bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Behavioral Medicine and Information Technology
Authors: Carr John E.
Published: May 2011

Research advances in behavioral medicine have prompted increasing recognition of the importance of behavioral and social science factors in healthcare, resulting in calls for the greater incorporation of the behavioral sciences in medical education and of behavioral interventions in healthcare. These developments have underscored the need for research on the mechanisms of bio-behavioral interaction and the conceptual limitations of the traditional biomedical model. The evolution of a bio-behavioral model of medicine and increasing multidisciplinary translational research in bio-behavioral medicine, have significant implications for information technology (IT). Consumers of IT must be assured that the “best evidence” incorporates relevant information on behavioral as well as biological factors, especially, information on the complex processes and mechanisms of bio-behavioral interaction that contribute to medical conditions and their treatment.
Information Technology and Data Systems in Disaster Preparedness for Healthcare and the Broader Community
Authors: Quiram Barbara J. , Pennel Cara L. , Carpender S. Kay
Published: May 2011

In the healthcare and public health community, information technology and data management tools are indispensable in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies, both natural and manmade. This chapter is divided into three sections. The first section discusses various uses of health technology and data systems in disaster preparedness and response. The second section expounds on technological applications to train healthcare staff for their roles and responsibilities in delivering critical health services during a disaster, as well as to integrate healthcare organizations and providers into the broader community planning and response processes. The chapter concludes with a model that has been implemented to integrate and train the broader group of community stakeholders, including healthcare organizations and providers, in disaster preparedness and response.
Shared Healthcare in a Regional E-Health Network
Authors: Harno Kari
Published: May 2011

Healthcare information exchange is transforming the practice and structure of healthcare delivery. This chapter introduces the building of a regional e-health network between public healthcare providers as well as the necessary legal foundation and governance for this successful deployment in a Finnish Hospital District. An overview is presented of prerequisite building blocks, such as policies supporting the knowledge-intensive e-health services and the creation of a partnership between shareholders enabling regional e-health delivery. The roadmap to a national e-health network is paved on the premises of these experiences and lessons learned are transferred to described concepts when migrating to a national e-health network. Understanding these principles and critical success factors (i.e., the role of stakeholders, governance, and financing) is essential for guidance to implement viable cross-organizational information exchange. In this context ICT not only fulfills the objective of cost containment, but also creates positive impacts on patient care and service quality.
The Role of Information Technology for Knowledge Exchange amongst Healthcare Stakeholders
Authors: Robinson Lynne M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter summarizes the current state of practice in the application of information technology (IT) for knowledge exchange amongst key health care stakeholders: healthcare consumers, health service providers, and researchers. The objectives are to review the practices that facilitate collaboration amongst stakeholders, the role of new technologies in facilitating exchange of information amongst key stakeholders, and the role of three key stakeholders as creators, consumers, and/or translators of information. The emphasis is on exploring an increasingly collaborative exchange of knowledge online.
Strategies to Meet Knowledge Transfer Needs
Authors: Roemer Lorrie K. , Bigelow Sharon M. , Borsato Emerson P.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces strategies to meet knowledge transfer needs. The clinical knowledge repository infrastructure and tools developed at Intermountain Healthcare are described. The knowledge repository (KR) is a database with services housing knowledge assets. The electronic tools are used to access and manipulate the assets. The tools include (1) the Knowledge Repository Online, used to load, view, and review knowledge assets stored in the KR, (2) the Knowledge Authoring Tool, used to compose knowledge assets using schema-based XML templates, (3) the viewer, used for easy and rapid access to a predetermined collection of knowledge assets, and (4) KR Reports, used to mine monitoring data about KR tool usage and the user experience. The process for knowledge asset development is described, and four project-specific case studies are presented describing asset development incorporating the infrastructure and tools. The value added by knowledge engineers to the knowledge transfer process is discussed.
Researching Health Service Information Systems Development
Authors: Shahtahmasebi Said
Published: May 2011

