bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure Exchange of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Flores Alejandro Enrique , Win Khin Than , Susilo Willy
Published: December 2012

Protecting the confidentiality of a patient’s information in a shared care environment could become a complex task. Correct identification of users, assigning of access permissions, and resolution of conflict rise as main points of interest in providing solutions for data exchange among health care providers. Traditional approaches such as Mandatory Access Control, Discretionary Access control and Role-Based Access Control policies do not always provide a suitable solution for health care settings, especially for shared care environments. The core of this contribution consists in the description of an approach which uses attribute-based encryption to protect the confidentiality of patients’ information during the exchange of electronic health records among healthcare providers. Attribute-based encryption allows the reinforcing of access policies and reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information; it also provides a set of functionalities which are described using a case study. Attribute-based encryption provides an answer to restrictions presented by traditional approaches and facilitate the reinforcing of existing security policies over the transmitted data.
A Medical Data Trustworthiness Assessment Model
Authors: Alhaqbani Bandar , Fidge Colin
Published: December 2012

Electronic Health Record systems are being introduced to overcome the limitations associated with paper-based and isolated Electronic Medical Record systems. This is accomplished by aggregating medical data and consolidating them in one digital repository. Though an EHR system provides obvious functional benefits, there is a growing concern about reliability trust (trustworthiness) of Electronic Health Records. Security requirements such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability can be satisfied by traditional data security mechanisms. However, measuring data trustworthiness is an issue that cannot be solved with traditional mechanisms, especially since degrees of trust change over time. In this chapter, a Medical Data Trustworthiness Assessment model to assist an EHR system to validate the trustworthiness of received/stored medical data based on who entered the data and when is presented. The MDTA model uses a statistical approach that depends on the observed experiences available to the EHR system. In order to provide an accurate trustworthiness estimate for historical medical data, a time scope around the time when the data was entered was used. This scope enables the model to capture the dynamic behavior of the data entry agent’s trustworthiness. To conduct this assessment medical metadata is used to extract information about the medical data sources (e.g. timestamps, and the identities of healthcare agents and medical practitioners) and, thereafter, this information is used in a statistical process to derive a trustworthiness value for the medical data. The result can then be expressed in the displayed health record by manipulating the EHR’s metadata to alert the medical practitioner to possible trustworthiness problems.
Usability Engineering and E-Health
Authors: Haniff David
Published: December 2012

The chapter presents case studies of e-health applications that the author has been involved in such as a paramedic application that presented treatment information to the paramedic. Furthermore, a review of e-health applications to help people with medical issues and in particular people with mental health problems is discussed. In addition, various tools to use in the development of e-health systems such learning models, focus groups and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) are presented. Finally a methodology that combines technological consideration as well as human factors issues is proposed.
Dynamic Stress Management
Authors: Smedberg Åsa , Sandmark Hélène
Published: December 2012

Different kinds of applications for self-help are available on the Internet today. Some aim to intervene with users’ life patterns such as negative stress exposure. It is not always an easy task to manage stressful life situations and to develop and maintain healthy living. It involves learning how to balance perceived demands from working and personal life, and to question underlying thoughts and beliefs. E-health communities can assist in this process through continuous interactions between community members. However, previous studies have shown that combining knowledge of health experts and the experiences of peers can create a good synergy. The question is how these findings can be applied to the area of stress management. In this chapter, the authors present a web-based self-help system for stress management based on a holistic view of actors and their different types of support. The system offers the user information in the form of research and real life stories, practical exercises (both text- and video-based), and the opportunity to interact with health experts and peers, all in an integrated way.
Will Comparative Effectiveness Research Lead to Healthcare Rationing?
Authors: Brown Mary
Published: December 2012

