bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Scale Matching Issues and Advances
Authors: Sellami Sana , Benharkat Aicha-Nabila , Amghar Youssef
Published: May 2010

Nowadays, the Information technology domains (semantic web, E-business, digital libraries, life science, etc) abound with a large variety of data (e.g. DB schemas, XML schemas, ontologies) and bring up a hard problem: the semantic heterogeneity. Matching techniques are called to overcome this challenge and attempts to align these data. In this chapter, the authors are interested in studying large scale matching approaches. They survey the techniques of large scale matching, when a large number of schemas/ontologies and attributes are involved. They attempt to cover a variety of techniques for schema matching called Pair-wise and Holistic, as well as a set of useful optimization techniques. They compare the different existing schema/ontology matching tools. One can acknowledge that this domain is on top of effervescence and large scale matching needs many more advances. Then the authors provide conclusions concerning important open issues and potential synergies of the technologies presented.
Semantic Enrichment of Web Service Architecture
Authors: Boubekeur Aicha , Malki Mimoun , Chouarfia Abdellah , Belarbi Mostefa
Published: May 2010

The SOA: Service Oriented Architecture is a paradigm which allows the unification in the approaches of integration of the information systems. This data integration of shared semantic description of handled by the services. This integration of the data is more flexible considering the limited number of the concepts used by the services. Therefore, architecture is suggested in order to reduce domain ontologies development and integration complexity. It allows also finding and automatic invocation of the services. Ontologies are integrated without doing major changes in operating mode of web services like HTTP, SOAP. This chapter presents an architecture which is a step towards its automation through the semantic web services without redefining the information system completely.
Classrooms Without Walls
Authors: Withers Lesley A. , Leonard Lynnette G. , Sherblom John C.
Published: May 2010

Second Life—an online, three-dimensional, virtual world—offers educators and students the opportunity to enter a virtual classroom, participate in synchronous online discussion and decision making, and engage in group projects with teams of students located in geographically distant universities. The free basic account and portability of the program provides a cost effective way to offer students an enriched educational experience. The visual three-dimensional nature of the space and the ability to engage in either texted or voiced synchronous communication add to the user’s sense of social presence, giving educational experiences in Second Life a set of communication characteristics unique among computer-mediated communication contexts. The present case study examines the communication challenges and achievements of a collaborative classroom group project in which students from three different, geographically dispersed universities worked together and responded to each other’s work to reach a group outcome. Technological and communication concerns are addressed and recommendations are made for motivating students in ways that prepare them to become involved with and focused on achieving the group project goals.
Online Discussion in Engineering Education
Authors: Palmer Stuart , Holt Dale
Published: May 2010

A ubiquitous and widely used feature of online learning environments is the asynchronous discussion board. This chapter presents a case study of the introduction and evaluation of student use of an online discussion in an engineering management study unit. We introduced an assessable assignment task based on student use of an online discussion, in response to falling student unit evaluation results after we initially moved the unit to wholly online delivery mode. Both quantitative and qualitative unit evaluation data suggest that students perceive value in the online discussion activities. A regression analysis based on discussion usage data suggests that students derived significant learning outcome benefit toward their final unit grade from making reflective postings in the online discussion.
Using Discourse Analysis to Assess Social Co-Presence in the Video Conference Environment
Authors: Fägersten Kristy Beers
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, I analyze computer-mediated communication in the form of online, synchronous, professional discourse in the multimodal video conference environment with the aim of assessing social co-presence (Kang, Watt & Ala., 2008). I argue for the applicability of discourse analysis methodology by presenting extracts of video conference communication which illustrate how talk-in-interaction contributes to or threatens the three elements of social co-presence: co-presence, social richness of the medium, and interactant satisfaction. Examples of interaction illustrate how disruptions in mediation serve to threaten co-presence by isolating interlocutors, how multiple modes of communication are exploited to ground participants in a shared communicative environment thereby establishing social connectedness, and how multimodal communication allows for iconic or paralinguistic support of the discursive expression of emotional stance. The chapter concludes with feature recommendations for video conference software development from the perspective of social co-presence.
Investigating the Online Interactions of a Team of Test Developers Working in a Wiki Environment
Authors: Filipi Anna , Lissonnet Sophie
Published: May 2010

