bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malicious Node Detection Using a Dual Threshold in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lim Sung , Choi Yoon-Hwa
Published: February 2013

Sensor networks for various event detection applications cannot function effectively if they are vulnerable to attacks. Malicious nodes can generate incorrect readings and misleading reports in such a way that event detection accuracy and false alarm rates are unacceptably low and high, respectively. In this paper, we present a malicious node detection scheme for wireless sensor networks. Unlike others using a single threshold, the proposed scheme employs two thresholds to cope with the strong trade-off between event detection accuracy and false alarm rate, resulting in improved malicious node detection performance. In addition, each sensor node maintains the trust values of its neighboring nodes to reflect their behavior in decision-making. Computer simulation shows that the proposed scheme achieves high malicious node detection accuracy without sacrificing normal sensor nodes and outperforms the scheme using a single threshold.
Periplasmic Binding Proteins in Thermophiles: Characterization and Potential Application of an Arginine-Binding Protein from Thermotoga maritima: A Brief Thermo-Story
Authors: Ausili Alessio , Staiano Maria , Dattelbaum Jonathan , Varriale Antonio , Capo Alessandro , D'Auria Sabato
Published: February 2013

Arginine-binding protein from the extremophile Thermotoga maritima is a 27.7 kDa protein possessing the typical two-domain structure of the periplasmic binding proteins family. The protein is characterized by a very high specificity and affinity to bind to arginine, also at high temperatures. Due to its features, this protein could be taken into account as a potential candidate for the design of a biosensor for arginine. It is important to investigate the stability of proteins when they are used for biotechnological applications. In this article, we review the structural and functional features of an arginine-binding protein from the extremophile Thermotoga maritima with a particular eye on its potential biotechnological applications.
On Matrices Arising in the Finite Field Analogue of Euler’s Integral Transform
Authors: Griffin Michael , Rolen Larry
Published: February 2013

In his 1984 Ph.D. thesis, J. Greene defined an analogue of the Euler integral transform for finite field hypergeometric series. Here we consider a special family of matrices which arise naturally in the study of this transform and prove a conjecture of Ono about the decomposition of certain finite field hypergeometric functions into functions of lower dimension.
Comparison of Physicochemical Characteristics and Anticoagulant Activities of Polysaccharides from Three Sea Cucumbers
Authors: Luo Lan , Wu Mingyi , Xu Li , Lian Wu , Xiang Jingying , Lu Feng , Gao Na , Xiao Chuang , Wang Shengmin , Zhao Jinhua
Published: February 2013

In order to search for sulfated polysaccharides in different invertebrate connective tissues and to examine their biological activities, we have isolated three types of polysaccharides from the body wall of the three sea cucumbers Holothuria edulis, Apostichopus japonicas and Holothuria nobilis. The physicochemical properties and anticoagulant activities of these polysaccharides were examined and compared. The chemical composition analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicate that two types of polysaccharides, sulfated fucan and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FuCS), were found in all of the three species and in addition a neutral glycan was observed in H. edulis. The neutral α-glucan was firstly obtained from sea cucumber. The same type of polysaccharides from different species of sea cucumbers have similar physicochemical properties and anticoagulant activities, but those of different types of glycans are significantly different, possibly due to their different monosaccharide compositions, electric charges and average molecular weights. The FuCSs have stronger anticoagulant activities than the sulfated fucans, although the molecular sizes of the FuCSs are lower than those of the sulfated fucans, whereas the neutral glucan has no activity, as expected from the absence of sulfate. Thus, anticoagulant activities of the different type of polysaccharides are likely to relate to monosaccharide composition and sulfate content. Preliminary analysis suggests that the sulfation patterns of the FuCSs may result in the difference in anticoagulant activities. Our data could help elucidate the structure-activity relationship of the sea cucumber polysaccharides.
Antioxidant Activity of the Extracts of Some Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) Cultivars Commonly Consumed in Pakistan
Authors: Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Ahmad Shakeel , Amarowicz Ryszard , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: February 2013

