bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location-Aware Dynamic Session-Key Management for Grid-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Lin I-Hsien
Published: August 2010

Security is a critical issue for sensor networks used in hostile environments. When wireless sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network are distributed in an insecure hostile environment, the sensor nodes must be protected: a secret key must be used to protect the nodes transmitting messages. If the nodes are not protected and become compromised, many types of attacks against the network may result. Such is the case with existing schemes, which are vulnerable to attacks because they mostly provide a hop-by-hop paradigm, which is insufficient to defend against known attacks. We propose a location-aware dynamic session-key management protocol for grid-based wireless sensor networks. The proposed protocol improves the security of a secret key. The proposed scheme also includes a key that is dynamically updated. This dynamic update can lower the probability of the key being guessed correctly. Thus currently known attacks can be defended. By utilizing the local information, the proposed scheme can also limit the flooding region in order to reduce the energy that is consumed in discovering routing paths.
Lack of Association of C-C Chemokine Receptor 5 Δ32 Deletion Status with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, and Disease Severity
Authors: MARTENS HENK A. , GROSS SACHA , van der STEEGE GERRIT , BROUWER ELISABETH , BERDEN JO H.M. , de SEVAUX RUUD , DERKSEN RONALD H.W.M. , VOSKUYL ALEXANDRE E. , BERGER STEFAN P. , NAVIS GERJAN J. , KALLENBERG CEES G.M. , BIJL MARC
Published: August 2010

Objective.

C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) plays an important role in inflammation. A 32 base-pair (Δ32) deletion in the CCR5 gene leads to a nonfunctional receptor. This deletion has been reported to have a protective effect on the development and progression of several autoimmune diseases. We investigated whether the Δ32 deletion is associated with disease susceptibility in a population of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and lupus nephritis (LN); and whether it is associated with disease severity.

Methods

DNA samples from 405 RA patients, 97 SLE patients, 113 LN patients, and 431 healthy controls were genotyped for the CCR5 Δ32 deletion. Differences in genotype frequencies were tested between patients and controls. Association of genotypes with disease severity was analyzed.

Results

Genotype frequencies of each group were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype frequencies of patients did not differ significantly from controls (CCR5/Δ32, Δ32/Δ32: RA 18.3% and 1.2%, respectively; SLE 17.5% and 2.1%; LN 13.3% and 1.8%; controls 20.0% and 2.8%). However, there was a trend for lower Δ32 deletion allele frequency in LN patients compared to controls (p = 0.08). There was no significant association between the CCR5 status and disease severity in RA, SLE, or LN.

Conclusion.

Although an association with LN cannot be excluded, the CCR5 Δ32 deletion does not seem to be a disease susceptibility genotype for RA, SLE, or LN. No significant effect of the Δ32 deletion on disease severity was demonstrated.
Effect of Psychological Distress on Continuation of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: MATTEY DEREK L. , DAWES PETER T. , HASSELL ANDREW B. , BROWNFIELD ANN , PACKHAM JONATHAN C.
Published: August 2010

Objective.

To investigate the relationship of psychological distress and associated factors with continuation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Patients about to start therapy with TNF antagonists (n = 166) were assessed for psychological distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A core set of demographic and clinical variables, including comorbidities from medical records and cigarette smoking history by questionnaire, were recorded at baseline and regular intervals thereafter. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the likelihood of patients discontinuing therapy over a 36-month followup period.

Results.

The number of years smoked was associated with anxiety (HADS-A; p for trend = 0.008) and general psychological distress (HADS-Total; p for trend = 0.03). In univariate analyses, earlier discontinuation was associated with these variables at baseline: anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), abnormal mood (HADS-Total), smoking history (> 30 pack-yrs), years smoked (> 30 yrs), current smoking, high Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28), poor patient global assessment, and evidence of cardio/cerebrovascular disease (CVD). In multivariate analyses, the strongest predictors of discontinuation were HADS-Total, smoking history (> 30 pack-yrs), DAS28, and evidence of CVD at baseline.

Conclusion.

Discontinuation of therapy with TNF antagonists is independently associated with psychological distress, heavy smoking, and CVD at baseline.
Impaired Health-related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Wegener’s Granulomatosis
Authors: FAURSCHOU MIKKEL , SIGAARD LENE , BJORNER JAKOB BUE , BASLUND BO
Published: August 2010

Objective.

To investigate whether patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) experience reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after accomplishment of remission, and to study the influence of WG-associated organ damage on HRQOL.

Methods.

Sixty-eight patients with inactive WG and 680 randomly selected, age- and sex-matched controls of the Danish background population completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey for evaluation of HRQOL. Irreversible organ damage attributable to WG and/or its treatment was assessed using the Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI).

Results.

