bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Direct Medical Costs between Automated and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Cortés–Sanabria Laura , Rodríguez–Arreola Brenda E. , Ortiz–Juárez Victor R. , Soto–Molina Herman , Pazarín–Villaseñor Leonardo , Martínez–Ramírez Héctor R. , Cueto–Manzano Alfonso M.
Published: April 2013

Objective

We set out to estimate the direct medical costs (DMCs) of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to compare the DMCs for continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD). In addition, DMCs according to age, sex, and the presence of peritonitis were evaluated.

Methods

Our retrospective cohort analysis considered patients initiating PD, calculating 2008 costs and, for comparison, updating the results for 2010. The analysis took the perspective of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, including outpatient clinic and emergency room visits, dialysis procedures, medications, laboratory tests, hospitalizations, and surgeries.

Results

No baseline differences were observed for the 41 patients evaluated (22 on CAPD, 19 on APD). Median annual DMCs per patient on PD were US$15 072 in 2008 and US$16 452 in 2010. When analyzing percentage distribution, no differences were found in the DMCs for the modality groups. In both APD and CAPD, the main costs pertained to the dialysis procedure (CAPD 41%, APD 47%) and hospitalizations (CAPD 37%, APD 32%). Dialysis procedures cost significantly more ( p = 0.001) in APD (US$7084) than in CAPD (US$6071), but total costs (APD US$15 389 vs CAPD US$14 798) and other resources were not different. The presence of peritonitis increased the total costs (US$16 075 vs US$14 705 for patients without peritonitis, p = 0.05), but in the generalized linear model analysis, DMCs were not predicted by age, sex, dialysis modality, or peritonitis. A similar picture was observed for costs extrapolated to 2010, with a 10% – 20% increase for each component—except for laboratory tests, which increased 52%, and dialysis procedures, which decreased 3%, from 2008.

Conclusions

The annual DMCs per patient on PD in this study were US$15 072 in 2008 and US$16 452 in 2010. Total DMCs for dialysis procedures were higher in APD than in CAPD, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both APD and CAPD, 90% of costs were attributable to the dialysis procedure, hospitalizations, and medications. In a multivariate analysis, no independent variable significantly predicted a higher DMC.
Blood Pressure Measurement in Peritoneal Dialysis: Which Method is Best?
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Michelle M. , Durcan Martin , Kinsella Sinead M. , Griffin Matthew D. , Reddan Donal N. , Lappin David W.
Published: April 2013

Background

The optimal approach to monitoring blood pressure (BP) in the peritoneal dialysis (PD) population is unclear. Ambulatory BP monitoring reliably predicts prognosis, but can be inconvenient. The accuracy of home BP monitoring in this population is unproven. The automated BpTRU device (BpTRU Medical Devices, Coquitlam, BC, Canada), which provides an average of up to 6 successive in-office BP measurements, has not been studied in this patient group.

Methods

We studied 17 patients (average age: 54 ± 12 years; 12 men, 5 women; 94% on automated PD) attending a single center. All patients underwent office, home, BpTRU, and ambulatory BP measurement. The reference standard for analysis was daytime ambulatory BP. Correlation between the referent method and each comparator method was determined (Pearson correlation coefficient), and Bland–Altman scatter plots depicting the differences in the BP measurements were constructed.

Results

Mean office BP (126.4 ± 16.9/78.8 ± 11.6 mmHg) and BpTRU BP (123.8 ± 13.7/80.7 ± 11.1 mmHg) closely approximated mean daytime ambulatory BP (129.3 ± 14.8/78.2 ± 7.9 mmHg). Mean home BP (143.8 ± 15.0/89.9 ± 28.1 mmHg) significantly overestimated mean daytime systolic BP by 14.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 4.3 mmHg to 24.1 mmHg; p = 0.008). Bland–Altman plots demonstrated poorest agreement between home BP and daytime ambulatory BP. No patient had “white-coat hypertension,” and only 1 patient had false-resistant hypertension. Most patients showed abnormal nocturnal dipping patterns (non-dipping: n = 11; reverse-dipping: n = 5; normal dipping: n = 1).

Conclusions

We report a novel finding that BP measurement using the BpTRU device is more accurate than home BP measurement in a PD population. Potential explanations for this observation include poor home BP measurement technique, use of poorly validated home BP measurement devices, or a reduced prevalence of white-coat effect among PD patients. Our study also confirms that, in the PD population, BP measurements vary considerably with patient location, time of day, and measurement technique.
Lower Education Level is a Major Risk Factor for Peritonitis Incidence in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study with 12-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Chern Yahn-Bor , Ho Pei-Shan , Kuo Li-Chueh , Chen Jin-Bor
Published: April 2013

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis remains an important complication in PD patients, potentially causing technique failure and influencing patient outcome. To date, no comprehensive study in the Taiwanese PD population has used a time-dependent statistical method to analyze the factors associated with PD-related peritonitis.