Information is considered the currency within health systems. Numerous reorganisations and restructuring, coupled with many buzz words (e.g. evidence-based practice) and the various advancements in ICT (information and communication technology) are apparently designed to improve the utilisation of this currency. However, what constitutes information appears to vary between health professionals. For some, only the data derived from RCTs (randomized control trials) is considered evidence, for others it is the conclusions drawn from focus groups, whilst for others, finding information goes well beyond subjectivity and experimental design and comes from understanding human behaviour and other processes.Although advancements in ICT have greatly improved access to information (currency), the data often disguised as information appears only as small change. Restructuring and reorganizing have been used to inflate the value of this currency (information) leading to the replacement of information departments by the Public Health Intelligence Units or Observatories. However, a change in behaviour is difficult to bring about and manage, while it is easier to change the tools with which the tasks are carried out. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of reproducing what has been produced before by information departments only under a different guise, as well as using different configurations, software or updated hardware and ICT (e.g. the Internet). These units hardly concern themselves with exploring the underlying message of the data. A quick trawl of the web pages of these entities can be testimony to this fact. The process so far has been, in effect, one of test-tubing health outcomes and then extracting the data from the test tubes. Although we have been eager to embrace technological advancements and change, we have failed to monitor the impact and consequences of change on our behaviour and thus on health outcomes. This chapter will delve into the current availability of information for public health policy purposes and will argue its ineffectiveness as information/evidence in the context of human behaviour and social processes. Behaviour and processes are by nature dynamic. Specifically, the feedback effect, a feature of dynamic process, can have a profound attenuating effect on data that was once important, thereby affecting not only the shelf life of a policy but also its intended outcomes. Examples from published reports by public health intelligence units/observatories in New Zealand and the UK, plus references to teenage smoking and suicide, will be used to illustrate these concepts and issues. A conceptual but pragmatic model of data collection based on current health care data management systems will be argued as a way forward for translating data into information and tangible evidence with a view to informing the process of public health policy formation. This chapter discusses a holistic approach to identifying data needed as evidence to inform the process of policy formation/decision making as a conceptual model.
Methodology to Set Regulations for Safe Reuse of Wastewater and Sludge for Agriculture in Developing Countries Based on a Scientific Approach and Following the New WHO Guidelines
Authors: Jimenez B. , Navarro I.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes, using the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) methodology proposed by WHO, how to set affordable standards for reuse of wastewater or sludge in agriculture using helminth eggs (Ascaris lumbricoides) as an example. The development of a risk-based model for Ascaris lumbricoides infection and its application to assess human risks associated with helminths egg exposure from crops irrigated with untreated wastewater, as well as crops grown in biosolid-enriched soil are explained. From QMRA results it becomes evident that WHO guidelines for wastewater reuse in agriculture seem more stringent than needed in developing countries, while for sludge reuse it will be the opposite. Even though more information is needed to confirm this conclusion from a single research, cautious approach when revalorizing sludge for agricultural purposes is recommended. Additionally, this work shows that intervention methods, other than wastewater and sludge treatment as suggested by WHO, can play an important role in controlling risks.
Informational Priorities in Health Information Systems
Authors: Kisilowska Malgorzata
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the model of a wide health information system, designed in accordance with information science theories and requirements. The model, based on modern ICT solutions, reflects the idea of information processes (collection, indexing, transfer) as seen in an information science perspective. It concentrates on optimal answering information needs of different categories of patrons, including adaptation of information-retrieval tools to their competencies. The author discusses different types of information indispensable in healthcare practice, analyzes methods of knowledge representation in health information system, proposes methodology of surveying information needs of health professionals, and describes challenges of linguistic tools used in information systems. The author hopes that such a model will emphasis the need of cooperation among ICT, health, and information professionals in designing information structures and processes.
Interactive Communication Tools for Health Education
Authors: Suka Machi , Yoshida Katsumi
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces an interactive communication tool, the ‘HRA System’. The recent rapid penetration of the Internet has made it a leading mode for gathering and sharing health information. People who access information on the Internet differ considerably in their ‘health literacy’, or the ability to understand and act on health information. The HRA System was developed in an effort to promote health education among people with inadequate health literacy. The system was designed in accordance with the clients’ health literacy skills, as well as the clients’ computer skills. A number of healthcare providers have registered with our research group to provide health education using the HRA System to the general public. The authors provide some ideas regarding how to apply interactive communication technology to health education successfully.
Accelerometer-Based Acimetry as Technology Applied to Healthcare
Authors: Ruiz Tendero German , Salinero Martin Juan Jose , Aznar Lain Susana
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews new quantification possibilities for the assessment of physical activity, a variable intimately related to good health. First, a variety of existing instruments are described with regard to their validity and functionality. Then, their applications are analyzed and categorized into two broad branches: sedentary lifestyle prevention and applications in special population segments. The authors’ intention is to make existing possibilities for assessment of physical activity known to researchers and public health professionals, as it is important for the achievement and promotion of active and healthy lifestyles in the population.
Critical Systematic Review
Authors: Wilby Jennifer M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the process of systematic review and the critique of the design of such processes and their research questions and contexts, whether in the natural or social science arenas. This work is part of an on-going research program to develop a process of critical systematic review applicable for addressing issues arising in complex systems, such as those found in health and health-related disciplines. The methodology proposed in this chapter for critical systematic review extends the remit of systematic review, moving beyond extensive literature searching, the application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to the retrieved literature, quality assessment, evaluation, synthesis, and review of the data, to a process that is self- and process-critical and reflective, and iterative in that critique.
Knowledge Management for Healthcare
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish
Published: May 2011

