bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Ecological Relationships of Argali Magars
Authors: Khattri Man Bahadur
Published: April 2012

In this article I have looked the relationships of inter-ethnic and inter-ecological gradients, which mediated by social-cultural mechanism i.e. ista mitra (fictive kin relationship). Ista has played role to with local production and different socio-cultural of two different ecological setting. It tries to demonstrate how socio-cultural processes transform when rice gets closer market access. The ethnographic data suggest to argue that fictive kin relationship is caused by the multiple uses of rice began in Argal. Similarly, social and geographical relationships are developed on the basis of cultural institution like kinship; but its limitation varies according to culture of an ethnic group. I argue that not only the state rules and regulations, market system but also with the internal changes brought the present social cultural system in Argal.DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v1i0.276Dhaulagiri Vol.1 (2005) pp.67-86
Socio-Cultural and Ethno-botanical knowledge of Aidy: An Anthropological Study of Mimi VDC OF Humla
Authors: Sapkota Prakash Prasad
Published: April 2012

DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v1i0.278Dhaulagiri Vol.1 (2005) pp.97-109
Cremation and Cosmogony – Karma and Soteriology
Authors: Oestigaard Terje
Published: April 2012

A common thread linking micro- and macro cosmos is karma. Karma and death are intricately interwoven, since the preparation of the corpse during the funeral is the exit from this world and the entry to the next. It has been generally accepted that the corpse is highly polluting, but I will argue that the funeral is a purifying process, which prepares and presents the dead to the gods. If the descendants do not purify the deceased’s flesh during the funeral, the dead will not attain a rebirth in accordance to his own karma, and the relatives’ performances of the obsequies may diminish or limit his future incarnations. Hence, I will stress the actual funerals, the flesh as a biomoral substance, and why it is necessary to have a son to mourn the deceased. Karma is not only a personal residue or quality, but an inter-generational relation, which links and constitutes society and cosmos. The outcome of, and reason for, this relation, it will be argued, is soteriology for society in the form of life-giving water for all. Thus, my aim is to explore how and why cremation and karma constitute society and cosmos, and enable soteriology both for the deceased and descendants.DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v1i0.287Dhaulagiri Vol.1 (2005) pp.164-175
Socio-cultural Life of Dura: A Sociological Case Study From Khaje Gaun, Lamjung
Authors: Adhikari Bishow Bandhu
Published: April 2012

DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v1i0.292Dhaulagiri Vol.1 (2005) pp.220-237
Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics to Elucidate Functions in Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
Authors: Goulitquer Sophie , Potin Philippe , Tonon Thierry
Published: April 2012

Marine systems are very diverse and recognized as being sources of a wide range of biomolecules. This review provides an overview of metabolite profiling based on mass spectrometry (MS) approaches in marine organisms and their environments, focusing on recent advances in the field. We also point out some of the technical challenges that need to be overcome in order to increase applications of metabolomics in marine systems, including extraction of chemical compounds from different matrices and data management. Metabolites being important links between genotype and phenotype, we describe added value provided by integration of data from metabolite profiling with other layers of omics, as well as their importance for the development of systems biology approaches in marine systems to study several biological processes, and to analyze interactions between organisms within communities. The growing importance of MS-based metabolomics in chemical ecology studies in marine ecosystems is also illustrated.
Synthesis and NMR Spectral Studies of the 7-C60-Adduct of N,N-(Tetrachlorophthaloyl) Dehydroabietylamine
Authors: Zhou Zhi , Lin Zhongxiang
Published: April 2012

The 7-C60-adduct of N,N-(tetrachlorophthaloyl)dehydroabietylamine was synthesized for the first time and characterized by IR, UV-vis, mass and NMR spectral studies. The 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR resonance signals of the new compound are unambiguously assigned by using homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques such as COSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC. The C1 symmetric structure with 6,6-junction of compound was determined.
A Novel Antioxidant Isobenzofuranone Derivative from Fungus Cephalosporium sp.AL031
Authors: Huang Xiang-Zhong , Zhu Yun , Guan Xiao-Li , Tian Kai , Guo Jun-Ming , Wang Hong-Bin , Fu Guang-Miao
Published: April 2012

Bioassay-guided fractionation of metabolites from the fungus Cephalosporium sp.AL031 isolated from Sinarundinaria nitida led to the discovery of a new isobenzofuranone derivative, 4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-methylphthalide (1), together with three known compounds: 4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methyl-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran (2), 4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-methyl-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran (3) and 4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methylphthalide (4). The structure of the new compound 1 was determined based on MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. Compounds 1–4 showed potent antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 10, 7, 22 and 5 μM by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay.
HCN Channels and Heart Rate
Authors: Scicchitano Pietro , Carbonara Santa , Ricci Gabriella , Mandurino Cosimo , Locorotondo Manuela , Bulzis Gabriella , Gesualdo Michele , Zito Annapaola , Carbonara Rosa , Dentamaro Ilaria , Riccioni Graziano , Ciccone Marco Matteo
Published: April 2012

