bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Configurations of Active Controlled Devices for Improving Structural Seismic Response
Authors: Ribakov Yuri , Agranovich Grigoriy
Published: February 2013

Improving structural seismic response using dampers became a widely used method in the recent decades. Various devices were developed for seismic protection of structures and appropriate methods were proposed for effective design of control systems. An actual problem is how many dampers should be used as is their optimal location for yielding the desired structural response with minimum cost. A method for finding effective dampers’ placement and using amplifiers for dampers connection was recently proposed in the literature. The current study presents analyses of the amplification and placement of active controlled devices on the efficiency of a control system. A model of a twenty-story structure with active control systems including different dampers configurations is simulated. The response of the structure to natural earthquake excitations is also reported. The results of this study show a method of selecting proper configuration of active devices allowing cost effective control.
Optimum Design of a New Hysteretic Dissipater
Authors: Foti Dora , Nobile Riccardo
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, a new seismic protection device is proposed. It is designed to dissipate the energy entering a structure subject to seismic action through the activation of hysteresis loops of the material that composes it. These devices are characterized by a high capacity to absorb the seismic energy and the ability to concentrate the damage on it and, consequently, to keep the structure and the structural parts undamaged. Moreover, after a seismic event they can be easily replaced. In particular, this chapter proposes a new shear device that shows the plasticity of some areas of the device at low load levels. In order to maximize the amount of dissipated energy, the design of the device was performed by requiring that the material be stressed in an almost uniform way. In particular, the device is designed to concentrate energy dissipation for plasticity in the aluminum core while the steel parts are responsible to make stiffer the device, limiting out-of-plane instability phenomena. The geometric configuration that maximizes the energy dissipation has been determined using a structural optimization routine of finite element software.
Practically Applying the Technology Acceptance Model in Information Systems Research
Authors: Mojtahed Reza , Peng Guo Chao
Published: February 2013

Explaining the factors that lead to use and acceptance of Information Technology (IT), both at individual and organizational levels, has been the focus of Information Systems (IS) researchers since the 1970s. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is known as such an explanatory model and has increasingly gained recognition due to its focus on theories of human behaviour. Although this model has faced some criticism in terms of not being able to fully explain the social-technical acceptance of technology, TAM is still known as one of the best IS methodologies that contribute greatly to explain IT/IS acceptance. It has been widely used in different areas of IS studies, such as e-commerce, e-business, multimedia, and mobile commerce. This chapter discusses, describes, and explains TAM as one of the well-known information system research models and attempts to demonstrate how this model can be customised and extended when applyied in practice in IS research projects. In order to illustrate this, the chapter presents and discussed two case studies, respectively, applying TAM in the areas of mobile banking and mobile campus in the UK. It is also proposed that comparing with the traditional questionnaire approach, mixed-methods designs (that contain both a quantitative and a qualitative component) can generate more meaningful and significant findings in IS studies that apply the TAM model. The practical guidance provided in this chapter is particularly useful and valuable to researchers, especially junior researchers and PhD students, who intend to apply TAM in their research.
Experiences in Applying Mixed-Methods Approach in Information Systems Research
Authors: Peng Guo Chao Alex , Annansingh Fenio
Published: February 2013

Mixed-methods research, which comprises both quantitative and qualitative components, is widely perceived as a means to resolve the inherent limitations of traditional single method designs and is thus expected to yield richer and more holistic findings. Despite such distinctive benefits and continuous advocacy from Information Systems (IS) researchers, the use of mixed-methods approaches in the IS field has not been high. This chapter discusses some of the key reasons that led to this low application rate of mixed-methods design in the IS field, ranging from misunderstanding the term with multiple-methods research to practical difficulties for design and implementation. Two previous IS studies are used as examples to illustrate the discussion. The chapter concludes by recommending that in order to apply mixed-methods design successfully, IS researchers need to plan and consider thoroughly how the quantitative and qualitative components (i.e. from data collection to data analysis to reporting of findings) can be genuinely integrated together and supplement one another, in relation to the predefined research questions and the specific research contexts.
Developments in Modern Operations Management and Cellular Manufacturing
Authors: Modrák Vladimír , Semanco Pavol
Published: February 2013

