bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization, Spending, and Price Trends for Benzodiazepines in the US Medicaid Program: 1991-2009
Authors: Gorevski Elizabeth , Bian Boyang , Kelton Christina ML , Martin Boone Jill E , Guo Jeff J
Published: March 2012

Background:

Although it is well-known that drug costs in the US have risen precipitously over the last 25 years, what is much less appreciated is how this rise in cost has occurred across so many seemingly distinct drug markets.

Objective:

To describe trends in the utilization, spending, and average per-prescription cost of benzodiazepines individually, in subgroups, and overall, in the Medicaid program. Medicaid has been the primary public payer for benzodiazepines over the past 2 decades.

Methods:

A retrospective, descriptive analysis was performed for the years 1991-2009 using the publicly available national Summary Files from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Quarterly prescription counts and reimbursement amounts were calculated for all benzodiazepines reimbursed by Medicaid. Average per-prescription spending as a proxy for drug price was found by dividing reimbursement by the number of prescriptions.

Results:

Prescriptions for benzodiazepines among Medicaid beneficiaries increased from 8.0 million in 1991 to 17.1 million in 2009. Expenditures rose from $131.6 million to $171.1 million over the same time period. The average per-prescription price was a little over $10 in 2009. Whereas utilization of intermediate- and long-acting agents increased over time, prescriptions for short-acting drugs fell from 1.1 million to 0.3 million (1991-2009). The percentage rise in Medicaid spending on benzodiazepines since 1991 (30.0%) was less than the general rate of inflation (57.5%), as measured by the percentage change in the consumer price index over the same time period.

Conclusions:

Relative to the rise in the number of Medicaid beneficiaries (more than doubled over the study period), there is no evidence of an extraordinary rise in the utilization of benzodiazepines. Moreover, both nominal and real average prices of benzodiazepines have fallen, primarily because of generic entry over the last 2 decades.
Access to molecular complexity via gold- and platinum-catalyzed cascade reactions
Authors: Bhunia Sabyasachi , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: March 2012

We report recent progress on Au- and Pt-catalyzed cascade reactions to access complicated molecular frameworks. Reported reactions include new cyclization/cycloaddition cascades on carbonyl and epoxide substrates tethered with an allene, alkene, and alkyne. Such substrates enable Au-catalyzed cascade reactions comprising an initial cyclization to form reactive 1,n-dipole that undergoes subsequent cycloadditions with suitable dipolarophiles.
Occupy Wall Street and the Political Economy of Inequality
Authors: Dube Arindrajit , Kaplan Ethan
Published: March 2012

Dube and Kaplan use recent research in labor and political economy to describe the trends in political and economic inequality that have spawned Occupy Wall street, and how they might be changed.
GH secretagogue receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with stature throughout childhood
Authors: Riedl Stefan , Hughes Ian , Harris Mark , Leong Gary M , Beilby John , Sly Peter , Choong Catherine S
Published: March 2012

Context

Ghrelin plays a major role in GH physiology and energy metabolism. Polymorphisms of its receptor (GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR)) may influence childhood growth and weight regulation.

Objective

To correlate GHSR polymorphisms with auxological parameters throughout childhood in a healthy cohort.

Study design

Longitudinal retrospective population-based genetic association study.

Subjects and methods

GHSR genotypes were evaluated in 1362 children and compared with height/length, weight, and body mass index (BMI) data across an observation span of 10 years (0, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years). Five different GHSR SNPs (rs2922126, rs2981464, rs482204, rs562416, and rs572169), minor allele frequency >0.1, were genotyped. Identification of potential genetic associations with height, weight, and BMI, using additive and dominant/recessive models, was optimized by comparing allele or genotype frequencies between the tallest and the shortest 27% of subjects for each auxological variable. Significance of association was evaluated by χ2 test.

Results

The rs482204 TT genotype, vs TC/CC, was associated with greater stature across the entire observation period (P<0.05). Similarly, the rs562416 TT genotype, vs TG/GG, correlated positively with tall stature at 3, 8, and 10 years. Other SNPs and genotypes showed no association with height at any age. No association was found between any tested SNPs and weight or BMI.

Conclusions

Longitudinal investigation between birth and 10 years in a population-based cohort revealed a significant association of the rs482204 and rs562416 GHSR polymorphisms on height, whereas no association between GHSR polymorphisms and weight or BMI was ascertainable.
Prototypes for Content-Based Image Retrieval in Clinical Practice
Authors: Depeursinge Adrien , Fischer Benedikt , Müller Henning , Deserno Thomas M
Published: March 2012

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) has been proposed as key technology for computer-aided diagnostics (CAD). This paper reviews the state of the art and future challenges in CBIR for CAD applied to clinical practice.

