bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Through the Eyes of the Beholder
Authors: Losike-Sedimo Nonofo Constance
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents experiences of an elderly woman living in Africa from a Feminist theoretical perspective. Feminism is a theory that argues that men and women should be treated equally, politically, economically and socially. It includes sensitivity to all sorts of gender biases such as excluding voices of women in life debates. The aim of this chapter is to map the challenges and constraints posed by patriarchal value system, as it relates to the right to reproduction, child rearing practices and legal connotation, the discussion also includes opportunities in socio-cultural, Educational, economic and political participation. These experiences are situated in both public and private life. As the author wrote this narrative of her experiences, she went through major literature sources and could only locate a few relevant sources with similar narrations.
The Evolution of Online Learning and Related Tools and Techniques toward MOOCs
Authors: Parker Drew , Masri Kamal
Published: May 2015

The latest development in the online learning environment, Massive Open Online Courses, dubbed ‘MOOC,' has garnered considerable attention both within and without the academy. This chapter discusses tools and technologies that can support the development of a MOOC, and concludes with commentary about the potential for such a development to continue into mainstream postsecondary education. This chapter delivers a small yet meaningful contribution to the discussion within the book section ‘RIA and education practice of MOOCs,' aligning to the discussion on the topic of ‘educational training design.'
Using Performance Mapping and Gap Analysis to Improve Performance
Authors: Beresford Bonnie , Barrie Paige
Published: May 2015

When the learning and development manager of a financial services firm wanted to improve organizational performance, she stated, “I want to understand what the best performers do, and make the rest more like the best.” By studying high performing salespeople, the organization discovered what such performers did that made them more successful than their colleagues. Using a structured performance mapping process, the project team elicited and documented the unconscious competence of these in-role experts. A gap analysis of all performers objectively identified, quantified, and prioritized the curriculum and performance support needs. This case study examines an organization that went from simply asking managers what courses their salespeople needed to an evidence-based assessment of real performance gaps. The approach resulted in a highly regarded curriculum, the elimination of development costs for unneeded courseware, and a reduction in training time and time away from the field.
Organizational Analysis Leads to Dissection of Recurrent Training Issues
Authors: Ross Melanie E. , Stefaniak Jill E.
Published: May 2015

After consistently missing the contract's monthly-required staffing personnel requests, the senior director and senior manager of recruiting decided the day-to-day operations, procedures, and recruiting processes should be standardized within the recruiting section. The staffing department at Variant Data Systems, Inc. decided to move forward with instructional and noninstructional interventions to address incomplete biography submissions between the recruiters and the technical writer. This case study demonstrates how a layered organizational performance analysis was conducted to dissect recurring performance problems. The case also examines how an internal performance improvement consultant was utilized on the project to identify the performance issue and develop the expectations of the position, a communication plan, the formal instructional unit and knowledge management database, and accountability metrics to ensure it met the needs of the recruiting section in the staffing department.
User Design
Authors: Jordan Robert Anthony , Carr-Chellman Alison
Published: May 2015

This case describes how a federal government agency engaged in a user design process to design, develop, and implement a workplace learning curriculum to be implemented throughout several agency offices. While several offices had developed their own training program, there were inconsistencies and a lack of standardization. The authors describe how a user design process was utilized in the development of a standardized curriculum. User design shifts the responsibility of design from expert designers to frontline users and stakeholders. Several user-driven tools are available to organizations that adopt user design processes. Potential advantages of a curriculum developed through user design include better adoption and diffusion of the curriculum and improved engagement of the users in the workplace.
Fostering Student Work-based Experiences through Service-Learning
Authors: Maddrell Jennifer
Published: May 2015

This case study explains how a complete overhaul to the national high school equivalency test posed a significant organizational challenge to Grace Centers of Hope, a nonprofit based in Pontiac, Michigan in the United States. All adult clients participating in Grace Centers of Hope's one-year drug and alcohol recovery program who are without a high school diploma or equivalent are required to take in-house adult basic education classes to prepare for taking the high school equivalency test. Faced with the need to completely redesign their existing adult basic education program, Grace Centers of Hope reached out to Designers for Learning, an instructional design and performance improvement consultancy that matches nonprofits with instructional design students in service-learning projects. The resulting 100% virtual e-service-learning collaboration among volunteer college students, their faculty sponsors, and other advisors provided Grace Centers of Hope with educational resources to support the organization.
A Systematic Evaluation of a Soccer Club's College Advisory Program
Authors: Chyung Seung Youn (Yonnie) , Olachea Stacey E. , Olson Colleen , Davis Ben
Published: May 2015

