bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El foro romano de Termes (Hispania Citerior). Síntesis histórica, arqueológica y topográfica. S. I a. C.- s. II d. C.
Authors: Martínez Caballero Santiago
Published: January 2011

La evolución urbanística del área pública central de la ciudad romana de Termes (Hispania Citerior) entre el s. I a. C. y el s. II d. C. está conectada a la progresiva transformación institucional de la comunidad y a su desarrollo social y económico. Tras el Bellum Sertorianum el espacio urbano ocupado anteriormente por el oppidum celtibérico vio la creación de un santuario relacionado con un rito fundacional de la ciudad, elemento que constituirá el germen del foro. Esta área fue reformada en época augustea (31 a. C.-14 d. C.), con la construcción de un templo que presidía un espacio foral, aunque desconocemos la configuración general de éste último, por la progresiva superposición de estructuras en la zona. Durante la etapa Julio Claudia (14-37 d. C.) se creó una nueva área pública, junto a la anterior, conformada por un recinto porticado con un templo. Este conjunto formaba parte de un espacio público principal, bien un Foro Julio Claudio, bien simplemente un santuario urbano. Finalmente, en época flavia, a partir de 75 d. C., el sitio del foro augusteo será transformado con la construcción de un gran cuadripórtico monumental y escenográfico, el Foro Flavio, complejo que se constituirá, al mismo tiempo, como un foro y un Augusteum, espacio de representación y santuario de culto dinástico.
Efecto de la forma del molde sobre el flujo de metal durante el proceso de extrusión directa
Authors: Solomon N. , Solomon I.
Published: January 2011

La forma geométrica de las herramientas es el principal factor a través del cual un proceso óptimo de deformación plástica puede ser mejor desarrollado. En el caso del proceso de extrusión, la distribución de la deformación y otras variables importantes, como la presión hidrostática, que pueden influir en la estructura del material, son fuertemente dependientes de la geometría del molde. Mediante un diseño apropiado del perfil del molde de extrusión se pueden controlar la estructura y las propiedades mecánicas del producto y, por lo tanto, se puede utilizar para minimizar la cantidad de la no homogeneidad del producto. Una posibilidad para reducir al mínimo la cantidad de no homogeneidad del producto es utilizar un molde recto provisto de un radio de conexión en la zona de deformación, que puede causar una reducción al mínimo de la zona muerta y, así, reducir al mínimo la fricción en la interfase entre el semiacabado y el contenedor del molde. En el caso de la aleación de aluminio de tipo 2024, para una relación de extrusión, R = 8,5, los mejores resultados se obtuvieron con un radio de conexión de 3,0 mm. Los datos experimentales se utilizaron para la simulación numérica del proceso de extrusión. Los resultados experimentales obtenidos mediante el uso de simulación numérica con el programa FORGE2 confirman los resultados teóricos y experimentales. El propósito de este trabajo es estudiar la influencia de este tipo de matrices con un radio de conexión en la zona de deformación en el flujo de material durante el proceso de extrusión y por tanto en la microestructura y propiedades mecánicas del producto extruido.
Modelo global del comportamiento dinámico de la banda de acero en un horno de recocido de una línea de galvanizado
Authors: Martínez-de-Pisón F. J. , Pernía A. , Jiménez-Macías E. , Fernández R.
Published: January 2011

La predicción de la temperatura de la banda de acero dentro del proceso de recocido de una planta de galvanizado continuo en caliente es importante para garantizar las propiedades físicas del material procesado. El desarrollo de un modelo preciso que sea capaz de predecir la temperatura que va a alcanzar la banda según las variaciones de temperaturas y velocidades del horno, y sus dimensiones y propiedades químicas del acero, es una necesidad cada vez más demandada por este tipo de plantas industriales. En el presente estudio se muestra una comparativa realizada entre diversos tipos de algoritmos deMinería de Datos e Inteligencia Artificial para el desarrollo de un modelo de predicción eficiente y global que permita determinar la variación de temperatura de la banda según las características físico-químicas de las bobinas a procesar y las fluctuaciones de temperaturas y velocidades que aparezcan dentro del proceso de recocido. El objetivo final es la búsqueda de un modelo que sea eficiente ante bobinas con nuevos tipos de acero o dimensiones que no hayan sido procesadas anteriormente. Con este modelo es posible optimizar los modelos de control para poder conseguir homogeneizar el tratamiento en zonas de la banda donde existe la transición entre bobinas con diferentes dimensiones o tipos de acero.
Innovación del proceso para mejorar las propiedades de los aceros eléctricos
Authors: Verbeken K. , Infante-Danzo I. , Barros-Lorenzo J. , Schneider J. , Houbaert Y.
Published: January 2011