This chapter reports an investigation of online interactions occurring in the context of the development of a suite of foreign language tests known as the Assessment of Language Competence (ALC) (http://www.acer.edu.au/alc/). The interactions took place in a wiki environment from 2007 to 2009. The aim of the investigation was twofold. The first was to identify the features of the organization of online postings in an asynchronous online environment and to compare them with the organization of face-to-face interaction. The second was to examine how expertise is invoked in interactions centered on the vetting of test items. The chapter uses selected findings from Conversation Analysis and applies them to the postings on the wiki. Findings from the analysis include the rarity of self-repair, similarities in the organization of sequence structure and the same orientations to affiliative behavior found in conversation.
Education Technology in Teacher Education
Authors: Rawlins Peter , Kehrwald Benjamin
Published: May 2010

This chapter examines the use of educational technologies in teacher education programs through the exploration of a single professional practice course in a pre-service teacher education program in New Zealand. This case highlights the opportunities associated with teacher educators’ unique role in promoting and supporting the use of educational technologies amongst pre-service teachers. It examines the use of a single complex learning activity to integrate education technology into other subject studies and realize some of the transformative potentials associated with the use of technologies in education. It also identifies the challenges of leveraging these opportunities in the face of (a) a complex and demanding role for teacher educators and (b) the forces of change in higher education.
The Knee Bone Connected To the Thigh Bone
Authors: Joyce T. J. , McCormack P
Published: May 2010

Bioengineering is a multidisciplinary subject which necessitates that engineering students, who typically have no knowledge of medicine, must quickly and effectively gain a thorough understanding of the complexities of human anatomy. Teaching on a Bioengineering module at Newcastle University’s School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering employed a combination of Primal Pictures anatomical software, bespoke teaching materials and peer to peer learning. This allowed Bioengineering students to quickly construct an understanding of anatomical principles which they used in individual, assessed projects on total joint replacement. Anonymised, written feedback gathered from the students revealed overwhelmingly positive learning experiences and assessed projects indicated deep knowledge of the anatomical descriptions necessary to understand and work with the science of joint replacement.
Intellectual Capital Components, Measurement and Management
Authors: Sohrabi Babak , Raeesi Iman , Khanlari Amir
Published: May 2010

Intellectual Capital (IC) is neither a new phrase nor an old formally accepted term to measure the intangible assets of an organization. This concept has been used in different theories of organization and management. In the 1990s, the focus of attention dramatically changed from financial aspects and the techniques used for their measurement to the knowledge and intangible assets and the way businesses could manage them strategically in order to gain a competitive edge. By this way, IC has been recognized as one of the core components for managing and analyzing the strategic organizational intellectual capabilities, hence; to improve the quality of knowledge management (KM). The chapter aims to conceptually review and analyze the importance, definitions, components, and reporting mechanisms in the field of IC measurement and management.
Structural Capital and Innovation Capabilities
Authors: Salazar Elsa Mercedes Alama
Published: May 2010

Organizational knowledge, as well as their different manifestations, may play a critical role for effective development of the firm processes and products (Kogut and Zander, 1996; Teece, 1998; Alegre and Lapiedra, 2005). The present work explores the influence that the different manifestations of organizational knowledge, or structural capital, show on the innovation capability of professional service firms. To achieve this purpose, in a first section an exploratory factor analysis is carried out. From it, the main blocks of organizational capital are obtained. In the next step, the basic hypotheses about the positive influence of these types of structural assets, on firm innovation are presented.
Understanding Interprofessional Expertise in Terms of Beliefs, Values and Attitudes
Authors: Bromage Adrian
Published: May 2010

It is arguable that expertise in interprofessional working can be defined as effective team working to place clients’ needs as paramount: a particular kind of problem solving. Psychological definitions of expertise focus upon problem solving in general, so it is arguable that this literature differs only in emphasis rather than the underlying nature of activities described. This opens possibilities to draw upon literature concerning the development of expertise, which tends to concern how high performers differ from non-experts. For example, Dreyfus & Dreyfus (1986) conclude this is in terms of how experts think and solve problems, rather than their personal knowledge. It seems that experienced problem-solvers discern regularly recurring environmental patterns, drawing upon a body of domain knowledge and experience to do so. In exploring these parallels, this chapter examines beliefs and attitude change, in terms of how they might relate to each other, to outline some possible implications for educators
Leadership Online
Authors: Clouder Lynn , Krumins Marie , Davies Bernie
Published: May 2010