The Affordable Healthcare for America Bill that was signed into law in March 2010 includes support for activities that come under the heading of ‘comparative effectiveness’ research. The bill attempts to accelerate the conversion to electronic health records by all payers and providers who participate in the healthcare payment data stream. Conversion to electronic health data collection and storage solutions will create a large amount of treatment and payment data that is increasingly standardized by health standards organizations which reduces integration issues between technologies. There are federal advisory committees at work on designing the infrastructure needed to support a National Health Information Network (NHIN) that will support the healthcare data exchange required for comparative effectiveness research. The theory behind this work is that the availability of a large portion of existing health data will make it possible for researchers to identify therapies that lead to superior patient outcomes. It is assumed that the superior therapy would become the ‘best practice’ approach to treating a particular ailment. Supporters of comparative effectiveness see this as a strategy for making the system more effective both in terms of good medicine and also in terms of decreased cost. Opponents of comparative effectiveness see it as healthcare rationing and an inappropriate injection of government into the healthcare decision making process. Supporters and opponents have identified both positive and negative consequences to comparative effectiveness and this chapter will analyze the impact and propose some ways to optimize the results of this work.
Potential of WEB Based Learning in Managing for the Sustained Success of a Healthcare Organization Based on IMPROHEALTH® Project
Authors: Zgodavová Kristina , Bourek Aleš
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses managing healthcare organization for sustained success through the use of IMPROHEALTH® project WEB based learning. The paper describes functions and properties of the IMPROHEALTH® portal, as well as services pertaining to integrated e-Learning, e-Implementation of the quality management system, e-Improvement of provided healthcare services, and the way how knowledge accumulated can be glossary-based learning presented in the form of a WEB-log book. Moreover, the purpose of this paper is seen in addressing the obtained experience with regards to the utilization of information and communication technologies among the knowledgeable community. It is intended for professional educators involved in improvement activities of managing healthcare organizations and e-Health management, but also for people interested in digital ways of caring about their health status and improving their sense of well-being, further supported by the so-called e-Laboratory. Several innovative approaches augmenting the possibilities of traditional e-Learning options are presented.
The Evolving Role of Pharmacoinformatics in Targeting Drug-Related Problems in Clinical Oncology Practice
Authors: Yap Kevin Yi-Lwern
Published: December 2012

The rapid growth of the internet and the World Wide Web has led to the development of pharmacoinformatics technologies to assist oncology healthcare professionals in delivering optimum pharmaceutical care and health-related outcomes. The proliferation of online health information has also empowered patients with cancer with the knowledge to better participate in the management of their own condition. This chapter introduces the evolving roles of pharmacoinformatics in oncology and discusses some problems that have arisen due to these technologies. Various pharmacoinformatics channels for practitioners and patients are described together with drug interaction parameters that are clinically relevant to oncology clinicians. Additionally, this chapter addresses certain quality issues associated with online anticancer drug interactions and proposes several design principles for developers of pharmacoinformatics tools. Finally, readers will be given an insight as to how pharmacoinformatics can be harnessed for the future improvement of pharmaceutical care in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer.
Emerging Trends in User-Driven Healthcare
Authors: Victan Handan
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to explore transformations in market roles and relations that reflect collaborative, connective and communal characteristics among healthcare market actors, in light of technological advances and changing consumer-marketer institutional relationships. I exemplify how these transformations influence current market dynamics by providing a deep understanding of Web 2.0 applications in healthcare, specifically organizations that turn social networking into an enterprising virtual community in healthcare. In doing so, I explore how and why such systems develop and function, what makes patients and other actors in healthcare become a part of these systems, and how their interest and participation in these systems are maintained as they share their private health information and contribute to real-time medical research. Consequently, I suggest that current market dynamics in healthcare may be changing as a result of these systems utilizing social networking and engaging in reformation/reconstitution in the healthcare market.
E-Discovery and Health Care IT
Authors: Vasudevan Vasupradha , Rao H.R.
Published: December 2012

The increase in electronic health records has introduced an increase risk of litigation related to collection, storage and exchange of health information. This chapter explores the issues associated with activities involving legal discovery that can result from failure to properly manage this stored data. It offers insights into strategies that organizations can use to protect against litigation resulting from failure to properly consider and mitigate against unexpected outcomes involving legal discovery involving stored health data.
The Nationwide Health Information Network
Authors: Adeyemo Omotunde
Published: December 2012

The Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) promises many benefits, but may be prone to a new phenomenon in healthcare fraud now rapidly drawing attention and commonly referred to as medical identity theft. As the medical industry continues down the path towards overall infrastructure digitization, it is anticipated that associated electronic records will become more portable hence facilitating efficient exchange. Problem however is, the enhanced transferability may also open a new vista of advantages to fraudsters. To address this risk, the NHIN implementers must implement stringent access control measures. One such solution is using a biometric cryptosystem-based solution. For defense-in-depth, a security strategy suggesting successive layers of controls, the PKI cryptographic scheme is recommended to intrinsically protect medical records when in use, storage or even in the event they are successfully stolen.
Information as Change Agent or Barrier in Health Care Reform?
Authors: Gillies Alan C. , Howard John
Published: December 2012

