bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)
Authors: Rahman MA , Akter Ferdousi
Published: January 2013

Five different doses of NPK fertilizers, viz. To (0N0P0K), T1 (1N1P1K), T2 (0N1P1K), T3 (1N0P1K) and T4 (1N1P0K) were applied and the growth, yield and yield attributes of okra were studied. The length of main stem, number of nodes and leaves were maximum at T1. The fresh weight, length, circumference, diameter per fruit and yield per plant were the highest at T1. The carotenoid content of leaves and vitamin C contents of fruits were maximum at T1. The total NPK concentration of both plants and fruits were the highest at T3. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v41i2.13436 Bangladesh J. Bot. 41(2): 131-134, 2012 (December)
Planktonic primary productivity of a eutrophic water body of Dhaka Metropolis, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Khondker Moniruzzaman
Published: January 2013

Dynamics of phytoplankton primary productivity were determined in a eutrophic water body of Dhaka Metropolis fortnightly for one year. The mean value of daily rate of primary productivity was 10.05 gC/m2/d and annual sum of primary productivity was estimated 3669.5 gC/m2/y. The yearly mean value of conductivity, pH, alkalinity, SRP and SRS were 486.66 ?S/cm, 7.21, 4.02 meq/l, 0.75 mg/l and 49.75 mg/l, respectively which indicated the intensity of contamination from the catchment. Significant correlations were obtained among the variables (day length, irradiance, water temperature and DO) relating to primary productivity. Green soup like algal bloom was found to occur on most occasions. The productivity was confined to the upper few centimeter depth of the water indicating a typical eutrophic nature of the water body. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v41i2.13437 Bangladesh J. Bot. 41(2): 135-142, 2012 (December)
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Parabaena sagitatta Miers
Authors: Quadery TM , Islam F , Ahsan M , Hasan CM
Published: January 2013

A methanolextract of the leaves of Parabaena sagitatta Miers and its petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and aqueous soluble partitionates were evaluated for antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and phosphomolybdenum total antioxidant assays by using butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) and ascorbic acid as standards. The dichloromethane soluble fraction demonstrated the presence of significant amount of phenolic compounds 61.06 ± 0.54 mg GAE/g of extract and also has moderate antioxidant activity IC50 50.62 ± 0.25 ?g/ml. A positive correlation (R2), 0.969 was observed between total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity of P. sagitatta. The general toxicity was determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay where the dichloromethane LC50DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v41i2.13441 Bangladesh J. Bot. 41(2): 155-158, 2012 (December)
The diketopiperazine-fused tetrahydro-β-carboline scaffold as a model peptidomimetic with an unusual α-turn secondary structure
Authors: Airaghi Francesco , Fiorati Andrea , Lesma Giordano , Musolino Manuele , Sacchetti Alessandro , Silvani Alessandra
Published: January 2013

Aiming at restricting the conformational freedom of tryptophan-containing peptide ligands, we designed a THBC (tetrahydro-β-carboline)-DKP (diketopiperazine)-based peptidomimetic scaffold capable of arranging in an unusual α-turn conformation. The synthesis is based on a diastereoselective Pictet–Spengler condensation to give the THBC core, followed by an intramolecular lactamization to complete the tetracyclic THBC-DKP fused ring system. The presence of conformers bearing the intramolecular thirteen-membered hydrogen bond that characterizes the α-turn structure is confirmed by 1H NMR conformational studies. To the best of our knowledge, this scaffold represents one of the rare examples of a designed constrained α-turn mimic.
Late Diagnosis, Delayed Presentation and Late Presentation in HIV: Proposed Definitions, Methodological Considerations and Health Implications
Authors: Kozak Michael , Zinski Anne , Leeper Connie , Willig James H , Mugavero Michael J
Published: January 2013

Contemporary literature emphasizes HIV treatment across multiple stages of the care continuum, beginning with HIV testing, followed by linkage and retention in medical care. As a sizeable global population remains undiagnosed or not engaged in medical care, researchers must evaluate the earliest phases of the HIV treatment cascade in order to optimize individual health outcomes and treatment-as-prevention initiatives. Because ambiguity persists for classification of these early stages of HIV care, the aim of this review is to propose a congruous approach to defining the constructs of late diagnosis, delayed presentation and late presentation for HIV medical care, as well as focus attention on methodological considerations and associated clinical and public health implications for these entities.
Le commerce équitable Sud-Sud et l'émergence des labels locaux
Authors: Ballet Jérôme , Renard Marie-Christine , Carimentrand Aurélie
Published: January 2013

