bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer Value of Context Aware and Location Based Mobile Services
Authors: de Vos Henny , Haaker Timber , Teerling Marije , Kleijnen Mirella
Published: October 2011

Context aware services have the ability to utilize information about the user’s context and adapt services to a user’s current situation and needs. In this article the authors consider users’ perceptions of the added value of location awareness and presence information in mobile services. The authors use an experimental design, where stimuli comprising specific bundles of mobile services were presented to groups of respondents. The stimuli showed increasing, manipulated, levels of context-awareness, including location of the user and location and availability of buddies as distinct levels. Their results indicate that simply adding context aware features to mobile services does not necessarily provide added value to users, rather the contrary. The potential added value of insight in buddies’ location and availability is offset by people’s reluctance to share location information with others. Although the average perceived value overall is rather low there exists a substantial minority that does appreciate the added context aware features. High scores on constructs like product involvement, social influence and self-expressiveness characterize this group. The results also show that context aware service bundles with utilitarian elements have a higher perceived value than bundles with hedonic elements. On the basis of the different results some guidelines for designing context aware mobile services are formulated.
Introducing a First Step towards a Holistic Talent Management System Architecture
Authors: Eckhardt Andreas , Laumer Sven , Maier Christian
Published: October 2011

As one of the top issues for executives nowadays the recruiting, retaining, and skilling of scarce talent has received a lot of attention both in research and practice. While companies are in dire need of new strategies and integrated approaches in human resources, research has predominately observed the skill profile and general attitude of professionals to their work, their individual incentives, and consequentially, their turnover intention. We aim to relieve these needs in practice by introducing a first step towards a holistic system architecture of recruiting, retention, and development processes. For this purpose we use a design science approach to develop a talent management system architecture containing all respective processes and their related subsystems based on the next-generation holistic e-recruiting system invented by Lee (2007). This architecture could increase knowledge transfer and thereby improve the adjustment and performance of the entire HR process. Furthermore the increased amount of data gained through new implemented performance measurement subsystems offers management a variety of new strategic options for continuing to battle in a global “War for Talent.”
Design and Implementation Issues for Convincing Conversational Agents
Authors: Löckelt Markus
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes a selection of experiences from designing and implementing virtual conversational characters for multimodal dialogue systems. It uses examples from the large interactive narrative VirtualHuman and some related systems of the task-oriented variety. The idea is not to give a comprehensive overview of any one system, but rather to identify and describe some issues that might also be relevant for the designer of a new system, to show how they can be addressed, and what problems still remain unresolved for future work. Besides giving an overview of how characters for interactive narrative systems can be built in the implementation level, the focus is on what should be in the knowledge base for virtual characters, and how it should be organized to be able to provide a convincing interaction with one or multiple characters.
Extending Conversational Agents for Task-Oriented Human-Computer Dialogue
Authors: Andrews Pierre , Quarteroni Silvia
Published: October 2011

We present the role of conversational agents in two task-oriented human-computer dialogue applications: Interactive Question Answering and Persuasive Dialogue. We show that conversational agents can be effectively deployed for interaction that goes beyond user entertainment and can be successfully used as a means to achieve complex tasks. Conversational agents are a winning solution in Persuasive Dialogue because, combined with a planning infrastructure, they can help manage the parts of the dialogue that cannot be planned a priori and are primordial to keep the system persuasive. In Interactive Question Answering, conversational approaches lead users to the explicit formulation of queries, allow for the submission of further queries and accomodate related queries thanks to their ability to handle context.
Design and Development of an Automated Voice Agent
Authors: Stavropoulou Pepi , Spiliotopoulos Dimitris , Kouroupetroglou Georgios
Published: October 2011

Sophisticated, commercially deployed spoken dialogue systems capable of engaging in more natural human-machine conversation have increased in number over the past years. Besides employing advanced interpretation and dialogue management technologies, the success of such systems greatly depends on effective design and development methodology. There is, actually, a widely acknowledged, fundamentally reciprocal relationship between technologies used and design choices. In this line of thought, this chapter constitutes a more practical approach to spoken dialogue system development, comparing design methods and implementation tools highly suited for industry oriented spoken dialogue systems, and commenting on their interdependencies, in order to facilitate the developer’s choice of the optimal tools and methodologies. The latter are presented and assessed in the light of AVA, a real-life Automated Voice Agent that performs call routing and customer service tasks, employing advanced stochastic techniques for interpretation and allowing for free form user input and less rigid dialogue structure.
The Future of Companionable Agents
Authors: Catizone Roberta , Wilks Yorick
Published: October 2011