A study investigating the effectiveness of a curriculum innovation involving students as online facilitators of interprofessional learning (IPL) provides a focus for this chapter. The research aim was to investigate whether Year 3 health and social care students were effective in facilitating online discussion forums contributing to the IPL of their counterparts in Years 1 and 2. Findings suggest that they were equally as effective as academic staff while offering some additional benefits. The account provides evidence of a successful online interprofessional initiative involving students promoting IPL.
Learning from Each Other?
Authors: Bradbury Helen , Highton Melissa , O’Rourke Rebecca
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses and evaluates the introduction of collaborative e-learning activities into an interprofessional teacher education programme, a Master of Education in Clinical Education (MEd CE). The activity involved designing an educational research methodology module. The authors chose educational research methods as the task focus because, although the students had some familiarity with research methods, researching clinical education was new to them all. This task enabled participants to learn about educational research methods, course design and e-learning tools, resources and pedagogy. The process enhanced collaborative and interprofessional learning.
Building and Sustaining Collaboration in Cross Sector E-Learning Development
Authors: Timmons Stephen , Wharrad Heather , Vezyridis Paraskevas , Randle Jacqueline , Lymn Joanne , Bath-Hextall Fiona
Published: May 2010

This chapter will focus on the process of building and sustaining collaborative reusable e-learning object development across three educational sectors, Higher Education (HE), the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Further Education (FE) Colleges, using the LOLA project as a case study. A qualitative evaluation of ‘process’ ran alongside the entirety of the LOLA project. This chapter reports the findings of this qualitative research, and analyses how collaboration was achieved between the diverse institutions who were project partners. The strengths of this approach included the commitment of the team members to collaboration, while practical challenges included the location of the team members, but also wider issues in the institutions involved, and in particular, the role of the Media Developer and the perception of it by other team members.
Pedagogical Directions in Creating Interprofessional E-Learning Materials
Authors: Gordon Frances , Booth Karen , Bywater Helen
Published: May 2010

This chapter will provide new insights around the underpinning pedagogy of e-learning that supports the development of collaborative skills in health and social care. It will provide an articulation of practitioner epistemology concerning the development of e-learning materials designed to promote collaborative practice. To do this it will draw on a qualitative case study undertaken by the authors which aimed to uncover the working theories employed by academics when creating e-learning materials to support interprofessional education initiatives. The introduction to this chapter will set the scene by discussing how the initial drivers for developing e-learning materials are often logistics and efficient resource management. However, what this study uncovered were the underlying pedagogies lecturers used in developing e-learning materials. The introduction will signal discussions to be developed in the chapter of how these theoretical approaches to planning learning experiences are adapted and transferred from classroom based practice to the virtual environment.
Reusable Learning Objects in Health Care Education
Authors: Windle Richard , Wharrad Heather
Published: May 2010

This chapter will review the definition, development and characteristics of reusable learning objects (RLOs) and outline examples of how these resources are meeting the challenges of interprofessional learning. It will discuss the ways in which pedagogy is developed and expressed within RLOs and how this may impact on interprofessionality.
Technology Perception Framework for Education Faculties
Authors: Tinmaz Hasan , Yakin Ilker
Published: May 2010

Technological innovations have strongly influenced our routines. Instructional activities have been also reshaped in parallel to the latest developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). For the adaptation to those indispensable changes, Faculty of Education in Higher Education Institutions must be reformed fundamentally. What is essential and initial for Education Faculties is to comprehend the technological perception of stakeholders within their organizations. These stakeholders are managers, teacher educators and preservice teachers who require certain knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) in relation to educational sciences and ICTs. This chapter offers “3 X 3 two-dimensional matrix” framework for Faculties of Education concerning the technology perception of the stakeholders. In the first dimension the authors reveal the KSAs as software, hardware and peopleware, in the second dimension stakeholder groups are listed. In each intersection of the dimensions, the authors provide adaptable hints and factors to increase the possibility of favorable technology perception in Faculties of Education.
Utilizing VoiceThread to Increase Teacher Candidates' Reflection and Global Implications for Usage
Authors: McCormack Virginia
Published: May 2010

A new teaching and learning experience is emerging thanks to the emanation of a new set of Web 2.0 tools. This experience is more inclusive where students are guided through a curriculum that better adapts to their individual learning styles, encourages collaborative teamwork, and facilitates critical thinking and problem solving through a variety of communication, visualization and simulation technologies. A discussion of providing a platform for reviewing and reflecting on shared learning experiences through the use of VoiceThread and digital video recording for all levels of learners is presented. The chapter highlights the power and barriers related to the application of educational technology for teacher candidates, teacher educators, teachers and students. The author proposes that teachers can become empowered, teacher educators and teacher candidates can reflect and connect curriculum with authentic activities through the application of VoiceThread, a Web 2.0 tool that will support learning and collaborating more effectively worldwide.
The Golden Apple
Authors: Lennex Lesia , Nettleton Kimberely Fletcher
Published: May 2010

