bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications of cementless total hip replacement
Authors: Lanz O. I. , Werre S. R. , Hummel D. W.
Published: September 2010

Cementless total hip implants are relatively new to the veterinary market and therefore complication rates and prognostic indicators associated with the procedure have not been thoroughly documented. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of complications and identify prognostic indicators of success or failure for the Zurich cementless total hip replacement (THR). Medical records of 163 dogs that underwent Zurich cementless-THR were reviewed continuous and categorical variables, clinical outcomes and complications were recorded. Complications were separated into intra-operative (IOC), short-term (STC), and long-term (LTC). Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was used to compare complications. The clini-cal significance of this study was to provide surgeons with prognostic indicators of success or failure when evaluating prospective Zurich cementless-THR patients, and to report the complication rate of Zurich cementlessTHR. The complication rates of Zurich cementless-THR were then compared to previously-reported complication rates of cemented-THR and other cementless-THR systems. Short-term complications, LTC, and IOC rates of Zurich cementless-THR were found to be 6.75%, 10.4%, and 11.0% respectively. The most common complications were intra-operative femoral fracture, luxation of the implant, and septic loosening of the implant. Increased body weight and prior cemented-THR or fe-moral head and neck ostectomy of the contra-lateral hip were identified as negative prognostic indicators. The overall complication rate identified was greater than those previously reported for other cementless- and cemented-THR systems.
Triple pelvic osteotomy in dogs less than 12 kg in weight
Authors: Beosier Y. M. , Daems R. , Janssens L. A. A.
Published: September 2010

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) was used to treat a selected group of young dogs with clinical and radiographic signs of hip dysplasia. Good clinical outcomes have been reported in dogs between 17–85 kg body weight. Hip dysplasia however is also en-countered in smaller dogs. If surgery is performed in smaller dogs, femoral head and neck ostectomy is the main treatment method used. We wanted to determine if TPO could also be used in dogs under 12 kg bodyweight. Our study showed that it is technically possible to perform TPO surgery in dogs less than 12 kg of weight (down to 4.6 kg) with a good clinical outcome even in hips with high angles of reduction and subluxation.
Tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement for treatment of medial patellar luxation and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament disease in the dog
Authors: Fitzpatrick N. , Kowaleski M. P. , Yeadon R.
Published: September 2010

Objective: To report surgical technique, morphometric effects and clinical outcomes for tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement (TTTA), sulcoplasty and para-patellar fascial imbrication for management of concomitant medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in 32 dogs.

Study design: Case series.

Methods: A previous technique for tibial tuberosity advancement was modified to incorporate lateral and distal tibial tuberosity transposition. Preoperative, immediate, and six to eight week postoperative radiographs were reviewed with morphometry of a range of tibial and stifle anatomic parameters. Findings of sequential clinical examinations to six to 20 months postoperatively were recorded.

Results: Thirty-nine stifles were treated by surgery. Medial patellar luxation grade ranged from II to IV/IV. The CCL rupture was complete in 17/39 stifles, and incomplete in 22/39. Complications occurred in 11/39 stifles including MPL recurrence (n = 4). Resolution of subjectively-assessed lameness occurred in 29/39 stifles at the six to eight week assessment. Resolution of lameness was eventually documented in 35/39 stifles (4/39 lost to follow-up), and was maintained at the six to 20 month reassessment where available. The TTTA induced relative patella baja in 31/39 stifles. Magnitude of actual tibial tuberosity advancement was lower than that predicted by cage size.

Clinical significance: Tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement is a potential treatment modality for concomitant CCL disease and MPL in the dog, but refinement of planning is required, while biomechanical and kinematic effects remain unknown.
Determinants of Visitor Expenditure at the Aardklop National Arts Festival
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Saayman Melville , Ellis S. M.
Published: September 2010

The Aardklop National Arts Festival is one of the most popular arts festivals in South Africa and, given the economic value of the festival, an understanding of expenditure patterns and the determinants influencing spending behavior is vital to the festival marketers/organizers—especially
from a sustainability point of view. Therefore, the aim of this article is to investigate the sociodemographic and behavioral determinants that influence visitor expenditure at Aardklop, based on visitor surveys conducted at the festival in 2008. Regression analysis was applied to establish
the most significant determinants and results indicate that higher income, occupation, age, people paid for, tickets purchased, and attendance of other festivals are significant determinants influencing the amount of money spent by visitors at the festival. These findings will not only generate
strategic insights on marketing for the festival, but knowledge of these determinants can also lead to a greater economic impact, as well as a competitive advantage.
Unusual patterns of hybridization involving a narrow endemicRhododendronspecies (Ericaceae) in Yunnan, China
Authors: Ma Yongpeng , Milne Richard I. , Zhang Changqin , Yang Junbo
Published: September 2010

•Premise of the study: One potential threat to rare species is genetic swamping caused by hybridization, but few studies have quantified this threat.Rhododendron cyanocarpumis a narrow endemic species that occurs sympatrically with potentially interfertile congeners throughout its range within Yunnan, China. We searched the entire distribution ofR. cyanocarpumfor hybrids and examined the patterns of hybridization to assess potential threat from hybridization.

