bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning from Computer Games
Authors: Henderson Robyn
Published: May 2010

This chapter builds on James Gee’s (2003) description of the playing of computer games as the learning of a new literacy. To investigate this form of literacy learning from a player’s perspective, the author created an avatar and joined the online community of the Massively Multiplayer Online Game, the World of WarcraftTM produced by Blizzard Entertainment®. This autoethnographic approach to exploring the game’s linguistic, visual, audio, spatial and gestural elements of design provide an insider’s perspective of the meaning-making resources that were on offer. The chapter concludes with a tentative consideration of how understandings about the literacies used within a virtual world might inform the learning of literacies in schools and other educational institutions.
Swap Token
Authors: Jiang Song
Published: May 2010

Most computer systems use the global page replacement policy based on the LRU principle to reduce page faults. The LRU principle for the global page replacement dictates that a Least Recently Used (LRU) page, or the least active page in a general sense, should be selected for replacement in the entire user memory space. However, in a multiprogramming environment under high memory load, an indiscriminate use of the principle can lead to system thrashing, in which all processes spend most of their time waiting for the disk service instead of making progress. In this chapter, we will rethink the application of the LRU principle on global paging to identify one of root causes for thrashing, and describe a mechanism, named as swap token, to solve the issue. The mechnism is simple in its design and implementation but highly effective in alleviating or removing thrashing. A key feature of the swap token mechanism is that it can distinguish the conditions for an LRU page, or a page that has not been used for relatively long period of time, to be generated and accordingly categorize LRU pages into two types: true and false LRU pages. The mechanism identifies false LRU pages to avoid use of the LRU principle on these pages, in order to remove thrashing. A prototype implementation of the swap token mechanism in the Linux kernel as well as some experiment measurements are presented. The experiment results show that the mechanism can consistently reduce the program execution slowdown in a multiprogramming environment including SPEC2000 programs and other memory-intensive applications by up to 67%. The slowdown reductions mainly come from reductions of up to 95% of total page faults during program interactions. This chapter also shows that the mechanism introduces little overhead to program executions, and its implementations on Linux (and Unix) systems are straightforward.
The Exokernel Operating System and Active Networks
Authors: Leschke Timothy R.
Published: May 2010

There are two forces that are demanding a change in the traditional design of operating systems. One force requires a more flexible operating system that can accommodate the evolving requirements of new hardware and new user applications. The other force requires an operating system that is fast enough to keep pace with faster hardware and faster communication speeds. If a radical change in operating system design is not implemented soon, the traditional operating system will become the performance bottle-neck for computers in the very near future. The Exokernel Operating System, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is an operating system that meets the needs of increased speed and increased flexibility. The Exokernel is extensible, which means that it is easily modified. The Exokernel can be easily modified to meet the requirements of the latest hardware or user applications. Ease in modification also means the Exokernel’s performance can be optimized to meet the speed requirements of faster hardware and faster communication. In this chapter, the author explores some details of the Exokernel Operating System. He also explores Active Networking, which is a technology that exploits the extensibility of the Exokernel. His investigation reveals the strengths of the Exokernel as well as some of its design concerns. He concludes his discussion by embracing the Exokernel Operating System and by encouraging more research into this approach to operating system design.
Adaptive Replacement Algorithm Templates and EELRU
Authors: Smaragdakis Yannis , Kaplan Scott
Published: May 2010

Replacement algorithms are a major component of operating system design. Every replacement algorithm, however, is pathologically bad for some scenarios, and often these scenarios correspond to common program patterns. This has prompted the design of adaptive replacement algorithms: algorithms that emulate two (or more) basic algorithms and pick the decision of the best one based on recent past behavior. The authors are interested in a special case of adaptive replacement algorithms, which are instances of adaptive replacement templates (ARTs). An ART is a template that can be applied to any two algorithms and yield a combination with some guarantees on the properties of the combination, relative to the properties of the component algorithm. For instance, they show ARTs that for any two algorithms A and B produce a combined algorithm AB that is guaranteed to emulate within a factor of 2 the better of A and B on the current input. They call this guarantee a robustness property. This performance guarantee of ARTs makes them effective but a naïve implementation may not be practically efficient—e.g., because it requires significant space to emulate both component algorithms at the same time. In practice, instantiations of an ART can be specialized to be highly efficient. The authors demonstrate this through a case study. They present the EELRU adaptive replacement algorithm, which pre-dates ARTs but is truly a highly optimized multiple ART instantiation. EELRU is well-known in the research literature and outperforms the well-known LRU algorithm when there is benefit to be gained, while emulating LRU otherwise.
E-CRM and CMS Systems
Authors: Fernandes Silvia Brito
Published: May 2010

