bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in High-Field BOLD fMRI
Authors: Barth Markus , Poser Benedikt A.
Published: November 2011

This review article examines the current state of BOLD fMRI at a high magnetic field strength of 7 Tesla. The following aspects are covered: a short description of the BOLD contrast, spatial and temporal resolution, BOLD sensitivity, localization and spatial specificity, technical challenges as well as an outlook on future developments are given. It is shown that the main technical challenges of performing BOLD fMRI at high magnetic field strengths—namely development of array coils, imaging sequences and parallel imaging reconstruction—have been solved successfully. The combination of these developments has lead to the availability of high-resolution BOLD fMRI protocols that are able to cover the whole brain with a repetition time (TR) shorter than 3 s. The structural information available from these high-resolution fMRI images itself is already very detailed, which helps to co-localize structure and function. Potential future applications include whole-brain connectivity analysis on a laminar resolution and single subject examinations.
Polyamide 6 Nanocomposites with Inorganic Particles Modified with Three Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Araujo Edcleide Maria , Leite Amanda Melissa Damião , Paz Rene Anisio da , Medeiros Vanessa da Nóbrega , Melo Tomas Jeferson Alves de , Lira Hélio de Lucena
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to obtain polyamide 6 nanocomposites with national organically modified clay with three quaternary ammonium salts. The obtained results confirm the intercalation of molecules of salt in the clay layers, and a good interaction with the polymer, showing the formation of intercalated and/or partially exfoliated structures. The nanocomposites showed similar thermal stability compared to pure polymer, and the mechanical properties presented interesting and promising results.
Toughening of a Carbon-Fibre Composite Using Electrospun Poly(Hydroxyether of Bisphenol A) Nanofibrous Membranes Through Inverse Phase Separation and Inter-Domain Etherification
Authors: Magniez Kevin , Chaffraix Thomas , Fox Bronwyn
Published: November 2011

The interlaminar toughening of a carbon fibre reinforced composite by interleaving a thin layer (~20 microns) of poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) (phenoxy) nanofibres was explored in this work. Nanofibres, free of defect and averaging several hundred nanometres, were produced by electrospinning directly onto a pre-impregnated carbon fibre material (Toray G83C) at various concentrations between 0.5 wt % and 2 wt %. During curing at 150 °C, phenoxy diffuses through the epoxy resin to form a semi interpenetrating network with an inverse phase type of morphology where the epoxy became the co-continuous phase with a nodular morphology. This type of morphology improved the fracture toughness in mode I (opening failure) and mode II (in-plane shear failure) by up to 150% and 30%, respectively. Interlaminar shear stress test results showed that the interleaving did not negatively affect the effective in-plane strength of the composites. Furthermore, there was some evidence from DMTA and FT-IR analysis to suggest that inter-domain etherification between the residual epoxide groups with the pendant hydroxyl groups of the phenoxy occurred, also leading to an increase in glass transition temperature (~7.5 °C).
Sulfated-Polysaccharide Fraction from Red Algae Gracilaria caudata Protects Mice Gut Against Ethanol-Induced Damage
Authors: Silva Renan Oliveira , Santos Geice Maria Pereira dos , Nicolau Lucas Antonio Duarte , Lucetti Larisse Tavares , Santana Ana Paula Macedo , Chaves Luciano de Souza , Barros Francisco Clark Nogueira , Freitas Ana Lúcia Ponte , Souza Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte , Medeiros Jand-Venes Rolim
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastroprotective activity of a sulfated-polysaccharide (PLS) fraction extracted from the marine red algae Gracilaria caudata and the mechanism underlying the gastroprotective activity. Male Swiss mice were treated with PLS (3, 10, 30 and 90 mg·kg−1, p.o.), and after 30 min, they were administered 50% ethanol (0.5 mL/25 g−1, p.o.). One hour later, gastric damage was measured using a planimeter. Samples of the stomach tissue were also obtained for histopathological assessment and for assays of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Other groups were pretreated with l-NAME (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.), dl-propargylglycine (PAG, 50 mg·kg−1, p.o.) or glibenclamide (5 mg·kg−1, i.p.). After 1 h, PLS (30 mg·kg−1, p.o.) was administered. After 30 min, ethanol 50% was administered (0.5 mL/25g−1, p.o.), followed by sacrifice after 60 min. PLS prevented-ethanol-induced macroscopic and microscopic gastric injury in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with l-NAME or glibenclamide reversed this gastroprotective effect. Administration of propargylglycine did not influence the effect of PLS. Our results suggest that PLS has a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric damage in mice via activation of the NO/KATP pathway.
Small Molecule Library Synthesis Using Segmented Flow
Authors: Thompson Christina M. , Poole Jennifer L. , Cross Jeffrey L. , Akritopoulou-Zanze Irini , Djuric Stevan W.
Published: November 2011