•Methods: In a comprehensive field survey, we detected only one instance of hybridization involvingR. cyanocarpum, withR. delavayi, at Huadianba near Dali. Material of both species and putative hybrids was examined using morphology, chloroplast DNA, nuclear ribosomal DNA, and Bayesian analysis of AFLP profiles.

•Key results: Of 10 putative hybrids, two were F1’s and at least seven were F2’s. Four backcrosses toR. delavayiwere detected among material withR. delavayi‐like morphology within the hybrid zone. Backcrosses toR. cyanocarpumwere not detected. Therefore F2’s outnumbered all other classes within the hybrid zone, a situation not previously confirmed for plants and extremely rare generally. Hybridization was asymmetrical, withR. delavayias the maternal parent in all but one of the hybrids detected.

•Conclusions: Although natural hybridization is common inRhododendron, it is rare inR. cyanocarpumand is apparently not accompanied by backcrossing towardR. cyanocarpum. Hence, there is no immediate risk of genetic swamping, unless habitat disturbance increases and changes the patterns of hybridization. Our study is the first to report a plant hybrid zone dominated by F2hybrids. This pattern might contribute to species barrier maintenance.
Isolated Lesser Sac Infection: An Uncommon Cause of Abdominal Pain in Capd Patients
Authors: Li Yun , Lai Lin-Yun , Hao Chuan-Ming , Tian Jing , Zhu Tong-Ying
Published: September 2010

Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is characterized by abdominal pain and dialysate leukocytosis. Abdominal abscesses have been reported in PD patients with relapsing peritonitis. We report here 3 cases of lesser sac infection in PD patients who had severe abdominal pain but not generalized or diffuse peritonitis.
Comparison of Outcomes on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis versus Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: Results from a USA Database
Authors: Cnossen Trijntje T. , Usvyat Len , Kotanko Peter , van der Sande Frank M. , Kooman Jeroen P. , Carter Mary , Leunissen Karel M.L. , Levin Nathan W.
Published: September 2010

Background and Objective

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is being increasingly used as an alternative to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, there has been concern regarding reduced sodium removal leading to hypertension and resulting in a faster decline in residual renal function (RRF). The objective of the present study was to compare patient and technique survival and other relevant parameters between patients treated with APD and patients treated with CAPD.

Methods

Data for incident patients were retrieved from the database of the Renal Research Institute, New York. Treatment modality was defined 90 days after the start of dialysis treatment. In addition to technique and patient survival, RRF, blood pressure, and laboratory parameters were also compared.

Results

179 CAPD and 441 APD patients were studied. Mean as-treated survival was 1407 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 1211 - 1601] in CAPD patients and 1616 days (95% CI 1478 - 1764) in APD patients. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was 1.31 in CAPD compared to APD (95% CI 0.76 - 2.25, p = NS). Unadjusted as-treated technique survival was lower in CAPD compared to APD, with HR 2.84 (95% CI 1.65 - 4.88, p = 0.002); adjusted HR was 1.81 (95% CI 0.94 - 3.57, p = 0.08). Peritonitis rate was 0.3 episodes/ patient-year for CAPD and APD; exit-site/tunnel infection rate was 0.1 and 0.3 episodes/patient-year for CAPD and APD respectively (p = NS).

Conclusions

Patient survival was not significantly different between APD and CAPD patients, whereas technique survival appeared to be higher in APD patients and could not be explained by differences in infectious complications. No difference in blood pressure control or decline in RRF was observed between the 2 modalities. Based on these results, APD appears to be an acceptable alternative to CAPD, although technique prescription should always follow individual judgment.
von Willebrand Factor Antigen: A Novel On-Treatment Predictor of Response to Antiviral Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Genotypes 1 and 4
Authors: Pramhas Sibylle , Homoncik Monika , Ferenci Peter , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Scherzer Thomas , Gangl Alfred , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus
Published: September 2010

Background

Levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF-Ag) increase during combination antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The present study investigates the association between these changes in vWF-Ag levels and response to treatment.