Any change in customer’s behaviour affects the customer’s value. In addition, profitability and economic viability also change. Most companies still do not know entirely their customer base characteristics. They find difficult to define criteria that segment their customer base to find high-value customers. They need to focus on target selections to carry on with marketing campaigns which involve high investments. Given the potential of e-CRM and CMS as powerful tools to guide customer-oriented understanding and analysis, greater attention is required. Several companies, operating within the same business and having access to the same information and technology, differ in e-CRM performance. Without sufficient evidence, managers are prone to making investment decisions that are neither efficient nor effective. So it is imperative to base the decision of e-CRM and CMS adoption, on not only their analytical power, but also on economic viability criteria for sustainable business dynamics.
Integrating Production Planning and Control Business Processes
Authors: Lima Rui M.
Published: May 2010

Organizations have production planning and control (PPC) processes supported by systems that execute, mainly, repetitive calculations. Based on these calculation results, decisions are taken by production managers. These decision processes make the connection between different levels of aggregation of information and could benefit from the increment of the level of automation. An increased level of application of business process modelling languages is proposed in order to contribute to increment the level of process automation and the detail of business analysis. Thus being, concepts of integration of production management processes, specifically of production planning and control processes are presented. These concepts, the application of business process modelling language (BPML) and some solutions of PPC integration compose the core content of this work. Additionally, criteria for evaluation of these processes of integration are identified and discussed. Finally, the presentation of an industrial case will be supported by BPML model.
Tool-Support for Software Development Processes
Authors: Kuhrmann Marco , Kalus Georg , Chroust Gerhard
Published: May 2010

Software development projects are complex. The more complex a project is, the higher are the requirements related to the software development process. The implementation of a process is a great challenge. This, in part, has to do with human factors (acceptance, etc.) as the benefits of a formal development process might not be obvious immediately and it may take a while until the process becomes the lifeblood of a team. A crucial step towards implementing, enacting and enforcing a process is to provide tool support for the many activities the process asks for. Tool support is necessary to guarantee efficiency in the project, to do the housekeeping and to minimize the “overhead” of the process. This chapter describes challenges and options for supporting process models by tools. Furthermore it describes concrete samples and shows how tool chains can be created with commercial tools as well as with open source tools.
Workflow as a Tool in the Development of Information Systems
Authors: Leiva José Luis , Caro José Luis , Guevara Antonio , de los Ángeles Arena María
Published: May 2010

This chapter proposes a cooperative methodology for information system (IS) development, focusing on the end user’s collaboration in the process, providing the training and tools required to obtain the characteristics of the processes in which he/she is involved and actively integrating the user in the IS development team. Each of the steps involved in IS development is coordinated by a meta-CASE tool based on a workflow management system (WfMS). An important characteristic of the authors’ methodology is the utilization of tools that allow to realize functions of reengineering to adapt existing systems allowing to add new functionalities or modifying the already existing ones. This methodology provides a high degree of reliability in the development of the system, creating competitive advantages for the organization by reducing times and costs in the generation of the information system (IS).
Information Systems Planning in Web 2.0 Era
Authors: Sousa José
Published: May 2010

Since the early development in the 90's, organizations had been growing in a rapid way, becoming each more difficult to manage. Organization business cycle changed from 7 years in 1970-1980 to 12-18 months in the 90's, and is even shorter in our time. This addressed the organizations world to a new and complex reality. To be able to deal with this reality, organizations set a big pressure in information access and information turn out to be the most valuable organization asset. Nevertheless, this asset, the information object, has some main characteristics like, exists in larges quantities, has many different forms, is very volatile and it also must have confidentially, integrity and availability and all this together can be very hard to manage. It's clear that the management of this information reality is only possible with the adoption of information technologies and planning that adoption and implementation is a central need in order to get the correct solution for the organization ecosystem.
Industrialism
Authors: Michelini Rinaldo C. , Razzoli Roberto P.
Published: May 2010

The chapter discusses the wealth generation mechanisms of the industrialism from its intrinsic cultural start, associated with the western-world stile. The prospected remarks single out several characterising features, in opposition to the east-Asia habits and cultural marks. Among other points, noteworthy remarks lead to prise complexity, instead of exploiting the reductionism. This is recognised as the robot age sign, opposed to the industry age patterns. The all discussion does not provide full solutions, rather suggests looking at the industrialism founding motivations (up to the cultural backing), in view to devise worthy alternatives.
Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Balloni Augusto , Bisi Roberta
Published: May 2010