Le commerce équitable se développe au Sud avec en parallèle des mouvements de certification locaux. Nous analysons ce double mouvement. Nous soulignons l’existence de trois raisons concomitantes : une réaction à l’hégémonie exercée par FLO sur les standards de commerce équitable, le besoin de trouver des débouchés face à la faiblesse des ventes au Nord, la récupération du commerce équitable par les politiques nationales au Sud. Nous illustrons toutes ces raisons par des exemples.
Le choix d'une pièce de théâtre : trois étapes à l'interprétation
Authors: Redon Gaëlle
Published: January 2013

Résumé Quel sens donner à la compréhension et à l’interprétation d’un texte théâtral et à sa mise scène ? Ce travail s’efforce de montrer comment les acteurs du monde du théâtre sont en liens les uns avec les autres... Comment les groupements théâtraux, à travers diverses étapes, s’inscrivent dans un contexte social et organisationnel spécifique, qui les mène à un certain type de répertoire, de mise en scène, et de fait, à correspondre à un public particulier et à l’obtention, ou pas, d’une reconnaissance institutionnelle...
Persuasive Mobile Device Sound Sensing in a Classroom Setting
Authors: Perttula Arttu , Multisilta Jari , Tuomi Pauliina
Published: January 2013

This paper presents an idea on how to utilize mobile phones to support learning in the classroom. The paper also tries to initiate discussion on whether we can create new kinds of learning applications using mobile devices and whether this could be the way we should proceed in developing 21st century learning applications. In this study, a mobile phone is programmed to function as a collective sound sensor. To achieve an appropriate learning atmosphere, the designed system attempts to maintain the noise level at a comfortable tolerance level in the classroom. The main aim of the mobile application is to change student behaviour through persuasive visualizations. The prototype application was piloted during spring 2012 with a total of 72 students and two teachers. The results, based on observations and interviews, are promising and several subjects for future work arose during the pilot study.
Improving Educational Outcomes by Providing Educational Services through Mobile Technology
Authors: El-Sofany Hosam Farouk , El-Seoud Samir A. , Al-Turki Turky , El-Howimel Hasan , Al-Sadoon Amjad
Published: January 2013

The use of Computers, Networks, and Internet has successfully enabled educational institutions to provide their students and instructors with various online educational services. With the recent developments in M-learning and mobile technology, further possibilities are emerging to provide such services through mobile devices such as mobile phones and PDAs. By providing the educational services using wireless and mobile technologies, the educational institutions can potentially bring great convenience to those off-campus students who do not always have time to find Internet enabled computers to get the important educational information from their academic institutions. With the mobile or M-educational services, both the students and the instructors can access the services anytime and anywhere they want. This paper discusses those M-educational services that can be moved to the mobile platform and then presents the system prototype and architecture that integrate these services into the mobile technology platform. The paper will conclude with a description of the formative evaluation of the system prototype.
A Proposed Pedagogical Mobile Application for Learning Sign Language
Authors: Abou El-Seoud Samir , Taj-Eddin Islam , Nosseir Ann , El-Sofany Hosam , Abu Rumman Nadine
Published: January 2013

A handheld device system, such as cellular phone or a PDA, can be used in acquiring Sign Language (SL). The developed system uses graphic applications. The user uses the graphical system to view and to acquire knowledge about sign grammar and syntax based on the local vernacular particular to the country. This paper explores and exploits the possibility of the development of a mobile system to help the deaf and other people to communicate and learn using handheld devices. The pedagogical assessment of the prototype application that uses a recognition-based interface e.g., images and videos, gave evidence that the mobile application is memorable and learnable. Additionally, considering primary and recency effects in the interface design will improve memorability and learnability.
New Learning Spaces? M-learning's, in Particular the iPadâ??s Potentials in Education
Authors: Molnár Dr. György
Published: January 2013

The iPad is a very popular touchscreen tablet computer, which was introduced approximately two, two and a half years ago. It runs the MAC operating system making it suitable for different general and special uses. The paper focuses on the fact how the use of iPads can help education, make teaching and learning more efficient. In addition to the technical, infrastructural parameters, which are essential as much as the userâ??s experience and it usability are concerned, the paper provides a few concrete applications as well. Today, the use of iPads is general either in everyday life, or in public education or tertiary education. The author analysis his experiences from the viewpoint of students, but also mentions applications useful for teachers. Students can use iPads with the appropriate applications in any stage of the learning process, e.g. using notes, course materials, schedules and assignments, cooperation, group assignments by collaboration. The paper also describes such solutions or respectively suggestions by means of which the monitoring of shared content and data can be realized by the teacher. A few professional applications (e.g. used by students of medicine, engineering and natural sciences) are also listed.
Understanding Business Domain Models
Authors: Poels Geert
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the author investigates the effect on understanding of using business domain models that are constructed with Resource-Event-Agent (REA) modeling patterns. First, the author analyzes REA modeling structures to identify the enabling factors and the mechanisms by means of which users recognize these structures in a conceptual model and description of an information retrieval and interpretation task. Based on this understanding, the author hypothesizes positive effects on model understanding for situations where REA patterns can be recognized in both task and model. An experiment is then conducted to demonstrate a better understanding of models with REA patterns compared to information equivalent models without REA patterns. The results of this experiment indicate that REA patterns can be recognized with minimal prior patterns training and that the use of REA patterns leads to models that are easier to understand for novice model users.
A Survey of Approaches to Web Service Discovery in Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Crasso Marco , Zunino Alejandro , Campo Marcelo
Published: January 2013