We define applicability to clinical practice by having recently demonstrated the CBIR system on one of the CAD demonstration workshops held at international conferences, such as SPIE Medical Imaging, CARS, SIIM, RSNA, and IEEE ISBI. From 2009 to 2011, the programs of CADdemo@CARS and the CAD Demonstration Workshop at SPIE Medical Imaging were sought for the key word “retrieval” in the title. The systems identified were analyzed and compared according to the hierarchy of gaps for CBIR systems.

In total, 70 software demonstrations were analyzed. 5 systems were identified meeting the criterions. The fields of application are (i) bone age assessment, (ii) bone fractures, (iii) interstitial lung diseases, and (iv) mammography. Bridging the particular gaps of semantics, feature extraction, feature structure, and evaluation have been addressed most frequently.

In specific application domains, CBIR technology is available for clinical practice. While system development has mainly focused on bridging content and feature gaps, performance and usability have become increasingly important. The evaluation must be based on a larger set of reference data, and workflow integration must be achieved before CBIR-CAD is really established in clinical practice.
Consistency of Book-Tax Differences and the Information Content of Earnings
Authors: Chen Linda H. , Dhaliwal Dan S. , Trombley Mark A.
Published: March 2012

This paper examines the effect of tax planning and earnings management on the informativeness of book income and taxable income. We conduct two sets of tests documenting (1) the incremental effect of tax planning and earnings management on the informativeness of book and taxable income, and (2) the relation between the consistency of the book-tax difference and the informativeness of book and taxable income. The consistency of the book-tax difference depends on firm decisions regarding incremental earnings management and tax planning. Consistency of the book-tax difference is measured as the standard deviation of the discretionary component of the difference between book income and taxable income. Our results show that consistency of the book-tax difference, as a measure of the joint effect of earnings management and tax planning, is related to persistence of both book and tax income and has an incremental effect on information content of both book income and taxable income.

JEL Classifications: G12; G32; H24; H25.
Risk Factors of Poorly Controlled Childhood Epilepsy - A Study in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Moinuddin AKM , Rahman Md Mizanur , Akhter Shaheen , Alam Syeda Tabassum , Kawser CA
Published: March 2012

Objective: Identifying the risk factors of poor seizure control in children in a setting of tertiary care hospital. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Child Development and Neurology Unit in the department of Paediatrics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Study period: January 2004 through December 2005. Subjects: One hundred and twenty epileptic children were studied. They were grouped into controlled group (seizure free for more than six months) and poorly controlled group (having one or more seizure per month over a period of six months or more and who had experienced trials of at least two different antiepileptic drugs at optimum doses alone or in combination with adequate compliance) at the end of intervention and compared. Results: In this study 76 (63.3%) children were male and 44 (36.7%) children were female. Out of 120 cases 79 (65.8%) were in controlled group and 41 (34.2%) cases had poorly controlled epilepsy. Mean age of the controlled group and poorly controlled group of children were 79 months and 40.3 months respectively. Focal epilepsy was found in 30 (68%) cases in controlled and in 14 (31.8%) cases of poorly controlled group and generalized epilepsy was found in 42 (72%) cases in controlled and in 19 (28.8%) cases in poorly controlled group. Idiopathic epilepsy was more common which was 37 (46%) in controlled group against 14 (34%) in poorly controlled group. But symptomatic and cryptogenic cases were more prevalent with poorly controlled group 57.5% than controlled group 53%. In poorly controlled group 48.8% had cerebral palsy in comparison to 22.8% of controlled group. Early onset of seizure before one year was 25.3% in controlled and 78% in poorly controlled group (odds ratio=.2322, p =.0082) and one or more seizure per week 43% in controlled and 92.7% in poorly controlled group (odds ratio=.1218, p=.0032) were found as risk factors of poorly controlled epilepsy. Conclusion: Early onset of seizure before one year, symptomatic epilepsy and one or more seizure per week at diagnosis were found as risk factors of poorly controlled epilepsy in children attending a tertiary care hospital. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v34i2.10216 BJCH2010; 34(2): 44-50
Clinical Significance of Cardiac Murmur in Neonate
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Monir , Akhtar Hasan Mohammad Nurul , Shirin Mahfuza , Al Mamun Mohammad Abdullah , Hossain Md Delwar
Published: March 2012

