bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ownership Structure and Voluntary Disclosure of Intellectual Capital
Authors: Gan Kin , Saleh Zakiah , Abessi Massoud
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between ownership structure and voluntary disclosure of intellectual capital (IC). Ownership structure examined is family-owned (FAMC), government-linked companies (GLC) and diffused ownership (OWNDIFF). Using content analysis, a longitudinal study was carried out from years 2006 to 2008 on 162 top companies listed in Bursa Malaysia. Results show that GLCs and OWNDIFFs voluntarily disclose information on IC. In contrast, FAMCs strictly adheres to their secrecy of not disclosing more details than those stipulated by law. This study differs from prior IC disclosure studies in that it discusses voluntary disclosure from agency as well as institutional theory in explaining the relationship between ownership structure and voluntary disclosure of IC. This study may be of interest to various stakeholders such as governmental and regulatory bodies, owners and institutional investors, analysts, as well as policymakers in meeting the growing demand for intangible information to be incorporated in annual reports. It will also facilitate further calls for them to speed up their efforts in producing guidelines for a more consistent IC reporting framework.
Communication Systems in Automotive Systems
Authors: De Pauw Piet
Published: January 2013

Communication networks in general, can be divided into 4 different classes: Ring (one directional or bidirectional), Star (active or passive), Tree, and Bus (passive). These 4 classes of communication networks are also used in transport systems. The main properties of these networks are overviewed. Then, the most important automotive networks are discussed: LIN, CAN, MOST, Ethernet, and Flexray, as well as their implementations in cars. For the MOST and Ethernet networks, different physical layer implementations are possible. The different factors determining the choice of a network are discussed. Cost is a major driver for automotive networks. For avionics networks, different standards for the network protocols and the physical layer implementations exist. In most cases physical layer implementations are proprietary, although, due to cost reduction pressure, more and more standardization is ongoing, and a tendency exist to adapt automotive network standards, and for the pressurized part of the airplane, also automotive physical layer implementations.
FlexRay™ Electrical Physical Layer
Authors: Minuth Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Modern medium and high end vehicles are no longer imaginable without using technologies to broadcast local available data. The speed information for example is used by many well known functions: the anti blocking system, the radio, the dashboard, the cruise control, the electronic stability program, etc. Usually, this data is distributed among vehicle’s electronic control units by various serial bus systems. The succeeding sections introduce the automotive communication system named FlexRay™. The development of FlexRay™ had been initialized by requirements expected for drive-by-wire systems. The content is focused on its electrical physical layer beginning with active components like bus interfaces as well as passive components like common mode filters and bus-cables. Comparisons to the state of the art systems CAN and LIN are used to support the comprehensibility.
Optical Wireless Communications in Vehicular Systems
Authors: Higgins Matthew , Rihawi Zeina , Mutalip Zaiton Abdul , Green Roger , Leeson Mark S.
Published: January 2013

This chapter reviews some of the network topologies and technologies within current vehicular systems. This is then followed by a proposal from the authors with initial viability results, into the possibility of implementing optical wireless links to either replace or complement these existing ideas. The initial motivation for this work (Green, 2010) is that there exist multiple pathways within a vehicle such as the engine compartment, within the frame of the chassis, or the internal cockpit that all lend themselves nicely to free space optical propagation. The first specialised study on the viability of optical wireless communications within the vehicles cabin was then published in (Higgins et al, 2012) which provided a further impetus to the concept. It is hoped that through the original results presented here, the reader can gain a basic understanding of the concepts compared to the current technologies, and are then able instigate their own research ideas.
Radio over Fiber Access Networks for Broadband Wireless Communications
Authors: Beas Joaquín , Castañón Gerardo , Aldaya Ivan , Campuzano Gabriel , Aragón-Zavala Alejandro
Published: January 2013

In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the merging of Radio over Fiber (RoF) technologies with millimeter-wave-band signal distribution. This type of system has great potential to support secure, cost-effective coverage and high-capacity vehicular/mobile/wireless access for the future provisioning of broadband, interactive, and multimedia services. In this chapter, the authors present an overview of an RoF access networks in the context of in-vehicle networks, with special attention to the figures of merit of the system and the basic enabling technologies for downlink/uplink transmission in the RoF land network, which is divided in three main subsystems: Central Station (CS), Optical Distribution Network (ODN) and Base Station (BS). The chapter first reviews the up-conversion techniques from baseband to mm-waves at the CS, and then the different BS configurations. The work finally applies these concepts to the development of an access network proposal for in-vehicle wireless application.
Seamless Communication to Mobile Devices in Vehicular Wireless Networks
Authors: Kastell Kira
Published: January 2013