Discovering services acquires importance as Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) becomes an adopted paradigm. SOC’s most popular materializations, namely Web Services technologies, have different challenges related to service discovery and, in turn, many approaches have been proposed. As these approaches are different, one solution may be better than another according to certain requirements. In consequence, choosing a service discovery system is a hard task. To alleviate this task, this paper proposes eight criteria, based on the requirements for discovering services within common service-oriented environments, allowing the characterization of discovery systems. These criteria cover functional and non-functional aspects of approaches to service discovery. The results of the characterization of 22 contemporary approaches and potential research directions for the area are also shown.
Leveraging Early Aspects in End-to-End Model Driven Development for Non-Functional Properties in Service Oriented Architecture
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Suzuki Junichi , Oba Katsuya
Published: January 2013

In Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), each application is designed with a set of reusable services and a business process. To retain the reusability of services, non-functional properties of applications must be separated from their functional properties. This paper investigates a model-driven development framework that separates non-functional properties from functional properties and manages them. This framework proposes two components: (1) a programming language, called BALLAD, for a new per-process strategy to specify non-functional properties for business processes, and (2) a graphical modeling method, called FM-SNFPs, to define a series of constraints among non-functional properties. BALLAD leverages aspects in aspect oriented programming/modeling. Each aspect is used to specify a set of non-functional properties that crosscut multiple services in a business process. FM-SNFPs leverage the notion of feature modeling to define constraints among non-functional properties like dependency and mutual exclusion constraints. BALLAD and FM-SNFPs free application developers from manually specifying, maintaining and validating non-functional properties and constraints for services one by one, reducing the burdens/costs in development and maintenance of service-oriented applications. This paper describes the design details of BALLAD and FM-SNFPs, and demonstrates how they are used in developing service-oriented applications. BALLAD significantly reduces the costs to implement and maintain non-functional properties in service-oriented applications.
Semi-Automatic Composition of Situational Methods
Authors: Aharoni Anat , Reinhartz-Berger Iris
Published: January 2013

Situational methods are approaches to the development of software systems that are designed and constructed to fit particular circumstances that often refer to project characteristics. One common way to create situational methods is to reuse method components, which are the building blocks of development methods. For this purpose, method components must be stored in a method base, and then retrieved and composed specifically for the situation in hand. Most approaches in the field of situational method engineering require the expertise of method engineers to support the retrieval and composition of method components. Furthermore, this is usually done in an ad-hoc manner and for pre-defined situations. In this paper, the authors propose an approach, supported by a tool that creates situational methods semi-automatically. This approach refers to structural and behavioral considerations and a wide variety of characteristics when comparing method components and composing them into situational methods. The resultant situational methods are stored in the method base for future usage and composition. Based on an experimental study of the approach, the authors show that it provides correct and suitable draft situational methods, which human evaluators have assessed as relevant for the given situations.
A Meta-Analysis Comparing Relational and Semantic Models
Authors: Siau Keng , Nah Fiona F.H. , Cao Qing
Published: January 2013

Data modeling is the sine quo non of systems development and one of the most widely researched topics in the database literature. In the past three decades, semantic data modeling has emerged as an alternative to traditional relational modeling. The majority of the research in data modeling suggests that the use of semantic data models leads to better performance; however, the findings are not conclusive and are sometimes inconsistent. The discrepancies that exist in the data modeling literature and the relatively low statistical power in the studies make meta-analysis a viable choice in analyzing and integrating the findings of these studies.
Iterative Optimization of Energy Detector Sensing Time and Periodic Sensing Interval in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Hamid Mohamed , Björsell Niclas , Mohammed Abbas
Published: January 2013