Operations management as a knowledge domain appears to be gaining position as a respected and dynamic academic discipline that is undergoing constant development. Therefore, from time to time it is sensible to monitor and analyze its developments by summarizing new features into comprehensive ideas. To support this necessity, the major publications/citations in this field and their evolving research utility over the decades are identified in this chapter. Because the goal of this book is to present the advancements in the area of operations management research, especially of advanced topics related to the layout design for cellular manufacturing, the second part of this chapter is focused on developments in cellular manufacturing approaches and methods by mapping literature sources during the last decade. Finally, the relationships between concept or/and tools in both areas that are empirically considered as consequences or coincidences are identified.
Decision Support Framework for the Selection of a Layout Type
Authors: Slomp Jannes , Bokhorst Jos A.C.
Published: February 2013

One of the most important design decisions in a firm is the choice for a manufacturing layout type. This chapter shows which aspects have to be taken into account and suggests a systematic method for the decision problem. The method can be seen as a decision support framework, which links the various aspects. The framework is based on the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) approach. A case study, concerning a Dutch firm, illustrates the applicability of the framework in a practical instance.
Genetic vs. Hybrid Algorithm in Process of Cell Formation
Authors: Pandian R. Sudhakra , Semanco Pavol , Knuth Peter
Published: February 2013

The cell formation problem has met with a significant amount of attention in recent years by demonstrating great potential for productivity improvements in production environment. Therefore, the researchers have been developing various methods based on similarity coefficient (SC), graph theory approaches, neural networks (NN), and others with aim to automate the whole cell formation process. This chapter focuses on presentation of hybrid algorithm (HA) and genetic algorithm that are helpful in production flow analysis to solve the cell formation problem. The evaluation of hybrid and genetic algorithms are carried out against the K-means algorithm and C-linkage algorithm that are well known from the literature. The comparison uses performance measure and the total number of exceptional elements (EEs) in the block-diagonal structure of machine-part incidence matrix using operational time as an input. The final performance results are presented in the form of graphs.
Facilitating Knowledge Sharing in E-Governance
Authors: Bamberg Jarkko , Lehtonen Pauliina
Published: February 2013

This chapter introduces a case study that aimed at developing practices of neighborhood participation by utilizing information and communication technologies. A participatory action research project organized a citizen panel in the neighborhood of Tesoma in the city of Tampere, Finland. The panel tried to find meaningful ways for residents to influence the development of their neighborhood. The central aim was to articulate and mediate their local knowledge to administration that traditionally leans on technical-rational knowledge. The case study suggests that interactive online spatial displays have potential to facilitate meaningful exchange of information by three mechanisms of translation: 1) by giving access to information from viewpoints familiar to the residents, 2) aiding the translation of technical-rational information of public administration for citizens with illustrative visualizations, and 3) giving residents multimodal means of producing input to administrators and planners. Interactive online spatial displays, such as interactive maps and simulations, are considered to work particularly well as translating devices supporting these mechanisms.
E-Governance in Slovenia
Authors: Fišer Suzana Žilic , Bašic Sandra , Vercic Dejan , Cafnik Petra
Published: February 2013

Modern communication technology in principle makes political participation feasible. Information, consultation, and participation of citizens in the working of their highest political body – a parliament- should be easier than ever. This chapter analyses if this is really so on the case of Slovenia and its parliament, the National Assembly. Parliamentary website of the Republic of Slovenia is studied in terms of usability, usefulness and utility those are the key criteria in discussion about website performance. The analysis of e-democracy takes into account citizen participation in the legislative procedure, enabling direct communication with the members of the parliament, possibilities for citizen initiatives, and procedure and content transparency at each stage of the decision-making process. The chapter reports on limits of the current website of the National Assembly of Slovenia and proposes guidelines for better use of new technologies in the political process and for improving user experience.
Introducing Psychological Factors into E-Participation Research
Authors: Edelmann Noella , Cruickshank Peter
Published: February 2013

This chapter looks at e-petitioning as a successful application of e-participation from a psychological perspective. It notes that e-participation should not be viewed uncritically, as digital technologies cannot remedy all (political) problems: indeed, they can strengthen old ones and create new ones. Following a brief reviews of socio-economic and application-acceptance models of e-participation, a small selection of psychological approaches factors are presented that could be applied to this context. It is argued that it is useful and important to understand the psychological factors that influence the decisions made by individuals about whether to participate in the political system by initiating, or simply signing, a petition, or choose to remain mere passive observers, no matter how well informed. These insights can both help practitioners designing an e-participation system, and designing new research projects.
Local Government Use of Web 2.0
Authors: Freeman Raoul J. , Loo Peter
Published: February 2013

