bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasoning on the Semantic Web
Authors: Brussee R.
Published: May 2011

We describe reasoning as the process needed for using logic. Efficiently performing this process is a prerequisite for using logic to present information in a declarative way and to construct models of reality. In particular we describe description logic and the owl ontology language and explain that in this case reasoning amounts to graph completion operations that can be performed by a computer program. We give an extended example, modeling a building with wireless routers and explain how such a model can help in determining the location of resources. We emphasize how different assumptions on the way routers and buildings work are formalized and made explicit in our logical modeling, and explain the sharp distinction between knowing some facts and knowing all facts (open vs. closed world assumption). This should be helpful when using ontologies in applications needing incomplete real world knowledge.
Lip Service? How PA Journals and Textbooks View Information Technology
Authors: Northrop Alana
Published: May 2011

This chapter first points out the continued need for a reader on information technology by reviewing the early importance given to computing education by MPA programs and practitioners. Next, the chapter surveys current textbooks’ and general public-administration journals’ treatment of the topic. Three highly respected public-administration journals and three textbooks are reviewed. The journals are found to typically give little attention to the topic of computing, whether as a main focus or as merely a mention in articles. The textbooks also barely mention computing. In addition, there was no consistent rubric or chapter topic under which computing is discussed. The continued and vital need for a reader on information technology and computer applications in public administration is apparent. Finally, the chapter concludes by briefly discussing a range of issues that public administrators should be conversant with if they are to successfully utilize computer applications in the delivery of public-sector services.
E-Government and Creating a Citizen-Centric Government
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the relationship between e-government and the creation of a more citizen-centric government. This study provides a conceptual framework showing a possible relationship among management, resources, security, and privacy issues that would lead to creating a more citizen-centric government with e-government. It explores the opinions of chief information officers (CIOs) on e-government issues and effectiveness. A survey was administered to federal government CIOs in June and July 2005. The survey results revealed that CIOs who have higher management capacity and project-management skills were associated more with creating a more citizen-centric federal government. The contribution of this study to the literature on e-government is that it identifies two key attributes that CIOs can attain in order to reach higher stages of e-government advancement for their department or agency.
World Wide Web Site Design and Use in U S Local Government Public Management
Authors: Scavo Carmine , Baumgartner Jody
Published: May 2011

The World Wide Web has been widely adopted by local governments as a way to interact with local residents. The promise and reality of Web applications are explored in this chapter. Four types of Web utilizations are analyzed: bulletin board applications, promotion applications, service delivery applications, and citizen input applications. A survey of 145 municipal and county government Web sites originally conducted in 1998 was replicated in 2002, and then again in 2006. These data are used to examine how local governments are actually using the Web and to examine the evolution of Web usage over the 8-year span between the first and third survey. The chapter concludes that local governments have made progress in incorporating many of the features of the Web but that they have a long way to go in realizing its full promise.
E-Business Reference Models
Authors: Misic Vojislav B. , Zhao J. Leon
Published: May 2011

A number of reference models have been proposed to facilitate the development of E-business systems and applications. A comparative analysis of existing models and their pertinent characteristics should be the first step in selecting the right one to be used as the foundation for the system being developed. This Chapter addresses that goal through an exposition of different reference models to be used for the development of e-business systems and applications, as well as of suitable quality evaluation frameworks to be used for their assessment.
Reference Model Management
Authors: Thomas Oliver
Published: May 2011

Reference modeling is located in a field of conflict between research and practice. Despite the array of theoretical concepts there is still a deficit in knowledge about the use and problems inherent in the implementation of reference models. Accordingly, in the past years the supply-sided development of reference models predominant in the science world has distanced itself from their demand-sided use in business and administration. This contribution will analyze the causes of these problems and present a solution in the form of an integrative approach to computer-supported management of re¬fe¬rence ¬mo¬dels. The task to be carried out with this solution approach will be concretized using data structures and a system architecture and then, prototypically implemented in the form of a reference model management system.
Human Rights Movements and the Internet
Authors: Lannon John , Halpin Edward
Published: May 2011

This chapter looks at the impact of the Internet on the worldwide human rights movement, and examines the opportunities and pitfalls of the technology and its applications for human rights organisations. It argues that the technology is a useful tool in nongovernmental efforts toward worldwide compliance with human rights norms despite the new challenges it presents for human rights defenders and activists, particularly in the South. Conceptualising the movement as a collection of issue-based social submovements, it draws on social movement literature and examples from Africa to describe how the technology and its applications benefit the movement in six key areas of activity. The promises, pitfalls, and difficulties of Internet usage are discussed, with particular emphasis on censorship, surveillance and privacy, and the challenges they pose for human rights activists operating in a digital environment.
E-Business Knowledge
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

