bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling Bipolar Queries in Fuzzy Information Processing
Authors: Dubois Didier , Prade Henri
Published: May 2011

The chapter advocates the interest of distinguishing between negative and positive preferences in the processing of flexible queries. Negative preferences express what is (more or less, or completely) impossible or undesirable, and by complementation, they specify flexible constraints restricting feasible or tolerated values. Positive preferences are less compulsory, and rather express wishes; they specify attribute values that would be really satisfactory. Because they are often expressed independently, negative and positive preferences may be inconsistent. Consistency is then restored by giving priority to negative preferences, since they express genuine constraints. The chapter discusses the handling of bipolar queries, that is, queries involving negative and positive preferences, in the framework of possibility theory. Both ordinary queries expressed in terms of flexible requirements and case-based queries referring to examples and counterexamples are considered in this perspective.
Qualifying Objects in Classical Relational Database Querying
Authors: Tudorie Cornelia
Published: May 2011

The topic presented in this chapter refers to qualifying objects in some kinds of vague queries sent to relational databases. We want to compute a fulfillment degree in order to measure the quality of objects when we search them in databases. After a discussion on various kinds of object linguistic qualification, with different kinds of fuzzy conditions in a fuzzy query, a new particular situation is proposed to be included in this subject: the relative object qualification as a query selection criterion, that is, queries with two conditions in which the first one depends on the results of the second one. It is another way to express the user’s preferences in a flexible query. In connection with this, a new fuzzy aggregation operator, AMONG, is defined. We also propose an algorithm to evaluate this kind of queries and some definitions to make it applicable and efficient (dynamic modeling of the linguistic values and unified model of the context). We demonstrate these ideas with software already implemented in our lab.
Data Model of FRDB with Different Data Types and PFSQL
Authors: Takaci Aleksandar , Škrbic Srdan
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a way to extend the relational model with mechanisms that can handle imprecise, uncertain, and inconsistent attribute values using fuzzy logic. It describes details on how the relational model is extended in order to include fuzzy capabilities. In addition, we describe a query language called PFSQL for this fuzzy database model. Besides basic fuzzy capabilities, this query language adds the possibility to specify priorities for fuzzy statements. This appears to be the first implementation that has such capabilities. Also we describe the relations on FRDB (fuzzy relational database) and PFCSP (priority fuzzy constraint satisfaction problems) and GPFCSP (generalized priority fuzzy constraint satisfaction problems), theoretical concepts vital for the implementation of PFSQL. The authors propose several points in which this research and implementation can be continued and extended, contributing to better understanding of fuzzy database concepts and techniques and giving numerous possibilities for further development in this area.
Fuzzy Classification in Shipwreck Scatter Analysis
Authors: Veryha Yauheni , Blot Jean-Yves , Coelho Joao
Published: May 2011

There are many well-known applications of fuzzy sets theory in various fields of science and technology. However, we think that the area of maritime archaeology did not attract enough attention from researchers of fuzzy sets theory in the last decades. In this chapter, we present examples of problems arising in shipwreck scatter analysis where fuzzy classification may be very useful. Using a real-world example of fragments of ceramics from an ancient shipwreck, we present an exemplary application of the fuzzy classification framework with SQL querying for data mining in archaeological information systems. Our framework can be used as a data mining tool. It can be relatively easily integrated with conventional relational databases, which are widely used in existing archaeological information systems. The main benefits of using our fuzzy classification approach include flexible and precise data analysis with userfriendly information presentation at the report generation phase.
Ransomware
Authors: Luo Xin , Liao Qinyu
Published: May 2011

In computer virology, advanced encryption algorithms, on the bright side, can be utilized to effectively protect valuable information assets of enterprises. Yet, on the dark side, they can also be of use for malicious attackers to conduct pernicious activities. This article attempts to discover the surreptitious features of ransomware and to address it in information systems security research. It intends to elicit attention from enterprises with regard to ransomware—a newly emerged cyber hackjacing threat using such encryption technology as RSA—and to help both academic researchers and IT practitioners understand the technological characteristics of ransomware, along with its severity analysis. As ransomware infections continue to rise, and attacks employing refined algorithm become increasingly sophisticated, data protection faces serious challenges. This chapter draws a ransomware extortion scheme, compares ransomware with other malware, and discusses future trends and research directions in an effort to cater to both practitioners and researchers.
Information Warfare
Authors: Ajoku Pamela
Published: May 2011