This chapter suggests a theoretical and empirical approach that makes use of an integrated methodology from a criminological, sociological, psychological and psychiatric perspective, in order to analyze the personality of the perpetrator of the crime or to examine a witness in order to assess his credibility. In particular, the Psychiatric expertise pursues the objective of ascertain the mental state of a person in the moment when he committed the fact provided by law as a crime, he is charged, therefore his level of responsibility, or in order to attempt to understand his future behavior considering the evaluation of the possible existence of social dangerousness. After a close observation of the concepts of mental competence, imputability and social dangerousness, the chapter focuses on the analysis of some expert cases, by comparing different methods related to clinical psychology (interview, level test, personality psycho-diagnostic tests that can be used even in the criminological field, defined as applied, to which are attributed practical aims pursued with scientific means. Finally, it points out the importance of providing reliable, coherent and non labeling judgments about the subject who has been submitted to psychiatric expertise. To achieve this aim, the criminologist, with psychiatric or psychological training, has many rudiments at his disposal in order to make well-founded choices, by adopting a non judging scientific behavior, wondering both about the reason of the criminal’s behavior and the help that can be supplied in order to adopt a suitable conduct in future.
Criminology as a Discipline in Modern Greece
Authors: Zarafonitou Christina
Published: May 2010

Although in Greece the publication of books of criminological interest began in the last decades of the 19th century, the subject of Criminology was introduced by Professor Konstantinos Gardikas first at Athens University in 1930 and, then, at Panteios School of Social and Political Sciences in 1932. Some years later, in 1938, the chair of Criminology and Penology was established at the University of Athens. The involvement of K. Gardikas along with three other European experts in the foundation of Interpol in 1923, also resulted in the creation of an important Branch of Criminological Services with many specialized research laboratories which is evolving constantly incorporating all of modern technologies. In our days, Criminology is taught mainly at the schools of Law and of Sociology. In spite of the absence of an autonomous Department of Criminology in the Greek universities, there is a special Section of Criminology in the Department of Sociology at Panteion University. In-depth concentration is obtained in the context of the postgraduate programs as well as through those for the Ph.D. Criminological research is conducted in the universities where some criminological laboratories or centers operate as well as in the National Center of Social Research and the Center of Safety Studies of the Ministry of the Interior, to name a few. The professional domain of criminologists has extended in recent years (administration of penal justice, prisons, agencies for drug addicts or juveniles and immigrants, prevention services). In spite of this, the job market is relatively limited in comparison to the needs of society.
Technologies for the Safety of Adolescent
Authors: Passaro Daniela
Published: May 2010

The focus of this paper is to describe a case concerning the key role of security technologies to observe, describe and some way record teenagers’ behaviors and social action at school, at home and in the daily life as a whole. A kind of security “public eye” to protect/control them is pivotal especially according to some High School Policies in Italy aimed to cancel each “blind spot” or “black hole” from the youngsters’ daily life to facilitate cross double checking among parents, relatives, social networks and teachers. In Italy the deviance of youth is increasing and the crime cases involving very young boys, like baby gangs and teenagers working for organized crime are growing rapidly. Among robberies, theft, and dang pushing the juvenile criminality in the Campania Region (an Italian Southern Region) continues to represent a critical point in this society and is unfortunately increasing. The family plays a key role and inside it often baby gangsters, whose parents are completely unaware of what is happening in their children’s lives. “Between school and family” is a project that aspires at tracing a connection between the school and the family thanks to the influence of new technologies and the way in which they influence the interpersonal relationships. What will be, for example, if every school place a fingerprint reader?
Teaching Criminology and Police Science for Postgraduate Students at the Ruhr- University Bochum, Germany
Authors: Ziegleder Diana , Feldmann-Hahn Felix
Published: May 2010