The College Advisory Program offered by Total Vision Soccer Club aims at providing young players with the opportunity to learn how to navigate the collegiate recruiting process, market themselves to college coaches, and increase their exposure to potential colleges and universities. A team of external evaluators (authors of this chapter) conducted a formative evaluation to determine what the program needs to do to reach its goal. By following a systemic evaluation process, the evaluation team investigated five dimensions of the program and collected data by reviewing various program materials and conducting surveys and interviews with players and their parents, upstream stakeholders, and downstream impactees. By triangulating the multiple sources of data, the team drew a conclusion that most program dimensions were rated as mediocre although the program had several strengths. The team provided evidence-based recommendations for improving the quality of the program.
A Competency-Based Performance System in a Health Care IT Setting
Authors: Solomonson William L. , Giberson Tomas R.
Published: May 2015

DiversiCorp Communications grew extremely fast to support Red Oak Health System's enterprise IT needs. Often promoting strong performers from within, DiversiCorp leadership recognized that their directors and managers needed enhanced support to maintain their expected level of service to their health care client. Two performance consultants were engaged who facilitated DiversiCorp leadership through a systematic organizational development process that culminated in the creation of an organizational “competency operating system.” This competency/behavioral-based system took as key inputs existing relevant company competencies and was developed with stakeholder involvement using a critical incident approach. Additionally, it was the core mechanism that then drove performance improvement through improved hiring practices, behavioral interview training, job tools and performance support, enhanced job descriptions, and aligned performance expectations and appraisals.
Sustainability and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Gouvea Raul
Published: May 2015

This article elaborates on the diverse entrepreneurial activities of indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon region. This article argues that further sustainability of the Brazilian Amazonian region is intrinsically linked to the entrepreneurial activities by indigenous communities in the Amazon region. Amazonian indigenous communities are under increasing economic and social pressure. Fostering sustainable indigenous entrepreneurship in these disadvantaged indigenous communities has the potential to improve indigenous communities, economic and social welfare, preserve their culture, customs, and traditional knowledge, in addition to the rebuilding of these communities. Thus, engagement of indigenous communities in sustainable activities further protects the local natural capital. The article also proposes the creation of a center for indigenous entrepreneurship in the Amazon region aiming at supporting and fostering indigenous entrepreneurship.
Innovation Network in IT Sector
Authors: Patra Swapan Kumar
Published: May 2015

Multinational Enterprises usually keep their crucial R&D close to their home base. However, recent trends show that MNEs are increasingly offshoring their R&D activities. A couple of decade ago this R&D offshoring phenomenon was mainly restricted in the developed countries. Since early 1990's this paradigm has changed and many Multinational firms prefer developing countries as their R&D destination. Among developing countries, India and China are favorable destinations for many MNEs. The R&D alliance trends of foreign firms show that, in India they prefer Indian domestic firms and in China, they prefer universities and government research institutes. Government of both these countries should take policy measures to strengthen the linkages between foreign firms and local actor of innovation system. Also, innovation is no longer restricted to or confined within a firm's border. Firms are acquiring knowledge from outside its boundary by “Open Innovation Mode.”
The Development of Mobile Service Applications for Consumers and Intelligent Networks
Authors: De Coster Rebecca , Albesher Abdulrhman
Published: May 2015

The enhanced capabilities of mobile handsets are starting to include activities previously associated with traditional desktop computing capabilities. This extends the mobile handset from being used for connectivity to a range of purposes in both consumer and intelligent networks. This chapter examines the development of mobile service applications from current consumer telecommunication applications including context based services (such as location based services) to mobile internet-based services and the forthcoming applications for intelligent networks. Developments of both consumer and industry services in sectors with complex operations are examined in terms of service interactions by reviewing the adoption factors and the provision of services in terms of service characteristics and business models. This chapter develops conceptual frameworks for better understanding mobile services and mobile use in the context of intelligent networks along with emerging consumer applications.
The Entrepreneur as Strategist and Improviser
Authors: Todorov Kiril
Published: May 2015

