bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access and Use of Information by Primary Health Care Providers in Rural Uganda
Authors: Musoke Maria G. N.
Published: July 2010

This article summarises findings from a qualitative study conducted in rural Uganda, East Africa. The main aim of the study was to investigate the accessibility and use of health information in the lower echelons of Primary Health Care (PHC). Women, as PHC providers in an African family, were the focus as well as health workers. An interview schedule that consisted of open questions and one relating to health information critical incidents were used. A holistic inductive paradigm was adopted with a grounded theory analysis. The findings highlight a model of information behaviour that was driven by the value and impact of information unlike previous information models, which have been driven by information needs. The value and effect of information on PHC was as experienced and reported by the interviewees. Implications of the study and areas for further research are highlighted.
Application of Selected Software Tools for Data Collection and Analysis in Library Management and Their Effectiveness Assessment
Authors: Górski Marek , Marcinek Marzena
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the authors present the results of research on the use of software tools for data collection and analysis in strategic and current library management. Special attention has been paid to StatuS and Performance Analysis for Polish Research Libraries (AFBN) — the tools most frequently used by Polish academic librarians. StatuS is used by the academic libraries of Krakow Library Group and several other libraries in Poland. Performance Analysis of Polish Research Libraries (AFBN) is a national project. Its main objective is to create standards for Polish libraries based on a set of performance indicators. AFBN consists of the e-survey, a database and special software for the collection and analysis of data. The surveys are submitted by academic and public research libraries once a year. The research on the application of selected software tools for data collection and analysis in library management in Polish academic libraries was conducted in February and March 2009. Results of the research reflect attitudes of managers toward usability of such tools to support various aspects of managerial processes.
Towards an Assessment of Public Library Value
Authors: Paberza Kristine
Published: July 2010

This paper presents methodology, early findings, possible applications of results and lessons learnt from the research study “Public libraries: value, trust and satisfaction”. The study was conducted in Latvia as the part of the impact assessment plan within the public library development project “Third Father’s Son”. The project’s goal was to improve people’s quality of life by strengthening the capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and proactive use of resources offered by free access to information technology and the Internet. In this paper, the author introduces practical results from the measurement of use-oriented value of public libraries by using information from the ecology approach and identifying the role of the public library within a context of other information sources used by the public.
Estimating Semi-Parametric Missing Values with Iterative Imputation
Authors: Zhang Shichao
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the author designs an efficient method for imputing iteratively missing target values with semi-parametric kernel regression imputation, known as the semi-parametric iterative imputation algorithm (SIIA). While there is little prior knowledge on the datasets, the proposed iterative imputation method, which impute each missing value several times until the algorithms converges in each model, utilize a substantially useful amount of information. Additionally, this information includes occurrences involving missing values as well as capturing the real dataset distribution easier than the parametric or nonparametric imputation techniques. Experimental results show that the author’s imputation methods outperform the existing methods in terms of imputation accuracy, in particular in the situation with high missing ratio.
Constrained Cube Lattices for Multidimensional Database Mining
Authors: Casali Alain , Nedjar Sébastien , Cicchetti Rosine , Lakhal Lotfi
Published: July 2010

In multidimensional database mining, constrained multidimensional patterns differ from the well-known frequent patterns from both conceptual and log­ical points of view because of a common structure and the ability to support various types of constraints. Classical data mining techniques are based on the power set lattice of binary attribute values and, even adapted, are not suitable when addressing the discovery of constrained multidimen­sional patterns. In this paper, the authors propose a foundation for various multidimensional database mining problems by introducing a new algebraic struc­ture called cube lattice, which characterizes the search space to be explored. This paper takes into consideration monotone and/or anti-monotone constraints en­forced when mining multidimensional patterns. The authors propose condensed representations of the constrained cube lattice, which is a convex space, and present a generalized levelwise algorithm for computing them. Additionally, the authors consider the formalization of existing data cubes, and the discovery of frequent multidimensional patterns, while introducing a perfect concise representation from which any solution provided with its conjunction, disjunction and negation frequencies. Fi­nally, emphasis on advantages of the cube lattice when compared to the power set lattice of binary attributes in multidimensional database mining are placed.
Towards an Understanding of User Acceptance to Use Biometrics Authentication Systems in E-commerce
Authors: Harby Fahad AL , Qahwajim Rami , Kamala Mumtaz
Published: July 2010