The success of any educational technology lies in how students interact with it in an educational setting. In the iLRN model (Lennex & Nettleton, 2009), the teacher provides instruction but through activity theory the students transform the learning to suit their own designs. The quality of teacher directions determines the extent to which students depend on the teacher for further feedback and technical assistance. If a teacher is perceived as not understanding even a small part of the technology, Lennex (2008) discovered that P-12 students are unlikely to ask for clarification of assignments or for any further assistance. Exploration and peer coaching replaced the teacher. Technologically literate teachers who interacted with their students and encouraged the scaffolding of knowledge discovered that final student projects demonstrated higher levels of critical thinking and creativity when compared to teacher-controlled projects.
Collaborative Learning in Pre-service/In-service Communities of Practice
Authors: MacDonald Ronald J.
Published: May 2010

This chapter will describe how a research-based Community of Practice (CoP) of pre-service and in-service teachers supported teachers’ reflection and learning about how and when to integrate hand-held data loggers. This study suggests that the CoP narrowed the gap between theory (in teacher education) and practice (in the school classroom). Findings will describe effective ways to use hand-held data loggers in senior high school science classes, as well as in pre-service teacher education courses. The possibilities of building even stronger connections between the traditionally theoretical world of teacher education and the real world of school are suggested.
Fostering Educational Technology Integration in Science Teacher Education
Authors: Capobianco Brenda M. , Lehman James D.
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes one science teacher educator’s attempts to integrate various educational technologies in an elementary science methods course, her students’ responses to her attempts, and the tensions that emerged. The science teacher educator employed teacher action research as a means of systematic, reflective inquiry to examine critically how preservice elementary school science teachers think about, use, and reflect on educational technologies and how their developing professional identities intersect with adoption of these technologies. Tensions emerged from a dichotomy between what methods students perceived as “traditional” science teaching and science teaching using technology. Resulting problems of practice included: expertise in/with science and negotiating a new curriculum, control in the classroom, content coverage, and support and sense of community. The authors conclude their chapter with implications and recommendations for future research related to the significant role educational technology can play in science teacher education and science teacher identity development.
Implementing an Online Educational Technology Course in a Teacher Preparation Program
Authors: An Heejung , Wilder Hilary
Published: May 2010

To positively foster teacher knowledge, skills and beliefs regarding technology integration, a teacher preparation program at a university in New Jersey, USA carried out the process of revising a face-to-face technology skill based course into a fully online one in which the focus changed to “teaching with technology.” This chapter provides a detailed account of how the course was revised, and describes the challenges the authors faced. The solutions that came to the fore during this process are also provided. The chapter concludes with recommendations for other teacher educators who might be offering online educational technology courses to candidates of a similar population.
Serving Rural Teachers Using Synchronous Online Professional Development
Authors: Stockero Shari L.
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the design and implementation of a blended online synchronous teacher professional development course that was developed to meet the needs of rural educators. The author discusses how research on teacher learning influenced both the course design and instruction and then describes course activities and the ways in which the participants engaged in them. Specific features of the course that supported teacher learning are discussed, the instructor’s and participants’ perspectives on the course are shared, and evidence of teacher learning is presented. The chapter concludes with lessons learned and a discussion of potential areas of research related to supporting teacher learning in online environments.
Creating Electronic Evidence Rooms for NCATE Accreditation
Authors: Johnson-Leslie Natalie
Published: May 2010