Methods

Our single-center retrospective cohort study, conducted in southern Taiwan between February 1999 and July 2010, used time-dependent statistical methods to analyze the factors associated with PD-related peritonitis.

Results

The study recruited 404 PD patients for analysis, 150 of whom experienced at least 1 episode of peritonitis during the follow-up period. The incidence rate of peritonitis was highest during the first 6 months after PD start. A comparison of patients in the two groups (peritonitis vs null-peritonitis) by univariate analysis showed that the peritonitis group included fewer men (p = 0.048) and more patients of older age (≥65 years, p = 0.049). In addition, patients who had never received compulsory education showed a statistically higher incidence of PD-related peritonitis in the univariate analysis (p = 0.04). A proportional hazards model identified education level (less than elementary school vs any higher education level) as having an independent association with PD-related peritonitis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 2.06; p = 0.045). Comorbidities measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (score >2 vs ≤2) showed borderline statistical significance (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.13; p = 0.053).

Conclusions

A lower education level is a major risk factor for PD-related peritonitis independent of age, sex, hypoalbuminemia, and comorbidities. Our study emphasizes that a comprehensive PD education program is crucial for PD patients with a lower education level.
Micro- and nanoscale electrical characterization of large-area graphene transferred to functional substrates
Authors: Fisichella Gabriele , Di Franco Salvatore , Fiorenza Patrick , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Tudisco Cristina , Condorelli Guido G , Piluso Nicolò , Spartà Noemi , Lo Verso Stella , Accardi Corrado , Tringali Cristina , Ravesi Sebastiano , Giannazzo Filippo
Published: April 2013

Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on catalytic metals is one of main approaches for high-quality graphene growth over large areas. However, a subsequent transfer step to an insulating substrate is required in order to use the graphene for electronic applications. This step can severely affect both the structural integrity and the electronic properties of the graphene membrane. In this paper, we investigated the morphological and electrical properties of CVD graphene transferred onto SiO2 and on a polymeric substrate (poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate), briefly PEN), suitable for microelectronics and flexible electronics applications, respectively. The electrical properties (sheet resistance, mobility, carrier density) of the transferred graphene as well as the specific contact resistance of metal contacts onto graphene were investigated by using properly designed test patterns. While a sheet resistance Rsh ≈ 1.7 kΩ/sq and a specific contact resistance ρc ≈ 15 kΩ·μm have been measured for graphene transferred onto SiO2, about 2.3× higher Rsh and about 8× higher ρc values were obtained for graphene on PEN. High-resolution current mapping by torsion resonant conductive atomic force microscopy (TRCAFM) provided an insight into the nanoscale mechanisms responsible for the very high ρc in the case of graphene on PEN, showing a ca. 10× smaller “effective” area for current injection than in the case of graphene on SiO2.
EVALUATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES USING MACBETH AND FUZZY AHP MULTICRITERIA METHODS: THE CASE OF TURKEY
Authors: Ertay Tijen , Kahraman Cengiz , Kaya İhsan
Published: April 2013

Energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress. It is estimated that 70% of the world energy consumption could be provided from renewable resources by the year 2050. Renewable energy is the inevitable choice for sustainable economic growth, for the harmonious coexistence of human and environment as well as for the sustainable development. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the renewable energy alternatives as a key way for resolving the Turkey's energy-related challenges because of the fact that Turkey's energy consumption has risen dramatically over the past three decades as a consequence of economic and social development. In order to realize this aim, we comparatively use MACBETH and AHP-based multicriteria methods for the evaluation of renewable energy alternatives under fuzziness. We use 4 main attributes and 15 sub-attributes in the evaluation. The potential renewable energy alternatives in Turkey are determined as Solar, Wind, Hydropower, and Geothermal.
COMPARISON OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND A MODEL FOR EVALUATING CONTAMINATED SITES IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Vasarevičius Saulius , Kadūnas Kęstutis , Baltrėnaitė Edita
Published: April 2013

This work is aimed at addressing attention to the situation of contaminated sites and emphasizing importance and need for their rehabilitation. The study presents the experience gained by European countries evaluating contaminated sites and rehabilitation framework. A model of assessing contaminated sites in Lithuania consisting of two main stages – preliminary and detailed investigation has been developed. The first one is used for collecting preliminary information on the contaminated site and for evaluating the need for detailed analysis. The second is subjected to a comprehensive risk assessment of the site shifting focus on the environment and human health. The model for evaluating contaminated sites involves organic chemical materials and metals. Risk assessment depends on the sensitivity of a site to contamination. Equations for establishing the level of contamination involve the content of soil organic matter and clay. Correction coefficients used for calculating the level of contamination have been based on statistical analysis and experience gained by the EU countries.
Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors α, β, γ, and H- and L-Prostaglandin D Synthase During Osteoarthritis in the Spontaneous Hartley Guinea Pig and Experimental Dog Models
Authors: Nebbaki Sarah-Salwa , El Mansouri Fatima Ezzahra , Afif Hassan , Kapoor Mohit , Benderdour Mohamed , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Fahmi Hassan
Published: April 2013

Objective.