Security is an increasingly important issue for business, and with it, the need for authentication. The use of biometric systems for personal authentication is a response to the rising issue of authentication and security. As with any new technology, user acceptance is often hard to measure, thus, in this work, a study of user acceptance of a biometrics authentication system in e-commerce, such as online banking within the Saudi society, was conducted. The study examined whether Saudis are practically willing to accept this technology by involving 306 participants in a large scale laboratory experiment that actively tested a biometric authentication system in combination of a survey. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was adopted as the theoretical basis to develop the research framework in which the model has proven its efficiency as a good predictor for the study’s application.
An Empirical Study of Predicting Hong Kong Consumers’ Online Shopping Intentions
Authors: Cheng T.C.E. , Chung M. W.
Published: July 2010

The digital technologies that have made electronic commerce (EC) a reality have changed the landscape of operations management (OM). Past OM studies have focused on the relationship between information systems (IS) and OM strategy, however, there is a lack of investigation into the environmental factors and OM strategy in the EC setting. Moreover, little empirical research has been performed outside Europe and the United States. Thus, the authors’ research fills this gap with a view of understanding the potential factors influencing Hong Kong consumers’ online shopping intentions. The authors collected data from Facebook users via a Web-based survey and their research results support the previous literature and behavioral models in that perceived usefulness and perceived convenience and inconvenience are significantly related to consumers’ online shopping intentions. Further, gender difference plays a role in predicting consumers’ attitudes toward the positive features of online shopping, as well as predicting personal innovativeness toward information technology. In the collectivist culture of Hong Kong, the findings show that men are positively associated with the subjective norm. Unlike gender, education can only explain consumers’ perceived usefulness.
Instant Messaging in Global Software Teams
Authors: Zhang Suling , Köbler Felix , Tremaine Marilyn , Milewski Allen
Published: July 2010

Instant Messaging (IM) has been strictly forbidden in some companies as an unproductive use of time and exists in others via unsanctioned employee actions without explicit approval or directive from upper management. This paper examines a set of globally distributed software teams in a company that has explicitly installed and integrated IM capabilities with its collaboration management tools. Through a set of semi-structured interviews and the application of adaptive structuration theory, this study finds that because of the unique characteristics of global software development, IM is a highly useful tool for maintaining team cohesiveness and supporting team communication. Although the study finds strong support for the value of IM, it also identifies that the time distributed nature of the work, the informality of the medium as it interacts with different cultures and the productivity loss from IM’s interruptive nature are problematic. A set of recommendations is made to address these problems. The paper concludes that IM is a useful tool for global software development and its advantages outweigh its problems.
The Impact of National Culture on Information Systems Planning Autonomy
Authors: Mirchandani Dinesh A. , Lederer Albert L.
Published: July 2010

Hofstede’s national culture model has been applied in prior research to better understand the management of multinational firms. That research suggests that national culture may influence the information systems planning autonomy of the subsidiaries of multinational firms, but such an impact has not yet been tested empirically. A postal survey of 131 chief information officers and 103 senior non-IS managers of U.S. subsidiaries of such firms collected data to test hypotheses based on the model. Structural equation modeling using PLS-Graph 3.0 revealed that Individualism-Collectivism, Masculinity-Femininity, and Uncertainty Avoidance predicted autonomy for particular IS planning phases (as rated by the CIOs). On the basis of the supported hypotheses, the study provides evidence of the relevance of the national culture model to IS planning effectiveness and IS contribution. The study also suggests to subsidiary managers that an understanding of the national culture of their parent firm can help them gain an insight into the parent’s management perspective.
A Semantic-Enabled Middleware for Citizen-Centric E-Government Services
Authors: Garcia dos Santos Ivo José , Madeira Edmundo Roberto Mauro
Published: July 2010

Research efforts toward effective e-Government infrastructures have gained momentum, motivated mainly by increasing demands to improve citizen participation in public processes, promote social e-Inclusion, and reduce bureaucracy. One of the biggest challenges is providing effective techniques to handle the inherent heterogeneity of the systems and processes involved, making them interoperable. This paper presents a semantically enriched middleware for citizen-oriented e-Government services (CoGPlat), which facilitates the development and operation of new e-Government applications with higher levels of dynamism. It introduces the use of composition techniques based on semantic descriptions and ontologies. Requirements like autonomy, privacy and traceability are handled by applying policies that govern the interactions among services.
Welfare Implications of Deviation from Network Neutrality
Authors: Koksal Emin
Published: July 2010

This paper investigates how incentives of network operators to deviate from neutrality may create social costs or benefits in different market structures. The deviation from network neutrality is a general form of discrimination based on charging different prices for non-affiliated content and application providers. In this paper, deviation from network neutrality is formulated as a form of vertical foreclosure. While constructing the model two-sided nature of the internet service, the providing market is considered. The author found that, although monopoly network operators have no incentive to deviate from neutrality, the duopoly network operators have this incentive. Welfare analysis suggests destructive results for almost all participants, hence the total surplus in both market structures. In addition, the analysis for the degree of integration between the network operators and their affiliated content and application providers, suggest some policy proposals to discourage their degree of integration.
A Multi-Pass Algorithm for Adjusting a Network Topology in Multipoint Communications
Authors: Peltsverger Boris , Peltsverger Svetlana , Bartolacci Michael
Published: July 2010