During the last two decades there has been a revolution in both healthcare and information technology. As a result of the advances in healthcare, tremendous progress has been made in increasing life expectancy and in disease control. Simultaneously, advances in information technology has made possible for a healthcare stakeholder to have access to almost all existing health information available. However, as a result of these advances, physicians and other healthcare stakeholders are facing an information overload and, in some cases, paradoxical information. This chapter presents evidence for the fact that the inability of healthcare professionals to deal effectively with the information explosion has started to have an impact in terms of: (a) lives lost and affected adversely and (b) financial terms. Furthermore, this chapter argues that the healthcare sector is ignoring the potential impact of two new emerging revolutions (biomedical knowledge and genetic engineering revolutions) which have the potential to make irrevocable changes in the very nature of healthcare processes. This chapter presents evidence of how the synergistic interaction between the biomedical knowledge and genetic engineering revolutions is made further accentuating the information explosion in healthcare. This chapter then analyses the potential of knowledge management (KM) in alleviating the information overload in healthcare. The chapter examines the linkages between the building blocks of both: (a) KM solutions and (b) the process of medical diagnosis and treatment. The outcome of this analysis (i.e., examinations of these linkages) provides new insights to healthcare professionals on how to adopt KM to deal with the information crisis in healthcare.
Matching Technology, Organisation and Pedagogy in E-Learning
Authors: Sangrà Albert , Guàrdia Lourdes , Fernández-Michels Pedro
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the findings of an in-depth analysis through several qualitative research studies, pointing out the key issues in relation to succeeding in developing effective and sustainable institutional virtual campuses and E-Learning provision initiatives. An appropriate balance between the issues concerning technology, organisation and pedagogy, the TOP triangle model, is needed, although every higher education institution is different and develops its activity in a particular context. In addition, the design and implementation of a strategic plan for such initiatives is highly recommended.
From Virtual Mobility to Virtual Erasmus
Authors: Ubachs George , Brey Christina
Published: May 2011

In higher education, international student mobility has become increasingly important for learners as well as for institutions. But today’s mobility schemes are first and foremost aimed at physical mobility. This approach covers the majority of students, but does, however, not take into account the needs of the lifelong learners who are not mobile due to family or work commitments, or who are constrained by disability, or do not have the financial means for traveling abroad during their academic education. The need to offer all students in higher education the possibility of an international experience and the European strategy of boosting student mobility requires new and alternative mobility concepts in addition to physical mobility. The European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) initiated an operational analysis of virtual mobility under the e-move project. Different models of virtual mobility have been developed, analysed and put into practice. This chapter will explore how a particular virtual mobility scheme can be put into practice and what is required from an organisation to implement this model and incorporate it into its own curriculum.
The Cost-Based Resource Management in Combination with Qos For Grid Computing
Authors: Weng Chuliang , Cao Jian , Li Minglu
Published: May 2011

In the grid context, the scheduling can be grouped into two categories: offline scheduling and online scheduling. In the offline scheduling scenario, the sequence of jobs is known in advance, scheduling is based on information about all jobs in the sequence. While, in the online scheduling scenario a job is known only after all predecessors have been scheduled, and a job is scheduled only according to information of its predecessors in the sequence. This chapter focuses on resource management issue in the grid context, and introduces the two cost-based scheduling algorithms for offline job assignment and online job assignment on the computational grid, respectively.
Investigating Deadline-Driven Scheduling Policy via Simulation with East
Authors: Wozniak Justin M. , Striegel Aaron
Published: May 2011