This chapter documents some of the links between e-business and knowledge management systems that might be explored in future empirical research. The research propositions in this chapter illustrate the need for a contingent approach to knowledge management systems that are to support e-business. Knowledge management systems successfully supporting and improving e-business performance have to satisfy several requirements. First, they have to support the chosen e-business model(s). Second, they have to cause improvements through redesign of e-business processes. Furthermore, more advanced stage of knowledge management technology in terms of codification strategy will be more powerful and successful. These are some of the research propositions presented in this chapter, which represents a rich knowledge base for future empirical studies. The main objective of a knowledge management system (KMS) is to support the creation, transfer, and application of knowledge in organizations (Feng et al., 2005). Electronic business (e-business) is marketing, buying, selling, delivering, servicing, and paying for products, services, and information across networks linking an enterprise and its prospects, customers, agents, suppliers, competitors, allies, and complementors (Weill & Vitale, 2002). Several researchers emphasize the important role of knowledge management systems in e-business (e.g., El Sawy, 2001; Fahey et al., 2001; Holsapple & Singh, 2000; Malhotra, 2000, 2002; Plessis & Boon, 2004; Singh et al., 2004; Tsai et al., 2005). Garud and Kumaraswany (2005) argue that knowledge has emerged as a strategically significant resource for the firm. Accordingly, knowledge creation and transfer becomes a key factor to gain and sustain a competitive advantage (Sambamurthy & Subramani, 2005). E-business processes can create additional customer value through knowledge creation with customers (Kodama, 2005).
Morphological Semiosis
Authors: Taborsky Edwina
Published: May 2011

This chapter argues that reality, both material and conceptual, functions as a complex network of continuous adaptive morphological formation. The morphological form is a well-formed form (wff), a Sign. It materializes as this informational form within a function, an irreducible triad, where f(x)=x models the three procedures of input/mediation/output. The procedures are, in themselves, relations, which are encoded spatial and temporal measurements that enable both symmetrical and asymmetrical informational interactions. Using a Cartesian quadrant, the six possible relations are examined to show how reality is molded into well-formed forms, or signs, to provide capacities for both random and planned information and for both mechanical and reasoned templates of informational behavior. It is hoped that such an applied analysis of information can enable researchers to construct and manage artificial information systems.
Interaction Design for Tangible Augmented Reality Applications
Authors: Lee Gun A. , Kim Gerard J. , Billinghurst Mark
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes designing interaction methods for Tangible Augmented Reality (AR) applications. First, we describe the concept of a Tangible Augmented Reality interface and review its various successful applications, focusing on their interaction designs. Next we classify and consolidate these interaction methods into common tasks and interaction schemes. And finally, we present general design guidelines for interaction methods in Tangible AR applications. The authors hope that these guidelines will help developers design interaction methods for Tangible AR applications in a more structured and efficient way, and bring Tangible AR interfaces closer to our daily lives with further research.
Fostering Innovation in Networked Communications
Authors: Ballon Pieter , Pierson Jo , Delaere Simon
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines how to foster innovation in networked communications by setting up broadband environments for joint testing and experimenting. It identi?es six types of test and experimentation platforms (TEPs), based on criteria such as technological maturity, openness, and focus. The typology is matched with the characteristics of real-life TEPs in three European benchmark countries, that is, Finland, The Netherlands, and the UK. The authors argue that the creation of open platforms furthers the interplay between business actors in the value chain, helping to tackle the systemic failures associated with broadband innovation. They demonstrate that the strategic relevance of TEPs lies in the extent to which networked communications between all stakeholders, including users, is made possible in the establishment of a trusted setting that resembles real-life situations (as closely as possible) and in the support of non-linear, mutual shaping innovation processes with semi-mature technology.
Geospatial Web Services
Authors: Zhao Peishing , Yu Genong , Di Liping
Published: May 2011

As Web service technologies mature in recent years, a growing number of geospatial Web services designed to interoperate spatial information over the network have emerged. Geospatial Web services are changing the way in which spatial information systems and applications are designed, developed and deployed. This chapter introduces all aspects of geospatial Web services from service-oriented architecture to service implementation. It covers the life cycle of geospatial Web services in terms of geospatial interoperable standards, including publish, discovery, invocation and orchestration. To make geospatial Web services more intelligent, semantic issues about geospatial data and services are discussed here. Furthermore, the applications of standard-compliant geospatial Web service are also reviewed.
Development of a Web-Based Intelligent Spatial Decision Support System (WEBISDSS)
Authors: Sugumaran Ramanathan , Ilavajhala Shriram , Sugumaran Vijayan
Published: May 2011

