CSCW community that regards conflicts as a synchronization and versioning problem in need of some solutions, the knowledge management community tends to live peacefully with such divergences and regards them as opportunities for interaction and therefore, sources of creating new knowledge.
Enabling Technologies for Pervasive Computing
Authors: Kleinschmidt J.
Published: May 2011

Bluetooth (Bluetooth SIG, 2004) and ZigBee (ZigBee Alliance, 2004) are short-range radio technologies designed for wireless personal area networks (WPANs), where the devices must have low power consumption and require little infrastructure to operate, or none at all. These devices will enable many applications of mobile and pervasive computing. Bluetooth is the IEEE 802.15.1 (2002) standard and focuses on cable replacement for consumer devices and voice applications for medium data rate networks. ZigBee is the IEEE 802.15.4 (2003) standard for low data rate networks for sensors and control devices. The IEEE defines only the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of the standards (Baker, 2005). Both standards have alliances formed by different companies that develop the specifications for the other layers, such as network, link, security, and application. Although designed for different applications, there exists some overlap among these technologies, which are both competitive and complementary. This article makes a comparison of the two standards, addressing the differences, similarities, and coexistence issues. Some research challenges are described, such as quality of service, security, energy-saving methods and protocols for network formation, routing, and scheduling.
Mobile Cellular Traffic with the Effect of Outage Channels
Authors: Basi H.
Published: May 2011

The designer of the cellular network must evaluate the possible configurations of the system components and their characteristics in order to develop a system with greater efficiency. This article studies the grade of service (GOS) degradation in the presence of outage for a mobile cellular network where the number of channels in outage can be used as an indicator of the traffic load for two models, namely fixed outage rate and traffic dependent outage rate. The performance parameters considered for this article are: the probability of delay, waiting time for priority and nonpriority calls, mean waiting time, and priority gain; each is estimated for both models. The system is evaluated and compared under different conditions.
Mobile ICT
Authors: McMeel D.
Published: May 2011

Focusing on the ICT technology of mobile phones, we reflect on three different roles within a construction project: a director of a large construction organization, a site manager within that organization, and ‘micro-contractors’ of construction—that is, specialist subcontractors or small building contractors. We explore the usage and effects of the mobile phone in these different roles within a construction project.
Mobile-Based Research Methods
Authors: Okazaki S. , Katsukura A. , Nishiyama M.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this article is to propose a framework of mobile-based survey methodology. Specifically, we attempt to establish guidelines for a questionnaire survey via the mobile device, in terms of cost, questionnaire format, incentives, target respondents, response rate, and data quality.
Multilingual SMS
Authors: Shirali-Shahreza M.
Published: May 2011

With the expanding use of mobile phones and the development of mobile telecommunications, telecommunication companies as well as companies manufacturing mobile phones decided to add additional features to their telephone sets in order to attract more customers. One of the services that were provided on the mobile phone was the SMS.
Next-Generation Mobile Technologies
Authors: Tan C. , Chin C. , Sim M.
Published: May 2011

This article aims to present the trends of convergence of different mobile technologies in order to meet the requirements in the provisioning of wireless broadband services, followed by an assessment of its impact to the telecommunications community. The discussions will include an insight into the potential collaborations between various technologies, as well as an exploration of possible technical and economical challenges along the convergence trail.
Software Platforms for Mobile Programming
Authors: Ju K.
Published: May 2011

Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), .NET Compact Framework (.NET CF), and Active Server Pages .NET (ASP.NET) Mobile Controls are commonly used alternatives in mobile programming. They provide an environment for applications to run on mobile devices. However, they are different in many ways, such as supported mobile devices, architecture, and development. Hence, it is important for mobile application developers to understand the differences between them in order to choose the one that meets their requirement. Therefore, in this article we will discuss the general architecture of J2ME, .NET CF and ASP.NET Mobile Controls and compare the three alternatives.
Implementing IT Governance
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