Vehicular networks are deployed as hybrid networks, which consist of a cooperation of different radio access networks. Seamless communication in vehicular networks relies on proper network planning and thorough dimensioning of network protocols. Both are assessed and verified by simulation. In transportation networks, the location of the mobile devices and their pattern of movement are very important. Therefore, different mobility models suited to vehicles in transportation networks are introduced. Then, the need for location information is exemplified. Mobility models and location play an important role in the verification of handover protocols. One hybrid handover protocol is given in detail. It provides low handover latency with additional mutual authentication to allow the transfer from one radio access network to another while maintaining the network’s built-in security standard. This protocol is easily extensible to include a broad variety of networks.
Radiometric Speed Sensor for Vehicles
Authors: Rastorguev Vladimir
Published: January 2013

One of the main parameters for providing traffic safety of vehicles is the knowledge of their speed. In this chapter results of research activities on a microwave radiometric sensor for the measurement of the velocity of land vehicles are presented. The work concentrates on a Radiometric Speed Sensor of Correlation Type (RM SSCT). For the analysis of design principles of the RM SSCT, the main parameters of radiometers are defined. The nature and statistical characteristics of radio thermal radiation of a terrestrial surface and objects are considered. For an estimation of the influence of parameters of the antenna system and the linear path of the receiver on parameters of the signal formed at the output of the correlator, a statistical analysis of the radiometric system of correlation type is carried out. Using a statistical model of the RM SSCT, the parameters of the antenna system were optimized as well as the radiometric receivers for various types of objects present on a terrestrial surface. Statistical results of the performance of the RM SSCT and an analysis of the basic characteristics of the SSCT for various types of objects are finally presented.
Surround Sensing for Automotive Driver Assistance Systems
Authors: Stämpfle Martin
Published: January 2013

In recent years, driver assistance systems have become a strong trend in automotive engineering. Such systems increase safety and comfort by supporting the driver in critical or stressful traffic situations. A great variety of surround sensors with different fields of view include radar, ultrasonic, laser, and vision systems. These sensors are based on different technologies and measurement principles. They all have their specific advantages and disadvantages and range from low-cost to high-end systems. They also differ in size, mounting position, maintenance, and weather compatibility. Hence, such sensors are used in various configurations to explore the surroundings ahead, sideways, and behind a vehicle. In addition, vehicle dynamics information from speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and acceleration sensors is available. Data fusion algorithms on raw data, feature, or object levels are used to collect all this information and set up vehicle surround models. An important issue in this context is the question of data accuracy and reliability. Situation interpretation of the traffic scene is based on these surround models. Any situation interpretation has to be performed in real-time, independent of the situation complexity. Typically, the prediction horizon is a couple of seconds. Depending on the results of the driving environment analysis critical situations can be identified. In consequence, the driver can be informed or warned. Some driver assistance systems already perform driving tasks like following, lane changing, or parking autonomously. The art of designing new, valuable driver assistance systems includes many factors and aspects and is still an engineering challenge in automotive research.
Introduction to Social and Economic Effects of Community Wireless Networks
Authors: Abdelaal Abdelnasser
Published: January 2013

This chapter provides an overview of the topic of community wireless networks and infrastructures. In particular, it compares community wireless networks to municipal and commercial wireless networks. It also provides a brief account of the social and economic benefits of CWNs.
Challenges Facing Municipal Wireless
Authors: Hudson Heather E.
Published: January 2013

This chapter discusses the challenges facing municipal wireless networks in the United States. It articulates a number of case studies from Silicon Valley. The authors explores the demand, context, and limitation of technology. They conclude that selecting a suitable business model is a key success factor.
The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Ashok , Rangarajan Janani , Neeraja N.
Published: January 2013

This chapter discusses some attempts over the last decade in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to empower rural communities and those who are socially and economically left behind in India. It begins with discussing the drivers of telecommunication growth in India since the mid-nineties. Then, it addresses the role of the village Internet kiosks in bringing the Internet to remote villages and articulates on the challenges facing the kiosk model. It then touches upon the rapid growth of mobile telephony in rural India. Following this, it discusses a number of attempts that use mobile telephony to empower rural communities. The authors also use multiple case studies to explore the role of ICT in supporting agriculture, delivering healthcare, achieving financial inclusion and improving the overall livelihood of rural communities in India. The key lessons learned include that the “one-size fits all” model does not work for all communities. In addition, involving both local and federal governments is crucial for the success of community-focused initiatives. Moreover, engaging communities and educating them about the benefits of delivered services would help in sustaining such community-focused initiatives.
Digital El Paso
Authors: Walker Barbara , Posey Evelyn
Published: January 2013