Web 2.0 refers to various networked applications utilizing technologies such as application mashups, content syndication, videocasts, wikis, blogs, social networking, user tagging, social bookmarks and content and service rating. Such technologies are designed to reach, attract, and interact with a greater electronic user audience. The potential of these technologies for e-government applications at Los Angeles County is analyzed. The government model for leveraging Internet technologies is different from that of commercial enterprises or academia. Thus immediate utilization of seemingly attractive technological opportunities must be tempered by organizational, implementation, and social responsibility constraints. Appropriate attention needs to be paid to legal and operational issues. The main conclusion drawn is that Web 2.0 presents an opportunity for local governments such as Los Angeles County, but that there should not be a headlong rush to implementation without consideration of a variety of other issues.
From E-Government to E-Governance
Authors: Almunawar Mohammad Nabil , Low Patrick Kim Cheng , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Mohiddin Fadzliwati
Published: February 2013

With the e-Government concept, government services, which were normally delivered from physical infrastructures of public offices, now move closer to the clients via Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Recent advancement of mobile computing devices has made the idea of omnipresent government highly likely where the government services can be accessed by everyone anytime-anywhere. This chapter begins with the discussion of the current development of e-government followed by the evolution of e-government models. The chapter also addresses how the good governance features have been incorporated as guiding principles in e-governance practices in different societies in recent years. Finally, as its focal interest, the chapter examines and analyzes the issue of building people’s trust through e-governance. Elements of trust are discussed thoroughly, and a trust model for e-governance is put forth and proposed as a guideline to develop a trusted e-governance system.
Challenges of Mobile Health Applications in Developing Countries
Authors: Yadav Nikhil , Poellabauer Christian
Published: February 2013

Global health care has become an enormous industry worldwide, where trends such as aging populations, environmental and climate changes, catastrophic events, and the spread and evolution of diseases pose significant challenges. With the rapid growth of information technology (IT), wireless technologies, and mobile services, health care processes are able to increasingly benefit from new technological advances and applications built on top of them. Specifically, the area of “Mobile Health” or mHealth, which leverages mobile phone functionality to provide medical and public health services, has become a very promising trend. Wireless and mobile technologies have great potential in improving patient care, reducing costs, streamlining processes, allowing adherence to regulations, and many other health-related activities. However, the developing world faces numerous challenges in realizing the infrastructure and technical expertise required to adopt mHealth solutions and applications. In this chapter, we focus on these challenges in the developing world and highlight existing problems and risks in realizing mHealth applications and services. This chapter also proposes various solutions to overcome these problems.
Legal Issues in E-Healthcare Systems
Authors: Sarabdeen Jawahitha
Published: February 2013

E-healthcare systems through electronic medical records (EMRs), electronic prescribing and decision support systems endeavour to reduce the cost and errors in healthcare, while facilitating easy access to it. However the adoption of e-healthcare systems does not seem to be flourishing as expected due to various barriers. One of such barriers is an inadequate level of legal protection or unawareness of availability of laws and regulation that addresses the e-healthcare system. The objective of the study of this chapter was to investigate the present status of law relating to privacy, product liability, jurisdiction of courts in e-health care disputes and professional negligence. The study recommends that the existing offline and e-commerce laws should be interpreted to address many e-healthcare concerns even though specific e-healthcare laws are not enacted by many nations.
Healthcare Applications for Clinicians
Authors: Watfa Mohamed K. , Majeed Hina , Salahuddin Tooba
Published: February 2013

Clinical Informaticians have been considerably effective at replacing paper-based medical data with healthcare applications. Presently, the theme of interest for biomedical IT systems comprises of Web based and wireless healthcare provisions. To explore into this area of research, we begin by familiarizing the audience with the theme of healthcare applications in Section 1. This is followed by listing and discussing the advantages provided by generic computerized systems developed primarily for the assistance of physicians in Section 2.1. In Section 2.2, we consider possible challenges that these applications induce. Section 3.1 comprises of the possible benefits offered by Web-based applications for clinicians, whereas Section 3.2 focuses on the challenges offered by Web-based applications. Section 4.1 delivers an overview on the subject of wireless healthcare technology in regard to physicians whereas Section 4.2 lists and defines its benefits in detail. Section 4.3 gives a brief coverage to wireless healthcare devices that could be of significance to clinicians. Furthermore, Section 4.4 consists of a clarified consideration of wireless applications that currently provide assistance to certified physicians, followed by Section 4.5, focusing on its challenges. We conclude this chapter in Section 5, providing an insight of how the future of generic, Web-based, and wireless technologies could lead to added development in our lives as clinicians or patients.
Security and Privacy in Body Sensor Networks
Authors: Itani Wassim , Kayssi Ayman , Chehab Ali
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, we present a comprehensive survey of the state of the art research in the field of body sensor networks security and privacy. We identify the main security challenges introduced by body sensor networks by thoroughly analyzing the specifics of this category of wireless sensor networks and present the prominent security and privacy architectures available to protect body sensor infrastructures. The presented protocols are categorized based on the security services they provide. Moreover, the chapter studies two main challenges that we believe are the most critical in the body sensor network security and privacy context: (1) achieving the correct balance between the complexity of the protocol security operations employed and the energy consumption they incur, and (2) attaining the right tradeoff between privacy and safety by utilizing the patient’s vital signals and other context-related information to minimize the amount of private data released. To provide a practical insight into the presented concepts, this chapter presents an overview of the main cryptographic APIs available in popular sensor networks operating systems such as TinyOS and recommends a collection of best practices and usage patterns for developing secure sensor health care applications and services. We conclude by presenting a blueprint body sensor network security framework employing a secure combination of the technical building blocks described in the chapter sections. Recommendations on the advantages and drawbacks of each building block are suggested whenever the latter is added to the security framework.
Is Your Automated Healthcare Information Secure?
Authors: Zineddine Mhamed
Published: February 2013