For nearly a century the clarion call for more accountability at all levels of education across the USA has been made. As a result, we find accreditation bodies (national, regional and specialized), in the USA being independent of the Department of Education. In this chapter, the focus will be on creating electronic evidence rooms for The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE was developed over 50 years ago requiring concrete evidence that teacher candidates are prepared rigorously to acquire the relevant body of knowledge and field experiences needed for them to be successful teachers. With technological advances, NCATE accredited institutions are given the charge to produce electronic evidence rooms as a means of show-casing tangible evidence of students, departments and colleges of education progress. This chapter will provide a comprehensive overview of how electronic evidence rooms are created using College LiveText Solutions for NCATE accreditation.
New Directions in the Research of Technology-Enhanced Education
Authors: Ronau Robert N. , Rakes Christopher R. , Niess Margaret L. , Wagener Lauren , Pugalee David , Browning Christine , Driskell Shannon O. , Mathews Susann M.
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents the results of a systematic review of literature in which the authors examined instructional technology integration in career and technical education, mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science. Three lenses were used to examine the literature: a research design framework, a teacher knowledge framework (CFTK), and a technology integration framework (TPACK). The research design framework revealed a low percentage of papers that were actually research studies (41.2%), favoring qualitative design (70% of the 41.2%). Consequently, educators may have difficulty sifting through high proportions of non-research to find the most informative, up-to-date instructional technology research. Three CFTK aspects of teacher knowledge were addressed less than others in the research studies: Individual Context (16%), Subject Matter (33%), and Discernment (29%). Pedagogical Knowledge was addressed the most (65%). The TPACK developmental framework revealed an emphasis on the lowest three levels of instructional technology integration (60%), indicating a gap in the research at the upper two levels. Mathematics studies accounted for almost half of all research addressing TPACK developmental stages (47%). From these findings, the authors conclude that pedagogical knowledge alone is not enough to ensure high levels of technology integration and offer recommendations for improving the disjointed nature of research on instructional technology.
The Role of Trust in Interactive High Tech Work
Authors: Thiemann Matthias
Published: May 2010

With regard to the spread of self-presentations of individuals and small firms on the internet, this chapter inquires into the role of trust and trust-building techniques of freelance web-designers in spreading the application of high-technology to end-consumers. Engendering relationships of trust is a predominant necessity for the freelancers in a market lacking structural assurances, making that group an ideal object of study for trust-enhancing strategies in client interaction. Methodologically, it proposes a way to study the adaptation of entrepreneurs to the requirements of trust, enlarging the focus on dramaturgic action of the trust-taker in exchange situation to markets for cooperation, in which cooperative experiences are a major trust-building factor. The analysis suggests that in those markets dramaturgical action is not only directed at clients but also at the referral networks in which they are embedded in, having important repercussions for the negotiating power of freelancers.
Trust in Technology
Authors: Campos-Castillo Celeste
Published: May 2010

The notion of trust in technology has recently flourished through translating what researchers know about interpersonal trust into the realm of technology. What has been missing from this movement is a sociological perspective on trust in technology, an understanding of how the social and cultural framework in which one is embedded can shape outcomes like trust. To fill this void, the author develops a framework for understanding how these macrostructures can become imported into the local context (e.g., the workplace) to influence trust in technology. Specifically, this framework takes a status value approach (Berger & Fisek, 2006) to explain how the status of social actors (e.g., people, organizations) can transfer to the technologies to which they are associated and be used as a basis for trust. The author focuses the discussion of this theory around implications for technology adoption and offers suggestions for future applications of the theory in other domains.
The Role of Technology in the Development of Group Trust
Authors: Blanchard Anita L. , Rashotte Lisa Slattery
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, the authors will elaborate a theoretical model for the development of group trust and the role that technology plays in that process. They first will articulate the particular nature of group trust, as opposed to individual trust or generalized trust. The authors then discuss the variables which affect group trust, such as sense of virtual community, entitativity, identity, and support. The authors will present a model that posits that technological features affect the commitment and attachment that lead to group trust. Technological features include group and personal identification cues (e.g., signature files, member activity). Future research directions utilizing this model are discussed.
Color in Image Watermarking
Authors: Chareyron Gaël , Da Rugna Jérôme , Trémeau Alain
Published: May 2010

This chapter summarizes the state-of-the-art color techniques used in the emerging field of image watermarking. It is now well understood that a color approach is required when it comes to deal with security, steganography and watermarking applications of multimedia contents. Indeed, consumers and business expectations are focused on the protection of their contents, which are here color images and videos. In the past few years, several gray-level image watermarking schemes have been proposed but their application to color image is often inadequate since they usually work with the luminance or with individual color channel. Unfortunately, color cannot be considered as a simple RGB decomposition and all of its intrinsic information must be integrated in the watermarking process. Therefore, it is the chapter objective to present, first, the major difficulties associated with the treatment of color images, and second, the state-of-the-art methods used in the field of color image watermarking.
Geometric Distortions-Invariant Digital Watermarking Using Scale-Invariant Feature Transform and Discrete Orthogonal Image Moments
Authors: Ahmad Shiraz , Lu Zhe-Ming
Published: May 2010