Hyperpolarization and Cyclic Nucleotide (HCN) -gated channels represent the molecular correlates of the “funny” pacemaker current (If), a current activated by hyperpolarization and considered able to influence the sinus node function in generating cardiac impulses. HCN channels are a family of six transmembrane domain, single pore-loop, hyperpolarization activated, non-selective cation channels. This channel family comprises four members: HCN1-4, but there is a general agreement to consider HCN4 as the main isoform able to control heart rate. This review aims to summarize advanced insights into the structure, function and cellular regulation of HCN channels in order to better understand the role of such channels in regulating heart rate and heart function in normal and pathological conditions. Therefore, we evaluated the possible therapeutic application of the selective HCN channels blockers in heart rate control.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of nojirimycin- and pyrrolidine-based trehalase inhibitors
Authors: Bini Davide , Cardona Francesca , Forcella Matilde , Parmeggiani Camilla , Parenti Paolo , Nicotra Francesco , Cipolla Laura
Published: April 2012

A small set of nojirimycin- and pyrrolidine-based iminosugar derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated as potential inhibitors of porcine and insect trehalases. Compounds 12, 13 and 20 proved to be active against both insect and porcine trehalases with selectivity towards the insect glycosidase, while compounds 10, 14 and 16 behaved as inhibitors only of insect trehalase. Despite the fact that the activity was found in the micromolar range, these findings may help in elucidating the structural features of this class of enzymes of different origin, which are still scarcely characterised.
RETHINKING SERVICE RECOVERY: A CUSTOMER EMPOWERMENT (CE) PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Pranic Ljudevit , Roehl Wesley S.
Published: April 2012

Generally, complainants have been given little power to effect how their service recovery encounter unfolds. Meanwhile, the satisfactory resolution of customer complaints has been a challenging task for many service organizations. Empowering customers in service recovery provides a solution for this challenge. However, the studies on customer empowerment (CE) have taken very narrow perspectives of CE and therefore, none of them individually can explain the nature of CE in service recovery situations among various services that represent the services industry. Based upon the review of the previous research, this article proposes a more integrative theoretical framework in an attempt to better describe and explain the customers’ view of CE in the management of service recovery encounters. According to the proposed model, the degree of complainant-perceived empowerment during service recovery determines both the level of complainant's affective/cognitive responses and the level of subsequent complaint satisfaction. Implications are provided and discussed from both practical and theoretical perspectives.
THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMES: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Korsakienė Renata , Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: April 2012

Presented paper aims to compare internationalization of Lithuanian and Norwegian SMEs by exploring the main motives and barriers restricting internationalization process. The authors strive to reveal the patterns of internationalization taking into account the aspects of main theoretical models. The research is based on the main ideas of stage, network and international entrepreneurship approaches. The main motives and barriers restricting internationalization process are based on the previous studies. In order to compare internationalization patterns of Lithuanian and Norwegian SMEs, quantitative research has been performed. The quantitative research is based on responses to a questionnaire embracing various aspects of internationalization. The sample of 300 SMEs was selected taking into consideration previous research. The survey allows concluding that Lithuanian SMEs emphasise geographic proximity as the most important criteria for international market selection. On the other hand, Norwegian SMEs perceive variables of international entrepreneurship theory as the important contributory factors in internationalization process. The authors conclude that Lithuanian SMEs rely on exporting; meanwhile Norwegian SMEs choose subcontracting/licensing or own representative abroad. Hence, Norwegian SMEs are seen at the more advanced stage of internationalization. Authors of the research have elaborated proposals, which are useful for further development of Lithuanian SMEs and take into consideration experience of Norwegian SMEs. The presented paper will contribute to the International Entrepreneurship Forum by providing new insights into further development of SMEs of Lithuania and Norway taking into consideration opportunities and threats.
POSSIBLE CAUSES INHIBITING THE PURCHASE OF CHINESE GROCERY OWN BRANDS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Song Wei
Published: April 2012

