bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Translation Invariant Morphological Forecasting Models for Stock Market Prediction
Authors: Araújo Ricardo de A.
Published: May 2010

Statistical models have been widely used for the purpose of forecasting. However, it has some limitations regarding its performance, which prevents an automatic forecasting system development. In order to overcome such limitations, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) and Fuzzy Systems (FSs) based approaches have been proposed for nonlinear time series modeling. However, a dilemma arises from all these models regarding financial time series, which follow a Random Walk (RW) model, where the forecast of such time series exhibits a characteristic one step shift regarding original data. In this way, this work presents a new approach, referred to as Increasing Translation Invariant Morphological Forecasting (ITIMF) model, to overcome the RW dilemma for financial time series forecasting, which performs an evolutionary search for the minimum dimension to determining the characteristic phase space that generates the financial time series phenomenon. It is inspired on Takens Theorem and consists of an intelligent hybrid model composed of a Modular Morphological Neural Network (MMNN) combined with a Modified Genetic Algorithm (MGA), which searches for the particular time lags capable of a fine tuned characterization of the time series and estimates the initial (sub-optimal) parameters (weights, architecture and number of modules) of the MMNN. Each individual of the MGA population is trained by the Back Propagation (BP) algorithm to further improve the MMNN parameters supplied by the MGA. After adjusting the model, it performs a behavioral statistical test and a phase fix procedure to adjust time phase distortions observed in financial time series. Furthermore, an experimental analysis is conducted with the proposed model using ten real world financial time series. Five well-known performance metrics and an evaluation function are used to assess the performance of the proposed model and the obtained results are compared to classical models presented in literature.
Analysis and Forecasting of Port Logistics Using TEI@I Methodology
Authors: Tian Xin , Xu Lizhi , Liu Liming , Wang Shouyang
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, the authors propose an integrated forecasting model based on the TEI@I methodology for port logistics forecasting. This model analyzes the port logistics time series data and other information several steps. In the first step, several econometric models are built to forecast the linear segment of port logistics time series. In the second step, a radial basis function neural network is developed to predict the non-linear segment of the time series. In the third step, the event-study method and expert system techniques are applied to evaluate the effects economic and other events that may impact port logistics. In the final step, synthetic forecasting results are obtained based on the integration of the predictions from first three steps. For illustration, Hong Kong port’ container throughout series is used for a case study. The empirical results show the effectiveness of the TEI@I integrated model for port logistics forecasting.
Time Series Based House Sale Value Market Forecasting Using Genetically Evolved Neural Networks
Authors: Atsalakis George S. , Valavanis Kimon P. , Zopounidis Constantin , Nezis Dimitris
Published: May 2010

Accurate forecasting of the house sale value market is important for individual investors, business investors, banks and mortgage companies. This chapter uses fundamentals of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to derive and implement a hybrid, genetically evolved feedforward ANN model that predicts next month house sale prices. Derived model results are compared with results obtained using a linear regression model and an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The proposed model returned lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Absolute Mean Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) results compared with the linear regression and ANFIS models. For case studies real monthly data of USA housing prices from 1963 to 2007 were used.
Implementing Business Intelligence in Electricity Markets
Authors: Cancelo José Ramón , Espasa Antoni
Published: May 2010

The authors elaborate on three basic ideas that should guide the implementation of business intelligence tools. First, the authors advocate for closing the gap between structured information and contextual information. Second, they emphasize the need for adopting the point of view of the organization to assess the relevance of any proposal. In the third place, they remark that any new tool is expected to become a relevant instrument to enhance the learning of the organization and to generate explicit knowledge. To illustrate their point, they discuss how to set up a forecasting support system to predict electricity consumption that converts raw time series data into market intelligence, to meet the needs of a major organization operating at the Spanish electricity markets.
Electricity Load Forecasting Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Acera Manuel Martín-Merino
Published: May 2010