Health care systems across the world are in a state of flux. If the experience of the early 1990s can be used as a model, the recent global economic downturn will lead to very significant pressures to reduce spending and achieve better value. Systems have provided a range of approaches to modeling and evaluating these more complex organizations, from simple process models to complex adaptive systems. This paper considers the pros and cons of such approaches and proposes a new modeling approach that combines the best elements of other techniques. This paper also describes a case study, where the approach has been deployed by the authors. The case study comes from health care services in Ontario, Canada, who are shifting from the traditionally hospital-based system to one that recognizes a greater role for community and primary care services.
Sustaining Healthcare Through Waste Elimination
Authors: Falan Sharie L. , Han Bernard , Zoeller Linda H. , Tarn J. Michael , Roach Donna M.
Published: December 2012

The growth in U.S. national health expenditures (NHE) has continuously outpaced its Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth since 1997 and this trend will continue with a 2.1% annual gap for the next decade (RAND, 2010). This nonstop healthcare cost increase make healthcare one of the most urgent issues in USA. Concurred by this study, the key factor that drives up the healthcare costs is waste. In this paper, a taxonomy on the root causes of healthcare waste is developed with a corroboration on why healthcare waste could be eliminated through effective use of health information technology (HIT). Furthermore, real world cases are used to highlight the research findings that waste can be avoided by: (a) recognizing the precursor of each potential waste, (b) examining business processes using defined detection criteria, and (c) implementing HIT systems that support efficient information sharing among all healthcare stakeholders. Finally, recommendations for implementing IT enabled healthcare management systems are presented.
Innovation in ICT-Based Health Care Provision
Authors: Andersen Synnøve Thomassen , Jansen Arild
Published: December 2012

This paper describes a project redesigning psychiatric services for children and adolescents, introducing a new decentralized model into the ordinary structures of health care services in rural areas in Norway by using mobile phone technology. The authors apply a multilayer and dialectic perspective in the analysis of the innovation process that created the ICT solution that supports this treatment model. The salient challenges of the project were related to the contradictions between the existing, dominant power structures and the emergent structures in the different layers of the design structures. As a result of the development process, a new model emerged with a larger potential for creating a new innovation path than if it had been linked to existing structures. This paper contributes to the understanding of how user-driven innovation can break with existing power structures through focusing on different layers in the change processes.
A Transaction Cost Assessment of a Pervasive Technology Solution for Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Troshani Indrit , Hill Sally Rao , Hague William , Goldberg Steve
Published: December 2012

Diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Australians and its prevalence continues to rise. It is becoming a serious challenge for both the quality of healthcare and expenditure in the Australian healthcare system. The goal of this study is to investigate the development and application of a pervasive wireless technology solution to facilitate the effective management of diabetes in the context of women with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects up to 8% of pregnant women. A transactions cost assessment of this solution is also provided. Integral to the success of this solution is the pervasive technology solution which serves to support and facilitate superior diabetes self-management.
State of IS Integration in the Context of Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Montazemi Ali Reza , Pittaway Jeff J. , Keshavjee Karim
Published: December 2012

For more than a decade, healthcare reform has emphasized coordinated “patient-centered care”. To that end, policymakers have invested in integration of healthcare providers’ information flows. Research has studied healthcare providers’ information needs but overlooked communicative exchanges among participants in coordinating treatment plan decisions. Consequently, although medical literature asserts that patients should depend on information exchange with healthcare providers to enable participation in treatment plan decisions, the assertion has not been tested. In this paper, the authors conduct an empirical study to elucidate the structure of actors’ communications in support of their information dependencies. The findings illustrate that although patients are well connected through personal contact with healthcare providers, patients are disenfranchised from integrated healthcare information systems (IS) and the potential of IS to support patients’ participation in coordinated “patient-centered care” decisions. Furthermore, knowledge asymmetry between patients and healthcare providers should be considered in the selection and design of healthcare IS.
Adoption, Usage and Efficiency
Authors: Sobol Marion , Prater Edmund
Published: December 2012

In the past few decades various industries have adopted new information systems and supply chain management techniques. Unfortunately, although many industries saw significant gains, the health care industry—both large hospitals and small private practices—are slow to consider new technologies. According to the Health Care Information Technology Model (HCIT) and the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model, a necessary aspect in planning and applying new IT and supply chain techniques is the ability to compare and benchmark the organization. Whereas some research is available for hospitals (Malin, 2006), little work has been done for private medical practices. In this paper, the authors benchmark IT practices in terms of staffing efficiency and importance of usage to compare medical practices in the United States and Taiwan. The authors develop a set of efficiency measures for private medical practices that they correlate with types of IT usage, barriers to IT usage and extent of IT usage.
A Novel Neural Fuzzy Approach for Diagnosis of Potassium Disturbances
Authors: Amer Mashhour Bani , Amawi Mohammad , El-Khatib Hasan
Published: December 2012

