bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Culture and Mass Society
Authors: Alabarces Pablo
Published: December 2017

The category of mass society appears in the early nineteenth century as a way to describe contemporary societies after industrialization: the demographic, economic, political, and cultural social transformations between the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. Mass society went on to describe any society in which the masses occupy roles and spaces previously reserved to its ruling classes or social groups dependent on them. Mass culture began with the popular press in the late nineteenth century, and after World War I there were mass film and radio, literature, and popular music. The article describes a history of both categories and its relations, as well as the different perspectives from academia, from the early twentieth century to the present.
Politics
Authors: Murphy Peter
Published: December 2017

Political sociology commonly analyses the state in terms of legitimate authority. This is whether authority is charismatic, legal–rational, or traditional. This analytic framework was a response to the historic erosion of traditional societies and the rise of modernity. The political authority of modern societies is predominately procedural and impersonal in nature. This reflects the growth of the importance of organization in modern life, including the expansion of the role of government, the size of the state, and the sway of political parties. A second stream of political sociology looks at politics less as a function of government and organization, and more as a function of the tacit social order that provides the context of government and a rationale for its existence. The political sociology of order emphasizes the self‐organizing components of modern society. These complement the state. Where state policies are explicit and emphasize goal attainment, social order is tacit and generates social meaning. Politics, as opposed to politicking, focuses on the relation between order and organization. State policies and rules can facilitate or hinder self‐organizing institutions, depending on circumstances. In turn, self‐assembling social forms establish the limits of government and furnish the state with meaning and validity.
Species‐Being
Authors: Beamish Rob
Published: December 2017

Species‐being (
Gattungswesen
), a controversial Feuerbachian‐inspired term refashioned in Marx's critique of Hegel's idealist philosophy, is central to Marx's conception of alienation and true communism. Following Feuerbach, Marx began with real, active humans, but, “inverting” Hegel's idealism, produced a dramatically different conception of species‐being. For Marx, humankind was a materially active, social being, compelled to produce (labor) in order to exist. Production (labor) – the ontological basis to praxis – changes and develops humankind's knowledge, conditions of being, and social arrangements. Under conditions of private property, the true social character of humankind's creative laboring activity is torn asunder by social – that is, class – division. Only by overturning private property can humankind's sociomaterial potential fully flourish in freedom.
Weak Ties (Strength of)
Authors: Tindall D.B. , Malinick Todd E.
Published: December 2017

Weak ties are relationships between individuals marked by relatively low levels of intensity and emotional closeness. By contrast, strong ties are relationships that involve high levels of intensity and emotional closeness. The importance of weak ties to a variety of sociological phenomena has been most influentially articulated by Mark Granovetter in the most cited article in sociology, “The Strength of Weak Ties” (SWT). Granovetter argues that most people intuitively expect strong ties to generally be more important than weak ties, because those to whom we are closely tied are more motivated to help us, and are also more likely to be stronger sources of social influence and social support. However, basing his argument on principles of social psychology, Granovetter argues that weak ties are – paradoxically – more important for a variety of phenomena, from helping people obtain a job, to the diffusion of ideas and innovations, to facilitating collective action. This entry describes the key theoretical underpinnings of Granovetter's SWT argument, and its application to various topics including job searches, and collective action and social movements. Also discussed are contextual issues, conceptualization and measurement, virtual networks, and related problems and future research.
The “Tse Tsa Watle” Speaker Series: An Example of Ensemble Leadership and Generative Adult Learning
Authors: McKendry Virginia
Published: December 2017

This chapter examines an Indigenous speaker series formed to foster intercultural partnerships at a Canadian university. Using ensemble leadership and generative learning theories to make sense of the project, the author argues that ensemble leadership is key to designing the generative learning adult learners need in an era of ambiguity.
A One‐Structure‐Based Multieffects Coupled Nanogenerator for Simultaneously Scavenging Thermal, Solar, and Mechanical Energies
Authors: Ji Yun , Zhang Kewei , Yang Ya
Published: December 2017

Rapid advances in various energy harvesters impose the challenge on integrating them into one device structure with synergetic effects for full use of the available energies from the environment. Here, a multieffect coupled nanogenerator based on ferroelectric barium titanate is reported. It promotes the ability to simultaneously scavenging thermal, solar, and mechanical energies. By integration of a pyroelectric nanogenerator, a photovoltaic cell, and a triboelectric–piezoelectric nanogenerator in one structure with only two electrodes, multieffects interact with each other to alter the electric output, and a complementary power source with peak current of ≈1.5 µA, peak voltage of ≈7 V, and platform voltage of ≈6 V is successfully achieved. Compared with traditional hybridized nanogenerators with stacked architectures, the one‐structure‐based multieffects coupled nanogenerator is smaller, simpler, and less costly, showing prospective in practical applications and represents a new trend of all‐in‐one multiple energy scavenging.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based and Tetracyano‐Bridged Small Molecules for Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Patil Yuvraj , Misra Rajneesh
Published: December 2017