The median disease duration was 7.5 (range 1–26) years in the WG group, and the median total VDI score was 2.0 (range 0–7). Compared to controls, WG patients reported impaired HRQOL reflected by significantly lower SF-36 physical component summary scores (PCS) and mental component summary scores (MCS) (p < 0.001) and by significantly lower scores in 7 out of 8 SF-36 subscales (p ≤ 0.001). In the WG group, no statistically significant correlations were found between the different SF-36 scores and the total VDI score, number of organ systems affected by damage, disease duration, or number of WG relapses. Patients with organ failure or other major forms of damage did not report significantly lower HRQOL than less severely affected patients.

Conclusion.

WG patients experience significantly reduced HRQOL even in phases with no apparent vasculitis disease activity. Our data indicate that the level of HRQOL does not correlate well with the extent of vasculitis-associated organ damage in WG.
Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-β Are Low in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Active Disease
Authors: BECKER-MEROK ANDREA , EILERTSEN GRO ØSTLI , NOSSENT JOHANNES C.
Published: August 2010

Objective.

Cytokines are central regulators of the immune response but the workings of this complex network in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are not fully understood. We investigated a range of inflammatory and immune-modulating cytokines to determine their value as biomarkers for disease subsets in SLE.

Methods.

This was a cross-sectional study in 102 patients with SLE (87% women, disease duration 10.6 yrs). Circulating concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and total transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were related to disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index; SLEDAI), lymphocyte subsets, autoantibody levels, accrued damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index; SDI), and concomitant treatment.

Results.

Patients with SLE had lower levels of TGF-β1 (p = 0.01) and IL-1β (p = 0.0004) compared to controls. TGF-β1 levels were lower in patients with SLEDAI scores 1–10 and SDI > 3; and were correlated with CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cell counts; and were independent of steroid or cytotoxic drug use. Treatment with cardiovascular drugs was associated with lower IL-12 levels. No consistent disease associations existed for the other cytokines investigated.

Conclusion.

Lower TGF-β1 was the most consistent cytokine abnormality in patients with SLE. The associations with disease activity, lymphocyte subsets, and damage suggest that TGF-β1 may be a therapeutic target of interest in SLE.
Low Plasma Adiponectin as a Potential Biomarker for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: SHUAI BO , SHEN LIN , YANG YAN P. , XIE JING , SHOU ZHE X. , WEI BING
Published: August 2010

Objective.

To examine whether plasma adiponectin level is correlated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Methods.

Blood adiponectin level in patients with nontraumatic ONFH (n = 120) was compared with a group of healthy subjects (n = 120). Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA; n = 30) and traumatic ONFH (n = 45) were included as controls. Potential compounding factors, such as plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also examined.

Results.

Patients with nontraumatic ONFH had significantly lower plasma levels of adiponectin than the healthy controls (7.14 ± 3.53 vs 10.93 ± 3.41μg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Adiponectin level was positively correlated with HDL (r = 0.282, p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.145, p = 0.01), yet negatively correlated with body mass index (r = −0.70, p < 0.001), TG (r = −0.55, p<0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (r = −0.173, p = 0.002), and CRP (r = −0.634, p < 0.001). No correlation was seen with LDL (r = −0.017, p = 0.762). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that adiponectin level is an independent predictor of the presence of nontraumatic ONFH (p < 0.001, OR 0.676, 95% CI 0.546 to 0.845).

Conclusion.

Low adiponectin level is significantly associated with the presence of nontraumatic ONFH. This biomarker may be useful in assessing the potential presence of nontraumatic ONFH.
Les nouvelles technologies interrogées par la psychologie du développement et des handicaps
Authors: Mellier Daniel
Published: August 2010

RÉSUMÉ Cet article envisage comment la psychologie du développement peut efficacement contribuer à l’innovation technologique en faveur des personnes handicapées. Les aides à la communication et les prothèses auditives, les travaux sur le génome et les recherches en imagerie cérébrale servent d’exemples à la réflexion.
L'acquisition de la morphologie verbale à travers les langues
Authors: Bassano Dominique , Maillochon Isabelle , Klampfer Sabine , Dressler Wolfgang U.
Published: August 2010

RÉSUMÉ Bien que l’acquisition de la morphologie verbale à travers les langues ait dernièrement largement suscité l’intérêt, il n’existe guère de travaux qui en aient réalisé une comparaison directe dans des langues contrastées, selon une approche et une méthode commune. Tel est l’objet de la présente recherche, qui, dans un cadre théorique fonctionnaliste, mène une étude contrastive du développement des formes verbales en français et en allemand autrichien depuis le début de la production jusqu’à 3 ans. L’objectif est de définir les séquences de développement des systèmes verbaux dans les deux langues, et de dégager, à partir des similarités et différences observées, les divers facteurs déterminant l’acquisition de la morphologie verbale. Cette recherche fait ici l’objet de deux articles. Le premier – celui-ci même – est consacré à l’exposé des fondements théoriques de l’étude. Nous y présentons l’approche fonctionnaliste de l’acquisition de la grammaire et donnons une description des systèmes verbaux des deux langues. À la lumière de ce double cadre de réflexion, nous recensons les facteurs susceptibles de déterminer l’acquisition de la morphologie verbale : contraintes cognitives générales, telle que la complexité cognitivo-sémantique ; contraintes linguistiques particulières liées aux propriétés des systèmes, telles que la complexité morphologique, la complexité syntaxique, l’homophonie – un facteur peu étudié auquel nous accordons une attention toute particulière. C’est dans le deuxième article, consacré à l’exposé de l’investigation empirique, qu’on trouvera la mise à l’épreuve des hypothèses de développement issues de cet examen.
Caractéristiques phonologiques des noms en fonction de l'âge d'acquisition
Authors: Gayraud Frédérique , Kern Sophie
Published: August 2010