Los aceros eléctricos se usan, normalmente, en la construcción de motores eléctricos y transformadores debido a sus suaves propiedades magnéticas. Una de las tendencias actuales es producir aceros con contenidos mayores de silicio y/o aluminio (por encima de un 3 %, en peso) para reducir las pérdidas magnéticas a través del incremento de la resistividad eléctrica. Una de las desventajas de producir este tipo de aceros con altos contenidos de silicio y/o aluminio es el agrietamiento producido en el material durante el proceso de laminado en frío. Para incrementar el contenido de silicio y/o aluminio en aceros con bajos contenidos de estos elementos de aleación, se sugiere un procedimiento alternativo de producción que se basa, fundamentalmente, en depositar un recubrimiento rico en silicio y/o aluminio, en la superficie del acero. Por ejemplo, uno de los métodos utilizados es sumergir el material en una aleación liquida de Al-Si, seguido de un recocido para promover la difusión del aluminio y el silicio del recubrimiento al acero. Este proceso de difusión modifica, sustancialmente, la microestructura y, a su vez, deteriora las propiedades magnéticas y mecánicas. Algunos de los resultados obtenidos como parte del esfuerzo para optimizar este nuevo método de producción y sus efectos en los posibles cambios de la microestructura y propiedades, se presentan y analizan en este trabajo.
Deferred System's Design
Authors: Patel Nandish V.
Published: January 2011

This chapter examines the issues of who an IS developer is and what constitutes IS design activity. These questions are critical to informing the further progress of evolutionary and adaptable systems. It suggests that action developers should be considered as developers and that IS design should be regarded as ongoing design that is online and in real-time. The IS Design Continuum is introduced to categorise three types of IS design activity, autonomous, specified and deferred. Deferred System’s Design is proposed as incorporating the action developer and ongoing, online design activity that caters for contextual and semantic properties of human information.
Evolutionary Growth and Control in User Tailorable Systems
Authors: Morch Anders I.
Published: January 2011

This chapter is about evolutionary application development as a means for including end users in further development of existing software systems. The chapter presents concepts and techniques for evolutionary development that reuses ideas from other domains in which evolution plays a dominant role (biology, architecture, and art objects). It argues that end users need access to representations of a system that are less formal than program code, but more powerful than informal design representations, and that this information can be obtained from the system’s past use and development history. The “resemblance relation” is presented as a tentative solution. It includes elements of object-oriented programming and component-based development. It is hoped that this chapter will provide the reader with a new view on systems development, and how end users can participate as designers in the evolutionary process.
Aspect-Oriented Software Components
Authors: Morch Anders I.
Published: January 2011

This chapter presents a novel approach for conceptualising and organising computer applications for the purpose of simplifying end-user tailorability and evolutionary application development. The chapter combines ideas from software systems, end-user programming, Gestalt psychology, and everyday tools. An application unit is the basic unit of tailorability. It is defined as a visual component extended with aspects. Aspects provide user-oriented entry points into an application unit at different levels of abstraction. Tools and techniques for locating, viewing and tailoring application unit aspects are presented, and the results of a user study are reported. A goal of writing this chapter has been to present a comprehensive view of some basic technology for user participation in evolutionary application development.
Adaptable QoS Management Communication Architectures for User Perception
Authors: Ghinea G. , Thomas J. P.
Published: January 2011

Distributed multimedia systems are characterised by a broad spectrum of quality of service (QoS) parameters which must be managed dynamically to ensure an acceptable user experience. Whilst there has been a considerable amount of work on QoS management itself, not the same can be said about the way that variations in QoS impact upon the user multimedia experience. We introduce the term quality of perception (QoP) to characterise the latter and, in this chapter, after a review of QoS-oriented communication architectures and protocols, highlight our experiences of using a specifically tailored adaptive communication protocol to provide an enhanced QoP.
Evolving Learning in the Stuff Swamp
Authors: Dron Jon , Boyne Chris , Mitchell Richard
Published: January 2011

This chapter describes the theory, background and some uses of CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions), a Web-based database of learning resources which is created by and for learners. CoFIND is designed to exploit principles of evolution and self-organisation to create an emergent structure to learning resources. Through the manipulation of learner-supplied metadata such as classifications and ratings, this structure shapes itself to the needs of the learners who create it, providing something akin to guidance traditionally supplied by a teacher. The chapter starts with a discussion of the weaknesses of existing means for groups of learners to discover learning resources including search engines, directories, seals of approval, and collaborative filters. It considers a range of methods by which self-organisation is achieved in natural systems (notably evolution and stigmergy) and which underpin the CoFIND system. CoFIND is described and examples are given of some of its uses. The authors discuss some issues which arise, especially its cold-start problem, influences of surrounding systems and the role of motivation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of potential future directions for CoFIND and identifies some other aspects of learning environments which may benefit from such a self-organising system.
Support for Dynamic Trading and Runtime Adaptability in Mobile Environments
Authors: Kostkova Patty , McCann Julie A.
Published: January 2011