Research on bulk heterojunction organic solar cells has rapidly grown over the past two decades, and device performance has reached power conversion efficiencies over 13 %. In this focus review, we highlight design strategies used for the development of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐ and tetracyano‐based molecular donors. We also describe how tetracyano‐bridged non‐fullerene acceptors can be developed by a click‐type [2+2]‐cycloaddition–electrocyclic ring‐opening reaction of acetylene‐bridged small molecules with tetracyanoethylene by simple modification.
Infraleichtbeton: Reif für die Praxis
Authors: Schlaich Mike , Hückler Alex
Published: December 2017

Infraleichtbeton ist nun – nach zehn Jahren Forschung an der TU Berlin und einem ersten Haus, das sich seit zehn Jahren bewährt – reif für die Praxis. Die Risiken, die er wie jede Neuerung mit sich bringt, sind jetzt überschaubar. Für diejenigen, die diesen Hochleistungsbeton als tragende Wärmedämmung einsetzen oder weiter erforschen wollen, ist in diesem Beitrag zuerst das Wichtigste zu solchen sehr leichten Betonen, die Sichtbetonbau praktisch ohne zusätzliche Dämmmaßnahmen ermöglichen, zusammengefasst. Die weiteren Ergebnisse der bisherigen Forschung der Autoren und laufende Untersuchungen werden danach ausführlich vorgestellt. Die werkstoffgerechte Durchbildung konstruktiver Details und das gestalterische Potenzial solch neuartiger Betone wird ebenso besprochen wie die für die Umsetzung bisher noch nötige Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE) für Infraleichtbeton. Zum Schluss werden die wenigen bisher gebauten und gerade in Planung befindlichen Gebäude aus Infraleichtbeton vorgestellt.
Three Functions of the Community College Mission Statement
Authors: Ayers David F.
Published: December 2017

This chapter describes the historical context of community college mission statements and proposes that these texts serve three functions: public relations, management, and sensemaking.
Free Community College and Merit Scholarships
Authors: Buchanan Lori Elliott , Wilson Kristin Bailey
Published: December 2017

This chapter addresses the impact of free community college and state merit scholarships on college‐going patterns of high school graduates, community college revenue contexts, and student access and completion at community colleges.
Multicultural and International Research in Four Career Development Journals: An 11‐Year Content Analysis
Authors: Garriott Patton O. , Faris Eve , Frazier Julian , Nisle Stephanie , Galluzzo Joseph
Published: December 2017

In an increasingly diverse and global society, it is important to evaluate the cultural responsiveness of vocational research. The authors examined trends in the publication of multicultural‐focused articles from 2005 to 2015 in 4 journals: The Career Development Quarterly, the Journal of Career Assessment, the Journal of Career Development, and the Journal of Vocational Behavior. Methodological, thematic, and construct trends were examined across the identity categories of gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability status, religion/spirituality, age, immigration status, and international research. Results showed increases in social class and international research but continued neglect of sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability status. The themes of career exploration and promoting agency received the most attention; equity in work settings received the least. Findings suggest that more research with underrepresented groups is needed and that counselors may need to rely on resources outside the current literature to ensure best practices with these clients.
Benzothiazole‐Based Cycloplatinated Chromophores: Synthetic, Optical, and Biological Studies
Authors: Lalinde Elena , Lara Rebeca , López Icíar P. , Moreno M. Teresa , Alfaro‐Arnedo Elvira , Pichel José G. , Piñeiro‐Hermida Sergio
Published: December 2017

Cycloplatinated complexes based on 2‐(4‐substituted)benzothiazole ligands of type [Pt(R‐PBT‐κC,N)Cl(L)] (PBT=2‐phenylbenzothiazole; R=Br (1), Me2N (2); L=dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; a), 1,3,5‐ triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA; b), triphenylphosphine 3,3′,3′′‐trisulfonate (TPPTS; c)) and [Pt(Br‐PBT‐κC)Cl(PTA)2] (3) are presented. On the basis of the photophysical data and time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT calculations (1 a and 2 a), the low‐lying transitions (absorption and emission) were associated with ligand‐center (LC) charge transfer, with minor metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT), and intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) [Me2N‐PBT→PBT] excited states, respectively. Simultaneous fluorescence/phosphorescence bands were found in fluid solutions (and also in the solid state for 2 a), which become dominated by triplet emission bands in rigid media at 77 K. The effect of the concentration on emissive behavior of 2 a, b indicated the occurrence of aggregation‐induced luminescence properties related to the occurrence of metal–metal and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions, which are more enhanced in 2 a because of the less bulky DMSO ligand. The behavior of 2 a toward para‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) in aerated acetonitrile and to hydrogen chloride gas in the solid state has been evaluated, thus showing a clear reversible change between the 1ILCT and 3LC/3MLCT states due to protonation of the NMe2 group (theoretical calculations on 2 a‐H+). Solid 2 a undergoes a surprising oxidation of the PtII center to PtIV with concomitant deoxygenation of DMSO, under prolonged reaction with hydrogen chloride gas to afford the PtIV/dimethyl sulfide complex (mer‐[Pt(Me2N‐PBT‐κC,N)Cl3(SMe2)]; mer‐4), which evolves in solution to fac‐4, as confirmed by X‐ray studies. Cytotoxic activity studies on A549 and HeLa cell lines indicated cytotoxic activity of 1 b and 2 a, b. In addition, fluorescent cell microscopy revealed cytoplasmic staining, more visible in perinuclear areas. Inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 1 b in both cells is presented as a preliminary mechanism of its cytotoxic action.
Mikroplastik in der Umwelt
Authors: Primpke Sebastian , Imhof Hannes , Piehl Sarah , Lorenz Claudia , Löder Martin , Laforsch Christian , Gerdts Gunnar
Published: December 2017