The aim of this preliminary study is to identify the possible causes inhibiting consumers from purchasing Chinese own brands. In view of the absence of literature on this aspect of commerce in Asia, a review of Western literature was conducted. The data for this study is from semi-structured in-depth interviews with Chinese retail consultants and grocery shoppers in Shanghai, China. The results of the study show that negative low price image, low perceived own brand quality, and the importance of “face” in Chinese culture are the key factors resulting in negative sentiment toward Chinese grocery own brands. The results of this investigation are expected to provide a basis for making recommendations for the use of both international and Chinese retailers when building Chinese grocery own brands. The findings of this study have been generated from a small group of interviewees in a single city and thus cannot be considered conclusive. Therefore further research in other cities of China and other Asian countries should be conducted. The study offers novel views from the consumer perspective on the unwillingness to buy own brands in emerging markets.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SENSOR UNIT OF THE PA-2 HORIZONTAL STABILISATION SYSTEM
Authors: Zbrutsky Aleksandr , Kanchenko Viktor , Karnaushenko Roman , Marinoshenko Aleksandr , Chepur Nikolay
Published: April 2012

For tasks such as radiation and environmental monitoring using an unmanned air vehicle, it is necessary to maintain stable flight level. The authors used a PA-2 horizontal stabilization system, manufactured by Futaba Inc., to maintain the orientation of an unmanned aircraft during flight. This work represents the investigation of the characteristics of a PA-2 sensor unit in the laboratory. The authors obtained the optical and output characteristics of the sensor unit, operating angles, and dependence of output characteristics on UAV orientation.
A MODEL FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF OLD AIRCRAFT
Authors: Karadžić Radoje , Petković Darko , Šabić Muharem
Published: April 2012

This paper presents an approach to the development of condition-based maintenance of aircraft to improve aircraft maintenance in the limits and conditions of small countries and in accordance with global technological achievements. For the aircraft that were under a limited lifespan maintenance concept, a new condition-based maintenance model is developed. This model applies a technical diagnostic method that brought us to decreasing numbers of failures in the ageing period of those technical systems and at the same time decreases the time when it is out of use and lowers maintenance expenses. An analysis based on this model showed its applicability, preservation of operational readiness, and potential for decreasing the cost of aircraft maintenance.
« Auprès de ma blonde... »
Authors: Martin Denis-Constant
Published: April 2012

Résumé Depuis une vingtaine d’années, la notion d’identité a été de plus en plus fréquemment utilisée dans des travaux portant sur la musique, sans que le sens qui lui est donné et les fonctions qui lui sont attribuées soient toujours précisément définis. Cet article voudrait contribuer à clarifier les rapports qu’entretiennent musique et configuration identitaire. Sur la base de travaux portant tant sur la théorie des identités que sur les identités en musique, il suggère que les significations sociales, donc identitaires, de la musique doivent être appréhendées dans les relations entre production, réception et matière musicale elle-même. La musique n’étant pas un langage mais un système symbolique aux interprétants infinis, elle est susceptible d’un grand nombre d’interprétations variables selon les situations et les enjeux ; son utilisation en politique suppose par conséquent des opérations de façonnage spécifiques.
Geophysical and geotechnical investigations to support the restoration project of the Roman ‘Villa del Casale’, Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Italy
Authors: Capizzi P. , Martorana R. , Messina P. , Cosentino P.L.
Published: April 2012

A multidisciplinary geophysical and geotechnical study, including some non‐invasive geophysical applications, was carried out during the restoration of the ‘Villa del Casale’, a Roman villa discovered near Piazza Armerina (Sicily, Italy) in 1929, famous for its Roman floor mosaics. The project aims were to characterize the geology of the subsoil and provide information for solving the main building structural problems including the subsidence of some parts of the floor and the detachment of the tesserae (i.e., the tiles) of the mosaics. Another goal was the detailed study of the underground structures of the Corridor of the Great Hunt, a part of the villa strongly affected by subsidence and detachment of mosaics.

The acquisition of geotechnical and geophysical surveys, including core drillings, time‐domain electromagnetic (TDEM) soundings, downhole seismic logs and a seismic refraction profile, allowed the reconstruction of the geometry of geological formations below the villa to be ascertained, especially with regard to the top of the bedrock. The results suggest the presence of a buried riverbed that has been identified as the main cause of the villa floor subsidence.

The study of the Corridor of the Great Hunt involved full 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and 3D ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data acquisition using 100 MHz, 400 MHz and 1600 MHz antennas, as well as the above mentioned refraction seismic profile. Data acquisition required the use of special non‐invasive sensors to avoid any damage to the mosaics. The integrated inversion of all the data and the comparison between the resulting 3D resistivity model and 400 MHz GPR depth‐slices allowed the identification of many shallow anomalies to be identified, including some pipes for water drainage and a reinforced concrete basement placed under the floor during a previous restoration intervention. 100 MHz GPR profiles validated the results of the seismic refraction profile model. Finally, 1600 MHz GPR depth‐slices, in the most subsided zone, allowed the location of air bubbles under the mosaic to be identified.