Even though weapons and money are considered important factors for running a modern world, at the end of the day, it is all about controlling and exploiting information for political, military, economic, and commercial advantage. The objective of this chapter is to present a basic understanding of the concept of Information Warfare (IW) and the need for relevant strategies to aid its successful implementation. IW is an important topic in this electronic era and within enterprises, security strategies, tools, and processes are essential in order to maintain a competitive advantage against an adversary or group of adversaries. In this chapter, a Survival of the Fittest IW (SFIW) conceptual framework is presented based on the adaptive nature of IW, and a case study is used to discuss its validity.
Evolution of Enterprise Security Federation
Authors: An Gaeil , Park Joon S.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss the evolution of the enterprise security federation, including why the framework should be evolved and how it has been developed and applied to real systems. Furthermore, we analyze the remaining vulnerabilities and weaknesses in current approaches and propose new approaches to resolve those problems. Then, to overcome those weaknesses and vulnerabilities, we propose the PSM (Policy-based Security Management) architecture for an integrated security framework, and the PM (Packet-Marking) architecture for a cooperative security framework. The PSM architecture is able to efficiently realize the security purposes of an organization by controlling, operating, and managing various kinds of security systems consistently based on security policies. The PM architecture is able to effectively deal with suspicious network traffic without requiring new protocol, while reducing the false-positive problem and perfectly protecting QoS for innocent traffic from attacks. We simulated the PSM and PM architectures to evaluate their performance. The simulation result shows that the PSM architecture can automatically detect and respond against network attacks, and the PM architecture can effectively handle suspicious traffic, such as DDoS traffics.
Access Control Frameworks for a Distributed System
Authors: Raje Rajeev R. , Crespi Alex , Tilak Omkar J. , Olson Andrew M.
Published: May 2011

Component-based software development offers a promising technique for creating distributed systems. It does require a framework for specifying component properties, analyzing the behaviors of a system before composition, and validating them during operation. This chapter focuses on access control properties of a distributed system. It provides a framework that addresses the following issues: (a) specifying access control properties for individual components, (b) identifying components with required access control properties, and (c) formulating compositional models for predicting the access control properties of a composed system from those of its individual components.
Disruptive Technology Impacts on Security
Authors: Conger Sue
Published: May 2011

Historically, companies have automated a security model that analogizes the concept of a “guardian” who monitors incoming and outgoing activities and data, and this has worked with emerging technologies to this point. This chapter introduces imminent technologies (RFID chips, GPS, and smart motes) and discusses their disruptive effects on network security. Options for mitigating the risks are developed. These technologies are sufficiently disruptive to require a paradigm shift in securing and safeguarding data.
IT Continuity in the Face of Mishaps
Authors: Friedman William H.
Published: May 2011

This chapter is management oriented. It first proposes a general theoretical context for IT disasters within the wider class of all types of disasters to which a business is subject—whether caused by natural or human action. After this theoretical discussion, numerous practical and proactive prevention methods then are suggested that can be applied both before and after an IT disaster. Implementation of these measures should contribute greatly to reducing both the occurrence of disasters and the damage that might be wrought by most adverse events not under our control.
Six Keys to Improving Wireless Security
Authors: Graham Erik , Steinbart Paul John
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a step-by-step approach to improving the security of wireless networks. It describes the basic threats to achieving the security objectives of confidentiality, integrity, and availability when using wireless networking. It also explains various countermeasures that can be used to reduce the risks associated with wireless networks. This chapter has two main objectives. The first is to provide managers with practical guidance for improving the security of their organization’s wireless networks. The second objective is to summarize the issues and concerns associated with the use of wireless networking so that researchers can identify fruitful areas in need of further investigation.
An MDA Compliant Approach for Designing Secure Data Warehouses
Authors: Villarroel Rodolfo , Fernández-Medina Eduardo , Trujillo Juan , Piattini Mario
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an approach for designing secure Data Warehouses (DWs) that accomplish the conceptual modeling of secure DWs independently from the target platform where the DW has to be implemented, because our complete approach follows the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and the Model Driven Security (MDS). In most of real world DW projects, the security aspects are issues that usually rely on the DBMS administrators. We argue that the design of these security aspects should be considered together with the conceptual modeling of DWs from the early stages of a DW project, and being able to attach user security information to the basic structures of a Multidimensional (MD) model. In this way, we would be able to generate this information in a semi or automatic way into a target platform and the final DW will better suits the user security requirements.
EU E-Business and Innovation Policies for SMEs
Authors: Wiggins Anne
Published: May 2011