Electricity load forecasting has become increasingly important due to the strong impact on the operational efficiency of the power system. However, the accurate load prediction remains a challenging task due to several issues such as the nonlinear character of the time series or the seasonal patterns it exhibits. A large variety of techniques have been proposed to this aim, such as statistical models, fuzzy systems or artificial neural networks. The Support Vector Machines (SVM) have been widely applied to the electricity load forecasting with remarkable results. In this chapter, the authors study the performance of the classical SVM in the problem of electricity load forecasting. Next, an algorithm is developed that takes advantage of the local character of the time series. The method proposed first splits the time series into homogeneous regions using the Self Organizing Maps (SOM) and next trains a Support Vector Machine (SVM) locally in each region. The methods presented have been applied to the prediction of the maximum daily electricity demand. The properties of the time series are analyzed in depth. All the models are compared rigorously through several objective functions. The experimental results show that the local model proposed outperforms several statistical and machine learning forecasting techniques.
Links between Innovation, Change and Learning in Chinese Companies
Authors: Sun Wei , Alas Ruth
Published: May 2010

This chapter is an attempt to explore the links between the types of innovation, the types of organizational change and levels of learning based on a study of 160 Chinese organizations. The authors provide the classification of innovation, organizational change and learning as the theoretical framework. On the basis of survey results, the authors find out there are close connections between the three aspects: innovation type, change type and learning type. There is a direct link between the types of innovation and learning in lower level. However, in the companies which experienced administrative innovation and ancillary innovation, the rate of occurrence of triple-loop learning is almost the same. Moreover, there is not necessarily corresponding relation between the types of innovation and change. Despite the fact that the highest level of innovation is accompanied by the deepest change, the lowest level of innovation may not be necessarily accompanied by the lower level change, i.e. the deepest scope of change may take place even if the lowest level of innovation happens in a Chinese organization.
Factors and Dimensions of National Innovative Capacity
Authors: Natário Maria Manuela Santos , Couto João Pedro Almeida , Borges Tiago Maria Teresa , Braga Ascensão Maria Martins
Published: May 2010

A country’s national economic capacity depends on that country’s institutional efficiency, its national culture, and its Innovation framework. This chapter reflects upon the factors that influence national innovative capacity, based on the European Innovation Scoreboard database. By using clusters analysis to verify how different countries are positioned in terms of patent registration indicators, we determine which factors distinguish their innovative capacity. The results point to the existence of four groups of countries, and the factors identified point to aspects related to the institutional efficiency, the societies’ cultural values associated with the level of hierarchy or “power distance” and with aspects such as the level of population with tertiary education and the percentages of expenses with research and development applied by the companies.
A Performance Evaluation Framework for Innovation
Authors: Cedergren Stefan , Wall Anders , Norström Christer
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a framework for a conceptual evaluation of the performance of industrial product innovation activities. The framework promotes a holistic view of performance by considering three categories of activities: Planning, Implementation, and Sales and Delivery. Successful performance evaluation comes from acknowledging the fact that there are different objectives for each of the three activity categories. Moreover, performance may be expressed as a function of the performance of the Planning, the Implementation, and the Sales and Delivery activities. In this chapter the results of research involving seven large companies in Sweden, with the objective of improving the understanding of what is required to be successful when developing complex industrial products, are presented. Key factors for success as well as some general conclusions are discussed.
Harnessing Knowledge for Innovation in Social Enterprises
Authors: Kong Eric
Published: May 2010

Very little research has investigated the role of intellectual capital (IC) in innovation processes in social enterprises. After reviewing the literature, the central argument in this research study is that IC assists social enterprises to harness knowledge that leads to innovation for the pursuit of social and commercial activities. Thus the study contributes to the literature by theoretically arguing that IC can be utilized in innovation processes in social enterprises. An IC conceptual framework is proposed which helps social entrepreneurs to visualize IC and its components in their organizations. Finally, the framework’s implications for the development of effective innovation-based strategies in social enterprises are discussed.
Managing Corporate Social Responsibility as an Innovation in China
Authors: Lam Maria Lai-Ling
Published: May 2010