The chapter deals with the search for relevant strategic responses to the challenges of a dynamic and competitive, international and multicultural business environment where new strategic approaches like Strategic Entrepreneurship (SE) and tools to meet the specific characteristics and needs of SMEs are launched. The entrepreneurial opportunities, and their exploration and exploitation through the entrepreneur's/ manager's various roles as a strategist, leader, and improviser, are analyzed. It is shown that in most cases the entrepreneur (especially in long-term dynamic, ambiguous conditions) acts without sufficient formal information and resources and therefore has to improvise taking certain risks (strategic improviser). Difficulties in the understanding and the implementation of entrepreneurial roles, especially those of strategist and improviser, require non-traditional approaches, forms and methods in the education of students in entrepreneurship, and in training/ consulting for both new and established entrepreneurs. The forms and methods of mythology, metaphorical representation and jargon, as tools of the so-called subjective (qualitative) approach, are widely accepted. The chapter employs examples of original myths and metaphors to demonstrate how better to understand the linkages across strategic orientation/ management, improvisation and strategic learning, thus helping entrepreneurs/ managers to better adapt theories, concepts and tools for effective working in a dynamic, competitive environment.
The Role of ICT in Supporting Transnational Diaspora Entrepreneurship
Authors: Achtenhagen Leona , Henoch Bengt , Luong Quang
Published: May 2015

Millions of people around the world live in other countries than their countries of origin. In many developing countries, remittances sent home by migrants are a vital part of the economy. Transnational entrepreneurial activities by migrant entrepreneurs, also called diaspora entrepreneurs, involving resources from both the home and the host countries, can contribute to socio-economic value creation of both countries. ICT solutions can play an important role in facilitating and supporting such entrepreneurial activities. This chapter outlines the relevant context of migration, remittances, transnational diaspora entrepreneurship, and innovation systems, and discusses prerequisites and challenges of such ICT solutions.
The Entrepreneurial Manager
Authors: Kolarov Kostadin
Published: May 2015

The concept of the entrepreneurial manager is not new, although there are different views about the context, profile, and competencies. In general, there are two distinctive views – the first considers the entrepreneurial manager as an entrepreneur who manages his own business, and the second as a manager who plays the role of internal entrepreneur in large established enterprises. The present chapter focuses on the common ideas coming from the both views and critically reviews both conceptually and empirically outlined key entrepreneurial and managerial competencies in different environments and organizational contexts. The purpose of this chapter is to review the understandings of the distinctive core competencies of the entrepreneurial manager and to outline the challenges to their development as a basis for future research and development projects.
Diaspora Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ojo Sanya
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the phenomenon of diaspora entrepreneurs and the degree to which they have internationalised their businesses. This is achieved through a tri-component conceptual framework of individual, firm, and environmental factors. Through a case study methodology, it was revealed that analysis on the micro, meso, and mega levels is better suited for in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of diaspora entrepreneurship. It was also found that diaspora entrepreneurs are able to leverage personal, ethnic, and structural resources that allow them to concurrently engage in social and business activities in both countries (transnational entrepreneurship). Research, policy implications, and limitations are then discussed.
Software Engineering and New Emerging Technologies
Authors: Mazini Sergio Ricardo
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents an approach to the role of software engineering in developing solutions for new mobile technologies, like tablets. It discusses the importance of the new standards brought by emerging technologies such as engineering and how software must adapt to this new reality in order to identify the needs of data, information, integration, shares, and other issues that will contribute to the life cycle of these solutions. The chapter also discusses the contribution of users in the development process and improve these solutions. The research method is the case study conducted in industrial companies that use a digital catalog solution and sales force automation for tablets. This chapter presents a new approach based on commercial tablets which is supported by a platform of software and services called commercially Nimiam (www.nimiam.com.br).
Oil and Gas Storage Tank Risk Analysis
Authors: Simon Katarina
Published: May 2015

Storage tanks are widely used in the oil refinery and petrochemical industry in storing a multitude of different products ranging from gases, liquids, solids, and mixtures. Design and safety concerns have become a priority due to tank failures causing environment pollution as well as fires and explosions, which can result in injuries and fatalities. The chapter illustrates different types of crude oil and oil product storage tanks as well as the risks regarding the storage itself. Considering that the natural gas, in its gaseous state, is stored in underground storages like oil and gas depleted reservoirs, aquifers or salt caverns, and there are numerous publications and books covering the subject in detail, this chapter only illustrates the storage of liquefied natural gas and the risks posed by its storage.
Managing Information for a Risk Based Approach to Stakeholder Management
Authors: Caron Franco , Salvatori Fulvio
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a risk based approach in order to obtain a quantitative estimate of the salience of the stakeholders involved in a project. The integration between stakeholders and risk management processes in the Project Management System allows us to realize a twofold objective: a quantitative estimate of the salience of each stakeholder in terms of the contribution to the overall project riskiness and an identification of the most effective responses as a function of the dynamics of the risks generated by each stakeholder. The proposed approach has been applied to an international project concerning the building of a pipe line.
A Link-Node Nonlinear Complementarity Model for a Multiclass Simultaneous Transportation Dynamic User Equilibria
Authors: Hasan Mohamad K. , Ban Xuegang (Jeff)
Published: May 2015