This paper provides an overview of the current UK situation of e-business adoption and implementation, and outlines the primary UK government policies and initiatives that have been introduced since 2000 in order to stimulate e-business adoption and implementation by SMEs. Companies of all sizes that have adopted e-business believe that it contributes to improved performance in four main ways: • The development of new products and services. • The generation of new customers and business channels. • A reduction in costs. • Improved productivity (HM Treasury, 2001c).
Security Challenges in Distributed Web Based Transactions
Authors: Cesarini Mirko , Fugini Mariagrazia , Mezzanzanica Mario , Nanini Krysnaia
Published: May 2011

Public administrations, during the last few years, activated modernizations in public service delivery. In particular, this arrangement relates to the service digitalization and automation, thanks to the massive inclusion of Information and communication technologies in public offices. This paved the way for internal and external organizational and technological changes, in that a new approach is required to leverage the new technologies. Moreover, the Internet technologies began to play an important role in public services delivery, and many transactions are Web-based nowadays.
Interactive Personalized Catalogue for M-Commerce
Authors: Guan Sheng-Uei , Tay Yuan Sherng
Published: May 2011

M-commerce possesses two distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from traditional e-commerce: the mobile setting and the small form factor of mobile devices. Of these, the size of a mobile device will remain largely unchanged due to the tradeoff between size and portability. Small screen size and limited input capabilities pose a great challenge for developers to conceptualize user interfaces that have good usability while working within the size constraints of the device. In response to the limited screen size of mobile devices, there has been unspoken consensus that certain tools must be made available to aid users in coping with the relatively large volume of information. Recommender systems have been proposed to narrow down choices before presenting them to the user (Feldman, 2000). We propose a product catalogue where browsing is directed by an integrated recommender system. The recommender system is to take incremental feedback in return for browsing assistance. Product appearance in the catalogue will be dynamically determined at runtime based on user preference detected by the recommender system. The design of our hybrid m-commerce catalogue recommender system investigated the typical constraints of m-commerce applications to conceptualize a suitable catalogue interface. The scope was restricted to the case of having personal digital assistant (PDA) as the mobile device. Thereafter, a preference detection technique was developed to serve as the recommender layer of the system.
Open Access to Scholarly Publications and Public Policies
Authors: Rennard Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2011

“If I have seen further it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” The famous statement of Sir Isaac Newton demonstrates that the progress of science relies on the dissemination of discoveries and scientific knowledge. Even though scientific progress is not strictly cumulative (Kuhn, 1970) information sharing is the heart of this progress. Nowadays, scientific knowledge is mainly spread through scholarly journals, that is, highly specialized journals where quality controls and certifications are achieved through peer-review. The first section of this chapter will present the specificity of the current economic model of scientific publications. The second section will introduce to the open access movement and to its emerging economic model. The third section will show the growing implication of governments in that movement.
Practical Measures for Securing Government Networks
Authors: Aikins Stephen K.
Published: May 2011

The modern network and Internet security vulnerabilities expose state and local government networks to numerous threats such as denial of service (DoS) attacks, computer viruses, unauthorized access, confidentiality breaches, and so forth. For example, in June 2005, the state of Delaware saw a spike of 141,000 instances of “suspicious activity” due to a variant of the mytopb worm, which could have brought the state’s network to its knees had appropriate steps not been taken (Jarrett, 2005; National Association of State Chief Information Officers [NASCIO], 2006b). On an average day, the state of Michigan blocks 22,059 spam e-mails, 21,702 e-mail viruses, 4,239 Web defacements, and six remote computer takeover attempts. Delaware fends off nearly 3,000 attempts at entering the state’s network daily (NASCIO, 2006b). Governments have the obligation to manage their information security risks by securing mission- critical internal resources such as financial records and taxpayer sensitive information on their networks. Consequently, public-sector information security officers are faced with the challenge to contain damage from compromised systems, prevent internally and Internet-launched attacks, provide systems for logging and intrusion detection, and build frameworks for administrators to securely manage government networks (Oxlenhandler, 2003). This chapter discusses some of the cost-effective measures needed to address government agency information security vulnerabilities and related threats.
A Framework for Knowledge Management in E-Government
Authors: Metaxiotis Kostas
Published: May 2011