Background: There is a popular believe that cardiac murmurs are common in neonate and most are innocent or physiological. However, a cardiac murmur may be the first sign of a serious structural cardiac disease in neonate. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the clinical significance of cardiac murmur as a sole clinical sign in neonate. Methodology: Fifty neonates having cardiac murmur were selected from in-patient department of Dhaka Shishu Hospital from March 06 to October 06. Murmurs were clinically classified as innocent or significant murmur. Echocardiography was done for confirmation of the diagnosis and then patients were reclassified as innocent murmur and structural heart defect. And structural heart defects are further subdivided into physiological variant or significant heart defect. Results: Sixty eight percent cases with murmur were found to have structural heart defect and 32% had innocent murmur. Among the cases with structural heart defect 70.6% were found to have significant heart defect and 29.4% were physiological variant. Clinical suspicion able to differentiate innocent murmur or structural heart defect (p <0.05) as well as physiological variant versus significant heart defect (p <0.05). Conclusion: Confident exclusion of heart disease in the newborn period on clinical examination is probably possible by pediatricians or neonatologists. However, for confirmation of diagnosis, early echocardiographic evaluation is necessary. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v34i2.10218 BJCH2010; 34(2): 56-61
Incidence of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction and use of Statin
Authors: Siddique Md Abu , Salman Mohammad
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10199UHJ 2011; 7(1): 1-2
Screening of School Children for Operable Congenital Heart Diseases in Rural Area
Authors: Khan Omar Sadique , Urmi Sharmin Jahan , Rahman Md Magfur , Alimuzzaman Md
Published: March 2012

A random sample of 15,500 school going children in the age group of 6-16 years from public and private schools of Bhaluka & Gaffargaon were screened for the prevalence of operable congenital heart diseases [CHD] during a period of 12 months.Congenital heart diseases were diagnosed preliminary on the basis of clinical history and or clinical examination & confirmed by supportive investigations. Out of examined sample 350 were found suffering from CHD, giving an overall prevalence of 22.25 per 1000 of children far greater than that of the figure recorded in available literatures for other countries.The prevalence rate was higher in girls than that of boys in the present study which may indicate a negligence of care taking towards female children in family. In consistent, children from lower income group had a higher prevalence rate compared to their middle income group counterparts. One hundred sixty children were found to be suffering from definite operable CHD giving a prevalence of 10.32 per 1000, where again girls were the main victims.Atrial septal defect was the commonest lesion with a prevalence of 9.6 per 1000 followed by ventricular septal defect with a prevalence of 5.8 per 1000 children. Eight cases had a family history of CHD. History of rheumatic fever and or rheumatic heart disease were found to have significant prevalence among cases with CHD as compared to children without CHD.The finding of present survey suggest the need of large scale screening of apparently healthy children for CHD and family members of those suffering from CHD and that special attention to be paid to the occurrence of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in cases of CHD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10200 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 3-6
Noncompaction of Ventricular Wall - A Threat to Life
Authors: Fatema Nilufar , Bari Ahmed Saiful , Sultana Naznin , Mamun Mohammad Al , Sultan SM Mustafa , Hoque Md Harisul , Ahmed Choudhury Meshkat , Rahman Fazlur , Uddin Sultan Md Ashraf , Ahmed Khorshed , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Siddique Md Abu , Abu Bakar Sheikh Muhammad
Published: March 2012

Ventricular noncompaction is a kind of cardiomyopathy which is called Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy (NCC). In this condition in which the muscular wall of the main pumping chamber of the heart -the left ventricle (LV) appears to be spongy and non-compacted, consisting of a meshwork of numerous muscle bands called trabeculations. Here, anatomically LV wall has deep trabeculations. This condition is associated major clinical problems like systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia and even systemic embolism. Sudden cardiac death may occur in this group. Early detection of this condition may help to plan the management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10209 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 39-41
Soft Polymers for Building up Small and Smallest Blood Supplying Systems by Stereolithography
Authors: Meyer Wolfdietrich , Engelhardt Sascha , Novosel Esther , Elling Burkhard , Wegener Michael , Krüger Hartmut
Published: March 2012

Synthesis of a homologous series of photo-polymerizable α,w-polytetrahydrofuranether-diacrylate (PTHF-DA) resins is described with characterization by NMR, GPC, DSC, soaking and rheometrical measurements. The curing speeds of the resins are determined under UV light exposure. Young’s modulus and tensile strength of fully cured resins show flexible to soft material attributes dependent on the molar mass of the used linear PTHF-diacrylates. Structuring the materials by stereo lithography (SL) and multiphoton polymerization (MPP) leads to tubes and bifurcated tube systems with a diameter smaller than 2 mm aimed at small to smallest supplying systems with capillary dimensions. WST-1 biocompatibility tests ofm polymer extracts show nontoxic characteristics of the adapted polymers after a washing process. Some polymers show shape memory effect (SME).
Baicalin Induces Apoptosis in SW620 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells in Vitro and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Vivo
Authors: Chen Wen-Cheng , Kuo Tsu-Hsiang , Tzeng Yi-Shiuan , Tsai Ying-Chieh
Published: March 2012