To investigate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α, β, and γ, and hematopoietic and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (H- and L-PGDS) over the course of osteoarthritis (OA) in the spontaneous Hartley guinea pig and the anterior cruciate ligament transection dog models.

Methods.

Guinea pigs were sacrificed at 2 (control group), 4, 8, and 12 months of age (n = 5 per group). Non-operated (control) and operated dogs were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Cartilage was evaluated histologically using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. The expression of PPAR-α, β, γ, and H- and L-PGDS was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The nonparametric Spearman test was used for correlation analysis.

Results.

PPAR-α, β, and γ were detected in medial tibial plateau from control animals in both the spontaneous and surgical models. Levels of PPAR-α and β did not change over the course of OA, whereas PPAR-γ levels decreased during progression of disease. We also observed that the expression of H-PGDS remained unchanged, whereas L-PGDS increased over the course of OA. PPAR-γ levels correlated negatively, whereas L-PGDS levels correlated positively, with the histological score of OA.

Conclusion.

The level of PPAR-γ decreased, whereas level of L-PGDS increased during the progression of OA. These data suggest that reduced expression of PPAR-γ may contribute to the pathogenesis of OA, whereas enhanced expression of L-PGDS may be part of a reparative process.
Early Local Swelling and Tenderness Are Associated with Large-joint Damage After 8 Years of Treatment to Target in Patients with Recent-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: van den Broek Marianne , Dirven Linda , Kroon Herman M. , Kloppenburg Margreet , Ronday H. Karel , Peeters André J. , Kerstens Pit J.S.M. , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Lems Willem F. , Allaart Cornelia F.
Published: April 2013

Objective.

To assess whether early swelling and tenderness in large joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is predictive of later local damage and whether this leads to functional disability.

Methods.

Two-year clinical and 8-year radiological followup data from the BeSt study (trial numbers NTR262 and NTR265), a randomized controlled treat-to-target trial, were used. The association between early local joint swelling and/or tenderness (at least once, or for ≥ 2 consecutive visits) and later large-joint damage (Larsen score ≥ 1) was assessed using generalized estimating equations. The association between large-joint damage and functional ability [by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)] was assessed using logistic and linear regression analysis.

Results.

Clinical and 8-year radiological data were available for 290 patients. Concomitant local joint swelling and tenderness at least once in the first 2 years was independently associated with damage of the large joints (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.6), as was swelling without tenderness (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.6). Stronger effects were seen for persistent swelling and/or tenderness. Other independent predictors for joint damage were baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02) and the presence of rheumatoid factor and/or anticitrullinated protein antibodies (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.1; and OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8, respectively). Patients with large-joint damage had a higher HAQ score after 8 years than patients without (difference 0.15).

Conclusion.

Early local swelling and tenderness are independent predictors of later joint damage in these joints after 8 years of Disease Activity Score-guided treatment in patients with RA. This suggests that suppression of local inflammation could help prevent local damage and functional disability.
La collaboration entre organisations comme source de valeur ajoutée pour les clients : le cas de l'industrie du tourisme
Authors: Vachon Marc-Antoine , Sicotte Hélène , Ricard Line , Charni Hanen
Published: April 2013

Dans un contexte où le client est toujours plus exigeant, la collaboration entre organisations représente pour une entreprise une option intéressante pour se distinguer. Mais comment optimiser la valeur issue d’un partenariat entre organisations ? Au-delà de conditions de réussite traditionnelles du partenariat, comme l’engagement des partenaires, la création d’un climat de confiance et la communication adéquate, cet article souligne qu’il est essentiel de rassembler des partenaires compétents et complémentaires, de s’appuyer sur un leader, de compter sur un environnement favorable et de bien comprendre l’interdépendance existant entre les organisations. De même, l’article propose un outil d’autoévaluation visant à susciter une réflexion propre à maximiser les résultats d’organisations qui unissent leurs forces pour offrir aux clients un produit ou un service à valeur ajoutée.
Les fusions des marchés boursiers : manger ou être mangé ?
Authors: Ben Slimane Faten
Published: April 2013