The present investigation has been carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts obtained from four cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) seeds. Phenolic compounds present in the extracts showed the antioxidant and antiradical properties when investigated using a linoleic acid peroxidation model, FRAP, ORAC and TRAP assays, as well as DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The HPLC analysis of the cowpea extracts showed the presence of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acids. The results indicated that methanolic extract of the cowpea resembled in the aforementioned activities those from other leguminous seeds and pulses. Phenolic constituents contained in cowpea may have a future role as ingredients in the development of functional foods.
Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Chalcone and Chalcone Analogues in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Chen Yau-Hung , Wang Wei-Hua , Wang Yun-Hsin , Lin Zi-Yu , Wen Chi-Chung , Chern Ching-Yuh
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate novel chalcones with potent anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Chalcone and two chalcone analogues (compound 5 and 9) were evaluated using a caudal fin-wounded transgenic zebrafish line “Tg(mpx:gfp)” to visualize the effect of neutrophil recruitment dynamically. Results showed that treatment with compound 9 not only affected wound-induced neutrophil recruitment, but also affected Mpx enzymatic activity. Moreover, protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (Mpx, NFκB, and TNFα) were also regulated by compound 9. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of synthesized chalcone analogues on wound-induced inflammation.
Analytical Electron Microscopy for Characterization of Fluid or Semi-Solid Multiphase Systems Containing Nanoparticulate Material
Authors: Klang Victoria , Valenta Claudia , Matsko Nadejda
Published: February 2013

The analysis of nanomaterials in pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations is an important aspect both in formulation development and quality control of marketed products. Despite the increased popularity of nanoparticulate compounds especially in dermal preparations such as emulsions, methods and protocols of analysis for the characterization of such systems are scarce. This work combines an original sample preparation procedure along with different methods of analytical electron microscopy for the comprehensive analysis of fluid or semi-solid dermal preparations containing nanoparticulate material. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and high resolution imaging were performed on model emulsions and a marketed product to reveal different structural aspects of both the emulsion bulk phase and incorporated nanosized material. An innovative analytical approach for the determination of the physical stability of the emulsion under investigation is presented. Advantages and limitations of the employed analytical imaging techniques are highlighted.
Multiscale Modeling of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Apparatus: Simulations and Approximations
Authors: Geiser Juergen
Published: February 2013

We are motivated to compute delicate chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. Such processes are used to deposit thin films of metallic or ceramic materials, such as SiC or a mixture of SiC and TiC. For practical simulations and for studying the characteristics in the deposition area, we have to deal with delicate multiscale models. We propose a multiscale model based on two different software packages. The large scales are simulated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software based on the transportreaction model (or macroscopic model), and the small scales are simulated with ordinary differential equations (ODE) software based on the reactive precursor gas model (or microscopic model). Our contribution is to upscale the correlation of the underlying microscale species to the macroscopic model and reformulate the fast reaction model. We obtain a computable model and apply a standard CFD software code without losing the information of the fast processes. For the multiscale model, we present numerical results of a real-life deposition process.
An Analysis of Foreign Diplomatic Aid to the Catholic Clergy during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)
Authors: Moral Roncal Antonio
Published: February 2013

During the European crisis of the thirties of the twentieth century, the most significant persecution of the Catholic Church in the history of Spain was generated. With the ultimate goal of saving lives, the Foreign Diplomatic Corps provided many humanitarian services, the most important of those the massive granting of diplomatic and consular asylum to more than 11,000 people, including Catholics and clergy. This article analyzes the genesis and realization of this fact and its consequences, which were supposed to maintain and facilitate a clandestine Catholic cult in the Spain of Popular Front.
Characterization of a Sulfonated Polycarbonate Resistive Humidity Sensor
Authors: Rubinger Carla , Calado Hallen , Rubinger Rero , Oliveira Henrique , Donnici Claudio
Published: February 2013

In this work; resistive moisture sensors were obtained by dip coating sulfonated polycarbonate (SPC) onto silver interdigitated electrodes. Commercial polycarbonate was sulfonated with acetyl sulphate at two different sulfonation degrees corresponding to 9.0 and 18.0 mole %. Impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the humidity sensing properties at controlled relative humidity (RH%) environments generated from standard saline solutions in the range of 11–90 RH%. For the highest sulfonated sample; in the RH% range investigated (11 to 90%); the sensor impedance changed from 4.7 MΩ to 18 kΩ. Humidity sensors made from sulfonated polycarbonate showed exponential decay behavior of the impedance at constant frequency with the environmental relative humidity. Sample 9SPC presented dielectric relaxation response for environmental humidity between 58 and 90 RH% while sample 18SPC presented dielectric relaxation response for the entire measured range between 11 and 90 RH%. Sulfonated polycarbonate could be a promising material for the fabrication of simple and cheap humidity-sensing sensors for the assessment of relative humidity of the surrounding environment, as suggested by experimental results.
How Can Stores Sustain Their Businesses? From Shopping Behaviors and Motivations to Environment Preferences
Authors: Chen Rachel
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to (1) discover consumer purchasing behaviors while shopping as a tourist and shopping at home, and (2) investigate tourist shopping preferences for an ideal shopping environment. A sample of 1,235 respondents participated in this study. Survey participants were asked to evaluate what store attributes they desired and what sources of information they used while selecting a store to shop in during their trips. Results indicate that consumers utilized various shopping channels while shopping in various environments. Also, different types of consumers exhibited clear preferences toward their ideal shopping environment. The results of this study are helpful for future service providers, tourism businesses, and tourism retailers to plan product development, provide better services, and equip a wider range of service skills.
Adaptive Co-Management for Climate Change Adaptation: Considerations for the Barents Region
Authors: Plummer Ryan , Baird Julia
Published: February 2013