In this paper, a neural fuzzy system for the diagnosis of potassium disturbances is presented. This paper develops an adaptive neuro-fuzzy expert system that can provide accurate diagnosis of potassium disturbances. The proposed diagnostic approach has many attractive features. First, it provides an efficient tool for diagnosis of K+ disturbances and aids clinicians, especially the non-expert ones, in providing fast and accurate diagnosis of K+ disturbances in critical time. Second, it significantly reduces the time needed to accomplish precise diagnosis of K+ disturbances and thus enhances the healthcare standards. Third, it is capable of diagnosing the different types of potassium disturbances using a hybrid neural fuzzy approach. Finally, it has good accuracy (higher than 87%), specificity (100%), and average sensitivity (83%). The performance of the proposed diagnostic system was experimentally evaluated and the achieved results confirmed that the proposed system is efficient and accurate in diagnosing K+ disturbances.
Automatic Detection of Arrow Annotation Overlays in Biomedical Images
Authors: Cheng Beibei , Stanley R. Joe , De Soumya , Antani Sameer , Thoma George R.
Published: December 2012

Images in biomedical articles are often referenced for clinical decision support, educational purposes, and medical research. Authors-marked annotations such as text labels and symbols overlaid on these images are used to highlight regions of interest which are then referenced in the caption text or figure citations in the articles. Detecting and recognizing such symbols is valuable for improving biomedical information retrieval. In this research, image processing and computational intelligence methods are integrated for object segmentation and discrimination and applied to the problem of detecting arrows on these images. Evolving Artificial Neural Networks (EANNs) and Evolving Artificial Neural Network Ensembles (EANNEs) computational intelligence-based algorithms are developed to recognize overlays, specifically arrows, in medical images. For these discrimination techniques, EANNs use particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm for artificial neural network (ANN) training, and EANNEs utilize the number of ANNs generated in an ensemble and negative correlation learning for neural network training based on averaging and Linear Vector Quantization (LVQ) winner-take-all approaches. Experiments performed on medical images from the imageCLEFmed’08 data set, yielded area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and precision/recall results as high as 0.988 and 0.928/0.973, respectively, using the EANNEs method with the winner-take-all approach.
Experimental Investigation of Machining Characteristics for the WEDM of Al/ZrO2(p)–PRMMC
Authors: Garg Sanjeev Kumar , Manna Alakesh , Jain Ajai
Published: December 2012

Presented is an experimental investigation of the machining characteristics and the effect of wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM) process parameters during machining of Al/ZrO2(p) particulate reinforced metal matrix composite (PRMMC). Experiments are carried out to investigate the effects of input parameters such as dielectric conductivity, pulse width, time between pulses, maximum feed rate, servo control mean reference voltage, short pulse time, wire feed rate, wire mechanical tension and dielectric injection pressure on performance measures like cutting velocity and surface roughness. Taguchi method based design of experiment and L36 (2138) mixed orthogonal array have been used for experimental investigation. Servo control mean reference voltage and wire feed rate have been identified as most significant and significant parameter for cutting velocity so called for material removal rate. Time between pulses and short pulse time have been identified as most significant and significant parameter for surface roughness height, Ra (µm). Optimum response characteristics estimated and identified the range of predicted confidence interval at 95% confidence level is 7.459 to 9.995 mm/min. for cutting velocity and 0.602 to 1.261 (µm) for surface roughness height Ra, respectively.
Rubber-Toughened Long Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite
Authors: Quadrini Fabrizio , Prosperi Claudia , Santo Loredana
Published: December 2012

A rubber-toughened thermoplastic composite was produced by alternating long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene prepregs and rubber particles. Several composite laminates were obtained by changing the number of plies, the rubber powder size distribution, and the stacking sequence. Quasi-static mechanical tests (tensile and flexure) and time dependent tests (dynamic mechanical analysis and cyclic flexure) were carried out to evaluate strength and damping properties. As expected, 10 wt% rubber-filled laminates showed lower strengths than rubber-free laminates but the effect of the rubber on the composite damping properties was evident. At low rates, the rubber particles can also double the dissipated energy under cyclic loading, even if this effect disappears by increasing the test rate.
Antimycotic Activity of Nanoparticles of MgO, FeO and ZnO on some Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Wani A. H. , Amin M. , Shahnaz M. , Shah M. A.
Published: December 2012