L’environnement boursier vit un mouvement de fusions aux niveaux national et international. Malgré cette tendance, en juin 2011, le groupe boursier canadien TMX a refusé une fusion transatlantique, préférant recourir à une reconsolidation nationale. En plus d’étudier ce cas particulier d’une fusion boursière qui n’a pas été conclue, cet article analyse le phénomène de la consolidation boursière, à savoir ses avantages et ses atouts présumés, ses risques et ses inconvénients de même que ses conditions de succès.
Vip3Aa and Cry1Ab proteins in maize reduceFusarium ear rot and fumonisins by deterring kernel injury from multiple Lepidopteran pests
Authors: Bowers E. , Hellmich R. , Munkvold G.
Published: April 2013

Field trials were conducted in 2008, 2009 and 2011 to assess fumonisin contamination in transgenic (Bt) and non-Bt maize hybrids infested with European corn borer, corn earworm, and Western bean cutworm. Comparisons were made among maize hybrids expressing two transgenic insect resistance proteins (Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa), a single resistance protein (Cry1Ab), or no insect resistance. The field design was a randomised complete block design with four replicates of each hybrid × insect combination. Kernel injury,Fusarium ear rot, and fumonisins (FB1+FB2+FB3) in maize grain were measured. These measurements differed significantly among years of the study. In all years, significant positive correlations were present between insect injury andFusarium ear rot, insect injury and grain fumonisin levels, andFusarium ear rot and grain fumonisin levels. Under all insect infestation treatments, Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa hybrids were the most resistant of the hybrids with regard to any of the grain quality measurements. Averaged over all insect infestations and years, insect injury,Fusarium ear rot, and grain fumonisin levels were all low in Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa (0.1% and 2.2% of total kernels, and 0.56 mg/kg, respectively). The highest average levels of insect injury,Fusarium ear rot, and grain fumonisin contamination (3.3% and 7.2% of total kernels, and 5.47 mg/kg, respectively) were found in the non-Bt hybrids. The presence of transgenic insect protection (Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa or Cry1Ab) resulted in significant reductions in all grain quality measurements as compared with the non-Bt hybrids. Only grain obtained from Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa hybrids consistently had acceptable fumonisin content according to both US guidance levels and EU regulatory limits. These results indicate that Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa maize hybrids are more likely to yield high quality, low-fumonisin grain compared to hybrids expressing only Cry1Ab or lacking insect resistance.
Mycotoxin bioaccessibility/absorption assessment usingin vitro digestion models: a review
Authors: González-Arias C.A. , Marín S. , Sanchis V. , Ramos A.J.
Published: April 2013

In the evaluation of the oral bioavailability of a mycotoxin, the first step is the determination of its bioaccessibility, i.e. the percentage of mycotoxin released from the food matrix during digestion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that could be absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Differentin vitro digestion models have been recently used for determination of bioaccessibility, thereby avoiding the use of more complex cell culture techniques or the use of animals in expensivein vivo experiments.In vitro methods offer an appealing alternative to human and animal studies. They usually are rapid, simple and reasonably low in cost, and can be used to perform simplified experiments under uniform and well-controlled conditions, providing insights not achievable in whole animal studies. The availablein vitro methods for GI simulation differ in the design of the system, the composition of the physiological juices assayed, as well as in the use or not of intestinal microbiota. There are models that only simulate the upper part of the GI tract (mouth-stomach-small intestine), whereas other methods include the large intestine, so that the model chosen could have some influence on the bioaccessibility data obtained. Bioaccessibility depends on the food matrix, as well as on the contamination level and the way the food/feed is contaminated (spiked or naturally). This review focuses on the currently available data regardingin vitro digestion models for the study of the bioaccessibility or absorption of mycotoxins, detailing the characteristics of each digestion step and the importance of the physiological juices employed during digestion. The effect that different factors play on mycotoxin release from the food matrix in the GI tract is also considered, and existing data on bioaccessibility of the main mycotoxins are given.
E-Learning in Engineering through Videoconferencing: The Case of the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology
Authors: Habte Bedilu
Published: April 2013

In addition to their ability to reach distant learners, interactive e-learning environments have the potential to make the teaching-learning process more effective. This paper highlights some of the e-learning implementation efforts at the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT) in Ethiopia. This case study shows that limited resources do not deter a developing nation to exploit the power of e-learning. Based on feedback from participants in the first national videoconferencing program held in Ethiopian higher education system between October 2011 and June 2012, the paper addresses the lessons learned and recommended actions for moving forward to a successful implementation of e-learning in Ethiopia, particularly in a videoconferencing mode.
Simulating Interactive Learning Scenarios with Intelligent Pedagogical Agents in a Virtual World through BDI-Based Agents
Authors: Soliman Mohamed , Guetl Christian
Published: April 2013