Static transportation network equilibrium models have evolved from traditional sequential models to simultaneous (combined) models, and then to the multiclass simultaneous models to improve prediction of traffic flow. Most Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) models, however, still deal only with the trip assignment step (traveler route choice) that is one of several steps in the transportation planning process. In this paper, the authors combine a dynamic link-node based discrete-time Nonlinear Complementarity Problem (NCP) DTA model with a static Multiclass Simultaneous Transportation Equilibrium Model (MSTEM) in a unified dynamic link-node based discrete-time NCP Dynamic Multiclass Simultaneous Transportation Equilibrium Model (DMSTEM) model. The new model improves the prediction process and eliminates inconsistencies that arise when the DTA or Dynamic Traffic Assignment with Departure Time (DTA-DT) is embedded in a more comprehensive transportation planning framework. An iterative solution algorithm for the proposed DMSTEM model is proposed by solving several relaxed NCPs in each iteration of the algorithm.
Dynamic FCFS ACM Model for Risk Assessment on Real Time Unix File System
Authors: Patra Prashant Kumar , Pradhan Padma Lochan
Published: May 2015

The access control is a mechanism that a system grants, revoke the right to access the object. The subject and object can able to integrate, synchronize, communicate and optimize through read, write and execute over a UFS. The access control mechanism is the process of mediating each and every request to system resources, application and data maintained by a operating system and determining whether the request should be approve, created, granted or denied as per top management policy. The AC mechanism, management and decision is enforced by implementing regulations established by a security policy. The management has to investigate the basic concepts behind access control design and enforcement, point out different security requirements that may need to be taken into consideration. The authors have to formulate and implement several ACM on normalizing and optimizing them step by step, that have been highlighted in proposed model for development and production purpose. This research paper contributes to the development of an optimization model that aims and objective to determine the optimal cost, time and maximize the quality of services to be invested into security model and mechanisms deciding on the measure components of UFS. This model has to apply to ACM utilities over a Web portal server on object oriented and distributed environment. This ACM will be resolve the uncertainty, un-order, un formal and unset up (U^4) problems of web portal on right time and right place of any where & any time in around the globe. It will be more measurable and accountable for performance, fault tolerance, throughput, bench marking and risk assessment on any application.
GeneticTKM
Authors: Yaghini Masoud , Gereilinia Nasim
Published: May 2015

The clustering problem under the criterion of minimum sum square of errors is a non-convex and non-linear problem, which possesses many locally optimal values, resulting that its solution often being stuck at locally optimal solution. In this paper, a hybrid genetic, tabu search and k-means algorithm, called GeneticTKM, is proposed for the clustering problem. A new mutation operator is presented based on tabu search algorithm for the proposed hybrid genetic method. The key idea of the new operator is to produce tabu space for escaping from trap of local optimal and finding better solution. The results of the proposed algorithm are compared with other clustering algorithms such as genetic algorithm; tabu search and particle swarm optimization by implementing them and using standard and simulated data sets. The authors also compare the results of the proposed algorithm with other researchers' results in clustering the standard data sets. The results show that the proposed algorithm can be considered as an effective and efficient algorithm to find better solution for the clustering problem.
Threatening the Cloud
Authors: Zech Philipp , Kalb Philipp , Felderer Michael , Breu Ruth
Published: May 2015

Today's increasing trend towards outsourcing IT landscapes and business processes into the Cloud is a double-edged sword. On the one side, companies can save time and money; however, on the other side, moving possible sensitive data and business processes into the Cloud demands for a high degree of information security. In the course of this chapter, the authors give an overview of a Cloud's various vulnerabilities, how to address them properly, and last but not least, a model-driven approach to evaluate the state of security of a Cloud environment by means of negative testing. Besides, the authors incorporate the idea of living models to allow tracking and incorporating of changes in the Cloud environment and react properly and, more important, in time on evolving security requirements throughout the complete Cloud Life Cycle.
An 802.11p Compliant System Prototype Supporting Road Safety and Traffic Management Applications
Authors: Leligou Helen C. , Chatzimisios Periklis , Sarakis Lambros , Orphanoudakis Theofanis , Karkazis Panagiotis , Zahariadis Theodore
Published: May 2015