Many foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) focus on legal compliance and charity in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in China. The strategic approach of CSR requires many innovations that are new to the organizations adopting them. The key barriers for the strategic approach of CSR are the apathy attitude of many executives toward CSR and the shortcomings of the institutional framework in China. This chapter describes a few innovative CSR initiatives being utilized within an industrial association and within partnerships between local non-government organizations. It also explores institutional incentives for managing the process by using the social movement theory. It may inspire foreign MNEs to improve the CSR practices of their affiliated companies and their suppliers in China through a few social innovations. Corporations also learn how to engage in social change through their CSR programs in China.
Model Driven Architecture (MDA)
Authors: Favre Liliana María
Published: May 2010

The architecture of a system is a specification of software components, interrelationships, and rules for component interactions and evolution over time. In 2001 OMG, adopted an architecture standard, the Model Driven Architecture (MDA). MDA is an architectural framework for improving portability, interoperability and reusability through separation of concerns (MDA, 2003) (MDA, 2005). It is not itself a technology specification but it represents an evolving plan to achieve cohesive model-driven technology specifications. MDA is built on OMG standards including the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the XML Metadata Interchange (XMI) (XMI, 2007) and CORBA (CORBA, 1992) (CORBA, 2002) a major middleware standard. MDA is model-driven because it uses models to direct the complete lifecycle of a system. All artifacts such as requirement specifications, architecture descriptions, design descriptions and code, are regarded as models. MDA provides an approach for specifying a system independently of the platforms that it supports, specifying platforms, selecting a particular platform for the system, and transforming the system specification into one implementation for the selected particular platform. Why MDA? OMG has focused on the creation of open specifications to encourage application interoperability. It was defined to solve enterprise application integration. A middleware describes a piece of software that connects two or more software applications, allowing them to exchange data. To achieve this, it must be implemented for all different languages and platforms that need linking.
Mappings of MOF Metamodels and Algebraic Languages
Authors: Favre Liliana María
Published: May 2010

In this chapter we examine the relation between NEREUS and formal specification using CASL (Common Algebraic Specification Language) as a common algebraic language (Bidoit & Mosses, 2004). CASL is an expressive and simple language based on a critical selection of known constructs such as subsorts, partial functions, first-order logic, and structured and architectural specifications. A basic specification declares sorts, subsorts, operations and predicates, and gives axioms and constraints. Specifications are structured by means of specification building operators for renaming, extension and combining. Architectural specifications impose structure on implementations, whereas structured specifications only structure the text of specifications. CASL allows loose, free and generated specifications. The models of a loose specification include all those where the declared functions have the specified properties, without any restrictions on the set of values corresponding to the various sorts. In models of a generated specification, in contrast, it is required that all values can be expressed by terms formed from the specified constructors, i.e. unreachable values are prohibited. In models of free specifications, it is required that values of terms are distinct except when their equality follows from the specified axioms: the possibility of unintended coincidence between their axioms is prohibited.
Mappings of MOF Metamodels and Object-oriented Languages
Authors: Favre Liliana María
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the main steps for transforming NEREUS constructions into object oriented languages. As an example, we use the Eiffel language that allows integrating specifications with Eiffel contracts (Meyer, 1992). Figure 1 shows the main steps. The Eiffel code is constructed gradually. First, associations and operation signature are translated. The transformation is supported by reusable components. From OCL and NEREUS specifications it is possible to construct contracts on Eiffel and /or feature implementations by applying heuristics.
Software Evolution, MDA and Design Pattern Components
Authors: Favre Liliana María
Published: May 2010

The success of MDA depends on the definition of model transformations and component libraries which make a significant impact on tools that provide support for MDA. MDA is a young approach and several technical issues are not adequately addressed. For instance, existing MDA-based CASE tools do not provide adequate support to deal with component-based reuse (CASE, 2009). In light of this, we propose a metamodeling technique to reach a high level of reusability and adaptability of components. Reusability is the ability to use software elements for constructing many different applications. An ideal software reusability tehnology should facilitate a consistent system implementation, starting from the adaptation and integration of “implementation pieces” that exist in reusable components library. Software reusability has two main purposes: to increase the reliability of software and to reduce the cost of software development. Most current approaches to object oriented reusability are based on empirical methods. However the most effective forms of reuse are generally found at more abstract levels of design (Krueger, 1992). In MDA, software reusability is difficult because it requires taking many different requirements into account, some of which are abstract and conceptual, while others, such as efficiency are concrete. A good approach for MDA reusability must reconcile models at different abstraction levels. In this chapter, we analyze how to define reusable components in a way that fits with MDA and propose a megamodel for defining MDA components. Considering the relevant role that design patterns take in software evolution we exemplify MDA components for them.
Understanding the Links between Mentoring and Self-Efficacy in the New Generation of Women STEM Scholars
Authors: Yost Elizabeth , Handley Donna M. , Cotten Shelia R. , Winstead Vicki
Published: May 2010