Fungi are important pathogens of vegetables, fruits, cereals, pulses, and other crops. Several management strategies have been used for the control of pathogenenic fungi. Each of these methods has one or other limitations. Due to hazardous effects caused by excessive use of pesticides, scientists in the agricultural field are searching for alternative measures against pesticides. As an alternative to chemically manufactured pesticides, use of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents has become more common as technological advances. Until now, limited research provided some evidence of the application of nanoparticles for the control of plant diseases caused by fungi. In the present study antimycotic activity of nanoparticles of magnesium, Iron and zinc have been investigated under in-vitro conditions and was observed from the study that all the nanoparticles at different concentrations brought about significant inhibition in the germination of spores of Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, and Nigrospora oryzae Berk. However, the highest inhibition in the germination of all the test fungi was observed at higher concentrations followed by lower concentrations of nanoparticles. The nano MgO at highest concentration was found most effective in reducing the spore germination followed by nano-FeO and nano-ZnO at the same concentration respectively.
The Social Risk of Low Fertility in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Pei-Yuen
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the low fertility phenomenon in Taiwan and argues that the low fertility problem can be identified as a type of new social risk. Existing studies on new social risks tend to focus on the social risks that have negative influences on individuals but ignore those that have more negative influences on the whole society than individuals, such as low fertility problem. This paper illustrates how the Taiwanese government recognises low fertility as a social risk and how such recognition facilitated the recent development of policies that support families and children.
Everyday Experience of Front-Line Professionals and In/Formal Carers
Authors: Chen Henglien Lisa
Published: December 2012

To address the risks to families of the availability of care for their older family members, this paper explores the impact of different care systems on the way that relevant care actors contribute to the long-term care of older people. It is based on an empirical study of the care needs assessment and care provision in England, the Netherlands and Taiwan. The participants in the study include 143 care actors at national, regional and local levels across the countries. It found that the objective of providing care needs is similar in each of the countries studied. However, the everyday life of professionals and in/formal carers differs based on the care culture and care policy in each country. Overall, care professionals and formal carers experience satisfaction in their caring role when sufficient time is available for them to work with individuals. Face-to-face contact with older people is important to care professionals if adequate needs assessment could be performed. Helping informal carers extend their ability to carry out their role may improve their well-being as carers and reduce the demand for formal care services.
Improving Learning Object Quality
Authors: Muñoz Carlos , García-Peñalvo Francisco J. , Morales Erla Mariela , Conde Miguel Ángel , Seoane Antonio M.
Published: December 2012

Automation toward efficiency is the aim of most intelligent systems in an educational context in which results calculation automation that allows experts to spend most of their time on important tasks, not on retrieving, ordering, and interpreting information. In this paper, the authors provide a tool that easily evaluates Learning Objects quality by students and teachers and calculate a set of relevant information which main objective is to improve the contents. The job focuses on the definition, implementation, and installation of a Learning Object evaluation tool in a LMS environment. Firstly other similar tools are analyzed and the best theoretical evaluation method to be used in the tool is selected. In this case, an evaluation model called HEODAR (Herramienta de Evaluación de Objetos de Aprendizaje) is implemented. Finally, the produced tool is installed in Studium, the University of Salamanca official campus, based on Moodle. Test results are populated to clarify and confirm the consecution of tool implementation objectives, facing a new approach for the tool including intelligent capabilities to improve tool characteristics.
Integrating an Educational Game in Moodle LMS
Authors: Minovic Miroslav , Milovanovic Miloš , Minovic Jelena , Starcevic Dušan
Published: December 2012

The authors present a learning platform based on a computer game. Learning games combine two industries: education and entertainment, which is often called “Edutainment.” The game is realized as a strategic game (similar to Risk™), implemented as a module for Moodle CMS, utilizing Java Applet technology. Moodle is an open-source course management system (CMS), which is widely used among universities as an eLearning platform. Java Applet enables development of rich-client applications which are executed in web browser environment. During the game, players receive questions from specified Moodle quiz, and all answers are stored back into Moodle system. Students can later verify their score and answers, and examine the test that they actually worked on during the game. This system supports synchronous as well as asynchronous interaction between players.
Adaptive Assessments using Open Specifications
Authors: León Héctor Barbosa , García-Peñalvo Francisco J. , Rodriguez-Conde María José , Morales Erla M. , Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia
Published: December 2012