During the last decades Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have been attracting the interest of an increasing number of researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs, as well as citizens and civil authorities, since they can contribute towards improving road transport safety and efficiency and ameliorate environmental conditions and life quality. Emerging technologies yield miniaturized sensing, processing and communication devices that enable a high degree of integration and open the way for a large number of smart applications that can exploit automated fusion of information and enable efficient decisions by collecting, processing and communicating a large number of data in real-time. The cornerstone of these applications is the realization of an opportunistic wireless communication system between vehicles as well as between vehicles and infrastructure over which the right piece of information reaches the right location on time. In this paper, the authors present the design and implementation of representative safety and traffic management applications. Specifically the authors discuss the hardware and software requirements presenting a use case based on the NEC Linkbird-MX platform, which supports IEEE 802.11p based communications. The authors show how the functionality of IEEE 802.11p can be exploited to build efficient road safety and traffic management applications over mobile opportunistic systems and discuss practical implementation issues.
Decision Support Model for Fire Insurance Risk Analysis in a Petrochemical Case Study
Authors: Nejad Hadis Z. , Samizadeh Reza
Published: May 2015

A decision support system was researched and applied to a case study in the petrochemical industry. The participants were an insurance company underwriting the policies of oil and gas refineries located in a major oil producing nation. The Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis methodology was applied as a framework to implement uncertainty quantification and risk analysis using a specialized commercial DSS software product. A gas vapor explosion was simulated at an oil refinery, to predict the fire and radiation damage. Costs and risks were entered into the model based on historical data. Loss estimates were generated for equipment and buildings located various distances (pressures) from the explosion origin. Overall, the DSS model predicted an expected loss of over $14,000,000 USD for equipment located in the 50 meter explosion radius, which represented a loss ratio of almost 52%. The losses predicted from the DSS model were comparable to the literature and to experiences of the case study company. The margin of error from the DSS model was less than ±5% which made it very reliable according to benchmarks.
A Survey of Visual Traffic Surveillance Using Spatio-Temporal Analysis and Mining
Authors: Zhang Chengcui
Published: May 2015

The focus of this survey is on spatio-temporal data mining and database retrieval for visual traffic surveillance systems. In many traffic surveillance applications, such as incident detection, abnormal events detection, vehicle speed estimation, and traffic volume estimation, the data used for reasoning is really in the form of spatio-temporal data (e.g. vehicle trajectories). How to effectively analyze these spatio-temporal data to automatically find its inherent characteristics for different visual traffic surveillance applications has been of great interest. Examples of spatio-temporal patterns extracted from traffic surveillance videos include, but are not limited to, sudden stops, harsh turns, speeding, and collisions. To meet the different needs of various traffic surveillance applications, several application- or event- specific models have been proposed in the literature. This paper provides a survey of different models and data mining algorithms to cover state of the art in spatio-temporal modelling, spatio-temporal data mining, and spatio-temporal retrieval for traffic surveillance video databases. In addition, the database model issues and challenges for traffic surveillance videos are also discussed in this survey.
Large-Scale Agent-Based Models for Transportation Network Management under Unplanned Events
Authors: Zhao Yunjie , Sadek Adel W.
Published: May 2015

The focus of this chapter is on issues surrounding the development and applications of large-scale agent-based traffic models. Following a brief overview of Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) applications in transportation modeling, the chapter proceeds to describe the authors' continued efforts and experiences with the development, calibration, validation, and application of a regional agent-based traffic model of the Buffalo-Niagara metropolitan area. The model is developed using the TRansportation ANalysis SIMulation System (TRANSIMS), an open-source, agent-based suite of transportation models. A unique feature of the chapter is its focus on unplanned or extreme events, such as severe snowstorms and major incidents on the freeways, and how the models may be calibrated and applied under such situations. The chapter concludes by summarizing the main lessons learned from the Buffalo case study and providing suggestions for future research.
Workover Impact on Accidental Risk
Authors: Moslavac Bojan
Published: May 2015

Certain risks are very common to any application of a downhole control system during workover while others will be field-specific or at least increased or decreased by the given well conditions. Workover anomalies may be caused by erosion, corrosion, mechanical errors, temperature effects on electronics, wear and tear on the dynamic seals, or seizure of moving components. Obviously, the simpler the system and the fewer moving parts, the fewer components are available to fail. Procedures and supporting control software must be developed to ensure optimum system use. Blowouts are not very common today as most blowout preventing systems serve the purpose. However, occasionally, these systems may fail due to either technical problems on the wellbore equipment or human error. Both reasons can cause enormous damage on wellbore equipment, reservoir, surface facilities, or even human loss. The right accidental risk assessment approach can reduce the chances of repeating bad scenarios that happened in the past.
A New Design of Intelligent Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Daneshfar Fatemeh , RavanJamJah Javad
Published: May 2015