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent malignancy and the fourth most common cause of cancer death. Baicalin, a flavone derivative isolated and purified from the dry root of Scutellaria, was assessed for its antitumor effects in human SW620 CRC cells. Baicalin (200 μM) inhibited proliferation of SW620 cells. Baicalin (200 μM) increased activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9 in SW620 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis of baicalin-treated SW620 cells showed an increase in sub-G1 cells, and the dihydroethidium assay showed significant enhancement of intracellular peroxide production in baicalin-treated cells. Addition of N-acetylcysteine prevented most of the baicalin-induced apoptosis, which in turn mediated cytotoxicity in human SW620 cells. In vivo, baicalin (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) treatment inhibited 55% of tumor growth in xenografted nude mice by 4 weeks, compared to that of the vehicle control (p < 0.05). Baicalin had no noteworthy influence on body weight. Thus, we suggest the development of baicalin as a potential leading antitumor agent in CRC.
Integrating Iris and Signature Traits for Personal Authentication Using User-SpecificWeighting
Authors: Viriri Serestina , Tapamo Jules R.
Published: March 2012

Biometric systems based on uni-modal traits are characterized by noisy sensor data, restricted degrees of freedom, non-universality and are susceptible to spoof attacks. Multi-modal biometric systems seek to alleviate some of these drawbacks by providing multiple evidences of the same identity. In this paper, a user-score-based weighting technique for integrating the iris and signature traits is presented. This user-specific weighting technique has proved to be an efficient and effective fusion scheme which increases the authentication accuracy rate of multi-modal biometric systems. The weights are used to indicate the importance of matching scores output by each biometrics trait. The experimental results show that our biometric system based on the integration of iris and signature traits achieve a false rejection rate (FRR) of 0.08% and a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0.01%.
Morphological response to competition for light in the clonal Trifolium repens (Fabaceae)
Authors: Bittebiere Anne‐Kristel , Renaud Nolwenn , Clément Bernard , Mony Cendrine
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Plant communities in temperate zones are dominated by clonal plants that can plastically modify their growth characteristics in response to competition. Given that plants compete with one another, and the implications this has for species coexistence, we conducted a study to assess how clonal species morphologically respond to competition for light depending on its intensity and heterogeneity, which are determined by the competitor species.

• Methods: We assessed the morphological response to competition for light of the clonal species Trifolium repens L. by measuring its growth performance, and vertical and horizontal growth traits. We used five competitive environments, i.e., one without competitor and four differing by their competitor species creating different conditions of competition intensity and heterogeneity.

• Key results: The morphological response of Trifolium repens to competition for light depended on the competitor identity. Competition intensity and heterogeneity, determined by competitor identity, had an interactive effect on most traits. The increase in petiole elongation and specific leaf area due to increased competition intensity was observed only at low to intermediate competition heterogeneity. Competition heterogeneity promoted the elongation of clone connections allowing space exploration.

• Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the intensity and heterogeneity of competition, which depended on competitor identity, are of primary importance in determining the plastic response of Trifolium repens. This emphasizes that it is important to consider the fine‐scale spatial distribution of individuals when studying their interactions within plant communities.
Wavelet cross-correlation and phase analysis of a free cantilever subjected to band excitation
Authors: Banfi Francesco , Ferrini Gabriele
Published: March 2012

This work introduces the concept of time–frequency map of the phase difference between the cantilever response signal and the driving signal, calculated with a wavelet cross-correlation technique. The wavelet cross-correlation quantifies the common power and the relative phase between the response of the cantilever and the exciting driver, yielding “instantaneous” information on the driver-response phase delay as a function of frequency. These concepts are introduced through the calculation of the response of a free cantilever subjected to continuous and impulsive excitation over a frequency band.
Using an Online Remote Laboratory for Electrical Experiments in Upper Secondary Education
Authors: Claesson Lena , Håkansson Lars
Published: March 2012

The use of remote laboratories in courses at university level has been reported in literature numerous times since the mid 90â??s. In this article focus is on activities carried out by teachers and students, at the Upper Secondary School Level, using the remote laboratory VISIR (Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality). The Upper Secondary School, Katedralskolan in Lund, Sweden, cooperate with Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden, in a project that concerns the introduction of remote laboratory environment suitable for Upper Secondary School science courses. A remote laboratory in electronics has been introduced and is used as a complement to the traditional workbench in the hands-on laboratory. Significant results from the project are; 1) the great interest shown by the students for the remote experiments, 2) the students appreciation for the fact that it was not simulations but actual real experiments, 3) the remote laboratory is easy to implement for use by both teachers and students and 4) it can be used simultaneously by many students.
Deployment of Remotely-Accessible Robotics Laboratory
Authors: Petrovi Pavel , Balogh Richard
Published: March 2012