Multimedia traffic on the Internet has grown dramatically in the past few years. Web sites, such as YouTube and Hulu, offer entertainment and educational multimedia content that previously was only available through broadcast or cable television and on storage media, such as CD-ROMs and videotapes. Latency is a key issue in the delivery of online content, especially with respect to multicasting. The authors’ proposed approach seeks to reduce overall latency for multicast streams.
A Holistic Approach for Understanding Project Management
Authors: Kraft Theresa A. , Steenkamp Annette L.
Published: July 2010

Companies invest significant sums of money in major Information Technology (IT) projects, yet success remains limited. Despite an abundance of IT Project Management (ITPM) resources available to project teams, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) Body of Knowledge, IT standards and IT governance, a large percentage of IT projects continue to fail and ultimately get scrapped. Recent studies have shown an average of 66% IT project failure rate, with 52% of the projects being cancelled, and 82% being delivered late. The purpose of this research was to provide a way for uncovering potential causes of IT project failures by utilizing a systemic and holistic approach to identify critical success factors for project management. The holistic approach has enabled the development of an ITPM conceptual model, which provides a method to evaluate the critical success factors of a given project, and their alignment with each other. The adoption of the systemic methodology and its implementation increase the potential for IT project success, and alert project leaders of potential problems throughout the life of the project.
An Integrated Systems Approach for Early Warning and Risk Management Systems
Authors: Hürster Walter , Wilbois Thomas , Chaves Fernando
Published: July 2010

An integrated and interdisciplinary approach to Early Warning and Risk Management is described in this paper as well as the general technical implementation of Early Warning and Risk Management Systems. Based on this systems approach, a concept has been developed for the design of an Integrated System for Coastal Protection. In addition to this, as a prototype implementation of a modern environmental monitoring and surveillance system, a system for the Remote Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plants is presented here in more detail, including a Web Portal to allow for public access. The concept, the architectural design and the user interface of Early Warning and Risk Management Systems have to meet high demands. It is shown that only a close cooperation of all related disciplines and an integrated systems approach is able to fulfil the catalogue of requirements and to provide a suitable solution for environmental monitoring and surveillance, for early warning and for emergency management.
Critical Success Factors and Outcomes of Market Knowledge Management
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Subramanian , Delbaere Marjorie , Zhang David , Bruning Edward
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the authors examine critical success factors and outcomes of market knowledge management, which is the management of knowledge pertaining to a firm’s customers, competitors, and suppliers. Using data collected from 307 managers in 105 businesses across Canada, the authors show that a firm’s extent of information technology adoption, its analytical capabilities, and market orientation are critical success factors for the firm’s market knowledge management. An important outcome of market knowledge management is the organization’s financial performance, mediated by customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Results of this study indicate that superior business performance depends not only on the effective management of knowledge, but also on what type of knowledge is managed. Finally, implications of results and avenues for future research are discussed.
Quality of Project Management Education and Training Programmes
Authors: Bodea Constanta-Nicoleta , Dascalu Maria , Coman Melania
Published: July 2010

This paper examines the factors that influence the quality of training and education on project management. The authors present the results of two questionnaire-based surveys. The goal of the first survey was to find what factors influence the quality of project management education, according to the perspective of trainers, professors, and training providers. The respondents included Chinese and European academics and professionals, such as project managers, software developers, financial managers and professors. The respondents were not only involved in project management training but also served as team members or team managers, thus ensuring a balanced overview of theoretical and practical issues. The goal of the second survey was to explore the definition “quality” to trainees and students. Although there were small differences of perspective, both trainers and trainees have the same approach toward a qualitative project management education.
Semantic Interoperability for Enhancing Sharing and Learning through E-Government Knowledge-Intensive Portal Services
Authors: Kiu Ching-Chieh , Yuen Lai-Yung , Tsui Eric
Published: July 2010

E-Government emerges from web sites that offer static information, documents and forms for employees and citizens, enquiries, and process automations to many types of stakeholders. Increasingly, different layers of government services are being consolidated into a knowledge portal, providing on time and online services. Such knowledge portals not only provide a platform for integrating applications and information from all government sources, but also provide platforms for knowledge sharing and learning to the public with the objective to improve the efficiency and the quality of E-Government processes and services. However, due to the heterogeneity of applications and information across different levels of government agencies, a significant amount of work is needed to re-configure such applications and services into a new platform. However, semantics are often deficient, which results in problems establishing effective knowledge sharing and learning in E-Government. This paper confers how knowledge intensive portals can be used for enhancing sharing and learning in E-Government. The authors discuss innovative information on how the Semantic Web and Web 2.0 technologies can be applied in providing interoperability to leverage knowledge sharing and learning activities.
Culturally Compatible Usability Work
Authors: Iivari Netta
Published: July 2010