Opportunistic techniques have been widely used to create economical computation infrastructures and have demonstrated an ability to deliver heterogeneous computing resources to large batch applications, however, batch turnaround performance is generally unpredictable, negatively impacting human experience with widely shared computing resources. Scheduler prioritization schemes can effectively boost the share of the system given to particular users, but to gain a relevant benefit to user experience, whole batches must complete on a predictable schedule, not just individual jobs. Additionally, batches may contain a dependency structure that must be considered when predicting or controlling the completion time of the whole workflow; the slowest or most volatile prerequisite job determines performance. In this chapter, a probabilistic policy enforcement technique is used to protect deadline guarantees against grid resource unpredictability as well as bad estimates. Methods to allocate processors to a common workflow subcase, barrier scheduling, are also presented.
Hands on Experience on Building Institutional Grid Infrastructure
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Chiang Gen-Tao
Published: May 2011

It will become increasingly popular that scientists in research institutes will make use of Grid computing resources for running computer simulations and managing data. Although there are some production Grids available, it is often the case that many organizations and research projects need to build their own Grids. However, building Grid infrastructure is not a trivial job as it involves sharing and managing heterogeneous computing and data resources across different organizations, and involves installing many specific software packages and various middleware. This can be quite complicated and time-consuming. Building a Grid infrastructure also requires good knowledge and understanding of distributed computing, parallel computing and Grid technologies. Apart from building physical Grid, how to build a user infrastructure that can facilitate the use of and easy access to these physical infrastructures is also a challenging task. In this chapter, the authors summarize some hands-on experience in building an institutional Grid infrastructure. They describe knowledge and experience obtained in the installations of Condor pools, PBS clusters, Globus Toolkit, and SRB (Storage Resource Broker) for computing Grid and data Grid. The authors also propose to use a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach to develop a Grid user infrastructure which can facilitate the use of the Grid to improve the usability.
E-Portfolio to Promote Virtual Learning Group Communities on the Grid
Authors: Gouardères Guy , Conté Emilie
Published: May 2011

In Vocational and Educational Training (VET), new trends are toward social learning and, more precisely, toward informal learning. In such settings, this article introduces a process — the e-Qualification — to manage informal learning on the ELeGI “Learning Grid Infrastructure.” It argues that this process must occur in a social context, such as virtual communities. On the one hand, it describes their necessary characteristics and proprieties that lead to the creation of a new kind of virtual community: the Virtual Learning Grid Community (VLGC). On the other hand, e-Qualification cannot occur without the help of a kind of user’s profile, called e-portfolio. Moreover, the e-portfolio is also a process, used to manage the Virtual Learning Grid Communities. The e-Qualification and Virtual Learning Grid Communities’ management will probably rely on the cooperation of different distributed, autonomous, goal-oriented entities, called Mobile Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Agents. Furthermore, we hope that implementing these services will decrease the lack of informal learning treatment on the grid and will become the basis for new services on the Learning Grid.
Management and Analysis of Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Data on the Grid
Authors: Cannataro Mario , Hiram Guzzi Pietro , Tradigo Giuseppe , Veltri Pierangelo
Published: May 2011

Recent advances in high throughput technologies analysing biological samples enabled the researchers to collect a huge amount of data. In particular, mass spectrometry-based proteomics uses the mass spectrometry to investigate proteins expressed in an organism or a cell. The manual inspection of spectra is unfeasible, so the need to introduce a set of algorithms, tools and platforms to manage and analyze them arises. Computational Proteomics regards the computational methods for analyzing spectra data in qualitative (i.e. peptide/protein identification in tandem mass spectrometry), and quantitative proteomics (i.e. protein expression in samples), as well as in biomarker discovery (i.e. the identification of a molecular signature of a disease directly from spectra). This chapter presents main standards, tools, and technologies for building scalable, reusable, and portable applications in this field. The chapter surveys available solutions for computational proteomics and includes a deep description of MS-Analyzer, a Grid-based software platform for the integrated management and analysis of spectra data. MS-Analyzer provides efficient spectra management through a specialized spectra database, and supports the semantic composition of pre-processing and data mining services to analyze spectra on the Grid.
ProGenGrid
Authors: Mirto Maria , Epicoco Italo , Cafaro Massimo , Fiore Sandro
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the ProGenGrid (Proteomics and Genomics Grid) research project, which started in 2004, is described. It is a Grid Problem Solving Environment, specialized for the Bioinformatics domain, which aims at providing an integrated environment in order to compose, schedule and monitor biological applications in a Computational Grid. The main feature offered by this environment is the possibility to use a friendly web interface for composing workflow jobs, scheduled on different grid middleware.
Grid Computing in 3D Electron Microscopy Reconstruction
Authors: Bilbao Castro J.R. , Garcia Fernandez I. , Fernandez J.
Published: May 2011