A SDSS combines database storage technologies, geographic information systems (GIS) and decision modeling into tools which can be used to address a wide variety of decision support areas (Eklund, Kirkby, and Pollitt, 1996). Recently, various emerging technologies in computer hardware and software such as speedy microprocessors, gigabit network connections, fast internet mapping servers along with Web-based technologies like extensible markup language (XML), Web services, etc provide promising opportunities to take the traditional spatial decision support systems one step further to provide easy-to-use, round-the-clock access to spatial data and decision support over the Web. Traditional DSS and Web-based spatial DSS can be further improved by integrating expert knowledge and utilizing intelligent software components (such as expert systems and intelligent agents) to emulate the human intelligence and decision making. These kinds of decision support systems are classified as intelligent decision support systems. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the development of an intelligent web-based spatial decision support system and demonstrate it with a case study for planning snow removal operations.
Marty Luffy, Installed Building Products
Authors: Luffy Marty
Published: May 2011

This book is about the experiences of contemporary chief information officers (CIO). CIOs in New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States of America agreed to participate. They also agreed to be identified along with the name of their company. They provided their interpretation of issues that have been dealt with and those they anticipate having to deal with in the foreseeable future. The results of the interviews allowed the identification of emerging themes related to management and technological aspects. Another important result is the identification of an alignment issue. That is, it is important to ensure that the interpretation of the CIO role is clearly and explicitly agreed upon by both the chief executive officer (CEO) and the CIO.
Angelo Mazzocco, The Dispatch Companies
Authors: Mazzocco Angelo
Published: May 2011

This book is about the experiences of contemporary chief information officers (CIO). CIOs in New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States of America agreed to participate. They also agreed to be identified along with the name of their company. They provided their interpretation of issues that have been dealt with and those they anticipate having to deal with in the foreseeable future. The results of the interviews allowed the identification of emerging themes related to management and technological aspects. Another important result is the identification of an alignment issue. That is, it is important to ensure that the interpretation of the CIO role is clearly and explicitly agreed upon by both the chief executive officer (CEO) and the CIO.
Cindy Sheets, Mount Carmel Health System
Authors: Sheets Cindy
Published: May 2011

This book is about the experiences of contemporary chief information officers (CIO). CIOs in New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States of America agreed to participate. They also agreed to be identified along with the name of their company. They provided their interpretation of issues that have been dealt with and those they anticipate having to deal with in the foreseeable future. The results of the interviews allowed the identification of emerging themes related to management and technological aspects. Another important result is the identification of an alignment issue. That is, it is important to ensure that the interpretation of the CIO role is clearly and explicitly agreed upon by both the chief executive officer (CEO) and the CIO.
Applying Neural Networks for Performance-Based Design in Earthquake Engineering
Authors: Foschi Ricardo O.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the application of neural networks for the representation of structural responses in earthquake engineering, and their subsequent use in reliability evaluation and optimization for performance-based design. An approach is proposed by means of which the intervening random variables (including the design variables) are separated into two sets: a basic one and, another, grouping all the variables related to the ground motion. Structural responses are deterministically obtained for different combinations of all variables, and neural networks (with the basic set as input) are trained to represent, for example, either the mean or the standard deviation of the responses over the grouped set. Reliability evaluations, and the optimization involved in performance-based design, can then be efficiently performed via simulation. Examples are used to illustrate the approach, and the corresponding advantages are discussed.
Neuro-Fuzzy Assessment of Building Damage and Safety After an Earthquake
Authors: Carreño Martha , Cardona Omar , Barbat Alex
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the algorithmic basis of a computational intelligence technique, based on a neuro-fuzzy system, developed with the objective of assisting nonexpert professionals of building construction to evaluate the damage and safety of buildings after strong earthquakes, facilitating decision-making during the emergency response phase on their habitability and reparability. A hybrid neuro-fuzzy system is proposed, based on a special three-layer feedforward artificial neural network and fuzzy rule bases. The inputs to the system are fuzzy sets, taking into account that the damage levels of the structural components are linguistic variables, defined by means of qualifications such as slight, moderate or severe, which are very appropriate to handle subjective and incomplete information. The chapter is a contribution to the understanding of how soft computing applications, such as artificial neural networks and fuzzy sets, can be used to complex and urgent processes of engineering decision-making, like the building occupancy after a seismic disaster.
Learning Machines for Structural Damage Detection
Authors: Hernandez-Garcia Miguel , Sanchez-Silva Mauricio
Published: May 2011