American colleges and universities are in need of innovative approaches to recruit and retain the upcoming generation of new faculty members. Specifically within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, there is an additional need to focus on meeting the needs of women in order to begin to address gender inequity within STEM. This chapter examines the impact of mentoring on self-efficacy for female graduate students and post doctoral fellows in STEM fields. Using data from a national study of selected U.S. academic institutions, recommendations are made in order to enhance mentoring practices that will reduce the barriers women face within STEM fields. Quality mentoring programs represent a viable way to enhance institutional change that may result in increased numbers of women in STEM fields.
Go WEST - Supporting Women in Engineering, Science and Technology
Authors: McDonald Jacquie , Loch Birgit , Cater-Steel Aileen
Published: May 2010

Australia appears to be lagging behind countries in North America and Europe regarding the participation of women in engineering, science and technology courses and careers. This chapter reports on a current project undertaken by a regional university to build a mentoring and support network among female Science, Engineering and Technology students, staff and industry professionals. As well as the context and history of the project, the chapter describes the activities undertaken and the challenges faced in making the project sustainable. Factors critical to the success of the project are identified and include securing funds and commitment from senior management, having a multi-disciplinary team with strong leadership and effective support, and using information technology to enhance personal networks and to promote activities.
Women in Brazilian CS Research Community
Authors: Moro Mirella M. , Weber Taisy , Freitas Carla M.D.S.
Published: May 2010

Many communities have been concerned with the problem of bringing more girls to technology and science related areas. The authors believe that the first step in order to solve such a problem is to understand the current situation, like to investigate the “state-of-the-art” of the problem. Therefore, in this chapter, they present the first study to identify which areas of Computer Science have more and less feminine participation. In order to do so, they have considered the program committees of the Brazilian conferences in those areas. The authors’ study evaluates the 2008 and previous editions of such conferences. They also discuss some Brazilian initiatives to bring more girls to Computer Science as well present what else can be done.
Introduction
Authors: Konstantinos E. Parsopoulos , Michael N. Vrahatis
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, we provide brief introductions to the basic concepts of global optimization, evolutionary computation, and swarm intelligence. The necessity of solving optimization problems is outlined and various problem types are reported. A rough classification of established optimization algorithms is provided, followed by the historical development of evolutionary computation. The three fundamental evolutionary approaches are briefly presented, along with their basic features and operations. Finally, the reader is introduced to the field of swarm intelligence, and a strong theoretical result is concisely reported to justify the necessity for further development of global optimization algorithms.
Applications in Machine Learning
Authors: Konstantinos E. Parsopoulos , Michael N. Vrahatis
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents the fundamental concepts regarding the application of PSO on machine learning problems. The main objective in such problems is the training of computational models for performing classification and simulation tasks. It is not our intention to provide a literature review of the numerous relative applications. Instead, we aim at providing guidelines for the application and adaptation of PSO on this problem type. To achieve this, we focus on two representative cases, namely the training of artificial neural networks, and learning in fuzzy cognitive maps. In each case, the problem is first defined in a general framework, and then an illustrative example is provided to familiarize readers with the main procedures and possible obstacles that may arise during the optimization process.
Applications in Noisy and Dynamic Environments
Authors: Konstantinos E. Parsopoulos , Michael N. Vrahatis
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the workings of PSO in two research fields with special importance in real-world applications, namely noisy and dynamic environments. Noise simulation schemes are presented and experimental results on benchmark problems are reported. In addition, we present the application of PSO on a simulated real world problem, namely the particle identification by light scattering. Moreover, a hybrid scheme that incorporates PSO in particle filtering methods to estimate system states online is analyzed, and representative experimental results are reported. Finally, the combination of noisy and continuously changing environments is shortly discussed, providing illustrative graphical representations of performance for different PSO variants. The text focuses on providing the basic concepts and problem formulations, and suggesting experimental settings reported in literature, rather than on the bibliographical presentation of the (prohibitively extensive) literature.
Semi-Automatic Vertebra Segmentation
Authors: Benjelloun Mohammed , Mahmoudi Saïd
Published: May 2010