This work shows that the integrated use of different geophysical techniques for archaeological purposes, especially if constrained by direct explorations, greatly reduced the intrinsic uncertainties of each method. Moreover, customizing standard geophysical equipment to avoid any damage is essential when working on protected cultural heritage.
Occurrence of shallow gas in the easternmost Lago Fagnano (Tierra del Fuego)
Authors: Lodolo E. , Baradello L. , Darbo A. , Caffau M. , Tassone A. , Lippai H. , Lodolo A. , De Zorzi G. , Grossi M.
Published: April 2012

High‐resolution seismic profiles acquired in the eastern sector of Lago Fagnano, the southernmost ice‐free lake in the world, have shown the presence of very shallow gas‐bearing layers in the upper sedimentary sequences. The gas‐related features observed on seismic profiles include a typical, very strong reflection with reversed polarity, multiple reflections and acoustic blanking that hide subsurface sedimentary and structural features. The top of the acoustically high‐amplitude layer is located between 0.3–1.7 m below the lake floor. It generally forms a sharp boundary, often marked by a varying offset probably due to different levels of gas penetration, which could be related to the lithology of the overlying sediments. To confirm the presence of gas, some gravity cores were recovered in places where the blanking effect was most relevant and in the supposed gas‐free zone. Sediment core analyses have highlighted the occurrence of significant organic‐rich components within the uppermost, largely unconsolidated sedimentary layers, in correspondence of the seismically‐detected gassy zone, whereas only a few organic layers were found in the gas‐free zone. We assume that the main origin of gas is linked to the presence of a shallow, thin peat‐rich layer of Middle‐Late Holocene age. In fact, the mapped gassy zone occurs in correspondence of the outlet of the Rio Turbio, the principal tributary of Lago Fagnano, which discharges waters coming from a relatively small sag pond located immediately to the east of the eastern shore of the lake. To date, this is the first evidence of shallow gas in Tierra del Fuego lakes.
Decentralized Search and the Clustering Paradox in Large Scale Information Networks
Authors: Ke Weimao
Published: April 2012

Amid the rapid growth of information today is the increasing challenge for people to navigate its magnitude. Dynamics and heterogeneity of large information spaces such as the Web raise important questions about information retrieval in these environments. Collection of all information in advance and centralization of IR operations are extremely difficult, if not impossible, because systems are dynamic and information is distributed. The chapter discusses some of the key issues facing classic information retrieval models and presents a decentralized, organic view of information systems pertaining to search in large scale networks. It focuses on the impact of network structure on search performance and discusses a phenomenon we refer to as the Clustering Paradox, in which the topology of interconnected systems imposes a scalability limit.
Metadata for Search Engines
Authors: Roux Magali
Published: April 2012

E-sciences are data-intensive sciences that make a large use of the Web to share, collect, and process data. In this context, primary scientific data is becoming a new challenging issue as data must be extensively described (1) to account for empiric conditions and results that allow interpretation and/or analyses and (2) to be understandable by computers used for data storage and information retrieval. With this respect, metadata is a focal point whatever it is considered from the point of view of the user to visualize and exploit data as well as this of the search tools to find and retrieve information. Numerous disciplines are concerned with the issues of describing complex observations and addressing pertinent knowledge. In this paper, similarities and differences in data description and exploration strategies among disciplines in e-sciences are examined.
Searching and Mining with Semantic Categories
Authors: Djioua Brahim , Desclés Jean-Pierre , Alrahabi Motasem
Published: April 2012

A new model is proposed to retrieve information by building automatically a semantic metatext1 structure for texts that allow searching and extracting discourse and semantic information according to certain linguistic categorizations. This paper presents approaches for searching and mining full text with semantic categories. The model is built up from two engines: The first one, called EXCOM (Djioua et al., 2006; Alrahabi, 2010), is an automatic system for text annotation, related to discourse and semantic maps, which are specification of general linguistic ontologies founded on the Applicative and Cognitive Grammar. The annotation layer uses a linguistic method called Contextual Exploration, which handles the polysemic values of a term in texts. Several ‘semantic maps’ underlying ‘point of views’ for text mining guide this automatic annotation process. The second engine uses semantic annotated texts, produced previously in order to create a semantic inverted index, which is able to retrieve relevant documents for queries associated with discourse and semantic categories such as definition, quotation, causality, relations between concepts, etc. (Djioua & Desclés, 2007). This semantic indexation process builds a metatext layer for textual contents. Some data and linguistic rules sets as well as the general architecture that extend third-party software are expressed as supplementary information.
Next Generation Search Engine for the Result Clustering Technology
Authors: Chen Lin-Chih
Published: April 2012