Robotnacka is an autonomous drawing mobile robot, designed for eaching beginners in the Logo programming language. It can also be used as an experimental platform, in our case in a remotely accessible robotic laboratory with the possibility to control the robots via the Internet. In addition to a basic version of the robot a version equipped with a gripper is available too, one with a wireless camera, and one with additional ultrasonic distance sensors. The laboratory is available on-line permanently and provides a simple way to incorporate robotics in teaching mathematics, programming and other subjects. The laboratory has been in use several years. We provide description of its functionality and summarize our experience.
System Uncertainty Based Data-Driven Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Zhao Jun , Wang Guoyin
Published: March 2012

In the three-layered framework for knowledge discovery, it is necessary for technique layer to develop some data-driven algorithms, whose knowledge acquiring process is characterized by and hence advantageous for the unnecessity of prior domain knowledge or external information. System uncertainty is able to conduct data-driven knowledge acquiring process. It is crucial for such a knowledge acquiring framework to measure system uncertainty reasonably and precisely. Herein, in order to find a suitable measuring method, various uncertainty measures based on rough set theory are comprehensively studied: their algebraic characteristics and quantitative relations are disclosed; their performances are compared through a series of experimental tests; consequently, the optimal measure is determined. Then, a new data-driven knowledge acquiring algorithm is developed based on the optimal uncertainty measure and the Skowron’s algorithm for mining propositional default decision rules. Results of simulation experiments illustrate that the proposed algorithm obviously outperforms some other congeneric algorithms.
Privacy Preserving Integration of Health Care Data
Authors: He Xiaoyun , Vaidya Jaideep , Shafiq Basit , Adam Nabil , White Tom
Published: March 2012

For health care related research studies the medical records of patients may need to be retrieved from multiple sites with different regulations on the disclosure of health information. Given the sensitive nature of health care information, privacy is a major concern when patients’ health care data is used for research purposes. In this paper, the authors propose approaches for integration and querying of health care data from multiple sources in a secure and privacy preserving manner. In particular, the first approach ensures secure data integration based on unique identifiers, and the second one considers data integration based on quasi identifiers, for which a rule-based framework is proposed for cross-linking data records, including secure character matching.
Evaluation of Clustering Patterns using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)
Authors: Namayanja Josephine M.
Published: March 2012

Computational techniques, such as Simple K, have been used for exploratory analysis in applications ranging from data mining research, machine learning, and computational biology. The medical domain has benefitted from these applications, and in this regard, the authors analyze patterns in individuals of selected age groups linked with the possibility of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a disorder affecting approximately 45% of the elderly. The study identifies groups of individuals behaving in two defined categories, that is, those diagnosed with MetS (MetS Positive) and those who are not (MetS Negative), comparing the pattern definition. The paper compares the cluster formation in patterns when using a data reduction technique referred to as Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) versus eliminating its application in clustering. Data reduction techniques like SVD have proved to be very useful in projecting only what is considered to be key relations in the data by suppressing the less important ones. With the existence of high dimensionality, the importance of SVD can be highly effective. By applying two internal measures to validate the cluster quality, findings in this study prove interesting in context to both approaches.
Goal-Based Requirements Elicitation for Service Reuse in Cloud Computing
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: March 2012

Based on the existing requirements model and new service requests, the proposed service requirements elicitation framework ASREGL aims to achieve an optimal service supply and demand relationship. The current control variable is the similarity of the service requirements and capabilities. The major contents of this chapter include: (1) Service requirements elicitation questionnaires system, which uses a set of queries to narrow generic service requirements down to specific expressions of user preferences; (2) The construction process of goal-oriented service models based on the user’s answers to the elicitation questions, which incorporates a Multi-strategy Task-adaptive Learning (MTL) technique with the goal-oriented requirements modelling approaches such as the i* framework; and (3) The dual feedback control mechanism, which supports the continuous interactions between service providers and requestors. The requirements elicitation process uses requirements models in the services pool matched with specific service requests, and ultimately identifies a service capability model that best fits the specific purpose of the targeted user. A virtual travel agency example is used to illustrate the proposed approach.
Cyclic Pore Pressure Generation, Dissipation and Densification in Granular Mixes
Authors: Thevanayagam S. , Shenthan T.
Published: March 2012

Knowledge of cyclic load induced pore pressure generation, post-liquefaction dissipation and volumetric densification characteristics of sands, silty sands, and silts are important for the analysis of performance of loose saturated granular deposits in seismic areas. This article presents results from an experimental study of these characteristics for such soils containing 0 to 100% non-plastic silt. Pore pressure generation characteristics are studied using undrained cyclic triaxial tests. Pre- and post-liquefaction compressibility and coefficient of consolidation, and post-liquefaction volumetric densification characteristics are determined from consolidation data prior to cyclic tests and pore pressure dissipation tests following undrained cyclic tests. Effects of fines content on these characteristics compared to those of clean sands are examined in the context of intergranular void ratio and intergranular contact density concepts.
The Search Engine as an Internet Service Channel
Authors: Hiraoka Leslie S.
Published: March 2012