The complexity of civil infrastructure systems and the need to keep essential systems operating after unexpected events such as earthquakes demands the development of reliable health monitoring techniques to detect the existence, location, and severity of any damage in real time. This chapter presents an overview of structural health monitoring techniques. Furthermore, it describes a methodology for damage detection based on extracting the dynamic features of structural systems from measured vibration time histories by using independent component analysis. Based on this analysis, statistical learning theory is used to determine and classify damage. In particular, an illustrative example is presented within which artificial neural networks (ANNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) are compared. ANNs and SVMs are of important value in engineering classification problems. They are two applications of the principles of statistical learning theory, which provides a great variety of pattern recognition tools. The results show that data reduction from acceleration time histories using independent component analysis (ICA), followed by an implementation of learning machines applied to pattern recognition provide a grounded model for structural health monitoring.
Structural Assessment of RC Constructions and Fuzzy Expert Systems
Authors: Mezzina Mauro , Uva Giuseppina , Greco Rita , Acciani Giuseppe , Cascella Giuseppe , Fornarelli Girolamo
Published: May 2011

The chapter deals with the structural assessment of existing constructions, with a particular attention to seismic risk mitigation. Two aspects are involved: the appraisal of the actual conditions of the structure (material deterioration, preexisting damages) and the evaluation of the structural “vulnerability,” that is, the propensity to suffer damage because of the intrinsic geometric and structural arrangement, boundary conditions, specific structural details. Attention is first focused on the investigation protocol, which is organized through a multilevel, hierarchical scheme: the procedure includes visual inspections, surveys, experimental testing on site and in laboratory, and gradually proceeds into the details of the problem, progressively refining and verifying hypotheses and preliminary judgments. In a second part, the definition of effective tools for uncertainty management and decision making is performed, by presenting a genetic-fuzzy expert system which handles the procedure of the assessment properly accounting for uncertainty and errors, and is able to tune the parameters involved on the basis of experts’ knowledge, “training” the system. Finally, a case study is presented, applying the whole assessment procedure and the fuzzy genetic algorithm.
Life-Cycle Cost Evaluation of Bridge Structures Considering Seismic Risk
Authors: Furuta Hitoshi , Koyama Kazuhiro
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis of bridge structures considering seismic risk. Recently, LCC has been paid attention as a possible and promising method to achieve a rational maintenance program. In general, LCC consists of initial cost, maintenance cost, and renewal cost. However, when considering LCC in the region that often suffers from natural hazards such as typhoons and earthquakes, it is necessary to account for the effects of such natural hazards. Using the probability of damage occurrence, LCC can be calculated for the bridge structures with earthquake excitations. The LCC analysis method proposed in this chapter can be applied to optimal maintenance planning by using genetic algorithms and can be extended to the life-cycle cost analysis of road network.
Genetic Algorithms in Structural Identification and Damage Detection
Authors: Koh Chan
Published: May 2011

Genetic algorithms (GA) have proved to be a robust, efficient search technique for many problems. In this chapter, the latest developments by the authors in the area of structural identification and structural damage detection using genetic algorithms are presented. A GA strategy involving a search space reduction method (SSRM) using a modified genetic algorithm based on migration and artificial selection (MGAMAS) is first used to identify structural properties in multiple degree-of-freedom systems. The SSRM is then incorporated in a structural damage detection strategy using response measurements both before and after damage has taken place. Numerical studies on 10 and 20 degree-of-freedom systems show that a small damage of only 2.5% can be accurately and consistently identified from incomplete acceleration measurements in the presence of 5% input and output noise.
Understanding the Cultural Roots of India's Technology Development from Homi Bhabha's Post-Colonial Perspective
Authors: Subramanian Ramesh
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces Homi K. Bhabha’s post-colonial social theory of interstitial perspective and then discusses the application or overlay of the constructs that emanate from that to the roots of India’s technology and (subsequent) IT development and its complementary effect in shaping Indian Information Systems professionals. The chapter spotlights various events and persona in India’s history, including the current crop of IT professionals emerging from the subcontinent. It then overlays Homi Bhabha’s constructs to verify that the constructs do, indeed, apply to India’s developments in the IT arena. The chapter thus aims to offer a cultural and social-theory viewpoint with philosophical underpinnings to explain the roots and current happenings in the field of IT in India.
Social Implications of Distance Education in Alaska
Authors: Hoanca B.
Published: May 2011