Information security issues are a serious matter that organizations from all industries have to deal with. The healthcare industry is no exception. Personally identifiable healthcare information automated by the healthcare industry can be stolen, intercepted, altered, and misused. Acceptable safeguards, therefore, have to be in place in order to ensure the privacy and protection of this information. Without governmental intervention however, it seems unlikely that the healthcare industry will voluntarily implement such safeguards. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule has emerged and been mandated by Congress from the need of such intervention. The quantitative investigation in this chapter is aimed at determining if covered entities in Washington State are HIPAA security rule ready after two years from the compliance deadline, and if the factors identified through the literature review are a hindrance to HIPAA security rule compliance. This research study revealed that HIPAA Security Rule full compliance is far from achieved; many factors have emerged as impediments to the compliance process, and the way to compliance is complex and costly. Tracking the compliance progress within healthcare institutions in Washington State over the last five years revealed that the reaction to the HIPAA Security Rule was strong around the mandated date; the response after the mandated date, however, has been weak. Covered entities should brace themselves to the new level of enforcement due to the recent American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Cyber Physical Security Solutions for Pervasive Health Monitoring Systems
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Krishna K. , Nabar Sidharth , Gupta Sandeep K. S. , Poovendran Radha
Published: February 2013

With a rapidly aging population, the healthcare community will soon face severe medical personnel shortage and rising costs. Pervasive Health Monitoring Systems (PHMS) can help alleviate this situation. PHMS provides continuous real-time monitoring of a person’s health using a (usually wireless) network of medical and ambient sensors/devices on the host (patients), called Body Area Networks (BANs). The sensitive nature of health information collected by PHMS mandates that patient’s privacy be protected by securing the medical data from any unauthorized access. The authors’ approach for addressing these issues focuses on a key observation that PHMS are cyber-physical systems (CPS). Cyber-physical systems are networked, computational platforms, deeply embedded in specific physical processes for monitoring and actuation purposes. In this work, they therefore present a novel perspective on securing PHMS, called Cyber Physical Security (CYPSec) solutions. CYPSec solutions are environmentally-coupled security solutions, which operate by combining traditional security primitives along with environmental features. Its use results in not only secure operation of a system but also the emergence of additional “allied” properties which enhance its overall capabilities. The principal focus of this chapter is the development of a new security approach for PHMS called CYPsec that leverages their cyber-physical nature. The authors illustrate the design issues and principals of CYPSec through two specific examples of this generic approach: (a) Physiological Signal based key Agreement (PSKA) is designed to enable automated key agreement between sensors in the BAN based on physiological signals from the body; and (b) Criticality Aware Access Control (CAAC) which has the ability to provide controlled opening of the system for emergency management. Further, they also discuss aspects such as altered threat-model, increased complexity, non-determinism, and mixed critical systems, that must be addressed to make CYPSec a reality.
A Full-Body Wireless Wearable UWB-Based Human Motion Capture and Gait Analysis System
Authors: Shaban Heba , Abou El-Nasr Mohamad , Buehrer R. Michael
Published: February 2013