Development of the search engine as a major information and marketing channel resulted from innovative technologies that made it capable of presenting rapid, relevant responses to queries. To do this, the search engine compiles an index of web pages of information stored on the World Wide Web, ranks each page according to its incoming links, matches keywords in the query to those in its index, and returns what it determines are the most relevant pages to the searcher. Innovative and cost-effective ad placement algorithms have attracted advertisers to search engine websites and intensified the competitive dynamics among industry leaders. Their interacting software also continues to draw advertisers from traditional, mass marketing channels like television and newspapers to the online medium to cater to customers who have expressed an interest in their products and services.
GIS and GPS Applications in Emerging Economies
Authors: Zhou Bin , Hsu Jeffrey , Wang Yawei
Published: March 2012

The rapid development of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Position System (GPS) has attracted the attention of both business practitioners and academic researchers. GIS and GPS technologies, through providing optimized schedules, routings, and guidance, are especially important and helpful in transportation and logistics businesses. Though GIS and GPS technologies have been witnessed in many business sectors in developed countries, wide application of these technologies is still in its preliminary phase in companies in developing nations. In this paper, the authors present a study on the application of an integrated intelligent system that consists of GIS, GPS and related technologies to optimize logistic distribution of perishable products in urban environments. Through investigating GIS and GPS usage in a medium-sized logistics company in the unique settings of emerging economies, this paper addresses how these technologies enhance the management of businesses and analyze the interaction of GIS/GPS implementation and several key characteristics of the logistic distribution context by identifying major benefits, challenges, and limitations associated with the use of GIS and GPS.
Changing Attitudes toward Women IT Managers
Authors: Hackbarth Gary , Dow Kevin E. , Wang Hongmei , Johnson W. Roy
Published: March 2012

Essentialism and social constructionism theories have long explained the difficulties women experience as they aspire to higher managerial positions or enter science and technology fields. In the 1970s, the Women as Managers Scale (WAMS) sought to determine the extent to which males perceived females as being different from their social group. Given efforts to encourage women to consider IT careers and changes in public law and education that have occurred since the early 1970s, this study revisited the WAMS to compare current attitudes of young people toward women as managers. The results suggest that through the intangible individual differences of women, perspective, overtime, via training, by awareness, and with their greater participation in the workplace, there has been gradual improvement in the perception of women as managers by men in the science and technology fields.
Developing and Evaluating Practical Methodological Guidelines for use of Student Response System in Teaching
Authors: Hansen-Nygård Gabrielle , Nielsen Kjetil L. , Thorseth Trond M. , Stav John B.
Published: March 2012

This article presents methodological experiences and evaluation results obtained during introduction and testing of a new online student response system (SRS) for modern mobile devices at Sør-Trøndelag University College, in Norway. The aim of the test period was methodological development, based on student evaluation. Using in-depth interviews with students, awareness of how SRS was comprehended by the students in their learning process increased. Several methodological choices and practical challenges were faced when introducing SRS. The procedures and methodological choices were based on published experience and the authors’ assumptions. However, what was believed to be important pedagogical, were among the students perceived as positive but not in the way expected. The students have a clear perspective on their own learning process and gave insight into how SRS fit into their own learning process. Students’ perceptions regarding methodology, in combination with their own experience of learning, appear as a necessary ingredient for an appropriate implementation and use of SRS in teaching.
Development of an Extended Information Quality Framework for E-Learning System Content for Engineering Education Courses (EECs)
Authors: Alseddiqi Mohamed , Mishra Rakesh , Asim Taimoor
Published: March 2012

Poor integration of pedagogical and technological learning elements within teaching and learning methodologies may have substantial impacts on the effectiveness of learning. Although educational institutions are improving their courses, teaching and learning methodologies and assessment strategies with tailored approaches, their efforts at improvement tend to focus narrowly on academic results. The authors believe that educational courses should give priority to educational goals and labour market expectations (industrial companies’ requirements) in devising the methodology of teaching and learning. The technology based learning system has a capability to comply with diverse requirements as mentioned. The purpose of this paper is to develop an extended information quality framework to measure the effectiveness of e-learning content for technology based learning system for engineering education courses (EECs) in Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in Bahrain. The model incorporates the requirements of educational goals (TVE goals) and modern industrial needs and integrates these with existing information quality frameworks. The extended model incorporates pedagogical and technological elements, is consistent with the educational objectives and industrial requirements, and can be used as guidelines for measuring the effectiveness of e-learning packages delivered in EECs.
Academic Development Perspectives of Blended Learning
Authors: Donnelly Roisin , McAvinia Claire
Published: March 2012