This paper analyzes how organizational culture is intertwined with usability work in software (SW) development organizations. Usability is an important quality characteristic of software products and systems. However, the development of usability is challenging in SW development. Organizational culture has been argued to affect usability work in SW development organizations, thus, this paper takes a culture-oriented approach in the analysis of usability work in two SW development organizations operating in the product development context. First, based on a literature review, a definition of usability work is offered. An interpretive view of organizational culture, acknowledging its recent critique, is then introduced and utilized in the empirical analysis. The empirical results suggest that differences exists in how usability work is modified and interpreted in the organizations with divergent cultural contexts, those advocating different motives and practices for usability work. Finally, the importance of understanding the cultural context into which usability work is introduced is emphasized, and it is argued that culturally compatible strategies to usability work should be adopted.
Repositories with Public Data about Software Development
Authors: Gonzalez-Barahona Jesus M. , Izquierdo-Cortazar Daniel , Squire Megan
Published: July 2010

Empirical research on software development based on data obtained from project repositories and code forges is increasingly gaining attention in the software engineering research community. The studies in this area typically start by retrieving or monitoring some subset of data found in the repository or forge, and this data is later analyzed to find interesting patterns. However, retrieving information from these locations can be a challenging task. Meta-repositories providing public information about software development are useful tools that can simplify and streamline the research process. Public data repositories that collect and clean the data from other project repositories or code forges can help ensure that research studies are based on good quality data. This paper provides some insight as to how these meta-repositories (sometimes called a “repository of repositories”, RoR) of data about open source projects should be used to help researchers. This paper describes in detail two of the most widely used collections of data about software development: FLOSSmole and FLOSSMetrics.
The Traveling Salesman Problem, the Vehicle Routing Problem, and Their Impact on Combinatorial Optimization
Authors: Laporte Gilbert
Published: July 2010

The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) are two of the most popular problems in the field of combinatorial optimization. Due to the study of these two problems, there has been a significant growth in families of exact and heuristic algorithms being used today. The purpose of this paper is to show how their study has fostered developments of the most popular algorithms now applied to the solution of combinatorial optimization problems. These include exact algorithms, classical heuristics and metaheuristics.
Testing for Overreaction and Return Continuations in Stock Price Index Returns
Authors: Joseph Nathan Lael , Mazouz Khelifa
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the authors examine the impacts of large price changes (or shocks) on the abnormal returns (ARs) of a set of 39 national stock indices. Their initial results support returns continuations for both positive and negative shocks in line with prior results. After controlling for market size, their findings provide support for over-reaction, return continuations and market efficiency, but these result depend on the magnitude of the price shocks. Whilst the market is efficient when the positive shocks are large, the market also over-reacts when negative shocks are large. To illustrate, for large stock markets that are more liquid, positive shocks of more than 5% generate an insignificant day one CAR of -0.004%, whilst negative shocks of more than 5% generate a positive and significant day one CAR of 0.662%. In contrast, positive (negative) shocks of less than 5% generate a significant one day CAR of 0.119% (-0.174%) for these same (large) stock markets.
Distributed Multi-Agent Systems for a Collective Construction Task based on Virtual Swarm Intelligence
Authors: Meng Yan , Jin Yaochu
Published: July 2010

In this paper, a virtual swarm intelligence (VSI)-based algorithm is proposed to coordinate a distributed multi-robot system for a collective construction task. Three phases are involved in a construction task: search, detect, and carry. Initially, robots are randomly located within a bounded area and start random search for building blocks. Once the building blocks are detected, agents need to share the information with their local neighbors. A distributed virtual pheromone-trail (DVP) based model is proposed for local communication among agents. If multiple building blocks are detected in a local area, agents need to make decisions on which agent(s) should carry which block(s). To this end, a virtual particle swarm optimization (V-PSO)-based model is developed for multi-agent behavior coordination. Furthermore, a quorum sensing (QS)-based model is employed to balance the tradeoff between exploitation and exploration, so that an optimal overall performance can be achieved. Extensive simulation results on a collective construction task have demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the proposed VSI-based framework.
A Tool Support for Secure Software Integration
Authors: Khan Khaled Md , Han Jun
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a tool for the integration of security-aware services based applications that is constructed on the principles of security characterization of individual software services. The tool uses the technique of reasoning between the ensured security properties of the services and the security requirements of the user’s system. Rather than reporting the research outcomes, in this paper the authors describe the architecture and capabilities of the tool for secure software integration. The main objective of this paper is to show that an automatic tool support could assist the process of security-aware service based software integration.
Two Heads Are Better Than One
Authors: Sharma Ravi S. , Tan Dwight , Cheng Winston
Published: July 2010