Dynamic traffic signal control in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) recently has received increasing attention. This paper proposed an adaptive and cooperative multi-agentfuzzy system for a decentralized traffic signal control. The proposed model has three levels of control, the current intersection traffic situation, its neighboring intersections recommendations and a knowledge base, which provides the current intersection traffic pattern. The proposed architecture comprises a knowledge base, prediction module and a traffic observer that provide data to real traffic data preparation module, then a decision-making layer takes decision to how long should the intersection green light be extended. Also every intersection flow is predicted in two different ways: 1- through a recursive algorithm. 2- based on a two stage fuzzy clustering algorithm. The proposed solution is tested with traffic control of a large connected junction and the result obtained is promising in comparison to the conventional fixed sequence traffic signal and to the vehicle actuated traffic signal control strategies which are the most applicable strategies in this area. Also to simulate the proposed traffic control solutions, a Netlogo-based traffic simulator has been developed as the agents' world which simulates the roads, traffic flow and intersections.
Project Managers' Profile Influence on Design and Implementation of Cost Monitoring and Control Systems for Construction Projects
Authors: Aretoulis Georgios N. , Kalfakakou Glykeria P. , Seridou Aikaterini A.
Published: May 2015

“Cost Monitoring and Control Systems” (CMCS), are important for every construction project, in order to keep cost at completion, within budget. Uniqueness of every project requires a corresponding uniquely planned, organized and operating CMCS. Perception and realization of content and context of the CMCS are affected by experience and knowledge of the project manager (PM). This paper examines the influence of PMs' stereotypes on the CMCS. A prototype questionnaire was designed and a following survey took place. Statistical analysis highlighted several PMs' properties and conceptions that correlate with the setup and implementation of the CMCS.
The Impact of Information Technology (IT) Adoption on the Quality of Construction Projects
Authors: Sweis Ghaleb J. , Sweis Rateb J. , Al-Shboul Muhannad A. , Al-Dweik Ghadeer A.
Published: May 2015

Despite the advances and the developments of technology, research investigating the impact of Information Technology adoption on the quality of construction projects has been limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Information Technology adoption on the quality of Jordanian construction projects. Measures and analysis procedures were survey based. Ninety questionnaires were distributed among different construction companies to study the impact of (IT) adoption on the quality of the project during the four phases of construction. Descriptive statistics were obtained and regression test was applied. Results indicate that more investment and encouragement of the use of (IT) in the construction sector essentially increase the quality of the project in the construction throughout its four phases (Planning, Design, Construction and Finishing). The main limitation of this study is that it is conducted with a convenience sample. The academic and managerial implications of the findings are discussed and further research directions are offered.
The Characterization of Bismuth Vanadate Powder Synthesized by a Modified Microwave Method
Authors: Pookmanee Pusit , Intaphong Prakasit , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: May 2015

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) powder was synthesized by a modified microwave method. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate, ammonium metavanadate and 2-propanol were used as the starting precursors. The final pH of solution was adjusted to 7 and irradiation power at 600 Watt for 2 and 6 min. The yellow powder was filtered and dried at 100 °C for 24h. The phase of BiVO4 powder was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Multi-phase of monoclinic and tetragonal phase was obtained without calcination step. The morphology of BiVO4 powder was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The BiVO4 powder was irregular in shape and agglomerated with the range particle of 0.1–0.3 μm. The functional group of BiVO4 powder was investigated by fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The wavenumber at 498–502 cm-1 and 746–762 cm-1 was corresponding to the vibration of Bi-O bending and VO43- stretching, respectively.
Fabrication of Microstructures Embedded in SC-CVD Diamond with a Focused Proton Microbeam
Authors: Kada Wataru , Kambayashi Yuya , Miura Kenta , Saruya Ryota , Kubota Atsushi , Satoh Takahiro , Koka Masashi , Kamiya Tomihiro , Hanaizumi Osamu
Published: May 2015