In this chapter we describe MAGNET, a tuplespace-based framework for dynamic trading of services addressing the needs of application in frequently-changing mobile environments. In addition to user-customized trading, MAGNET enables adaptation to a changed environment by supporting constant monitoring of selected information, mobile adaptability and scalability. In addition to presenting the MAGNET architecture and demonstrating its key features, this chapter brings an overview of dynamic trading in mobile systems and presents a theoretical framework for reconfigurability and adaptability. Firstly, we argue that a key characteristic of mobile applications is the need for up-to-date location-dependent information, and adaptability to local configurations while the physical location of users changes frequently. Then, we discuss MAGNET – a model for dynamic trading and its implementation using a tuplespace paradigm. Further, we provide an extensive description of the support for information monitoring, dynamic adaptability and scalability. Presented features are illustrated on a typical real-world scenario – adaptable resource allocation.
A Review of Experiments on Natural Language Interfaces
Authors: Chuan Hock Chuan , Lim John
Published: January 2011

This chapter provides a review, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, of experimental studies on natural language interfaces. As data utilization is an important aspect of information systems, numerous experimental studies have been conducted on user performance involving database-related tasks with various database models and/or languages. We propose a two-dimensional conceptual framework aimed at classifying and systematically analyzing these studies, in order to provide a bigger picture facilitating systematic understanding of this body of research. The classification exercise shows that studies involving natural language interfaces did not have very consistent findings. Correspondingly, we applied the meta-analytic technique to attempt to gain insight into these differences.
The Development of Ordered SQL Packages in Peer-to-Peer Data Warehousing Environments
Authors: Ng Wilfred , Levene Mark
Published: January 2011

This chapter discusses how the capabilities of database languages are enhanced to manipulate user-defined data orderings within the framework of the Ordered Relational Model (the ORM), which incorporates partial orderings into data domains. The motivation for applying the ORM in data warehousing environment is that business queries in an enterprise usually involve order. We have already defined and implemented Ordered SQL (OSQL), which allows users to capture the underlying semantics of the ordering of the data for a given application. Herein we demonstrate that OSQL aided with a package discipline can be an effective means to manage the inter-related operations and the underlying data domains of a wide range of advanced applications that are vital in data warehousing, such as temporal, incomplete, and fuzzy information. We also discuss the employment of OSQL system with three packages of OSQL_TIME, OSQL_INCOMP, and OSQL_FUZZY over a Peer-to-Peer network. Using our suggested framework, the data content of a data warehouse can be better adapted in a dynamic environment.
Implementation Techniques for Extensible Object Storage Systems
Authors: Ahn Jung-Ho , Song Ha-Joo , Kim Hyoung-Joo
Published: January 2011

An efficient object manager, a middle layer on top of a storage system, is essential to ensure acceptable performance of object-oriented database systems, since a traditional record-based storage system is too simple to provide object abstraction. In this chapter, we design and implement an extensible object storage system, called Soprano, in an object-oriented fashion which has shown great potential in extensibility and code reusability. Soprano provides a uniform object abstraction and gives us the convenience of persistent programming through many useful persistent classes. Also, Soprano supports efficient object management and pointer swizzling for fast object access. This chapter investigates several aspects of the design and implementation of the extensible object storage system. Our experience shows the feasibility of using an object-oriented design and implementation in building an object storage system that should have both extensibility and high performance.
Methodology Evaluation Framework for Component-Based System Development
Authors: Dahanayake Ajantha , Sol Henk , Stojanovic Zoran
Published: January 2011

Components are already prominent in the implementation and deployment of advanced distributed information systems. Part and parcel of this development are the effective Component Based Development (CBD) methodology encompassing methods, tools, and techniques that effectively target the existing component based technology. Current CBD methodologies lack a comprehensive component based concept structure. They handle components mainly at the implementation and deployment phases still, which are heavily influenced by UML notations. In this paper, a presentation is made of an evaluation framework which highlights the extent to which a methodology is component-oriented. Current CBD methods and approaches do not provide full support for various component concepts. Therefore, a CBD method sample was evaluated using the framework’s concepts and requirements. CBD method improvements are proposed based on the evaluation. The improved approach suggests the use of the standard RM-ODP as an underlying framework, to provide consistent, systematic, and integrated CBD methodology engineering support throughout the lifecycle.
Software Agents for Mobile Commerce Services Support
Authors: Matskin Mihhail , Tveit Amund
Published: January 2011