Methods

Changes in levels of vWF-Ag on antiviral combination treatment in 184 patients with CHC genotype 1 or 4 infections were measured prospectively and effect on response was studied.

Results

High on-treatment levels of vWF-Ag were associated with relapse ( P<0.01) and low on-treatment levels with sustained virological response (SVR). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that vWF-Ag levels of <300% at week 12 of therapy have a positive predictive value (PPV) of 78% for SVR. In early virological response (EVR) patients, the PPV of vWF-Ag levels <300% at week 12 was 74%. An even higher PPV of 88% in complete EVRs (undetectable HCV RNA at week 12) was observed for the same cutoff value at week 12.

Conclusions

On-treatment levels of vWF-Ag can be utilized as an additional predictive marker for response to antiviral therapy. This is especially relevant in EVR patients because EVR alone only has a PPV of 58–72% on SVR, which increased to 74%, when factoring in vWF-Ag levels <300% at week 12, and to 88% in complete EVRs; therefore, measurement of vWF-Ag levels at week 12 is helpful. EVR patients that are above the cutoff values for vWF-Ag that make SVR very probable might profit from an extension of therapy to 72 weeks.
Assessing Information Technology Capability versus Human Resource Information System Utilization
Authors: Burbach Ralf , Dundon Tony
Published: September 2010

The ever-increasing capabilities of human resource information technology (HRIT) and human resource information systems (HRIS) have presented HR departments with an opportunity to generate and analyze vast amounts of employee information that could potentially be used for strategic decision-making purposes and to add value to the HR department and ultimately theentire organization. Research in this area has frequently highlighted that most organizations merely deploy HRIT to automate routine administrative tasks. In general, these studies assume the existence of IT capabilities and sophistication without further investigating what these consist of and how or whether existing IT capabilities could be related to the different uses of HR information, that is, strategic decision-making as opposed to automation. In this article, we introduce and discuss a model that aids the categorization of firms regarding their HRIT capabilities vs. their use of HR information. Furthermore, we will explore the factors that determine the utilization of HR information for strategic decision-making purposes.
Towards a Consensus Knowledge Management Success Definition
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Smolnik Stefan , Croasdell David
Published: September 2010

This chapter explores knowledge management (KM), and knowledge management system (KMS), success. The inspiration for this chapter is the KM Success and Measurement minitracks held at the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences in January of 2007 and 2008. KM and KMS success are issues needing to be explored. The Knowledge Management Foundations workshop held at the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS-39) in January 2006 discussed this issue and reached agreement that it is important for the credibility of the KM discipline that we be able to define KM success. Additionally, from the perspective of KM academics and practitioners, identifying the factors, constructs, and variables that define KM success is crucial to understanding how these initiatives and systems should be designed and implemented. This chapter presents the results of a survey looking at how KM practitioners, researchers, KM students, and others interested in KM view what constitutes KM success. This chapter presents some background on KM success and then a series of perspectives on KM/KMS success. These perspectives were derived by looking at responses to questions asking academics and practitioners how they defined KM/KMS success. The chapter concludes by presenting the results of an exploratory survey on KM/KMS success beliefs and attitudes.
Process Model for Knowledge Potential Measurement in SMEs
Authors: Fink Kerstin
Published: September 2010

Knowledge measurement is developing into a new research field in the area of knowledge management. To ensure that a company is successful, business, technology, and human elements must be integrated and balanced into a knowledge measurement system. The introduction of a knowledge audit with the objective to uncovering the tacit knowledge in an organization and of identifying the existing management practices is needed. This chapter uses the quantum mechanical thinking as a reference model for the development of a knowledge potential measurement system. This system is influenced by three measurement components: (1) Person-dependent variables, (2) System-dependent variables and (3) knowledge velocity. Based on several case studies conducted in small and medium-sized enterprises, a process model for the implementation of the knowledge potential framework is discussed and introduced. Future research and limitations of the model are discussed in the final part.
The Relevance of Integration for Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Orth Alexander , Smolnik Stefan , Jennex Murray E.
Published: September 2010

Many organizations pursue knowledge management (KM) initiatives with different degrees of success. One key aspect of KM often neglected in practice is following an integrated and holistic approach. Complementary, KM researchers have increasingly focused on factors that determine KM success and examined whether the metrics used to measure KM initiatives are reasonable. In this article, the importance of integration issues for successful KM is analyzed by means of a case study of a KM initiative at an international consulting company. The investigations demonstrate the importance of an integrated KM approach – an integrated view of KM strategy, KM processes, KM technology, and company culture – to ensure KM success.
Towards the Construction of a System of Maths Teaching
Authors: Peja Daniela Olmetti
Published: September 2010