Microstructure patterning in single-crystal chemical vapor deposition (SC-CVD) diamond films was investigated to establish a direct patterning procedure by using proton beam writing with a focused microbeam of protons. Test microstructural patterns on SC-CVD diamond with different total fluences from 0.5 to 10 pC/μm2 were formed with a probe diameter of approximately 1 μm, a maximum scanning area of 800 × 800 μm, and a beam current of up to 100 pA. The most intensively irradiated pattern with beam fluence of 10 pC/μm2 was visualized with both transmission and reflection optical microscopy. The other patterns created with lower beam fluences were characterized by the changes in reflective index and were visible only in the transmission microscopy images. The depth of patterns was precisely controlled by changing proton energies in range of 0.75–3 MeV. The structures in depth from 5 to 45 μm were successfully observed in optical microscope images.
Multi-Dimensional Switching of Ring Currents in Nonplanar Chiral Aromatic Molecules by Ultrashort Linearly Polarized UV Laser Pulses
Authors: Mineo Hirobumi , Lin Sheng H. , Fujimura Yuichi
Published: May 2015

Nonplanar chiral aromatic ring molecules are candidates for use as ultrafast multi-dimensional optical switching devices. Nonplanar (P)-2, 2’-biphenol exhibits four patterns of π-electron rotations along the two phenol rings. It can induce two-dimensional coherent ring currents. Each rotational pattern can be driven by a coherent excitation of two quasi-degenerate electronic states using linearly polarized ultrashort UV pulses. We present the quantum dynamical simulation results of a four-step switching of the two-dimensional ring currents within 300 fs.
Can Human Proprioception Be Described by Physical-Chemical Equations? Proprioceptive Artificial Muscles
Authors: Otero Toribio F. , Martinez Jose Gabriel
Published: May 2015

The evolution of the working potential, or that of the consumed electrical energy, of electrochemical artificial muscles based on electroactive materials (intrinsically conducting polymers, redox polymers, carbon nanotubes, fullerene derivatives, grapheme derivatives, porphyrines, phtalocianines, among others) and driven by constant currents senses, while working, any variation of the mechanical (trailed mass, obstacles, pressure, strain or stress) thermal or chemical conditions of work. One physically uniform artificial muscle includes one chemical motor and several chemical sensors working simultaneously under the same driving reaction. They fulfil the old dream of engineer and robot designers: one motor sensing by itself the working conditions. From basic polymeric, mechanical and electrochemical principles a basic equation is attained. It includes and describes, simultaneously, the polymeric motor characteristics (rate of the muscle movement and muscle position) and the working variables (temperature, electrolyte concentration and mechanical conditions). By changing working conditions experimental results overlap theoretical predictions. The ensemble computer-generator-muscle-theoretical equation constitutes and describes artificial mechanical, thermal and chemical proprioception (consciousness) of the system.
Towards “Green” Smart Materials for Force and Strain Sensors: The Case of Polyaniline
Authors: Della Pina Cristina , Zappa Emanuele , Busca Giorgio , Costa Pedro , Lanceros-Mendéz Senentxu , Sironi Annalisa , Falletta Ermelinda
Published: May 2015

Stress/strain sensors constitute a class of devices with a global ever-growing market thanks to their use in many fields of modern life. As an alternative to the traditional compounds, that exhibit low inherent resistivity and limited flexibility, in the present work we will show the advantages to employ a smart material, polyaniline (PANI), prepared by an innovative green route, for force/strain sensor applications, wherein simple processing, environmental friendliness and sensitivity are particularly required.
Nanometric Modelisation to Characterize Dynamics Carriers in a HEMT Heterostructure (AlGaAs/GaAs) Using an Effectif Doping
Authors: Bouneb I. , Kerrour F.
Published: May 2015

The composing semiconductors became the support privileged of information and the communication, in particular grace to the faster development of Internet, for the systems of telecommunications to high debit, some components are necessary. It is for this reason that of the alternative structures have been proposed: the IV-IV heterostructures or III-V. The most effective components in this domain are the field effect transistors (High Electron Mobility Transistor: HEMT) on IIIV substratum. The present work is dedicated to the contribution to the development of a numeric physical model which based on the influence of the different parameters (physical and geometric) on the parameters characterizing the potential at the interface of a heterostructure in GaAsAl/GaAs. The present work also has aim to characterize dynamics carriers in a HEMT heterostructure which we will consider later a dynamic study of quantum well solar cells in a rigorous and complete manner.
Characterization of Thermochromic Fibers’ Response to Temperature Change
Authors: Vossou Clio G. , Potirakis Stelios M. , Simeonidis Symeon , Vassiliadis Savvas
Published: May 2015