Three-dimensional electron microscopy allows scientists to study biological specimens and to understand how they behave and interact with each other depending on their structural conformation. Electron microscopy projections of the specimens are taken from different angles and are processed to obtain a virtual three-dimensional reconstruction for further studies. Nevertheless, the whole reconstruction process, which is composed of many different subtasks from the microscope to the reconstructed volume, is not straightforward nor cheap in terms of computational costs. Different computing paradigms have been applied in order to overcome such high costs. While classic parallel computing using mainframes and clusters of workstations is usually enough for average requirements, there are some tasks which would fit better into a different computing paradigm – such as grid computing. Such tasks can be split up into a myriad of subtasks, which can then be run independently using as many computational resources as are available. This chapter explores two of these tasks present in a typical three-dimensional electron microscopy reconstruction process. In addition, important aspects like fault-tolerance are widely covered; given that the distributed nature of a grid infrastructure makes it inherently unstable and difficult to predict.
Gridifying Biomedical Applications in the Health-e-Child Project
Authors: Manset David , Pourraz Frederic , Tsymbal Alexey , Revillard Jerome , Skaburskas Konstantin , McClatchey Richard , Anjum Ashiq , Rios Alfonso , Huber Martin
Published: May 2011

The Health-e-Child project started in January 2006 with the aim of developing a Grid-based healthcare platform for European paediatrics and providing seamless integration of traditional and emerging sources of biomedical information. The objective of this chapter is to share experiences, and present major issues faced, solutions found and a roadmap for future work in developing the Grid infrastructure for interactive biomedical applications in the project, as Health-e-Child approaches its final phases. This chapter starts with a brief introduction of the project itself, followed by a description of its architecture on the Grid. It then illustrates the approach with the description of a concrete example of one integrated key application, the Health-e-Child CaseReasoner, which is intended for biomedical decision support over the Grid, and is based on similarity search and advanced data visualization techniques.
UNICORE
Authors: Bala Piotr , Baldridge Kim , Benfenati Emilio , Casalegno Mose , Maran Uko , Miroslaw Lukasz
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides an overview of Grid middleware and applications related to biomedical and life sciences disciplines. Various technologies, including web-based solutions, are presented. One of the solutions, the UNICORE framework, in its recent version implements key grid standards and specifications. The system architecture and capabilities, such as security, workflow and data management are described. Special attention is given to the idea of a ‘gridbean’, which expands the UNICORE use for different applications. Examples of gridbeans are provided and the capabilities of UNICORE are illustrated through specific examples built using this grid middleware. In particular, the Chemomentum workbench and its use for in-silico design and modeling in chemistry and life sciences are both described.
Towards T-Government by Increasing Process Maturity in Public Sector
Authors: Jaklic Jurij , Štemberger Mojca Indihar
Published: May 2011

A successful e-government implementation cannot do without some kind of business process change, not only of the front-office parts of processes, but the entire processes, which often flow through several departmental units or even several government agencies. Further advances of e-government that lead to t-government, are not possible without an integration of business processes. The implementation of t-government requires a high level of business process orientation and typically involves a business process change project. Non-profit organisations have some specifics, which make process renovation projects considerably different. The purpose of this chapter is to present an approach that enables governmental institutions to move towards t-government. The general framework for business process change methodologies, techniques and tools is customised for their needs and extended with several other business process management elements, e.g. measurement of the level of business process orientation in an organisation. The relationship between business process orientation levels and the sophistication of online services is shown through a case study of one of the Slovene ministries, where the proposed adapted methodology has been successfully employed.
Transformation Strategies for Shared Service Centers in the Public Sector
Authors: van der Voort Haiko , de Bruijn Hans , Janssen Marijn
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a set of critical choices for initiating a Shared Service Center (SSC) in a large public organization and the management of the transformation process towards it. A move to concentratingorganizational support functions in SSCs in public administration is encouraged by successes in the private sector. There is a lot to gain by concentrating functions including improved services through specialization, efficiencies through standardization, and cost reductions through economies of scale. Yet the transformation process does not resemble the simplicity of the concept of SSC and many challenges need to be bridged. In this chapter, the complexities of transformation processes of the introduction of a government wide SSC for human resource management are studied. By analyzing the perceptions of key stakeholders from a policy network theoretical lens, we found some major patterns determining success or failure in both designing and implementing SSCs. By listing these, we aim to clarify the complexities of transformation processes towards SSCs in public administration and provide some strategic suggestions for these transformations.
Mapping Factors Influencing EAI Adoption on the Adoption Lifecycle Phases in LGAs
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Mustafa
Published: May 2011