Evaluation is a key element in formal education processes; it must be constructed in a way that the item questions within help students understand by adapting them to the learning style as well. The focus of the present research work specifically in the convenience to adapt an associated multimedia material in each single question besides the traditional adaptation process based on the level of difficulty established for an item; all this in order to increase the final test score of the student. The proposed approach tries to solve this by designing and constructing an authoring tool to construct adaptive objective tests and an a prototype test to evaluate if a test that looks to adapt a multimedia content to the learning style could help to increase cited score of the student. The results are significant because it is able to conclude that adapted test based on the student´s learning style slightly increased the final score.
The Effects of Online Interactive Games on High School Students’ Achievement and Motivation in History Learning
Authors: Lin Kuan-Cheng , Wei Yu Che , Hung Jason C.
Published: December 2012

Many studies demonstrate that Digital Game Based Learning (DGBL) can foster learning effect. The purpose of this study is to survey whether the online game in junior high school students can encourage learning effect in Taiwan’s History. So, the research applied Interactive Game-based Learning System (IGLS) to junior high history teaching as an ancillary tool to enhance users’ learning motivation and academic performance. After a four-week experiment conducted on eleven students, the paired sample t test analysis considerably impact on experimental group to significance .05, and one-way ANCOVA showed login IGLS the number of days every week more learning effect to be better. Besides, questionnaires exhibited that IGLS not only magnetized over ninety percent of students’ participation but invigorated their learning will. The research presents positive result on enhancing students’ learning motivation and academic performance.
Knowledge Discovery and Multimodal Inputs for Driving an Intelligent Wheelchair
Authors: Faria Brígida Mónica , Reis Luís Paulo , Lau Nuno
Published: December 2012

Cerebral Palsy is defined as a group of permanent disorders in the development of movement and posture. The motor disorders in cerebral palsy are associated with deficits of perception, cognition, communication, and behaviour, which can affect autonomy and independence. The interface between the user and an intelligent wheelchair can be done with several input devices such as joysticks, microphones, and brain computer interfaces (BCI). BCI enables interaction between users and hardware systems through the recognition of brainwave activity. The current BCI systems have very low accuracy on the recognition of facial expressions and thoughts, making it difficult to use these devices to enable safe and robust commands of complex devices like an Intelligent Wheelchair. This paper presents an approach to expand the use of a brain computer interface for driving an intelligent wheelchair by patients suffering from cerebral palsy. The ability with the joystick, head movements, and voice inputs were tested, and the best possibility for driving the wheelchair is given to a specific user. Experiments were performed using 30 individuals suffering from IV and V degrees of cerebral palsy on the Gross Motor Function (GMF) measure. The results show that the pre-processing and variable selection methods are effective to improve the results of a commercial BCI product by 57%. With the developed system, it is also possible for users to perform a circuit in a simulated environment using just facial expressions and thoughts.
Identification Methods of G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Zekri Meriem , Alem Karima , Souici-Meslati Labiba
Published: December 2012

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) include one of the largest and most important families of multifunctional proteins known to molecular biology. They play a key role in cell signaling networks that regulate many physiological processes, such as vision, smell, taste, neurotransmission, secretion, immune responses, metabolism, and cell growth. These proteins are thus very important for understanding human physiology and they are involved in several diseases. Therefore, many efforts in pharmaceutical research are to understand their structures and functions, which is not an easy task, because although thousands GPCR sequences are known, many of them remain orphans. To remedy this, many methods have been developed using methods such as statistics, machine learning algorithms, and bio-inspired approaches. In this article, the authors review the approaches used to develop algorithms for classification GPCRs by trying to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these different approaches and providing a comparison of their performances.
PASS2
Authors: Kanagarajadurai Karuppiah , Kalaimathy Singaravelu , Nagarajan Paramasivam , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: December 2012

A detailed comparison of protein domains that belong to families and superfamilies shows that structure is better conserved than sequence during evolutionary divergence. Sequence alignments, guided by structural features, permit a better sampling of the protein sequence space and effective construction of libraries for fold recognition. Sequence alignments are useful evolutionary models in defining structure-function relationships for protein superfamilies. The PASS2 database, maintained by the authors, presents alignments of proteins related at the superfamily level and characterised by low sequence similarity. The number of new superfamilies increased to 47% compared with the previous PASS2 version, which shows the crucial importance of updating the PASS2 database. In the current release of the PASS2 database, they align protein superfamilies using a structural alignment protocol. The authors also introduce two alignment assessment methods that depend on the average structural deviations of domains and the extent of conserved secondary structures. They also integrate new and important structural and sequence features at the superfamily level into the database. These features are conserved-unconserved blocks in proteins, spatial distribution of sequences using principal component analysis and a statistical view for each superfamily. The authors suggest that highly structurally deviant superfamily members could be removed as outliers, so that such extreme distant relationships will not obscure the alignment. They report a nearly-automated, updated version of the superfamily alignment database, consisting of 1776 superfamilies and 9536 protein domains, that is in direct correspondence with the SCOP (1.73) database.
Exchange Rate Forecasting Based on Fundamental Macroeconomic Variables in a Floating Exchange Rate Regime
Authors: Helhel Yesim , Kalayci Seref
Published: December 2012