In this chapter the authors propose a new approach for optimizing the sensing time and periodic sensing interval for energy detectors in cognitive radio networks. The optimization of the sensing time depends on maximizing the summation of the probability of right detection and transmission efficiency, while the optimization of periodic sensing interval is subject to maximizing the summation of transmission efficiency and captured opportunities. Since the optimum sensing time and periodic sensing interval are dependent on each other, an iterative approach to optimize them simultaneously is proposed and a convergence criterion is devised. In addition, the probability of detection, probability of false alarm, probability of right detection, transmission efficiency, and captured opportunities are taken as performance metrics for the detector and evaluated for various values of channel utilization factors and signal-to-noise ratios.
Interference Suppression Capabilities of Smart Cognitive-Femto Networks (SCFN)
Authors: Shakir Muhammad Zeeshan , Atat Rachad , Alouini Mohamed-Slim
Published: January 2013

Cognitive Radios are considered a standard part of future heterogeneous mobile network architectures. In this chapter, a two tier heterogeneous network with multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) is considered, namely (1) the secondary network, which comprises of Cognitive-Femto BS (CFBS), and (2) the macrocell network, which is considered a primary network. By exploiting the cooperation among the CFBS, the multiple CFBS can be considered a single base station with multiple geographically dispersed antennas, which can reduce the interference levels by directing the main beam toward the desired femtocell mobile user. The resultant network is referred to as Smart Cognitive-Femto Network (SCFN). In order to determine the effectiveness of the proposed smart network, the interference rejection capabilities of the SCFN is studied. It has been shown that the smart network offers significant performance improvements in interference suppression and Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR) and may be considered a promising solution to the interference management problems in future heterogeneous networks.
MAC Layer Protocols for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Chouhan Lokesh , Trivedi Aditya
Published: January 2013

In the last few decades, the Cognitive Radio (CR) paradigm has received huge interest from industry and academia. CR is a promising approach to solve the spectrum scarcity problem. Moreover, various technical issues still need to be addressed for successful deployment of CRNs, especially in the MAC layer. In this chapter, a comprehensive survey of the Medium Access Control (MAC) approaches for CRN is presented. These MAC technologies under analysis include spectrum sharing, multiple antenna techniques, cooperation, relays, distributed systems, network convergence, mobility, and network self-optimization. Moreover, various classifications of MAC protocols are explained in this chapter on the basis of some parameters, like signaling technique, type of architecture, sharing mode, access mode, and common control channel. Additionally, some case studies of 802.11, 802.22, and Mobile Virtual Node Operator (MVNO) are also considered for the case study. The main objective of this chapter is to assist CR designers and the CR application engineers to consider the MAC layer issues and factors in the early development stage of CRNs.
MAC Protocols for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Masrub Abdullah
Published: January 2013

In contrast to infrastructure-based networks, in wireless ad hoc networks nodes can discover and communicate with each other directly without involving central access points. In this mode of multi-hop networks, all nodes have equal right to access the medium. Hence, the performance of wireless ad hoc networks is mostly limited by traffic congestion. To alleviate such a problem, Cognitive Radio (CR) technology can be used. In this chapter, a CR-based Medium Access Control (MAC) layer for wireless ad hoc networks is investigated. The authors focus on Cognitive MAC protocols for an unlicensed user, which can be enabled to access the large amount of unused spectrum allocated for a licensed user in an intelligent way without causing any harmful interference. They propose a cognitive MAC protocol based on the theory of the Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP), which sense the radio spectrum, detect the occupancy state of different primary channels, and then opportunistically communicate over unused channels. The objective is to benefit as much as possible from the available spectrum opportunities by making efficient decisions on which channels to access, which ensures maximization of the throughput of the secondary user.
MAC Layer Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Hamid Mohamed , Mohammed Abbas
Published: January 2013

Efficient use of the available licensed radio spectrum is becoming increasingly difficult as the demand and usage of the radio spectrum increases. This usage of the spectrum is not uniform within the licensed band but concentrated in certain frequencies of the spectrum while other parts of the spectrum are inefficiently utilized. In cognitive radio environments, the primary users are allocated licensed frequency bands while secondary cognitive users can dynamically allocate the empty frequencies within the licensed frequency band, according to their requested quality of service specifications. In this chapter, the authors investigate and assess the performance of MAC layer sensing schemes in cognitive radio networks. Two performance metrics are used to assess the performance of the sensing schemes: the available spectrum utilization and the idle channel search delay for reactive and proactive sensing schemes. In proactive sensing, the adapted and non-adapted sensing period schemes are also assessed. Simulation results show that proactive sensing with adapted periods provides superior performance at the expense of higher computational cost performed by network nodes.
Secondary Use of Radio Spectrum by High Altitude Platform
Authors: Yang Zhe , Mohammed Abbas
Published: January 2013