Many proposed digital image watermarking techniques are sensitive to geometric attacks, such as rotation, scaling, translation, or their composites. Geometric distortions, even by slight amounts, can inevitably damage the watermark and/or disable the capability of the watermark detector to reliably perform its function. In this chapter, the authors exploit the invariant image features to design geometric distortions-invariant watermarking system, and present two watermarking techniques. First technique utilizes the bounding box scale-invariant feature transform and discrete orthogonal Hahn moments to embed the watermark into the selective image patches, and the second technique uses only the Hahn moments to globally embed watermark into the whole image. First technique is non-blind and uses the original image during detection. While exhibiting excellent resistance against different geometric distortions, this technique also has fairly good resistance to image cropping like attacks. However, this technique exhibits a reduced data payload. The second technique is designed to be blind and the watermark is blindly extracted using the independent component analysis. For this technique an improved data payload is achieved but with a little compromise on resistance against cropping like attacks. The implementations are supported with thorough discussions and the experimental results prove and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes against several kinds of geometric attacks.
Merging Different Datasets to Allow for a Complete Analysis (Inpatient, Outpatient, Physician Visits, Medications)
Authors: Cerrito Patricia , Cerrito John
Published: May 2010

If we want to gain a complete picture of patient treatment, we need to examine all patient encounters with the medical profession. Then, we need to divide them into episodes of care. For example, an encounter with a physician might lead to a laboratory test, which in turn could lead to inpatient (or outpatient) surgery with additional follow up visits to a physician. A chronic condition could lead to multiple patient visits to the emergency department, which could become an inpatient stay. In order to determine the total cost of such episodes, we must first be able to define them. One of the major ways we have of defining episodes is to examine dates of care. If a physician visit occurs within a week or two of an inpatient event, it is very likely a follow up to the inpatient treatment. However, if the physician visit occurs several months after an inpatient event, it is likely for a general checkup, or it may mark the start of a new patient episode. We also want to look at the overall cost of a disease over a year’s time period given all requirements of that treatment: physician visits, medications, lab tests, and hospitalizations. The MEPS is ideal for such analyses.
Introduction to Analysis Using Time Components
Authors: Cerrito Patricia , Cerrito John
Published: May 2010

The introduction of a time component requires the use of statistical methods that can utilize dependent data. The assumption of independence that is required for regression models is no longer applicable. In this section, we will work with time series analysis. Time series analysis requires that data are collected at discrete, fixed time intervals. Observational and insurance data contain time stamps as to the date of service. These time stamps are transactional in nature and do not occur at fixed time intervals. Therefore, the first step in such an analysis is to convert the transactional time points into fixed time intervals. We need to decide upon the interval: every minute, hour, day, week, month, year. The specific interval will depend upon the analysis to be performed. Once that is completed, the standard time series analysis methods can be used. As an example, we use the MEPS dataset for medications. We use the date of January 1 as time zero.
Decision Trees and Their Development
Authors: Cerrito Patricia , Cerrito John
Published: May 2010

Decision trees are developed to support physicians who must make treatment decisions. Risk estimates are used to find the optimal treatment pathway for a group of patients. Unfortunately, decision trees often are developed in the absence of empirical evidence concerning risk. In particular, long-term risk is almost always unknown. Instead, physician panels are convened, or physician groups are surveyed to give estimates of risk. However, these outcomes databases discussed in this text can be used to investigate risk, and the relationship of treatment to outcomes. This relationship can be translated into percentages of risk, and that risk used to develop decision trees. Risk versus benefit can be used to find optimal treatment. However, patient benefit is subjective. Pain, especially, is very subjective. Is a patient better off to have surgery to relieve pain, or to just take pain medication continuously? There are attempts to define patient benefit as a function of the patient’s utility. To save costs, should treatment be denied if it fails to increase a patient’s utility? Who should decide a patient’s utility? Often, the patient has little input into the definition of utility that is often used to deny treatment.
Example of Diabetes Using CMS Data
Authors: Cerrito Patricia , Cerrito John
Published: May 2010

We want to examine the treatment of patients with diabetes, and the reasons these patients are in the hospital. In order to do this, we must consider a cohort of patients who have diabetes and who are treated with medication and with insulin. We also need to know the extent to which compliance with monitoring is related to disease progression. Do patients with organ failure have greater, or less compliance with monitoring? There is so much involved in the treatment of diabetes, that it may be difficult to investigate all aspects of the treatment in one analysis. Therefore, at some point, it becomes important to focus on some one aspect of the disease. Then, you can add a second aspect followed by a third or fourth aspect of the disease.
Teachers Learning with Wiki
Authors: Poyas Yael
Published: May 2010