E-government, driven by an ever-increasing and pervasive use of information and communication technologies, is affecting the public sector more and more (Bannister, 2005; Eyob, 2004; Metaxiotis & Psarras, 2004). Many governments across the globe have resorted to instituting e-government initiatives as a way of better positioning themselves in the Information Age (Information for Development Programme [InfoDev], 2004), or seem at least to be showing commitments in redressing the imbalances resulting from the low utilization of knowledge resources and ICT in the economy and governance (Joi, 2004). E-government is enabling government organizations to provide better services to their constituents. The ability to improve citizens’ access to services has made e-government an attractive investment for government organizations, fueling worldwide implementation of such applications (Amaravadi, 2005; Scherlis & Eisenberg, 2003). As an emerging practice, e-government seeks to realize processes and structures for harnessing the potentialities of information and communication technologies at various levels of government and the public sector for the purpose of enhancing good governance. The key issues in transformation are the adoption and uptake of interoperable standards, the development of appropriate business models, the legal and policy frameworks that will facilitate integration, and governance arrangements that support both enterprise responsibilities and crossagency approaches and responsibilities.
Web Application Classification
Authors: Kung Hsiang-Jui , Tung Hui-Lien
Published: May 2011

Many companies use the Web to communicate with the external world as well as within their organizations and to carry out their business processes more effectively. A survey on Web application development shows that 84% of development projects do not meet business needs, 56% do not have the required functionality, 79% are behind schedule, and 63% are over budget (Standish Group, 2002). García-Cabrera, Rodríguez-Fórtiz, and Parets-Llorca (2002) report that the development of a Web application is never finished, and the nature of Web applications is evolutionary. The architecture of Web applications has three layers: conceptual, presentation, and navigation. It also has two perspectives: designer and viewer. Software evolution is “the dynamic behavior of programming systems as they are maintained and enhanced over their life times” (Belady & Lehman, 1976). Web application evolution is of increasing importance as more Web systems are in production.
Human-Factors Design for Public Information Technology
Authors: Lasnik Vincent E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the realm of human-factors design for public information technology in the rapidly evolving postmodern knowledge age of the 21st century, with special focus on how new research and development into human cognition, perception, and performance capabilities is changing the design function for IT systems and products. Many “one size fits all” IT designs are neither adaptive nor adaptable—promulgating a top-down technological imperialism penetrating every aspect of their use. The communication, collaboration, and interaction infrastructure of IT organizations thus remains acutely challenged with enduring problems of usability, learnability, accessibility, and adaptability. As the function and form of products undergo increasingly rigorous scrutiny, one important design goal is emerging as a paramount priority: improving the usability of products, tools, and systems for all stakeholders across the enterprise. It is therefore important to briefly describe emerging human-factor design knowledge and practices applicable to organizations that invent, incubate, innovate, prototype, and drive the creation and application of public IT. The findings here suggest the most effective strategies to manage and augment user-centered design (UCD) endeavors across a wide array of public IT products and organizations.
An Overview of IT Outsourcing in Public-Sector Agencies
Authors: Rouse Anne C.
Published: May 2011

For the past 15 years, governments in the developed, Western world have been contracting out, or outsourcing, services as a key part of publicsector reforms. Outsourcing has been argued to lead to cost savings, improved discipline, better services, access to scarce skills, and the capacity for managers to focus more time on the core business of their organizations (Domberger, 1998). Government outsourcing initiatives have encompassed a range of services, but given the large sums of money invested in IT assets, the outsourcing of IT services (IT outsourcing, or ITO) has been a major initiative for many agencies. Lacity and Willcocks (1998, p. 3) defined ITO as “handing over to a third party [the] management of IS/IT assets, resources and/or activities for required results.” For public-sector outsourcing, this handover is usually made by way of a competitive tender. Case studies have reported ITO successes and failures (e.g., Currie & Willcocks, 1998; Rouse & Corbitt, 2003; Willcocks & Currie, 1997; Lacity and Willcocks, 2001; Willcocks & Kern, 1998), but much of the evidence presented to public-sector decision makers to justify this reform is anecdotal and unsystematic, and when investigated in depth, does not necessarily support widespread conclusions.
A Web Query System for Heterogeneous Government Data
Authors: Weigand Nancy , Cruz Isabel F. , Zhou Naijun , Sunna William
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a Web-based query system for semantically heterogeneous government-produced data. Geospatial Web-based information systems and portals currently are being developed by various levels of government along with the GIS community. Typically, these sites provide data discovery and download capabilities but do not include the ability to pose DBMS-type queries. One of the main problems in querying distributed government data sources is the difference in semantics used by various jurisdictions. We extend work in schema integration by focusing on resolving semantics at the value level in addition to the schema or attribute level. We illustrate our method using land use data, but the method can be used to query across other heterogeneous sets of values. Our work starts from an XML Web-based DBMS and adds functionality to accommodate heterogeneous data between jurisdictions. Our ontology and query rewrite systems use mappings to enable querying across distributed heterogeneous data.
E-Mexico
Authors: Luna-Reyes Luis F. , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon , Cruz Cinthia Betiny
Published: May 2011