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. Clinical gait analysis, also termed as quantitative gait analysis, provides a detailed clinical introduction to understanding and treating walking disorders. Modern gait analysis is facilitated through the use of specialized equipment. Currently, accurate gait analysis requires dedicated laboratories with complex settings and highly skilled operators. Wearable locomotion tracking systems are available, but they are not sufficiently accurate for clinical gait analysis. On the other hand, wireless healthcare is evolving. Ultra wideband (UWB) is one technology that has the potential for accurate ranging and positioning in dense, multi-path environments. In particular, impulse radio UWB (IR-UWB) is suitable for low-power implementation, which makes it an attractive candidate for wearable and battery-powered health-monitoring systems. The goal of this chapter is to propose and investigate an accurate, full-body, wireless, wearable human locomotion tracking system using UWB radios, with specific application to clinical gait analysis.
Identity and Externalities toward Sustainability
Authors: Spadaro Paola Francesca , D’Aprile Gianvito , Ligorio Maria Beatrice , Schwartz Neil
Published: February 2013

Two focus group discussions involving 14 entrepreneurs and 106 questionnaires administered to employees were analyzed to explore various parameters of externalities, such as: (1) how externality is conceived; (2) the interplay between a sense of community and a re-definition and negotiation of identity; (3) the role of technology; the sense of belonging, and (4) the propensity to collaborate. Data are analyzed through both thematic discourse analysis and quantitative frequencies analysis. Results show that entrepreneurs hold a multidimensional definition of externality, meditated by their professional and private experience. Ultimately, the reflection on externalities sustains a sense of innovation connected to multi-membership and to re-negotiation of the sense of identity. Within this framework, technology is conceived as a tool supporting the appropriation and sharing of externalities.
ICT Mediated Value Chain for Managing Weavers’ Livelihoods
Authors: Misra Harekrishna
Published: February 2013

Value chain practices focus on market orientation of products and services. Products and services highly rely on processes included in the supply chain in order to contribute to the value chain. Globalization, competition, and high cost of production influence the value chain imperatives. Thus, organizations involved in the value chain are challenged with creation of innovative designs and establishing lean production scenarios. This challenge is more serious in the cases of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The rugs industry in India is one example of such market behavior, and various SMEs are involved in this sector. Besides, the sector demands market orientation and customer retention for which continuous innovative practices are essential. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a crucial role in supporting these SMEs in India in rolling out innovative designs through customer engagements in the entire production life cycle. There are also efforts to use ICT as a tool to innovate processes, products, and services to harness better returns on investment and to sustain business. In this case, Jaipur Rugs Company (JRC) strives to manage innovation cycles to ensure development oriented value chain for the weavers and ICT applications have been intrinsic to realize these efforts.
Championing SME eCollaboration
Authors: Jones Michael , Burgess Lois
Published: February 2013

Collaboration and eCollaboration are arguable necessities for firms in today’s economic age. Gone are the times when a firm could stand alone in the market warding off the competitive pressures of rival firms. Today, just the competitive forces of globalization alone are significant drivers to enable collaboration amongst rivals. The advantages of collaboration and eCollaboration for SMEs are profuse, providing small firms a measure of economic security in a world in which many industries face hyper-competition, particularly from countries with very low costs of labor. In discussing the nature and advantages of eCollaboration, the need for an eCollaboration champion becomes apparent. This case discusses eCollaboration from the perspective of 70 Australia SMEs and presents a model for the successful championship. In so doing, it discusses the multiple roles a champion must embrace and the various issues and dilemmas that are contingent to these roles.
Organisational Culture and Its Effects on Innovation within ERP Systems
Authors: Jewels Tony , Al-Rawshdi Amina , Abusharekh Raghad N , Shamisi Ahoud Saif
Published: February 2013

Innovation, on the other hand, continues to play its traditionally important role in sustaining competitiveness. Although ERP systems are sometimes perceived as constraining and inflexible, to the extent that ERP systems may even seem incommensurate with the notion of innovation; this is not the case in real life. It is argued that innovation capabilities can actually be improved by ERP systems and vice versa, because of improved transparency and better information flow. Innovation may occur either from within an organisation or externally. ERP implementations have traditionally used a form of open innovation in their use of both ERP vendor and implementation partners. In this chapter the authors discuss the links between ERP and innovation and how this combination might help organisations regain that elusive competitive advantage.
Firms’ Connections and Open Innovation
Authors: Encinar María-Isabel , Herrarte Ainhoa , Muñoz Félix-Fernando
Published: February 2013

The main aim of this chapter is to determine whether or not and to what extent innovative Spanish firms apply open innovation practices. Accordingly, the authors analyze microdata from the Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC) database. This study develops a methodology that focuses on the description of the existing connections between the elements that constitute a socio-economic system: they extract data belonging to firms that have declared that they apply innovation activities and then the authors analyze the links between innovative firms based on the concept of systemic innovations (vs autonomous innovations) as a means to explaining open innovation. Systemic innovations require interaction between complementary innovators through different collaboration mechanisms that reveal links between parts of the system. From this perspective, the authors depict a profile of the innovation links in innovative Spanish firms involved in open innovation practices, together with a characterization of what they call an ‘open innovator firm’.
An Efficient Algorithm for Automating Classification of Chemical Reactions into Classes in Ugi’s Reaction Scheme
Authors: Ram Sanjay , Pal Somnath
Published: February 2013