The Digital El Paso (DEP) community wireless network was deployed as a public-private business model to achieve digital inclusion, sustain economic development, and enhance government and public services. The design, implementation, and funding of DEP were achieved through the collaboration of local businesses, core community members, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government entities. In particular, Cisco Systems, Inc. provided design and planning support to complement Intel Corporation’s seed funding for the site survey. El Paso County, the City of El Paso, El Paso Independent School District, the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, and El Paso Electric provided equipment and services. The purpose of DEP is to provide wireless Internet access to achieve social inclusion and economic development. DEP’s main challenges include lack of funds, limited user acceptance, and insufficient user training. The policy implication is that leveraging public/private partnerships enhances collaboration and increases the chances of success of community wireless networks. A family-centric approach to drive the adoption of these emerging networks and increase bandwidth utilization, particularly in rural and underserved communities is also recommended.
Motivations and Barriers of Participation in Community Wireless Networks
Authors: Camponovo Giovanni , Picco-Schwendener Anna , Cantoni Lorenzo
Published: January 2013

Wireless communities are an interesting alternative to 3G networks to provide mobile Internet access. However, the key success factor for their sustainability is whether they are able to attract and retain a critical mass of contributing members. It is thus important to understand what motivates and dissuades people to join and participate. This chapter analyzes motivations, concerns, usage, and satisfaction of members of Fon. Fon is the largest wireless community in the world. This study employs a mixed research method, combining qualitative exploratory interviews with a quantitative survey. Members are mainly motivated by a mix of utilitarian (getting free connectivity) and idealistic motivations (reciprocity and altruism), whereas intrinsic and social motivations are less relevant.
The Case of Chapleau Network
Authors: Albert Sylvie
Published: January 2013

Remote and underserved communities do not attract telecommunication companies because of their low income, remote location, and limited capacity. This chapter discusses the challenges small communities face when developing their own Wi-Fi network, even when an investment is made. In particular, this chapter examines the technical, social, and economic challenges faced by the community of Chapleau (Ontario, Canada) while building its Wi-Fi network. The project adopted a public-private partnership in which Bell Canada and Nortel Networks funded its pilot phase. However, the project failed because of unclear and divergent goals, lack of sustainable applications, and insufficient technical skills on the part of the community. Using a change management framework, the chapter identifies key lessons learned and success factors required for public-private partnerships.
Challenges and Opportunities of ICTs for Rural and Remote Areas
Authors: Kawasumi Yasuhiko
Published: January 2013

Broadband Internet access is important for rural and remote areas to access e-commerce, e-government, e-learning, e-healthcare, Internet telephony, and other online resources. This chapter discusses the main opportunities and challenges of developing telecommunication infrastructures for rural and remote areas. In addition, affordable high-speed Internet access is important for communication (voice, data, Internet, etc.), community empowerment, job search and career development, and weather and climate monitoring. Expanding Internet access to rural areas, in particular, faces a number of challenges, such as lack of sustainable and affordable power supply, limited funding opportunities, and selecting a suitable technology. The authors discuss these issues using anecdotic evidence from a number of projects and case studies developed in the last 30 years by International Telecommunication Union (ITU). They conclude the chapter with recommendations of successful practices and policy guidelines.
A Critical Analysis of the Limitations and Effects of the Brazilian National Broadband Plan
Authors: Lemos André , Marques Francisco Paulo Jamil Almeida
Published: January 2013

This chapter examines the limitations and the socio-political effects of the Brazilian National Broadband Plan (PNBL: is its Portuguese acronym). The discussion considers the main transformations witnessed in the telecommunications landscape in Brazil during the second half of the twentieth century. On the one hand, the end of state monopoly of telecommunications services and the provision of such services by the private sector called for greater investments in infrastructure. On the other hand, the Brazilian regulatory agencies have failed to lower prices, promote competition, and spread broadband access to remote and underserved areas. The PNBL was launched in order to deal with these difficulties. The plan, however, has at least three important problems: (1) the low-speed connection offered to users, (2) the unattractive prices, and (3) the lack of reflection on issues such as net neutrality. The text argues that only by taking such issues into consideration will the plan ensure innovation, economic growth, diversity, and freedom of access to information.
What Drives Malaysian E-Government Adoption?
Authors: Chong Alain Yee-Loong
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the author investigates the factors that affect the adoption of e-government in Malaysia. Variables like perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, trust and demographic profiles of users are included in this research. Data was collected from 418 respondents, and multiple regression analysis is employed to test the research model. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, trust and age have significant relationships with e-government adoption. The results from this study are useful for Malaysian government in formulating appropriate strategies to improve the adoption of e-government applications in Malaysia.
Bundling Processes Between Private and Public Organizations
Authors: Sharafi Armin , Jurisch Marlen , Ikas Christian , Wolf Petra , Krcmar Helmut
Published: January 2013