This chapter considers an application of software agents to mobile commerce services provision. With the increasing number of e-commerce services for mobile devices, there are challenges in making these services more personalized and in taking into account the severely constrained bandwidth and restricted user interface these devices currently provide. In this chapter we present an agent-based platform for support of mobile commerce using wireless devices. Agents represent mobile device customers in the network by implementing highly personalized customer profiles. The platform allows customization and adaptation of mobile commerce services as well as pro-active processing and notification of important events. Information to the customers is delivered via both an access to the Internet and SMS messages. Usage of the platform is illustrated by examples of valued customer membership services and subscription services support. We hope that the presented work demonstrates benefits of software agents as assistants in mobile commerce services.
Virtual Character Definition and Animation within the MPEG-4 Standard
Authors: Preda Marius , Salomie Ioan A. , Preteux Françoise , Lafruit Gauthier
Published: January 2011

Besides being one of the well-known audio/video coding techniques, MPEG-4 provides additional coding tools dedicated to virtual character animation. The motivation of considering virtual character definition and animation issues within MPEG-4 is first presented. Then, it is shown how MPEG-4, Amendment 1 offers an appropriate framework for virtual human stream is presented and discussed in terms of a generic representation and additional functionalities. The biomechanical properties, modeled by means of the character skeleton that defines the bone influence on the skin region, as well as the local spatial deformations simulating muscles, are supported by specific nodes. Animating the virtual character consists in instantiating bone transformations and muscle control curves. Interpolation techniques, inverse kinematics, discrete cosine transform and arithmetic encoding techniques make it possible to provide a highly compressed animation stream. Within a dedicated modeling approach — the so-called MeshGrid — we show how the bone and muscle-based animation mechanism is applied to deform the 3D space around a humanoid.
Real-Time Analysis of Human Body Parts and Gesture-Activity Recognition in 3D
Authors: Ozer Burak , Lv Tiehan , Wolf Wayne
Published: January 2011

This chapter focuses on real-time processing techniques for the reconstruction of visual information from multiple views and its analysis for human detection and gesture and activity recognition. It presents a review of the main components of three-dimensional visual processing techniques and visual analysis of multiple cameras, i.e., projection of three-dimensional models onto two-dimensional images and three-dimensional visual reconstruction from multiple images. It discusses real-time aspects of these techniques and shows how these aspects affect the software and hardware architectures. Furthermore, the authors present their multiple-camera system to investigate the relationship between the activity recognition algorithms and the architectures required to perform these tasks in real time. The chapter describes the proposed activity recognition method that consists of a distributed algorithm and a data fusion scheme for two and three-dimensional visual analysis, respectively. The authors analyze the available data independencies for this algorithm and discuss the potential architectures to exploit the parallelism resulting from these independencies.
Modeling and Synthesis of Realistic Visual Speech in 3D
Authors: Kalberer Gregor A. , Müller Pascal , Van Gool Luc
Published: January 2011

The problem of realistic face animation is a difficult one. This is hampering a further breakthrough of some high-tech domains, such as special effects in the movies, the use of 3D face models in communications, the use of avatars and likenesses in virtual reality, and the production of games with more subtle scenarios. This work attempts to improve on the current state-of-the-art in face animation, especially for the creation of highly realistic lip and speech-related motions. To that end, 3D models of faces are used and — based on the latest technology — speech-related 3D face motion will be learned from examples. Thus, the chapter subscribes to the surging field of image-based modeling and widens its scope to include animation. The exploitation of detailed 3D motion sequences is quite unique, thereby narrowing the gap between modeling and animation. From measured 3D face deformations around the mouth area, typical motions are extracted for different “visemes”. Visemes are the basic motion patterns observed for speech and are comparable to the phonemes of auditory speech. The visemes are studied with sufficient detail to also cover natural variations and differences between individuals. Furthermore, the transition between visemes is analyzed in terms of co-articulation effects, i.e., the visual blending of visemes as required for fluent, natural speech. The work presented in this chapter also encompasses the animation of faces for which no visemes have been observed and extracted. The “transplantation” of visemes to novel faces for which no viseme data have been recorded and for which only a static 3D model is available allows for the animation of faces without an extensive learning procedure for each individual.
Automatic 3D Face Model Adaptation with Two Complexity Modes for Visual Communication
Authors: Kampmann Markus , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2011

This chapter introduces a complete framework for automatic adaptation of a 3D face model to a human face for visual communication applications like video conferencing or video telephony. First, facial features in a facial image are estimated. Then, the 3D face model is adapted using the estimated facial features. This framework is scalable with respect to complexity. Two complexity modes, a low complexity and a high complexity mode, are introduced. For the low complexity mode, only eye and mouth features are estimated and the low complexity face model Candide is adapted. For the high complexity mode, a more detailed face model is adapted, using eye and mouth features, eyebrow and nose features, and chin and cheek contours. Experimental results with natural videophone sequences show that with this framework automatic 3D face model adaptation with high accuracy is possible.
Critical Issues for Educators and Trainers
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M.
Published: January 2011