COMPANIONS is a concept that aims to change the way we think about the relationships of people to computers and the Internet by developing a virtual ’Companion’ to stand between individuals and the torrent of data on the Internet, including their own life information, which will soon be too large for people to handle easily without some new form of assistance. The Companion is intended as an agent or ’presence’ that stays with a user for periods of time, longer than in conventional task-based dialogue systems, developing a relationship and ’knowing’ and assisting its owner’s experiences, preferences, plans, and wishes. The Companions concept aims to model a fuller range of conversation than has been done hitherto, both task and non-task based, and discusses what properties people will want in a long term computer Companion that is also an Internet agent in a new form.
Institutional Framework for Analyzing Sustainability in European Agriculture and Rural Areas
Authors: Pascucci Stefano , Polman Nico , Slangen Louis
Published: October 2011

The aim of this chapter is to develop an institutional framework for analyzing and improving sustainability. More specifically we discuss (i) developing a framework that consists of different institutional levels and a set of indicators for measuring the relevant features of each institutional level; (ii) investigating what are the dimensions of sustainable agriculture and rural development and related suitable indicators; (iii) the relationship between the institutional framework and sustainability; finally (iv) we tried to design better institutions for improving the sustainability in agriculture and rural areas. The chapter also underlines the relevance of looking at sustainability in a more empirical way. It strongly emphasises the necessity to support the theoretical approach with the use of indicators and reference levels. More specifically, the chapter indicates general and more comprehensive typologies of indicators that are commonly used to evaluate sustainability and sustainable development in agriculture and rural areas.
Sustainable Governance in the Integrated System “Environment-Agriculture–Health” Through ICTs
Authors: Misso Rosa
Published: October 2011

This chapter analyzes the role of ICTs in a sustainable governance model as fundamental tools to manage the integrated system “Environment, Agriculture and Health”. Food production can determine a negative impact on the environment that then reverberates on the human health: intensive agricultural practices and farming are the principals responsible of the global emissions of greenhouses gases that, causing climate change, can impact human health. The study produced a survey with the purpose of appraising firms’ propensity to use ICTs tools in order to enhance their strategies on climate change and environmental pollution and to work, through sustainable communication, towards an integrated system.
Monitoring, Analyzing and Understanding the Dynamics of Complex Processes
Authors: Buurma J.S.
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes the methodology and the outcomes of an analysis of the public debate on pesticide risk reduction in The Netherlands in the period 1995-2008. The objective of the chapter is to get transition management on the research agenda of scientists and professionals in the discipline of informatics. The challenge for this discipline is to design societal Information Systems next to existing agricultural, environmental, and geographic Information Systems. Societal Information Systems could help action researchers and policymakers to better understand and eventually intervene in transition processes in agriculture. Content analysis is the corner stone of the methodology. The analysis revealed the existence of two social systems: the general public focusing on pesticides, and the agricultural community focusing on crop protection. Application of a dramaturgic approach revealed the key moments and the key actors in the debate, and also revealed the discourses of the key actors, respectively challenging and defending the existing institutions.
A Framework to Perceive and Incorporate Information Technology Governance within the Agrifood Industry
Authors: Pavlou Tania , Leousi Clio
Published: October 2011

As competition shifts from the company to the intercompany Information Technology (IT) level, the concept of IT Governance (ITG) becomes one of the main factors driving the company’s competitive advantage. Current definitions of ITG narrow its scope within risk mitigation and regulatory controls, and there is limited research on a wider grounding considering effects from change management, peoples’ behavioral aspects, and external factors that alter an organization’s smooth operations. As currently there is no literature on the experience of the agricultural sector on ITG practices, this research aims to define the concept of ITG within the needs of agricultural organization structures and operations. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework to apply an effective strategy for adopting and implementing ITG practices. Initially a generic strategy is proposed for adopting ITG principles. The perspective to apply this strategy at the agrifood sector is examined, and a framework to establish ITG practices within agricultural activities is designed.
Information Technologies in Quality Management Systems of Meat Product Chains
Authors: Herdon Miklós , Füzesi István
Published: October 2011