Intelligent Pedagogical Agents (IPAs) are designed for pedagogical purposes to support learning in 3D virtual learning environments. Several benefits of IPAs have been found adding to support learning effectiveness. Pedagogical agents can be thought of as a central point of interaction between the learner and the learning environment. And hence, the intelligent behavior and functional richness of pedagogical agents have the potential to reward back into increased engagement and learning effectiveness. However, the realization of those agents remains to be a challenge based on intelligent agents in virtual worlds. This paper reports the challenging reasons and most importantly an approach for simplification. A simulation based on BDI agents is introduced opening the road for several extensions and experimentation before implementation of IPAs in a virtual world can take place. The simulation provides a proof-of concept based on three intelligent agents to represent an IPA, a learner, and learning object implemented in JACK and Jadex intelligent agent platforms. To that end, the paper exhibits the difficulties, resolutions, and decisions made when designing and implementing the learning scenario in both domains of the virtual world and the agent-based simulation while comparing the two agent platforms.
Using Sub Skills to Model and Estimate Final Skill Level
Authors: Moradi Hadi
Published: April 2013

Skill level estimation is very important since it allows an instructor, a human or an artificial instructor through an intelligent tutoring system, to predict the level of a student and adjust the learning materials accordingly. In this paper, a new approach based on 1-NN (First Nearest Neighbor) is introduced to determine the skill level of a student based on the pattern of skill levels learned over time in the same course. The data over several years are used to determine four clusters of expert, good, average and bad skill level. The advantage of the proposed approach is in its capability to adjust the levels over time based on the new data received each year. Furthermore, it can estimate the skill level after a few homework or project assignments. Consequently it can help an instructor to better conduct its class. The proposed approach has been implemented and tested on an introductory computer programming course and the results prove the validity of the approach.
Anglais de spécialité et plurilinguisme
Authors: Guyon Étienne , Guyon Anne
Published: April 2013

L’article est une version remaniée de la conférence d’ouverture prononcée par le professeur E. Guyon lors du 17e Colloque du GERAS, Aix-en-Provence, mars 1996. Il constitue le précieux témoignage de première main d’un éminent scientifique français, et doit à ce titre être considéré comme une base fiable de réflexion pour tous les anglicistes qu’intéresse la formation des spécialistes d’autres disciplines à l’utilisation de l’anglais pour les besoins de leur profession. Le bilinguisme du scientifique est ici présenté comme l’aptitude à manier un code minimal, présenté comme l’outil le plus adéquat de la communication entre chercheurs internationaux à propos de « l’objet réputé universel, la Science ». En corollaire se manifeste un vibrant plaidoyer pour le nécessaire « dialogue polyglotte » complémentaire. La relation dynamique entre l’une et l’autre utilisation de la langue fait l’objet d’une tentative de formalisation.
SMEs and E-Business
Authors: Ferreira Mário Pedro Leite de Almeida
Published: April 2013

The adoption of E-Business by SMEs is a critical issue for economic development. More than 90% of world companies are SMEs and E-Business is widely recognized as a critical source of competitive advantage. Thus, it is important to understand why SMEs are lagging behind large firms in terms of E-Business adoption and assimilation. This chapter will attempt to search for explanations through a comprehensive analysis of main topics in terms of E-Business implementation, strategies and policy. It is believed that the inadequacy of existing E-Business adoption incentives and theoretical models may be due to SME specificity, as these companies are conditioned among other by resource availability and high CEOs/owners’ dependency. Empirical evidence shows that SMEs have erratic behaviors in terms of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) investment and need external support to integrate E-Business in the overall strategy of the firm.
E-Procurement Process
Authors: Renna Paolo , Argoneto Pierluigi
Published: April 2013

E-procurement transactions in Business to Business (B2B) environment showed a constant and positive trend in the last years. The most popular methodologies to support these tools are all related to dedicated protocols able to facilitate the agreements among customers and suppliers. This chapter proposes a Multi Agent Architecture integrated with several multi-attribute auction mechanisms specifically designed to support the e-procurement processes. Moreover, differently from other cases proposed in literature, the suppliers’ proposal formulation is strongly influenced by their production plans. A simulative environment has been developed in order to evaluate different performances: the customer and suppliers’ utilities, the profit distribution among the involved agents and the time necessary to reach an agreement. The mentioned approaches are compared with a negotiation process. The simulation results highlight the weakness and strength points of each auction protocol and why they can be considered as a relevant tool in B2B environments.
Research and Practices on Open Innovation
Authors: Rahman Hakikur , Ramos Isabel
Published: April 2013