In our last chapter, we explored the competencies and best practices needed to be successful in distance education. This chapter will continue to lay this foundation with a discussion of critical issues for educators and trainers. One of the first things to consider when creating or taking a new course at a distance is your own philosophy of education. Reviewing research studies can help educators, trainers, and learners understand the applications and practices that work in this setting. The concept of distance education as an innovation and the impact of technology in a global society are important as we consider the audience, access, and impact of distance education. Questions to guide your thoughts for this chapter are: What is the “no significant difference phenomenon” and how does research provide the theory to help guide the design, delivery, and evaluation of distance learning programs?
Learning Theories
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M. , Murphy Tim
Published: January 2011

In the last chapter, we discussed critical issues that impact the design and delivery of distance education programs. You were asked to write your own philosophy of education statement to serve as the foundation for your instructional decision making. For our final chapter in Part I -Foundations, we will introduce the historical and philosophical frameworks that continue to guide and direct instructional decisions—learning theory. Consider these questions as you read: Which learning theory best matches my own philosophy of education? What are some assumptions about the nature of learning that are built upon theory? How can I apply learning theory when developing and using practices in distance education?
Systematic Instructional Design
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M. , Hirumi Atsusi
Published: January 2011

In Part II, we explored adult learning principles, learner differences, and engaging learners to promote self-directed learning. Now, in Part III, we will examine systematic instructional design, including the student- or learner-centered approaches that promote lifelong learning. Although many trainers and instructors serve as both the content specialist and instructional designer, some institutions use a team approach with various people providing expertise. This chapter provides an overview of learner-centered instruction and instructional design models to help you or a team of developers conceptualize instructional planning. What are the components of instructional design? What is meant by teacher-centered versus learner-centered paradigms of instruction? How can we design instruction that will promote active learning and the use of critical and creative thinking skills?
Learner-Centered Assessment and Facilitation Techniques
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M. , Boyd Barry , Kelsey Kathleen , Hirumi Atsusi
Published: January 2011

You have just finished grading the first exam and the results are in. What does the grade really mean? Did the participants of the course or program learn? How do you know? How will you assess learning at a distance? A fundamental step in systematic instructional design and delivery is deciding how to assess learning outcomes. A well-written instructional objective includes outcome measures. Making certain that the assessment strategies match the objectives is an important first step, a step that must not be overlooked. A frequent concern raised by distance educators is that online delivery takes more time to facilitate and assess than traditional classrooms. In this chapter, we will discuss the use of formative evaluation and authentic assessment techniques to determine instructional effectiveness and learning outcomes. To establish viable online programs, we need to optimize the amount of time educators spend online. Tactics for optimizing time spent facilitating online learning will conclude the chapter.
Course and Program Management
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M.
Published: January 2011

Now that we have covered technology knowledge and skills, it is time to review other issues that can impact success in a distance course or program. A major consideration is course or program management. This is an area with a variety of policies and guidelines. Course and program policies, procedures, and management may be coordinated by a centralized unit within an institution, but instructors and instructional designers need to be aware of the applications of management issues. What are the policies and procedures that should be implemented to ensure that best practices are met?
Evaluating Distance Education Programs Using Best Practices
Authors: Dooley Kim E. , Linder James R. , Dooley Larry M. , Kelsey Kathleen
Published: January 2011

In the previous chapter, we explored a variety of administrative issues relevant to distance education. One important component is to determine if the program being offered at a distance is successful. Systematic evaluation allows the program planners and administrators to make this determination. The process of determining the merit, worth, or value of something, or the product of that process is evaluation. Terms used to refer to this process include “appraise,” “analyze,” “assess,” “critique,” “examine,” “grade,” “inspect,” “judge,” “rate,” “rank,” “review,” “study,” and “test” (Scriven, 1991, p. 139). What are indicators of quality or best practice? What tools or strategies can you use for program evaluation?
A Generic Adaptation Framework for Web-Based Hypermedia Systems
Authors: Paramythis Alexandros , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: January 2011

This chapter introduces a framework intended for facilitating the implementation of Web-based adaptive hypermedia systems. The framework is orthogonal to Web “serving” approaches, and poses only minimal requirements in that direction. As such, it can be easily integrated into existing, non-adaptive Web-publishing solutions. This chapter presents in detail several aspects of the framework, and provides an overview of its application in the European Commission-funded IST-1999-20656 PALIO project (“Personalised Access to Local Information and Services for Tourists”). Furthermore, it discusses some of the lessons learned from our work on the framework thus far, as well as what we consider the most likely directions of future work in the area.
A Survey of Web-Usage Mining
Authors: Koutri Martha , Avouris Nikolaos , Daskalaki Sophia
Published: January 2011