At the beginning of the 21st century, the question of food safety is playing an accentuated role in the meat product industry. Important issues within this topic are the risk of bioterrorism, impurities in the food chain, and the ascendancy of consumer needs. The solutions to these problems are the introduction of modern quality assurance systems, product identification, and traceability. This chapter reviews the possibilities of IT support for these systems, as well as the potential advantages and their incidental costs. Within the tight frame of this paper – omitting the descriptions of technologies – we discuss the most important criteria of systems which may be able to solve today’s meat industry problems.
Sustainable Management of Agricultural Resources and the Need for Stakeholder Participation for the Developing of Appropriate Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Baginetas Konstantinos N.
Published: October 2011

The past 20 years have seen the rapid expansion of one development theory, that of sustainable development. This theory provided the opportunity for all stakeholders to be able to be involved in development projects. However, regarding issues of sustainable development, there is a historical tendency for these issues to be driven by top-down and technocratic agendas. Nevertheless, it is argued that the various stakeholders should be brought together and allowed to express their perspectives and perceptions, and that they should actively be involved in any developmental process. Within this context, this chapter argues that the adoption of a participatory, inter-disciplinary approach by the scientists/researchers in the development of sustainability indicators (with a focus on soil quality sustainability indicators) for use in agricultural ecosystems, can lead to the development of appropriate assessment tools that are meaningful to farmers and related to their understandings.
Towards Electronic and Mobile Government Service Provision for Agriculture
Authors: Costopoulou C. , Ntaliani M. , Karetsos S. , Tambouris E. , Tarabanis K.
Published: October 2011

During the evolutionary course of e-government, various initiatives have been taken to correspond to the increasing demand of quality e-government services for citizens, businesses, and public agencies. This chapter describes the Electronic/Mobile Government (EMG) framework, which contributes to the migration of traditional public services to the electronic/mobile (e/m) delivery mode in a coherent and usable format. The framework guides public agencies in modeling and deploying e/m-government services through a cost-effective and comprehensive set of phases. The framework offers transparency, efficiency, interoperability, and effectiveness, and ensures the participation of all stakeholders, which are important requirements for the implementation of e-government systems. It has been applied to a traditional public service of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture entitled “Receiving first installation premium for new farmers”. Its application has resulted in implementing e-government services using workflow patterns and Web services, as well as m-government services via the short message service for Greek farmers.
Marine Living Resource Management and Fishing Effort Control in View of Socioeconomic Reality
Authors: St. Raykov Violin , Bikarska Ivelina
Published: October 2011

For proper fisheries management, it is important to know fishing effort. One of the main problems in the Black Sea region is the lack of comprehensive information concerning the fishing activity, catch quantities, and composition and how it affects the current state of fish stocks. In the present research, different alternatives concerning measures to decrease the fishing effort on some over exploited fish stocks using REPOMP method are reviewed and evaluated. In task formulation, some socioeconomic impacts on the people engaged in the sector are taken into account as well as possibilities for control of the execution of some concrete restrictions. Preliminary assumption is the possibility for applying the combination of methods for fishing effort restrictions; as such an alternative or set of the methods were searched. The main goal using corresponding methodology is to achieve the most positive result regarding marine living resource stocks conservation, economic dimensions of métier and the weakest influence on the socioeconomic status of all participants engaged in the process.
Agriculture and Conservation in the Natura 2000 Network
Authors: Ioja Cristian , Rozylowicz Laurentiu , Patroescu Maria , Nita Mihai , Onose Diana
Published: October 2011

The Natura 2000 network represents a new approach in the sustainable spatial planning promoted at the European Union level. Agricultural landscapes comprise 28.6% of the surface area of the Natura 2000 sites, many of which have significant conservation values. Plant and animal species, and approximately 30% of the natural habitats of community interest are directly influenced by the presence of certain agricultural activities. This chapter presents a GIS analysis of the European Union Natura 2000 ecological network: spatial distribution of Natura 2000 sites in EU-27, dynamic agricultural surfaces in Natura 2000 sites, and GIS tools in managing process. GIS techniques must represent the tool by which the efficiency of this ecological network is monitored, as it must be permanently nourished with important financial resources.
The Improvement of Environmental Performance in the Nonprofit Sector Through Informatics
Authors: Papaspyropoulos Konstantinos G. , Christodoulou Athanassios S. , Blioumis Vaios , Skordas Kyriakos E. , Birtsas Periklis K.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the present chapter is to demonstrate how an econometric application supported by the use of simple software can augment an environmental nonprofit organization’s (ENPO) environmental performance. An ENPO, whose scope of operation is the protection of natural resources, usually deals with the problem of how to reduce its negative environmental impact without sacrificing the positive one resulting from its work. This chapter argues that the application of cointegration analysis on available time series environmental data can offer an indication for the policy decision-making in terms of such a contrast in impacts. If the time series are not cointegrated, then the ENPO can reduce its negative environmental impact without affecting the positive one. If they are cointegrated, then alternative policies have to be designated for dealing with the negative impact.
Environmental Quality Monitoring, Using GIS as a Tool of Visualization, Management and Decision-Making
Authors: Christophoridis Christophoros , Bizani Erasmia , Fytianos Konstantinos
Published: October 2011