Adaptive co-management is a governance approach gaining recognition. It emphasizes pluralism and communication; shared decision-making and authority; linkages within and among levels; actor autonomy; and, learning and adaptation. Adaptive co-management is just starting to be applied for climate change adaptation. In drawing upon adaptive co-management scholarship and a case in progress of application for climate change adaptation in Niagara, Canada, key considerations for the Barents Euro-Arctic Region are identified. Realistic expectations, sensitivity to context, and cultivating conditions for success are highlighted as key considerations for future efforts to implement adaptive co-management approaches in the Barents Region.
Frame Transformation Relations and Symmetry Analysis of Fluxional Symmetric Rotor Dimers
Authors: Crogman Horace , Choi Bumgyunmiga , Chen Harrison , Harter William
Published: February 2013

The theory of Frame transformation relations between the states of Born Oppenheimer and the weak coupling approximations is developed for polyatomic molecules. The symmetry relations are a generalization of the frame transformation relations derived by Harter and Crogman for coupled rotor molecules. A key internal symmetry label (named “soul”) is defined so that it remains a constant label for frame transformation relations, and is conserved during vibronic transitions, ionization, and even dissociation provided the nuclear spin-rotation interaction is relatively small. Simplified procedures are given for obtaining selection rules, statistical weights, and matrix elements of multipole operators for common molecules having various point symmetries.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Current Progress in Vaccine Development
Authors: Rudraraju Rajeev , Jones Bart , Sealy Robert , Surman Sherri , Hurwitz Julia
Published: February 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the etiological agent for a serious lower respiratory tract disease responsible for close to 200,000 annual deaths worldwide. The first infection is generally most severe, while re-infections usually associate with a milder disease. This observation and the finding that re-infection risks are inversely associated with neutralizing antibody titers suggest that immune responses generated toward a first RSV exposure can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality throughout life. For more than half a century, researchers have endeavored to design a vaccine for RSV that can mimic or improve upon natural protective immunity without adverse events. The virus is herein described together with the hurdles that must be overcome to develop a vaccine and some current vaccine development approaches.
EXAMINING WHAT BEST EXPLAINS CORPORATE CREDIT RISK: ACCOUNTING-BASED VERSUS MARKET-BASED MODELS
Authors: Trujillo-Ponce Antonio , Samaniego-Medina Reyes , Cardone-Riportella Clara
Published: February 2013

This paper uses a sample of 2,186 credit default swap spreads quoted in the European market during the period 2002–2009 to empirically analyze which model – accounting- or market-based – better explains corporate credit risk. We find little difference in the explanatory power of these two approaches. Our results indicate that a comprehensive model that combines accounting- and market-based variables is the best option to explain the credit risk, suggesting that both types of data are complementary. We also demonstrate that the explanatory power of credit risk models is particularly strong during periods of high uncertainty, such as those experienced in the recent financial crisis. Finally, the comprehensive model continues to produce the best results if the credit rating is used as the proxy for credit risk; however, accounting variables currently appear to have a more important role than market variables in determining corporate credit ratings.
Subtrochanteric Valgus Osteotomy With Monolateral External Fixator in Hips for Patients With Severe Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Agashe Mandar , Song Sang-Heon , Tong Xue-Bo , Hong Jin-Ho , Song Hae-Ryong
Published: February 2013

Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy has been used for painful hip joint dislocation in patients with severe cerebral palsy. The goal of this study was to evaluate 11 patients (17 hips) with severe cerebral palsy who had chronically dislocated and painful hips treated with subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy using a monolateral external fixator.