This case study looks at the postgraduate program in Criminology and Police Science at the Ruhr- University Bochum, Germany. This practice oriented course of study is designed as a distance learning course (blended learning) and therefore focuses on techniques of e-learning. The case study describes the history of origins and examines the educational situation before this master’s program was established and how an idea became reality. It is one of the very few possibilities in Germany to receive a deeper insight into criminology and police science. Despite the fact, that the students are all professionals and thus working mostly full time, the technical premises make a discourse possible as in on-campus programs. These innovative forms of learning are the focal point of the following case study. It is our aim to provide insight into how a master’s program could be set up and to promote new concepts of e-learning in the field of criminology.
The Nature of Complex Blends
Authors: Donnelly Roisin
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the complexities of blending technologies and problem-based learning (PBL) group interaction within the context of academic development in higher education. For both designers and tutors, it is important to seek best practices for combining instructional strategies in face-to-face and computer-mediated environments that take advantage of the strengths of each and avoid inherent weaknesses. A qualitative case study of the lived experiences of 17 academic staff participants in a blended PBL module over a two year period was considered likely to provide a much-needed analysis of current thinking and practice on the potential of interaction in this form of higher education professional academic development. Specific aspects of interaction (technical, peer, content, and the learning experience) within blended PBL tutorials are analysed to provide research-based evidence on the realities of delivering a PBL programme using technology. The study reported in the chapter argues that the intersection of PBL and learning technologies can offer an innovative way of teaching and learning and is a reflection of pedagogy and technology as an integrated model that can work effectively together. The findings show that the synergy from the collaborative blended PBL approach in this module can result in the coherent and comprehensive provision of training, support, and research throughout higher education institutions.
Experiences and Perceptions of Learner Engagement in Blended Learning Environments
Authors: George-Walker Linda De , Hafeez-Baig Abdul , Gururajan Raj , Danaher P. A.
Published: May 2010

One of the most significant challenges in learning and teaching is to maximize successful and sustainable learner engagement. The growing literature about blended learning environments and technologies provides plenty of scope for an interrogation of the intersection between learner engagement and blended learning. This chapter takes up that interrogation by presenting the case of the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. The chapter focuses on three postgraduate courses offered by the institution: two in the Faculty of Business and the other in the Faculty of Education; and each course representing a different position along the continuum from blended to fully online. The chapter presents a detailed examination of all three courses in relation to design, development, and management, informed by a conceptualization of blended learning as it intersects with learner engagement. Several types of evidence are deployed in evaluating the courses against the assembled information about experiences and perceptions of learner engagement and blended learning communicated by students, academic staff members, and program administrators. This evidence suggests some significant implications for the ongoing theorization of blended learning, how its effectiveness can be maximized, and what its connections with learner engagement are and should be.
Blended Learning for Adaptation to Needs
Authors: Aitken Joan E.
Published: May 2010

Blended learning is an instructional method that opens the channels of communication in the learning process so that there are increased communication strategies. This chapter discusses two different approaches to using blended learning as a way of adapting to program needs. In one example, pharmacy instruction is provided by top faculty to distance sites. In another example, blended learning is used to reduce instructional costs and increase student enrollment in a graduate program in the humanities. The differences in approaches are because of the different purposes for the use of blended learning. Blended learning can be useful in this time of dwindling resources and budget constraints as a method for improving instruction designed to reach more students and distance locations.
Reflections
Authors: Inoue Yukiko
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the case of a pilot course implementing blended learning at an American Pacific island university. This case provides a detailed overview of how the instructor applied blending learning design to an introductory educational research course. The author compares her goals for the course with the concept of blended learning, and discusses reasons why the two complemented one another. Analysis of student self-ratings (quantitative data on achievement) and student self-reflection narratives (qualitative data on satisfaction) revealed that, overall, student blended learning experiences were positive. Students liked the course and indicated that they had achieved their learning objectives, although they clearly indicated dissatisfaction with some aspects of blended learning. The case further confirmed the prediction drawn from the literature that pedagogical and technological difficulties present major challenges to providing quality blended courses. Surmounting these challenges enhances both the effectiveness and efficiency of learning experiences in blended courses.
Composition Goes Online
Authors: Bednarzyk Michelle , Brown Merissa
Published: May 2010

In the spring of 2007, English faculty members at the University of Guam began researching the need for online education options that could be offered by the University. With the support of other English faculty, Merissa Brown proposed, created, and implemented the first fully online composition class and taught it in the spring semester of 2008. Michelle Bednarzyk took over the class in the fall of 2008. This case will provide a history of the course’s development, insights from both instructors about the process of teaching this way within the diverse population that makes up the University’s student body, and offer suggestions they have for future successes based on challenges they faced. Finally, this document will argue that students at the University are ready for more technology in their classroom environments and should expect the University to accommodate their requests in an effort to successfully prepare them for their careers.
Product Lifecycle Management
Authors: Cheung Wai M. , Schaefer Dirk
Published: May 2010