There are two approaches for classification of chemical reactions: Model-Driven and Data-Driven. In this paper, the authors develop an efficient algorithm based on a model-driven approach developed by Ugi and co-workers for classification of chemical reactions. The authors’ algorithm takes reaction matrix of a chemical reaction as input and generates its appropriate class as output. Reaction matrices being symmetric, matrix implementation of Ugi’s scheme using upper/lower tri-angular matrix is of O(n2) in terms of space complexity. Time complexity of similar matrix implementation is O(n4), both in worst case as well as in average case. The proposed algorithm uses two fixed size look-up tables in a novel way and requires constant space complexity. Time complexity both in worst and average cases of the algorithm is linear.
Exploration on E-learning Methods and Factors Hindering their Usage
Authors: Wang Chengbo , Qi Baomin
Published: February 2013

For supporting the effectiveness and efficiency of the students’ learning and the educators’ teaching, as a favored approach in recent years, e-learning technology has been widely used in the academic institutes. However, with regarding to the students community, how much they use the e-learning technology, what types of e-learning methods are being mainly used by the students, as well as the barriers for enjoying the advantages of e-technology, remain interesting topics for the educators to explore. This article, by focusing on these issues, through an investigation among the students within a higher education institute, presents an understanding regarding the usage of e-learning methods, and the factors hindering the efficacy of their usage among the students, as well as a primary analysis on the usage difference between undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Applications of ANFIS and Fuzzy Algorithms for Improvement of the DTC Performance for the Three Phase Saturated Model of Induction Motor
Authors: Ismail Mohamed M.
Published: February 2013

Direct torque control (DTC) of an induction motor fed by a voltage source inverter is a simple scheme that doesn’t need long computation time. The motor terminal voltages and currents are sampled to estimate the motor flux linkage and electromagnetic torque using a flux observer. The main advantage of DTC technique is that it isn’t sensitive to the variation in motor parameters except the stator resistance in its flux observer especially at low speed operation. In this paper, two observers are used for online stator resistance identification for the DTC flux observer, one observer based on fuzzy logic while the other is based on ANFIS algorithm. The saturated p model of the induction motor is used which is more practical than the approximate linear model especially in the large motors. The authors also introduced a speed observer based on Lyapunov design and compared with another observer based on ANFIS design as well as the classical flux observer used with DTC technique. Simulation results show that the observers are validated and give a good performance in the different operating conditions. Also the authors have found that the ANFIS observer gives good performance as well as the Lyapunov and fuzzy observers.
EUREKA
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Tarek K.
Published: February 2013

Recent research findings reveal that human bioenergetics belongs to the class of multi-loop nonlinear feedback systems—the same class of systems that system dynamics aims to study. In this paper the author aims to demonstrate the utility of utilizing simple—bathtub like—system dynamics models to gain insight into human weight and energy regulation and (in the process) help debunk widespread misconceptions that are hindering prevention and treatment efforts. Specifically, the author presents a series of models, starting with one that captures conventional wisdom about human energy regulation. This baseline model is critiqued and its limitations—and pitfalls—exposed through model experimentation. The model is then incrementally refined in a spiral of modeling-experimentation-learning steps, to arrive at a structure that integrates emerging (advanced) conceptualization(s) of human weight/energy regulation. In the concluding section, the author builds upon the insights gained from this modeling exercise to propose recommendations for obesity treatment and prevention.
A Mobile Market
Authors: Hayes Thomas J. , Walker Mary M.
Published: February 2013

As schools deploy mobile web capabilities, students have the ability to connect anytime, anywhere giving universities an important tool to engage and connect with university target markets. With mobile based internet usage expected to exceed desktop usage within the next four years this study focuses on understanding the role of this technology in connecting with prospective and current students. Research conducted with college students demonstrates that the usage of mobile technology is highest among this age segment and must be taken into consideration when communicating to its student base. Furthermore, the implications from this study suggest that mobile app features have value for current students and is in line with their usage of mobile technology and represent an important channel for reaching students. Finally, the paper focuses the need to develop content that can be measured and analyzed for effectiveness and that is in line with the university’s brand.
E-Service Delivery in Higher Education
Authors: Elbeck Matt , Vander Schee Brian A.
Published: February 2013