A retrospective review was performed of 11 patients (average age, 17.8 years) with severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy with flexion–adduction contractures due to chronically dislocated and painful hips. A subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy with a monolateral fixator was performed in all patients. Patients were analyzed clinicoradiologically, and caregivers were asked about ease of handling, transfers, and perineal care. At an average follow-up of 37 months (range, 14–72 months), all caregivers were satisfied with the surgery and felt that their child was more comfortable and could sit with support for a longer time period and that perineal care, wheelchair mobilization, and transfers were much easier. A total of 11 complications in 7 patients were observed, including pin-tract infections, delayed consolidation, abduction deformity, and hypostatic pneumonia.

The complication rate of subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy was comparable with other methods, and this method had the advantage of shorter surgical time, ease of application, no internal implant with lesser chance of infection or heterotopic calcification, and less intraoperative blood loss with less morbidity.
Two-year Outcome With the AperFix System for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Uribe John W. , Arango Dillon , Frank Jeremy , Kiebzak Gary M.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the study was to assess the fixation durability of the AperFix System (Cayenne Medical, Inc, Scottsdale, Arizona) used in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. The AperFix System consists of a femoral and tibial component designed to secure either allograft or autograft. The outcomes of 185 knees (180 patients) were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Mean age at surgery was 31±12 years (range, 16–68 years). Of these, a convenience sample was seen prospectively to obtain radiographs and to assess functional status. No cases occurred of fixation failure involving loss of graft positioning or pullout. No patients required revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In 2 knees, the tip of the central fixation pin had to be modified as a result of hardware prominence and soft tissue irritation at 434 and 159 days postoperatively, respectively. In 4 knees, tibial screw removal occurred secondary to local discomfort (mean, 239 days; range, 105–371 days). No other recurring adverse events or problems associated with the implants were identified. Forty-four patients were evaluated prospectively at a mean follow-up of 32±7 months. Lysholm scores and patient satisfaction scores were positively and significantly correlated with Tegner activity scores (
r
=0.61;
P
<.0001). Eighty-two (82%) patients had a KT-1000 (Medmetric Corp, San Diego, California) side-to-side difference of less than 3 mm (average, 0.4 mm). No indications of femoral device migration existed when comparing follow-up and immediate postoperative radiographs. The AperFix System provides durable femoral aperture fixation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with excellent clinical outcome scores and a low complication rate.
Predictors of Local Recurrence in High-grade Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Hydrogen Peroxide as a Local Adjuvant
Authors: Wooldridge Adam N. , Kolovich Gregory P. , Crist Martha K. , Mayerson Joel L. , Scharschmidt Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

Soft tissue sarcomas have a mortality rate of 40% to 60%, with local recurrence being a poor prognostic factor for overall survival. Three-percent nondiluted hydrogen peroxide is hypothesized to be an effective local adjuvant.

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for local recurrence in high-grade soft tissue sarcomas and to determine whether using hydrogen peroxide as a local adjuvant reduced the risks of local recurrence and surgical-site infection. Retrospective data were collected for 106 patients surgically treated for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas between 2002 and 2010. The primary endpoint was local recurrence. Eighteen (16.98%) cases of local recurrence occurred. Predictors of local recurrence were margin status, estimated blood loss, and histology (ie, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor), with hazard ratios of 4.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–14.95), 1.19 (95% CI, 1.06–1.35), and 9.21 (95% CI, 2.11–40.16), respectively. Hydrogen peroxide yielded a statistically insignificant improvement in local recurrence, with a hazard ratio of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.27–2.48) and a reduced risk of surgical site infection, with a hazard ratio of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.15–1.81).

Margin status, increased blood loss, and histologic subtype are associated with increased local recurrence risk. Using hydrogen peroxide improved local control and infection rates, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Severe Metallosis Leading to Femoral Head Perforation
Authors: Sharma Om Prakash , Lochab Jasjit , Berkovich Yaron , Safir Oleg A. , Gross Allan E.
Published: February 2013

This article describes a case of severe metallosis in a 67-year-old woman who initially underwent primary total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic-on-ceramic articular bearing. This was subsequently revised to a metal-on-polyethylene articulation due to ceramic liner fracture. She presented with severe hip pain and a pelvic mass. Infective workup was negative. Perforation of the cobalt–chrome femoral head was observed intraoperatively. In addition, signs of extensive metallosis, including embedded ceramic debris from the primary procedure, were observed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a ceramic fracture that led to cobalt–chrome femoral head perforation after subsequent revision total hip arthroplasty. The patient underwent successful revision surgery with a ceramic-on-ceramic coupling.