While most SMEs in general are willing to invest into PLM systems, many are still apprehensive to the sometimes large initial investment to be made in terms of both software cost and the time needed to implement and integrate such system into their digital enterprise technology infrastructure. In light of this, it is crucial for their decision makers not only to understand the current PLM market, but also to become familiar with emerging trends and future developments in order to select a PLM solution that best fit the needs of their enterprise. In this chapter, the authors summarize a detailed analysis of the PLM market with the aim to provide educators, students, and decision makers in industry with an overview of the current PLM market as a whole. In addition, emerging trends and future developments are addressed.
Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Kidd Paul T.
Published: May 2010

The implementation of Enterprise Information Systems is a difficult task, even for large companies. It can be even more so for Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs), for most are seriously constrained in terms of time, money and skills. The key to successful implementation lies in achieving an alignment between strategy, technology, organization and people, and also in achieving commitment to the new technologies. An implementation method called HiSTOP, which stands for High Integration of Strategy, Technology, Organization and People, is described. This method provides a means of adjusting all four elements so that each is appropriate and also so that all four elements fit together. Although the method was initially designed with SMEs in mind, the method is also suitable for larger companies, hence the chapter considers both types of enterprises. The method places emphasis on development of internal implementation competencies. The key foundational principles of the method are discussed along with some key findings from early trials.
EIS Systems and Quality Management
Authors: Gerritsen Bart H.M.
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the support of quality management by Enterprise Information Systems. After a brief introduction in ISO9001, one of the principle and widest-spread quality management frameworks, this chapter discusses the design and implementation of a typical QMS and in particular of key performance indicators, indicating the present state of performance in the organization. While analyzing design and implementation issues, requirements on the supporting EIS system will be derived. Finally, the chapter presents an outlook onto future developments, trends and research. This chapter reveals that key performance indicators can be well integrated in EIS systems, using either relational or objectoriented storage technology.
Challenges and Trends Towards an Effective Application of ERP and SCM Systems in SMEs
Authors: Gagalis Dimitrios , Tahinakis Panayiotis , Protogeros Nicolaos , Ginoglou Dimitrios
Published: May 2010

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered as both the backbone and the main driving force of economic development and innovation. Technology is playing an increasingly significant role in the success or failure of SMEs. The purpose of this chapter is to present international trends and challenges on the field of ERP and SCM systems, thus to: (a) record background information on legacy and current supply chain IT systems for SMEs, (b) discuss the importance of both ERP and SCM systems and the complementarities of ERP and SCM systems, (c) present survey conclusions of ERP and SCM systems adoption in various industries and countries, mainly in Europe and reveal the most prominent trends and barriers, (d) identify the technologies that are used to provide integrated view of information for SMEs, with emphases on both technological and organizational dimensions and recommendations to SMEs and (e) provide future trends, possible future areas of work and conclusions. Contemporary SMEs must carefully examine integration approaches and their technological and organizational issues such as hidden integration costs and management of change considered with human organizational concerns, cultures and business objectives. Application Service Providers, Web Services and Service Oriented Architecture as well as ERP and SCM application’s maturity and open source software solutions, especially for SMEs requirements, are amongst the anticipating future trends in the field.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Embedding
Authors: Vinck Dominique , Rivera-Gonzales Igor , Penz Bernard
Published: May 2010

This chapter analyses the mutual processes according to which the tool (ERP) and the organisation adapt to each other. It documents the live experience of technological change during the introduction of ERP in a medium-sized enterprise. Focusing on the election of the new tool and its appropriation by firm members, it does not simply reduce the process to a handful of factors (of success or failure), but analyses the different negotiations between actors leading to the reconstruction of both the tool and the organisation. It thus takes an in-depth look at the role of technology rather than just resorting to a simplistic and deterministic search for causal connections. Tracing the construction and meshing of the performance of both organisation and tools within the company, it reviews a set of dichotomies between technology and society, initial project and “impact,” but also action and submission to constraints. Hence, the chapter explores the learning processes and the redefinition of actors, organisation and tools.
The Management of CRM Information Systems in Small B2B Service Organisations
Authors: Gurau Calin
Published: May 2010

The new communication and information systems have significantly increased the possibilities offered to professional companies for developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships. However, technology alone cannot ensure the success of CRM strategies. The implementation of a customercentred culture, shared by the entire professional organisation, requires the combination of human resources, expertise and technology in order to identify and satisfy the needs of the existing customers. Considering a sample of French and UK professional SMEs, this chapter investigates the type of CRM strategy implemented by these firms, as well as the usage intensity of various communication channels, both by companies and clients. The satisfaction of client organisations is analysed from a multi-level perspective and a diagnostic procedure is proposed in order to identify the gap between the perceptions service provider firms and clients on various dimensions of the CRM process.
Shared Leadership Meets Virtual Teams
Authors: Wassenaar Christina , Pearce Craig , Hoch Julia , Wegge Jurgen
Published: May 2010