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) has established new regulations for the registration and quality monitoring of water bodies. The concept of the directive is to introduce a holistic management approach, which brings together interdisciplinary scientific knowledge for the achievement of high water quality, and to ensure the creation of a harmonized coding system. To achieve this goal, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide adequate tools for the management, storage, visualization, and evaluation of environmental quality information, by combining water quality data with the classification of the risk for the water body, according to designated weights of influence of each selected parameter (such as geological morphology, sheer volume of the aquifer, point sources of pollution, and others according to the studied system). Furthermore, the integration of mathematical models in GIS can provide possibilities for the prediction of long term behaviour of a system under various scenarios of anthropogenic pressure. The aim of this chapter is the presentation of the latest applications and research concerning the use of GIS as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tool for environmental management and water quality purposes.
Using the XO Laptop to Build a Digital Bridge Between Primary Schools and Universities
Authors: Foley Katelyn
Published: October 2011

One-to-one computing has emerged as a controversial framework for integrating technology in education. The Cambridge Friends School XO laptop pilot program is a collaboration between the Digital Literacy Project (DigiLit), a non-profit and Harvard College student organization, and the Cambridge Friends School (CFS), an independent K-8 school. This chapter will examine both positive and negative features of the program, as well as a model for implementation of similar programs. DigiLit introduced low-cost XO laptops to two grade levels and designed laptop-based lesson plans. The author also investigated the XO’s effects on collaborative behavior, finding that laptops influenced mobility and sharing of information during group activities. As part of the pilot, students tested new software and completed a survey about the design of an open-source spreadsheet program. The partnership between DigiLit and CFS has provided a platform for researching child-computer interaction and for developing a laptop-based curriculum.
Tightrope Walking
Authors: Byrne Pat , McIlrath Lorraine
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents findings from an established service-learning module at the National University of Ireland, Galway, in a postgraduate IT degree programme. It describes the context at a local and national level for embedding service-learning within IT while likening it to the process of tightrope walking involving the complexity of balance and control in a sometimes uncertain terrain. The findings highlight both the challenges and successes of service-learning in IT following a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with community partners, the course director and the 2008-2009 student cohort. Service-learning provides a means of connecting students’ academic study with community and society with the explicit intention of promoting active and responsible citizenship (Bringle and Hatcher, 1996; Furco and Holland, 2004; Zlotkowski, 2007). Using service-learning in computing programmes is not new (Webster & Mirielli, 2007; Tan & Phillips, 2005; Scorce, 2010; Lawler et al., 2010); however, an analysis of this work taking the perspectives of multiple stakeholders and its contexts within Ireland are all original.
Preparing 21st-Century Faculty to Engage 21st-Century Learners
Authors: Blair Kristine
Published: October 2011

This chapter provides a constructive critique of the gap between the institutional rhetoric of technology and the academic reality of delivering curriculum digitally. As part of the analysis of the material conditions within the academy that inhibit the development of engaged online pedagogies, including ones with the potential for service-learning and community literacy components, this chapter establishes benchmarks for both institutions and units, not only to assess and sustain the success of such initiatives, but also to foster the professional development training of current and facilitate faculty to foster online learning as an important example of the scholarship of teaching, learning, and engagement. Ultimately, 21st-century colleges and universities need to develop ways to align technology with both pedagogy and policy to bridge the divide between the academy and the community to maintain relevance in both realms in the digital age.
Web-Based Information Science Education
Authors: Schisa Kathleen , McKinney Anne , Faires Debbie , Kingma Bruce , Montague Rae Anne , Smith Linda C. , Sterna Marianne
Published: October 2011

Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) is a collaborative distance education model that increases the quality, access and diversity of online education opportunities. The WISE Consortium is a group of graduate Library and Information Science (LIS) programs founded on three pillars: quality, pedagogy, and collaborations (Montague & Pluzhenskaia, 2007). This chapter outlines the approach to achieving these three pillars and the assessment mechanisms used to measure the consortium’s success. Highlights include WISE Pedagogy, the administrative division of WISE dedicated to providing faculty development resources for online education, and WISE+, an initiative that supports partnerships enabling WISE schools and LIS associations to develop courses together suitable for graduate credit and continuing education. While the WISE consortium is specific to LIS education, the model could be applied more broadly to other disciplines.
Enhancing a Rural School-University Teacher Education Partnership through an E-Mentoring Program for Beginning Teachers
Authors: Holt Janice , Unruh Lori , Dougherty A. Michael
Published: October 2011