Businesses are aching under the burdens entailed by public reporting duties while public administrations are faced with rising cost pressures. Fostered by the diffusion and maturation of information technology, businesses put forth growing demands in regard to the quality, integration and usability of public services. An effective means of meeting these challenges is through the identification and bundling of processes caused by reporting duties. Incorporating corresponding concepts from the business sector, to the authors develop an approach for process bundling tailored to public organizations. The authors demonstrate the approach on waste management reporting duties. This paper provides guidance for practitioners striving to optimize information flows and reduce redundancies within B2G contacts. As a result, both public administrations and businesses benefit from a more straightforward and cost-efficient provision of public services.
Impact of e-CRM on Website Loyalty of a Public Organization’s Customers
Authors: Jih Wen-Jang
Published: January 2013

Web-enabled customer relationship management, or e-CRM, is able to simultaneously achieve the conflicting goals of strategic flexibility and operational efficiency in developing and executing innovative e-commerce marketing strategies. A multi-disciplinary field, involving such areas as marketing, economics, business strategy, information systems, social psychology and consumer behavior, e-CRM strengthens customer relationships via a portfolio of trust-building practices with the support of powerful information technologies. While most literature in e-CRM has examined how firms formulate and implement e-CRM initiatives, there is little information on the overall quality of an e-commerce firm’s e-CRM practices from the consumer point of view. This research proposes such a consumer-oriented concept, e-CRM value, based on existing e-CRM research, and examines the effect of e-CRM value on website loyalty. An empirical study is conducted to validate the theoretical model. Customers’ perceptions of e-CRM value have positive causal effects on their website loyalty. Valuable implications can be derived from this finding for public organizations in managing their customer relationships.
Challenges Faced by Megacities in the Future
Authors: Assadian Ali , Nejati Mostafa
Published: January 2013

The advancement of science, industry, and digital technologies has shaped the lives of many people and has encouraged more people to live in cities. Since 2007, the urban population has exceeded the rural, and this amount is estimated to increase up to 60% of world habitants by 2030, according to the United Nations. Considering that these changes in people’s lifestyle can create various challenges to society, identifying and managing the potential future challenges is a vital step to ensure a dignified living without conflicts. This paper studies the challenges that cities and megacities may face in the future and provides solutions to manage and handle them. Reports and statistics from international organizations and the authors’ critical analysis have been applied to collect the necessary data. The research findings emphasize the importance of enhanced competitiveness and the quality of life and environment on the development of the city. Moreover, the major infrastructural problems facing cities in the digital world are discussed and the importance of strategic planning and sustainable approach toward resolving urban issues are emphasized.
Information Technology and Supply Chain Collaboration
Authors: Iyer Karthik N. S.
Published: January 2013

The utilization of advanced information technologies (IT) in interfirm collaboration has been thematic in current literature. Although conventional wisdom perceives that IT systems facilitate supply chain collaboration, this research provides an alternative perspective. Drawing on resource-based view and contingency ‘fit’ theory, the study investigates a model of relationships that specify how environmental uncertainty factors influence the nature of the association of two critical but distinctive IT capabilities with collaboration. Findings corroborate the positive association between collaboration and B2B e-commerce and IT analytic capability. However, demand unpredictability enhances the IT analytic capability-collaboration relationship while detracting from the B2B e-commerce-collaboration association. Notably, the study did not find any moderating influence of another critical uncertainty factor, technological turbulence. The findings reveal the complex nature of IT-collaboration relationships and provide managers a framework for understanding the uncertainty contexts under which specific information technologies with various functionalities may be more appropriately leveraged to derive benefits.
Integrating OLAP/SOLAP in E-Business Domains
Authors: Ali Oualid (Walid) Ben , Mouakket Samar
Published: January 2013