Flow chemistry has gained considerable recognition as a simple, efficient, and safe technology for the synthesis of many types of organic and inorganic molecules ranging in scope from large complex natural products to silicon nanoparticles. In this paper we describe a method that adapts flow chemistry to the synthesis of libraries of compounds using a fluorous immiscible solvent as a spacer between reactions. The methodology was validated in the synthesis of two small heterocycle containing libraries. The reactions were performed on a 0.2 mmol scale, enabling tens of milligrams of material to be generated in a single 200 mL reaction plug. The methodology allowed library synthesis in half the time of conventional microwave synthesis while maintaining similar yields. The ability to perform multiple, potentially unrelated reactions in a single run is ideal for making small quantities of many different compounds quickly and efficiently.
Temperature Field Analysis for PZT Pyroelectric Cells for Thermal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hsiao Chun-Ching , Ciou Jing-Chih , Siao An-Shen , Lee Chi-Yuan
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes the idea of etching PZT to improve the temperature variation rate of a thicker PZT sheet in order to enhance the energy conversion efficiency when used as pyroelectric cells. A partially covered electrode was proven to display a higher output response than a fully covered electrode did. A mesh top electrode monitored the temperature variation rate and the electrode area. The mesh electrode width affected the distribution of the temperature variation rate in a thinner pyroelectric material. However, a pyroelectric cell with a thicker pyroelectric material was beneficial in generating electricity pyroelectrically. The PZT sheet was further etched to produce deeper cavities and a smaller electrode width to induce lateral temperature gradients on the sidewalls of cavities under homogeneous heat irradiation, enhancing the temperature variation rate.
Educational Gradient in HIV Diagnosis Delay, Mortality, Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation and Response in a Country with Universal Health Care
Authors: Sobrino-Vegas Paz , Rodríguez-Urrego Johana , Berenguer Juan , Caro-Murillo Ana María , Blanco José Ramón , Viciana Pompeyo , Moreno Santiago , Bernardino Ignacio , del Amo Julia , CoRIS
Published: November 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to analyse associations between educational level and delayed HIV diagnosis (DD), late initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), overall and in subjects with timely HIV diagnosis, virological and immunological responses to cART, and mortality from HIV diagnosis and cART initiation.

Methods

This was a multicentre cohort study of HIV-positive treatment-naive subjects in Spain between 2004–2009. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used.

Results

Of 4,549 subjects, 44.5% had low education level (LOW), 34.4% medium education level (MED) and 21.1% high education level (HIG). In men, DD was more common in MED (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.0, 1.7]) or LOW [OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.4, 2.3)] compared to HIG. In women, the opposite was observed; women with HIG were 40% more likely to have DD than those with LOW (OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.8, 2.5]). In individuals with timely HIV diagnoses, percentages of late cART initiators were similar (LOW 9.5%, MED 11.4% and HIG 7.0%; P=0.114). Immunological (LOW 68%, MED 76% and HIG 84%) and virological (LOW 76%, MED 83% and HIG 86%) responses to cART increased significantly with educational level; these increases remained significant in multivariate analyses. Mortality for LOW subjects was higher than for HIG, from HIV diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3 [95% CI 1.1, 4.9]) and from cART initiation (HR 1.8 [95% CI 0.8, 3.9]).

Conclusions

We found important differences by educational level in diagnosis delay, virological and immunological responses to cART and mortality in a country with universal health care. Women with high educational level are at higher risk of having delayed HIV diagnoses. Educational level should be taken into account when designing HIV testing and clinical management strategies.
Polymorphisms in the Interleukin 4, Interleukin 13, and Corresponding Receptor Genes Are Not Associated with Systemic Sclerosis and Do Not Influence Gene Expression
Authors: BROEN JASPER C.A. , DIEUDE PHILLIPE , VONK MADELON C. , BERETTA LORENZO , CARMONA FRANCISCO D. , HERRICK ARIANE , WORTHINGTON JANE , HUNZELMANN NICHOLAS , RIEMEKASTEN GABRIELA , KIENER HANS , SCORZA RAFAELLA , SIMEON CARMEN P. , FONOLLOSA VICENT ,   the Spanish Systemic Sclerosis Group, CARREIRA PATRICIA , ORTEGO-CENTENO NORBERTO , GONZALEZ-GAY MIGUEL A. , AIRO’ PAOLO , COENEN MARIEKE J. , TSANG KELLY , ALIPRANTIS ANTONIOS O. , MARTIN JAVIER , ALLANORE YANNICK , RADSTAKE TIMOTHY R.D.J.
Published: November 2011

Objective.

Polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 13 (IL13), and their corresponding receptors have been associated with multiple immune-mediated diseases. Our aim was to validate these previous observations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and scrutinize the effect of the polymorphisms on gene expression in various populations of peripheral blood leukocytes.

Methods.