Traditional spectrum licensing enables guaranteed quality of service but could lead to inefficient use of the spectrum. The quest to achieve higher usage efficiency for the spectrum has been the hottest research topic worldwide recently. More efficient transmission technologies are being developed, but they alone cannot solve problems of spatially and temporally underused spectrum and radio resources. In this chapter, the authors review major challenges in traditional spectrum sharing and mechanisms to optimize the efficiency of spectrum usage. They investigate and assess incentives of a primary terrestrial system and secondary system based on a High-Altitude Platform (HAP) to share spectrum towards common benefits. The primary terrestrial system is defined to have exclusive rights to access the spectrum, which is shared by the secondary HAP system upon request. The Markov chain is presented to model two spectrum-sharing scenarios and evaluate the performance of spectrum sharing between primary terrestrial and secondary HAP systems. Simulation results show that to reserve an amount of spectrum from a primary system could encourage spectrum sharing with a secondary system, which has a frequent demand on requesting spectrum resources.
Students’ Perceptions of a 3D Virtual Environment Designed for Metacognitive and Self-Regulated Learning in Science
Authors: Clarke-Midura Jody , Garduño Eugenia
Published: January 2013

Immersive and 3D virtual environments have the potential to offer more authentic science inquiry learning that allows for metacognitive and self-regulated learning strategies. While metacognition and self-regulated learning are important for science inquiry learning, little research exists on linking these skills with students’ experience in a 3D immersive environment designed to teach science inquiry. The authors conducted two studies to explore how curricula delivered via immersive technologies have the potential to create learning experiences that allow for authentic inquiry learning and enable metacognitive processes and self-regulated learning. In the first study, they examined the relationship between students’ metacognition and their self-identified experience with the curriculum. The authors found a relationship between students’ metacognition and feeling like a scientist and like they were participating in authentic science (conducting an experiment). These findings influenced the design of a treatment that contains embedded metacognitive and self-regulated learning scaffolds. In their second study, the authors examined the causal effect of the treatment on students’ self-identified experience with the curriculum. They found that students who participated in the treatment identified with the role of a scientist and felt like they were doing authentic science.
Analyzing the Effects of a 3D Online Virtual Museum in Visitors’ Discourse, Attitudes, Preferences, and Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: D’Alba Adriana , Jones Greg
Published: January 2013

This chapter presents the results of a study conducted in Mexico in 2011 with a group of undergraduate students. It examines the effectiveness of an online three-dimensional learning environment and its effects in visitors’ discourse, attitudes, preferences, and knowledge acquisition during and after a real museum visit. Primary results show that: a) participants who used the virtual museum previous to the museum visit showed an increase in discourse, enjoyment, and knowledge about the exhibition, and b) using a three dimensional previsualization can enhance and influence the learning experience in educational settings in a positive way.
Diaspora Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ojo Sanya
Published: January 2013

This chapter examines the phenomenon of diaspora entrepreneurs and the degree to which they have internationalised their businesses. This is achieved through a tri-component conceptual framework of individual, firm, and environmental factors. Through a case study methodology, it was revealed that analysis on the micro, meso, and mega levels is better suited for in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of diaspora entrepreneurship. It was also found that diaspora entrepreneurs are able to leverage personal, ethnic, and structural resources that allow them to concurrently engage in social and business activities in both countries (transnational entrepreneurship). Research, policy implications, and limitations are then discussed.
Knowledge Sharing among Employees in the Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Eze Uchenna Cyril , Hah Sim Fong , Ndubisi Nelson Oly
Published: January 2013

Large companies dominate in knowledge sharing initiatives; however, evidence suggests that more small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are deploying knowledge strategies to attempt to leapfrog the competition. However, studies on SMEs and knowledge sharing in Malaysia remain scanty. This paper, therefore, examines six factors that could influence SMEs’ employees’ attitude towards knowledge sharing. The six independent variables are: trust among employees, formalization, knowledge technology, motivation, reward system, and empowering leadership. The dependent variable is attitude towards knowledge sharing, while the outcome variable is intention to share knowledge. The authors developed the research framework based on relevant literature and models. The analysis was based on 250 valid responses. The seven arguments emerged significant. Based on the findings, SMEs could benefit from identifying critical factors to address knowledge sharing among employees. The findings will also be useful as a frame of reference for future studies on SMEs and knowledge sharing. Finally, this paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of the study, and provides recommendations for enhancing knowledge sharing activities in SMEs.
Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Lee Ki-Hoon
Published: January 2013