Result clustering has recently attracted a lot of attention to provide the users with a succinct overview of relevant search results than traditional search engines. This chapter proposes a mixed clustering method to organize all returned search results into a hierarchical tree structure. The clustering method accomplishes two main tasks, one is label construction and the other is tree building. This chapter uses precision to measure the quality of clustering results. According to the results of experiments, the author preliminarily concluded that the performance of the system is better than many other well-known commercial and academic systems. This chapter makes several contributions. First, it presents a high performance system based on the clustering method. Second, it develops a divisive hierarchical clustering algorithm to organize all returned snippets into hierarchical tree structure. Third, it performs a wide range of experimental analyses to show that almost all commercial systems are significantly better than most current academic systems.
Using Association Rules for Query Reformulation
Authors: Biskri Ismaïl , Rompré Louis
Published: April 2012

In this paper the authors will present research on the combination of two methods of data mining: text classification and maximal association rules. Text classification has been the focus of interest of many researchers for a long time. However, the results take the form of lists of words (classes) that people often do not know what to do with. The use of maximal association rules induced a number of advantages: (1) the detection of dependencies and correlations between the relevant units of information (words) of different classes, (2) the extraction of hidden knowledge, often relevant, from a large volume of data. The authors will show how this combination can improve the process of information retrieval.
Artificial Intelligence Enabled Search Engines (AIESE) and the Implications
Authors: Karaman Faruk
Published: April 2012

Search engines are the major means of information retrieval over the Internet. People’s dependence on them increases over time as SEs introduce new and sophisticated technologies. The developments in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform the current search engines Artificial Intelligence Enabled Search Engines (AIESE). Search engines already play a critical role in classifying, sorting and delivering the information over the Internet. However, as Internet’s mainstream role becomes more apparent and AI technology increases the sophistication of the tools of the SEs, their roles will become much more critical. Since, the future of search engines are examined, the technological singularity concept is analyzed in detail. Second and third order indirect side effects are analyzed. A four-stage evolution-model is suggested.
A Framework for Evaluating the Retrieval Effectiveness of Search Engines
Authors: Lewandowski Dirk
Published: April 2012

This chapter presents a theoretical framework for evaluating next generation search engines. The author focuses on search engines whose results presentation is enriched with additional information and does not merely present the usual list of “10 blue links,” that is, of ten links to results, accompanied by a short description. While Web search is used as an example here, the framework can easily be applied to search engines in any other area. The framework not only addresses the results presentation, but also takes into account an extension of the general design of retrieval effectiveness tests. The chapter examines the ways in which this design might influence the results of such studies and how a reliable test is best designed.
ICT Strategy for Development
Authors: Kamel Sherif , Rateb Dina
Published: April 2012

Emerging information and communication technology (ICT) is setting the pace for a changing, competitive and dynamic global marketplace and representing an enabling platform for business and socioeconomic development in the 21st century. In that respect, developing nations are urged to keep pace regularly with the developments taking place in the developed world through the design and implementation of strategy, vision and detailed plans for universal access in terms of ICT literacy and its effective utilization for developmental purposes were ICT is promoted as a vehicle for development. It is important to note that building the ICT infrastructure and infostructure will not realize quantum leaps in the development process unless it is coupled with concrete projects and initiatives that engage the society at large with its multiple stakeholders from public, private, government and civil society organizations irrespective of their locations whether urban or remote, gender or background. This chapter describes the evolution of the ICT sector in Egypt over the last decade with an emphasis on national ICT strategy development and deployment as an integral element of Egypt’s overall development process within the context of a an emerging economy and the various growing potentials ICT offers for its socioeconomic development.
Service Science, Value Creation, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Antonova Albena
Published: April 2012

The chapter proposes a complex model for companies to enhance their value offering, through optimization of services, value co-creation, and addressing sustainability issues. It investigates different approaches of service science and services to improve business models toward more sustainable practices. Different knowledge flows between various products, service providers, and final clients, aiming to improve client satisfaction, product use, and that result in better value for the customer will be identified. Increasing knowledge and services within material products means adding more value for customers and limiting resource use and disposal.
The Evolution of ICT Institutions in Thailand and Malaysia
Authors: Maynard Nicholas
Published: April 2012