Literature indicates several private and public organisations have adopted Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), however its application in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) is limited. Although, there exist few EAI adoption models, these models mainly focus on a number of different factors (e.g. benefits, barriers, cost) influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption. Moreover, these models do not illustrate factors influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases. Literature indicates that the adoption process involves a sequence of phases an organisation passes through before taking the decision for adoption. This exemplifies that LGAs may also have to pass through several adoption phases before taking the decision to adopt EAI. However, due to the multiplicity of factors it may not be easy for LGAs to take decisions to adopt EAI by merely focusing on different factors. This may impede the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs. Notwithstanding, the implications of EAI have yet to be assessed, leaving scope for timeliness and novel research. Thus, it is of high importance to investigate this area within LGAs and result in research that contributes towards successful EAI adoption. This chapter makes a step forward as it: (a) presents four adoption lifecycle phases, (b) tests the adoption lifecycle phases, and (c) mapping the factors influencing EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases, through three case studies. Hence, it significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and practice. In doing so, provides sufficient support to the decision makers for speeding up the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs.
A Cost Model of Open Source Software Adoption
Authors: Russo Barbara , Succi Giancarlo
Published: May 2011

A limited budget for IT may lock public bodies in obsolete inefficient solutions slowing down their process of innovation. Various actions of estimating, controlling, and reducing IT costs have been already performed at national and European levels and Open Source Software (OSS) has been often pointed as a promising alternative that may also render public services and the underlying business processes more transparent and accessible to citizens. In this chapter, we propose a model of cost of a migration to OSS as a decision making instrument that helps public bodies being autonomous and independent in the IT adoption. The model is empirically validated in the real daily operations of more than 3,500 users. If adopted systematically our model might be a powerful tool to support transformational government and to establish an empirical open knowledge base on the economic advantages of OSS on which to found future strategies of OSS adoption.
Citizen's Acceptance of Electronic Services
Authors: Al-Shafi Shafi , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: May 2011

The Qatari government has launched Wireless Internet Parks (iPark) concept under their national electronic government (e-government) initiative with a view of providing free internet access for all citizens while enjoying the outdoors. By offering free wireless Internet access, the Qatari government hopes to increase accessibility of e-government services and encourage their citizens to actively participate in the global information society with a view of bridging the digital divide. This research proposes an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model for examining the adoption and diffusion of iPark services in Qatar. A pilot survey was conducted of iPark users using an extended version of the UTAUT model to explain the intention to use. The results of a multiple regression analysis are consistent with our predictions that effort expectancy, perceived technology, and Wireless Internet trust significantly influence intention to use. Implications of these results for practice and research are discussed.
E-File Adoption
Authors: Carter Lemuria D. , Schaupp Ludwig Christian
Published: May 2011

In the United States (U.S.), Congress has set ambitious goals for the diffusion of several e-government initiatives. One of congress’ recent goals was to significantly increase the percentage of tax and informational returns filed electronically. This chapter proposes a model of e-file adoption that integrates diffusion of innovation theory, online trust, and e-government experience into a comprehensive view of e-file acceptance. To test the model we administered a survey to 260 graduate and undergraduate students. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the proposed model explains 76% of the variance in intention to use an e-file system. Relative advantage, compatibility, trust of the government, trust of the Internet, e-filing in the past year, and previous completion of an e-government transaction all had a positive impact on e-file adoption. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Intelligent Books
Authors: Billingsley William , Robinson Peter
Published: May 2011