Die Untersuchung von Umweltproben auf Mikroplastik stellt eine große analytische Herausforderung dar. Bislang gibt es keine Langzeitdaten über die Variabilität und Zusammensetzung der gefundenen Belastungen. Es stehen aktuell unterschiedliche Varianten zur Probennahme und zur Mikroplastikextraktion aus Umweltproben zur Verfügung. In bisherigen Untersuchungen wurden sie jedoch nicht einheitlich durchgeführt, was die Vergleichbarkeit von erhobenen Daten erschwert. Anhand einer Beprobung von zwei Klärwerksausflüssen an unterschiedlichen Tagen konnte gezeigt werden, dass es deutliche Schwankungen in der Mikroplastikkonzentration am Klärwerksausfluss gab. Die jeweils festgestellte Partikelzusammensetzung unterschied sich ebenfalls an beiden Tagen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine Filtrationseinheit in Oldenburg die Mikroplastikbelastung um > 70 % reduziert und dabei Partikel größer >100 µm effizient entfernt. Die Verteilung der Partikelgrößen weist auf eine verstärkte Emission von sehr kleinen Partikeln gerade kleiner 50 µm hin.
Ein Beruf mit Chemie?
Authors: Fischer‐Henningsen Doris
Published: December 2017

Für den Schülerjahrgang, der im nächsten Frühjahr und Sommer die Schulen mit einem Abschluss verlässt, wird es höchste Zeit, sich Gedanken um die Berufswahl zu machen. Für Absolventen mit Neigung zur Chemie stellen wir hier ausgewählte Informationsquellen vor, die über das Internet angezapft werden können.
Back Cover: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Ti‐Doping Li1.15Ni0.47Sb0.38O2 as Lithium‐excess Cathode for Lithium‐ion Batteries (Chin. J. Chem. 12/2017)
Authors: Su Xiaozhi , Wang Xingbo , Chen Haiping , Yu Zhen , Qi Jiaxin , Tao Shi , Chu Wangsheng , Song Li
Published: December 2017

The back cover picture shows X‐ray near edge absorption spectroscopy has been applied to cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries to explore its structure‐activity relationship. The result shows that in the Li‐rich cathode Li1.15Ni0.47Sb0.38O2, as a model system, Ti ions replaced the Li ions and then made an antistructure defect. It would change our understanding to the doped method for the cathode layer materials and benefit for designing other more powerful cathodes. In the picture, the road has been represented by the curve shape of the XANES of the as‐studied sample. The atomic arrangement around the Ti ion of the sample has been put into the tank position of the car. NSRL, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, is the name of our laboratory. More details are discussed in the article by Chu et al. on page 1853–1860.

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Determination of EC50Values for Cu, Zn, and Cr on Microorganisms Activity in a Mediterranean Sandy Soil
Authors: Carabassa Vicenç , Domene Xavier , Ortiz Oriol , Marks Evan A. N. , Alcañiz Josep M.
Published: December 2017

Ecotoxicity of three potentially toxic metals (PTM) (Cu, Zn, and Cr) in a slightly acidic sandy soil is tested using the soil respiration test (OECD‐217) in order to determine EC50values for the carbon transformation activity of microorganisms. Addition of an organic amendment ofPopulusleaves is also crossed with metal spiking in order to investigate possible interaction with metal toxicity. Soil respiration is measured at day 1 and 28 after the soil spiking with the PTM to assess short‐term effects on soil microbial activity. Of the three metals tested, Cu shows the highest toxicity at the longest exposure times (day 28) and Zn shows a strong inhibitory effect in the short‐term (day 1), even though later toxicity diminish significantly. Cr is the least toxic studied PTM. Organic amendment outweighs any adverse effects of these metals, increasing soil respiration, even in the treatments with high doses of metals.
Another alternate integrated circuit approach to modulation of radiofrequency transmission signals in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yang Benson , Tam Fred , McElcheran Clare , Graham Simon J.
Published: December 2017