This case study describes an innovative and effective e-mentoring program for beginning teachers that has enhanced Western Carolina University’s (WCU) school-university teacher education partnership. With national data indicating that nearly one-half of beginning teachers leave the classroom within five years, schools and universities are faced with the challenges of providing the support needed to keep new teachers in the classroom and developing them into effective professionals. Like those nationally, the schools in the university’s rural service region were facing new teacher retention issues. The authors of this chapter and their school partners believed that technology-mediated mentoring had the potential to extend the benefits of face-to-face mentoring by providing professional development that engaged new teachers in an external community of learners, was connected to and driven by teachers’ work, and was sustained, intensive, and respectful of teachers’ demanding schedules. The School University Teacher Education Partnership (SUTEP) then developed and implemented this technology-based project.
Leveraging Online University Education to Improve K-12 Science Education
Authors: Cavanagh Thomas B.
Published: October 2011

While many K-12 teachers, especially those in elementary education, have extensive academic training and work experience in effective pedagogy, there is a concern that their discipline-specific knowledge may not be as robust as is necessary to address the needs of today’s students in a competitive, global environment. This is especially true in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. To address this need, Florida’s Manatee County School District partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) to develop the ScienceMaster program. The ScienceMaster program leveraged existing university expertise in science-related online education to provide in-service professional development for teachers, especially teachers in low-performing elementary schools. The ScienceMaster program offered full scholarships for online Master’s degrees from ERAU or NSU to competitively-selected K-12 teachers, ad hoc graduate and undergraduate courses for those teachers not selected for full scholarships but who could benefit from an individual course, and just-in-time self-paced Web tutorials on a variety of science subjects. Teachers selected to receive full scholarships were required to commit to completing accelerated programs and serving as mentors in their schools, thus enabling a multiplier effect as a return on the scholarship investment.
Mobile Phones and Cultural Connections
Authors: Longo Bernadette
Published: October 2011

When people in the United States seek to collaborate with partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), even good intentions cannot overcome differing expectations for how people use technologies to facilitate communication – both interpersonal and among social groups. This case study looks at an ongoing collaboration between a faculty member at the University of Minnesota and two NGOs working in the DRC: First Step Initiative, providing microloans to women entrepreneurs, and Pact, an international development organization. In the course of this collaboration, it has become clear that differing expectations for communication channels to support the NGOs have resulted in complications for collaborators both in the U.S. and the DRC. This study explores whether social networking tools and cell phones can be used to establish new channels for communication that meet interpersonal expectations for participants in both the U.S. and the DRC.
Here and Now or Coming in the Future?
Authors: Njenga James Kariuki , Fourie Louis Cyril Henry
Published: October 2011

Phenomenal changes have occurred in higher education (HE) since the emergence of e-learning, thus necessitating change in teaching and learning approaches. The rate of change, demands, and pressures of the workplace brought by these ICTs, and the need for continual self improvement, job market competition, and job relevance have created an unprecedented demand for HE. There seem to be mythical ideas about the potential effects of e-learning and the proximal and contingent contextual factors that might affect its use, especially in Africa. Thus, e-learning’s ability to reach non-traditional learners to offer the required alternative access to education or offer supplementary access to traditional learners is questioned, leading to the observation that its benefits may be achieved only in the future rather than in the present. Hence the focal question: Is e-learning coming in the future or is it a present engagement, and how do partnerships figure into this issue?
Using Digital Technology to Enhance a Century Old Partnership between University and Cooperative Education Employers
Authors: Cates Cheryl , Cedercreutz Kettil , Harfmann Anton C. , Lewis Marianne W. , Miller Richard
Published: October 2011

Cooperative Education (the systematic alternation of school and work) creates ongoing partnerships between institutions of higher education and their corporate partners. The beauty of co-op is that it allows feedback on student work performance while the student is enrolled in an academic program. The objective of this project was to use emerging digital technologies to capture partnership information and channel it back to faculty in charge of curriculum development for summative and formative purposes. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) through the grant Developing a Corporate Feedback System for Use in Curricular Reform. The project resulted in a system that captures the level and uniformity of student work performance and reports the data both numerically and graphically both separately and in combination. Performance uniformity as a measure is important, as it illustrates how well all students in a group absorb the instruction.
Conclusion - Remediating the Community-University Partnership
Authors: Carpenter Russell G.
Published: October 2011