Ceramic materials are increasingly being used in total hip arthroplasty in younger patients. They have excellent tribological properties. However, they also have a lower elasticity and plasticity, which makes them susceptible to sudden material failure. Ceramic fracture is an uncommon yet problematic complication of total hip arthroplasty. Previous authors have reported the importance of performing thorough synovectomy following ceramic liner fracture. Revision surgery using couplings that have a lower hardness, such as metal-on-polyethylene, are best avoided due to their susceptibility to undergo abrasive wear from remaining ceramic particles. The authors advocate revision with ceramic-on-ceramic couplings after ceramic liner fracture.
Osteomyelitis Caused by
Pantoea agglomerans
in a Closed Fracture in a Child
Authors: Labianca Luca , Montanaro Antonello , Turturro Francesco , Calderaro Cosma , Ferretti Andrea
Published: February 2013

Development of osteomyelitis in a closed fracture is rare. Although it has been reported that trivial trauma may be associated with the subsequent development of acute osteomyelitis, no evidence has been found that fractures are involved in the etiology of osteomyelitis. Only 25 cases (11 in adolescents) of osteomyelitis after closed fracture have been reported in literature.

The authors report a case of osteomyelitis in an 8-year-old girl after a forearm fracture involving the diaphysis of the radius and ulna. Radiographic examinations were performed 5, 14, and 30 days after trauma. At last examination, the forearm appeared swollen and red. Blood culture and radiographs confirmed the clinical suspicion of osteomyelitis. The cultures grew
Pantoea agglomerans
, a saprophytic gram-negative bacterium commonly isolated from plants, flowers, seeds, water, and soil and sensitive to all of the most common antibiotics. After the arm was immobilized, high doses of intravenous antibiotics were administered for 4 weeks, and oral antibiotics were prescribed for an additional 4 weeks. The patient responded well to treatment. Twelve months after the initial injury, the patient regained full elbow and wrist flexion–extension range of motion.

Based on their experience and a review of the literature, the authors suggest that bone infection be considered for patients with closed fractures complicated by excessive or prolonged pain and swelling with evident signs of inflammation where no other obvious infection is apparent. Moreover, in children, bacterial infection may cause osteomyelitis more frequently than in adults, but no evidence exists that a closed fracture increases the incidence of osteomyelitis in children with a systemic infection.
Informatics for Medicines Management Systems in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Stergachis Andy , Keene Douglas , Somani Shabir
Published: February 2013

Improved access to information is necessary to ensure achievement of the potential benefits of medicines in resource-limited countries. The scaling up of treatment and prevention programs involving medicines in resource-limited regions with high disease burdens requires proper and urgent attention to the development and use of information technologies. Areas of need for medicines management systems informatics include prescribing, dispensing, pharmaceutical care, administration, patient monitoring, education and training, supply chain management, and monitoring and evaluation of program performance. Such information systems should strive to collect and manage data that are a standardized, compiled, and made easily accessible for use by key stakeholders, including ministries of health, medicines regulators, pharmaceutical industry, public health programs, academic researchers, donor organizations, the health care delivery sector, and ultimately the public and patients. A framework is described for medicines management systems informatics in resource-limited settings.
The Role of Pharmacoinformatics in Enhancing the Pharmacoeconomics Context of Decision Making
Authors: Postma Maarten J. , Hubben Gijs A. A.
Published: February 2013

This chapter addresses the increasing role of pharmacoinformatics in enhancing the pharmacoeconomics context of decision-making. Notably, the role of pharmacoeconomics—i.e. cost per QALY calculations—is growing rapidly for decisions on reimbursement of new drugs. These pharmacoeconomic analyses often involve complex mathematical computer models requiring specific informatics techniques such as probabilistic simulations, bootstrapping, and discrete-event approaches. Transparancy of these complex models is crucial for decision makers to accept the model and its results. The authors argue that Web technology, Web-based access to models, international transferability of analyses, and decision-support systems may help in this respect. In particular, to allow decision makers and researchers to directly interact with transferable economic models and adapt a model to their region, efficient solutions have to be found to disseminate technically complex models to decision makers and researchers outside of the original setting. One such solution is through the use of Web technology and other pharmacoinformatics’ techniques as explored in this chapter.
Clinical Pharmacists’ Intervention Documentation in Germany with DokuPIK
Authors: Langebrake Claudia , Hilgarth Heike
Published: February 2013