Wiki implementation in education has been thoroughly researched over the past few years, particularly due to the use of this technology in higher education institutions. One unique branch of this research is the influence of the Wiki environment on teachers who participate in teacher education programs. A multicultural group of teachers - younger and older, experienced and novices, Jews and Arabs – was examined while learning literature and its instruction with Wiki. Satisfaction with the learning process and its outcomes, as well as with relations among learners and between them and the lecturer, was high. Three main factors influenced the learning process and participants’ attitude toward the use of Wiki: (a) level of professional development and teaching experience, (b) culture and mother-tongue of the participants, and (c) discord between academic norms and the Wiki environment’s democratic norms.
Beyond the Books
Authors: Stevenson Carolyn N.
Published: May 2010

Retention of online students is a topic of special interest in higher education. Research shows that the highest percentage of students failing or withdrawing from classes occurs the first term. There is no panacea to retaining and motivating online students. A collaborative effort by instructors, administrators, and students is needed to promote student success the first term and beyond. Building community involves fostering relationships grounded in common interests and is critical to academic success and student retention. Student activities such as clubs and organizations create a bond between student and the institution. This case study will discuss strategies for retaining and motivating online students. Topics include: curriculum initiatives, student mentoring and peer coaching, academic services for poor-performing students, community building through online student activities and websites, promotion of socialization while learning at a distance, and ideas for working with faculty on promoting student success from admissions to graduation.
Collaborative Learning Experiences in Teaching of e-Business Management
Authors: Assaf Wael , Elia Gianluca , Fayyoumi Ayham , Taurino Cesare
Published: May 2010

In the context of the e-Business Management Section (eBMS) of the Scuola Superiore ISUFI at University of Salento (Italy), the case of the International Master in e-Business Management (IMeBM) is discussed here which is aimed to contribute pragmatically to create e-Business Capabilities in Mediterranean Countries. This chapter presents the results obtained in the Laboratory Phase of the first two years of Master’s editions, i.e. 2006 and 2007 editions. This phase has been designed on blended (on-line and off-line) learning experience. Specifically, it has been structured by mixing the delivery of some Web learning courseware with face-to-face meetings with mentors and e-Business experts. The technological platform designed, developed and adopted for the Web learning activities is called the “Virtual eBMS” that represents the collaborative learning environment of the Mediterranean School. The pedagogical approach adopted by the School, named (“Learning-in-Action”) together with some considerations on the effectiveness and the implications of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) strategy are also deliberated upon. It also presents how the whole case of the International Master in e-Business Management generated intellectual capital assets, described in terms of Human Capital (competences developed in the e-Business context), Social Capital (networks and cooperation with local institutions and companies) and Structural Capital (research projects).
Enculturation of the Utilization of Learning Management System
Authors: Yunus Aida Suraya Md. , Meseran Hamidah , Wahab Zaidan Abdul
Published: May 2010

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) vision is to become a university with international repute. The Strategic Plan Document 2001- 2010 includes a goal for the university to be fully wired through ICT in enhancing research, extension work, professional service, strengthening teaching and learning environment and enhancing the culture of ICT in supporting teaching and learning. Two strategies were drawn; namely (i) implement the use of one learning management system (LMS) and (ii) enhance competency of academic staff in using the LMS. It has been a practice that each faculty decides on a platform for implementing e-Learning. However, the use of various LMSs had created difficulties in the sharing of integrated database, continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the e-Learning system, and depository of e-Learning resources in the UPM’s knowledge repository. This paper reports on UPM’s experience in adapting the use of LMS from the early 1990s until today.
The Role of Communication Technologies in Vehicular Applications
Authors: Khaled Yacine , Tsukada Manabu , Santa José , Ernst Thierry
Published: May 2010

Vehicular networks attract a lot of attention in the research world. Novel vehicular applications need a suitable communication channel in order to extend in-vehicle capabilities and, be aware of surrounding events. However, these networks present some peculiarities, such as high mobility or specific topologies. These features affect the performance of applications; hence, more effort should be directed to identify the final necessities of the network. Few works deal with application requirements that should be considered when vehicular services are designed. In this chapter this gap is filled, proposing an analysis of application requirements mapped with suitable communication technologies for physical/MAC and network layers. This study contains key factors that must be taken into account not only at the design stage of the vehicular network, but also when applications are evaluated.
The E-Planning Paradigm – Theory, Methods and Tools
Authors: Silva Carlos Nunes
Published: May 2010