After six years of challenges and learning pushing forward the e-Government agenda in Mexico, the Presidential succession brought an opportunity for assessing the current progress, recognizing the main unsolved problems, and planning the vision for the future of e-Government in Mexico. This case provides a rich description of the e-Mexico system, including its main objectives and goals, governance structures, IT infrastructure, collaboration processes, main results, and current challenges. Some background information about Mexico is also provided at the beginning of the case. Playing the role of a consultant working for the new Mexican CIO, the reader is asked to evaluate the current situation and help in the design of a work plan, including a proposal for organizing the ICT function, the main strategic objectives, and some specific lines of action for the next six years.
Enterprise Resource Planning System Risks and Rewards
Authors: Bradley Joseph
Published: May 2011

Enterprise Resource Planning systems have proven difficult and costly to implement. Organizations must consider the risks and rewards of embarking on complex and time consuming implementation projects. This chapter explores why firms adopt ERP systems, identifies the benefits firms seek, discusses the various risks firms face as they adopt these systems, and suggests ways firms can manage these risks.
Activity Theory and the Design of Pedagogic Planning Tools
Authors: Masterman Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

This chapter uses activity theory to construct a framework for the design and deployment of pedagogic planning tools. It starts by noting the impact of digital technology on teachers’ practice, particularly the role of planning in the creation of effective technology-mediated learning. It espouses the reconceptualization of planning as design for learning and identifies a key role for the emergent genre of pedagogic planning tools in stimulating practitioners’ engagement in this reconceptualized practice. Drawing on activity theory, the chapter then characterizes the principal elements and relationships in design for learning. From the insights gained, it analyzes research data from two projects to pinpoint the enabling factors and tensions in current practice that might be conducive to (or, conversely, impede) the effective design and deployment of pedagogic planning tools. It then synthesizes these into a framework in which software developers and policy makers can explore their own contexts for implementing such tools.
Costs and Sustainability of Learning Object Repositories
Authors: Bramble William , Pachman Mariya
Published: May 2011

Reusable learning objects (LOs) constitute a promising approach to the development of easily accessible, technologically sound, and curriculum aligned learning resources. Many research forums and scholarly articles have focused on the reusability of learning objects, metadata, and context issues, but few sources describe the economic challenges involved in implementing and sustaining an LO repository. What are the costs of establishing and maintaining a LO repository? Should funding for establishing and maintaining LO repositories come from institutional resources, consortium fees, grant money, LO sales, or other sources? To answer these questions we consider a variety of LO cost factors. We look at economic models used in distance education to see what they can tell us about LO economies. We discuss the relationship of funding approaches and operational scope (of a LO system) through considering a funding matrix that describes possible funding approaches. We discuss several emerging trends that may contribute to the future of learning resources from an economic perspective. Lastly, we provide several practical recommendations for funding LO repositories. In conclusion, we highlight developmental factors for LO repositories as they relate to the scope of operation and funding methods.
Reconceptualisation of Learning Objects as Meta-Schemas
Authors: Chinnappan Mohan
Published: May 2011

The shift in the way we visualise the nature of mathematics and mathematics learning has presented educational technologists with new challenges in the design of rich and powerful learning environments. Against this background, the design and use of learning objects in supporting meaningful mathematical learning assumes increased significance. I argue that learning objects need to be sufficiently pliable such that both teachers and learners could engage in knowledge construction that provides further avenues for growth and sophistication of mathematical schemas. In this chapter, the author aims to show the limitations of current views about mathematical learning objects and the need to reconceptualise these in terms of generic meta-schemas. A meta-schematic framework would provide the mathematics community with powerful pedagogical tools to support and assess mathematics learning. Two examples of these meta-schemas for geometry are described.
Composing Identity in Online Instructional Contexts
Authors: DePew Kevin Eric
Published: May 2011

As writing instruction moves from the defined spatial and temporal parameters of the traditional classroom to various degrees of online interaction—from explanatory e-mails to courseware mediated distance education—instructors have had to reconceptualize how they identify themselves to their student audience. While many instructors have tried to translate their face-to-face strategies to the digital medium with disparate degrees of success, others understand the different parameters digital media offer and see new opportunities for literally composing their instructional identity. This contribution will examine the strategies instructors have used to compose their identities with computer-mediated communications and propose suggestions for negotiating this process.
Deceptive Communication in E-Collaboration
Authors: George Joey , Marett Kent
Published: May 2011