The property of some materials to change their color in response to temperature changes is called thermochromism. A polymer fiber manufactured in such way that a thermochromic pigment is embedded in the polymeric matrix material develops accordingly thermochromic functionality and can be used as a temperature change indicator. The characterization of a polymer thermochromic fiber with respect to its color change in response to temperature change is presented in this paper. A specially developed characterization apparatus was developed for this purpose. The temperature span of the involved experiment was from 23.5°C (room temperature) to 60°C, while the tested fiber was found to be responsive regarding its chromatic variance mainly within the temperature range 30.5oC - 50oC. During the involved digital image processing, the chromatic shift of the sample was characterized according to the HSV (hue-saturation-value) color model. Fiber’s original color was found to change with temperature by presenting a monotonic reduction of saturation and value with temperature increase.
A Smart Sensor Platform for Greenhouse Applications
Authors: Tatlas Nikolas Alexander , Ballios Dimitris , Potirakis Stelios M. , Charitou Christina , Koutroubinas Stelios , Rangoussi Maria
Published: May 2015

A platform for a flexible, smart sensing system using available hardware components for monitoring the operation of a greenhouse is presented. The smart sensor is based on a ZigBee MCU embedded system with multiple connectivity options to facilitate digital or analogue sensors as well as the necessary peripherals for energy management and programming/debugging. A number of physical parameters may be simultaneously monitored by each node, such as temperature, relative humidity, CO2, light intensity, soil pH / moisture through appropriate sensors. Basic functions, such as sensor differential detection and measurement consistency may be performed at the smart sensor. A central node, also acting as the Zigbee network coordinator will concentrate the various measurements through the wireless network, act as a local display and also forward the information to a back-end. The back-end will provide proper measurement visualization (including history) through any web-enabled device, as well as services such as alert notification in hazardous situations (e.g. flood / heating failure).
Cracked tooth diagnosis and treatment: An alternative paradigm
Authors: Mamoun John S. , Napoletano Donato
Published: May 2015

This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of cracked teeth, and explores common clinical examples of cracked teeth, such as cusp fractures, fractures into tooth furcations, and root fractures. This article provides alternative definitions of terms such as cracked teeth, complete and incomplete fractures and crack lines, and explores the scientific rationale for dental terminology commonly used to describe cracked teeth, such as cracked tooth syndrome, structural versus nonstructural cracks, and vertical, horizontal, and oblique fractures. The article explains the advantages of high magnification loupes (×6–8 or greater), or the surgical operating microscope, combined with co-axial or head-mounted illumination, when observing teeth for microscopic crack lines or enamel craze lines. The article explores what biomechanical factors help to facilitate the development of cracks in teeth, and under what circumstances a full coverage crown may be indicated for preventing further propagation of a fracture plane. Articles on cracked tooth phenomena were located via a PubMed search using a variety of keywords, and via selective hand-searching of citations contained within located articles.
A Simple Proof and Strengthening of a Uniqueness Theorem for L-functions
Authors: Hu Pei-Chu , Qin Li Bao
Published: May 2015

We give a simple proof and strengthening of a uniqueness theorem for functions in the extended Selberg class.
Weakly regular $T^2$-symmetric spacetimes. The global geometry of future Cauchy developments
Authors: LeFloch Philippe G. , Smulevici Jacques
Published: May 2015

We provide a geometric well-posedness theory for the Einstein equations within the class of weakly regular vacuum spacetimes with

T^2

-symmetry, as defined in the present paper, and we investigate their global causal structure. Our assumptions allow us to give a meaning to the Einstein equations under weak regularity as well as to solve the initial value problem under the assumed symmetry. First, introducing a frame adapted to the symmetry and identifying certain cancellation properties taking place in the standard expressions of the connection and the curvature, we formulate the initial value problem for the Einstein field equations under the proposed weak regularity assumptions. Second, considering the Cauchy development of any weakly regular initial data set and denoting by

R

the area of the orbits of symmetry, we establish the existence of a global foliation by the level sets of

R

such that

R

grows to infinity in the future direction. Our weak regularity assumptions only require that

R

is Lipschitz continuous while the metric coefficients describing the initial geometry of the symmetry orbits are in the Sobolev space

H^1

and the remaining coefficients have even weaker regularity.
Economic Geography in the Internet Age
Authors: Grillo Francesco , Dutton William H. , Cobo Cristóbal
Published: May 2015

Internet is shaping what jobs go where. It provides an account of how concentration is changing in different industries and different sectors. It analyses these trends and proposes an approach to further research which may move the theory of agglomeration so that full consideration is given to the forces that the Internet has enabled