The concept of remediation, as outlined by Jay David Bolter and Richard Grusin, offers a lens through which 21st-century partnerships might be analyzed and reinvented. Accordingly, this chapter argues that looking to the future, community-university partnerships will gain momentum as centralizing educational venues, while emerging technologies will offer mediated spaces where academic, professional, and nonprofit institutions merge to provide learning opportunities that engage both sides. This chapter situates the multiliteracy space—in this case the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity at Eastern Kentucky University—as a model for community-university partnerships that employ emerging technologies to develop communication skills.
Protocol Operation
Authors: Németh Gábor Árpád
Published: October 2011

This chapter gives a fundamental overview of communication protocol operation. The concept of layering is introduced along with the definitions of communication primitives, protocol and service data units, data encapsulation, and service access points. An example for layering – the OSI Reference Model – is also presented. The service provided by a protocol can be characterized based on the various distributed communication models and operational environments. The model of an operation environment along with its characteristics and the model of a communication node are introduced as well. Various communication problems, trigger conditions, and the purpose of the timer trigger condition are discussed. Protocol interaction scenarios are presented with respect to the number of participants and the reliability of the transmission medium. The characteristics of these dialogues are also introduced and discussed.
Protocol Functions
Authors: Dulai Tibor
Published: October 2011

After the introduction of basic protocol functions, this chapter deals with the advanced functions of communications protocols that are especially highlighted in network management and multimedia transmission. This chapter deals with the most important aspects of the network management: security management, performance management, accounting management, fault management, configuration management, and mobility management. During multimedia transmission over a well-managed network, another important question arises: How to ensure desired quality of service? This chapter presents methods for quality management, too. Finally, this chapter collects future trends of protocol functions based on the present directions of network technology development.
Signaling Protocols of Integrated Services Digital Networks
Authors: Adamis Gusztáv
Published: October 2011

This chapter is devoted to the classical ISDN signaling protocols. The main reason for which we deal with these protocols in detail is that they are – with modifications and extensions – also used in GSM and UMTS systems. In this chapter, we discuss the access (subscriber) and the core network signaling protocol stacks of ISDN: (a)The DSS1 (Digital Subscriber Signaling System No.1): We do not deal with the physical layer, but we discuss the upper two layers: LAPD (Link Access Procedure on D channel) and DSS1 3rd layer. (b) The SS71 (Signaling System No.7): Used in core network for signaling. We introduce the structure and the functional elements of SS7, and we go through the four levels of the protocol stack.
IPv4 / IPv6 Coexistence and Transition
Authors: Bokor László , Jeney Gábor
Published: October 2011

Nowadays, the Internet Protocol is facing the version change; IPv4 (the old version of IP) will be replaced by IPv6 (the new version of IP) in the long run. Although they are based on the very same concept, the two protocols are not compatible with each other. This chapter deals with the coexistence issues, which might arise due to the simultaneous existence of IPv4 and IPv6. On the other hand, this chapter also covers transition concepts: how IPv6 only hosts can communicate either over IPv4 only networks, or with IPv4 only hosts in the Internet of the future.
Session Management and Transport Protocols for Multimedia Services over IP Networks
Authors: Lois László , Sebestyén Ákos
Published: October 2011

In the last couple of years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of users consuming media content through multimedia services over IP networks. This chapter aims at introducing the protocols used in and the application questions related to such services. First, a brief overview is given on an IPTV system, a typical and popular multimedia system. This introductory section is followed by the description of application layer transport protocol (RTP - Real-time Transport Protocol) and session management protocols (RTCP - Real-time Control Protocol and RTSP - Real-time Streaming Protocol) of IPTV (and other similar services). Apart from the protocols themselves, implementation and application issues related to an IPTV environment are also discussed. The discussions presented might be a useful starting point for the analysis of other multimedia services.
A Solution for Evaluating the QoS of Voice over IP
Authors: Toral-Cruz Homero , Torres-Román Deni , Estrada-Vargas Leopoldo
Published: October 2011