E-business domains have been considered killer domains for different data analysis techniques. Most researchers have examined data mining (DM) techniques to analyze the databases behind E-business websites. DM has shown interesting results, but this technique presents some restrictions concerning the content of the database and the level of expertise of the users interpreting the results. In this paper, the authors show that successful and more sophisticated results can be obtained using other analysis techniques, such as Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Spatial OLAP (SOLAP). Thus, the authors propose a framework that fuses or integrates OLAP with SOLAP techniques in an E-business domain to perform easier and more user-friendly data analysis (non-spatial and spatial) and improve decision making. In addition, the authors apply the framework to an E-business website related to online job seekers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results can be used effectively by decision makers to make crucial decisions in the job market of the UAE.
3D Object Modeling Using Sketches
Authors: Kyratzi Sofia , Sapidis Nickolas S.
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the authors present a new algorithm for constructing a solid model when the given input is only one partial-view sketch (“natural sketch”). This algorithm is a two-step process, where first a complete (wireframe) sketch is derived, which is then transformed into a 3D polyhedron. The paper details topological and geometric aspects of the process, as well as the essential “user-interaction” components dealing with cases where the sketch-to-solid problem does not have a unique solution.
Understanding Critical Distance Learning Issues
Authors: Callaway Stephen K. , Alflayyeh Saad M.
Published: January 2013

Distance education has been the topic of a substantial amount of research. However, prior studies have shown mixed results when trying to determine if a difference exists in student satisfaction between students in distance courses versus traditional courses. Prior empirical studies have been too narrow in scope, and a more comprehensive model is needed to better explain the factors influencing student satisfaction. Therefore, the current study includes student demographic factors, comprehensive measures of student motivation, and course format, as well as specific course features included, to fully explain student satisfaction. Structural equation modeling is used to test the model. Results indicate a positive association between demographics and motivation, between motivation and course format, between one demographic factor and course format, between course format and preferred features, between course format and satisfaction, and between course features and satisfaction.
A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Consumers’ Increased vs. Decreased Online Purchases
Authors: Zhou Tao , Lu Yaobin , Wang Bin
Published: January 2013

Previous research on online consumer purchases has focused on increased purchases and neglected decreased purchases. However, factors impacting these purchases are different. Drawing on the two-factor theory, in this paper, the authors compare factors affecting increase and decrease in Chinese consumers’ online purchases. The authors conducted separate group analyses with PLS. The results show that consumers’ perception of service quality significantly affects increases in their online purchasing behavior, whereas their perception of website quality significantly affects decreases in online purchasing. These results show that e-tailers must not only focus on factors that promote online shopping but also those that deter consumers from making online purchases.
Towards a Framework for Web 2.0 Community Success
Authors: Chang Joshua , Lewis Clifford
Published: January 2013

Although ample research has been conducted on the topic of community, there is still much research to be done on online communities. More specifically, there is a paucity of research on the topic of building successful Web 2.0 communities like YouTube—the top ranked Web 2.0 video sharing website. In this paper, a framework for Web 2.0 community success is proposed based on a theoretical review and an empirical study of YouTube using a dual approach consisting of content analysis and grounded theory interviews. The findings identify specific internal and external factors that are important for the success of YouTube as a Web 2.0 community. A framework of Web 2.0 community success is also proposed, which is useful in the planning and administration of Web 2.0 Communities.
Factors Associated with the Use of Personal Internet Banking in Thailand
Authors: Winley Graham Kenneth
Published: January 2013

Based on a review of previous studies, important variables associated with the use of personal Internet Banking services are identified in this paper. Using data collected through a questionnaire, statistically significant associations among these variables are determined. The findings of the study confirm significant associations reported in previous studies and identify significant associations among an individual’s work position; personal characteristics of users; the influence of peers on users; the importance of trust; and the emphasis placed by users on personal relationships with banks. Conclusions are drawn which are of practical use for those responsible for the development of personal Internet Banking services.
What Predicts Commercial Bank Leaders’ Intention to Use Mobile Commerce?
Authors: Halbach Maddy , Gong Tao
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles leadership behaviors have on technology acceptance models, focusing on bank leaders’ intention to use mobile-commerce. The study included responses from 101 senior-level managers working at FDIC-insured commercial banks in the United States. Three instruments including Kouzes and Posner’s (1987) leadership practice inventory (LPI), Wu and Wang’s (2005) mobile commerce technology acceptance model (MC-TAM), and Oreg’s (2003) resistance to change model (RTC) were employed. A correlation analysis revealed that two transformational leadership behaviors—model the way and enabling others to act—positively relate to behavioral intent to use mobile commerce. A regression analysis found that perceived compatibility, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use are positively related to the behavioral intent to use m-Commerce. However, the authors found that the RTC and LPI model cannot predict the willingness to use m-Commerce.
Barriers to Electronic Commerce Adoption Among Small Businesses in Iran
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , S.H. Tang
Published: January 2013