We genotyped a cohort of 2488 patients with SSc and 2246 healthy controls from The Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and France. Taqman assays were used to genotype single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the following genes: (1) IL4 (−590C>T/rs2243250); (2) IL4 receptor alpha (IL4RA) (Q576R/rs1801275); (3) IL13 (R130Q/rs20541 and −1112C>T/rs1800925); and (4) IL13RA1 (43163G>A/rs6646259). The effect of these polymorphisms on expression of the corresponding genes was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR on RNA derived from peripheral blood B cells, T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes, and myeloid dendritic cells. We investigated whether these polymorphisms influenced development of pulmonary complications over 15 years in patients with SSc.

Results.

None of the investigated polymorphisms was associated with SSc or any SSc clinical subtype. We did not observe any effect on transcript levels in the cell subtypes or on development of pulmonary complications.

Conclusion.

Our data showed that polymorphisms in IL4, IL13, and their receptors do not play a role in SSc and do not influence the expression of their corresponding transcript in peripheral blood cells.
Association of IL-12B Genetic Polymorphism with the Susceptibility and Disease Severity of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: WONG RUEY-HONG , WEI JAMES CHENG-CHUNG , HUANG CHUN-HUANG , LEE HONG-SHEN , CHIOU SHANG-YAN , LIN SHIN-HUA , CAI YAN-WEI , HUNG PEI-HSUAN , WANG MING-FUU , YANG SHUN-FA
Published: November 2011

Objective.

Interleukin 23 (IL-23) stimulates the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Binding of IL-23 to the IL-23 receptor complex activates Janus kinases 2 and tyrosine kinase 2, which phosphorylate IL-23R and subsequently promote the transcription of theIL-17gene.IL-12Bencodes a p40 subunit common to IL-12 and IL-23. We evaluated the effects ofIL-12BandIL-23Rgenotype on the occurrence and clinical features of AS.

Methods.

A total of 362 patients with AS and 362 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Genotypes ofIL-12BA1188C (rs3212227) andIL-23RC2370A (rs10889677) were identified by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment-length polymorphism. Disease activity and functional status were assessed by Bath AS indices.

Results.

Subjects carryingIL-12BCC [matched relative risk (RRm) 1.93, 95% CI 1.23–3.03] andIL-12BAC (RRm1.73, 95% CI 1.21–2.46) genotypes had a significantly greater risk of developing AS than subjects with theIL-12BAA genotype. Subjects carrying bothIL-12BCC andIL-23RAA genotypes also had a significantly higher risk (RRm2.98, 95% CI 1.51–5.89) of developing AS compared to those withIL-12BAA andIL-23RCC/CA genotypes, and this interaction betweenIL-12BandIL-23Rwas significant. Patients with AS who hadIL-12BCC andIL-12BAC genotypes had an obviously increased Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score compared to those who carried theIL-12BAA genotype (4.3 vs 3.7).

Conclusion.

TheIL-12BA1188C genotype was associated with the development and disease severity of AS.
A Structured Approach to Selecting Data Collection Mechanisms for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Larson Ulf E. , Jonsson Erland , Lindskog Stefan
Published: November 2011

This chapter aims at providing a clear and concise picture of data collection for intrusion detection. It provides a detailed explanation of generic data collection mechanism components and the interaction with the environment, from initial triggering to output of log data records. Taxonomies of mechanism characteristics and deployment considerations are provided and discussed. Furthermore, guidelines and hints for mechanism selection and deployment are provided. The guidelines are aimed to assist intrusion detection system developers, designers, and operators in selecting mechanisms for resource efficient data collection.
Usage of Broadcast Messaging in a Distributed Hash Table for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Czirkos Zoltán , Hosszú Gábor
Published: November 2011

In this chapter, the authors present a novel peer-to-peer based intrusion detection system called Komondor, more specifically, its internals regarding the utilized peer-to-peer transport layer. The novelty of our intrusion detection system is that it is composed of independent software instances running on different hosts and is organized into a peer-to-peer network. The maintenance of this overlay network does not require any user interaction. The applied P2P overlay network model enables the nodes to communicate evenly over an unstable network. The base of our Komondor NIDS is a P2P network similar to Kademlia. To achieve high reliability and availability, we had to modify the Kademlia overlay network in such a way so that it would be resistent to network failures and support broadcast messages. The main purpose of this chapter is to present our modifications and enhancements on Kademlia.
Detecting Denial of Service Attacks on SIP Based Services and Proposing Solutions
Authors: Asgharian Zoha , Asgharian Hassan , Akbari Ahmad , Raahemi Bijan
Published: November 2011