Parallel radiofrequency transmission has garnered much attention for its wide range of benefits in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including reduced power deposition and radiofrequency excitation with improved spatial uniformity. However, few pTx systems are commercially available and most are expensive. This manuscript introduces another alternative parallel transmit architecture at 3 T based on field‐programmable gate array technology, and explores the utility of a low cost, integrated circuit approach to signal modulation that is easily scaled to high channel counts. The technical and engineering specifications of a complete 4‐channel signal modulation module are presented in detail, including radiofrequency characterization and MRI results. The experimental results are additionally compared to a commercially available 4‐channel modulation system. The findings indicate that the proposed device is easy to use, provides fine control of phase and amplitude on existing MRI systems, and can be fabricated for approximately 30 USD per channel. Initial estimates suggest that the complete 4‐channel modulation system (including the required software licenses and multi‐function reconfigurable input/output devices) can be implemented for approximately 10 000 USD.
Kinetic and Mechanistic Observations on the Photoinduced Isomerization Reaction of Organometallic Chalcones: A Steady State and Flash Photolysis Study
Authors: Maldonado Tamara , Ferraudi Guillermo , Lappin A. Graham , Godoy Fernando
Published: December 2017

The photoinduced isomerization (E to Z) processes of a new series of organometallic chalcones derived from cyrhetrene, ferrocene and cymantrene functionalized with a benzo or 4′‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5 moiety were studied in acetonitrile. The influence of near‐UV steady‐state irradiation on the properties of the chalcones was followed by means of UV/Vis absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Time‐resolved ultrafast transient absorption and nanosecond flash photolysis spectroscopic studies revealed that irradiation of E‐cyrhetrenyl chalcones (1 a, b) led to the formation of an intermediate excited state which evolves irreversibly into the Z isomer. A second excited state, formed in the picosecond timescale, is responsible for the luminescence of the cyrhetrenyl chalcone 1 b. The photoisomerization mechanism was found to be different for the ferrocenyl chalcones (2 a, b) compared to the E‐cyrhetrenyl chalcones (1 a, b). For the ferrocenyl chalcones, minimal concentrations of the Z isomer are formed and an excited state, assigned as a metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer excited state, leads to the formation of another product of reaction. The photoisomerization processes of the complexes, as seen through the values of the quantum yields and rate constants, are affected by the steric hindrance created by the macrocycle as well as the perturbation of the electronic system by metal ions, such as Ca2+, coordinated to the macrocycle.
Revealing the Chemistry between Band Gap and Binding Energy for Lead‐/Tin‐Based Trihalide Perovskite Solar Cell Semiconductors
Authors: Varadwaj Arpita , Varadwaj Pradeep R. , Yamashita Koichi
Published: December 2017

A relationship between reported experimental band gaps (solid) and DFT‐calculated binding energies (gas) is established, for the first time, for each of the four ten‐membered lead (or tin) trihalide perovskite solar cell semiconductor series examined in this study, including CH3NH3PbY3, CsPbY3, CH3NH3SnY3and CsSnY3(Y=I(3−x)Brx=1–3, I(3−x)Clx=1–3, Br(3−x)Clx=1–3, and IBrCl). The relationship unequivocally provides a new dimension for the fundamental understanding of the optoelectronic features of solid‐state solar cell thin films by using the 0 K gas‐phase energetics of the corresponding molecular building blocks.
SHANK1 is differentially expressed during development in CA1 hippocampal neurons and astrocytes
Authors: Collins Sean M. , Belagodu Amogh P. , Reed Samantha L. , Galvez Roberto
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have strongly suggested a role for the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK1 in normal synaptic structure and signaling. Global SHANK1 knockout (SHANK1−/−) mice demonstrate reduced dendritic spine density, an immature dendritic spine phenotype and impairments in various cognitive tasks. SHANK1 overexpression is associated with increased dendritic spine size and impairments in fear conditioning. These studies suggest proper regulation of SHANK1 is crucial for appropriate synaptic structure and cognition. However, little is known regarding SHANK1's developmental expression in brain regions critical for learning. The current study quantified cell specific developmental expression of SHANK1 in the hippocampus, a brain region critically involved in various learning paradigms shown to be disrupted by SHANK1 dysregulation. Consistent with prior studies, SHANK1 was found to be strongly co‐expressed with dendritic markers, with significant increased co‐expression at postnatal day (P) 15, an age associated with increased synaptogenesis in the hippocampus. Interestingly, SHANK1 was also found to be expressed in astrocytes and microglia. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of glial SHANK1 localization; therefore, these findings were further examined via a glial purified primary cell culture fraction using magnetic cell sorting. This additional analysis further demonstrated that SHANK1 was expressed in glial cells, supporting our immunofluorescence co‐expression findings. Developmentally, astroglial SHANK1 co‐expression was found to be significantly elevated at P5 with a reduction into adulthood, while SHANK1 microglial co‐expression did not significantly change across development. These data collectively implicate a more global role for SHANK1 in mediating normal cellular signaling in the brain. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 363–373, 2018
Prediction of histologic alcoholic hepatitis based on clinical presentation limits the need for liver biopsy
Authors: Roth Nitzan C. , Saberi Behnam , Macklin Jared , Kanel Gary , French Samuel W. , Govindarajan Sugantha , Buzzanco Anthony S. , Stolz Andrew A. , Donovan John A. , Kaplowitz Neil
Published: December 2017