This paper examines how Web 2.0 may be used in organizations to support business intelligence activities. Five leading professional services firms in the Energy, IT, software and health industries were used as the field research sites and action research performed on their Web 2.0 tools and environment. Business intelligence was the most significant driver of service value to their clients. From the data, five key findings were observed on the strategic use of Web 2.0 in the leading services firms. Firstly, the firm is aware that social networking tools can improve employees’ performance. Secondly, there are more tools for tacit-to-tacit and tacit-to-explicit knowledge transfer than explicit-to-explicit and explicit-to-tacit. Thirdly, the firm has a higher number of tools where knowledge flows within itself and almost none for external knowledge flows. Fourthly, social network is part of normal work responsibilities. Finally, among KM tools that were most recognized as assisting social network use were of the Web 2.0 genre such as wikis, RSS feeds and instant messaging and blogging. The authors show that using Web 2.0 improves social networking and may be linked to a service professional’s individual performance.
Knowledge Capture in E-Services Development
Authors: Söderström Eva , Aggestam Lena , Holgersson Jesper
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the authors examine whether the union of Knowledge Management with e-services development would be successful in performing as a collaborative functioning unit. The focus of this research is examining the potential for using Knowledge Management as a means for improving research and practice in e-services development. The authors analyze a real-life case against the Knowledge Capture model and its associated knowledge loss. The results show that KM theory has definite potential to elevate e-services research and practice, for example, by adding analysis and decision points concerning what knowledge to use and how to collect it. This is particularly relevant when collecting requirements, information, and desires from potential users of an e-service at the start of a development project.
Mobile Commerce Use among UK Mobile Users
Authors: Moqbel Asem , Yani-De-Soriano Mirella , Yousafzai Shumaila
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the authors examine UK mobile users’ perceptions of m-commerce utilization. For this purpose, the authors devise a Mobile Network Utilization Model empirically tested in experimental settings. The empirical findings reveal strong support for the capability of the proposed utilization model in measuring the concept of Mobile Task-Technology Fit (MTTF) and explaining the utilization of m-commerce services among UK mobile users. In particular, their research finds that MTTF and m-commerce utilization are dependent on the interactions between the key components of a wider mobile network, namely mobile users, mobile devices, mobile tasks, mobile operators, as well as mobile vendors. The authors identify 15 factors as a result of such interaction and the importance of these factors in explaining MTTF and the utilization of m-commerce services.
Problems of Initiating International Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Lepik Katri-Liis , Krigul Merle , Terk Erik
Published: July 2010

Regional competitiveness is a policy priority of the European Union. This article explores cross-border knowledge transfer for regional integration and development. The focus of this research is the role of cross-border co-operation in development of innovative forms of co-operation, initiating and supporting knowledge transfer. The article presents a theoretical-methodological analysis of new complex tasks and theoretical paradigms emerging in the context of increasing integration and convergence of cross-border co-operation: method’s innovation approach, knowledge and knowledge transfer. A cross-border co-operation organisation’s potential model for enhancement of complex regional co-operation has also been described based on Helsinki-Tallinn Euregio’s case. The article then focuses on investigating the international transferability of the Living Lab’s method. The article concludes by presenting the opportunities and principles of activities of a cross-border co-operation organisation to support the knowledge transfer process.
E-HRM’s Impact on an Environmental Scanning Process
Authors: Guechtouli Manel
Published: July 2010

This paper examines HR Management issues in Environmental Scanning (ES) process. Although literature claims that selecting information in this kind of processes is central, the authors are using the concept of “intelligent filters” (Simon,1983) to understand how human attention can be managed for selecting strategic information in a complex environment. The author examines HR executives and the way they deal with issues related to ES and focuses on an empirical study in a big technological firm, where the use of an internal reporting and communication system (the weekly) was studied. This author finds that this particular system can be considered as an “intelligent filter”, requiring both human and technological resources. Finally, suggestions that the system is used by HR executives in order to organize communication and coordination in an ES process but also to increase the participation and involvement of all employees in such a process are made.
Supporting the Interconnection of Communities of Practice
Authors: Lavoué Élise , George Sébastien
Published: July 2010