One of the main goals of employing Next Generation Networks (NGN) is an integrated access to the multimedia services like Voice over IP (VoIP), and IPTV. The primary signaling protocol in these multimedia services is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). This protocol, however, is vulnerable to attacks, which may impact the Quality of Service (QoS), which is an important feature in NGN. One of the most frequent attacks is Denial of Service (DoS) attack, which is generated easily, but its detection is not trivial. In this chapter, a framework is proposed to detect Denial of Service attacks and a few other forms of intrusions, and then we react accordingly. The proposed detection engine combines the specification- and anomaly-based intrusion detection techniques. The authors set up a test-bed and generate a labeled dataset. The traffic generated for the test-bed is composed of two types of SIP packets: attack and normal. They then record the detection rates and false alarms based on the labeled dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can successfully detect intruders and limit their accesses. The results also confirm that the framework is scalable and robust.
A Subspace-Based Analysis Method for Anomaly Detection in Large and High-Dimensional Network Connection Data Streams
Authors: Zhang Ji
Published: November 2011

A great deal of research attention has been paid to data mining on data streams in recent years. In this chapter, the authors carry out a case study of anomaly detection in large and high-dimensional network connection data streams using Stream Projected Outlier deTector (SPOT) that is proposed in (Zhang et al. 2009) to detect anomalies from data streams using subspace analysis. SPOT is deployed on the 1999 KDD CUP anomaly detection application. Innovative approaches for training data generation, anomaly classification, and false positive reduction are proposed in this chapter as well. Experimental results demonstrate that SPOT is effective and efficient in detecting anomalies from network data streams and outperforms existing anomaly detection methods.
Formal Methods for the Development and Verification of Autonomic IT Systems
Authors: Calinescu Radu , Kikuchi Shinji , Kwiatkowska Marta
Published: November 2011

This chapter explores ways in which rigorous mathematical techniques, termed formal methods, can be employed to improve the predictability and dependability of autonomic computing. Model checking, formal specification, and quantitative verification are presented in the contexts of conflict detection in autonomic computing policies, and of implementation of goal and utility-function policies in autonomic IT systems, respectively. Each of these techniques is illustrated using a detailed case study, and analysed to establish its merits and limitations. The analysis is then used as a basis for discussing the challenges and opportunities of this endeavour to transition the development of autonomic IT systems from the current practice of using ad-hoc methods and heuristic towards a more principled approach.
Autonomic Computing
Authors: Venkatarama Harish S. , Sekaran Kandasamy Chandra
Published: November 2011

Autonomic computing (Salehie & Tahvildari, 2005) is a new paradigm to design, develop, deploy, and manage systems by taking inspiration from strategies used by biological systems. An autonomic system has four major characteristics: self-configure, self-heal, self-optimize, and self-protect. The autonomic computing architecture provides a blueprint for developing feedback control loops for self-managing systems. This observation suggests that control theory might provide guidance as to the structure of and requirements for autonomic managers. E-commerce is an area where an Autonomic Computing system could be very effectively deployed. E-commerce has created demand for high quality information technology services, and businesses seek ways to improve the quality of service in a cost-effective way. Properly adjusting tuning parameters for best values is time-consuming and skills-intensive. This chapter describes simulation environments to implement approaches to automate the tuning of MaxClients parameter of Apache web server using fuzzy controllers. These are illustrations of the self-optimizing characteristic of an autonomic computing system.
Niche
Authors: Vlassov Vladimir , Al-Shishtawy Ahmad , Brand Per , Parlavantzas Nikos
Published: November 2011

We describe the overlay services, the execution environment, showing how the challenges in dynamic environments are met. We also describe the programming model and a high-level design methodology for developing decentralized management, illustrated by two application case studies.
Buffet or à la Carte
Authors: Verma Deepti , Gupta Gaurav , Keshav Kamat
Published: November 2011

Pricing strategy plays a key role in most organizations. The pricing decision of bundling or à la carte in the case of cable television industry is a long debated one. While consumers seem to favor the à la carte option, operators are persistent in continuing with the bundling options. In this chapter, we explore both sides of the argument. We then discuss several factors affecting the players in the eco-system of cable television industry; these include the subscriber-operator relationship, operator-distributor relationship, and the role of government policies affecting their decisions. In concluding we use these factors to conceptualize a framework that seeks to assist the players in the cable television industry in choosing an adequate pricing model.
Deriving Value from Platforms in IDM
Authors: Wei Sze , Khan Niazi Babar Zaman , Sarraf Satish Kumar
Published: November 2011

In this chapter, we will discuss what value is and how a firm in the Interactive Digital Marketplace may garner it with a fundamental technology option. Firms often come to a crossroad, choosing whether to keep a platform open or closed. This decision is never direct or ever simple. We explore the various value propositions that a firm may derive by keeping the platform open versus closed and see how the firm has to look both ways, inwards and outwards, to arrive at a solution. Market forces, though invisible, are strongly felt by the firm. This chapter also investigates how these forces affect this decision. Lastly, we propose an overarching framework that we hope may prove useful in aiding the reader with this difficult decision.
Can IPTV Survive in Singapore’s Small and Over-Crowded Market?
Authors: Yi Yang , Lin Li , Hoon Chua Bee
Published: November 2011