RÉSUMÉ Ce travail analyse la composition syllabique, l’inventaire phonologique et la longueur des noms acquis précocement par des enfants français d’âge préscolaire et des noms acquis plus tardivement, à partir de l’étude de trois bases de données : l’adaptation française du compte rendu parental de MacArthur-Bates, une base d’âge d’acquisition (AoA) et un corpus de français parlé (Corpaix). Les caractéristiques des noms acquis seront comparées d’une part aux tendances observées dans le babillage, d’autre part à celles du langage adulte dans le but de montrer comment progressivement les mots ne sont plus façonnés par les contraintes articulatoires du babillage mais par les contraintes phonologiques de la langue cible. Les noms acquis à 24 mois présentent les mêmes caractéristiques que le babillage parce qu’ils sont façonnés par les mêmes contraintes articulatoires. Typiquement, ce sont des noms courts, composés de syllabes ouvertes à initiale bilabiale plosive. Par la suite, on observe un ajustement progressif aux spécificités de la langue cible avec une diversification des types syllabiques, des sons notamment à l’initiale et une augmentation de la taille des noms. De plus, quand contraintes motrices développementales convergent vers les caractéristiques phonologiques présentes dans la langue en voie d’acquisition, les noms sont acquis précocement ; dans le cas contraire, on assiste à une apparition plus tardive.
La coopération dyadique entre enfants de 5-6 ans : effets de la complexité cognitive et de l'activité motrice sollicitées par les situations de résolution de problème
Authors: Herbé Dominique , Tremblay Hélène , Mallet Pascal
Published: August 2010

RÉSUMÉ Ce travail avait pour but de tester les effets de la complexité cognitive des tâches de résolution de problème et de l’activité motrice qu’elles sollicitent sur la coopération des dyades d’âge préscolaire. Nous avons défini la coopération par les actions conjointes, les interactions en dehors des tâches et les échanges émotionnels entre enfants pendant leur tâche de résolution. Trois tâches ont été conçues qui différaient par leurs niveaux de complexité cognitive et de stimulation motrice. Quinze dyades de 5-6 ans ont été filmées pendant trois minutes dans chaque situation. Chaque comportement individuel a été codé par échantillonnage temporel avec un pas de 1 seconde. Après comparaison des deux situations qui variaient exclusivement par leur niveau de stimulation motrice, les résultats attestent que les dyades ont interagi en dehors des tâches, agi conjointement et échangé plus longtemps leurs émotions dans la situation qui stimulait le plus l’activité motrice des dyades. En revanche, nous ne constatons pas de différences en comparant les situations qui variaient exclusivement par leur niveau de complexité cognitive. Ces résultats soulignent l’effet déterminant de la stimulation motrice des situations sur la coopération des dyades alors même que la complexité cognitive des tâches n’aurait pas d’effet sur les variables considérées dans cette classe d’âge. Ces résultats sont discutés en référence à Wallon (1945) qui articule l’expression du mouvement de l’enfant et le développement de ses instruments de pensée.
Perception et imitation du mouvement dans l'autisme : une question de temps
Authors: Lainé France , Tardif Carole , Rauzy Stéphane , Gepner Bruno
Published: August 2010

Un nombre croissant d’études a montré que certaines personnes autistes souffrent de troubles de la perception des mouvements biologiques pouvant affecter leur communication verbale et non verbale et leurs interactions sociales. Les mouvements de l’environnement iraient trop vite pour elles et déborderaient leurs capacités de traitement perceptif. Confirmant cette hypothèse explicative du trouble social dans l’autisme, des études antérieures ont montré que la reconnaissance d’expressions faciales est améliorée chez des enfants autistes lorsque ces expressions sont présentées de manière ralentie. Dans cette même perspective, notre présente étude vise à explorer, chez des enfants et adolescents autistes comparés à des enfants témoins normaux, l’impact de différentes vitesses de présentation de gestes corporels ou faciaux sur leur capacité à les imiter sur demande. Ces gestes, effectués par une personne, sont présentés sur ordinateur, en vitesse normale ou ralentie, grâce à un logiciel spécialement conçu à cet effet. Les résultats montrent d’une part que les enfants autistes, essentiellement ceux ayant un autisme plus sévère ou un âge de compréhension verbale plus bas, imitent moins bien les gestes que les enfants témoins, et, d’autre part, que leurs performances imitatives s’améliorent lorsque les gestes sont présentés lentement. Ces résultats pourraient ouvrir la voie à de nouvelles modalités de rééducation perceptive et communicative chez les personnes autistes.
Comment les enfants se représentent-ils l'Europe ?
Authors: Amann Gainotti Merete , Pallini Susanna , Geat Marina
Published: August 2010