This study explores graduate students’ expectations regarding website design in higher education. Focus group discussions and the Kano method are used to improve the college website experience of Master of Business Administration students. Student survey results (n = 110) suggest 23 features describing an ideal college website. Results guide college website design according to three need-based groups; basic, performance, and excitement to improve website value to students and ultimately student loyalty.
Autonomous Seller Agent for Multiple Simultaneous English Auctions
Authors: Anthony Patricia , Law Edwin
Published: February 2013

The growth of online auction is due to the flexibility and convenience that it offers to consumers. In the context of online auction, deriving the best reserve price can be associated to the seller’s optimization problem. Determining this reserve price is not straightforward due to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the auction environment. Setting the price too high will lead to the possibility of no sale outcome. Putting the price too low may produce a sale with less profit due to its lower selling price. The authors propose a strategy to derive the best reserve price based on several selling constraints such as the number of competitors (sellers), the number of bidders, the auction duration, and the profit the seller desired when offering an item to be auctioned. However, to obtain the best performance, the strategy must be tuned to the prevailing auction environment where the agent is situated. This paper describes the seller agent’s performance under varying auction environments. The purpose of the experimental evaluation is to assess the ability of the agent to identify its environments accurately to enable it to come up with the best reserve price.
Cross-Cultural Learning and Mentoring
Authors: Han Pi-Chi , Henschke John A.
Published: February 2013

Dr. Malcolm Shepherd Knowles popularized andragogy as the theory of adult learning and was referred to as the Father of Adult Education in the United States (US). As his doctoral students, the authors had extensive personal contacts with him. This paper utilizes the method of autoethnography to explore how cross-cultural learning and cross-cultural mentoring facilitate transformative learning with the development of intercultural competencies for sojourners when they interact with a significant human being in cross-cultural settings.
A Risk-Based Classification of Mobile Applications in Healthcare
Authors: Feiser Josh , Raghavan Vijay V. , Cata Teuta
Published: February 2013

Mobile devices and applications are becoming popular in today’s society. The number of applications available to both the patient and the healthcare provider is changing the way healthcare is being delivered and consumed. The integration of mobile devices into every-day lives is driving the changes in healthcare. While all areas of medicine are being impacted, changes are mostly of chronic care, long term care and any place that causes a need for constant data, monitoring or training. The acceptance of mobile devices by healthcare consumers within wide range of age and socioeconomic circumstances is reason to look at mobile technology as the future of healthcare. While increased use of mobile applications are welcomed by most providers and consumers alike, there is a need to systematize the study of its use. The authors provide a framework for considering mobile applications in healthcare, based on their risk-profile. They accomplish this by first identifying and classifying the mobile healthcare applications.
How Recession and the Empowerment of Consumers Impact the Telecommunications Industry
Authors: Fox Bob , van den Dam Rob
Published: February 2013

IBM’s most recent global telecommunications consumer survey reveals that the deteriorating economic conditions in many European countries and the empowerment of the consumer exert negative pressure on the business of communications service providers. The results shed light on a budget-conscious, demanding consumer spending an increasing amount of time online, more apt to interface with their friends and family over social networks sites about their services rather than communicate directly with the provider. Many consumers’ are growing less loyal as their expectations rise and as they take advantage of new channels of information. The paper gives recommendations how providers can gain competitive advantage by deepening their consumer insights, encourage interactions and create an emotional connection to their consumers as seen in other industries.
Korea’s Strategies for ICT Standards Internationalisation
Authors: Lee Heejin , Huh Joon (Chris)
Published: February 2013

Korea and China are among the rising challengers in the international ICT (Information Communication and Technology) standards regime. They are attempting to internationalize their home-grown technologies. As latecomers they share similarities and display differences. This paper examines two Korean cases (WIPI and WiBro), and compares with Chinese cases. Thereby it helps to conceptualize and evaluate latecomers’ strategies for international standardization. Comparison of the two countries’ strategies for international standardization is useful and timely particularly considering forthcoming FTA negotiations between the two countries where TBT (technical barriers to trade) including standards becomes a critical part of the agreement. The cases of the two countries share some commonalities in terms of origination (local R&D), government leadership and motivation (reduction of royalties). The main difference is that while Korea is oriented towards the outside, China is towards the inside, at least by now. Due to its huge domestic markets and global influence, China’s standards form a real threat to the incumbent standards from traditional players like US and EU.
Are Asian Countries Ready to Lead a Global ICT Standardization?
Authors: Seo DongBack , Koek Jan Willem
Published: February 2013