The efficient content-based image retrieval of biomedical images is a challenging problem of growing interest in the research community. This book chapter describes a framework with two segmentation methods to analyze X-ray images of the spinal columns in order to extract vertebra regions and contours. The authors describe an application of the proposed methods which consists on an evaluation of vertebra motion induced by their movement between two or several positions. Their framework permits to extract the parameters determining vertebral mobility and its variation during flexion-extension movements. The first approach on our framework consists of a new contour vertebra detection technique using a polar signature system combined with a template matching process. This approach is based on a preliminary selection of vertebra regions. The second approach of our framework is based on automatic corner points of interest detection using the Harris corner detector.
Electrocardiographic Signal Processing Applications in Telemedicine
Authors: Brezulianu Adrian , Ciocoiu Iulian , Fira Monica
Published: May 2010

The chapter focuses on telecardiology, as a significant example of telemedicine applications. Essential elements regarding the benefits and importance of telemedicine are presented first, followed by the introduction of specific telecardiology terminology, theoretical grounds, and existing practical applications. In the final part of the chapter new practical approaches are outlined, mainly related to modern signal processing tools such as wavelet analysis and neural networks.
Multi-Agent Systems for the Application and Employing of E-Health Services
Authors: Bergenti Federico , Poggi Agostino
Published: May 2010

Multi-agent systems have been importantly contributing to the development of the theory and the practice of complex distributed systems and, in particular, have shown the potential to meet critical needs in high-speed, mission-critical content-rich and distributed information applications where mutual interdependencies, dynamic environments, uncertainty, and sophisticated control play a role. Therefore, multi-agent systems can be considered a suitable technology for the realization of healthcare applications where the use of loosely coupled and heterogeneous components, the dynamic and distributed management of data and the remote collaboration among users are often the most relevant requirements.
Mobile Communication Tools Using for Disaster Recovery Model
Authors: Macit Irfan
Published: May 2010

Disasters can be described as natural or man made events such that occurs unexpectedly and disrupting human life. Information services can be shortly described using computers with data processing methods. There are a lot of activities carried by help and rescue teams after disaster. These activities must be on an order and related to each other. Help and rescue activities has vital importance during first 8 and 36 hours depending on the type and the intensity of the disaster. In order to perform these vital activities efficiently, work order and priority determination might be evaluated. Information services help rescue teams on performing these type activities fast, reliable, and efficiently. There are a lot of computer aided rescue planning tools developed for the rescue operations after disaster in all over the world. These planning tools can vary depending on the disaster type, scale and geographical area. Functions of these disaster tools used for logistics and work planning can be classified according to their tasks. They also determine magnitude of the disaster for the current situation and for the future, related to the impact area of the disaster. Scale of the disaster affects the performance of the information activities directly. Many of the planning tools used today can vary depending on the scale of the disaster. Additionally depending on the primary and secondary effects of the disaster, it can produce various solutions. Studies that shows the importance of Information flow on after disaster help activities, illustrate that the information flow does not just take place on disaster region; it is necessary and important to have information flow to the other regions too. Today there are several kinds of tools to provide information flow. One of these tools is telephone systems which are known as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). There are different width-tapes of the communication frequencies on these –GSM- systems. The frequencies have channels for carrying sound, image and data. Via being able to carry sound, image and data separately or jointly makes easy to use different applications on GSM networks. The applications could be developed that are used immediately after disaster on these GSM networks which need short time for working. On Circuit Switched Data (CSD) lines that are used as data lines, the GSM Networks that work after any disaster could be used to rescue operations after disaster. In our study, it is recommended to flow of the computer data as GSM and Computer Data to two sides. In addition the examples that show the data standards about ‘which types and how flow of the datas must be’ would given. In the recommended application model, to carry data such as its priorities, kinds information between rescue coordination center and disaster rescue area would be defined.
Online Communication and Healthcare
Authors: Falcone Paola
Published: May 2010