The chapter sets out to identify the interpretive and structural criteria for educational innovation in order to find the necessary elements on which to plan the transformation (or to confirm the use) of instruments, means, technologies, learning models and schemata for the teaching of mathematics.
Simulation Games
Authors: Piu Carmelo
Published: September 2010

This chapter develops a reflection on the theme and the different meanings that simulation can assume in applied research ambits, and deals with the problems connected to the lack of a specific ontology shared by the scientific community. In this context, after the reflections on the interconnections between simulation and reality with a view to integrating rather than superimposing one on the other, we propose a classification for simulation in the educational field that takes the didactic, social and political literature into account and underlines the need to construct an ontology that can overcome the semantic ambiguity and support a scientific debate, with particular reference to simulation games seen from the perspective of the ecology of human development.
The Conduct of a Simulation Game
Authors: Masci Roberta
Published: September 2010

The chapter describes the phases of the simulation games presenting the role and functions of the game leader in each phase. The chapter also provides helpful advice on the different ways of conducting the simulation games and discusses the main difficulties that can arise in each phase and how to overcome them.
The Use of Assistive Technology to Support the Wellbeing and Independence of People with Memory Impairments
Authors: Huijnen Claire
Published: September 2010

This chapter presents the research, results and lessons learned from a project to evaluate currently available assisted living technologies for elderly people with mild to severe memory impairments who want to age in place. During the project a number of households were equipped with assistive technology to enable the end users to better cope with the barriers and problems associated with their forgetfulness. End users were involved in different phases, starting with a problem and needs analysis and ending with an evaluation of the technology installed in their homes. It seemed that technology did have a positive impact on their lives as well as on the lives of the informal caregivers who often live with those who suffer from amnesia. This project gives insight into how we are coming closer to optimizing the positive effects which assistive technology holds for the elderly with memory impairments. Key insights are presented.
Supporting Family-based Care for Aged Patients with Chronic Illness
Authors: Nguyen Lemai
Published: September 2010

Family carers play an important role in care for aged patients with chronic illness, particularly in home and community settings. The information needs of these family carers and their patients are poorly understood and current health information systems do not adequately support their needs. This chapter describes current models in understanding patient and family carer information needs and analyses technology solutions in a new field of consumer health informatics. The analysis shows that current technology solutions in consumer health informatics fail to effectively support aged people in their own management of chronic illness and as well failing to support their family carers. The chapter also identifies key research issues in developing technologies that support aged patients and family carers in chronic illness management.
Interoperability Approach in E-Learning Standardization Processes
Authors: Bao Carmen , Castresana José María
Published: September 2010

Providing interoperability by using standards and specifications for E-learning resources is an important element of the virtual learning environments (VLEs). In this context, a large number of international organizations develop specifications that provide principles for reaching a common “language” to be used in exchanging resources among the virtual university. In this paper we turn your attention to an approach and reference for providing interoperability in different standards. The establishment of E-learning standards has promised to improve interoperability between E-learning systems, but can only be done through enforcement of these standards. Many existing E-learning systems are built on top of relational databases, and it is possible a framework which matches XML Schemas (from learning standards) and relational schemas semi-automatically. This type of framework can provide translation between learning objects and relational databases as well as an interface to manually refine existing schema mappings. The focus is E-learning standardization and synchronization in the international and national levels. The work presents a brief updated review and it presents some new challenges, concerning the E-learning standardization processes. This research is in the area of E-learning standardization and issue is one aspect of great interest for all organizations, authorities and experts working in the field of education. Moreover, the most recognized approaches are introduced in order to improve and optimize the management of the E-learning processes. While the establishment of E-learning standards has promised to improve interoperability between E-learning systems, and obviously, this can only be done through enforcement of E-learning standards and E-learning standardization processes. The aim of this work is to discover the useful E-learning technologies as technological tools for teaching. Therefore, teachers must keep in mind clearly that they must optimize teaching by means of them, such as an improvement of quality education for current society in terms of competences, as connections with the current reality that students spent long hours using them. It starts with a brief background to worldwide standardization activities in the field of educational technologies as means of enhancing the accessibility, interoperability, durability, reusability and efficiency of E-learning resources, but more important new demands and problems to be tackled are reviewed. Finally, experimental dates from studies have shown that it is useful a framework that also provides translation between learning objects and relational databases, as well as an interface to manually refine existing schema mappings.
An Intimate Relation
Authors: Damour Elisabeth
Published: September 2010