This research examines potential barriers within the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework that affect the decision to adopt Electronic Commerce (EC) and extent of EC adoption within Small Businesses (SBs) in the context of developing countries. This research also signifies the discriminators of adoption and non-adoption of different EC applications. Through a questionnaire-based survey of 268 owners or managers of Iranian manufacturing SBs, initial and post EC adoption by these businesses were found to be hindered by some of barriers existing within technological, organizational, and environmental context including cost of EC, lack of EC compatibility, perceived risk of EC, lack of EC awareness, lack of knowledge, family intervention, lack of external support, lack of government support, and lack of business partners’ EC readiness. Similarly, this study provides discussions on determinants of adoption and non-adoption of different EC applications. Theoretical contribution and managerial implications of this research are discussed which is believed to offer valuable insights to managers, EC experts, and policy makers regarding institutionalization of EC within SBs of developing countries.
The Consistency of the Medical Expert System CADIAG-2
Authors: Klinov Pavel Picado , Parsia Bijan , Muiño David
Published: January 2013

CADIAG-2 is a well known rule-based medical expert system aimed at providing support in medical diagnose in the field of internal medicine. Its knowledge base consists of a large collection of IF-THEN rules that represent uncertain relationships between distinct medical entities. Given this uncertainty and the size of the system, it has been challenging to validate its consistency. Recent attempts to partially formalize CADIAG-2’s knowledge base into decidable Gödel logics have shown that, on formalization, the system is inconsistent. In this paper, the authors use an alternative, more expressive formalization of CADIAG-2’s knowledge base as a set of probabilistic conditional statements and apply their probabilistic logic solver (Pronto) to confirm its inconsistency and compute its conflicting sets of rules under a slightly relaxed interpretation. Once this is achieved, the authors define a measure to evaluate inconsistency and discuss suitable repair strategies for CADIAG-2 and similar systems.
Development of a Knowledge Based System for an Intensive Care Environment Using Ontologies
Authors: Morgade Ana Torres , Martínez-Romero Marcos , Vázquez-Naya José M. , Loureiro Miguel Pereira , Albo Ángel González , Loureiro Javier Pereira
Published: January 2013

In intensive care units (ICUs), clinicians must monitor patients’ vital signs and make decisions regarding the drugs they administer. The patients’ lives depend on the quality of these decisions but experts can make mistakes. Recent technological strategies and tools can decrease these errors. In this paper, the authors describe the development of a knowledge based system (KBS) to provide support to clinicians with respect to the drugs they administer to patients with cardiopathies in ICUs to stabilize them. To develop the system, knowledge from medical experts at the Meixoeiro Hospital in Vigo (Spain) has been extracted and formally represented as an ontology. As a result, a validated KBS has been obtained, which can be helpful to experts in ICUs and whose underlying knowledge can be easily shared and reused.
DISMON
Authors: Lagares-Lemos Ángel M. , Lagares-Lemos Miguel , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , García-Crespo Ángel , Gómez-Berbís Juan Miguel
Published: January 2013

Information technology and, more precisely, the internet represent challenges and opportunities for medicine. Technology-driven medicine has changed how practitioners perform their roles in and medical information systems have recently gained momentum as a proof-of-concept of the efficiency of new support-oriented technologies. Emerging applications combine sharing information with a social dimension. This paper presents DISMON (Disease Monitor), a system based on Semantic Technologies and Social Web (SW) to improve patient care for medical diagnosis in limited environments, namely, organizations. DISMON combines Web 2.0 capacities and SW to provide semantic descriptions of clinical symptoms, thereby facilitating diagnosis and helping to foresee diseases, giving useful information to the company and its employees to increase efficiency by means of the prevention of injuries and illnesses, resulting in a safety environment for workers.
Co-Evolutionary Algorithms Based on Mixed Strategy
Authors: Hou Wei , Dong HongBin , Yin GuiSheng
Published: January 2013