Enterprises implement their governance arrangement through a set of governance mechanisms and an effective IT governance architecture. Implementation success may be dependent on a variety of factors, such as leadership, relevance, resistance, communication, and planning.
Industry Software Reviews Survey Results and Findings
Authors: Wong Yuk Kuen
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the industry survey results and findings, which include preliminary data analysis (missing value and descriptive data analyses), exploratory analyses (principal component analysis, and reliability and validity analysis) and hypotheses tests using Structural Equation Modeling Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology. A total of 15 constructs with 48 indicators are used in the model, but only 15 paths are significant. The results of the model, using an inner model path weighting scheme show a substantial R-square of 0.398 for performance, a moderate level of 0.239 for experience and 0.335 for teamwork and a weak level of 0.024 for reports and 0.049 for previously reviewed software.
Attack Scenarios
Authors: Colarik Andrew
Published: May 2011

Recognize that through global access to information, we are all potential targets. Ö Begin to understand just how much information that can be used against us is available in electronic form. Ö Briefly discover the vulnerable aspects and characteristics in our economic sectors. Ö Identify the connection between the electronic world and the physical world. Ö Come to realize the degree to which we utilize economic momentum as a competitive advantage, and how cyber terrorism attacks serve to disrupt it.
Procedure for Mapping Information Flow
Authors: Al-Hakim Latif
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers information flow as an important dimension of information quality and proposes a procedure for mapping information flow. The surgery management process (SMP) of a public hospital is used as a case in which to illustrate the steps of the developed procedure. The chapter discusses the issues that make information mapping of SMP a challenging task and explains the difficulties associated with traditional process mapping techniques in determining the interdependencies and information flow within and between various elements of SMP activities. The proposed procedure integrates a structured process mapping technique known as IDEF0 with another structured technique referred to as dependency structured matrix (DSM) to map the information flow within SMP. The chapter indicates that it is possible to reduce feedback from other activities that affect the performance of SMP by administratively controlling the information flow through certain activities of SMP.
Kernel Clustering for Knowledge Discovery in Clinical Microarray Data Analysis
Authors: Pochet Nathalie L.M.M. , Ojeda Fabian , De Smet Frank , De Bie Tijl , Suykens Johan A.K.
Published: May 2011

Clustering techniques like k-means and hierarchical clustering have shown to be useful when applied to microarray data for the identification of clinical classes, for example, in oncology. This chapter discusses the application of nonlinear techniques like kernel k-means and spectral clustering, which are based on kernel functions like linear and radial basis function (RBF) kernels. External validation techniques (e.g., the Rand index and the adjusted Rand index) can immediately be applied to these methods for the assessment of clustering results. Internal validation methods like the global silhouette index, the distortion score, and the Calinski-Harabasz index (F-statistic), which have been commonly used in the input space, are reformulated in this chapter for usage in a kernel-induced feature space.
The Semiotic Structure of Practical Reasoning Habits
Authors: Chiasson Phyllis
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces Relational Thinking Styles (RTS), a model and method for identifying practical reasoning habits. Taken together, these unintentional reasoning habits parallel C.S. Peirce’s logic of inquiry (methodeutic). However, unlike the deliberate application of inferences prescribed by Peirce’s logic, these find expression as the unconscious applications of methods for the selection of ends and means (goals and processes). Not everyone applies the same infer-encing patterns, especially for encountering novelty. Most people persistently lay familiar tem-plates over novel issues, habitually engaging inductive-like processes to the solving of new prob-lems. However, some apply abductive-like mental processes in the face of novelty; others, de-ductive-like ones. Because RTS is capable of predicting future consequences and of empirical verification by means of a reliable assessment tool (Chiasson et al 2003) it is amenable to com-puter modeling. Computer modeling of the abductive-like process defined by this model may contribute to eventual development of an abductive inference-engine.
Systemic Semiotics as a Basis for an Agent-Oriented Conceptual Modeling Methodology
Authors: Clarke Rodney J. , Ghose Aditya K. , Krishna Aneesh
Published: May 2011