IPTV is a new technology that uses Internet Protocol technology to allow people to view high definition, time-shifted TV program. In this chapter we will discuss the definition and overview of IPTV, the current IPTV status, and popularity in different countries. We will focus on the Singapore market to discuss how IPTV can survive in Singapore’s small but over-crowded marketplace by analyzing and comparing current operations and situations of four IPTV services in Singapore and corresponding suggestions and improvements.
A Shop Bot for Web Market Intelligence
Authors: Morales-Arroyo Miguel A. , Yuan Foo Chee , Muar Lim Thian , Hwee Kwek Choon
Published: November 2011

With the large amount of information available in the WWW, the ability to distinguish relevant from irrelevant data becomes a crucial factor. In this project, eight web scraping spiders were configured and evaluated for their functionality in order to determine their suitability for Interactive Digital media (IDM) start-ups to be utilized for competitive intelligence gathering. These spiders were chosen from the internet because of their availability and low cost. Each spider was configured and tested on two web sites. The evaluation process was first carried out individually to give a score to the spiders and then as a team to moderate the scores. The Web Info Extractor has the highest overall score as a web scraping spider while the Web Content Extractor has the best task analysis result. After the evaluation process, it is concluded that different spiders have varying capabilities and thus are suitable for different tasks. A spider that can handle more complex tasks is usually inherently more complex to configure and less-user friendly. Hence, in order to select the correct spider, companies should understand the tasks undertaken by their customers through basic task analysis as well as the knowledge of the amount of resources that they have at their disposal when it comes to configuring and operating the spiders.
Smartphone Application Wave and Trends on Different Platforms
Authors: Yeo Irvine , Cong Jing , Soe Khin Mu Yar , Jing Fan
Published: November 2011

Smartphones have experienced exponential growth and this in itself changes the way consumers use mobile communications. Traditionally, a phone is used only for communicating via voice but the Smartphone has extended the functions to include music player, camera, web browsing and executing of other applications. This wave of change has affected the traditional business model of telecommunication companies as well as creates new opportunities for platform owners to gear towards full integration. This chapter seeks to explore and discuss these issues and opportunities revolving around the platform, trends, problems and opportunities.
Review of the Virtual World Community
Authors: Azeharie Reza Y.
Published: November 2011

This chapter provides a discussion and an analysis on the virtual world community from the economic and commercial angle to explore further its financial potential. A prominent virtual world called Second Life has been chosen as a proxy of the review. A background section is provided for readers unfamiliar with the concepts and colloquialisms of Second Life, and it is followed by an in-depth discussion of virtual economy and commerce. Understanding the essence of virtual world consumption is seen as necessary to realize the financial potential. It concludes with the need to abide by DRM rights and understand the line between fantasy fulfillment and entertainment when participating in the virtual world.
Impact of IDM on Healthcare
Authors: Stephanie Lena , Srinivasan Thomas , Lawale Apurva Deepak
Published: November 2011

This chapter discusses the impact of interactive digital media (IDM) on the healthcare industry. An overview of the e-health marketplace and business models is provided through a blended approach utilizing two conceptual frameworks, namely ADVISOR and Value Net. Significant macro-environmental forces impacting e-health initiatives are identified through PESTLE analysis for the reason that it is crucial for an e-health firm’s business model success and sustainability, to strategize and align itself favorably with these powerful forces of change.
Online Games for Children
Authors: Lei Li , Wanqiang Shen , Tat Edwin Tan Seng
Published: November 2011

This chapter studies the niche market segment of the gaming industry which is the educational games for children aged 3-12. Gaming behaviors including both positive and negative effects of online gaming on children were noted. A framework for developing an online children’s educational game is proposed. A prototype is developed to illustrate the use of the framework. Together with the proposed framework (and prototype), the ADVISOR framework has been used to discuss on the product platform, sales, and marketing strategies. The promotion of such online educational games is discussed based on the advertising and promotion strategies. The pricing strategy of the digital product will be discussed using the 3 Cs of pricing framework. Recommendations are suggested to help the online educational gaming industry to cross the chasm. The authors would like to propose the following set of CSR initiatives with alignment to government regulatory.
Saviours and Barbarians at the Gate
Authors: Mahizhnan Arun
Published: November 2011

This chapter is based on the Keynote Speech at International Workshop on Regulatory Policies for New Media at Leipzig on 23-25 September 2009. It addresses the tensions between the inevitable need for some kind of regulation of the new media and the essentially uncontrollable nature of the architecture and the function of the media. State-regulation, self-regulation, and co-regulation have each its own strengths and weaknesses as a regime, and there is no magic bullet for keeping the new media under control. Ultimately, self-control of the end user seems more critical to the outcome than externally imposed control regimes.
The Future of Television
Authors: Mingqing Xu , Wenjing Xu , Junming Zeng
Published: November 2011