The chapter describes and analyses health-related virtual communities, which soon found their diffusion on the Internet. The chapter mainly focuses on those communities whose members are primarily or exclusively patients, exchanging online information and support, on a peer-to-peer base. It analyses their peculiarities, showing how they match users profile, desired and needs, providing them several benefits, despite initial concerns about their growth. Besides, the chapter identifies the nature and motives of the daily exchange happening among health related virtual communities members, and the peculiarities of their text-based communication, in terms of contents and style. In the last part, some implications for health organizations are identified.
A View of Health Information Exchange
Authors: van den Broek Ger
Published: May 2010

The healthcare system in many countries is undergoing change, with the most important drivers behind this being: to improve the quality of the healthcare system, reduce the increase in costs and cope with a shortage of professional staff. These trends are influenced by the increase of chronic diseases across all ages and the aging society, due to longer life expectation. Trends within the changing healthcare system, the concept of a care cycle and the need for Health Information Exchange (HIE) are presented in the introduction. The role that HIE can play and the potential benefits for the stakeholders involved are presented, as well as some possible approaches to HIE and a description of the functionality of important components like electronic health record systems and personal health record systems. For optimal support to care givers and patients, access to data alone is not sufficient, but should be supplemented with advanced applications that can advise care professionals, support their working procedures and processes and support collaboration within multi-disciplinary care teams. The importance of interoperability is shown and followed by a vision of the future “Digital Health Community”, with two examples that are presented in detail, one from a patient’s point of view, the other from a care giver’s. The analysis section shows a list of potential building blocks which can be part of such a “Digital Health Community”.
Remote Wheelchair Selection
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Yun , Kim Yun Seon , Schmeler Mark R.
Published: May 2010

Wheeled mobility and seating interventions have been considered one of the most important assistive technology devices in the field of rehabilitation. Telerehabilitation (TR) is an emerging field that has the potential to complement the current in-person assessment to select an appropriate wheeled mobility and seating device in underserved areas. Currently there are limited means for stakeholders to access comprehensive, reliable, monitored, and up-to-date information relative to wheeled mobility and seating devices including performance, coverage criteria, or research evidence as to their benefits and short-comings. The aim of this chapter is to review the current research works related to TR, wheelchair coverage policy issues, and the modern remote wheelchair selection paradigm. As an outcome of the ongoing-research of the authors, the Remote Wheelchair Selection Advisor (RWS-A) system, a knowledge-based decision support system to enhance TR processes, is introduced in this chapter.
Rhetoric of Private Healthcare Offers Presented to SMEs over the Internet
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy , Ochinowski Tomasz , Fang Yu Ho
Published: May 2010

The chapter aims at determining through a rhetorical analysis the extent in which private medical services are offered to small and medium enterprises over the Internet. The multidisciplinary approach to e-health systems is stressed. Authors present a short description of contemporary changes in health care – client relation as well as the Internet influence on human activity, particularly focused on virtualization of SME and new challenges for medical practice and the medical services market. Rhetorical approach as research methodology is described at length. Subsequently, online offers of four international private medical companies are undergo analysis: two operating in Taiwan and two operating in Poland. Cases from countries of different culture, dissimilar health care systems, a different role of small and medium enterprises and a different level of technology and information systems have been chosen for comparison. The research shows how Internet offers reflect classical rhetorical structures and cultural diversity on the rhetorical level. Internet as e-health medium, from the rhetorical perspective, seems to be still used in very traditional, mainly profit-oriented way.
A Proposed Scalable Environment for Medical Data Processing and Evaluation
Authors: Horváth Csaba , Fodor Gábor , Kovács Ferenc , Hosszú Gábor
Published: May 2010