Virtual teams are generally widely dispersed by geography, and also often by culture, language and time. They are usually comprised of highly skilled professionals and are brought together in order to achieve strategic organizational goals or to work on complex projects. They do not normally meet face-to-face but, rather, build and maintain relationships using various types of communication and information sharing technologies. With the continued increase in virtual teams a new leadership model becomes critical since traditional hierarchical models might not be able to facilitate the results that the organization needs to compete in a globalized economy. The authors suggest that shared leadership (e.g., Pearce & Conger, 2003), the dynamic allocation of leadership responsibility based on the expertise of the team member and the needs of the team or project, might be the solution to more effectively creating productive, balanced teams in a virtual workplace. This chapter is a brief exploration of the shared leadership literature as it pertains to organizing, leading and participating on a virtual team.
Governance and Leadership of Knowledge Management
Authors: Schroeder Andreas , Pauleen David , Huff Sid
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces a framework for analyzing governance arrangements of KM programs. The framework is used to analyze the organizational structures, processes and relational mechanisms, including leadership matters, which guide the KM program of a large European corporation. The analysis focuses on the issues KM leaders and staff encounter in defining their KM position in the organization as well as issues regarding their collaboration with each other. The results of the study highlight the impact that various factors exert on the development of the KM governance configuration and the role of the KM leader. The chapter concludes with recommendations detailing important governance and leadership aspects which contribute to the establishment of KM in the organization.
Enhancing Virtual Learning Team Performance
Authors: Chen Charlie C. , Harris Albert L. , Wu Jimpo
Published: May 2010

Debate abounds over whether a virtual team is an effective substitute for traditional face-to-face team and can sustain itself. Drawing upon literature on leadership, trust, computer-mediated communication, and teams, the authors propose a theoretical model of online learning team effectiveness. A quasi-experiment was conducted to empirically test the impact of team trust, propensity to trust, leadership effectiveness, and communication frequency on the effectiveness of virtual learning teams and team satisfaction and performance. The results support the majority of the authors’ hypotheses. Trust serves as a mediating role in the relationship between leadership effectiveness and team satisfaction and team performance. Practical implications and future trends are discussed at the end of the chapter.
Patterns of Facilitation in Online Communities of Practice
Authors: Tarmizi Halbana , de Vreede Gert-Jan
Published: May 2010

Communities of practice have gained foothold in knowledge management initiatives. Still, there are challenges for COP to thrive and to serve its purpose. Facilitation can help COP in overcoming some of the challenges. However, facilitation in COP by itself is challenging as we are dealing with different types of COP that exhibit different characteristics. Through content analysis of facilitators’ postings the authors identified several tasks commonly performed by facilitators from different COPs. Knowing how to accomplish those tasks will help COP facilitators in assisting their communities to thrive.
The Application of Blended Action Learning to Leadership Development
Authors: Thornton Kate , Yoong Pak
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the use of blended action learning in a professional development context. Action learning is a process that involves small groups of learners working on issues or problems they face in their every day work with the support of a facilitator. Although action learning sets most often meet faceto- face, ICT is increasingly being used to support or in some cases replace traditional set meetings, thus providing a ‘blended’ approach. Action learning is a potentially empowering process that encourages reflection and questioning and promotes shifts in workplace practice. The role of the action learning facilitator appears to be a key element in the success of this approach. The purpose of this chapter is to describe a case study of a blended action learning process designed to support leadership development and discuss the subsequent implications and emerging trends.
Online Networks can Support the Rise of Virtual Leaders
Authors: Janson Annick
Published: May 2010

The actor network theory (ANT) as first proponed by Latour (1984) describes the emergence of sociotechnical systems through interaction patterns between network participants as a means of harnessing technological and human factors. This research extended ANT to investigate how self-selected leaders spontaneously emerged in a virtual environment, using the online medium to gain legitimacy and coverage. Thematic analysis of online postings and interviews outlined how participants: 1) tested and developed virtual leadership competencies for the first time; 2) seized the opportunity to raise their personal profile even when geographically isolated; 3) made purposeful process and content contributions and; 4) developed online networking competencies. Since emergent leadership is simultaneously enabling of and enabled by acts of virtual communication, it is important for organisations to learn to identify virtual leaders. Virtual leaders may rise and contribute to the organisation through communication channels other than those typically used by conventional leaders – hence potentially requiring a different set of communication and network building skills.
A Rare Coincidence of Two Coronary Anomalies in an Adult
Authors: Cruz Cesar , Mclean Dalton , Janik Matthew , Raggi Paolo , Zafari A. Maziar
Published: May 2010