Much research within the field of MIS has been devoted to the use of collaborative technology by decision makers and the impact computer-mediated communication (CMC) has on collaborative work. Yet, there may be some unintended consequences for users of CMC, if someone involved in the joint effort decides to take the opportunity to deceive the others involved. In this chapter, we posit that CMC offers would-be deceivers advantages that otherwise do not exist with more traditional, richer media, using past research and established theories to help explain why. We review some of the findings from our ongoing research effort in this area and explain how difficult it is for computer users to detect deception, when it occurs. Finally, we discuss how the art of deception in computer-mediated collaboration potentially can affect both the current effort and future efforts of those involved, and we offer our thoughts on some of the factors CMC practitioners should consider when trying to combat computer-mediated deception.
Form and Function of Metacommunication in CMC
Authors: Weder Mirjam
Published: May 2011

Online communities such as newsgroups and mailinglists are constructed around a common interest and a shared set of norms that regulates communication. These communicative norms can be studied either by observing the communicative practice of the participants or by analyzing what group members say about correct and appropriate behavior in that community (referred to as metacommunication). This chapter investigates the differing roles of metacommunication in online communities such as mailinglists, newsgroups, and online forums with an aim to provide a basis for the future analysis of group behavior. It explains how members are instructed about correct and appropriate communicative behavior, and how various evaluative means of metacommunication can negotiate these norms and contribute toward community building.
Seek and Ye Shall Find
Authors: Fragoso Suely
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes that search engines apply a verticalizing pressure on the WWW many-to-many information distribution model, forcing this to revert to a distributive model similar to that of the mass media. The argument for this starts with a critical descriptive examination of the history of search mechanisms for the Internet. Parallel to this there is a discussion of the increasing ties between the search engines and the advertising market. The chapter then presents questions concerning the concentration of traffic on the Web around a small number of search engines which are in the hands of an equally limited number of enterprises. This reality is accentuated by the confidence that users place in the search engine and by the ongoing acquisition of collaborative systems and smaller players by the large search engines. This scenario demonstrates the verticalizing pressure that the search engines apply to the majority of WWW users, that bring it back toward the mass distribution mode.
Innovation and Utility in the Optical Transport Network
Authors: Koslowsky R.K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the introduction of a Multi-service Provisioning Platform (MSPP) into the transmission segment of the communication network. The first company to do so was Cerent Corporation. Although it was initially introduced in the United States in 1998, acceptance was rapid, and MSPPs found there way into the balance of the world market shortly thereafter. MSPP innovation enabled both new and existing service providers to leverage existing optical transmission infrastructure with increased functionality. Introduction of MSPPs enabled the proliferation of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) through the synthesis of traditional voice and emerging Internet traffic. The bandwidth bottleneck created by voice-only-based equipment was broken by the MSPPs and positioned the Internet for carriage of even higher bandwidth video traffic. The utility of the MSPP approach, as viewed by the telecoms, made it both a market success and a new standard to which all manufacturers adhere.
Information Commons and Web 2.0 Technologies
Authors: Pankl Elisabeth , Ryan Jenna
Published: May 2011

This chapter delves into the transformation of academic libraries in response to two main elements: Information Commons and Web 2.0 technologies, such as blogs and wikis. This transformation carries immense pedagogical significance for academic libraries by asserting a stronger presence of information literacy within the university curriculum. Traditional concepts of space, both virtual and physical, are also challenged by the inclusion of Information Commons and Web 2.0 technologies within academic libraries. Ultimately, what is revolutionized by these additions is the understanding of communication and pedagogy on the university campus.
CMC Research in Latin America and Spain
Authors: Cruz Edgar Gómez
Published: May 2011

The objective of this chapter is to present a general and retrospective panorama of the CMC studies that have been done in Spain and Latin America from a critic point of view. It is divided in three blocks that show a general description of these studies, its particularities and the principal authors in Spain and Latin America. The chapter establishes a general and introductory map to the CMC studies in Ibero-America and finishes with a reflection regarding its possibilities in the future. Being Internet in general, and CMC specifically world order phenomena, the present text aims to be a contribution on the connection of the studies written in Spanish and Portuguese and those in English.
Chat Rooms for Language Teaching and Learning
Authors: Su Cheng-chao , Garcia Karen
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of synchronous computer mediated communication (SCMC) platforms and identifies their hardware requirements. SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, is featured as an example of how access to international communities of language teachers can be tapped to appraise the merits of chat tools for teaching and learning. Their review finds that Messengers are most widely used and popular because of their usefulness and friendly interface. Since most students are now using chat rooms, teachers must develop a better understanding of how to best utilize these systems in language teaching. Pedagogical methods are uncovered in order to ensure that best practices in the use of SCMC for language acquisition prevail. Trends in using online chat for teaching and learning are highlighted as advances in intelligent computer-assisted language learning (ICALL) contributes to what is becoming ICMC (intelligent computer mediated communication).
Portable Education
Authors: Liu Youmei , McCombs Shawn
Published: May 2011