The TV industry grew exponentially after World War II. In 1962, the percentage of American homes with a TV set reached ninety percent. Today the television not only brings entertainment but also serves as a form of cultural transportation. Furthermore, viewers have turned to watching digital content on a personal computer rather than watching programs on television. We believe in the near future, television will integrate more elements of information technology rather than vanish in the history. We use the ADVISOR model to define the scope of future television. We also use it to find how television in the future may create value, seize value, and add value into the service and products they provide. Finally, we find TV has become more than just an appliance for viewing broadcast programmes. It has become an important and integral part of the interactive digital media industry.
Cybersecurity
Authors: Canongia Claudia , Mandarino Raphael
Published: November 2011

This chapter introduces the theme of cybersecurity, its importance in the actual scenario, and the challenges of the new Information Society, whose critical development factors are the technological revolution and innovation. The revolution that the information and communications technologies (ICTs) has already brought to modern society is, without doubt, more than visible and concrete, but the great challenge facing us is to harmonize two dimensions, the first relating to the culture of sharing, socialization, and transparency, and the second relating to the issues of security, confidentiality, and privacy. It gives a broad overview in tabular form of the national cybersecurity strategies of the developed countries, United States and United Kingdom, as well as describing a study case, Brazil, is taking its first steps on the path towards cybersecurity. The chapter ends by proposing a model, the key elements for formulating a Brazilian cybersecurity strategy.
Evaluating IBMEC-RJ’s Intranet Usability Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Velloso Ana Beatriz Cavaleiro dos Reis , Gassenferth Walter , Machado Maria Augusta Soares
Published: November 2011

System usability is a concept that goes beyond the ease of use, and includes several criteria for measurement. This study aims to evaluate the usability and thus the quality of IBMEC-RJ’s Intranet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by the fact that it is of great assistance to teachers and students. The method is applied research through questionnaires. The universe of users was limited by a convenience sample of IBMEC. The methodology that had used Microsoft Excel and Matlab from Mathworks is innovative. Fuzzy logic is a fundamental tool for consolidating and analyzing data.
Designing an Ethical Structure for Social Influence Marketing (SIM)
Authors: Schafer Stephen Brock , Palamides Thomas
Published: November 2011

Unprecedented advances in media technology have created the need to define ethics for a media-age ontology that combines the dynamics of physics and psychology. This unprecedented human reality has been called the media-sphere, and it appears to have all the dimensions and dynamics of dreams as defined by Carl Jung. Because of the dreamlike dynamics and structural dimensions of the media sphere, its psychological dynamics may be contemplated in terms of Jungian dream analysis which is intrinsically ethical. The Jungian model for dream analysis is structurally and dynamically consistent with the most recent discoveries in cognitive research. Because of its subjective, emotive, interactive integrity as defined by Aristotle’s dramatic unities, dramatic structure is a common denominator for the study of conscious-unconscious cognitive states. This chapter explores the ethics of social influence marketing (SIM) relative to the dynamics and standards of morality implied by cognitive principles of Analytical Psychology.
An Approach to Defining Social Processes Based on Social Networks
Authors: Bruno Giorgio
Published: November 2011

SPN is illustrated with the help of a case study concerned with the election of a condominium administrator. SPN basically defines networks of tasks, documents, and teams. Tasks can be individual or cooperative and teams indicate the performers of the tasks. Cooperative tasks are the most important feature of SPN; they rely on cooperative objects, i.e. shared documents, wikis, and voting objects.
Extracting Social Relationships from Social Software
Authors: Dorn Jürgen , Labitzke Stefan
Published: November 2011

We present an analytical approach to detect relationships between persons in the real world, such as friendship, rivalry, or others, out of the behavior of members in a social software system. In social software systems, users often evaluate submissions of other users. If these actions are somehow biased, we assume a personal relationship between these users. If we know about the relationship between two users, the validity of the evaluation, and with that, the trust into the social software, can be improved. For example, if a rival evaluates a submission unfairly, we should decrease the impact of this evaluation. We apply the approach in TechScreen, a social software system that supports the exchange of knowledge about Internet technologies. Since we try to mine competencies of its users, the validity of evaluations is very important. In this chapter we show results of experiments with about 50 users.
Job Searches via Social Networking Sites
Authors: Suki Norazah Mohd , Ramayah T. , Ming Michelle Kow Pei
Published: November 2011

This chapter aims to examine the factors influencing employed job seekers’ acceptance of social networking sites as a job search tool. It was found that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment are positively and significantly related to the behavioral intention to use social networking sites as a job search tool, whereas perceived ease of use is not positively and significantly related to the behavioral intention to use social networking sites as a job search tool. The study implies that the developers of social networking sites need to provide additional useful functionalities or tools in the social networking sites to help users of social networking site with their job searches. There needs to be an assurance that social networking sites will not disclose an individual’s private and confidential information without his or her consent.
The Influence of Social Networks on Communication Satisfaction within the Organizations
Authors: Lalic Danijela , Marjanovic Ugljesa , Lalic Bojan
Published: November 2011