The clinical presentation of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) can be mimicked by other alcoholic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to identify clinical features that predict AH on liver biopsy. Biopsies from patients hospitalized for presumed severe AH were used to identify a derivation cohort (101 patients) and validation cohort (71 patients). Using histologic scores for hepatocyte ballooning, Mallory‐Denk bodies, and lobular inflammation, 95 patient biopsies (55%) were classified as definite AH, 55 (32%) as possible AH, and 22 (13%) as no AH. Survival was similar among the groups, but mortality was significantly increased for patients with fatty change ≤50% on initial liver biopsy. An analysis limited to uninfected patients with definite AH or no AH in the derivation cohort identified a greater leukocyte count at admission and radiographic evidence of liver surface nodularity as independent predictors of definite AH on biopsy (P < 0.05). In the derivation cohort, the leukocyte count thresholds for ensuring 100% specificity for diagnosing definite AH were 10 × 109/L if the liver surface was nodular and 14 × 109/L if the liver surface was smooth, with a sensitivity of 76% and an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.88. In the validation cohort, these thresholds had a specificity of 86%, a sensitivity of 59%, and an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.72. Conclusion: The combination of an elevated leukocyte count and a nodular liver surface in the absence of active infection retrospectively identified patients with a high likelihood of histologic AH for whom liver biopsy may not be necessary. For patients with suspected severe AH who do not fulfill these criteria, liver biopsy is important to exclude other variants of alcoholic liver disease. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:1070–1084)
Using a service design model to develop the “Passport to Safer Birth” in Nigeria and Uganda
Authors: Salgado Mariana , Wendland Melanie , Rodriguez Damaris , Bohren Meghan A. , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Ojelade Olubunmi A. , Olalere Adebimpe A. , Luwangula Ronald , Mugerwa Kidza , Fawole Bukola
Published: December 2017

Objective

To demonstrate how a human‐centered service design approach can generate practical tools for good‐quality childbirth care in low‐resource settings.

Methods

As part of the WHO “Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty” (BOLD) project, a service design approach was used in eight Ugandan and Nigerian health facilities and communities to develop the “Passport to Safer Birth.” There are three phases: Research for Design, Concept Design, and Detail Design. These generated design principles, design archetype personas, and Passport prototypes. Data collection methods included desk research, interviews, group discussions, and journey mapping to identify touchpoints where the woman interacts with the health system.

Results

A total of 90 interviews, 12 observation hours, and 15 group discussions were undertaken. The resulting design principles were: a shared and deeper understanding of pregnancy and childbirth among family and community; family readiness for decision‐making and action; and the woman's sense of being in control and being cared for. Four archetype personas of women emerged: Vulnerable; Passive; Empowered; Accepter. Subsequent development of the Passport to Safer Birth tools addressed three domains: Care Mediator; Expectation Manager; and Pregnancy Assistant.

Conclusion

The service design approach can create innovative, human‐centered service solutions to improve maternity care experiences and outcomes in low‐resource settings.
Structure and function of yeast and fungal Na+/H+ antiporters
Authors: Dutta Debajyoti , Fliegel Larry
Published: December 2017

Sodium proton antiporters (or sodium proton exchangers [NHEs]) are a critical family of membrane proteins that exchange sodium for protons across cell membranes. In yeast and plants, their primary function is to keep the sodium concentration low inside the cytoplasm. One class of NHE constitutively expressed in yeast is the plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter, and another class is expressed on the endosomal/vacuolar membrane. At present, four bacterial plasma membrane antiporter structures are known and nuclear magnetic resonance structures are available for the membrane spanning transmembrane helices of mammalian and yeast NHEs. Additionally, a vast amount of mutational data are available on the role of individual amino acids and critical motifs involved in transport. We combine this information to obtain a more detailed picture of the yeast NHE plasma membrane protein and review mechanisms of transport, conserved motifs, unique residues important in function, and regulation of these proteins. The Na+/H+ antiporter of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, SpNHE1, is an interesting model protein in an easy to study system and is representative of fungal Na+/H+ antiporters. © IUBMB Life, 70(1):23–31, 2018
Gender Differences In Computer Literacy Level Among Undergraduate Students In Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Authors: Zin Nor Azan Mat , Zaman Halimah Badioze , Judi Hairulliza Mohd , Mukti Norhayati Abdul , Amin Hazilah Mohd , Sahran Shahnorbanun , Ahmad Kamsuriah , Ayob Masri , Abdullah Salwani , Abdullah Zuraidah
Published: December 2017