Innovation has become a recognized driver of economic prosperity of a country through sustained growth of its entrepreneurships. Moreover, recently coined term open innovation is increasingly taking a lead in enterprise management in terms of sustained profitability. Foci of researchers and practitioners are revolving around innovation methods, processes, and strategies. This chapter seeks to find out open innovation researches and practices that are being carried out circumscribing development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a longitudinal study. Along this context the study is investigating into researches that are being carried out by leading researchers and research houses across the globe, and at the same time, it also investigates open innovation practices that are being carried out for the development of SMEs. Before its conclusion, the chapter attempts to develop a framework for future research practices.
Open Innovation Strategies in SMEs
Authors: Rahman Hakikur , Ramos Isabel
Published: April 2013

Open innovation in entrepreneurships already finds its acceptance at all levels of the business industry for adding value to the business. The value could be in the form of economic gain or enhancement of knowledge leading to a sustained financial base. Open innovation adopts various strategies to accomplish the task for enhancing the value gain. Varying by size, nature, pattern, or characteristics of the firm various strategies are being adopted by enterprises. Though largely known to be familiar in corporate business houses, in recent years open innovation is also becoming increasingly familiar in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the trend is rapidly increasing. However, despite the potency of open innovation strategies, most of the enterprises are yet to find a sustained business model, especially for the SMEs working at the periphery of that value chain. This forms the basis of the current study. This chapter is trying to formulate a business model incorporating partnership approach from academia, research houses, intermediaries, and other stakeholders.
Risk-Off Method
Authors: Junior Walter Coelho Pereira de Magalhães , Bonnet Marcelo , Feijó Leandro Diamantino , Santos Marilde Terezinha Prado
Published: April 2013

Here the Risk-Off Method is presented as a contribution to improve the quality of data and information using milk chemical safety as a model, as overseen by the National Plan for Control of Residues and Contaminants (PNCRC) of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). In particular, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which notably lack internal expertise, could benefit from the Risk-Off method, given that SMEs worldwide contribute significant amounts of food to meet global needs. This study develops an innovative tool to help countries provide robust and transparent chemical safety guarantees for their food products. Creating a flexible base platform to appropriately pre-classify results generated by laboratory testing of food samples, the method pre-processes data undergoing the process of Knowledge Discovery in Databases – KDD, producing systemic intelligence deriving from effective, proactive assessment and management of chemical safety risks in foods, a complex issue of increasingly global concern.
Model Suggestion for SMEs Economic and Environmental Sustainable Development
Authors: Calipinar Hatice , Ulas Dilber
Published: April 2013

In recent years, environmental considerations have become increasingly social concerns. There is a growing interest in SMEs that want to green their businesses, but real action is slow because there is usually a lack of knowledge and resources to do so. This chapter considers how SMEs can adopt and improve their manufacturing processes to include the new environmental regulations. The authors propose a model that ensures sustainable development for SMEs.
Assessing Knowledge Assets in Renewable Energy SMEs in Scotland
Authors: Lerro Antonio , Schiuma Giovanni , Huggins Robert , Prokop Daniel , Weir Maria
Published: April 2013

This chapter develops a research protocol to identify a domain of organizational knowledge resources and assets within firms and provides the final main insights of a research project managed by the Intellectual Assets Center in Scotland in order to support the adoption of knowledge asset management initiatives for driving innovation and performance improvement of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the renewable energy sector. The chapter first presents a methodology for valuing organizational knowledge assets within SMEs operating in the renewable energy industry. Then, an exploratory survey with a sample of 58 organizations from the Scottish renewable energy sector is introduced. Finally, the chapter analyses and discusses the main insights about SMEs’ perception and orientation to identifying, measuring, and managing knowledge, and to qualitatively identify a feasible set of knowledge resources and assets potentially driving performance improvement.
Media Resource Adaptation for Multimedia Services and Streaming Media for Mobile Telephones
Authors: Szkaliczki Tibor
Published: April 2013

Nowadays an intensive diversification can be experienced among the devices that can display multimedia content to the user. Typically, clients are unable to receive large audio-visual data volumes in original quality because of resource limitations and deficiency of terminal capabilities. The aim of media resource adaptation is to provide multimedia items for users in a format that is most appropriate with respect to the current terminal capabilities, network characteristics, server capacities and user preferences. The execution time of adaptation is crucial in order to shorten startup delay. The chapter is intended to give a survey on media resource adaptation. Our aim is to introduce the related standards and specifications, show an adaptation framework. We put special emphasis on the algorithmic aspects of adaptation decision taking and present some optimization methods to efficiently select adaptation parameters.
An Eclectic Perspective on the Internationalization of Australian Mobile Services SMEs
Authors: Hill Sally Rao , Troshani Indrit , Freeman Susan
Published: April 2013