Today, technological achievements that significantly influence communication management are Social Networks in virtual environment. The latest research clearly indicates that this trend is going to last in the future. It is considered as a fact that there are many changes and innovations in the field of information and communication technologies during the past few decades. Development of communication technologies has provided a new framework for organizing corporate communication processes, both internally and externally. Channels for the transfer of relevant information had been faced with huge technological improvement, but fact analysis and former research do not provide insight into specific motivation patterns for usage of Social Networks among employees, nor into their influence on Communication Satisfaction within the organizations.
From Local to Virtual Business Networks
Authors: Porfírio José António , Jacquinet Marc , Carrilho Tiago
Published: November 2011

In this chapter, we propose an analysis to these features, trying to devise not just what may be the major changes but also what could be the major challenges for development coming up from these issues.
The Influence of Social Business Networks of Top Managers on the Financial Performance of UK Biopharmaceutical SMEs
Authors: Gurau Calin , Benkraiem Ramzi
Published: November 2011

The influence of business social networks on the financial performance of entrepreneurial ventures was extensively studied in the literature. However, a need for a more dynamic perspective, centered on firms’ evolution, was identified by academics and professionals. This chapter attempts to address this knowledge gap, investigating a sample of UK biopharmaceutical SMEs, from various stages of the corporate lifecycle. This approach permits a comparison between the structure of formal and informal networks of the manager/entrepreneur, in various corporate phases of evolution, and an analysis of the statistical relation between the size of networks and specific financial performance indicators.
Social Networks and Computer Mediated Communication
Authors: Xerez Romana , Figueiredo Paulo , Mira da Silva Miguel
Published: November 2011

This chapter examines social networks in the Portuguese society, and the impact of these social networks on organizations regarding Computer-Mediated Communication. The results describe a Portuguese case study and attempt to answer the following question: How does Computer-Mediated Communication contribute to social networking in organizations? This chapter examines the emails and phone calls exchanged during the year 2008 by employees working for a Portuguese bank in order to identify nodes, roles, positions, types of relations, types of networks and centrality measures. Overall there were 93.654 internal calls and 542.674 emails exchanged between the actors. The findings suggest that emailing is the preferred means of communication, although frequency increases with hierarchy communication. Collaborative work between departments functions as the emergence of a network. The results confirm the relevance of computer networks to support social networks in organizations, and its potential concerning data analysis outside the traditional surveys, and the possibility of introducing Internet sources.
Exploiting Technological Potentialities for Collaborative New Product Development
Authors: Del Vecchio Pasquale , Ndou Valentina , Schina Laura
Published: November 2011

By contrast, empirical studies show that there are many large and small companies which do not grasp the opportunities provided by the customers’ contribution. This is due to a number of inhibiting factors that represent barriers for the collaborative innovation. This chapter aims firstly to delineate and validate some of these constraints by using the insights coming out from a case study and secondly to suggest a possible solution in order to overpass some of the barriers identified and to exploit the customers’ knowledge acquired on the web.
Social Networking and Privacy
Authors: Ortmann Steffen , Langendörfer Peter , Maaser Michael
Published: November 2011

Social networks recently came under severe criticism for easy-going handling of user data. Millions of users voluntarily release private and business data without considering potential impacts on their real life that may come along with that. Used for personalized advertising or attendee profiling, user data are of utmost importance for economic success of the maintaining network. Hence, platform providers exploit all promising options to gather data while privacy and data security seem partially to be a pain for them. Dozens of security lacks and data thefts have emerged for almost every available platform. In addition, techniques and methods exist to secretly gather more user data, e.g., by proper fusion of miscellaneous information, analysis of visited websites, or social games. Even worse, misuse or rather sale of user data might be part of the marketing concept. This chapter analyzes the business networks LinkedIn and Xing, and the more leisure time related social communities Facebook and StudiVZ. In particular, differences in collecting and handling of user data are of interest. Based on that, we present and analyze reported criticism based on published and on own investigated data. Then we evaluate whether that criticism is justified, hypercritical, or understatement. On behalf of analyzing potential threats and pitfalls, we finally work out existing and potential privacy risks as well as resulting consequences for the real life of community members.
The Member for Cyberspace
Authors: Jackson Nigel , Lilleker Darren G.
Published: November 2011

This chapter offers a framework for considering whether the Internet might be facilitating the evolution of e-representation. The chapter starts by considering the meaning of representation; it then considers what factors influence changes in the concept of representation. We argue that, potentially, the Internet may be facilitating a model of representation based not on the geographic constituency, but upon common interest. The chapter assesses the use of four Internet modalities by UK Members of Parliaments (MPs): websites, e-newsletters, weblogs, and social networking sites. We suggest that there is evidence of parallel e-representation, where MPs use the Internet to enhance their relationship with geographical constituents. We also find the basis for a separate form of e-representation based around the development of an e-constituency of those with shared policy interests. We suggest that by creating a more flexible model, e-representation may add significant nuance to the direct versus representative democracy debate.
Bridging the Political Gap?
Authors: Welp Yanina
Published: November 2011