A country’s national technology strategies can be an important contributor to economic development through its support of technology adoption and by advancing the national technology capacity. The development of a domestic information and communications technology (ICT) sector within a developing country requires the creation of specialized institutions that carefully coordinate their initiatives with the private sector. This case study research of Thai and Malaysian science and technology (S&T) institutions shows that this institutional and policy reform process is directly influenced by regional activities, as countries seek to match their regional peers for technology development. This effort to support ICT utilization requires governments to rapidly alter their policy goals and initiatives in response to shifts in technologies, global market demand, international investment, and local workforce capabilities.
System Approach to MIS and DSS and its Modeling within SD
Authors: Kljajic Miroljub , Borštnar Mirjana Kljajic , Škraba Andrej , Kofjac Davorin
Published: April 2012

In this chapter, the authors discuss system dynamics (SD) as a research methodology in Information Systems (IS). The goal is to demonstrate the usefulness of SD methodology in research and its implementation in IS and management Information Systems (MIS). The authors briefly discuss the fundamentals of SD methodology models and causal loop diagrams (CLD) as well as model validation. The usefulness of this transdisciplinary methodology has been demonstrated with the case of the quality of IS success and satisfaction. Some examples of modeling for public decision assessment of sustainable development as well as inventory control using SD have been demonstrated. The advantage of SD is in its natural language problem definition, which can be easily transformed into a directed graph that is convenient for qualitative and quantitative analysis in computer programs. SD enables studying the behavior of complex dynamic systems as the feedback processes of reinforcing and balancing loops.
Community Based Eco Cultural Heritage Tourism for Sustainable Development in the Asian Region
Authors: Moli G. Poyya
Published: April 2012

Tourism has emerged as one of the world’s largest industries and a fast growing economic sector. The Asian region attracts a growing number of quality-conscious tourists as it is endowed with a rich bio-cultural/heritage diversity. However, the diversity and integrity of many Asian tourist destinations have been severely eroded or irreversibly damaged due to ill-conceived, poorly planned, and under-regulated mass tourism and other human activities, increasing the conflicts between conservation and local livelihoods. Fortunately, the newly emerging community-based eco-cultural heritage tourism (CBECHT) can be effectively used in the region for achieving the objectives of sustainable development by integrating pro-poor tourism approaches. Such approaches are strongly promoted and supported by several international organizations as well as Local Agenda 21. This article provides a broad conceptual framework for this approach and evaluates the potentials and constraints for evolving and implementing such strategies in the region with their policy/planning implications.
A Model for Improving the Adoption of Sustainability in the Context of Globalization and Innovation
Authors: Rainey David L.
Published: April 2012

This chapter presents the foundations of a conceptual model for connecting the key elements necessary for corporations to adopt sustainability in the context of the global economy and strategic innovation. While there are numerous theories and practical methods for managing in a national or even regional markets, most of them lack the sophistication necessary for leading change in a global business environment. With the advent of globalization, the complexities of doing business on a global basis have increased dramatically over the last two decades. While sustainability involves many perspectives, strategies, actions, and management constructs, the chapter focuses on how global corporations employ strategic innovations in response to the driving forces in the global economy and how they can improve their level of management sophistication in a turbulent business environment. The model incorporates the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development in creating the solutions, systems and structures for doing business in the global economy. It focuses on strategic innovations that provide more positive aspects and fewer negative ones. Sustainability and sustainable development are based on proactive strategies and actions that exceed expectations and outperform peers and competitors alike. Strategic innovations are dramatic changes that have the potential to create dramatic new solutions that create exceptional value and eliminate or reduce negative effects and impacts. Strategic innovations include radical technological innovations, business model innovations, product developments, and organizational developments that are game changers.
A Case Study of Information Technology Education and Economic Development in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Okunoye Adekunle , Bertaux Nancy , Bada Abiodun O. , Crable Elaine , Brodzinski James
Published: April 2012

This essay presents a case study of Information Technology (IT) education as a contributor to economic and human development in rural Nigeria. The case of Summit Computers suggests that for developing countries to benefit from advances in IT, the following factors are of great importance and can be enhanced by IT education initiatives: convenience, affordability, emphasis on participation and empowerment of local users, encouragement of entrepreneurship, and building awareness among potential users. Additionally, careful attention should be given to how IT training can meet local employment and other needs are important factors in rural communities in developing countries such as Nigeria.
TQM for Sustainable Development through NPD in Developing Countries
Authors: Taddese Fasil , Osada Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

Challenged with intense market competition, developing countries are searching for methods to ensure sustainable development through business performance. In this regard, TQM and NPD play a major role. However, research is limited in the area of addressing the contextual link between TQM, NPD, and sustainable development. Therefore, this paper examines the relationship between the three and the outcome of the relationship. The results show that TQM in the context of NPD for sustainable development in developing countries focuses on adaptive products through incremental improvements on production technology, NPD system, product development, production process, and employee know-how. It is also found that TQM revolutionizes the conventional R&D system by enhancing innovation capabilities. It reduces development costs and time alleviating financial limitations. The results further reveal that process focus on the TQM framework has contributed to sustainable ecology management through various environmental management systems.
Sustainable Development of Pilgrimage Tourism in Jammu Region
Authors: Chauhan Vinay
Published: April 2012