The next challenge will be the creation of a tool to determine the economic effects of pharmacists’ interventions. Up to now, there is the possibility to enter direct cost savings that can be generated through the rational use of medicines. The calculation of indirect cost savings (for example reduction of the length of stay, reduction of costs arising from inappropriate dosage, adverse effects or interactions, decrease of morbidity and/or mortality) is much more difficult, and therefore has not yet been included into DokuPIK.
New Technologies in Personalized Decision Support to Enhance Patient Choice
Authors: Col Nananda F.
Published: February 2013

Medical decisions are difficult when there are two or more reasonable options and each option has good and bad features that different people may value differently because of differences in health, risk factors, preferences, or values. Personalized decision support tools are being developed in many areas, but two particularly promising areas are patient decision aids and Risk Prediction Models (RPMs). These personalized decision support tools can help patients and/or providers make better decisions about preventing, managing, or treating disease, taking into consideration specific aspects of an individual patient that distinguish them from an ’average’ patient or the population at large. Decision aids tend to focus on individual differences in preferences and values, whereas RPM’s focus on individual differences in clinical, biological, and behavioral risk factors. There are tremendous opportunities with both approaches, and both have been shown to be able to improve clinical judgment and decision making. Decision support tools are needed that provide personalized service that addresses important individual differences in biology, values, and preferences, and that targets the provider-patient dyad.
Statistical Methods Applied in Drug Safety
Authors: Chakraborty Partha
Published: February 2013

This chapter introduces the commonly used statistical methods to analyze the safety issues within the DEC and explains their statistical interpretation for a better understanding of the readers.
Describing and Selecting Collections of Georeferenced Media Items in Peer-to-Peer Information Retrieval Systems
Authors: Blank Daniel , Henrich Andreas
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, the authors outline how collections of georeferenced media items can be indexed and searched in P2P IR systems. They discuss different types of P2P IR systems and focus in detail on an approach based on collection description and selection techniques. This approach tries to adequately describe and select collections of georeferenced media items. Finally, the authors discuss its broad applicability in various application fields.
An Assessment of Several Taxonomies of Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Cooper Antony K , Coetzee Serena , Kourie Derrick G
Published: February 2013

User-Generated Content (UGC) in general, and Volunteered Geographical Information (VGI) in particular, are becoming more important as sources for official data bases, such as those used in national Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs). Discovering and assessing VGI as suitable geospatial resources for one’s purposes is hence becoming more important, but can be difficult. One way of assessing VGI resources is by classifying them into different types of resources, i.e. a taxonomy of resources. The question is whether such taxonomies can accurately identify suitable VGI resources. We assess five taxonomies both subjectively and using formal concept analysis to determine their discrimination adequacy, that is, how well the taxonomies discriminate between repositories containing UGC in general, or VGI in particular.
Managing Schema Evolution in a Federated Spatial Database System
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Xia Jianhong (Cecilia) , West Geoff , Arnold Lesley , Veenendaal Bert
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, an Automatic Schema Evolution Framework is explored and developed to more effectively manage schema evolution in a FSDBS. This framework provides a Schema Element Dependency Meta-Model, a set of Schema Change Templates, and incorporates view generation, view rewriting, and query rewriting as solutions. These developed methods ensure applications can accommodate schema changes and hence remain valid.
Semantic Annotation of Geospatial RESTful Services Using External Resources
Authors: Saquicela Victor , Vilches-Blázquez Luis. M. , Corcho Oscar
Published: February 2013

RESTful services are increasingly gaining traction over Web Services (WS-*). As with WS-* services, their semantic annotation can provide benefits in tasks related to their discovery, composition, and mediation. In this chapter, the authors present an approach to automate the semantic annotation of geospatial RESTful services using a cross-domain ontology like DBpedia, domain ontologies like GeoNames, and additional external resources (suggestion and synonym services). They use combinations of these resources to discover meanings for each of the parameters of the geospatial RESTful services and perform semantic annotations of them.
Data Mining Location-Based Social Networks for Geospatial Discovery
Authors: Pultar Edward
Published: February 2013

Modern, Internet-based social networks contain a wealth of information about each member. An integral part of an individual’s online profile is their Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) such as a user’s current geographical location. Social network members in different cities, countries, or continents engage in different activities due to accessibility, economy, culture, or other factors. The work here focuses on data mining separate groups of social network profiles according to their geography in order to discover information about a place. This results in keywords associated with a specific location and provides an automated way to describe a place in an up to date fashion based upon its current local residents. Location-Based Social Network (LBSN) profiles from four different places are analyzed here and the results are presented as they relate to space, time, and activities.
The State Economical Regulation Practice Modernization in Terms of Business Digitalization
Authors: Ushakov Denis S.
Published: February 2013