The authors demonstrate how Systemic Semiotics, an approach that combines a semiotic model of language called Systemic Functional Linguistics with selected concepts from Social Semiotics, can be applied to create Agent-Oriented Information Systems in which social processes can be elicited from stakeholders, specified by designers, and embedded into actual agent-based systems. The utility of Systemic Semiotics applied to Agent-Oriented Conceptual modelling is demonstrated by developing a real world system to address the problem of registering and training volunteers in an emergency service organisation. The experience of developing this system was then used to propose an experimental Agent-Oriented Conceptual Modelling Methodology that uses the same theory and concepts for describing the artefacts and the processes of agent-oriented systems development.
Strategies for Organizational Implementation of Networked Communication in Distributed Organizations
Authors: Bødker Keld , Pors Jens Kaaber , Simonsen Jesper
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents results elicited from empirical studies of the implementation and use of an open-ended, configurable, and context specific information technology supporting networked communication in a large distributed organization. Our findings are based on a longitudinal case study of the implementation and use of the technology that spread rapidly throughout the organization. We demonstrate the kind of expectations and conditions for change, that management face, when implementing such technologies for computer-mediated communication. Our synthesis from the empirical findings is related to two recent models, the improvisational change management model suggested by Orlikowski and Hofman (1997), and Gallivan’s model for organizational adoption and assimilation (Gallivan, 2001). We operationalize the change management models by identifying and characterizing four different and general implementation contexts and propose strategies for the organizational implementation of such technologies.
Information and Function Chunks as Building Blocks in the Control Room of Life
Authors: Strøm Georg
Published: May 2011

Inspired by work on systems for control rooms, this chapter describes how working with information on the Internet and other types of network-based information systems can be made easier by applying ?ve principles: 1. by providing information to the user about any changes to the information that may affect him or her;2. by dividing information and functions into chunks—the smallest possible meaningful units;3. by automatically synchronizing navigation and parameters in different chunks;4. by using views that each gives access to chunks that are relevant in a speci?c situation or for a speci?c task; and5. by sharing information from one terminal to another as needed.
ScienceMaps
Authors: Hilton June K. , Drew David E.
Published: May 2011

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, technology implementation and its effect on student achievement is a topic of much interest and debate. Science education in particular has been criticized for not utilizing the skills of a “techno-savvy” generation and for not effectively integrating technology into the K-12 science classroom. This chapter discusses ScienceMaps, an ongoing research and development effort consisting of an online resource portal for standards-based science instruction using GIS technology. ScienceMaps is unique in that it concentrates on using GIS to teach, not on teaching GIS. Using an Internet-based GIS, ScienceMaps provides access to GIS technology and data to anyone, anywhere, with access to an Internet browser. Assessment, evaluation, and future development directions for ScienceMaps are also discussed.
Intellectual Capital in Knowledge-Intensive Firms
Authors: Sáez P.
Published: May 2011

During more than a decade, the literature has provided several intellectual capital models. Nevertheless, empirical evidence is still necessary in the field, and empirically supported models for classification and measurement of intellectual capital are not very common. This work finds the main components or building blocks of an intellectual capital balance sheet, taking the three most common components of intellectual capital (human capital, structural capital, and relational capital) and testing empirically if this grouping of intangible assets is supported by the evidence obtained from a sample of knowledge-intensive firms from Boston’s Route 128. Findings suggest a classification of intellectual capital according to four categories: human capital, structural capital, relational business capital, and strategic alliances.
Application of Neurocomputing to Parametric Identification Using Dynamic Responses
Authors: Ziemianski Leonard , Miller Bartosz , Piatkowski Grzegorz
Published: May 2011