The strategic importance of supply chain management has been increasing during the past two decades. Companies utilise the supply chain in order to become more competitive as a whole. Recently, it has been observed that environmental and social pressures and standards have a direct and indirect impact on supply chain management and the competitiveness of corporations. Integrating environmental criteria into supply chain management has become an important strategic issue for many companies. This study explores the subject area of the greening of supply chain management. In particular, the supply chain environmental management (SCEM) programme is explored in the Korean context. The SCEM programme is based upon the relationship between buyers and suppliers. By utilising this relationship, general improvement in the environmental performance of suppliers can be achieved. A case study of Hyundai Motors Co. (HMC) empirically supports this. Green supply chain management led to new ways of collaboration with suppliers, in terms of developing environmental solutions and capacity buildings with key suppliers. The key implication for suppliers, in particular SMEs, is to develop suppliers’ capabilities and increasing supplier criticality in order to achieve win-win outcomes in environmental and financial performance.
SME Financial Management
Authors: Stan-Maduka Edna
Published: January 2013

Regulators’ efforts to create awareness of risk management in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have heightened since the 2008 recession which affected many economies. The objective has been to stress the fundamental role of risk assessment and mitigation in the protection of business processes and profitability of SMEs. This has been hard to achieve due to the inadequate financial and operational processes within small and medium enterprises. This chapter presents an exploration of risk management in SMEs and a simplified approach to SME risk assessment and operational risk mitigation.
Service-Dominant Logic and Supply Network Management
Authors: Dza Mawuko , Fisher Ron , Gapp Rod
Published: January 2013

This chapter examines the concepts of service-dominant (S-D) logic and supply network management in business processes. The chapter is based on a conceptual analysis of the significance of the two concepts in improving business efficiency and maximizing returns on stakeholders’ investments. S-D logic has been tagged by proponents as a credible concept that when applied appropriately to business endeavours could revolutionalize modern business practices. Similar to S-D logic is the concept of supply network management, which seeks an integration of resources by a network of partners and various actors of a business relationship in order to attain cost minimization, whilst maximizing resource deployment. In supply network management, the focus is on shared access to resources among members of a network acknowledging that firms possess varied and sometimes unique resources that others need to tap. In the process of networking, organizations therefore learn from each other and benefit from new knowledge developed by other organizations (Christopher, 2009). The chapter, therefore, assesses the impact of the application of S-D logic and supply network management on business performance.
Transmission Lines for Serial Communication
Authors: Minuth Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Automotive bus systems like e.g. LIN, CAN, and FlexRay™ distribute their serial data streams NRZ1 coded in the base band among the communication nodes. The nodes are interconnected by passive nets. Depending on the type of application some of these nets may consist of up to one hundred meters of different bus cables arranged in various topologies. The individual pieces of information inside the data streams are represented by voltage steps and current steps. They have to be passed among all connected nodes via the bus cables. The succeeding sections introduce the commonly known transmission line theory focused of the physical effects being relevant for automotive serial bus communication in the time domain.
Resilient Optical Transport Networks
Authors: Kavian Yousef S. , Wang Bin
Published: January 2013

Resilient optical transport networks have received much attention as the backbone for future Internet protocol (IP) networks with enhanced quality of services (QoS) by avoiding loss of data and revenue and providing acceptable services in the presence of failures and attacks. This chapter presents the principles of designing survivable Dense-Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (DWDM) optical transport networks including failure scenarios, survivability hierarchy, routing and wavelength assignment (RWA), demand matrix models, and implementation approaches. Furthermore, the chapter addresses some current and future research challenges including dealing with multiple simultaneous failures, QoS-based RWA, robustness and future demand uncertainty accommodation, and quality of service issues in the deployment of resilient optical backbones for next generation transport networks.
WLAN Systems for Communication in Transportation Systems
Authors: Scopigno Riccardo
Published: January 2013

Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) are wireless networks primarily meant to enforce vehicular safety. The incumbent international VANET solution is based on an adaptation of WLAN to the 5.9 GHz band and to the vehicular environment: it is universally known as IEEE 802.11p. One of the main reasons for the success of IEEE 802.11p lies on the functional requirement of a decentralized solution, that is, one able to work in the absence of infrastructure. While Filed-Operational Tests are being developed world-wide and new VANET applications, not restricted to safety, are being developed, new requisites are emerging. Some limitations of the IEEE 802.11p are coming to light as well: stakeholders must be aware of them to prevent misleading conclusions on reliability and, most importantly, improper solutions for the safety which the protocol is aimed at.
Communication Networks to Connect Moving Vehicles to Transportation Systems to Infrastructure
Authors: Kastell Kira
Published: January 2013