In the present conditions of the world economy development, the efficiency of traditional measures of governance is significantly reducing. The globalization, the formation of transnational networks of inputs and finished goods distribution, and the mobilization of capital and labor are limiting the regulatory competences of governments, and are threatening their existence as economical subjects. Under these conditions it requires upgrading to modernize the infrastructure and the principles of government regulation. The study takes a new paradigm of state economic regulation, based on the synchronization of interests of business, state, and society, and on the defining the principles of government participation in the global economic processes. As a tool for business consolidation and improving the efficiency of state regulation, the formation of e-government was considered. The paper characterizes the e-government as a new form of state regulation of economy. The factors of effective e-government implementation strategy were analyzed. The experience of digitalization of governmental functions in modern states, and the rates of asynchrony of development of electronic government in the world as they relate with the economic efficiency of modern states, were considered.
Adoption of E-Government Services in Developing Countries
Authors: AlAwadhi Suha , Morris Anne
Published: February 2013

E-government initiatives are in their infancy in many developing countries. The success of these initiatives is dependent on government support as well as citizens’ adoption of e-government services. This chapter explains in detail a study that aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of citizens regarding the adoption of e-government services in Kuwait, as a developing country. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a questionnaire survey incorporating the amended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), as well as usability testing and focus groups. The findings identified factors that determine and influence the adoption of e-government; these were then modeled taking a systemic approach. Based on the results and conclusions of the study, recommendations were made to Kuwaiti officials responsible for the e-government services.
Competence Development of E-Government
Authors: Grundén Kerstin
Published: February 2013

Effective implementation of e-Government demands the likelihood of appropriately incorporating all the multi-dimensional socio-technical factors in its design strategy. These socio-technical factors may involve, apart from the technological penetration and adoption, the different attitudes and competencies that may influence e-Government uptake. In this chapter, an interview study of a Web-based course for issues related to the implementation of e-Government is described and analysed. The design of the course was inspired by a study circle pedagogical approach. The respondents were especially positive to the group discussions of the studied course. Group-discussions and follow-up activities contributed to integrate learning outcomes into work practice. This study opines that there is a need to combine both development-oriented approaches with adaptive-oriented approaches in order to link different theoretical and practical aspects of the changed work-situation in the community of practice. There is also a need for pedagogical learning of producers and organisers of Web-based education in public organisations, in order to make them to be conscious about the importance of different pedagogical approaches, and the importance of making a thorough problem analysis before the design of the course.
A Methodology to Evaluate ICT Platforms in the Implementation of e-Government
Authors: Solar Mauricio , Valdés Gonzalo , von Brand Horst , Murúa Sergio
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model is proposed to be used by the agencies of the Chilean public sector when evaluating alternatives for the implementation of e-government. This TCO model is used to compare the pros and cons of solutions that require high levels of investment at start up and low long-term operations expenditures against solutions that require lower start up investments and higher operational costs. It considers all the associated costs and investments of a candidate technological solution, under an integral assessment approach. This work shows how to gather all the information that is required to analyze and determinate the feasibility of a migration project. Since e-government projects are primarily driven by the goal of delivering better services to citizens, it is recommended to deal with these projects case-by-case and to take into account the quality of the resulting service to citizen, before deciding about their viability.
A Model for Building Trust in E-Government
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: February 2013

E-government is a new and complex field which is yet to be clearly understood because of lack of a well developed theoretical framework. E-government provides a platform for different forms of interactions such as business to business (B2B), citizens to government (C2G), government to government (G2G), business to government (B2G), etc. These interactions raise several ethical issues which have implications on citizens’ trust in e-government. This chapter proposes a model for building trust of citizens in e-government. The proposed model is premised on five trust pillars: ethical/human; information/content; technical; policy/legal; and political/governance. Each of these pillars has several dimensions adapted from various existing user satisfaction tools or frameworks such as Service Quality (SERVQUAL), trust formation framework, technology acceptance model, information systems success model, and many more. The chapter also covers history of e-government; models of e-government interactions; e-government trust related models; theoretical basis of trust; causes of distrust in e-government; challenges of applications of ICT in e-government; framework for building trust in e-government; and future trends of trust in e-government.
Global Comparative Study on the Relationship between User’s Traits and Public e-Service Quality
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Obi Toshio
Published: February 2013