From the reading of numerous press releases, one may deduce that Japan is a country more and more dedicated to a ‘robot world’. Previously, robots were hidden in plants confined within difficult or dangerous tasks: nowadays robots make themselves visible: humanoids and androids offer home services for elderly. Such a situation is questioning the nature of relationships between human beings and humanoids and highlights how we can understand the human’s position and identity. In becoming part of a family, we could presume that robots should be considered in the position of a child with his or her parent establishing an amazing couple. We will refer to the works of a renowned psychoanalyst Donald Woods Winnicott to understand the way a child may receive the best conditions to become a mature and independent adult. A child when becoming an adolescent is at risk to show possible antisocial behaviours, as symptoms of delinquency. Human beings would certainly prefer the option of an absolute dependence from their robot-child, keeping it waiting in a sort of perpetual adolescence. In that way, human beings would feel more secure not to be challenged in their unshared human hood. Conversely, humans challenging machines and imagining cyber-bodies are to be found in performances and sports events. Researchers consider that robots would emancipate and create a life of their own. Doing so, they seem to offer new opportunities for developing human creativity, eluding the inexpressible threat: shall humanoids overtake human beings in their capacity to run a creative life?
Music and Kansei
Authors: Ishihara Shigekazu , Nagamachi Mitsuo , Masaki Jun
Published: September 2010

In this chapter, at first the authors review the researches on music in Japan Society of Kansei Engineering. Music related researches are classified into 6 categories; Kansei evaluation methodology, music psychological research, physiological measurement, music theoretical research, Kansei music system and recommendation system. Then, the authors present their approaches for research Kansei on melody and rhythm from the music theoretical aspect. A mode, one of the most elemental structures in music, is a sequence of n musical tones, arranged from the 12 tones, that fall within a one-octave range and are chosen and arranged according to the rules of that mode. In this chapter, the authors analyze, using sound tracks composed automatically by computer software, the relationships between modes and Kansei. “Melodic range” is defined as the high and low extent of the tone movements in a mode. Mode and melodic ranges were the parameters they controlled for evaluation by Kansei. Eighteen sample tracks were automatically composed from combinations of six modes and three ranges. Forty-seven Kansei word pairs were used in the research questionnaire. The results of principal component analysis and an analysis of variance reveal a contrast between tracks with major modes and a larger range and tracks with minor modes and small range. The authors also found that modes and ranges can independently or synergistically affect the Kansei. Based on their results, they have developed a real-time melody recognition program that identifies the mode and its corresponding Kansei from music. The authors also studied rhythm with programmed drum patterns and found that the fluctuation of drum beats relates to the degree of activity, with the interval and complexity of the rhythmic variations relating to the strained to bright axis of a principal components loading map.
Natural Effect of Spatial and Temporal Color Sequence on Human Color Impression
Authors: Sugano Naotoshi
Published: September 2010

The way in which a signal sequence of several colors (temporal information), as well as how a linear, toroidal, or circular sequences of several colors (spatial information) affect human color impression is examined. To investigate spatial or temporal effects of color sequences, a hexagonal projection of an RGB color space is considered. The projected route area indicates the magnitude of naturalness (as in rainbows) of color sequences, with the minimum sequence being similar to the order of rainbow colors. Using the projected route area with route complexity, a simple fuzzy model of human color impression is proposed. Clarifying the relationship between route complexity and the impressions of subjects for a projected route area revealed that the majority (>26%) of subjects of nearly all ages have natural impressions when the minimum route area is large. Thus, this model describes the spatial or temporal nature of natural (or unnatural) multicolored sequences.
Evolution of Business in Virtual Environments
Authors: King Rita
Published: September 2010

Virtual business as defined in this chapter is any business interaction that takes place in an immersive digital space in which individuals are represented by “avatars” in three-dimensional, user-created environments. While there are hundreds of virtual worlds and hundreds of millions of people globally participating in them, this chapter focuses on Second Life®, owned by Linden Lab. At the time of this writing, eighteen million Second Life® accounts have been registered and participants have spent a billion hours in-world. US $1 billion has changed hands in Second Life® between people in more than 100 countries representing hundreds of cultures. Thousands of universities, companies, institutions and organizations have Second Life® bureaus. This chapter will examine the evolution of some of the most remarkable projects taking place within this virtual world, featuring the passion of early adopters, the role of the media, current examples of virtual work, the evolution of the virtual workforce, the shift in the role of managers toward a collaborative virtual model, the relationship between education and virtual work, and virtual goods and services.
The Future of Virtual Worlds in E-Commerce
Authors: Burns William G.
Published: September 2010