Communication in transportation systems not only involves the communication inside a vehicle, train, or airplane but it also includes the transfer of data to and from the transportation system or between devices belonging to that system. This will be done using different types of wireless communication. Therefore in this chapter, first, the fundamentals of mobile communication networks are shortly described. Thereafter, possible candidate networks are discussed. Their suitability for a certain transportation system can be evaluated taking into consideration the system’s requirements. Among the most prominent are the influence of speed and mobility, data rate and bit error rate constraints, reliability of the system and on-going connections. As in most of the cases, there will be no single best wireless communication network to fulfil all requirements, and in this chapter also hybrid networks are discussed. These are networks consisting of different (wireless) access networks. The devices may use the best suited network for a given situation but also change to another network while continuing the on-going connection or data transfer. Here the design of the handover or relocation plays a critical role as well as localization.
Legal and Political Barriers to Municipal Networks in the United States
Authors: Null Eric
Published: January 2013

The United States has been one of the most active countries in the deployment of municipal broadband networks. In America, many remote areas have no Internet access or are served by a single provider that might not meet local needs. Increasingly, access to the Internet is vital for social and economic development as well as prosperity. Without access, rural areas lose economic competitiveness and have lower quality of life standard of living. An attractive solution for such localities is to provide Internet access themselves, provided they believe that their area will realize significant benefits from it. However, the States’ complex legal frameworks are a significant barrier to local network success. Each state makes its own laws governing its municipalities, and states have almost unfettered ability to constrain, either by ban or by lesser restraint, the emergence of local networks. These states are further influenced by the lobbying of incumbent service providers. Moreover, judicial remedies can be used strategically by incumbents to hinder, delay, or prevent local networks from succeeding. Despite all this, local networks can be and have been successful. This chapter discusses various legal and political barriers to municipal networks and explores case studies with the goal of learning from past successes and failures.
Best Practices in Designing Low-Cost Community Wireless Networks
Authors: Dulik Tomas , Bliznak Michal , Jasek Roman
Published: January 2013

The Czech Republic (CR) has been ranked the 1st among the countries of the European Union (EU) countries in the growth rate of broadband access. The Internet penetration rate has increased by 48 percent between 2005 and 2011. This high growth rate is driven by the entry of new operators and the proliferation of Community Wireless Networks (CWNs). The CR holds the first place in EU in the number of newly entered operators. There are 1150 companies providing Internet access in 601 Czech towns and 5645 villages. In addition, a number of community wireless networks have emerged as an alternative of these commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Their main purpose is to increase the affordability and penetration of broadband Internet in the country. This chapter discusses the contribution of CWNs to the proliferation and affordability of broadband access in the CR, focusing on the reasons for their success and popularity. Their key success factors include obtaining a non-profit status, engaging academics, and cooperating with government entities. They formed the CZFree.net forum for experts and volunteers to exchange information and best practices with respect to new technologies, design considerations, and technical and social issues. It also articulates on technology options and best practices for building low-cost CWNs. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the role of the Netural czFree eXchange association in aggregating their technical, financial, and personal resources of individual CWNs. Thanks to this association and the CZFree.net forum, CWNs in the CR have become influential competitors in the local telecommunication industry.
Application of an Extended TAM Model for Online Banking Adoption
Authors: Sundarraj R. P. , Manochehri Nick
Published: January 2013

The understanding of factors leading to the acceptance or rejection of information systems (IS) is important and relevant. Although there have been studies examining the adoption of Internet Banking (IB), research on this topic in the Gulf context and from an IS perspective is lacking, even though societal factors are acknowledged as having an impact on technology adoption. To fill this gap, this paper uses a version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), extended by the compatibility and trust constructs. An empirical study, using students from a large university in the region, validates the research model.
An Integrated Strategic Framework for E-Government Initiatives
Authors: Saghafi Fatemeh , Zarei Behrouz , Abadi Akbar Kary Dolat , Shahkooh Kolsoom Abbasi
Published: January 2013

The widespread applications of information and communication technologies have attracted many countries to e-government. Nonetheless, setting appropriate goals for e-government initiatives is an important factor for the success of these projects. This study provides a context-based framework for understanding e-government initiatives in different countries, including degree of e-government readiness, degree of transparency, and level of democratization. According to these determinants, 141 countries are categorized using Parson’s generic strategy of IT. Classification of countries in this framework shows significant correlations between these determinants and GDP index, which is an important outcome for country performance. This framework provides a roadmap for policymakers to formulate goals for their e-government initiatives commensurate with their respective environments.
Success of Public Knowledge Management in the Light of the Rossian Ethics
Authors: Zanjani Mehdi Shami , Dabbagh Hossein , Rouzbehani Roshanak
Published: January 2013