Developing countries had a fixed exchange rate regime and avoided financial liberalization until the 1990’s. In the early 2000’s however, most of the developing countries abandoned their fixed exchange rate regimes in favor of floating rate regimes which in turn increased the importance of exchange rate forecasting in the emerging market economies. This paper intends to explain TR/USD (Turkish Lira/American Dollar) exchange rates by using macroeconomic fundamentals for the period between February 2001 and December 2009 on a monthly basis. A Vector Auto Regression (VAR) method is used. Among the macroeconomic Fundamentals, United States Federal Reserve Benchmark interest rates, one month Turkish Treasury Bill yields, Turkish import/export rates, m2 money supply and foreign direct investment explain the changes in TR / USD exchange rates.
A Case Studies Approach to the Analysis of Profiling and Framing Structures for Pervasive Information Systems
Authors: Fernandes José Eduardo , Machado Ricardo J. , Carvalho João Á.
Published: December 2012

Model-Based/Driven Development (MDD) constitutes an approach to software design and development that potentially contributes to: concepts closer to domain and reduction of semantic gaps, automation and less sensitivity to technological changes, and the capture of expert knowledge and reuse. The widespread adoption of pervasive technologies as basis for new systems and applications lead to the need of effectively design pervasive information systems that properly fulfil the goals they were designed for. This paper presents a profiling and framing structure approach for the development of Pervasive Information Systems (PIS). This profiling and framing structure allows the organization of the functionality that can be assigned to computational devices in a system and of the corresponding development structures and models, being. The proposed approach enables a structural approach to PIS development. The paper also presents two case studies that allowed demonstrating the applicability of the approach.
Dataspaces Enhancing Decision Support Systems in Clouds
Authors: Argiolas Michele , Atzori Maurizio , Dessì Nicoletta , Pes Barbara
Published: December 2012

Business Organizations increasingly rely on publicly accessible communication infrastructures such as the Internet and Cloud computing, in order to manage their internal processes and offer their services to financial actors, businesses and ordinary people worldwide. However, little attention has been paid to embracing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) philosophy for supporting business analysts in evaluating effectiveness and relevance of business information or finding patterns to direct them on more sources of data. This paper proposes a flexible architectural framework for modelling application services useful in supporting business decision processes. This architecture goes beyond the static schemas offered by data warehouse systems as it supports including data gathered from heterogeneous sources and added-value services offered in Internet or provided by Cloud infrastructures. Central to this architecture is the concept of dataspace as a reference model for structuring information relevant to a particular organization, regardless of its format and location. A case study of a real world implementation is presented dealing with supporting decisions in the real estate domain.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH THE USE OF WEB PORTALS
Authors: Tella Adeyinka , Bashorun M.T.
Published: December 2012

This study examined undergraduate students’ satisfaction with web portals and considers the benefits of using the portal and the problems associated with the use of portal. A pure quantitative method using descriptive survey approach is adopted. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data was analysed using percentages and frequency count; multiple correlation and regression. The results reveal that students were generally satisfied with the e-portal system with, 89.3% indicating they were adequately satisfied, satisfied, and moderately satisfied. On the other hand, 11.1% had little satisfaction with the portal. Information/content quality, system quality, and ease of use were indicated to determine users’ satisfaction. Furthermore, the entire user satisfaction dimensions positively and significantly correlate with and predict students’ satisfaction with the web-portal. The study concluded by pointing out the implications and the recommendations based on the findings for the improvement of the students’ web portal.
Script Familiarity and Its Effect on CAPTCHA Usability
Authors: Khalil Ashraf , Abdallah Salam , Ahmed Soha , Hajjdiab Hassan
Published: December 2012

Many web-based services such as email, search engines, and polling sites are being abused by spammers via computer programs known as bots. This problem has bred a new research area called Human Interactive Proofs (HIP) and a testing device called CAPTCHA, which aims to protect services from malevolent attacks by distinguishing bots from human users. In the past decade, researchers have focused on developing robust and safe HIP systems but have barely evaluated their usability. To begin to fill this gap, the authors report the results of a user study conducted to determine the extent that English language proficiency affects CAPTCHA usability for users whose native language is not English. The results showed a significant effect of participants’ English language proficiency level on the time the participant takes to solve CAPTCHA, which appear to be related to multiple usability issues including satisfaction and efficiency. Yet, they found that English language proficiency level does not affect the number of errors made while entering CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA. The authors’ results have numerous implications that may inform future CAPTCHA design.
Thoracic Exploration for Mediastinal Parathyroids requires a Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Milas Mira , Siperstein Allan , Mitchell Jamie C , Berber Eren , Shin Joyce , Rice Thomas , Mihaljevic Tomislav , Mason David
Published: December 2012