L’étude, conduite dans le cadre théorique des recherches de Jean Piaget (1926) et des néopiagétiens sur les idées enfantines relatives à la société, aux autres nations et aux institutions économiques et politiques, examine les notions et les représentations spontanées de l’Europe d’un groupe de 150 enfants italiens résidant près de Rome, élèves de l’école primaire, âgés de 5-6 à 9-10 ans, divisés par groupes de 30 enfants de la 1 re à la 5 e  année d’école primaire. Les enfants ont été interviewés individuellement avec un entretien flexible visant à relever leurs idées en rapport avec ce qu’est l’Europe, où se trouve l’Europe, quelles nations font partie de l’Europe, etc., ainsi que leurs idées concernant leur identité nationale et/ou européenne. Il a également été demandé aux sujets de faire un dessin de l’Europe. L’objectif de l’étude était de relever à partir de quel âge les enfants commencent à organiser une représentation cognitive d’un objet complexe comme l’Europe, avec l’hypothèse de pouvoir retrouver, dans le cas de l’Europe, les tendances de développement bien connues consistant à prendre appui sur l’expérience personnelle et à se référer à l’espace proche et connu pour fournir des explications et des interprétations relatives à différents aspects de la société. Les résultats de la recherche confirment les données de recherches psychologiques précédentes sur les caractéristiques de la pensée enfantine relatives à la société et semblent indiquer que la compréhension des relations entre les parties et le tout et la maîtrise des opérations d’inclusion sont des conditions préliminaires pour une assimilation réaliste des premières notions concernant l’Europe. En ce qui concerne la genèse d’une identité européenne, nos résultats indiqueraient que celle-ci commence à pouvoir se construire à partir de 9-10 ans, tandis que les enfants plus jeunes tendent à refuser l’idée d’être « aussi » Européens.
Quand les enfants font craquer les modèles alimentaires des adultes
Authors: Lalanne Michèle , Tibère Laurence
Published: August 2010

RÉSUMÉ Cet article s’intéresse aux modèles alimentaires mis en œuvre au sein des familles, combinant plaisir, santé et préférences familiales, et aux façons dont les parents s’y prennent pour les transmettre aux enfants. Il montre que, face à la complexité du travail éducatif des parents et du travail d’apprentissage des enfants, des dérogations aux principes apparaissent toujours. Loin de signifier le désordre et la perte des repères normatifs, elles constituent un levier dans un dispositif éducatif nécessitant souplesse et adaptation. C’est aussi par elles que l’enfant construit ses propres normes alimentaires et, par là même, son individualité. Nous illustrerons ces phénomènes à partir des données issues d’entretiens et d’observations réalisés auprès d’enfants de 4 à 12 ans et de leurs parents.
Historique des groupes parlementaires gaullistes
Authors: Bellamy David
Published: August 2010

Résumé Les groupes parlementaires gaullistes sont apparus avec la naissance du RPF et se sont succédés, pendant plus d’un demi-siècle, jusqu’à la disparition du RPR en 2002. Leurs liens avec ces partis ont toujours été forts même si ils ont gagné en autonomie. L’évolution de leurs effectifs varia d’une assemblée à l’autre. Ils dominèrent à l’Assemblée nationale dès 1958 alors qu’il leur fallut attendre les années 1980 pour voir leur influence croître au Sénat. À travers leurs déclarations politiques, éléments constitutifs de ces groupes, l’historien discerne une nette évolution dans leur discours. Si la fidélité au général de Gaulle y fut longtemps mentionnée, ces déclarations illustrent l’évolution générale du gaullisme et les transformations qu’il connut.
Remote and Virtual Instrumentation Platform for Distance Learning
Authors: Abu-aisheh Akram Ahmad , Eppes Tom
Published: August 2010

This journal presents distance learning using the National Instruments ELVIS II and how Multisim can be combined with ELVIS II for distance learning. National Instrumentâ??s ELVIS II is a new version that can easily be used for e-learning. It features 12 of the commonly used instruments in engineering and science laboratories, including an oscilloscope, a function generator, a variable power supply, and an isolated digital multi-meter in a low-cost and easy-to-use platform and completes integration with Multisim software for SPICE simulation, which simplifies the teaching of circuit design. As NI ELVIS II is based on LabView, designers can easily customize the 12 instruments or can create their own using the provided source code for the instruments.
A LOW-NOISE LOW-POWER FRONT-END AMPLIFIER FOR NEURAL-RECORDING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Zarifi Mohammad Hossein , Frounchi Javad , Tinati Mohammad A. , Farshchi Shahin , Judy Jack W.
Published: August 2010

Monitoring the electrical activities of a large number of neurons in vertebrates' central nervous system in vivo through hundreds of parallel channels without interferring in their natural functions is a neuroscientist's interest. Value of this information in both scientific and clinical contexts, especially in expansion of brain–computer interfaces, is extremely significant.