Cardiotocography (CTG) is widely used for antenatal monitoring and assessment of fetal well-being. CTG measurement methods based on the phonocardiographic principle and a home-monitoring system utilizing low-cost devices for data acquisition have been proposed and implemented by our research group. Assessment and storage of the recordings are carried out in medical centers, and their calculation capacity is no longer enough to evaluate the ever-increasing amount of incoming data on the constantly growing number of different assessment methods. The present work proposes a new method to create an easily scalable environment based on a P2P principle to share the workload and data between medical centers, while also representing a framework for discovering new correlations between evaluation method results and symptoms of fetal diseases.
Improving Access to Oncology Care for Individuals and Families through Telehealth
Authors: den Duyf Johanna , Apland Lars , Ashworth Valerie , Kazanjian Arminee , Loyola Margarita , Robertson Sarah
Published: May 2010

Telemedicine, or the use of information communication technology (ICT) for medical diagnosis and patient care, is an innovative method of health service delivery. It offers opportunities and challenges for clinicians, consumers and health care organizations. In British Columbia, specialized oncology health care services are provided to cancer patients at one of the five Regional Cancer Centers of the B.C. Cancer Agency (BCCA). The burden and stress of travel for rural patients as well as the increasing demand for specialized cancer care services prompted us to explore telemedicine as an alternative health service delivery method for these patients. This article will outline a research study undertaken in partnership with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), Provincial Services Health Authority (PHSA) and the University of British Columbia. Implementation and sustainability of a telehealth program requires an examination of organizational, health care system and technical readiness. Barriers to uptake include human factors and infrastructure requirements. A systematic approach optimizes the successful implementation of a telehealth program.
An Evidence-Based E-Health Agenda
Authors: Cross Maddalena , Carbone Daniel , Haines Helen , Koschel Alison , Skinner-Louis Debbie
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces the reader to the diminishing health services in rural Australia and highlights eHealth as the potential ‘leveller’ for rural health settings. Initially, eHealth is defined in context and eHealth stakeholders and their current contribution to eHealth within the Australian health system are identified. Then it resumes by outlining the feasibility of a nursing eHealth agenda in rural Australia in light of examined barriers and enablers. A future trends section reviews the findings and suggests potential course of action and further opportunities for research. It concludes by suggesting that care must be taken in considering the myriad number of factors that can support or hinder the development of a successful eHealth agenda for Australian rural health context.
Conservation of Information (COI)
Authors: Stachura Max E. , Astapova Elena V. , Tung Hui-Lien , Sofge Donald A. , Grayson James , Bergman Margo , Wood Joseph
Published: May 2010

The authors review telemedicine and e-health from an organizational perspective. To evaluate their effectiveness, they review organizational and system theory along with field and laboratory results. Theory of the conservation of information (COI) provides the means to study tradeoffs across space and over time as telemedicine and e-health management make operational decisions for virtual communities users. With the authors’ three case studies, they evaluate COI for telemedicine and e-health networks operating in the state of Georgia. After analyzing the case studies with COI, the authors close with a review of future trends that includes an interaction rate equation, an agent-based model (ABM) using natural selection (machine learning), and a Monte Carlo simulation of return on investments (ROI).
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technologies
Authors: Leroy Gondy , De Leo Gianluca
Published: May 2010

Communication is a dynamic process that creates and conveys a mutual understanding between two or more people. Since this process is complex and not easily taught, there exist many communication disorders ranging from a physical limitation, such as ALS, to a cognitive language disorder, such as autism. Augmentative and alternative communication systems (AACs) help people with communication disorders by providing them substituted means for communicating. These systems range from non-technical solutions, such as a paper-based PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), to elaborate technical solutions, such as a plasma picture communication table. Due to the increased attention to AACs, the Worldwide Health Organization (WHO) provides a framework to evaluate effectiveness. Using this framework as a basis, the authors identified barriers and support factors for AAC effectiveness and subsequently best practices for AAC designs. They conclude with a case study of adapting a paper-based picture-based communication system to mobile devices using open-source software development for use by children with severe autism.
E-Health Applications in Ophthalmic Diseases
Authors: Andonegui Jose , Serrano Luis , Eguzkiza Aitor
Published: May 2010