The chapter discusses the relationships between planning theory and the use of information and communication technologies in urban planning. It explores how recent organizational transformations in urban planning, associated with the widespread use of information and communication technologies, are incorporated by different planning theories. It is argued that the way information and communication technologies tools are considered or included by the different planning perspectives is in part responsible for the various forms of e-planning.
The Future-Making Assessment Approach as a Tool for E-Planning and Community Development
Authors: Horelli Liisa , Wallin Sirkku
Published: May 2010

As e-planning takes place in a complex and dynamic context, consisting of many stakeholders with a diversity of interests, it benefits from an evaluation approach that assists in the monitoring, supporting and provision of feedback. For this purpose, we have created a new approach to e-planning, called the Future-making assessment. It comprises a framework and a set of tools for the contextual analysis, mobilisation and nurturing of partnerships for collective action, in addition to an on-going monitoring and evaluation system. The aim of this chapter is to present and discuss the methodology of the Future-making assessment-approach (FMA) and its application in a case study on e-planning of services in the context of community development, in a Helsinki neighbourhood.
Portals as a Tool for Public Participation in Urban Planning
Authors: Klessmann Jens
Published: May 2010

In this article it will be shown how different general types of portals can be utilized to foster public participation processes in urban and regional planning. First portals and the objectives of their use in the public sector are explained. This happens before the background of different concepts of administrative reform and a transition of government to an electronic manner. Then public participation will be described and different categories thereof are presented. This part forms the basis for the delineation of electronic participation in urban planning. Finally the already introduced general portal types will be applied to distinguish several kinds of participation portals.
GIS Implementation in Malaysian Statutory Development Plan System
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Faris , Abdullah Alias , Zahari Rustam Khairi
Published: May 2010

The chapter presents the current state of GIS implementation in Malaysian development plan system. It offers an overview of GIS implementation worldwide, touching briefly on the history of GIS, planners’ early acceptance of the system, factors that promote GIS implementation, level of usage among planners, and factors that impede successful GIS implementation. At the end, the chapter provides a comparison between the state of GIS implementation in Malaysian statutory development plan system with the state of GIS implementation worldwide. The evidence was derived from three main sources: literature, empirical observation of GIS implementation in Malaysia, and a survey conducted in 2008.
Images of Citizenship
Authors: Jensen Michael J.
Published: May 2010

Local government websites are the primary place citizens interact with their local governments online. This research presents qualitative and quantitative content analyses of local government websites in the United States. It investigates these websites with respect to the participatory and consumer citizenship roles reflected and structured through their design. The websites are evaluated regarding their usability with respect to consumer and participatory interactions as well as the symbolic content framing users’ interactions. While both participatory and consumer interactions were equally accessible in 2003, longitudinal analysis shows that governments are facilitating consumer interactions without a corresponding increase in participatory usability. Additionally, an evaluation of the symbolic content of the websites reveals that almost universally, they emphasize a consumer mode of interactions over a participatory mode of interactions. A detailed qualitative analysis shows that participatory aspects are subordinate to consumer dimensions and that political content is cast to discourage dissenting political interactions.
Factors Influencing Intention to Use e-Government Services Among Citizens in Malaysia
Authors: Lean Ooh Kim , Zailani Suhaiza , Ramayah T. , Fernando Yudi
Published: May 2010

With the liberalization and globalization, Internet has been used as a medium of transaction in almost all aspects of human living. This study is investigating the factors that influencing the intention to use e-government service among Malaysians. This study integrates constructs from the models of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) which been moderated by culture factor and trust model with five dimensions. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 195 respondents. The result of the analysis showed that trust, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, perceived relative advantage and perceived image respectively has a direct positive significant relationship towards intention to use e-government service and perceived complexity has a significant negative relationship towards intention to use e-government service. While perceived strength of online privacy protection and perceived strength of data integrity have a positive impact on a citizen’s trust to use e-government service. However, the uncertainty avoidance (moderating factor) used in the study has no significant effect on the relationship between the innovation factors (compatibility, complexity, relative advantage and image) and intention to use e-government service. Finally in comparing the explanatory power of the entire intention based model (TAM, DOI and Trust) with the studied model, it has been found that the DOI model has a better explanatory power.