Tourism is a socio-economic activity and has evolved into one of the largest and fastest growing industries of the world. While the economic benefits of tourism are well known, the research evidence indicates that the benefits of tourism are rarely equitably distributed among the key stakeholders. In this context, sustainable tourism development (STD) as a long-term approach development aims to balance social and economic objectives with environmentally sound management. The sustainable development as a strategic tool requires a process of planning and management that brings together a series of interests and stakeholders’ concerns in the form of planning and development. Therefore, keeping in view the importance and relevance of stakeholder cooperation for sustainable tourism development, and the residents being the key stakeholders, this research examines the rural residents’ attitudes towards the impacts of the pilgrimage tourism. The results of the research points out that the sustainable development is important for responding to the current problems as caused by tourism development, as well as to address the needs of future generations.
Macroeconomic Factors of Competitiveness of Serbian Economy and ICT Sector
Authors: Cvijanovic Drago , Milojevic Ivan , Pejanovic Radovan
Published: April 2012

Information and communication technology is an initiating and driving force behind economic development. The contribution of the ICT sector is in production and export increase within the sector itself and of the competitiveness of the economy as a whole. Competitiveness is synonymous with productivity and can be enhanced by rational utilization and investment in resources, application of the latest knowledge, investment, by increase of operating efficiency, and implementation of modern technologies in production. Competitiveness implies development of infrastructure and telecommunications, and intensive Internet usage. According to the Global Competitiveness Index, Serbia is lowly ranked. Serbia has the greatest advantage in the area of elementary and higher education, technological readiness and innovativeness. The analysis of technological readiness and the level of innovativeness within the global competitiveness of Serbian economy in 2009, indicates a high level of competitiveness and potential to be developed. Technology transfer from the developed countries is the basis for long-term sustainable economic growth and development. The paper focuses on the analysis of competitiveness of Serbian economy, international economic environment and the determinants of competitiveness.
The Adoption of the Internet to Support Arab Academics
Authors: Abdelaal Abdelnasser
Published: April 2012

This chapter addresses the adoption of Internet applications by an Arab Student Association in North America (ASANA)1. ASANA uses the Internet to integrate its members, promote the Arabic culture, bridge with the American society and transfer knowledge to its native country. It delivers these services through websites, email service, electronic payment systems, online conferencing, file sharing tools and other digital resources. These online services build social capital, accrue intellectual capital, and cement mutual understanding between Arabs and the American society. However, these e-services are not widely adopted due to the lack of awareness of their usefulness, the absence of suitable IT culture, poor service quality, instability of leadership, and inadequate incentive system. Improving the adoption of ASANA e-services requires stable leadership, supportive IT culture, assessing provided services, and providing incentives to members to participate. This chapter provides insights and conceptual details that help Arab academic communities to use the Internet to participate in the overall socioeconomic development of their societies.
Urban Competitiveness, U-City Strategies and the Development of Technological Niches in Songdo, South Korea
Authors: Carvalho Luís
Published: April 2012

This chapter is concerned with the recursive conflation between the concept of city competitiveness in ICT and different versions of the “knowledge city” concept based on ICT and digitalization, often responsible for ambiguous political discourses and unclear local economic development strategies. To overcome this problem, the chapter distinguishes both concepts, indentifies links between them and illustrates a way through which national and local polices can support ICT-related city competitiveness and knowledge city strategies: the development of innovation arenas. The chapter illustrates these notions with the case of the on-going development of the Songdo district in Incheon (South Korea), its competences in ubiquitous computing and the connection between this technological prowess with the ambitions of creating one of the first and most advanced “u-cities” in the world.
Project-Based Organisations
Authors: Chen Liang , Wiewiora Anna , Trigunarsyah Bambang
Published: April 2012