East Asian countries are booming with both technological and demographic advances. They have traditionally developed their economies by being licensed foreign Information and Communications Technology (ICT) standards and using them to develop their home market and to export products. This paper proposes that East Asian countries should start to develop a leadership role in global ICT standardizations, even though their focuses are currently still primarily on developments in their own nations.
Incremental Experts
Authors: Freeze Ronald D. , Sasidharan Sharath , Lane Peggy L.
Published: February 2013

Experts are often viewed as individuals with a vast storehouse of knowledge beyond the normal participants in a domain. In reality, the expert may have just enough additional knowledge beyond those they interface with to propel their team to success. This research explores the interplay between the accumulation of knowledge as facilitated by individual and team network structures and prior skill sets necessary to successfully participate in a business simulation emulating the cash-to-cash cycle of a manufacturing company. Students participate in simulated organizations that compete against one another in an introductory and extended setting, the latter being the more complex market environment. Comparisons within and between teams across simulations indicate that minor background differences in specific participant ability and associated network structures can make significant differences in simulation standings.
Composing by Listening
Authors: Quinto Lena , Thompson William Forde
Published: February 2013

Most people communicate emotion through their voice, facial expressions, and gestures. However, it is assumed that only “experts” can communicate emotions in music. The authors have developed a computer-based system that enables musically untrained users to select relevant acoustic attributes to compose emotional melodies. Nonmusicians (Experiment 1) and musicians (Experiment 3) were progressively presented with pairs of melodies that each differed in an acoustic attribute (e.g., intensity - loud vs. soft). For each pair, participants chose the melody that most strongly conveyed a target emotion (anger, fear, happiness, sadness or tenderness). Once all decisions were made, a final melody containing all choices was generated. The system allowed both untrained and trained participants to compose a range of emotional melodies. New listeners successfully decoded the emotional melodies of nonmusicians (Experiment 2) and musicians (Experiment 4). Results indicate that human-computer interaction can facilitate the composition of emotional music by musically untrained and trained individuals.
Software Quality Initiatives
Authors: Goyal D. P. , Garg Adarsh
Published: February 2013

Through extensive research into the area of quality management practices, such as ISO (International Standard Organization), Six Sigma has been observed within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Few empirical studies have reported the application of Six Sigma in SMEs, especially in software developing SMEs. The reasons can be attributed to complex issues associated with Six Sigma, as well as cost and time constraints. This paper assesses the current status of quality management practices in software developing SMEs. A survey-based approach was used to understand the conventional quality management practices in software SMEs. The data was collected from 230 respondents in 23 software developing SMEs in National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The respondents involved all three managerial levels and statistical results reflect the non-realization of quality management practices in software development. The SMEs under study were aware of the importance of quality management practices but had not implemented the same in the organization which is one of the basic requirements for the success of any software.
The healing of life within the HIV and AIDS pandemic: Towards a pedagogical reframing of paradigms concerning dysfunctional civil, health and ecclesial systems
Authors: Dames Gordon E.
Published: February 2013

The inability of government, communities and churches to deal with complex HIV and AIDS challenges may foster pathological psychosocial and systemic dysfunctionalities. The reframing of pathological and disempowering pastoral therapeutic and health promotion praxes are sought. The objective was to construct a new pastoral and social therapeutic methodology. It should develop in line with health promotion praxes in strengthening both ecclesial and community health praxes. Reframing agents such as pastoral therapeutic and health praxes, as well as ecclesial and community systems, could ultimately engender a transformative process in transforming pathological HIV and AIDS praxes.
Heterogeneity and Changes in Inequality of Malaria Risk after Introduction of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets in Macha, Zambia
Authors: Norris Laura C. , Norris Douglas E.
Published: February 2013

In 2007, the first free mass distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) occurred in southern Zambia. To determine the effect of ITNs on heterogeneity in biting rates, human DNA from Anopheles arabiensis blood meals was genotyped to determine the number of hosts that had contributed to the blood meals. The multiple feeding rate decreased from 18.9% pre-ITN to 9.1% post-ITN, suggesting that mosquito biting had focused onto a smaller fraction of the population. Pre-ITN, 20% of persons in a household provided 40% of blood meals, which increased to 59% post-ITN. To measure heterogeneity over a larger scale, mosquitoes were collected in 90 households in two village areas. Of these households, 25% contributed 78.1% of An. arabiensis, and households with high frequencies of An. arabiensis were significantly spatially clustered. The results indicate that substantial heterogeneity in malaria risk exists at local and household levels, and household-level heterogeneity may be influenced by interventions, such as ITNs.