This chapter discusses Web usage mining techniques that can be applied for building adaptive hypermedia systems. These techniques are used for uncovering hidden patterns within Web access data and then for building the user model that lies in the heart of each adaptive system. Web access data, traditionally stored in the server log files, constitute a rich source of data collected in a non-intrusive way that guards the privacy of users. Several Web usage mining approaches have been proposed for exposing usage patterns, with the most prominent ones being cluster mining, association rule mining, and sequential pattern mining. This chapter provides an overview of the state of the art in research of Web usage mining, and discusses the most relevant criteria for deciding on the suitability of these techniques for building an adaptive Web site. Moreover, the different types of patterns revealed from Web usage mining are correlated with different adaptation aspects.
Information Imperfection as an Inherent Characteristic of Adaptive Hypermedia
Authors: Sicila Miguel-Ángel , Barriocanal Elena García
Published: January 2011

daptive hypermedia applications are aimed at tailoring hypermedia structures according to some form of user model, in an attempt to increase the usability and utility of the application for each individual or group. Existing research in the field has resulted in many systems, techniques, and paradigms, both for modelling user data and for the subsequent exploitation of such model for the sake of personalisation. As a matter of fact, the majority of adaptive hypermedia systems work with user models that are imperfect in some way, and the theories or hypotheses that guide adaptation are also often of a heuristic or approximate nature. Although some existing systems provide explicit means for dealing with imperfection in one or several of its multiple facets, there exists a lack of support for information imperfection in adaptive hypermedia models and architectures. In an attempt to provide such conceptual support, the MAZE model was proposed as a generalisation of an existing abstract hypermedia model, providing built-in support for fuzzy set-theoretic notions. This chapter provides an overall account of the MAZE model, along with its rationale, and an overview of a possible instance of a MAZE-based architecture. In addition, the use of MAZE to model common adaptive hypermedia technologies is illustrated through a concrete case study.
Adaptive Hypermedia for Personalised TV
Authors: Masthoff Judith , Pemberton Lyn
Published: January 2011

Adaptive hypermedia techniques have until now been applied mainly to Web pages populated by text and images. In this chapter, we explore how these techniques can be extended to time-based media, particularly in the domain of interactive television. Using illustrative examples from the UK television industry, we discuss the range of TV-based interactivity. Concentrating on enhancements to the digital broadcast stream, we discuss the relevance of the techniques compiled by Brusilovsky (2001) when applied to situations where the dominant media are not text and stills, but video and audio.
Problems and Pitfalls in the Evaluation of Adaptive Systems
Authors: Weibelzahl Stephan
Published: January 2011

Empirical studies with adaptive systems offer many advantages and opportunities. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evaluation studies. This chapter lists several problems and pitfalls that arise when evaluating an adaptive system, and provides guidelines and recommendations for workarounds or even avoidance of these problems. Among other things the following issues are covered: relating evaluation studies to the development cycle; saving resources; specifying control conditions, sample, and criteria; asking users for adaptivity effects; reporting results. An overview of existing evaluation frameworks shows which of these problems have been addressed and in which way.
Combinatorial Fusion Analysis
Authors: Hsu D. Frank , Chung Yun-Sheng , Kristal Bruce S.
Published: January 2011

Combination methods have been investigated as a possible means to improve performance in multi-variable (multi-criterion or multi-objective) classification, prediction, learning, and optimization problems. In addition, information collected from multi-sensor or multi-source environment also often needs to be combined to produce more accurate information, to derive better estimation, or to make more knowledgeable decisions. In this chapter, we present a method, called Combinatorial Fusion Analysis (CFA), for analyzing combination and fusion of multiple scoring. CFA characterizes each Scoring system as having included a Score function, a Rank function, and a Rank/score function. Both rank combination and score combination are explored as to their combinatorial complexity and computational efficiency. Information derived from the scoring characteristics of each scoring system is used to perform system selection and to decide method combination. In particular, the rank/score graph defined by Hsu, Shapiro and Taksa (Hsu et al., 2002; Hsu & Taksa, 2005) is used to measure the diversity between scoring systems. We illustrate various applications of the framework using examples in information retrieval and biomedical informatics.
Efficient and Robust Analysis of Large Phylogenetic Datasets
Authors: Rahmann Sven , Muller Tobias , Dandekar Thomas , Wolf Matthias
Published: January 2011