Therefore, low-noise amplifiers are needed with filtering capability on the front end to amplify the desired signals and eliminate direct current baseline shifts. Hence, size and power consumption need to be minimized to reduce trauma and heat dissipation, which can result in tissue damage for human applications and the system needs to be implantable and wireless. The practical solution for developing such systems is system-on-a-chip, based on ultra-low-power mixed-mode and wideband RFIC designs. They, however, impose a number of challenges that may require nontraditional solutions. In this paper, we present a fully differential low-power low-noise preamplifier suitable for recording biological signals, from a few mHz up to 10 kHz. This amplifier has a bandpass filter that is tunable between 10 mHz and 10 kHz, and has been designed and simulated in a standard 90-nm CMOS process. The circuit consumes 10 μW from a 1.2 V supply and provides a gain of 40 dB and an output swing of ±0.5 V with a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.5%. The total input-referred noise level is 4.6 μV integrating the noise over 0.01 Hz to 10 kHz.
EXTRACTING RESPIRATION RATE FROM RAW ECG SIGNALS
Authors: Singhathip Richard , Yang Si-Hui , Abbod Maysam , Yeh Rong-Guan , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: August 2010

There exists several techniques for monitoring respiration (spirometers, nasal thermocouples, transthoracic inductance, impedance plethysmography, strain gauge etc.), but each of these techniques requires a special device. The method proposed in this paper calculates the intervals of respiration rates extracted from ordinary electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The result obtained shows clearly that each respiration cycle can be represented by a maxima. The simple algorithm proposed in this study is used to count the respiration times. The method has been tested on 26 voluntary subjects in three different conditions (normal, controlled breath to simulate apnea, and during sleep). Moreover, the respiration times obtained have been compared with the respiration rate acquired by Philips Physiological Monitor (MP60). The method proposed in this paper for normal subjects have an accuracy that can reach over 96%. However, for apnea subject, the proposed methods can reach over 93% accuracy. In conclusion, this technique is applicable to any type of automated ECG analysis, in real time and without the need of additional hardware.
Competitive Intelligence Gathering
Authors: Parker Kevin R. , Nitse Philip S.
Published: August 2010

Knowledge management (KM) is the process through which organizational performance is improved through better management of corporate knowledge. Its goal is to improve the management of internal knowledge processes so that all information required for corporate decisions can be made available and efficiently used. Competitive intelligence (CI) is a process for gathering usable knowledge about the external business environment and turning it into the intelligence required for tactical or strategic decisions. The two are strongly connected because gathered CI has no long-term value unless an effective KM process is in place to turn the information into something usable. Although most information collected during a CI investigation is used in immediate decision making, it must be integrated into the internal knowledge systems to provide a long-term resource when companies attempt to detect trends or adapt to changes in their environments (Aware, 2004).
An Introduction to Communities of Practice
Authors: Coakes Elayne , Clarke Steve
Published: August 2010

This article looks at the concept of communities of practice (CoPs) in the workplace. The theories surrounding these types of communities are still very new and in the process of development. The practice and the importance of these communities for knowledge transfer are also still to be explored as to the best methods for establishing such communities and how to support and encourage them but we show ideas for potential in our discussion. Below we discuss the background and main threads of theory that are under development. This is very much a short introduction to the concept. Further discussions can be found in Coakes (2004), Coakes and Clarke (2005), and Lehaney, Clarke, Coakes, and Jack (2003).
Knowledge Calibration and Knowledge Management
Authors: Goldsmith Ronald E. , Pillai Kishore Gopalakrishna
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this article is to describe the concept of knowledge calibration within the context of knowledge management. Knowledge calibration is a concept borrowed from the psychology of decision making. It refers to the correspondence between knowledge accuracy and the confidence with which knowledge is held. Calibration is a potentially important concept for knowledge management because it describes one of the subtle errors that can lead to poor decisions. Where the correspondence between the accuracy of one’s knowledge and the confidence in that knowledge is high, decisions are described as well calibrated; but poor correspondence implies miscalibrated decisions. Since one concern of the field of knowledge management is the best use of knowledge for decision-making purposes, this topic is relevant.
Knowledge Patterns in Databases
Authors: Natarajan Rajesh , Shekar B.
Published: August 2010