While much of e-government or e-service research has focused on system or internal efficiency improvement, this study tries to raise another important topic regarding user traits, user perception of quality, and causality. Meanwhile, by integrating different kinds of theories and perspectives, namely sociology, management and informatics, a comprehensive blueprint can be fully discussed. The findings contribute to our knowledge of theoretical development in e-governance, service marketing, and policy marketing. In addition, the empirical results can be used as a general principal reference for other cities planning to implement e-services and can be used as specific evaluation criteria by which the two cities in the cases studies can further understand their users.
A Review of e-Government Initiatives in Tanzania
Authors: Oreku George S. , Mtenzi Fredrick Japhet
Published: February 2013

Over the last few years, Tanzania has witnessed an increased usage and awareness of e-Government services. This is welcome news to all stakeholders in ensuring that services offered by the government and communications between the government and citizens are efficient and effective. Despite the good news, the reality in most cases has been that the e-Government projects are implemented as technical projects (mostly employing techno-centric approaches), ignoring other important considerations, with the implicit assumption that they will be used by the citizens. In this chapter, the authors conducted a study to assess the quality of provision, level of awareness, and degree of usage of e-Government services in Tanzania. Further, the study presents the challenges and opportunities which the Tanzanian Government faces in realizing its e-Government vision. It demonstrates that the e-Government projects are community projects and their design and implementation must take into account contextual, cultural, and environmental factors.
Setting the Dutch E-Government Interoperability Agenda
Authors: Arendsen Rex , Zwienink Sander , Luttighuis Paul Oude
Published: February 2013

Like national governments across the world, Dutch government pursues an active policy towards e-government interoperability, both with businesses and citizens, as well as across government bodies. This chapter provides a case study on how Dutch government has approached the issue until today, including issues of policy setting, governance, standardization, and openness. Starting from a short historical overview, recent developments are described, such as the new action plan “Netherlands in Open Connection” and the establishment of Dutch government Standardization Board and Forum. The latter has recently adopted a seven-item interoperability agenda and prioritized four of the items: open standards, interoperability governance, service concepts, and semantic interoperability.
Implications of e-Government in Botswana in the Realm of e-Participation
Authors: Mbako Vako , Bwalya Kelvin Joseph , Du Plessis Tanya , Rensleigh Chris
Published: February 2013

Countries the world over have drawn e-Government interventions placing much emphasis on erecting affluent ICT infrastructures, institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks. However, most of these interventions lack carefully-drawn e-Government awareness strategies, which translates into most of these interventions being typically unknown by the general public and causing low e-Participation. This chapter presents the novel interventions that are being authored towards robust e-Government development for Botswana where e-Government development is at the very intial stages. Using exploratory and empirical study of Francistown and surrounding rural areas, the chapter presents a critical analysis of the state of e-Government preparedness and further presents the current status of e-Government adoption in Botswana. This study establishes that whilst many e-Government strategies are being authored in Botswana, the e-Participation component has not been adequately considered in drawing the different e-Government interventions. This is negatively impacting on the overall anticipated value prepositions for e-Government implementation.
Transformation of Management in the Public Sector
Authors: Angelopoulos Spyros , Kitsios Fotis , Moustakis Vasilis
Published: February 2013

Management is what makes e-government successful by coordinating the use of corporate resources, managing relationships, and empowering strategic alliances. However, current e-government methodologies and models used are only tailored to specific requirements. This restrains the ability to compare cases and draw valuable conclusions as to how to improve e-government and its performance measurements. Therefore, the authors are attempting to address the issues faced by surveying the models consisting of effective practices in e-government and Information Technology integration management and support. The study provides in depth overview of the current status of e-government models and links with emerging Information Technology.
Managing in the Era of Digital Governance
Authors: Johnson Craig L. , Kioko Sharon N. , Pirog Maureen A.
Published: February 2013

E-government, or digital government, is broadly described as the creation and delivery of information and services inside governments and between governments and the public using electronic information and communication technologies (ICTs). Governments can incorporate ICTs to change administrative processes in ways that are client-oriented and needs based. These changes in administrative processes are part of digital-era governance (DEG) strategies. This chapter examines the administrative and managerial challenges of new electronic modes of transacting social services in the US, highlighting the challenges and outcomes of implementing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) technologies in the child support program.