This study was conducted to assess gender differences in computer literacy levels of undergraduate students in UKM. Responses from 2,591 students were analyzed. Students were surveyed on software and application use, self‐perceived control and programming skills. There is a significant difference in computer literacy level between male and female students; overall mean score for male was 2.62 (N = 734, SD = 0.71) while female score was 2.34 (N = 1570, SD = 0.58). Male students had greater computer experience and use computer more frequently. They also reported a higher computer ability and slightly higher percentage of them own a computer. Males had greater self‐perceived control and higher programming skills and better ability in computer repair and maintenance than females. Other factors such as computer experience, and computer ownership also affect computer literacy level as was shown by the interaction effect existed among gender, computer experience, and computer ownership. Implication from this study indicates that increasing the computer experience and encouraging students to own a computer will give more opportunity to female students to achieve a higher level of computer literacy.
Are Usability Assessment Techniques Reliable in Non‐Western Cultures?
Authors: Yeo Alvin W.
Published: December 2017

This paper describes an exploratory study conducted to examine the efficacy of the global‐software development lifecycle (global‐SDLC), a Western software development approach employed to derive software for the global market. In the study, the global‐SDLC was applied to adapt a US English spreadsheet for a non‐Western market; in particular, the spreadsheet was adapted to accommodate Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia's national language). Malaysians were recruited to evaluate the usability of the spreadsheet utilising three prevalent (Western originated) usability assessment techniques, namely, think aloud, questionnaire, and interview. The design and implementation phase of the global‐SDLC were found to be efficacious. However, the results of the usability evaluation‐the last phase of global‐SDLC‐were found to be inconsistent. These inconsistencies may be attributed to the computer experience as well as the cultural attributes of the participants in the study. Implications of the findings and further work were also discussed.
Decision Support Systems for Small Scale Agroindustrial Investment Promotion in Rural Areas
Authors: da Silva Carlos Arthur B. , Fernandes Aline R.
Published: December 2017

A series of decision support systems (DSS's), developed as part of a government program to promote the implementation of small scale agroindustrial projects in rural areas, is described. The DSS's constitute an alternative to the use of printed agroindustrial profiles to disseminate information on technical and economic aspects of such projects. Users have access to information on the potential projects and can evaluate their feasibility considering their own data and relevant assumptions. Information is presented in hypertext and graphical formats, and in conventional data tables. The hypertext files provide descriptions concerning the technological processes, related legislation and potential markets, while graphical images present plant floor plans and 3‐D views of facilities and equipment lay‐out. Data is available on several items, including technical coefficients, equipment costs, raw material and other input costs, interest rates, other loan conditions, and product mixes and prices. They can be easily changed by the user, so as to better reflect specific conditions. Economic‐engineering models allow the computation of standard financial evaluation indicators. Sensitivity analysis is also performed. Results can be either displayed on screen, saved or printed. 15 systems have been developed, covering a wide array of agroindustrial projects. Usability tests were performed with a sample of potential users. Results were extremely favorable, confirming the initial hypothesis of the potential of the proposed approach as an effective means to promote agroindustrial investments.
Implementation of a Hospital Library Automation Project in Mexico: Learning from Experience
Authors: Macías‐Chapula César A.
Published: December 2017

Health library automation has been a well established field of academic work and practice among developed countries. In developing countries, this field is practically non‐existent. Health libraries in these countries however, are acquiring new information and communication technologies in an attempt to modernise their services. In many developing countries, information technologies are transferred without previous analyses of existing information processing procedures; less interest is placed on the social and cultural elements involved.

The purpose of this work is to describe the lessons learned, challenges and opportunities that emerged at the implementation phase of the library automation project of Mexico's General Hospital (MGH). The paper first reviews the literature on health library automation; then, the size and structure of MGH is described, including its library automation project. Here, an analysis for the period 1993–1999 is presented.

Lessons learned were related to actors’ changes of attitudes at the managerial and operational levels. Main challenges were the construction of a work team; the changes in some of the work practices; and the lack of trained health librarians. Opportunities to conduct research and to participate in the organisation's information development plan were identified. A discussion regarding the socio‐technical aspects of information systems is described at the end of the paper.
Ethical and Intellectual Property Concerns in a Multicultural Global Economy
Authors: Phukan Sanjeev , Dhillon Gurpreet
Published: December 2017

Enormous and dramatically swift changes in Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) have created a global economy on an unprecedented scale, one that is perhaps much more pervasive than many had previously anticipated. The speed of this change has caught many companies as well as IT professionals by surprise. Many companies have had to undergo rapid restructuring to face new challenges and to take advantage of new opportunities, while IT professionals have had to concern themselves with a wide variety of hitherto unfamiliar concerns and issues, including those involving culture, ethics, intellectual property, and computer crime.
Information Technology Education in Nepal: An Inner Perspective
Authors: Shakya Subarna , Rauniar Deepak
Published: December 2017