Technological advances in every aspect of today’s higher education environment create a forum for academic developers to re-examine existing delivery methods for professional development. Within the context of this case study, the term ‘academic developer’ is taken to encompass the role of learning technologist. In order to be responsive and accommodate the changes, traditional instruction methods are being extended to encompass the range of Web 2.0 tools available. Debate is ongoing in the area of blended learning as to the ultimate effectiveness of technology integration. Through exploration of the experiences of two academic developers involved in the design and delivery of accredited professional development programmes for academic staff in Ireland, the case is made for an effective balance in pedagogical and technological intervention. Both were experienced in delivery of face-to-face instruction, had different levels of experience in online teaching and worked collaboratively with academic staff. Experience from the two case studies suggests that a prerequisite for embedding blended learning strategies in learning and teaching is that the instructors recognise the need for appropriate holistic academic development to provide them with not only an understanding of how best to use the technologies, but fundamentally for enhancing their understanding of how to develop effective blended learning environments.
The Definition of Blended Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Caner Mustafa
Published: March 2012

Through the beginning of the millennium, the education environments have witnessed the introduction of information technologies and new pedagogies. Especially, the extensive use of Internet technologies as well as the networked learning made it possible to design and utilize new generation learning environments that are realistic, authentic, and engaging. By means of educational developments, alternative content delivery techniques or technologies have been implemented into the teaching environments throughout the years. In an effort to capitalize on the advantages of instructional delivery modalities and minimize the disadvantages, scholars started to combine the most functional elements of the instruction in these learning environments and that is universally called as ‘Blended Learning’. Although the blended learning as an instruction model has an increasing interest in the field of higher education, it is still in its infancy. The definitions of blended learning in the literature needs to be clarified or collocated for the readers, who would like to deal with blended learning in any level of instruction. Therefore, this chapter reviews the recent literature on blended and online learning and juxtaposes the definitions of the blended learning as well as the types of blended learning instruction that took place in the higher education environments.
Using Innovations Effectively in a Distance Learning Programme
Authors: Blanchard Richard , Williams Sheryl
Published: March 2012

Distance education is not new. Correspondence courses date back over 150 years. Advances in information and communication technologies, particularly the Internet, open up a host of possibilities to study at a distance, making use of the latest advances in e-learning tools. However, it must be stressed that e-learning has to focus on the learning pedagogy and not just the technology. This chapter examines the role of learning in e-learning by reviewing state-of-the-art developments and innovations to support distance learning students and academics. It identifies strategies for successful learning through the evaluation of student experiences and considers methods and practices that can be employed for delivering a successful learning programme.
Online Computer Engineering
Authors: Moeller Dietmar P. F. , Sitzmann Daniel
Published: March 2012

In today’s complex and competitive world of technological innovation, determining the accuracy, financial viability, and utility of new discoveries increasingly depends on a well-educated engineering workforce, but at the same time, European industry worries about engineering skill shortages. In order to develop a well-trained cadre of engineers who meet industry requirements in the field of Computer Engineering, the Online Computer Engineering (VHN-TIO) project fosters national cooperation at the university level. This project offers a unique, forward-looking way to focus on the qualifications needed by engineers in terms of up skilling, i.e., increasing required engineering skills, usually through training and multiple skilling across many fields.
Conducting Effective Interviews about Virtual Work
Authors: Kee Kerk F. , Thompson-Hayes Marceline
Published: March 2012

This chapter explicates interviewing as a viable research method for studying virtual work. The chapter begins with a review of the existing interdisciplinary scholarship on qualitative interviewing along with three modes of interviewing, interviewing techniques, formats, and rigor. Next, the chapter reviews exemplary research reports on virtual work to illustrate best practices in interviewing and data analysis. Finally, suggestions for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting interview data about virtual work are discussed.
Social Networking Sites and Complex Technology Assessment
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: March 2012

Social networking sites (SNS) are integrated world wide web-based information, communication and community platforms that allow the creation of personal profiles, the upload and sharing of multimedia data, networking with other users with the help of “friends lists”, communication by tools such as e-mail, guest books, or forums. SNS combine a number of Internet technologies on one platform and are among the most popular Internet and web applications. Young people especially use them, which is why it is important to assess the implications of SNS usage by young people for society. In this paper, foundations of complex and dialectical SNS technology assessment are elaborated by introducing three different approaches of technology assessment: 1) technological determinism; 2) the social construction of technology; and 3) complex dialectical technology assessment. It is argued that technology assessment should be conceived as complex and dialectical and that it should try to identify contradictions of technology and society. An empirical study of SNS usage is presented as an example of complex, dialectical technology assessment.
Internetized Television Debates
Authors: Deligiaouri Anastasia , Symeonidis Panagiotis
Published: March 2012