Alaska is the largest and most sparsely populated state in the United States of America. Extreme weather patterns and extreme cultural diversity compound the challenge of delivering quality education to state residents in remote areas. E-learning technologies have emerged as a cost-effective, interactive means of delivering quality teaching to even the most isolated locations in the state. Additionally, the ability to archive content and to access it at will, in an asynchronous manner, is highly suited to the different learning styles and different learning rates of the various populations in the state. This chapter introduces the challenges associated with delivering e-learning in Alaska, reviews the historical evolution of distance-learning networks, and summarizes present achievements and future opportunities. The analysis includes K-12 education, higher education and professional continuing education.
Designing a CRM-Based E-Government Usability Services Framework
Authors: Chang C.
Published: May 2011

The “electronic government” movement has swept across most countries in the last decade. This movement represents a new paradigm for public services. As we know, traditional public services may be improved in many ways by the Internet. According to the literature reviewed, we found many studies were only focused on how to technically establish Web sites that allow citizens appropriate access to government information. However, few studies paid attention to the relationship management among the different e-government stakeholders. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to integrate the relationship management among the three groups of stakeholders: the government itself, its citizens and employees. In this chapter, we will examine the literature regarding to the underlying rationale of a successful e-government. Also, an evaluation system for the usability of government Web sites that support relationship management among citizens, government employees and public services are developed and empirically tested.
A Gentle Introduction to Fuzzy Logic and Its Applications to Intelligent Agents Design
Authors: de Korvin Andre
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to present the key properties of fuzzy logic and adaptive nets and demonstrate how to use these, separately and in combination, to design intelligent systems. The first section introduces the concept of fuzzy sets and their basic operations. The t and s norms are used to define a variety of possible intersections and unions. The next section shows two ways to estimate membership functions, polling experts, and using data to optimize parameters. Section three shows how any function can be extended to arguments that are fuzzy sets. Section four introduces fuzzy relations, fuzzy reasoning, and shows the first steps to be taken to design an intelligent system. The Mamdami model is defined in this section. Reinforcement-driven agents are discussed in section five. Sections six and seven establish the basic properties of adaptive nets and use these to define the Sugeno model. Finally, the last section discusses neuro-fuzzy systems in general. The solution to the inverted pendulum problem is given by use of fuzzy systems and also by the use of adaptive nets. The ANFIS and CANFIS architectures are defined.
Scalable Fault Tolerant Agent Grooming Environment (SAGE)
Authors: Ahmad H. Farooq , Suguri Hiroki
Published: May 2011

Multi-agent systems (MAS) advocate an agent-based approach to software engineering based on decomposing problems in terms of decentralized, autonomous agents that can engage in flexible, high-level interactions. This chapter introduces scalable fault tolerant agent grooming environment (SAGE), a second-generation Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA)-compliant multi-agent system developed at NIIT-Comtec, which provides an environment for creating distributed, intelligent, and autonomous entities that are encapsulated as agents. The chapter focuses on the highlight of SAGE, which is its decentralized fault-tolerant architecture that can be used to develop applications in a number of areas such as e-health, e-government, and e-science. In addition, SAGE architecture provides tools for runtime agent management, directory facilitation, monitoring, and editing messages exchange between agents. SAGE also provides a built-in mechanism to program agent behavior and their capabilities with the help of its autonomous agent architecture, which is the other major highlight of this chapter. The authors believe that the market for agent-based applications is growing rapidly, and SAGE can play a crucial role for future intelligent applications development.
RiskMan
Authors: Kavakli Manolya
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the use of multi-agent systems to develop virtual reality training systems. We first review these systems and then investigate the architectures used. We demonstrate an example of our own (RiskMan) and then discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using multi-agent agent approaches in the development of virtual reality training systems. The chapter describes the system architecture of a multi-agent system for risk management (RiskMan) to help train police officers to handle high-risk situations. RiskMan has been developed using a high-level scripting language of a game engine, Unreal Tournament 2004. The major modules are a scenario-based expert system, a narrative engine, a game engine, and a graphics engine. The system integrates a simulation agent, trainee agent, communication agent, interface agent, and scripted agents communicating using games technology.
Modeling Field Theory of Higher Cognitive Functions
Authors: Perlovsky Leonid
Published: May 2011