The future of the evolving, collaborative communications structure will be impacted to an enormous and ever increasing degree by the merging of e-commerce and virtual worlds. Such media outlets will bring new and innovative methods by which to interact with clients and customers, as well as business to business. As these technologies continue to evolve, bringing higher definition, realism, and the power to manipulate potential customer experiences, increasing numbers of people will come to the realization that virtual worlds and similar environments are an essential part of an online communications experience. Evidence of this paradigm shift can be noted in the multitudes of brand names which also inhabit these virtual environments through countless offerings and marketing campaigns.
Blended Mobile Learning in Developing Nations and Environments with Variable Access
Authors: Nash Susan Smith
Published: September 2010

This chapter presents an overview of the experience of implementing mobile technology solutions in developing nations in conditions of limited Internet access, challenging logistics, and informal learning settings. Specific cases include experiences in blended mobile learning in Paraguay, Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Nigeria, and in remote forward operating bases with NATO and U.S. military professionals. The chapter discusses the factors in developing effective instructional strategies for diverse learning settings and non-traditional learners. Further, it details the unique advantages of mobile learning versus e-learning, why the attributes of pervasiveness, ubiquity, and spontaneity can contribute to learner success, particularly when coupled with informal social networking and support groups.
Mobile Telephony and Economic Growth in Developing Economies
Authors: Virta Heli , Puumalainen Kaisu , Tuppura Anni
Published: September 2010

This chapter investigates the influence of mobile phone penetration on economic growth in developing economies. It is widely agreed that telecommunications infrastructure has a positive effect on GDP growth. The empirical evidence concerns mainly fixed line telephony and is mostly conducted with samples from developed countries. Mobile telephony, on the other hand, may be particularly important in those low-income countries, where landlines are not accessible to all. As there also is some evidence that mobile technology may encourage innovative entrepreneurial activity, it is likely that mobile telephony has a great positive impact on welfare especially in developing economies. To examine the role of mobile telephone penetration in economic growth, we use difference and system GMM estimators with a sample of low-income and lower middle-income countries and find mobile telephony to boost economic growth. This result suggests that extensive mobile cellular network coverage facilitates economic development in developing countries.
Learning Assignments in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Adamus Tanja , Ojstersek Nadine , Nattland Axel , Kerres Michael
Published: September 2010

The chapter describes different possibilities for the design of learning assignments in virtual worlds with a special emphasis on Second Life. For this purpose, it relates to didactical requirements to obtain criteria for constructing learning assignments for different contexts and conditions. A difference has to be made between distinct forms of simple and complex learning assignments, which have to be solved in the virtual worlds, but serve for the attainment of learning objectives either from the real or the virtual world. Furthermore, it is possible to reach learning objectives concerning the virtual world by means of the real world. It becomes obvious, that the bounds between virtual worlds and the real world are blurring. The decision, whether learning assignments should be edited in virtual worlds, depends on to what extent an additional benefit compared with other (technical) solutions, can emerge in these contexts. For these purposes a closer consideration of virtual worlds‘ specific features becomes relevant.
A Computational Model of Non-Visual Spatial Learning
Authors: Patel Kanubhai K. , Vij Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2010

A computational model of non-visual spatial learning through virtual learning environment (VLE) is presented in this chapter. The inspiration has come from Landmark-Route-Survey (LRS) theory (Siegel & White, 1975), the most accepted theory of spatial learning. An attempt has been made to combine the findings and methods from several disciplines including cognitive psychology, behavioral science and computer science (specifically virtual reality (VR) technology). The study of influencing factors on spatial learning and the potential of using cognitive maps in the modeling of spatial learning are described. Motivation to use VLE and its characteristics are also described briefly. Different types of locomotion interface to VLE with their constraints and benefits are discussed briefly. The authors believe that by incorporating perspectives from cognitive and experimental psychology to computer science, this chapter will appeal to a wide range of audience - particularly computer engineers concerned with assistive technologies; professionals interested in virtual environments, including computer engineers, architect, city-planner, cartographer, high-tech artists, and mobility trainer; and psychologists involved in the study of spatial cognition, cognitive behaviour, and human-computer interfaces.
A Combined Model for the Structuring of Computer Game Audio
Authors: Wilhelmsson Ulf , Wallén Jacob
Published: September 2010

This chapter presents a model for the structuring of computer game audio building on the IEZA-framework (Huiberts & van Tol, 2008), Murch’s (1998) conceptual model for the production of film sound, and the affordance theory put forth by Gibson (1977/1986). This model makes it possible to plan the audio layering of computer games in terms of the relationship between encoded and embodied sounds, cognitive load, the functionality of the sounds in computer games, the relative loudness between sounds, and the dominant frequency range of all the different sounds. The chapter uses the combined model to provide exemplifying analyses of three computer games—F.E.A.R., Warcraft III, and Legend of Zelda—. Furthermore, the chapter shows how a sound designer can use the suggested model as a production toolset to structure computer game audio from a game design document.
Player-Game Interaction Through Affective Sound
Authors: Nacke Lennart E. , Grimshaw Mark
Published: September 2010