In this paper, a general model for the Interconnection of Communities of Practice (ICP) is proposed. This model creates links between local Communities of Practice (CoPs) and global Communities of Practice on the Web. To hit the target platform specifications to support an ICP are first of all proposed, soon after the TE-Cap 2 (Tutoring Experience Capitalisation) platform for an ICP of tutors is made up to support people working on it. This platform allows the capitalisation of tutors’ contextualised knowledge by making it easily retrievable from all the tutors in their daily practice. At last a descriptive investigation over a four-month period and forty-two users registered on the platform is conducted. Results presented in this paper concern the usability of the platform and the relevance of the model with regard to tutors’ needs.
How Thick Is Your Client?
Authors: Young Ed , Jessopp Michael
Published: July 2010

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is a measure of the revenue generated by users of a particular business service. It is a term most commonly used by consumer communications and networking businesses. For mobile devices, they generate ARPU through network and content services (value-added services) that they make accessible to the user. The more accessible these services are the greater the ARPU generated. The harder something is to find, the less likely someone is to use it. This paper explores the potential continuum between ARPU and service discoverability for mobile services by comparing and contrasting various technologies with respect to development, user experience, security, and commercialisation.
Similarity Measures for Substituting Web Services
Authors: Bravo Maricela , Alvarado Matias
Published: July 2010

Web service substitution is one of the most advanced tasks that a composite Web service developer must achieve. Substitution occurs when, in a composite scenario, a service operation is replaced to improve the composition performance or fix a disruption caused by a failing service. To move the automation of substitution forward, a set of measures, considering structure and functionality of Web services, are provided. Most of current proposals for the discovery and matchmaking of Web services are based on the semantic perspective, which lacks the precise information that is needed toward Web service substitution. This paper describes a set of similarity measures to support this substitution. Similarity measurement accounts the differences or similarities by the syntax comparison of names and data types, followed by the comparison of input and output parameters values of Web service operations. Calculation of these measures was implemented using a filtering process. To evaluate this approach, a software architecture was implemented, and experimental tests were carried on both private and public available Web services. Additionally, as is discussed, the application of these measures can be extended to other Web services tasks, such as classification, clustering and composition.
Behavioral Attestation for Web Services Based Business Processes
Authors: Alam Masoom , Nauman Mohammad , Zhang Xinwen , Ali Tamleek , Hung Patrick C. K. , Alam Quratulain
Published: July 2010

Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is an architectural paradigm that enables dynamic composition of heterogeneous, independent, multi-vendor business services. A prerequisite for such inter-organizational workflows is the establishment of trustworthiness, which is mostly achieved through non-technical measures, such as legislation, and/or social consent that businesses or organizations pledge themselves to adhere. A business process can only be trustworthy if the behavior of all services in it is trustworthy. Trusted Computing Group (TCG) has defined an open set of specifications for the establishment of trustworthiness through a hardware root-of-trust. This paper has three objectives: firstly, the behavior of individual services in a business process is formally specified. Secondly, to overcome the inherent weaknesses of trust management through software alone, a hardware root of-trust devised by the TCG, is used for the measurement of the behavior of individual services in a business process. Finally, a verification mechanism is detailed through which the trustworthiness of a business process can be verified.
Placental Leucine Aminopeptidase Efficiently Generates Mature Antigenic Peptides In Vitro but in Patterns Distinct from Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1
Authors: Georgiadou Dimitra , Hearn Arron , Evnouchidou Irini , Chroni Angeliki , Leondiadis Leondios , York Ian A. , Rock Kenneth L. , Stratikos Efstratios
Published: July 2010

All three members of the oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases, endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), ERAP2, and placental leucine aminopeptidase (PLAP), also known as insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, have been implicated in the generation of MHC class I-presented peptides. ERAP1 and 2 trim peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum for direct presentation, whereas PLAP has been recently implicated in cross-presentation. The best characterized member of the family, ERAP1, has unique enzymatic properties that fit well with its role in Ag processing. ERAP1 can trim a large variety of long peptide sequences and efficiently accumulate mature antigenic epitopes of 8–9 aa long. In this study, we evaluate the ability of PLAP to process antigenic peptide precursors in vitro and compare it with ERAP1. We find that, similar to ERAP1, PLAP can trim a variety of long peptide sequences efficiently and, in most cases, accumulates appreciable amounts of correct length mature antigenic epitope. Again, similar to ERAP1, PLAP continued trimming some of the epitopes tested and accumulated smaller products effectively destroying the epitope. However, the intermediate accumulation properties of ERAP1 and PLAP are distinct and epitope dependent, suggesting that these two enzymes may impose different selective pressures on epitope generation. Overall, although PLAP has the necessary enzymatic properties to participate in generating or destroying MHC class I-presented peptides, its trimming behavior is distinct from that of ERAP1, something that supports a separate role for these two enzymes in Ag processing.
Four-and-a-Half LIM Domain Protein 2 Is a Novel Regulator of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 in CCL19-Induced Dendritic Cell Migration
Authors: König Katharina , Diehl Linda , Rommerscheidt-Fuss Ursula , Golletz Carsten , Quast Thomas , Kahl Philip , Kolanus Waldemar , Knolle Percy , Buettner Reinhard , Heukamp Lukas C.
Published: July 2010