Knowledge management (KM) transforms a firm’s knowledge-based resources into a source of competitive advantage. Knowledge creation, a KM process, deals with the conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge and moving knowledge from the individual level to the group, organizational, and interorganizational levels (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). Four modes?namely, socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization?create knowledge through the interaction and interplay between tacit and explicit knowledge. The “combination” mode consists of combining or reconfiguring disparate bodies of existing explicit knowledge (like documents) that lead to the production of new explicit knowledge (Choo, 1998). Transactional databases are a source of rich information about a firm’s processes and its business environment. Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), or data mining, aims at uncovering trends and patterns that would otherwise remain buried in a firm’s operational databases. KDD is “the non-trivial process of identifying valid, novel, potentially useful, and ultimately understandable patterns in data.” (Fayyad, Piatetsky-Shapiro, & Smyth, 1996). KDD is a typical example of IT-enabled combination mode of knowledge creation (Alavi & Leidner, 2001).
Protecting Knowledge Assets
Authors: Erickson G. Scott , Rothberg Helen N.
Published: August 2010

In tandem with the growth in knowledge management (KM) interest and practice over the past twenty years, competitive intelligence (CI) activities have also mushroomed. Although knowledge assets benefit from full collection and dispersion, such activities, particularly given their digital nature, also make proprietary knowledge more vulnerable to CI by competitors. Any firm looking to better manage knowledge assets needs to evaluate both the benefits and the potential losses from spreading valuable knowledge more widely. In some cases, the optimal strategy may be refraining from full development of these intangible assets in order to effectively protect them. Strategic firms can also take some fairly simple steps to better protect their knowledge assets.
The Quality Attribution in Data, Information and Knowledge
Authors: Abril Raul M.
Published: August 2010

The literature on quality of data, information and knowledge has a tendency to focus on the measurement aspects of such constructs. This implies some emphasis on scale construction. Unfortunately, conceptual clarity is in too many cases not apparent. This chapter advocates for the application of Social Cognitive Theory as a robust theoretical framework in order to understand the quality attributions of data, information and knowledge constructs. The definitions of data, information and knowledge are presented in a hierarchical structure having the data definition as a first order construct, the information definition as a second order construct built upon the data construct, and the knowledge construct as a third order construct built upon the information construct. Furthermore, the definitions of these constructs require considering the unit of analysis individual versus organization. Data has a common definition for both units of analysis. However information and knowledge have different definitions depending on the unit of analysis. Finally, this chapter addresses the quality attribution in the five considered constructs. In line with the current dominant paradigm, quality it is not an absolute assessment as it depends on the considered context and situation.
The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Knowledge Management
Authors: Becerra-Fernandez Irma , Sabherwal Rajiv
Published: August 2010

Rapid changes in the field of KM have to a great extent resulted from the dramatic progress we have witnessed in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). ICT allows the movement of information at increasing speeds and efficiencies, and thus facilitates sharing as well as accelerated growth of knowledge. For example, computers capture data from measurements of natural phenomena, and then quickly manipulate the data to better understand the phenomena it represents. Increased computer power at lower prices enables the measurement of increasingly complex processes, which we possibly could only imagine before. Thus, ICT has provided a major impetus for enabling the implementation of KM applications. Moreover, as learning has accrued over time in the area of social and structural mechanisms, such as mentoring and retreats that enable effective knowledge sharing, it has made it possible to develop KM applications that best leverage these improved mechanisms by deploying sophisticated technologies. In this article we focus on the applications that result from the use of the latest technologies used to support KM mechanisms. Knowledge Management mechanisms are organizational or structural means used to promote KM (Becerra- Fernandez, Gonzalez, & Sabherwal, 2004). The use of leading edge ICT (e.g., Web-based conferencing) to support KM mechanisms in ways not earlier possible (e.g., interactive conversations along with instantaneous exchange of voluminous documents among individuals located at remote locations) enables dramatic improvement in KM. We call the applications resulting from such synergy between the latest technologies and social/ structural mechanisms as knowledge management systems. We discuss the topic of KM systems in detail in the next sections.
An ’Ekistics’ for Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: McIver William
Published: August 2010

This chapter attempts to draw parallels between Professor Gunilla Bradley’s Convergence Model and the body of work by a now seemingly obscure architect and urban planner, Constantinos A. Doxiadis. Doxiadis developed the theory of ’Ekistics’ as an attempt to systematize the analysis of ’human settlements’, his general term for intentional habitats of any scale organized by humans. Ekistics is not seen by this author as necessarily the sole nor ideal perspective from which to evaluate Bradley’s work. It is, nonetheless, seen as relevant, useful, and intriguing for several reasons, the most compelling of which is that Doxiadis offered clear ideas for the practice of Ekistics that could be used as a template for future work in operationalising Bradley’s Convergence Model.
Towards A Combined Model for On-Line and Real Conferences
Authors: Isaías Pedro
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents a combined model for on-line and real conferences. The chapter introduces Web 2.0 and its importance. Then, using Web 2.0 in real and virtual conferences is discussed since Web 2.0 can make a difference is supporting such a conference model. A past on-line event is analysed and evaluated in order to have lessons learned and make recommendations towards this proposal. The combined model approach is presented and detailed in its components and the importance of Web 2.0 elements is discussed.
Seeking Utopia
Authors: Pang Natalie
Published: August 2010