This chapter treats computer game playing as an affective activity, largely guided by the audio-visual aesthetics of game content (of which, here, we concentrate on the role of sound) and the pleasure of gameplay. To understand the aesthetic impact of game sound on player experience, definitions of emotions are briefly discussed and framed in the game context. This leads to an introduction of empirical methods for assessing physiological and psychological effects of play, such as the affective impact of sonic player-game interaction. The psychological methodology presented is largely based on subjective interpretation of experience, while psychophysiological methodology is based on measurable bodily changes, such as context-dependent, physiological experience. As a means to illustrate both the potential and the difficulties inherent in such methodology we discuss the results of some experiments that investigate game sound and music effects and, finally, we close with a discussion of possible research directions based on a speculative assessment of the future of player-game interaction through affective sound.
E-Commerce Systems for Software Agents
Authors: Tadjouddine Emmanuel M.
Published: September 2010

It is hoped agent mediated e-commerce will be carried out as open systems of agents interoperating between different institutions, where different auction protocols may be in use. The authors argue that in order to put such a scenario to work, agents will need a method to automatically verify the properties of a previously unseen auction protocol. This, in turn poses the problem of automatically verifying desirable properties in order to trust a given auction mechanism. This challenge needs be addressed so that the business scenario of agent mediated e-commerce becomes a reality. In this chapter, the authors discuss salient opportunities for SMEs in addressing the issues of enabling software agents (e.g., PDAs, mobile phones) to connect to auction houses and verify desirable properties that need to hold before engaging any transactions.
21st Century Learning Opportunities for SME Success
Authors: King Kathleen P. , Foley John J
Published: September 2010

This chapter informs SME (small and medium enterprise) owners, developers, consultants, and academics with the reasons, means, and possibilities afforded by 21st century technology in helping SMEs to improve their operational efficiencies and discover more effective marketing strategies for their products and services. With the rapid development and broad-based integration of web-based technologies across domains of communication, marketing, e-Commerce, and training, SMEs can benefit greatly by using these inexpensive tools to their advantage. SMEs typically underutilize opportunities to enhance their efficiencies by using more complex e-Business systems, and in so doing under develop the talents of their workforce for innovation and success. This underutilization is not just because of ignorance of technological capabilities, but also from a lack of exposure to leadership and HR development training. Knowing the need to learn must be a strong foundation before technological development can ensue. This chapter provides a synthesis of research and literature across several related, but seldomly connected fields - including, organizational theory, leadership, adult development and learning, 21st century learning, distance learning and human resource management. In developing this chapter, the authors are attempting to communicate the need for SMEs to both develop leadership and technological program developments to implement the changes needed to compete in a marketplace that reflects rapid change and imperfect information.
Organizational Readiness/Preparedness
Authors: Lalic B. , Marjanovic U.
Published: September 2010

The Internet and Information Technology (IT) are being used in many ways to bring benefits and to increase competitiveness to businesses and public sector organizations. Implementing innovations in an organization is a dynamic and continuous process. This chapter discusses factors and elements fundamental for overcoming business challenges that most of the organizations are facing during successful implementation of an IT initiative within an organization. However, in order for systems to be prepared for change in terms of organizational readiness, organization needs to assess and plan their organizational readiness. It will be also presented how to assess an organization’s readiness for success and how to put together an organizational readiness plan.
Reflecting on New Businesses Models for SMEs Through Technological Application
Authors: Jamil George Leal , Balloni Antonio José , Baroni de Carvalho Rodrigo
Published: September 2010

As modern economies faces its growth challenges, small and medium enterprises are potential agents to become strategic competitive, especially when it can be supported by information technology. A scenario composed by rapid changes in the economies, introduction of new communication and information technology and emergence of new markets forms the study background, which was proposed to analyze new business models for SMEs based on e-business concepts and how these resources, applied under strategic thinking, are increasing the SMEs’ competitiveness. A case study of Brazilian e-business based SMEs is conducted, in order to understand IT application in this evolving context, examining five successful cases.
Open Innovation in SMEs
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: September 2010