Inspired by evolutionary game theory, this paper modifies previous mixed strategy framework, adding a new mutation operator and extending to crossover operation, and proposes co-evolutionary algorithms based on mixed crossover and/or mutation strategy. The mixed mutation strategy set consists of Gaussian, Cauchy, Levy, single point and differential mutation operators; the mixed crossover strategy set consists of cuboid, two-points and heuristic crossover operators. The novel algorithms automatically select crossover and/or mutation operators from a given mixed strategy set, and improve the evolutionary performance by dynamically utilizing the most effective operator at different stages of evolution. The proposed algorithms are tested on a set of 21 benchmark problems. The results show that the new mixed strategies perform equally well or better than the best of the previous evolutionary methods for all of the benchmark problems. The proposed MMCGA has shown significant superiority over others.
A Hyper-Heuristic Using GRASP with Path-Relinking
Authors: Jiang He , Qiu Junying , Xuan Jifeng
Published: January 2013

The goal of hyper-heuristics is to design and choose heuristics to solve complex problems. The primary motivation behind the hyper-heuristics is to generalize the solving ability of the heuristics. In this paper, the authors propose a Hyper-heuristic using GRASP with Path-Relinking (HyGrasPr). HyGrasPr generates heuristic sequences to produce solutions within an iterative procedure. The procedure of HyGrasPr consists of three phases, namely the construction phase, the local search phase, and the path-relinking phase. To show the performance of the HyGrasPr, the authors use the nurse rostering problem as a case study. The authors use an existing simulated annealing based hyper-heuristic as a baseline. The experimental results indicate that HyGrasPr can achieve better solutions than SAHH within the same running time and the path-relinking phase is effective for the framework of HyGrasPr.
Design of an Integrated Project Management Information System for Large Scale Public Projects
Authors: Taghavi Mona , Patel Ahmed , Taghavi Hamed
Published: January 2013

Due to the unprecedented growth of outsourcing ICT projects by the Iranian government, a critical need exists for the proper execution and monitoring of these projects. In this paper, the authors propose a web-based project management system to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management processes and accelerate decision making. Based on the requirements and information flow between various units involved in the complete life-cycle of ICT project management, a functional model and system architecture with various underlying structures has been designed. The functional model contains two sub-systems: process management and information service. The proposed system structure is based on a four-layer client-server computing model. As a part of a publically available ICT system, it must be secure against cybercrime activities. This system can bring efficiency in managing the projects, improve decision making, and increase the overall management process with total accounting and management transparency. The proposed system overcomes the problems associated with a central system and traditional management processes, as is currently the case in Iran.
An Aspect Oriented Component Based Archetype Driven Development
Authors: Mohan Garg Rachit , Dahiya Deepak
Published: January 2013

This paper incorporates the concepts of aspects and software reuse in archetype driven architecture. The proposed work develops the software by partitioning the whole system into different independent components and aspects to facilitate component reuse. The authors illustrate the ease of modeling the components separately and emphasize concerns that the OOP paradigm has failed to address. This paper places emphasis on designing and modeling the software rather than coding. Identification of reusable components is carried out using the hybrid methodology and aspects are identified by domain experts. Along with the components, the PIM and aspects developed are stored in separate repositories to be used in development of other software of similar requirements and basic structure.
Software Developers in India and Norway
Authors: Ghinea Gheorghita , Bygstad Bendik , Satpathy Manoranjan
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the authors investigate the professional practices of software developers from two different cultures—Norway and India. The authors examine if systematic differences exist between Norwegian and Indian software developers in their professional practice. Using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the authors expected to find cultural differences between the two groups of professionals. Building on a survey among software developers in the two countries, the authors have the following conclusions. Firstly, the main finding is that there are surprisingly few differences between the two groups, giving support to the view of a common professional culture. Secondly, the few differences that are observed cannot easily be explained by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.
Trust and Long-Term Satisfaction within Asymmetric Business Relationships
Authors: Sharif Khurram
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the nature of trust and satisfaction existing between service providers (large organizations) and a network of 47 distributors (small organizations) within the Kuwaiti telecommunications sector. Data was collected using a questionnaire based survey involving a convenience sample of 209 respondents representing 47 distributor outlets. The results show that the Kuwaiti telecommunications sector asymmetric relationship network was largely driven by cognitive input of trust, that is, technical competency was favored over affective input. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between cognitive input and Long-term Satisfaction Disposition (LSD) and control input (i.e. use of power) and LSD. This indicates that trust, although favored, was not a condition for establishing long-term satisfaction within asymmetric business relationships. Finally, the influence of wasta (i.e. favoritism) and control input on trust are found to be insignificant.
A Framework for E-Service Implementation in the Developing Countries
Authors: Hassan H. S. , Shehab E. , Peppard J.
Published: January 2013