The chapter discusses a mathematical theory of higher cognitive functions, including concepts, emotions, instincts, understanding, imagination and intuition. Mechanisms of the knowledge instinct are proposed, driving our understanding of the world. Aesthetic emotions and perception of beauty are related to “everyday” functioning of the mind. We briefly discuss neurobiological grounds as well as difficulties encountered by previous attempts at mathematical modeling of the mind encountered since the 1950s. The mathematical descriptions below are complemented with detailed conceptual discussions so the content of the chapter can be understood without necessarily following mathematical details. We relate mathematical results and computational examples to cognitive and philosophical discussions of the mind. Relating a mathematical theory to psychology, neurobiology and philosophy will improve our understanding of how the mind works.
Stratified Constraint Satissfaction Networks in Synergetic Multi-Agent Simulations of Language Evolution
Authors: Mehler Alexander
Published: May 2011

We describe a simulation model of language evolution which integrates synergetic linguistics with multi-agent modelling. On the one hand, this enables the utilization of knowledge about the distribution of the parameter values of system variables as a touch stone of simulation validity. On the other hand, it accounts for synergetic interdependencies of microscopic system variables and macroscopic order parameters. This approach goes beyond the classical setting of synergetic linguistics by grounding processes of self-regulation and self-organization in mechanisms of (dialogically aligned) language learning. Consequently, the simulation model includes four level, (i) the level of single information processing agents which are (ii) dialogically aligned in communication processes enslaved (iii) by the social system in which the agents participate and whose countless communication events shape (iv) the corresponding language system. In summary, the present paper is basically conceptual. It outlines a simulation model which bridges between different levels of language modelling kept apart in contemporary simulation models. This model relates to artificial cognition systems in the sense that it may be implemented to endow an artificial agent community in order to perform distributed processes of meaning constitution.
Mimetic Minds
Authors: Magnani Lorenzo
Published: May 2011

The imitation game between man and machine, proposed by Turing in 1950, is a game between a discrete and a continuous system. In the framework of the recent studies about embodied and distributed cognition, Turing’s “discrete-state machine” can be seen as an external cognitive media-tor that constitutively integrates human cognitive behavior. Through the description of a subclass of these cognitive mediators I call “mimetic minds,” the chapter deals with some of their cognitive and epistemological aspects and with the cognitive role played by the manipulations of the environment that includes them. The illustrated topics directly affect the problem of meaning formation in the light of both human and artificial reasoning, taking advantage of a study on the role of external representa-tions and of what I call “epistemic mediators.”
Leveraging Diversity in Information Systems and Technology Education in the Global Workplace
Authors: Trauth Eileen M.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we consider the educational needs of the globally diverse information technology (IT) sector and a curriculum that has been developed in order to respond to them. We begin by discussing two human resource (HR) gaps that are affecting the preparation of tomorrow’s IT workforce. The first gap is a participation gap, which is related, in part, to the under representation in recruitment and retention of students with particular demographic profiles in information systems and technology (IS&T) education. The second gap is a knowledge gap, which is related to the globalization of the IT field and the challenges of developing compatible curriculum and pedagogical practices that will prepare students for careers in such a field. We argue that diversity is a lens that can be used to both understand these HR gaps and to develop curricular responses to them. We do this by considering, as a case study, a course developed and taught in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University that is intended to address these gaps. This course—Human Diversity in the Global Information Economy—is offered to exemplify a way of addressing the diversity dimension of the IT skill set.
Critique
Authors: Metcalfe Mike
Published: May 2011