The goal of phylogenetics is to reconstruct ancestral relationships between different taxa, e.g., different species in the tree of life, by means of certain characters, such as genomic sequences. We consider the prominent problem of reconstructing the basal phylogenetic tree topology when several subclades have already been identified or are well known by other means, such as morphological characteristics. Whereas most available tools attempt to estimate a fully resolved tree from scratch, the profile neighbor-joining (PNJ) method focuses directly on the mentioned problem and has proven a robust and efficient method for large-scale datasets, especially when used in an iterative way. We describe an implementation of this idea, the ProfDist software package, which is freely available, and apply the method to estimate the phylogeny of the eukaryotes. Overall, the PNJ approach provides a novel effective way to mine large sequence datasets for relevant phylogenetic information.
Pattern Differentiations and Formulations for Heterogeneous Genomic Data through Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Kelemen Arpad , Liang Yulan
Published: January 2011

Pattern differentiations and formulations are two main research tracks for heterogeneous genomic data pattern analysis. In this chapter, we develop hybrid methods to tackle the major challenges of power and reproducibility of the dynamic differential gene temporal patterns. The significant differentially expressed genes are selected not only from significant statistical analysis of microarrays but also supergenes resulting from singular value decomposition for extracting the gene components which can maximize the total predictor variability. Furthermore, hybrid clustering methods are developed based on resulting profiles from several clustering methods. We demonstrate the developed hybrid analysis through an application to a time course gene expression data from interferon-b-1a treated multiple sclerosis patients. The resulting integrated-condensed clusters and overrepresented gene lists demonstrate that the hybrid methods can successfully be applied. The post analysis includes function analysis and pathway discovery to validate the findings of the hybrid methods.
Paramaterless Clustering Techniques for Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Tseng Vincent S. , Kao Ching-Pin
Published: January 2011

In recent years, clustering analysis has even become a valuable and useful tool for in-silico analysis of microarray or gene expression data. Although a number of clustering methods have been proposed, they are confronted with difficulties in meeting the requirements of automation, high quality, and high efficiency at the same time. In this chapter, we discuss the issue of parameterless clustering technique for gene expression analysis. We introduce two novel, parameterless and efficient clustering methods that fit for analysis of gene expression data. The unique feature of our methods is they incorporate the validation techniques into the clustering process so that high quality results can be obtained. Through experimental evaluation, these methods are shown to outperform other clustering methods greatly in terms of clustering quality, efficiency, and automation on both of synthetic and real data sets.
A Haplotype Analysis System for Genes Discovery of Common Diseases
Authors: Kido Takashi
Published: January 2011

This chapter introduces computational methods for detecting complex disease loci with haplotype analysis. It argues that the haplotype analysis, which plays a major role in the study of population genetics, can be computationally modeled and systematically implemented as a means for detecting causative genes of complex diseases. In this chapter, the author provides a review of issues on haplotype analysis and proposes the analysis system which integrates a comprehensive spectrum of functions on haplotype analysis for supporting disease association studies. The explanation of the system and some real examples of the haplotype analysis will not only provide researchers with better understanding of current theory and practice of genetic association studies, but also present a computational perspective on the gene discovery research for the common diseases.
A Bayesian Framework for Improving Clustering Accuracy of Protein Sequences Based on Association Rules
Authors: Yin Peng-Yeng , Shyu Shyong-Jian , Huang Guan-Shieng , Liao Shuang-Te
Published: January 2011

With the advent of new sequencing technology for biological data, the number of sequenced proteins stored in public databases has become an explosion. The structural, functional, and phylogenetic analyses of proteins would benefit from exploring databases by using data mining techniques. Clustering algorithms can assign proteins into clusters such that proteins in the same cluster are more similar in homology than those in different clusters. This procedure not only simplifies the analysis task but also enhances the accuracy of the results. Most of the existing protein-clustering algorithms compute the similarity between proteins based on one-to-one pairwise sequence
In Silico Recognition of Protein-Protein Interaction
Authors: Park Byung-Hoon , Dam Phuongan , Pan Chongle , Xu Ying , Geist Al , Heffelfinger Grant , Samatova Nagiza F.
Published: January 2011

Protein-protein interactions are fundamental to cellular processes. They are responsible for phenomena like DNA replication, gene transcription, protein translation, regulation of metabolic pathways, immunologic recognition, signal transduction, etc. The identification of interacting proteins is therefore an important prerequisite step in understanding their physiological functions. Due to the invaluable importance to various biophysical activities, reliable computational methods to infer protein-protein interactions from either structural or genome sequences are in heavy demand lately. Successful predictions, for instance, will facilitate a drug design process and the reconstruction of metabolic or regulatory networks. In this chapter, we review: (a) high-throughput experimental methods for identification of protein-protein interactions, (b) existing databases of protein-protein interactions, (c) computational approaches to predicting protein-protein interactions at both residue and protein levels, (d) various statistical and machine learning techniques to model protein-protein interactions, and (e) applications of protein-protein interactions in predicting protein functions. We also discuss intrinsic drawbacks of the existing approaches and future research directions.
Comparative Genome Annotation Systems
Authors: Choi Kwangmin , Kim Sun
Published: January 2011