The convergence of television with internet technologies has further upheld the participatory role of Internet in modern political communication. The adoption of Internet communication regulations in television programs has created a new hybrid model of “Internetized Television” which has the potential to strengthen citizens’ voice in political life. In this research paper, an extensive empirical study of certain variables relating to participation in internetized television was conducted, focusing, in particular, on the impact of this new medium during the 2007 national elections in Greece, when a specific broadcast was aired on TV, namely the “Skai-YouTube Debate.” Based on the results of our survey, an in-depth theoretical discussion of the political and communicative challenges imposed by this form of internetized television was conducted.
E-Politics in the Internet Era
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh S. , Weiss Randy
Published: March 2012

The Internet is now one of the most popular media outlets for campaigning and elections, and may soon be used for electronic voting. The scope of this paper is to examine the impact of the Internet on American politics relative to campaigns and elections by conducting the relevant literature review and synthesis. It will attempt to follow the progression of the Internet’s role in politics, and identify both positive and negative impacts. It will assess what the Internet has changed, and conversely, what it has not changed and study the impact of the Internet in terms of candidates, strategists, media, citizens, and activists.
Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Naulaers G. , Caicedo A. , Van Huffel S.
Published: March 2012

Near-infrared spectroscopy was first described in 1977 as a non-invasive technique to measure the cerebral oxygenation and cytochrome oxydase. Different techniques have been developed resulting in new instruments that make it possible to measure cerebral oxygenation in a non-invasive way. In this chapter the physiology and pathophysiology in relation to the measurement of cerebral oxygenation are explained and the direct possible clinical use enlightened, with special focus on measurement of ischemic cerebral hypoxia. The measurement of other organs like the liver, the bowel and the peripheral circulation are described. At the end, a short overview of future possible bed-side measurements like functional near-infrared spectroscopy, near-infrared imaging and photoacoustic measurements are given.
Introduction to the CFM and the Clinical Applications
Authors: Azzopardi Denis
Published: March 2012

The cerebral function monitor is a device for trend monitoring of changes in the amplitude of the electroencephalogram, typically recorded from 1-2 pairs of electrodes. Initially developed and introduced to monitor cerebral activity in encephalopathic adult patients or during anaesthesia it is now most widely used in newborns with encephalopathy to assess the severity of encephalopathy and for prognosis. The time to recovery from a moderately/severely abnormal amplitude integrated electroencephalogram trace to a normal trace is strongly predictive of subsequent neurological outcome following neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, including in newborns receiving neuroprotective treatment with prolonged moderate hypothermia. The cerebral function monitor is also used for seizure detection and to monitor response to anticonvulsant therapies. Amplitude integrated electroencephalography compares well with standard electroencephalography when used to assess the severity of neonatal encephalopathy but a standard electroencephalogram is still required to provide additional important information about changes in frequency, and in the synchrony and distribution and other characteristics of cerebral cortical activity. The role of the amplitude integrated electroencephalogram to identify brain injury in preterm infants remains to be determined.
Pain Assessment in Neonates
Authors: Storm Hanne
Published: March 2012

In the U.S. it is mandatory to assess and treat pain. Italy, France, and Russia are establishing standards that mean pain assessment and treatment may become mandatory. Physiological, behavioural, and biochemical tools have been used for pain assessment but no gold standard is yet available. These tools have both limits and benefits. The topic of this chapter is to discuss these tools for different infant groups and to conclude if they can fulfill a gold standard for pain assessment. This gold standard should be independent of the infant’s level of maturity and level of illness, should give accurate pain measurement, be in real time, give an immediate response, and the index should be valid for all infants.
Agile Knowledge-Based E-Government Supported by SAKE System
Authors: Ko Andrea , Kovács Barna , Gábor András
Published: March 2012

The evolution of e-Government services moves quickly. There is a limited time for adaptation to the new environment in terms of legislation, society, and economy. Maintaining reliable services and a secure IT environment is even more difficult with perpetual changes like mergers and acquisitions, supply chain activity, staff turnover, and regulatory variation. The nature of the changes has become discontinuous; however, the existing approaches and IT solutions are inadequate for highly dynamic and volatile processes. The management of these challenges requires harmonized change management and knowledge management strategy. In this chapter, the selected change management strategy, the corresponding knowledge management strategy, and their IT support are analyzed from the public administration point of view. SAKE project (FP6 IST-2005-027128 funded by the European Commission) approach and IT solution are detailed to demonstrate the strategic view and to solve the knowledge management and change management related problems and challenges in public administration. The current situation of economic downturn and political change forces public administration to follow the reconfiguration of existing resources strategy, which is appropriate on the short run; moreover, the combined application of personalization and codification strategy can result in long-term success.