The chapter starts by elucidating the concept of the contemporary media environment as a complex interaction of two computing variables: the growth of personal computers, and the popularity of the Internet and World Wide Web. This environment is then analysed for its impacts on collective processes in both virtual and physical communities. It is argued that these collective processes contain multiplier effects; and one of these effects lies in the subtractability of resources; an important concept in the knowledge commons. Examples are used to illustrate these perspectives. The author maintains, throughout the chapter, that it is essential to see all of these interactions as two-way, dialogical relationships and structuration theory is used in support of this argument. As a concluding note, the chapter makes a number of forecasts on the benefits and potential pitfalls for the society as a result of these relationships.
Can Computers Decide what is Legal and Illegal?
Authors: Palme Jacob
Published: August 2010

Humans are able to understand that rules must not be adhered to 100% all the time. There are special cases, where the rules should not be adhered to. Computers do not have this ability. A society where computers are judges will not be a nice place to live in. This chapter illustrates with practical examples why computers should not be judges.
Empathic Design Research Strategies
Authors: McDonagh Deana , Thomas Joyce , Khuri Lydia , Sears Susann Heft , Peña-Mora Feniosky
Published: August 2010

Demographics are shifting. People are living longer and are expecting a higher quality of life than previous generations. Over a typical lifespan we will develop a range of disabilities, which are no longer perceived as a barrier to having a good quality of life. User expectation of products is growing which suggests a balanced approach to functionality is more important than ever. Rather than designing for the users, we need to be designing intimately with them to ensure that more intuitive design outcomes are generated. Ideally we hope to see people with disabilities designing for the wider population, which will push this model more towards design by. Empathic design research is a strategy that relies on the end user being an active partner in the designing process, a co-creator of knowledge. The concepts of empathy, empathic horizon, and the material landscape are illustrated through the discussion of a pilot design course within a university context. Using this approach, students with physical (visible) disabilities and product design students worked together designing everyday products. This empathic approach highlights research strategies that can support more effective design outcomes.
Concept Naming
Authors: Takamura John H.
Published: August 2010

The primary research method described in the case studies for this chapter offers a unique alternative for integrating product personality in brand development. A new method, a specific derivation of product personality assignment referred to as ‘Concept Naming,’ is offered in combination with other more standard research methods. The Concept Naming method in particular asks respondents to assign personalities to particular areas or features on a product rather than the entire product itself in order to explore consumer/user perceptions, motivations and attitudes towards specific product/brand attributes and the individual meanings and values they place on them. Concept Naming in combination with other qualitative and quantitative data collection methods facilitates the development of a product character vocabulary based on form, color, material, texture, details, and brand. This product character vocabulary when analyzed leads to the development of product and environment design based on Brand DNA (a combination of the tangible and intangible aspects of the product brand).
The Contribution of Ergonomic Analysis in the Product Design for Recycling
Authors: Filho Eduardo Romeiro , Rosa de Lima Rose Mary
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents a case study about approaches dealing with Design for “X” (DFX), with emphasis on Design for Environment (DFE), specifically Design for Recycling (DFR) and Design for Disassembly (DFD), in a particular social and economic situation, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This approach is justified by the necessity of considering the environmental demands in the production process as well as the information about social demands needed by the designers in the product development process. This research shows that the products are designed only for adaptation on the production process and the demands of consumers. Having the environmental questions in mind, the designers need also consider how to disassembly these products to realize a possibility of recycling.
Simulation Technologies in Global Leaning
Authors: Tennyson Robert D.
Published: August 2010

Improving learning in a global environment is major goal for advanced technology growth. Web-based instructional systems offer learners simultaneous information regardless of their home environment. As the world cultures become more integrated, instruction designs can bridge the information gap and enhance world learning. Management strategies include a learning climate that encourages diversified workers to participate in active learning situations that reflect the global nature of their work. This chapter focuses on the role that simulations can provide in both the effectiveness and efficiency of training and education. Simulations offer the means to improve learning by enhancing initial and on-the-job learning. Simulation approaches are presented within the framework of learning sciences. These include technical simulations, business simulations, modeling, role-playing exercises, case studies, micro-worlds, and animations.
Design Strategies for Improved Online Instructional Systems
Authors: Wu Jen-Her , Hsia Tzyh-Lih , Tennyson Robert D.
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents instructional design strategies to improve student learning satisfaction. Conformation factor analysis was performed to test the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The partial least squares method was used to evaluate the causal model. The results indicated that the learning climate, perceived value and perceived ease of use significantly affected learning satisfaction. Computer self-efficacy had a strong impact on perceived behavioral control; computer self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control and social interaction had significant effects on perceived ease of use. System functionality, content feature and social interaction significantly affected perceived value. Social interaction had a significant effect on learning climate. This chapter provides initial insights into those factors that are likely significant antecedents for planning and implementing a blended e-learning system to enhance student learning satisfaction.
An Evaluation of ICT Policy Developments in Botswana
Authors: Keakopa Segomotso Masegonyana , Bwalya Kelvin Joseph
Published: August 2010