The chapter focuses on the applications of neurocomputing to the analysis of identification problems in structural dynamics, the main attention is paid to back-propagation neural networks. The analysed problems relate to (a) application of dynamic response to parameter identification of structural elements with defects modelled as a local change of stiffness or material loss; (b) updating of FEM models of beams, including the identification of material parameters and parameters describing possible defect; (c) identification of circular void or supplementary mass in vibrating plates; (d) identification of a damage in frame structures using both eigenfrequencies and elements of eigenvectors as input data. In the examples involving the experimental measurements the application of a random noise to increase the not sufficient number of data is proposed. The presented results have proved the proposed method capable of carrying out the appointed task and indicated good prospects of neurocomputing application to dynamics of structures.
Neural Networks for the Simulation and Identification Analysis of Buildings Subjected to Paraseismic Excitations
Authors: Kuzniar Krystyna , Waszczyszyn Zenon
Published: May 2011

The chapter deals with an application of neural networks to the analysis of vibrations of medium-height prefabricated buildings with load-bearing walls subjected to paraseismic excitations. Neural network technique was used for identification of dynamic properties of actual buildings, simulation of building responses to paraseismic excitations as well as for the analysis of response spectra. Mining tremors in strip mines and in the most seismically active mining regions in Poland with underground exploitation were the sources of these vibrations. On the basis of the experimental data obtained from the measurements of kinematic excitations and dynamic building responses of actual structures the training and testing patterns were formulated. It was stated that the application of neural networks enables us to predict the results with accuracy quite satisfactory for engineering practice. The results presented in this chapter lead to a conclusion that the neural technique gives new prospects of efficient analysis of structural dynamics problems related to paraseismic excitations.
Information and Knowledge Management for Innovation of Complex Technologies
Authors: Li NIng , Kash Don E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter investigates the role of information and knowledge management in innovation of complex technologies. A conceptual framework for three patterns of technological innovation (normal, transitional, and transformational) is presented, and the process of information and knowledge management in accessing and using knowledge is analyzed. Particularly, emphasis is put on the cultural impact on the information and knowledge management processes. Five case studies of evolving technologies carried out in the United States, Japan, Germany, India, and China are used to elaborate the conceptual framework and key points presented in this chapter. Lessons for managers and public policymakers concerned with facilitating the innovation of technologies are discussed.
COCA
Authors: Baghdadi Youcef
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the concept-oriented course architecture (COCA); an architecture that utilizes IS concept as a fundamental building block to guide a methodology for designing and teaching IS courses. COCA aims at supporting rapid composition of IS course/curriculum out of a sound and complete set of IS concepts provided by well-specified business models, market or standardization organizations such as ACM and IEEE. COCA is defined, composed of three roles: (R1) concept providers, (R2) a concepts registry, and (R3) IS course/curriculum designers. These roles interact through four operations in order to design/teach an IS course/curriculum: (O1) publish, (O2) consider, (O3) validate, and (O4) teach. This methodology, based on a flexible, scalable, well-specified architecture of the IS concepts and their organization, will assist the complex and resource-consuming task of designing and teaching IS courses in the information age, where the IS tools, including management information systems (MIS) and information technology (IT) are rapidly evolving.
Criteria for the Adoption of E-Commerce
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

The key aim of the study presented in this book is to determine how SMEs located in regional areas are going about e-commerce adoption. The study was undertaken over a period of three years in three highly developed nations all belonging to the OECD and with comparable per capita GDPs and levels of Internet penetration. These included Sweden, Australia, and the USA. In each country, one regional area was surveyed—Varmland (Sweden), Illawarra (Australia), and Salt Lake City (USA).
Barriers to E-Commerce Adoption
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

The key aim of the study presented in this book is to determine how SMEs located in regional areas are going about e-commerce adoption. The study was undertaken over a period of three years in three highly developed nations all belonging to the OECD and with comparable per capita GDPs and levels of Internet penetration. These included Sweden, Australia, and the USA. In each country, one regional area was surveyed—Varmland (Sweden), Illawarra (Australia), and Salt Lake City (USA).
Enabling Creative Virtual Teams in SMEs
Authors: Thomson Avril
Published: May 2011