“Intelligent Books” are Web-based textbooks that combine computer-supported exercises with content that is both adaptive and extensible. They impose very few restrictions on the kind of exercise that can be placed within the book, and they allow students to contribute material that they have written, and to incorporate material from the Web into the book. In this chapter, the authors describe the influences that affect the design of intelligent books. These come from looking at the roles that textbooks and course notes play in education, and economic factors that affect the sustainability of intelligent books – competing for the attention of users, and ensuring that network externalities do not prevent a sufficient quantity of material from being usable within the book.
Fostering Interactivity through Formative Peer Assessment in (Web-Based) Collaborative Learning Environments
Authors: Strijbos Jan-Willem , Ochoa Theresa A. , Sluijsmans Dominique M.A. , Segers Mien S.R. , Tillema Harm H.
Published: May 2011

Extant literature on collaborative learning shows that this instructional approach is widely used. In this chapter, the authors discuss the lack of alignment between collaborative learning and assessment practices. They will argue that peer assessment is a form of collaborative learning and a mode of assessment that perfectly fits the purpose of collaborative learning. As such, the authors purposefully depart from the more traditional application of assessment as a summative tool and advocate the consideration of formative peer assessment in collaborative learning. This shift towards formative assessment they believe has the potential to enhance learning. Their goal in this chapter is to review both shortcomings of current peer assessment practice as well as its potential for collaborative learning. Interactivity is central to foster the alignment between assessment and collaborative learning and the authors present a set of guidelines derived from research for increasing interactivity through formative peer assessment among peers in collaborative learning contexts.
Building a B-Learning Strategy
Authors: Peres Paula , Pimenta Pedro
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the wide literature review made on computer mediated learning. Online Education system may include models and methodologies based on learning theories that support individual styles and contexts. The use of e-learning environment is limited only by the creativity. If we just decide for providing online contents, even if they are well constructed, at long term it may become uninteresting and based only on theory. We cannot state that e-learning has either more or less quality than traditional learning. E-learning quality depends on the instruction design and on the students engagement. In this review of literature, the authors combine different points of view. A theoretical model that emerged from the inquiry made will be showed and may support the integration of technologies, in order to enhance the learning.
RF Ranging Methods and Performance Limits for Sensor Localization
Authors: Lanzisera Steven , Pister Kristofer S.J.
Published: May 2011

Localization or geolocation of wireless sensors usually requires accurate estimates of the distance between nodes in the network. RF ranging techniques can provide these estimates through a variety of methods some of which are well suited to wireless sensor networks. Noise and multipath channels fundamentally limit the accuracy of range estimation, and a number of other implementation related phenomena further impact accuracy. This chapter explores these effects and selected mitigation techniques in the context of low power wireless systems.
Data Mining for Biologists
Authors: Tsuda Koji
Published: May 2011

In this tutorial chapter, the author reviews basics about frequent pattern mining algorithms, including itemset mining, association rule mining, and graph mining. These algorithms can find frequently appearing substructures in discrete data. They can discover structural motifs, for example, from mutation data, protein structures, and chemical compounds. As they have been primarily used for business data, biological applications are not so common yet, but their potential impact would be large. Recent advances in computers including multicore machines and ever increasing memory capacity support the application of such methods to larger datasets. The author explains technical aspects of the algorithms, but do not go into details. Current biological applications are summarized and possible future directions are given.
Network Cleansing
Authors: Marcatili Paolo , Tramontano Anna
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides an overview of the current computational methods for PPI network cleansing. The authors first present the issue of identifying reliable PPIs from noisy and incomplete experimental data. Next, they address the questions of which are the expected results of the different experimental studies, of what can be defined as true interactions, of which kind of data are to be integrated in assigning reliability levels to PPIs and which gold standard should the authors use in training and testing PPI filtering methods. Finally, Marcatili and Tramontano describe the state of the art in the field, presenting the different classes of algorithms and comparing their results. The aim of the chapter is to guide the reader in the choice of the most convenient methods, experiments and integrative data and to underline the most common biases and errors to obtain a portrait of PINs which is not only reliable but as well able to correctly retrieve the biological information contained in such data.
Discovering Interaction Motifs from Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Willy Hugo
Published: May 2011

Recent breakthroughs in high throughput experiments to determine protein-protein interaction have generated a vast amount of protein interaction data. However, most of the experiments could only answer the question of whether two proteins interact but not the question on the mechanisms by which proteins interact. Such understanding is crucial for understanding the protein interaction of an organism as a whole (the interactome) and even predicting novel protein interactions. Protein interaction usually occurs at some specific sites on the proteins and, given their importance, they are usually well conserved throughout the evolution of the proteins of the same family. Based on this observation, a number of works on finding protein patterns/motifs conserved in interacting proteins have emerged in the last few years. Such motifs are collectively termed as the interaction motifs. This chapter provides a review on the different approaches on finding interaction motifs with a discussion on their implications, potentials and possible areas of improvements in the future.
IT Project Planning based on Business Value Generation
Authors: Sanchez Otavio Prospero , Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: May 2011