Mediastinal parathyroid disease requiring a thoracic surgical approach is a rare and challenging clinical entity. The objective of this study was to review our experience treating these patients, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Seven patients required a thoracic approach for mediastinal parathyroid disease between 1999 and 2010. All patients achieved biochemical cure with varying combinations of preoperative and intraoperative localizing studies interpreted by a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, thoracic and endocrine surgeons, being required in each patient.

How to cite this article

Mitchell JC, Milas M, Berber E, Siperstein A, Shin J, Rice T, Mihaljevic T, Mason D. Thoracic Exploration for Mediastinal Parathyroids requires a Multidisciplinary Approach. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3): 87-92.
Dual Localization with Ultrasound and Iodine 123 and Technetium (99mTc) Sestamibi Scintigraphy is Superior to Single Imaging Modalities in Facilitating Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lyon Alison , Komolafe Olusegun O , Wilson Christopher R , Doughty Julie C
Published: December 2012

Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a single parathyroid adenoma in the majority of patients. Localization of parathyroid adenomas prior to surgery has the benefit of allowing a minimally invasive approach. Over the years, multiple imaging modalities have been employed in an attempt to identify the site preoperatively, with varying degrees of success. In this study, we explore the accuracy of a combination of ultrasound and nuclear medicine planar scintigraphy with iodine-123 and technetium (99mTc) sestamibi. A retrospective study of consecutive series of 117 patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was carried out. Inclusion criteria incorporated clinical and biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism. All patients had at least one form of imaging: Ultrasound or nuclear medicine scintigraphy or both. The accuracy was compared with surgical findings. Gland weight was also related to imaging accuracy. A total of 101 patients underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. There was no significant difference between ultrasound and scintigraphy ability to localize a parathyroid adenoma (p = 0.738). The combination of ultrasound and scintigraphy was superior at preoperative localization compared to ultrasound (p = 0.039) or scintigraphy alone (p = 0.0078). Gland weight had no significant bearing on the accuracy of the scan (ultrasound, p = 0.89; scintigraphy, p = 0.16). Dual localization with ultrasound and scintigraphy in primary hyperparathyroidism is superior to a single imaging technique. Dual localization facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

How to cite this article

Lyon A, Komolafe OO, Wilson CR, Doughty JC. Dual Localization with Ultrasound and Iodine 123 and Technetium (99mTc) Sestamibi Scintigraphy is Superior to Single Imaging Modalities in Facilitating Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3):93-98.
Bilateral Pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Simultaneously Removed by Lateral Retroperitoneal Endoscopic Approach
Authors: Todorov Georgi , Grozdev Konstantin , Lukanova Tsonka , Mioljevikj-Miserliovska Biljana , Miserliovski Risto
Published: December 2012

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an autosomal dominant familial neoplastic syndrome caused by mutation in VHL tumor suppressor gene localized on chromosome 3p25. The disease is characterized by abnormal vascular proliferation and increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system, tumors of the endolymphatic bag, cysts of the kidney, liver and pancreas, epididymal cystadenomas, neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, angiomas in the retina. We report a case of a bilateral pheochromocytoma, simultaneously removed by unilateral total and contralateral subtotal retroperitoneal endoscopic adrenalectomy.

How to cite this article

Todorov G, Grozdev K, Lukanova T, Mioljevikj-Miserliovska B, Miserliovski R. Bilateral Pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Simultaneously Removed by Lateral Retroperitoneal Endoscopic Approach. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3):102-104.
Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Case Report and a Review of an Important Anatomical Variant
Authors: Sukharamwala Prashant , Korbin Seth , Ghani Abdul , Smith James
Published: December 2012

An important anatomical structure commonly encountered during major head and neck surgery is the recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve. Nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve variants are rarely encountered. Although much less common, these variants represent a significant risk for intraoperative nerve injury and patient morbidity. We present a case of a right nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve variant along with a retrospective analysis and systematic review investigating the overall incidence of these variants.

How to cite this article

Sukharamwala P, Korbin S, Ghani A, Smith J. Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Case Report and a Review of an Important Anatomical Variant. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3):112-114.