The Information Technology revolution is going on. It has been making significant impacts on our day lives and has changed the very landscape of human existence. The IT industry today stands as the maximum growth industry and demand for core IT professionals have been on the rise and is growing worldwide. The demand of these professionals has been so huge worldwide that at present the demand simply outnumbers the supply of these professionals. As a result of the same, rapid growth in highly skilled IT occupations, low unemployment rate, rising salaries etc. have become typical attributes of this profession. With regards to the opportunities available in the IT profession, of recent there has been an extraordinary demand for IT related courses from students worldwide. Nepal is no exception to the same and demand for IT related courses have been on the rise here as well. To cater to this demand, like their counterparts abroad, universities and colleges in Nepal have also come out extensively with IT related courses and programs. In this paper, an attempt has been made to critically investigate the prevailing IT education scenario in Nepal. The paper also provides key recommendations with regards to the steps that need to be taken to enhance the overall quality of IT education in Nepal.
The Effect of Information Technology on the Growth of the Banking Industry in Nigeria
Authors: Idowu P. A. , Alu A.O. , Adagunodo E.R.
Published: December 2017

The advent of Information Technology (IT) is rapidly changing the banking industry. In this study, the impact of IT on the banking industry in Nigeria is described. A questionnaire was employed to collect data from customers at five major banks in Nigeria on the extent to which customers believe that IT exerts an impact on banking services. The results of the study clearly indicate that IT has contributed immensely to the growth of the banking industry in Nigeria.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Democracy Development in the South: Potential and Current Reality
Authors: Fleming Samantha
Published: December 2017

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been touted as bringing new options to democracy development. This paper explores some of the potential and current reality of using ICTs to strengthen democracy development in South Africa. Focus is on a project of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa that has sought to make use of ICTs in an applicable, appropriate and useful way in an African context. Some history of the project is given, including existing electronic products aimed at facilitating public participation and providing access to information. Also, some anecdotal evidence of impact is explored. The paper articulates lessons learned and difficulties encountered in the context of using ICTs for democracy development in the South. It concludes that there is a place for ICTs in democracy development, that access to information does play a crucial role in informing citizens about government activities, and thus encouraging people to engage with decision makers on issues of governance.
e‐Business and Technology Issues for Developing Economies: A Ukraine Case Study
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Amoroso Donald L.
Published: December 2017

The need to develop a strategy for e‐business applications is an important facet of doing business especially where organizations can provide value‐added services to the customer base. In this paper, we identify key value‐added e‐business applications and focus on success factors that clearly support small enterprise goals. Performance factors are presented that show the impact of e‐business applications on the organization's bottom‐line. The case study in this paper uses a methodology of direct observation, unstructured interviews and document review to gather data for identifying issues in starting a small business using the Internet. The case organization provides services around office and business support, energy consulting, and Web development. The formation of International Business Solutions has been difficult due to the banking system, work culture, and infrastructure of Ukraine. IT issues investigated include telecommunications, energy, hardware, software, and the availability of technical skill sets. e‐Business issues that were found to be important in this study include: (1) difficulty of the user interface, (2) a lack of a planning process for e‐business applications, (3) development and testing concerns, (4) finding the web site and a lack of branding, and (5) the lack of evidence to support a formal budgeting process. We conclude with recommendations for enabling IT success in the Ukraine and focus on the need for a well‐designed Web presence for the case organization.
E‐commerce in Developing Countries
Authors: Young Judy , Ridley Gail
Published: December 2017

The aim of the following paper is to present a review of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, E‐Commerce and Development Report 2002, which focuses on progress towards e‐commerce in developing countries. The Report presents valuable information and analysis within its nine chapters that will be of interest to many countries. However, it is argued that the Report would have been more useful if UNCTAD had considered how the chapters related to each other, and in particular, how the topics mapped against the entire scope of what is a complex issue. For illustrative purposes, a preliminary framework was developed from the literature and then used for comparison against the issues covered in the Report, revealing gaps. It is recommended that UNCTAD build on the leadership role it has taken in the area by developing a framework of the issues on e‐commerce in developing countries that could be used for future publications in the area.
The Status of E‐finance in Developing Countries
Authors: Hadidi Rassule
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this commentary is to identify some impediments that affect successful implementation of e‐finance initiatives in developing countries. These impediments are not adequately addressed in the UNCTAD 2002 report. We need to overcome these to be able to move forward with implementing e‐finance related initiatives in developing countries. It is hoped that by implementing e‐finance initiatives, we will be able to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal.
E‐Publishing in Science and Healthcare: Alternative Models for Development
Authors: Séror Ann , Neuman Irina
Published: December 2017