In this chapter the authors investigate the management of service innovation projects; can ICT based service innovation be facilitated by traditional project management thinking? Or should the initiators strive for more interaction with users and other stakeholders, thus organizing the initiatives much looser than what the traditional project work method allows for? Building on a large survey, the authors found that ICT based service innovation was not associated with a tightly run project – focused on cost, time and quality; nor with the presence of a professional project manager. Rather, successful service innovation was found in projects where the service providing organization and the users of the forthcoming services were well integrated in the project. They discuss three alternatives to the traditional project work form model, called Integrated Classic Structure, Mutual Adaptation and TQM, and assess their potential strengths and weaknesses in service innovation, as an agenda for further experimentation and empirical research.
IPRM
Authors: Albadri Fayez Ahmad
Published: May 2011

An overwhelming number of Information Technology (IT) projects experience persistent problems and failures. This chapter reflects on some of the important aspects of IT Project Management as applied to the implementation and post-implementation of Enterprise Information Systems and ERP applications. The proposition is based on the author’s professional experience as a system consultant, a manager and an educator. It also echoes some of the important findings of a major action research undertaken by the author over seven years, where he had a dual role as a project resource and a researcher, allowing him a first hand experience of enterprise applications issues and problems, culminating in a clear insight to why IT projects fail and how to overcome persisting inadequacies that lead to project failures. By investigating 25 major IT projects and analysing the variables that influence project performance, the research has successfully developed, tested and refined a hypothesised risk-based management model. With its components, processes, metrics and tools clearly defined and characterised, the Integrated Project-Risk Management (IPRM) model and system are presented as viable alternatives to conventional project management approaches and tools.
Early, Often, and Repeat
Authors: Fancher Lauren
Published: May 2011

IT projects across all sectors are relying on more iterative methodologies that can employ early and frequent assessment and evaluation processes in order to ensure that project deliverables are satisfactory. This chapter provides a practical overview of assessment and evaluation processes and how they can be built into any of the various project management and development models. Methods discussed include: audience and needs assessment; approaches for maintaining engagement with stakeholder audiences; requirements and feedback-gathering methods including focus groups, surveys, and other communications; and evaluation and review methods such as usability testing and user acceptance testing. Iterative cycles of assessment, prototyping, evaluation, and implementation will be demonstrated through examples and process model flow diagrams.
Technology Exploration Process
Authors: De Lorenzi Michele
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a technology exploration process designed to support service innovation for information and communication technologies in a university environment. The mission of the technology exploration is to highlight possible applications of new technologies on the basis of prototypes which, following an evaluation phase, are used to develop new services. The exploration process is composed of several stages. In the first stage a number of proposals are generated beginning with the analysis of users’ expectations, best practices and technology developments. In the next stage prototypes for selected proposals are implemented. Only the most viable prototypes are then further developed to maturity, providing a reliable service. This chapter is based on the experience gathered by our team over a period of 18 months. During this period six prototypes have been developed, three of which have been further developed to full maturity. The introduction of a voice over IP service for all the university members illustrates the exploration process.
Instructional Technology Plans for Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Tinmaz Hasan
Published: May 2011

Technology planning is an indispensable activity for all higher education institutions nowadays. The major purpose of the technology planning is to utilize technologies effectively and implement them for communicative, managerial and instructional purposes. This chapter offers a dynamic and adaptable framework for technology planning project in higher education institutions. Basically, the framework compares the mission and vision in terms of three dimensions; Peopleware, Hardware and Software. Peopleware focuses on all people within faculty organizations such as students, academicians and administrators and analyze their current situation in terms of four different interrelated points (technology knowledge, value, belief and attitude) to depict their levels (naïve, apprentice, professional and experienced). In the hardware analysis, the author analyzes personal computers, networking tools, other peripherals (printers, scanners, and etc…) and the building. For software analysis, starting with the operating system, entire software required for instructional and professional purposes are documented. In the last step, project team analyzes the data holistically and creates yearly developmental activities in terms of applicable recommendations.