Many SMEs struggle to support virtual teams effectively within distributed design projects, hindering their creative potential. It is not uncommon for SMEs to have tools and working practice imposed on them by collaborating multinationals to meet the requirements of the multinational. SMEs however, need to develop their own working practices to support effective, virtual team design within their own organisation or extended design team. This chapter describes, through a series of four case studies, how a typical SME achieved successful virtual team working within their organisation. A “strategy for enabling creative virtual teams” encompassing the processes, methods, and tools developed and implemented within the company to achieve this success is presented. Generic and transferable findings drawn from this two year study aimed at helping other SMEs, form the conclusion of this chapter.
Long Term Tracking of Pedestrians with Groups and Occlusions
Authors: Jorge Pedro M. , Abrantes Arnaldo J. , Lemos João M. , Marques Jorge S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an algorithm for tracking groups of pedestrians in video sequences. The main difficulties addressed in this work concern total occlusions of the objects to be tracked, as well as group merging and splitting. Because there is ambiguity, the algorithm should be able to provide the most probable interpretation of the data. A two layer solution is proposed. The first layer produces a set of spatiotemporal trajectories based on low level operations which manage to track the pedestrians most of the time. The second layer performs a consistent labeling of the detected segments using a statistical model based on Bayesian networks. The Bayesian network is recursively computed during the tracking operation and allows the update of the tracker results every time new information is available. Interpretation/recognition errors can thus be detected after receiving enough information about the group of interacting objects. Experimental tests are included to show the performance of the algorithm in complex situations. This work was supported by FEDER and FCT under project LT (POSI 37844/01).
Online Music Distribution
Authors: Spadoni Francesco
Published: May 2011

This Chapter analyses multiple aspects of on-line music distribution, investigating the major problems, the different approaches and business models, considering the different points of view and perspectives, presenting the emerging technologies and Digital Rights Management standards, analysing issues for rights clearing, Intellectual Property protection, content retrieval and metadata management.
Summarizing Data Cubes Using Blocks
Authors: Choong Yeow Wei , Laurent Anne , Laurent Dominique
Published: May 2011

In the context of multidimensional data, OLAP tools are appropriate for the navigation in the data, aiming at discovering pertinent and abstract knowledge. However, due to the size of the data set, a systematic and exhaustive exploration is not feasible. Therefore, the problem is to design automatic tools to ease the navigation in the data and their visualization. In this chapter, we present a novel approach allowing to build automatically blocks of similar values in a given data cube that are meant to summarize the content of the cube. Our method is based on a levelwise algorithm (a la Apriori) whose complexity is shown to be polynomial in the number of scans of the data cube. The experiments reported in the chapter show that our approach is scalable, in particular in the case where the measure values present in the data cube are discretized using crisp or fuzzy partitions.
Distributed Intrusion Detection Systems
Authors: Kumari Rosalind Deena , Radhamani G.
Published: May 2011

The recent tremendous increase in the malicious usage of the network has made it necessary that an IDS should encapsulate the entire network rather than at a system. This was the inspiration for the birth of a distributed intrusion detection system (DIDS). Different configurations of DIDSs have been actively used and are also rapidly evolving due to the changes in the types of threats. This chapter will give the readers an overview of DIDS and the system architecture. It also highlights on the various agents that are involved in DIDS and the benefits of the system. Finally, directions for future research work are discussed.
A Composite Application Model for Building Enterprise Information Systems in a Connected World
Authors: Dubray Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2011

The Web, as a ubiquitous distributed computing platform, has changed dramatically the way we build information systems, evolving from monolithic applications to an open model that enables real-time and federated information access, unifying the user experience across business processes. The industry has coined a new term for this latest evolution: connected systems. Unlike distributed systems, they are not just about distributing workload or ensuring fail-over, but rather about leveraging connectivity to enable specialized software agents to perform units of work cooperatively and opportunistically by exposing and consuming each other’s services to fulfill a common goal. To reach their fullest benefits, connected systems require a new application model that relies exclusively on the consumption and composition of autonomous services. This new blueprint is poised to reshape the information systems’ architecture, infrastructure, delivery technologies, programming languages, deployment, and management models. The goal of this chapter is to help you understand why and how IT should evolve the enterprise architecture toward a service-oriented composite application model.