The emergence of Podcasting technology has turned MP3 players into effective learning tools. This chapter will examine this phenomenon and focuses on three sections: 1) mobile education and podcasting; 2) podcasting technology, and 3) educational potentials of podcasting. It argues that Podcasting technology is definitely a trend for information dissemination and will become increasingly important in people’s life and in academic arena.
IS Project and Portfolio Management
Authors: Cameron Brian
Published: May 2011

Instructional Systems Portfolio Management (ISPM) is a topic of intense interest in the strategic management of Instructional Systems (IS). In ISPM, IS synchronization with corporate business strategy is operationalized by the application of the principles of financial portfolio management to IS investments. This perspective is crucial to the continual alignment of business strategy and IS investments. Portfolio management is the discipline of managing projects together as a portfolio that meets corporate objectives. It optimizes development investment and resource allocation across multiple projects. This chapter investigates current techniques and best practices for managing IS project portfolios and strives to create a solid bridge between project management, corporate strategy and IS investments.
Learning and Study Strategies for Online Teaching
Authors: Duncan John
Published: May 2011

Technology provides many solutions to meet diverse learning needs. Not all students learn the same way so it is important to model and scaffold various strategies, and to offer alternatives when teaching online. This chapter highlights appropriate online teaching practices identified in research and the relationship to learner needs illustrated by data from 132 undergraduate students obtained using the Learning and Study Styles Inventory (LASSI). Of the areas assessed by the LASSI instrument students in this sample from a large university demonstrated concentration as one area of strength. Problem areas included (a) selecting main ideas, (b) test strategies, and (c) motivation. Areas requiring extensive remediation were (a) information processing, (b) attitude, (c) self-testing, (d) study aids, and (e) time management. Appropriate teaching strategies for helping the students to improve are provided. The implications are that many students have serious shortfalls in learning skills, and that instructors need to assess and scaffold student success.
Implementation of the Ford PAS Web-Based Curriculum
Authors: Pritchett Christal
Published: May 2011

Web-based learning provides many new and potentially integrated educational capabilities to support diverse educators’ and learners’ needs via technology. The growing development of the Internet and increasing web-based technologies are influencing the dynamics of teaching and learning on many different levels. This chapter focuses on the implementation of the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies web-based curriculum in two local high school settings. It includes data from the students’ perceptions of the program and how they feel about the web-based curriculum in relation to a traditional curriculum. In addition, this chapter examines other authentic learning methods and how these methods affect students’ learning. Other aspects of web-based learning are analyzed and presented in the chapter. Web-based technology is not about replacing education as we know it; it is about combining contextual applications with life-long learning.
A Review of Emerging Technological Trends in E-Learning
Authors: Tari Furkan
Published: May 2011

Advances in information technology and the redefined web trigger a holistic view of learning process. The objective of this study is to provide a conceptual view of how various technologies can be used to maximize learning outcomes through e-learning. Among the trends investigated in this study are, XML and semantic Web, content-based video indexing, personalized, intelligent Web tutoring, and m-learning. In addition to these technologies, a brief review of some of the key behavioral issues is presented. For researchers and developers interested in maximizing the learning outcome through e-learning technologies, the paper provides a taxonomy of these trends along with a framework for future designs.
The Ethics of Designing for Multimodality
Authors: Sankey Michael , St. Hill Rod
Published: May 2011

The changing nature of distance education in the higher education context is investigated in this chapter, particularly in relation to “massification” and the ethics involved in delivering technology enhanced courses to an increasingly diverse student body. Institutions may have developed policies in response to this, but it would seem that few academics have a coherent way of adhering to them. In addition, there is significant research suggesting that reliance on text-based instruction may disadvantage some students. This chapter draws on four case studies, emanating from recent research, demonstrating that higher levels of student engagement are possible when course materials are designed to cater for students with different approaches to learning. This chapter also suggests a more ethical approach to developing courses is a two-phased approach: 1) integrating a range of multimodal learning and teaching strategies; and 2) giving students the opportunity to discover their preferred approach to learning.
A Survey of Current Watermarking Synchronization Techniques
Authors: Terzija Nataša
Published: May 2011