Successful innovation is a key to business growth. In the realm of technological development, innovation processes have been transformed into various forms, like open innovation, crowdsourcing innovation, or collaborative innovation. This research would like to focus on open innovation processes to reach out to the common stakeholders in the entrepreneurship system through small and medium enterprises. It has been observed that to provide innovative services or products to the outer periphery of the customer chain, SMEs play an important role. Hence, focusing innovation for SMEs would lead to a newer dimension of innovation research for better business and economic growth. It could be applied to both ways in terms of value gain to the participants. This applies to all sorts of entrepreneurships, though often corporate business houses seem to be the most beneficiaries of innovation researches. This research will emphasize open innovation for SMEs at the outset by focusing transformation of innovation leading to a networked paradigm in spite of being in closed periphery, and try to provide some overview on innovation strategies, including various challenges.
Meeting Czech Knowledge Management Challenges Head-On
Authors: Brunet-Thornton Richard , Bureš Vladimír
Published: September 2010

In the Czech Republic, Knowledge Management-related problems occur at all knowledge stages with difficulties more predominant at an organisational level. In principal, they originate from the lack of an utilisable and detailed KM implementation methodology; varying perceptions of KM coupled with the notion, that KM equates and is limited to information technologies and the like. As a reaction to these problems, the Faculty of Informatics and Management at the University of Hradec Králové (FIM UHK) developed a new KM implementation methodology. It aims to provide interested parties with a set of ground rules distributed among a number of phases. Further development is underway to elaborate the method by integrating project management tools, benchmarking exercises and critical success factors. Despite this endeavour, there is an on-going need for further research given the reality that small and medium sized enterprises constitute the majority of organisations in the Czech Republic.
A Social and Technical Investigation of Knowledge Utilization from a Repository Knowledge Management System
Authors: Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali
Published: September 2010

The need for developing countries to empower themselves through knowledge management cannot be underestimated. Knowledge utilization is the process where the benefits of knowledge management systems (KMS) are actually realized. This study investigated the effects of knowledge quality, system level, system form, service quality, management support, knowledge trust and rewards policy on knowledge utilization behavior, and the benefits of knowledge utilization from a repository KMS in an Omani organization. Findings suggested that determinants of knowledge utilization were not related to system technical characteristics or information technology service quality; they were related to knowledge quality, management support, knowledge trust, and rewards policy. Results also suggested that knowledge utilization results in individual benefits. Findings implied to practitioners that the development of high-level KMS does not guarantee their success. Organizations need to establish a knowledge-oriented culture and develop standards that ensure high knowledge quality to promote KMS and knowledge utilization behavior.
A Context-Aware Authorization Model for Process-Oriented Personal Health Record Systems
Authors: Mytilinaiou Eleni , Koufi Vassiliki , Matamateniou Flora , Vassilacopoulos George
Published: September 2010

Healthcare delivery is a highly complex process involving a broad range of healthcare services, typically performed by a number of geographically distributed and organizationally disparate healthcare providers requiring increased collaboration and coordination of their activities in order to provide shared and integrated care. Under an IT-enabled, patient-centric model, health systems can integrate care delivery across the continuum of services, from prevention to follow-up, and also coordinate care across all settings. In particular, much potential can be realized if cooperation among disparate healthcare organizations is expressed in terms of cross-organizational healthcare processes, where information support is provided by means of Personal Health Record (PHR) systems. This chapter assumes a process-oriented PHR system and presents a security framework that addresses the authorization and access control issues arisen in these systems. The proposed framework ensures provision of tight, just-in-time permissions so that authorized users get access to specific objects according to the current context. These permissions are subject to continuous adjustments triggered by the changing context. Thus, the risk of compromising information integrity during task executions is reduced.
The Use of Web 2.0 Technologies in the ESL Classroom
Authors: Wright Melissa , Hill Lilian H.
Published: September 2010

This chapter includes a brief history of the Internet, definitions of Web 2.0 and characterization of its social nature, identification and descriptions of the various Web 2.0 technologies, applications of sociocultural perspectives to language learning, the benefits of using Web 2.0 in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom, ways in which Web 2.0 has been used successfully in various academic settings, and specific activities for using Web 2.0 in ESL instruction. It is imperative that ESL instructors become familiar with internet technologies and ways they can be used to enhance the educational experiences of their students. The more familiar students are with Web 2.0 technologies, the better prepared they will be for their future educational and occupational endeavors.
Cross-Cultural Learning and Intercultural Competence
Authors: Han Pi-Chi
Published: September 2010

Globalization has increased the need to understand the nature of work-related adult learning and development across national boundaries. It is driving the demand for the workforce that possesses knowledge of other countries and cultures and affecting those who are responsible for developing international learning activities. The author of this chapter calls for adult education and Human Resource Development (HRD) professionals to learn how to apply adult learning theories in cross-cultural learning to help individuals with different cultural backgrounds. This would help these professionals acquire intercultural competence and become successful in international assignments.