Researchers have attempted to integrate the fields of management and ethics for the past 50 years. Although the moral aspects of knowledge management have been studied, its philosophical attitude has been overshadowed. This work designs a philosophical background—in moral philosophy—for public knowledge management. To achieve the research goal, the relationships between human critical success factors of knowledge management and moral duties are discussed. These moral duties are based on the Rossian ethical framework. The authors recommend moral duties to public organizations that try to manage knowledge successfully. The results show that “beneficence” is the most significant to knowledge management success in the public sector. In this paper, the authors integrate knowledge management with the Rossian ethical framework to increase successful knowledge management in public organizations.
On Volume Based 3D Display Techniques
Authors: Blundell Barry G.
Published: January 2013

In the case of certain applications in which a need exists to visualize and interact with voluminous data sets and complex 3-D geometrical models, the conventional computer interface inhibits key human-computer interaction processes. Here, several deficiencies of the standard interface are identified with emphasis on a failure to make optimal use of the complex human sensory systems. Various general forms of interaction modality are outlined together with several types of image space. This provides a basis for brief discussion of emerging ‘creative’ 3-D display systems with emphasis on computational holography, varifocal techniques, and volumetric systems.
Organizational Citizenship Behavior of Information System Personnel
Authors: Chou Tzy-Yuan , Jiang James J. , Klein Gary , Chou Seng-Cho T.
Published: January 2013

Leader-member exchange (LMX) represents the quality of interaction between leaders and members of a work unit, such as the information system function within an organization. LMX is expected to improve organizational citizenship behavior, beneficial behaviors not explicitly rewarded, but prior research has failed to establish this link satisfactorily. To determine the influence of LMX in the IS environment, a model is developed based on the background in the IS and management literature that considers LMX an important contributor to job satisfaction and organizational commitment. In turn, organizational commitment influences both work quality and organizational citizenship behaviors in a beneficial way. The model is confirmed with a sample of IS professionals in Taiwan. The results show that effective communication and coordination is crucial between leaders and subordinates at levels within the organization not previously considered.
Advancing E-Commerce Beyond Readiness in a Developing Country
Authors: Boateng Richard , Heeks Richard , Molla Alemayehu , Hinson Robert
Published: January 2013

This paper identifies factors affecting the assimilation of electronic commerce in Ghana and the solutions that Ghanaian firms have developed. Drawing from the elements of two electronic commerce readiness frameworks, the study analyzes the readiness of Ghana to support the conduct of electronic commerce at the firm-level. The study covers the government, technology, market and culture readiness factors. Findings suggest that social networks, managerial capabilities and government commitment have an attendant effect on adoption and use of tangible resources like electronic commerce applications. The findings imply that future research and practitioner efforts should focus on developing a broader perspective to address electronic commerce challenges encompassing issues like how firms can advance to more complex forms of e-commerce after initial e-commerce adoption.
Evaluating the Relevance of Information Systems Strategic Planning Practices in E-Business Contexts
Authors: Kannabiran Ganesan , Sundar Srinivasan
Published: January 2013

Increasing global competition and advances in Internet technologies have led organizations to consider e-business strategies. However, evolving e-business strategies have been identified as a critical issue faced by corporate planners. The relevance and the use of IS (Information Systems) strategy planning practices in the context of e-business have been argued among researchers. In this paper, the authors investigate whether organizations can successfully improve the IS value in the e-business context by suitably extending and modifying IS planning practices. To achieve this objective, the authors use a longitudinal case study of an Indian automotive manufacturer to critically evaluate ‘why’ and ‘how’ e-business strategies differ from IS strategies. The authors compare and analyze five important planning parameters (strategic alignment, technological environment, formalization, role of the IS function, and implementation planning) and the IS value of both IS and e-business contexts. The research reveals that the e-business contexts are characterized by significant changes in planning parameters. Extending IS planning experiences and proper management of these parameters results in successful e-business strategies. The paper is concluded with a set of implications for deploying e-business strategies in developing countries and directions for future research.
Influential Factors in the Adoption and Use of E-Business and E-Commerce Information Technology (EEIT) by Small and Medium Businesses
Authors: Wymer Scott , Regan Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2013

This study addresses factors commonly examined in the research concerning adoption and use of e-business and e-commerce information technology (EEIT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The primary objectives are to determine: 1) what barriers and incentives SMEs perceive in adopting EEIT; 2) how the level of adoption of EEIT influences perceptions of incentives and barriers; and 3) whether results vary depending on demographic characteristics of size, geographic market scope, or industry sector. This paper also examines how homogenous SMEs’ perceptions are in their consideration of EEIT adoption factors. Data were collected from 290 U.S. SMEs. The findings revealed that among 25 factors identified in the research literature as incentives or barriers to adoption of EEIT by SMEs, only 16 factors were significant in the population studied, 12 as incentives and four as barriers. Factors were perceived differently as incentives or barriers by adopters, intended adopters, and non-adopters of EEIT. A number of differences were found among SMEs based on demographic characteristics, particularly size and industry-sector.