In response to calls for further research and drawing from industry, network, knowledge, and institution theories, this chapter takes an eclectic approach to investigate the internationalization of knowledge-based service SMEs operating in the mobile services industry. The authors employ qualitative evidence collected from in-depth interviews with seventeen Australian SMEs that export mobile data services. They find that an eclectic framework inclusive of concepts inherent in industry-, network-, knowledge-, and institution-based perspectives is required to explain the complex phenomena concerning the internationalization of mobile data service firms. This framework is a contribution to the existing body of knowledge as it can help organizations that have internationalization ambitions to carry out in-depth analyses of their potential and opportunities.
Open Innovation in SMEs of Developing and Transitional Economies
Authors: Rahman Hakikur , Ramos Isabel
Published: April 2013

Despite being accepted by corporate entrepreneurs and large business houses around the globe, the adaptation of strategies and concepts belonging to the newly evolved dimension of entrepreneurships, and the open innovation (OI), countries in the East, West or Southare yet to accommodate open innovation strategies in their business practices - especially in efforts to reach out to the grassroots communities. By far, firms belonging to the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), irrespective of their numbers and contributions towards their national economies, are far behind in accepting open innovation strategies for their business developments. While talking about this newly emerged business dimension, it comprises of complex and dynamically developed concepts like management of intellectual property aspects, administration of patents and copyright issues, or supervision of market trend for minute details related to knowledge acquisition. All these issues are largely responsible for adding value to the business proposition in terms of economy or knowledge gain, and organizations or entities acting in this aspect deserve comprehensive investigation. As most of the developed countries have already adopted open innovation strategies, finding this as a weak link in terms of entrepreneurships in less developed countries, this chapter intends to seek answers related to the mentioned issues focusing adaption of open innovation strategies in developing and transitional economies. It is a longitudinal study on business houses or national efforts from countries belonging to these categories, deducting from a literature review. The chapter goes on looking into various aspects of business development incorporating OI concepts, synthesizes building a reasonable framework to be applicable in the target economies, points out to some future research aspects, and concludes the finding of this research. This study is supposed to enhance the knowledge of entrepreneurs and researchers by gaining specific knowledge on the trend of open innovation strategies in developing and transitional economies.
Operational Hedging Strategies to Overcome Financial Constraints during Clean Technology Start-Up and Growth
Authors: Erzurumlu S. Sinan , Tanrisever Fehmi , Joglekar Nitin
Published: April 2013

Clean technology startups face multiple sources of uncertainty, and require specialized knowhow and longer periods for revenue growth than their counterparts in other industries. These startups require large investments and have been hit hard during the current credit squeeze. On the other hand, clean technologies create important positive externalities for the economy. Hence, loan guarantees and other incentive schemes are being developed that are conditioned upon operational benchmarks. The authors offer a framework to establish the extent wherein operational hedging can reduce risk and increase the probability of obtaining financing. They examine a variety of evidence, ranging from production outsourcing to creation of joint ventures, to posit that operational hedging may affect both the marginal cost of capital and the marginal return on investment through mitigating the informational problems in the market. However, operational hedging may not be an effective strategy in all settings: the decision for creation of such hedges ought to weigh the benefits of reduced marginal cost of capital and the opportunity cost of reduced future growth potential against a status quo.
Black Economic Empowerment, ICT, and Preferential Public Procurement in South Africa
Authors: Reddy Karunanidhi , Rampersad Renitha
Published: April 2013

Broad-based black economic empowerment has been a central part of the South African government’s economic transformation strategy. The main purpose of BEE is to increase the number of black people that manage, own, and control the country’s economy, and as a result, to reduce income inequalities and to contribute to economic transformation in South Africa. During apartheid in South Africa, the government procurement system favoured large, established businesses and made it difficult for newly established businesses to participate in the procurement system. This chapter gives an overview of the Black Economic Empowerment policy as a means to achieve socio-economic transformation in South Africa by providing preferences for Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) and small businesses, when making procurement decisions. It also examines how procurement is used as a policy tool by government while simultaneously ensuring that it does not contradict the constitutional right to equality. The chapter also explores the implications of the Preferential Public Procurement Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and the latest procurement regulations. Finally, it discusses the use of ICT and the vital role it plays in preferential procurement in South Africa.
Global Innovators
Authors: Girling Robert
Published: April 2013

Innovation is vital to sustain and advance current activities or it can be vital to growing new businesses. The challenge for organizations operating in a global environment is to meet the evolution of the marketplace, social needs, and the needs of society. Open innovation allows organizations to draw from the global pool of knowledge to design products and business modes that provide value while meeting social needs. This chapter looks at several SMEs that are social innovators drawing on a range of technologies to create products and services or to commercialize existing products in a new way in order to meet pressing social needs round the world.
The Use of Collaborative Technologies within SMEs in Construction
Authors: Ahmed Vian , Abuelmaatti Aisha
Published: April 2013