This chapter is about identifying a distinct core competency for information systems (IS) academics. The author is concerned that, while many would agree that their competency has more to do with thinking skills than technical expertise, thinking skills are poorly defined. This chapter will suggest a definition using pragmatism, which is growing in popularity both in IS and the theory of knowledge. More specifically, this chapter will explore the argument that the core competency of IS academics be recognized as pragmatic critical thinking where this is defined as developing unique and useful concepts to reflect on industry-related problems. While there is some recognition of this role for IS academics already, the lack of explicit definitions of “critique” and the provision of practical examples may be blocking its development as a feasible core competency. IS academics may want to develop news ways to critique management practice rather than more ideal methodologies. In this way, academics would have a useful service to offer industry. Examples of possible critique methods are presented with some discussion about how they might be applied.
Chapter VII Curriculum Change and Alignment with Industry
Authors: Petrova Krassie
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the design and results of a study that focuses on students as stakeholders in the education process. A general framework based on a nomological net is introduced and used to derive the research models underpinning data gathering and the subsequent data analysis. The findings indicate that students realistically evaluate the gaps in their learning but put more emphasis on technical skills, ignoring or undervaluing soft and business skills despite academic efforts to develop these through skill-centered teaching. It was also found that a mismatch existed between student expectations of required skills and skills demanded by employers, to some extent exacerbated by the content of job advertisements.
Making Knowledge Management Systems Open
Authors: Butler Tom , Feller Joseph , Pope Andrew , Murphy Ciaran
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an action research-based case study of the development of pKADS (portable knowledge asset development system), an open source, desktop-based knowledge management (KM) tool, implemented in Java and targeted at government and nongovernment organizations. pKADS was a collaborative project involving Business Information Systems, University College Cork, Ireland and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and was funded by the government of Ireland. Development of the application took just three months, using an agile development approach and some reuse of existing open source code. The chapter discusses the background to the pKADS project and prior UNFPA KM efforts, the technical and conceptual architectures of the pKADS application, the roles played by open source components and open data standards, the rationale for releasing pKADS as open source software, and the subsequent results. Future research, in the form of developing open source, Intranet/Internet-based KM tools for the Government of Ireland—eGovernment Knowledge Platform (eGovKP) is also briefly discussed.
Integrity Checking and Maintenance in Relational and Deductive Database and Beyond
Authors: Martinenghi Davide , Christiansen Henning , Decker Hendrik
Published: May 2011

Integrity constraints are a key tool for characterizing the well-formedness and semantics of the information contained in databases. In this regard, it is essential that intelligent database management systems provide their users with automatic support to effectively and efficiently maintain the semantic correctness of data with respect to the given integrity constraints. This chapter gives an overview of the field of efficient integrity checking and maintenance for relational as well as deductive databases. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects of integrity control, including integrity maintenance via active rules. New lines of research are outlined, particularly with regard to two topics where a strong impact for future developments can be expected: integrity in XML document collections and in distributed databases. Both pose a number of new and highly relevant research challenges to the database community.
Strategic Alliances and E-Commerce Adoption
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

The key aim of the study presented in this book is to determine how SMEs located in regional areas are going about e-commerce adoption. The study was undertaken over a period of three years in three highly developed nations all belonging to the OECD and with comparable per capita GDPs and levels of Internet penetration. These included Sweden, Australia, and the USA. In each country, one regional area was surveyed—Varmland (Sweden), Illawarra (Australia), and Salt Lake City (USA).
The Role of Education in E-Commerce Adoption
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

The key aim of the study presented in this book is to determine how SMEs located in regional areas are going about e-commerce adoption. The study was undertaken over a period of three years in three highly developed nations all belonging to the OECD and with comparable per capita GDPs and levels of Internet penetration. These included Sweden, Australia, and the USA. In each country, one regional area was surveyed—Varmland (Sweden), Illawarra (Australia), and Salt Lake City (USA).
Implications for E-Commerce Adoption by SMEs
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

The key aim of the study presented in this book is to determine how SMEs located in regional areas are going about e-commerce adoption. The study was undertaken over a period of three years in three highly developed nations all belonging to the OECD and with comparable per capita GDPs and levels of Internet penetration. These included Sweden, Australia, and the USA. In each country, one regional area was surveyed—Varmland (Sweden), Illawarra (Australia), and Salt Lake City (USA).
The Role of Small Business Strategic Alliances in the Adoption of E-Commerce in Small/Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: MacGregor Robert , Vrazalic Lejla
Published: May 2011

Despite advances in Internet technology, small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are reporting relatively low rates of e-commerce adoption. In response to this, government organizations are putting in place a number of initiatives to promote e-commerce use by SMEs. One of these initiatives is the formation of strategic alliances between businesses in order to pool resources and facilitate e-commerce adoption. This chapter examines the role of strategic alliances in e-commerce use by SMEs by presenting the results of a study of 313 Swedish businesses and by comparing the e-commerce adoption criteria, benefits, and disadvantages among those who are members of a strategic alliance and those who are not. The results of the study indicate distinct differences between the two groups in relation to specific aspects of e-commerce.
Tools and Technology to Support Creativity in Virtual Teams
Authors: Malins Julian , Watt Stuart
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the ways in which currently available software applications can support the creative process in general, and designers, in particular, working in virtual teams. It follows the main stages in the design process, examining how existing software can support the creative process. Emerging innovations for each stage of the design process are also presented. The chapter provides examples of tools, considering their strengths and limitations, and speculates on future directions for software development to support creativity and collaboration within virtual teams.
A Virtual Environment to Support the Distributed Design of Large Made-to-Order Products
Authors: Whitfield Robert Ian
Published: May 2011