The resistance of watermarking schemes against geometric distortions has been the subject of much research and development effort in the last 10 years. This is due to the fact that even the minor geometric, manipulation of the watermarked image can dramatically reduce the ability of the watermark detector to detect the watermark, that is, the watermark detector can lose the synchronization. By this, the watermark synchronization can be defined as a process for finding the location for watermark embedding and detection. A variety of techniques have been proposed to provide partial robustness against geometrical distortions. These techniques can be divided into two groups: (1) techniques that use the original image to recover to synchronization and (2) techniques that do not have the access to the original image content during the synchronization process. This chapter classifies and analyzes techniques and approaches that are currently used in watermarking schemes to recover the synchronization.
Statistical Watermark Detection in the Transform Domain for Digital Images
Authors: Khelifi Fouad , Kurugollu Fatih , Bouridane Ahmed
Published: May 2011

The problem of multiplicative watermark detection in digital images can be viewed as a binary decision where the observation is the possibility that watermarked samples can be thought of as a noisy environment in which a desirable signal, called watermark, may exist. In this chapter, we investigate the optimum watermark detection from the viewpoint of decision theory. Different transform domains are considered with generalized noise models. We study the effect of the watermark strength on both the detector performance and the imperceptibility of the host image. Also, the robustness issue is addressed while considering a number of commonly used attacks.
Steganalysis
Authors: Malik Hafiz , Chandramouli Rajarathnam , Subbalakshmi K. P.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we provide a detailed overview of the state of the art in steganalysis. Performance of some steganalysis techniques are compared based on critical parameters such as the hidden message detection probability, accuracy of the estimated hidden message length and secret key, and so forth. We also provide an overview of some shareware/freeware steganographic tools. Some open problems in steganalysis are described.
Learning-Disabled Children
Authors: Bay Susanne , Ziefle Martina
Published: May 2011

In usability research it is a common practice to take young and healthy university students as participants for usability evaluations. This chapter focuses on the “weaker” mobile phone users, which have been mostly disregarded in this field: Learning-disabled children. Their interaction with mobile phones is compared to that of average children and students. Results show that the consideration of the “ergonomic worst case,” which means a user group with cognitive deficiencies, leads to qualitatively and quantitatively different insights into the impact of specific design decisions. In contrast, when only students are involved as participants in the evaluation of technical devices, the impact of characteristics of the user interface on the ease of use is dramatically underestimated. One factor hampering the ability of learning-disabled children to interact meaningfully with a technical device may be their big difficulty building a correct mental representation of it. Therefore, this process should be especially supported.
Design of an Adaptive Mobile Learning Management System
Authors: Park Hyungsung , Baek Young Kyun , Gibson David
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the application of an artificial intelligence technique to a mobile educational device in order to provide a learning management system platform that is adaptive to students’ learning styles. The key concepts of the adaptive mobile learning management system (AM-LMS) platform are outlined and explained. The AM-LMS provides an adaptive environment that continually sets a mobile device’s use of remote learning resources to the needs and requirements of individual learners. The platform identifies a user’s learning style based on an analysis tool provided by Felder & Soloman (2005) and updates the profile as the learner engages with e-learning content. A novel computational mechanism continuously provides interfaces specific to the user’s learning style and supports unique user interactions. The platform’s interfaces include strategies for learning activities, contents, menus, and supporting functions for learning through a mobile device.
Toward a Novel Human Interface for Conceptualizing Spatial Information in Non-Speech Audio
Authors: Nomura Shigueo , Shiose Takayuki , Kawakami Hiroshi , Katai Osamu , Yamanaka Keiji
Published: May 2011

We developed a concept of interfaces using nonspeech audio for building wearable devices to support visually impaired persons. The main purpose is to enable visually impaired persons to freely conceptualize spatial information by nonspeech audio without requiring conventional means, such as artificial pattern recognition and voice synthesizer systems. Subjects participated in experiments to evaluate their ability to localize pattern-associated sounds. During the experiments, the subjects navigated through various virtual 3-D acoustic environments. The experimental results showed that sound effects, such as reverberation and reflection and variable z-coordinate movement, enhance the ability to localize pattern-associated sounds. The subjects were also evaluated on their ability to conceptualize spatial information based on cues in “artificial” and “natural” sounds. The evaluation results revealed that “natural” sounds are essential for improving everyday listening skills and the ability to conceptualize spatial information.