Understanding the genetic content of a genome is a very important but challenging task. One of the most effective methods to annotate a genome is to compare it to the genomes that are already sequenced and annotated. This chapter is to survey systems that can be used for annotating genomes by comparing multiple genomes and discusses important issues in designing genome comparison systems such as extensibility, scalability, reconfigurability, flexibility, usability, and data mining functionality. We also discuss briefly further issues in developing genome comparison systems where users can perform genome comparison flexibly on the sequence analysis level.
Enterprise Reconfiguration Dynamics and Business Alignment
Authors: Putnik G. D. , Manuela Cunham M. , Conceição Cortes B. , Silva Ávila P.
Published: January 2011

The phenomenon of the enterprise organizational reconfiguration and its dynamics as a business alignment enabler is discussed. Business alignment means the enterprise’s actions undertaken to gain synergy between the business; that is, the market opportunity and the provision of the required, or innovative, product, with the required, or designed, specifications at the required, or proper, time, with the lowest cost and best possible return (financial or other). The enterprise’s organization “fast reconfiguration,” either as a proactive or as a reactive action, or “fast adaptation” or “flexibility” (as a “reactive” action), is seen as the main enabler of business alignment and the main requirement for achieving competitiveness. The need to keep a close alignment with the dynamic market environment in permanent change implies the high dynamics of the organizations’ organization, or organizational structure, reconfiguration. The first part of the text presents enterprise’s requirements for competitiveness and business alignment, while the second part discusses the phenomenon of the enterprise reconfigurability as the business alignment enabler. In the third part, an analysis of some organizational and management approaches, from the reconfigurability point of view, is presented. The text ends with a conclusion and references.
Co-Engineering Business, Information Use, and Operations Systems for IT-Enabled Adaptation
Authors: Ramanathan J.
Published: January 2011

Today’s service-oriented organizations must embrace variation and learn to adapt to an externally driven environment. They also must deal with increasing complexity among entities business processes, internal/external organizations, enterprise software and assets. We refer to enabling methods, such as Adaptive Complex Enterprise (ACE) architecture. The holistic ACE architecture here is based on complete dynamic performance traceability of interacting entities as they produce value. The architecture is operationalized through the related co-engineering methodology of this chapter. With traceability, the business agents have the information for decision-making and adaptation, using information technology (IT) as needed. The unified business-IT architecture approach here is easier than applying a plethora of disconnected business, system engineering and IT frameworks. We use examples to show the resulting analysis for continuous improvement both in the immediate and longer time frames. Benefits occur from the roles of all stakeholders—the business, internal, and external organizations, as well as IT.
Holistic Approach to Align ICT Capabilities with Business Integration
Authors: Rabaey M. , Tromp H. , Vandenborre K.
Published: January 2011

In this ever faster changing world, organizations have to adapt quickly to changes in the market or its environment. Business integration, within one or between multiple organizations, is one of these changes imposed on organizations. In some cases, information and communication technology (ICT) is an enabler of an effective and efficient integration, but in other cases, ICT is one of the reasons of failure to this integration. In this chapter, a holistic approach to align ICT capabilities with business integration is proposed. In this proposal, a broader perspective is taken in which not only ICT, but also cultural and social aspects, are taken into account.
Managing Information Systems Integration in Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Carlsson S. A.
Published: January 2011

In this chapter, we focus the role of information systems (IS) integration in the context of corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We address the domain from a management perspective and especially target the consequences IS integration has for the acquisition initiative. Based on a literature review, the chapter presents a framework for describing, explaining and managing IS integration in M&As. The framework is suitable both for academics conducting scientific research on IS in M&As as well as business professionals considering an acquisition or merger. The usefulness and validity of the framework is shown by a case study: the Trelleborg Industrial Hose acquisition and IS integration. Based on the framework, the case and relevant literature lessons learned and future research needs are presented and discussed.
The Impact of the Process Integration on Business Management
Authors: Aggogeri F.
Published: January 2011

This chapter explains how the successful theories about process integration can be implemented in different industrial fields by introducing a rigorous methodology. Starting from the consideration that processes must be managed to achieve customer satisfaction, the companies necessitate changing their old paradigms and focusing on an integrated management of their functions. In this chapter, the proposed solution is the Six Sigma methodology. It can be applied to every industrial field, anywhere the need for a global, shared objective and improvement is advised. To better show the opportunities and advantages, due to the implementation of Six Sigma in business strategies and activities, three case studies are discussed.