This chapter provides an evaluation of ICT policy developments in Botswana. In particular, it highlights major advancements in areas of national ICT policy development and its implementation in the country. The country’s National ICT policy, Maitlamo, has been a significant factor in driving ICTs in the country. The chapter asserts that opportunities in ICT development in the country are evidenced by not only implementation of the policy but further by greater investment of financial resources by the government and the role of the private sector. Further, the chapter argues that while implementation of the national ICT policy has brought achievements in liberalisation and expansion of public services in rural areas, there are still a number of challenges to address if universal access has to be achieved. Among these are unavailability of ICT services in rural areas, high costs of the technology and the lack of public awareness on the use of technology. Proposals made at the end of the chapter call for the government to speed implementation of ICT policy, form stronger partnerships with the public sector and further balance the role of BTC vis a vis other players so that the playing field is leveled.
Botswana ICT Policy and Curriculum Concerns
Authors: Garegae K. G. , Moalosi S. S.
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses the National ICT Policy (Maitlamo) in Botswana with respect to its ability to facilitate ICT integration in mathematics education. One of the seven components of the policy, the Thuto Net otherwise known as the School Connectivity Programme, facilitates provision of internet services in schools. The chapter therefore attempts to explore potential limitations of the Thuto Net in meeting the needs of ICT integration in the mathematics instruction. The importance of ICT in the teaching and learning of mathematics is outlined. The chapter recommends, among others, training of personnel, formulation of ICT policy in education and research-based subject integration guidelines to facilitate ICT applications in Botswana schools.
Convergence Based E-Government & Governance Policies for Developing Countries
Authors: Raman Veena V.
Published: August 2010

Information technologies play an important role in government since they collect, control and manage extensive information flows. As part of modernization, e-government has become an essential administrative reform. This chapter elucidates the difference between e-government and e-governance and how they translate into policy differences through specific examples. It describes a convergence model of digital governance to address the challenges faced by developing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Chile and Philippines. It concludes by offering policy suggestions that emerge from examining creative solutions used by governments in developing countries, such as public-private partnerships that harness phenomena like brain circulation to overcome resource and technical constraints.
Electronic Records Management in Africa
Authors: Iwhiwhu Basil Enemute
Published: August 2010

Poor records management has caused serious impediments in several aspects of public sector. This has negatively affected prompt payments and employment practices, revamping of government functions and organizational structures, strengthening of financial management and the national legal and regulatory framework. In the absence of a culture of records management, monitoring and evaluation, quality control, and verification cannot proceed as a well-kept record provide the basis for all these, which also engender the rule of law and accountability. They are the foundation upon which a nation may build programs for good governance, poverty reduction, equitable justice, financial accountability, enforceable civil rights, etc. It is imperative, therefore, for government officials to adopt good records keeping practices, since this will support effective, transparent and accountable government. Accessible and reliable records will show what decisions were made, actions taken, people who were involved and the rights and responsibilities that exists. African countries are faced with several challenges in managing records, particularly electronic records. These border on technology obsolescence, inadequate trained personnel, policy formulation and implementation, etc. These have made the structure, content and context of records to be altered indiscriminately. Adopting integrated electronic information systems in government and organisation‘s transactions, electronic records management policy formulation and implementation, establishing more training outlet for records managers and archivists, developing metadata for locating records, etc. will go a long way in adequately managing electronic records in Africa.
ICT Policies in Developing Countries
Authors: Ogbah Enovwor Laura
Published: August 2010

This chapter focuses on the objectives, issues and influencing factors of national ICT policies in developing countries. It points out how policy has become the driving force for ICT growth; how it can empower a nation and transform its social and economic life thereby improving on the quality of life of its citizens. It further discusses the objectives and issues of ICT policy. It later examines the factors that affect ICT policy Examples of some developing countries in Africa and Asia with national ICT policies were also given. The chapter concludes that unless a strong national policy institution with dedicated policy decision makers charged with the responsibility of monitoring ICT policy implementation are in place, ICT policies will not be effective in developing countries.
Regulation of Cybercafés in Nigeria
Authors: Eyitemi Mercy
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss regulation of cybercafés in Nigeria. It describes cyber crime in relation to cybercafé, the incidents of cybercrime as well as crime associated with cyber usage. The chapter reveals why cybercafés are used as havens for cybercrimes in Nigeria and looks at efforts made by Nigerian government to regulate cybercafé as well as challenges of regulating cybercafés in the country.