In this chapter, we present a solution for evaluating the Quality of Services (QoS) of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). First, we present an introduction to the main concepts and mathematical background relating to QoS and Internet Protocol (IP) traffic nature, which subsequently are used in the measurements, analysis, and modeling of VoIP traffic. Secondly, we analyze network measurements and the result of the simulation in order to characterize the VoIP traffic nature. As results of this analysis, it is shown that VoIP jitter can be modeled by alpha-stable distributions and self-similar processes, with either Short or Long Range Dependence (i.e., SRD or LRD). Thirdly, we investigate the packet loss effects on the VoIP jitter, and present a methodology for simulating packet loss on VoIP jitter. Finally, we found an empirical relationship between the Hurst parameter (H) and the Packet Loss Rate (PLR); this relationship is based on voice traffic measurements and can be modeled by means of a power-law function with three fitted parameters.
Radio Frequency Identification
Authors: Schulcz Róbert , Varga Gábor
Published: October 2011

In this chapter, we will start by briefly summarizing the history of radio frequency identification systems. After that, we will introduce the components of such systems and classify them based on programmability, data capacity, frequency, and reading distance, as well as power supplement and reply transfer methods. We will describe the various coupling types used in RFID systems, present the common coding schemes and modulations, and give an overview of the standardization efforts. This chapter will focus on collision detection and resolution algorithms and conclude by practical suggestions on RFID system selection for different tasks.
High Level Definition of Event-Based Applications for Pervasive Systems
Authors: Ortmann Steffen , Maaser Michael , Langendoerfer Peter
Published: October 2011

Within pervasive intelligent environments, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) will surround and serve us at any place and any time. A proper usability is considered essential for WSNs supporting real life applications. With this chapter, we aim at ease of use for specifying new applications that have to autonomously cope with expected and unexpected heterogeneity, sudden failures, and energy efficiency. Starting with general design criteria for applications in WSNs, we created a user-centric design flow for pervasive applications. The design flow provides very high abstraction and user guidance to refrain the user from implementation-, deployment- and hardware-details including heterogeneity of the available sensor nodes. Automatic event configuration is accomplished by using a flexible Event Specification Language (ESL) and Event Decision Trees (EDTs) for distributed detection and determination of real world phenomena. EDTs autonomously adapt to heterogeneous availability of sensing capabilities by pruning and subscription to other nodes for missing information. We present one of numerous simulated scenarios proving the robustness and energy efficiency with regard to the required network communications. From these, we learned how to deduce appropriate bounds for configuration of collaboration region and leasing time by asking for expected properties of the phenomena to be detected.
A Methodology for UICC-Based Security Services in Pervasive Fixed Mobile Convergence Systems
Authors: Park Jaemin
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents the fundamental and security characteristics of UICC and current practices of UICC-based security services (e.g. banking, stock, network authentication, etc.) in pervasive FMC systems. Moreover, we propose a novel UICC-based service security framework (USF), which implements the essential security functionalities used for FMC services, to provide the integrated security infrastructure and secure FMC services. The USF can be utilized to authenticate users, preserve privacy, and protect network infrastructures and business models of telephony companies.
Principles, Methodology and Tools for Engineering Cloud Computing Systems
Authors: Vaquero Luis M. , Rodero-Merino Luis , Cáceres Juan , Chapman Clovis , Lindner Maik , Galán Fermín
Published: October 2011

Cloud computing has emerged as a paradigm to provide every networked resource as a service. The Cloud has also introduced a new way to control cloud services (mainly due to the illusion of infinite resources and its on-demand and pay-per-use nature). Here, we present this lifecycle and highlight recent research initiatives that serve as a support for appropriately engineering Cloud systems during the different stages of its lifecycle.
Information and Communication Technologies in Marketing Channels
Authors: Saura Irene Gil , Deltoro Marta Frasquet , Molina Maria Eugenia Ruiz
Published: October 2011

There is broad consensus about the benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT) for distribution channel members. Notwithstanding, it has been pointed out that there is a need to adjust investment to what is strictly necessary. In this vein, this chapter attempts to analyze the level of use and assessment as well as the differences between the different actors’ perceptions of their respective suppliers’ ICT. In this way, it is intended to discern the major factors which suppliers should take into account when prioritizing the implementation of certain technological solutions, depending on the retail activity.
Frameworks for a Consumer’s Group Knowledge Representation
Authors: Franco Massimo , Di Virgilio Francesca , Di Pietro Loredana , Camillo Angelo
Published: October 2011