The focus of this critical commentary is the role of e‐commerce and the publishing industry in science and healthcare with emphasis on business models and initiatives originating in the developing as well as the developed countries. The commentary is illustrated with the following regional and national examples: (1) the Virtual Health Library created by the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Services Information (BIREME), (2) the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) led by Brazil, Chile and Cuba, and (3) the Cuban Medical Information Portal, INFOMED (Red Telemática de Salud en Cuba).
An Electronic Commerce Initiative in Regional Sri Lanka: The Vision for the Central Province Electronic Commerce Portal
Authors: Lane Michael S. , Van Der Vyver Glen , Delpachitra Sarath , Howard Srecko
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the findings from the first stage of a preliminary study which assessed the potential for an electronic commerce portal in Sri Lanka's Central Province. Sri Lanka is an island state of contrasts in terms of its electronic commerce and overall ICT capability. In the Capital of Colombo, ICT and electronic commerce capability are relatively sophisticated while in regional Sri Lanka even the most basic ICT infrastructure is almost non‐existent and/or non‐reliable. The proposed electronic commerce portal in Central Province is well aligned with the key strategic objectives of the E‐Sri Lanka Initiative. The portal will be a resource enabler and facilitator for the adoption of electronic commerce by SMEs and MEs. It is also envisaged that the portal will facilitate the development of regional ICT capability as well as providing significant benefits to general community. This paper concludes with an outline of the infrastructure and implementation plan for the proposed electronic commerce portal in Central Province.
A Framework for MIS Curriculum Interdisciplinarity: A Vietnamese University Case
Authors: Huy Vo V. , Chae Bongsug , Paradice David
Published: December 2017

The traditional approach to Management Information Systems (MIS) curricula development is technology‐oriented, but MIS in nature is interdisciplinary. Interdisciplinary programs can be rewarding for faculty as they can expand research and teaching capabilities into new areas. Students find that such programs also enrich the curriculum. However, the cost and the hurdles for developing interdisciplinary courses and curricula are substantial. A systems approach to building an interdisciplinary MIS curriculum is needed. We use Heinz Heckhousen's six‐level framework to understand MIS as an interdisciplinary field and propose implementation strategies for creating an interdisciplinary MIS curriculum. Finally, a case of MIS curriculum development using the proposed framework and implementation strategies at a Vietnamese university is analyzed.
Trends of Convergence and Divergence in the Information Economy: Lessons for Developing Countries
Authors: Nair Mahendhiran , Kuppusamy Mudiarasan
Published: December 2017

Over the last decade, uneven developments and growth in information, communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure, human capital and innovation in the developed and developing countries have led to uneven competitive position across these economies. In this paper, we examine the trends pertaining to the above‐mentioned indicators for selected developed and developing countries. Results from the empirical analysis showed countries that have invested heavily into ICT infrastructure, human capital and innovation tend to have higher productivity levels. The empirical evidence also showed that the gap between the developed and developing countries have increased over the seven years from 1995 to 2001. This study also examined the type of policies pertaining to the above‐mentioned factors in the more developed and highly competitive economies. Results from this empirical analysis will serve as lessons for developing countries to catch‐up with the more evolved economies.
ICT and Productivity of the Manufacturing Industries in Iran
Authors: Gholami Roghieh , Moshiri Saeed , Lee Sang‐Yong Tom
Published: December 2017

This paper extends the existing evidence on the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and productivity using data from the entire Iranian manufacturing sector (22 industries) over the period 1993–1999. Estimates of efficiency using panel data confirm the positive and significant impact of ICT investments on productivity. Our finding is consistent with the most recent literatures in the context of developed and a few middle‐income developing countries. Human capital and increasing ICT capital are probably two determining factors in gaining the positive payoffs from ICT investments in Iran.
The Role of Information Technology Policies in Promoting Social and Economic Development: The Case of the State of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Dabla Amitabh
Published: December 2017

An examination of the information technology policies of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, from 1994 to 2002, reveals the promotion of the three sectors of the information technology industry, technical higher education institutions, and electronic government to attain economic and social development. These three sectors have contributed towards generating and increasing employment and technical education opportunities, and ushered in efficient government services. However, diverse social groups in the state with different levels of skills, access, and education cannot benefit equally from these sectors. Therefore future information technology policies, and the development goals of the state itself, need to be reconstructed and redesigned to generate broader inclusion and participation of underprivileged social groups.
Information and Communication Technologies and Non‐Governmental Organisations: Lessons Learnt from Networking in Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez Gabriela Romo
Published: December 2017

Recent years have witnessed increasing demands on Non‐Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) to achieve development goals. These greater demands, particularly with respect to the provision of public welfare services, as well as the changing context in which NGOs operate, challenge these organisations to strengthen their capacities to fulfil their missions. At the same time, the policy discourse at the international level fosters the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development. The introduction of an electronic‐based learning network in the Gulf of California in Mexico is taking place as a way to address the organisational learning needs of key organisations dedicated to conserving that region's biological and natural resources. An in‐depth analysis, based on interviews with members of that electronic network, allows for an examination of practical experience involving ICTs for NGO strengthening. The study found that, beyond the commonly understood obstacles presented by the lack of infrastructure and skills, there are various other pitfalls to the successful implementation of e‐networks for the strengthening of NGOs in developing countries. Lessons learnt and recommendations are made based on the results of the analysis.