Anomalous right-sided left main coronary arteries and dual type IV left anterior descending arteries are rare coronary anomalies. In this case report, we present a 59 year old man with atypical chest pain and a combination of the above coronary anomalies as identified by selective coronary angiography and computed tomography angiography. To the best of our knowledge, the coincidence of these coronary anomalies has not been previously described.
Reliability, Responsiveness, and Validity of the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale to Measure Exertion Fatigue in People with Chronic Stroke: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tseng Benjamin Y. , Gajewski Byron J. , Kluding Patricia M.
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose. Post-Stroke Fatigue (PSF) is a prevalent yet commonly neglected issue that impacts daily functions and quality of life in people post-stroke. To date no studies have attempted to validate a clinically-feasible and reliable instrument to quantify PSF. We developed the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS) to eliminate difficulties and poor data validity in testing people post-stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the VAFS.Methods. Twenty-one people post-stroke (12 males, age =59.5±10.3years; time post-stroke =4.1±3.5years) participated. Subjects underwent a standardized fatigue-inducing exercise; fatigue level was assessed at rest, immediately after exercise, and after recovery. The same protocol was repeated after 14 days.Results. ICC values for the VAFS at rest was 0.851 (CI = 95%,0.673 ∼ 0.936,P<.001), immediately after exercise was 0.846 (CI = 95%,0.663 ∼ 0.934,P<.001), and 15 minutes after exercise was 0.888 (CI = 95%,0.749 ∼ 0.953,P<.001). The ES values for at-rest to post-exercise and for post-exercise to post-recovery were 14.512 and 0.685, respectively. Using paired t-test, significant difference was found between VAFS scores at-rest and post-exercise (P<.001), and between post-exercise and post-recovery (P<.001).Conclusion. Our data suggests good reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the VAFS to assess exertion fatigue in people post-stroke.
Fatal Subacute Hepatic Failure in a Patient with AA-Type Amyloidosis: Case Report
Authors: Altraif Ibrahim , Handoo Fayaz A. , Alsaad Khaled O. , Gublan Adel
Published: May 2010