This chapter discusses three main objectives: (1) the contribution to the body of literature of consumer behaviour demonstrating that consumer groups’ knowledge (i.e., two-person dyads, families, peer or friendship groups, teams, and other social units) is relevant for study by consumer researchers; (2) the development of an integrated conceptual representation of consumer’s group knowledge including the influence of collective variables on decision making process; (3) the investigation of scientific inquiries regarding the role of advanced technologies in relation to conceptual representation. The approach introduces a new framework applicable both as a tool for enhancing the understanding of consumer’s group knowledge, and as a useful guide to future research on consumer knowledge as a whole. The content discussed herein attempts to establish the building block toward the development of a theory of consumer’s group knowledge. The study offers direction toward a potential path that could evolve into an established theory regarding consumer’s group knowledge in the marketplace.
Recommendations to Buy in Online Retailing and Their Acceptance
Authors: Baier Daniel , Stüber Eva
Published: October 2011

Personal welcomings, individual assistance, as well as recommendations to inform and buy are becoming an integral part in online retailing. These new so-called personalization elements are assumed to increase the retailer’s share of wallet and the customer’s satisfaction. However, up to now only little is known about which external factors influence the customer’s acceptance of such personalization elements. This chapter discusses the forms of recommendations to buy and how their acceptance can be measured using the well-known Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach. An experiment is used, where volunteers are offered an online shopping experience with individually generated recommendations to buy. The experiment shows how high the acceptance of the generated recommendations is and how close this acceptance is connected to the quality and shopping relevance of the recommendations. Even though the results are limited to the specific recommendation types used, they give important implications for an adequate design of modern online shops.
Customer Acceptance of a New Interactive Information Terminal in Grocery Retailing
Authors: Zielke Stephan , Toporowski Waldemar , Kniza Björn
Published: October 2011

This chapter uses an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model to analyze the customer acceptance of a new interactive information terminal for cooking recipes aimed at grocery shoppers. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment influence the customer acceptance of the terminal via direct and indirect effects. Furthermore, the impact of these variables depends on individual differences in experience of Information Technology and the relevance of the information content. These findings carry several management and research implications.
Getting Schooled
Authors: Kurylo Anastacia , Kurylo Michael
Published: October 2011

Although the entrance of blogs into mainstream sports media has not been firmly established, there is evidence that blogs have attained a growing level of credibility particularly as a result of their role in facilitating sports fan communities. Applying the metaphor of a classroom, this chapter discusses how an alternative perspective voiced on a blog can, through the blog’s interactive features, create a community and enable the blog’s transition into the mainstream. Founded in 2004, KnickerBlogger.Net was designed to fill a niche by providing a viewpoint that was not covered by mainstream sports media. The argument is made that by being a “classroom” for sports fans, KnickerBlogger.Net has created learning opportunities and transitioned from an unknown blog expressing one person’s opinion to an affiliate of ESPN.com, a top sports network in the U.S.
Blogging as a Means of Grieving
Authors: DeGroot Jocelyn M. , Carmack Heather J.
Published: October 2011

People are increasingly turning to the Internet to grieve and manage the traumatic experience of losing a loved one and to cope with emotional pain after the loss. Many bereaved individuals establish personal blogs following the death of a parent, spouse or partner, sibling, close family member, or child. For some, blogging about the death of someone special serves as a form of therapy, healing, and emotional release; for others, it serves as a public way to cope with grief. This chapter zeroes in on the communicative experiences of grief bloggers and examines the role of computer-mediated communication in the process of grieving. It starts with a discussion of the stages of grief, explicates the positive and negative impact of blogging on the grieving process, and outlines practical and ethical dilemmas presented by grief blogs and blogging.
U.S. Political Blogs
Authors: Webb Lynne M. , Fields Tiffany E. , Boupha Sitthivorada , Stell Matthew N.
Published: October 2011

Previous studies of successful political blogs have focused primarily on their content. However, a closer look at a blog website can reveal an array of channel characteristics that can be associated with blog popularity. To provide a holistic assessment of the popularity of political blogs, the authors of this chapter examined the formal features of blog homepages in a sample of 100 top political blogs in the U.S. The purpose of the study was to determine whether blog channel characteristics (such as complexity, interactivity, user-friendliness, and navigability) were associated with blog popularity. Ideological orientation was included among the variables to account for any differences associated with channel characteristics across the political spectrum. The analysis indicated that blog complexity, interactivity, user-friendliness, navigability, and political ideology were directly related to blog popularity. The authors argue that these results allow researchers to distinguish between blog popularity based on blog content and blog channel characteristics. The results also may permit blog developers to develop the formal features of the blogs to maximize popularity.