An overview of a virtual design environment (virtual platform) developed as part of the European Commission funded VRShips-ROPAX (VRS) project is presented. The main objectives for the development of the virtual platform are described, followed by the discussion of the techniques chosen to address the objectives, and finally a description of a use-case for the platform. Whilst the focus of the VRS virtual platform was to facilitate the design of ROPAX (roll-on passengers and cargo) vessels, the components within the platform are entirely generic and may be applied to the distributed design of any type of vessel, or other complex made-to-order products.
Advanced Techniques in Speech Recognition
Authors: Oropeza-Rodriguez Jose Luis , Suárez-Guerra Sergio
Published: May 2011

During the last 30 years, people have tried to communicate in an oral form with the computers, developing for this end an important amount of automatic speech recognition algorithms. Because of this, software such as the Dragon Dictate and the IBM Via Voice are already available to interact easily with the computer in oral form. However, during the last several years ASR has not reported important advances, not only due to the advances obtained until now, but also because the scientific community working in this area does not have founded another tool so powerful as HMM, despite a great number of alternatives that have been proposed since HMM appeared. This chapter presents the main elements required to create a practical ASR using HMM. The basic principles of the continuous density hidden Markov models (CDHMM) are also given.
A Formalized Design Method for Building E-Government Architechtures
Authors: Kaliontzoglou Alexandros , Meneklis Basilis , Polemi Despina , Douligeris Christos
Published: May 2011

E-government has the main goal of simplifying governmental processes and the interaction between citizens and state organizations. It therefore has to solve the problem of efficient and secure electronic exchange and processing of governmental documents and data across administration domains and boundaries, even crossing country borders. This is a difficult task that imposes a strict set of requirements to the design and modelling of e-government systems and demands the application of standardized architectural frameworks. This paper demonstrates how the ISO/RM-ODP, in combination with the UML notation, supports the de-sign and development of an open distributed e-government system, by addressing these requirements. It further presents a high level case study of how RM-ODP has been applied in the case of the eMayor platform to build a system supporting cross-border transactions between small to medium sized European municipali-ties.
Multimodal Human Localization Using Bayesian Network Sensor Fusion
Authors: Lo David
Published: May 2011

In applications where the locations of human subjects are needed, for example, human-computer interface, video conferencing, and security surveillance applications, localizations are often performed using single sensing modalities. These mono localization modalities, such as beamforming microphone array and video-graphical localization techniques, are often prone to errors. In this chapter, a modular multimodal localization framework was constructed by combining multiple mono localization modalities using a Bayesian network. As a case study, a joint audio-video talker localization system for the video conferencing application was presented. Based on the results, the proposed multimodal localization method outperforms localization methods, in terms of accuracy and robustness, when compare with mono modal modalities that rely only on audio or video.
Application of Bayesian Network in Drug Discovery and Development Process
Authors: Chinnasamy Arunkumar , Patwardhan Sudhanshu , Sung Wing-Kin
Published: May 2011

The end of the 20th century and the advent of the new millennium have brought in a true merger of sciences for the benefit of mankind. The biggest promise it holds is that of improving the quality of human life by the discovery of newer medicines and better cures for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions alike have not failed to deliver on part of the promise by bringing out technologies and products that have significantly decreased mortality and morbidity associated with these diseases. An increase in the scale and complexity of the technologies has made it increasingly important to develop intelligent tools to analyze their output, and numerous mathematical and statistical techniques have been explored and exploited to do exactly this. Bayesian networks (BN) and similar graphical models for multivariate analysis are being used for analyzing these data with great success. They have made possible a high resolution insight into disease mechanisms like never before. These insights into the biological processes of health and disease have helped identify the appropriate targets for drug discovery and aided in the process of bringing better drugs faster to the market for patients in need. This chapter briefly explains the application and contribution of Bayesian networks to the drug discovery and development process.
Integrating Security and Software Engineering
Authors: Mouratidis H. , Giorgini P.
Published: May 2011

This chapter serves as an introduction to this book. It introduces software engineer-ing, security engineering, and secure software engineering, providing de?nitions and explanation of terms necessary for readers to understand the subsequent chapters. Characteristics of each of the above areas are presented followed by an overview of the current advances in these areas. Finally, the 10 approaches described in the remaining chapters of the book are brie?y introduced.