Given the lack of transparency and the extent to which corruption is endemic to most Latin American countries, it is not surprising to find a high level of citizen distrust in political institutions. Parliaments and political parties are the institutions most affected by this crisis of representative democracy, and receive the lowest levels of public confidence. In recent years, many initiatives, including those based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), have been developed with the aim of revitalizing democracy, increasing transparency in public management, and opening up new spaces for political participation. However, the consequences of such initiatives are still unknown while the potential benefits of e-participation remain controversial: Should parliaments promote e-participation in societies that experience such a huge digital divide? Should participation be a top-down process initiated by governments or parliaments? Or should they increase accountability and leave participation in hands of the people? The aims of this chapter are twofold: (i) to analyze to what extent parliaments are offering more and better information to the public, and are becoming more transparent and accountable through the use of ICTs, and (ii) to examine the spread and scope of participatory initiatives in the law-making process.
Embodied Ethics for Our Interdependent World
Authors: Maurseth Julianne E.
Published: November 2011

This chapter poses timely questions for us as global citizens regarding our capacities for ethical choice in a complex, interdependent world, and offers the multi-discipline perspective of “embodied ethics” for expanding our conscious capacities. Today more than ever – in business, in government, in education, in our daily lives - we need to recognize how our micro-level choices lead to macro-level impacts. Research across neurology, biology, quantum physics, and other fields indicates we human beings are multi-dimensional: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – simultaneously – and therefore have greater capacities than we consciously use. “Embodied ethics” is a synthesis which explains why and how we physically experience our interconnectivity as human beings, from which ethical choices arise, and why we may listen to our own body, or “emotional intelligence” and heart - or not - in the midst of an ethical decision process. Six stories are offered which illustrate these dynamics: three stories reveal the ways individuals felt their own interconnectivity with others, giving rise to ethical choices with positive global impacts, and three stories reveal the ways individuals denied their own interconnectivity with others, giving rise to unethical choices with negative global impacts. Specific methods, such as conscious breathing and heart awareness, are explained so readers can practice aspects of these dynamics and recognize how their own micro-level choices may lead to macro-level impacts. Emphasis is placed on the inherent human design to expand from self-awareness to group awareness to global awareness as we wake up to our own and others hearts. Hope for all of life lives here.
Unintended Consequences of Business with 4 Billion
Authors: Landrum Nancy E.
Published: November 2011

In the past, there has historically been a pursuit of profit as the motive for multinational corporation (MNC) international strategies in emerging economies. We have long known of some of the unintended and controversial consequences of MNC international strategies on emerging economies. By contrast, base of the pyramid strategies (BOP) are aimed at the poorest residents in emerging economies and seek to improve social, environmental, and economic conditions for all, ideally addressing many of the problems encountered with more traditional MNC international strategies. Anecdotal examples continue to accumulate of businesses with success in the base of the pyramid, fueled by innovation in new products, services, and/or business models. However, academic research is emerging that does not support this image of BOP success. This chapter will discuss unintended consequences or outcomes of BOP strategies which may not always result in environmental sustainability, improved lives in the BOP, and improved economic conditions. This presentation focuses specifically on the unintended consequences of base of the pyramid strategies within emerging economies. Even with the recent interest in BOP strategies, closer scrutiny of current examples of BOP successes still reveal some of the same negative unintended consequences as MNC international strategies; that is, there is still an emphasis on profit ahead of responsibility and sustainability. Literature and research reviewed in this chapter reveals that BOP strategies have resulted in the promotion of stereotypes, an anticipated increase in e-waste under already hazardous recycling conditions in India and Africa, a loss of social capital, and worsened economic conditions.
Racing to the Bottom?
Authors: Ritter Barbara A.
Published: November 2011

The argument of this chapter will depend on two main precepts: (1) large corporations remain largely in control of the globalization process, and (2) the process of globalization is very unlikely to occur ethically if large corporations remain in control. Several facets of these precepts will be considered and argued for. Evidence will be considered supporting the contention that large corporations drive the main markers of globalization. After arguing for these precepts the characteristics and ethical ramifications of corporate-centered globalization will be considered. This final section will answer several questions that emerge from the chapter’s argued for precepts. These questions will include: What needs to be done to be at the forefront of moral global policy? What ethical standards are key? Do MNCs have a moral duty to account for the effects of the race to the bottom? How do we compensate globalization’s losers? What would an ethical business model look like? With an analysis of possible alternatives, an action plan to make change on a global scale emphasizing regulation, transparency, and accountability will be developed.