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for explaining the main barriers and drivers of public e-service development and the relationships among them, especially in developing countries. This framework increases the chance of success of e-service projects in the governments of developing countries and provides a basic context within which the process and practice of e-service can be implemented successfully. This paper accomplishes this task by flowing from the traditional rigid context, which occurs in many developing countries, to full public e-service environment, emphasizing citizen-centric focus and digitalisation. The proposed framework builds on prior literature in the area of e-service development in public organisations and from the efforts undertaken in developing countries, considering e-government lessons learned in developing countries. The framework is flexible enough to be adopted by governments at different levels in developing countries around the world.
Customer Relationship Management in Professional Service Organizations
Authors: Shamma Hamed M. , Dyer Robert F. , Liebrenz-Himes Marilyn L.
Published: January 2013

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications have gained primary attention in large service industry sectors, such as the financial, telecommunications and hotel industries. However, relatively few researchers have studied CRM in the context of Professional Service Organizations (PSOs). PSOs are found across a broad spectrum of service offerings and they share several key aspects. Some of these aspects include the following: PSOs are high in people-processing features, have close contact with customers, and are high in credence attributes. Given this critical reliance on the customer, most PSOs would benefit from implementing a CRM system to facilitate their business and sustain customer relationships. This paper compares marketing practices and client management approaches in PSOs between those utilizing and those not utilizing a CRM system. The building industry is used as a case study. The paper introduces the CRM concept, describing its significance to the building industry and presents the methodology and findings from an exploratory research investigation. It also presents a framework for CRM applications in PSOs and highlights a future research agenda tempered by some limitations of the research study.
An Examination of Mediation
Authors: Henrie Kenneth M. , Miller Darryl W.
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the role of psychological mediators on consumers’ responses to persuasive sales tactics. Factor Analysis is used to determine the actual mediators identified by consumers as potential targets by salespeople and find structure in the data. An exploratory examination identifies four categories of potential psychological mediators. Experimental results reveal that consumers recognize sales tactics designed to influence these psychological mediators. These processes, in turn, mediate the influence of persuasive tactics on consumer responses. Overall, the study lends support to Friestad and Wright’s Persuasion Knowledge Model (1994).
A Success Framework to Investigate Critical Factors Associated with Implementation of Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Keramati Abbas , Sangari Mohamad Sadegh
Published: January 2013

This paper suggests a novel success framework for customer relationship management (CRM) based on a conceptual implementation model to identify associated critical factors and their contribution to overall success/failure. Fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) is applied to identify the relative importance of each factor in successful implementation of each stage and the CRM initiative as a unified process. The results illustrate that CRM goals, change management, customer knowledge management, and top management support are the most critical factors for successful implementation of CRM projects within Iranian business contexts. The proposed success framework provides valuable insight into the CRM implementation process and its critical success factors (CSFs). It can be applied as a practical assessment tool that provides a pre-evaluation of the overall success of the CRM implementation project and identifies areas of weakness that negatively affect successful implementation of each stage of CRM initiative.
Service Quality and WOM (Word-of-Mouth)
Authors: Choudhury Koushiki
Published: January 2013

The Indian banking industry is going through turbulent times. In this era of mature and intense competitive pressures, it is imperative that banks maintain a loyal customer base. To achieve this objective and improve their market and profit positions, many retail banks are directing their strategies toward increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty through improved service quality. In the present context, characterised by rapid change and sophisticated customers, it is important that banks in India determine service quality factors, which are pertinent to the customers’ selection process, as well as the dimensionality of customer-perceived service quality. If service quality dimensions are identified, service managers can improve the delivery of customer perceived quality during the service process and have greater control over the outcome. The author suggests that customers distinguish four dimensions of service quality in the retail banking industry in India. These dimensions of customer-perceived service quality are customer-orientedness, competence, tangibles, and convenience. The results of this study offer strong support for the intuitive notion that improving service quality increases favourable behavioural intentions, namely WOM (Word-of-Mouth) communications.
Mining Customers Behavior Based on RFM Model to Improve the Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Bagheri Fatemeh , Tarokh Mohammad J.
Published: January 2013

Organizations use data mining to improve their customer relationship management processes. Data mining is a new and well-known technique, which can be used to extract hidden knowledge and information about customers’ behaviors. In this paper, a model is proposed to enhance the premium calculation policies in an automobile insurance company. This method is based on customer clustering. K-means algorithm is used for clustering based on RFM models. Customers of the insurance company are categorized into some groups, which are ranked based on the RFM model. A number of rules are proposed to calculate the premiums and insurance charges based on the insurance manner of customers. These rules can improve the customers’ satisfaction and loyalty as well as the company profitability.