In sustainable development projects, as well as other types of projects, knowledge transfer is important for the organisations managing the project. Nevertheless, knowledge transfer among employees does not happen automatically and it has been found that the lack of social networks and the lack of trust among employees are the major barriers to effective knowledge transfer. Social network analysis has been recognised as a very important tool for improving knowledge transfer in the project environment. Transfer of knowledge is more effective where it depends heavily on social networks and informal dialogue. Based on the theory of social capital, social capital consists of two parts: conduits network and resource exchange network. This research studies the relationships among performance, the resource exchange network (such as the knowledge network) and the relationship network (such as strong ties network, energy network, and trust network) at the individual and project levels. The aim of this chapter is to present an approach to overcoming the lack of social networks and lack of trust to improve knowledge transfer within project-based organisations. This is to be done by identifying the optimum structure of relationship networks and knowledge networks within small and medium projects. The optimal structure of the relationship networks and knowledge networks is measured using two dimensions: intra-project and inter-project. This chapter also outlines an extensive literature review in the areas of social capital, knowledge management and project management, and presents the conceptual model of the research approach.
Attitudes Toward Intelligent Technologies
Authors: Tiberio Lorenza , Scopelliti Massimiliano , Giuliani Maria Vittoria
Published: April 2012

Nursing homes provide long-term care services and can help preserve the quality of life of elderly people subject to physical and cognitive impairments. In this chapter, we explore the role of intelligent technologies as a supplement to human care-giving and the potential to improve quality of life for both older adults and their caregivers in nursing homes. A study was conducted on elderly people’s and caregivers’ attitudes toward the use of intelligent technologies in nursing homes, with the aim of understanding in which domains of everyday activities the application of intelligent technologies can be more suitable. Results showed that attitude toward the application of intelligent technologies in nursing homes is positive, although multifaceted. Elderly people and caregivers considered intelligent technologies as relevant devices for the improvement of quality of life in different domains. Nonetheless, differences related to the role that technologies played in nursing homes clearly emerged.
Gender and Technology
Authors: Cozza Michela
Published: April 2012

In this chapter the mutual shaping of the technology and gender is analyzed in relation to the phenomenon of gender digital divide. The discussion starts with the re-construction of the theoretical background, shedding light on different analytical approaches to technological development. The gender blind perspective of mainstream technology studies is uncovered; looking at theoretical contributes of feminist and gender studies. This positioning is aimed to consider the cultural and material aspects involved in the digital gender gap. The chapter leads to a general conclusion: it is of utmost importance that researchers, decision-makers and professionals in Information Technology field take into account that all spheres inhabited by human beings are inevitably gendered. The gender mainstreaming approach may inform the construction of a gender-aware research agenda and the identification of the following transformative actions. The synergy among researchers, practitioners and decision-makers at political and business level is crucial for a gender-sensitive and sustainable development.
Business Models for Development
Authors: Qureshi Sajda , Keen Peter , Kamal Mehruz
Published: April 2012

Organizations are increasingly inter-connected as they source talent, goods and services from other organizations located in disparate parts of the world and enable social and economic development to take place. They seek new ways of creating value for themselves, customers and partners, increasingly operating outside and across traditional industry boundaries and definitions. These innovations have lead to a focus on business models as a fundamental statement of direction and identity as they enable development to take place. This chapter considers the fundamental tenets of the business model concept and ways in which value can be created for development efforts. The contribution of this chapter is the application of Global Capability Sourcing Model to enable businesses to compete globally. This chapter concludes with insights into the sustainability of business models for development.
Electronic Commerce Prospects in Emerging Economies
Authors: Kamel Sherif
Published: April 2012

The information and communication technology (ICT) evolution is aggressively affecting many nations around the world, forcing changes and transformations to business and socioeconomic development plans, reflecting major implications on different economies and contributing to the notions of globalization and the evolution of the global digital economy irrespective of time and distance barriers. ICT is driving the radical transformation and change for individuals, organizations and societies from the marketplace to the cyberspace helping the realization of the digital economy, outsourcing and global outreach. In a fast changing global environment, speed, competition and catering for various diversified cultural elements become key factors for development and growth in the reengineered business environment where electronic commerce (E-commerce) applications promise to grow in volume helping the digital economy to mature and dominate. Egypt, as a developing nation with an economy in transition, started to invest in building its ICT infrastructure since 1985 as a vital tool for development and leading to availing opportunities for E-commerce to grow. This article describes the emergence of E-commerce in Egypt since the mid 1990s and its implications in the marketplace including the challenges faced relating to social, technological, financial, cultural and legal issues and the efforts exerted by different stakeholders including the government, the private sector and the civil society to diffuse E-commerce in Egypt.
Wastewater Systems Management at the Regional Level
Authors: Cunha Maria da Conceição
Published: April 2012

Wastewater systems are very important environmental systems. They should be carefully planned and managed to contribute to a more sustainable development. Decision models are very useful tools that can contribute to defining the best solutions for these purposes. In this chapter an overview about the planning and management of wastewater systems and presentation of different decision models is given. Solutions methods are discussed and the results that can be obtained with such models are commented on. The vulnerability of such systems is reflected and new approaches are proposed to tackle them.