Collaborative environments have been evolving and effectively employed in large organisations and are believed to have high potential for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This chapter shares the findings of a case study that was conducted on twelve companies in order to assess the use of collaborative environments and their adaptation approaches through interviews with senior level managers and end-users. The need for such case studies has risen from an intensive literature review which revealed that SMEs are key players within the construction industry; however, there seems to be little evidence of their utilisation of IT for collaborative learning environments. Therefore, this calls for the necessity to developing an approach blending the right combination of factors which are believed to contribute towards the improvement and implementation of collaborative environments and may affect their success.
Behavioral Initiatives
Authors: Hughes Claretha
Published: April 2013

Organizations that operate within the behavioral perspective often focus more on the technological impact within the workplace environment rather than employee roles. They have been accused treating people as if they are technology since the feelings and emotions of the individual are not valued. They fail to appreciate the intrinsic worth of the individual (Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett, 1973). Behaviorists are “interested only in what can be observed directly” (Martinez, 2010, p.6) and since the internal feelings and emotions of people cannot be directly observed, it often goes unacknowledged. It becomes a matter of controlling employee behavior as opposed to understanding their behavior. The purpose of the chapter is to: (1) review behavioral initiatives and how technology has impacted the workplace environment; (2) employee behavior within organizational culture; and (3) examine how organizations that use the behavioral perspective align their people initiatives with their technological initiatives and goals.
Open Innovation
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: April 2013

With the advent of innovative technologies and multi-dimensional researches along the setting of entrepreneurship development, philosophy, context and business handling has been transformed from being traditional to innovative. Depending on diversity and nature of the transformation, innovation has been shifted from closed to open to crowdsourcing innovation. Ranging from small entrepreneurs to corporate business houses are being immensely benefited by the innovation techniques, especially utilizing information and communication technologies. However, the road to innovation, despite being a paradigm shift is not smooth and ready for many, particularly the small and medium enterprises who mainly deal with the clients at the outer peripheries of the social circle. This chapter synthesizes issues of opportunities and challenges for small and medium enterprises by carrying out a broad literature review and synthesis. Furthermore, the chapter will provide a few research hints to be applicable for researchers and research institutions.
Internal Key Factor in the Export Performance of Spanish SMEs
Authors: Turró Lluís Jovell , Eusebio Rossano
Published: April 2013

The internationalization is a complex process that requires a great effort, both financial and human, that some companies cannot spare, especially if they are medium or small companies. The authors’ investigation is based upon these medium and small companies and the problems they face, and analyzes the issues that affect their export intensity. For this, a multidimensional model is proposed as a result of a deep research on literature on this field. The results of this study show how technological innovation is an important aspect when determining an effort for exportation in this kind of companies.
Reflecting on New Businesses Models for SMEs through Technological Application
Authors: Jamil George Leal , Balloni Antonio José , Baroni de Carvalho Rodrigo
Published: April 2013

As modern economies faces its growth challenges, small and medium enterprises are potential agents to become strategic competitive, especially when it can be supported by information technology. A scenario composed by rapid changes in the economies, introduction of new communication and information technology and emergence of new markets forms the study background, which was proposed to analyze new business models for SMEs based on e-business concepts and how these resources, applied under strategic thinking, are increasing the SMEs’ competitiveness. A case study of Brazilian e-business based SMEs is conducted, in order to understand IT application in this evolving context, examining five successful cases.
Resource Based Internationalization from Small Developing Countries
Authors: Williams Nigel L , Ridgman Tom , Shi Y S
Published: April 2013

Small developing countries, in contrast to their developed counterparts, are characterized by a narrow resource base, (relatively) weak institutions, and a high degree of openness. For organizations from these states, internationalization is an imperative rather than a choice due to the small home market. However, they face severe resource constraints. When compared to developed countries, the level of formal support is relatively low, and firms need to build capabilities under resource constrained conditions. Further, as open economies, firms face intense competition from imports. Internationalization has largely remained unexplored in firms from these countries. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to build a framework to explain internationalization of SMEs from small states. First, the various modes of international activity are discussed along with market entry strategies. The historical development of internationalization theory is then examined, identifying the major research paradigms and their underlying theoretical basis. Applicable theories are then assessed using an epistemological framework. The resulting research gap of resource development during internationalization was then examined using case studies of firms from a small state, Trinidad and Tobago.
Challenges for Adoption of e-Procurement
Authors: Liljemo Kelly , Prinz Andreas
Published: April 2013

In a society well on its way through a digital revolution, a number of new challenges are encountered, and when participating in electronic business, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face specific challenges and issues. In this chapter an analysis of those challenges covering electronic procurement within public and private sectors (B2G, B2B) is provided, including a case study from electronic invoicing. Relevant factors for the use of electronic invoicing for SMEs in Europe are recognized, and requirements for a technical solution are identified. Starting from that, an architecture for the solution is derived. The solution is aligned with the initiatives working on that issue within Europe.