Although systemic amyloidosis of amyloid-associated protein (AA) type (secondary or reactive amyloidosis) frequently involves the liver, it rarely causes clinically apparent liver disease. Mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase and hepatomegaly are the most common biochemical and clinical findings, respectively. We report a case of systemic amyloidosis of AA type, which clinically presented as subacute hepatic failure and resulted in a fatal clinical course in a 69-year-old man. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth case of hepatic amyloidosis of AA type that clinically presented as fatal subacute hepatic failure, an unusual clinical presentation for hepatic involvement by systemic AA-type amyloid.
Observations of the 2008 Kasatochi volcanic SO2 plume by CARIBIC aircraft DOAS and the GOME-2 satellite
Authors: Heue K.-P. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Wagner T. , Mies K. , Dix B. , Frieß U. , Martinsson B. G. , Slemr F. , van Velthoven P. F. J.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The 2008 Kasatochi volcanic eruption emitted ≈1.5–2.5 Tg SO2 into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Parts of the main volcanic plume (gases and particles) reached central Europe a week after the eruption and were detected there by the CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for Regular investigation of the Atmosphere based on an Instrument Container) flying observatory. The plume was also observed by the GOME-2 satellite instrument, only a few hours after the CARIBIC aircraft had crossed the plume, thus giving a unique opportunity to compare results. Trajectories and local wind speeds are investigated in detail using the GOME-2 and CARIBIC observations for better comparison of the results from these two observational systems. A comparison of the satellite spatial pattern with the local observations of the wind speed and the trajectory model TRAJKS showed a slight discrepancy, which has to be considered for satellite validation. Hence, it appears that detailed analyses of wind speeds are required. Emitted and secondary particles, partly measured and sampled by the CARIBIC in situ instruments, affected the DOAS SO2 measurements, of both CARIBIC and GOME-2. Overall GOME-2 and the CARIBIC SO2 measurements agree very well. The major uncertainties remain the actual wind speed needed to properly correct for the advection of the plume between the different overpass times and effects of aerosols on DOAS retrievals. The good agreement can be seen as validation for both GOME-2 and CARIBIC DOAS observations.
Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction from Lakes Ohrid and Prespa (Macedonia/Albania border) using stable isotopes
Authors: Leng M. J. , Baneschi I. , Zanchetta G. , Jex C. N. , Wagner B. , Vogel H.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Here we present stable isotope data from three sediment records from lakes that lie along the Macedonian-Albanian border (Lake Prespa: 1 core, and Lake Ohrid: 2 cores). The records only overlap for the last 40 kyr, although the longest record contains the MIS 5/6 transition (Lake Ohrid). The sedimentary characteristics of both lakes differ significantly between the glacial and interglacial phases. At the end of MIS 6 Lake Ohrid's water level was low (high δ18Ocalcite) and, although productivity was increasing (high calcite content), the carbon supply was mainly from inorganic catchment rock sources (high δ13Ccarb). During the last interglacial, calcite and TOC production and preservation increased, progressively lower δ18Ocalcite suggest increase in humidity and lake levels till around 115 ka. During ca. 80 ka to 11 ka the lake records suggest cold conditions as indicated by negligible calcite precipitation and low organic matter content. In Lake Ohrid δ13Corg are complacent, in contrast Lake Prespa shows consistently higher δ13Corg suggesting a low oxidation of 13C-depleted organic matter in agreement with a general deterioration of climate conditions during the glacial. From 15 ka to the onset of the Holocene, calcite and TOC begin to increase, suggesting lake levels were probably low (high δ18Ocalcite). In the Holocene (11 ka to present) enhanced productivity is manifested by high calcite and organic matter content. All three cores show an early Holocene characterised by low δ18Ocalcite, apart from the very early Holocene phase in Prespa where the lowest δ18Ocalcite occurs at ca. 7.5 ka, suggesting a phase of higher lake level only in (the more sensitive) Lake Prespa. From 6 ka δ18Ocalcite suggest progressive aridification, in agreement with many other records in the Mediterranean, although the uppermost sediments in one core records low δ18Ocalcite which we interpret as a result of human activity. Overall, the isotope data present here confirm that these two big lakes have captured the large scale, low frequency palaeoclimate variation that is seen in Mediterranean lakes, although in detail there is much palaeoclimate information that could be gained, especially small scale, high frequency differences between this region and the Mediterranean.
Arctic marine climate of the early nineteenth century
Authors: Brohan P. , Ward C. , Willetts G. , Wilkinson C. , Allan R. , Wheeler D.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The climate of the early nineteenth century is likely to have been significantly cooler than that of today, as it was a period of low solar activity (the Dalton minimum) and followed a series of large volcanic eruptions. Proxy reconstructions of the temperature of the period do not agree well on the size of the temperature change, so other observational records from the period are particularly valuable. Weather observations have been extracted from the reports of the noted whaling captain William Scoresby Jr., and from the records of a series of Royal Navy expeditions to the Arctic, preserved in the UK National Archives. They demonstrate that marine climate in 1810–1825 was marked by consistently cold summers, with abundant sea-ice. But although the period was significantly colder than the modern average, there was considerable variability: in the Greenland Sea the summers following the Tambora eruption (1816 and 1817) were noticeably warmer, and had less sea-ice coverage, than the years immediately preceding them; and the sea-ice coverage in Lancaster Sound in 1819 and 1820 was low even by modern standards.
Uncertainty in the impacts of projected climate change on the hydrology of a subarctic environment: Liard River Basin
Authors: Thorne R.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Freshwater inputs from the Mackenzie River into the Arctic Ocean contribute to the control of oceanic dynamics and sea ice cover duration. Half of the annual runoff from the Mackenzie River drains from mountainous regions, where the Liard River, with a drainage area of 275 000 km2, is especially influential. The impact of projected atmospheric warming on the discharge of the Liard River is unclear. Here, uncertainty in climate projections associated with GCM structure (2 °C prescribed warming) and magnitude of increases in global mean air temperature (1 to 6 °C) on the river discharge are assessed using SLURP, a well-tested hydrological model. Most climate projections indicate (1) warming in this subarctic environment that is greater than the global mean and (2) an increase in precipitation across the basin. These changes lead to an earlier spring freshet (1 to 12 days earlier), a decrease in summer runoff (up to 22%) due to enhanced evaporation, and an increase in autumn flow (up to 48%), leading to higher annual discharge and more freshwater input from the Liard River to the Arctic Ocean. All simulations project that the subarctic nival regime will be preserved in the future but the magnitude of changes in river discharge is highly uncertain (ranging from a decrease of 3% to an increase of 15% in annual runoff), due to differences in GCM projections of basin-wide temperature and precipitation.