We identified the four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) as a novel regulator of CCL19-induced dendritic cell (DC) migration. Initiation of migration is a hallmark of DC function and plays a central role in the induction and regulation of immune responses. In vivo, DCs continuously acquire Ag in the periphery and migrate to draining lymph nodes, under the influence of local environmental chemotactic factors like CCL19/21 or sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). We investigated the role of S1P- and RhoA-regulated FHL2 in this process. We found reduced nuclear localization of FHL2 in mature bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs), compared with immature BMDCs, following stimulation with CCL19. Furthermore, in vitro-generated murine FHL2−/− BMDCs displayed a significantly increased migratory speed, directionality, and migratory persistence toward the chemokine CCL19 compared with wild-type BMDCs. Moreover, in vivo, FHL2−/− BMDCs showed increased migration toward lymphoid organs. FHL2−/− BMDCs increased the expression of S1PR1, which was associated with greater Rac activation. An S1PR1 antagonist and knock-down of S1PR1 abrogated the increased migratory speed of FHL2−/− BMDCs. Our results identify FHL2 as an important novel regulator of DC migration via regulation of their sensitivity toward environmental migratory cues like S1P and CCL19.
Virulence of Toxoplasma gondii Is Associated with Distinct Dendritic Cell Responses and Reduced Numbers of Activated CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Tait Elia D. , Jordan Kimberly A. , Dupont Christopher D. , Harris Tajie H. , Gregg Beth , Wilson Emma H. , Pepper Marion , Dzierszinski Florence , Roos David S. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: July 2010

The Toxoplasma gondii population consists of multiple strains, defined by genotype and virulence. Previous studies have established that protective immunity to this organism is mediated by IL-12, which drives T cells to produce IFN-γ. Paradoxically, although type I and type II strains of T. gondii both induce IL-12 and IFN-γ in the mouse, type I parasites are lethal, whereas type II strains establish chronic infection. The cellular basis for these strain-dependent differences remains unclear. To better understand these events, the CD8+ T cell and dendritic cell (DC) responses to transgenic, OVA-expressing type I RH (RH OVA) and type II Prugniuad (Pru OVA) parasites were examined. Pru OVA-infected mice developed a robust DC response at the site of infection and the draining lymph node and generated a population of endogenous OVA-specific CD8+ T cells. In contrast, RH OVA-infected mice had fewer DCs and OVA-specific CD8+ T cells. RH OVA-infected mice given preactivated OVA-specific CD8+ T cells were protected, suggesting that reduced DC-derived signals contributed to the low OVA-specific CD8+ T cell numbers observed during type I infection. Indeed, DC depletion prior to Pru OVA infection resulted in a failure to generate activated OVA-specific CD8+ T cells, and IL-12p70 treatment during RH OVA infection modestly increased the number of Ag-specific cells. Together, these data are consistent with a model of immunity to T. gondii in which strain-dependent DC responses shape the generation of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells and determine the outcome of infection.
Immune Dysregulation by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Shared Epitope
Authors: De Almeida Denise E. , Ling Song , Pi Xiujun , Hartmann-Scruggs Anne M. , Pumpens Paul , Holoshitz Joseph
Published: July 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is closely associated with HLA-DRB1 alleles that code a five-amino acid sequence motif in positions 70–74 of the HLA-DRβ–chain, called the shared epitope (SE). The mechanistic basis of SE–RA association is unknown. We recently found that the SE functions as an allele-specific signal-transducing ligand that activates an NO-mediated pathway in other cells. To better understand the role of the SE in the immune system, we examined its effect on T cell polarization in mice. In CD11c+CD8+ dendritic cells (DCs), the SE inhibited the enzymatic activity of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, a key enzyme in immune tolerance and T cell regulation, whereas in CD11c+CD8− DCs, the ligand activated robust production of IL-6. When SE-activated DCs were cocultured with CD4+ T cells, the differentiation of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells was suppressed, whereas Th17 cells were expanded. The polarizing effects could be seen with SE+ synthetic peptides, but even more so when the SE was in its natural tridimensional conformation as part of HLA-DR tetrameric proteins. In vivo administration of the SE ligand resulted in a greater abundance of Th17 cells in the draining lymph nodes and increased IL-17 production by splenocytes. Thus, we conclude that the SE acts as a potent immune-stimulatory ligand that can polarize T cell differentiation toward Th17 cells, a T cell subset that was recently implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including RA.
Junctional Adhesion Molecule-C Is a Soluble Mediator of Angiogenesis
Authors: Rabquer Bradley J. , Amin Mohammad A. , Teegala Nanditha , Shaheen Matthew K. , Tsou Pei-Suen , Ruth Jeffrey H. , Lesch Charles A. , Imhof Beat A. , Koch Alisa E.
Published: July 2010

Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule expressed by endothelial cells (ECs) that plays a role in tight junction formation, leukocyte adhesion, and transendothelial migration. In the current study, we investigated whether JAM-C is found in soluble form and whether soluble JAM-C (sJAM-C) mediates angiogenesis. We found that JAM-C is present in soluble form in normal serum and elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) serum. The concentration of sJAM-C is also elevated locally in RA synovial fluid compared with RA serum or osteoarthritis synovial fluid. sJAM-C was also present in the culture supernatant of human microvascular ECs (HMVECs) and immortalized human dermal microvascular ECs, and its concentration was increased following cytokine stimulation. In addition, sJAM-C cleavage from the cell surface was mediated in part by a disintegrin and metalloproteinases 10 and 17. In functional assays, sJAM-C was both chemotactic and chemokinetic for HMVECs and induced HMVEC tube formation on Matrigel in vitro. Neutralizing anti–JAM-C Abs inhibited RA synovial fluid–induced HMVEC chemotaxis and sJAM-C–induced HMVEC tube formation on Matrigel. sJAM-C also induced angiogenesis in vivo in the Matrigel plug and sponge granuloma models. Moreover, sJAM-C–mediated HMVEC chemotaxis was dependent on Src, p38, and PI3K. Our results show that JAM-C exists in soluble form and suggest that modulation of sJAM-C may provide a novel route for controlling pathological angiogenesis.
IL-17 Immunity in Human Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Honkanen Jarno , Nieminen Janne K. , Gao Ru , Luopajarvi Kristiina , Salo Harri M. , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , Otonkoski Timo , Vaarala Outi
Published: July 2010

Th17 immunity has been shown to regulate autoimmune diabetes in mice. IL-17 neutralization prevented development of diabetes when given postinitiation of insulitis but not earlier, suggesting interference with the effector phase of the disease. Islet-cell Ag-specific Th17 cells converted into IFN-γ–secreting Th1-like cells and caused diabetes in mice recipients. The role of IL-17 in human type 1 diabetes (T1D) is, however, not established. In this study, we show upregulation of Th17 immunity in peripheral blood T cells from children with T1D. This was characterized by increased IL-17 secretion and expression of IL-17, IL-22, and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor C isoform 2, but also FOXP3 transcripts upon T cell activation in vitro. Also, circulating memory CD4 cells from children with T1D showed the same pattern of IL-17, IL-22 and FOXP3 mRNA upregulation, indicating IL-17 pathway activation in vivo. IL-17–positive T cells appeared to be CD4+ cells expressing TCR-αβ and CCR6, and a subpopulation showed coproduction of IFN-γ. Given the Th17 immunity in T1D, we demonstrated that IL-17 had detrimental effects on human islet cells in vitro; it potentiated both inflammatory and proapoptotic responses. Our findings highlight the role of IL-17 immunity in the pathogenesis of human T1D and point to a potential therapeutic strategy.
Partial and Ineffective Activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells byMycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Dendritic Cells
Authors: Meraviglia Serena , Caccamo Nadia , Salerno Alfredo , Sireci Guido , Dieli Francesco
Published: July 2010

γδ T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) participate in early phases of immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We investigated whether a close functional relationship exists between these two cell populations using an in vitro coculture in a human system. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells induce full maturation of M. tuberculosis-infected immature DCs, as demonstrated by upregulation of the costimulatory CD80, CD86, CD40, and HLA-DR molecules on infected DCs after 24 h of coculture. Reciprocally, infected DCs induced substantial activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells upon coculture, which was cell-to-cell contact and TCR dependent, as demonstrated in transwell experiments. However, infected DCs selectively induced proliferative, but not cytokine or cytolytic, responses of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, and this was associated with the expansion of phenotypically immature, central memory-type Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Importantly, expansion of central memory Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and reduction of the pool of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells with immediate effector functions (effector memory and terminally differentiated cells) were also detected in vivo in the peripheral blood of patients with active tuberculosis, which reversed after antimycobacterial therapy. M. tuberculosis-infected DCs produced many different cytokines, but not IL-15, and addition of IL-15 to cocultures of infected DCs and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells caused efficient differentiation of these latter with generation of effector memory and terminally differentiated cells, which were capable of reducing the viability of intracellular M. tuberculosis. Overall, this study provides a further piece of information on the complex relationship between important players of innate immunity during mycobacterial infection.