E-ophthalmology can be defined as the use of information and telecommunications technologies (ICT) to provide or support a group of activities related to ophthalmic care. E-ophthalmology-based models of assistance can be useful resources to compensate for the increased demand for medical care foreseeable in the near future due to aging of the population and lack of medical specialists. The authors present in detail the models proposed for three important health problems in ophthalmology as screening for diabetic retinopathy and follow-up of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, the main advantages of these models and the technologic requirements needed for their implementation are described. Finally, future trends in e-ophthalmology are also addressed.
A New Global Ubiquitous Consumer Environment for 4G Wireless Communications
Authors: Ganchev Ivan , O'Droma Máirtín S. , Jakab Jený István , Ji Zhanlin , Tairov Dmitry
Published: May 2010

A changed wireless environment for 4G and future generations of wireless communications is addressed in this chapter. This change is primarily focussed on making the end user of wireless services more central and more a consumer in the global wireless environment than heretofore. In the ‘Ubiquitous Consumer Wireless World (UCWW)’ –the descriptive name for this new wireless environment paradigm– the global supply of wireless communications services is founded on the new Consumer-centric Business Model (CBM). This is a radical change and departure from present globally pervasive business model for service delivery based on the user being a subscriber, called appropriately the Subscriber-centric Business Model (SBM). The reasons and background for the drive to bring about this changed wireless environment are reviewed, with the main body of the chapter focusing on descriptions of the technological composition of two of the new core infrastructural enabling elements. These are the third-party authentication, authorization, and accounting (3P-AAA) service, and the service advertisement, discovery, and association (ADA) through newly defined wireless billboard channels (WBCs). The former, 3P-AAA, arises from the need to bring about a separation of the supply of the AAA service from the supply of the communications service, which is necessary to ensure the consumer character of the user and to promote and safeguard all the new benefits that will flow for users, new consumer-oriented wireless access network providers, and other stakeholders through this new wireless environment. As there will be restructuring implications for the operation and location of charging and billing functions, treatment of this aspect is also included. The latter, ADA & WBCs, arises in tandem with this separation of services, the consequent metric of business success changing from ‘number of subscribers’ to ‘number of consumer transactions and service purchases’ and the need, therefore, for a new direct ‘push’ advertisement means for service providers to attract consumers and for consumers to be continually up-to-date on new service offerings. The proposals for protocol interfaces and architectures for both these elements are explored and discussed, with those aspects needing to be addressed in global standardization activities highlighted.
Architecture for IP-Based Next Generation Radio Access Network
Authors: Dantu Ram , Guturu Parthasarathy
Published: May 2010

High call volumes due to novel mobile data applications necessitate development of next generation wireless networks centered on high performing and highly available radio access networks (RANs). In this chapter, the authors present an innovative IP-based wireless routing architecture (for a RAN) with mechanisms for seamless handoff operations and high Quality of Service (QOS). Algorithms for dynamic configuration of the RAN, and efficacious network bandwidth management through traffic control are also presented. The authors establish the superiority of their system with real-life data indicating significant cost and availability improvements with our system over the traditional networks.
MAC Protocol of WiMAX Mesh Network
Authors: Zhou Ming-Tuo , Kong Peng-Yong
Published: May 2010

WiMAX based on IEEE std 802.16 is believed one of the important technologies of 4G. It aims to provide high-speed access over distance of several to tens kilometers. In IEEE std 802.16-2004, WiMAX defines an optional mesh mode, with which multi-hop, multi-route, self-organizing and self-healing communications can be achieved in metropolitan-level areas. This chapter presents medium access control (MAC) protocol of WiMAX mesh mode, on frame structure, network configuration, network entry, and scheduling algorithms. It also summaries the most recent progress on data slots resource scheduling and allocation algorithms. Finally, an application example of using WiMAX mesh network for high-speed and low-cost maritime communications is also presented in this chapter.
Advanced Scheduling Schemes in 4G Systems
Authors: Ukil Arijit
Published: May 2010

The deterministic factor for 4G wireless technologies is to successfully deliver high value services such as voice, video, real-time data with well defined Quality of Service (QoS), which has strict prerequisite of throughput, delay, latency and jitter. This requirement should be achieved with minimum use of limited shared resources. This constraint leads to the development and implementation of scheduling policy which along with adaptive physical layer design completely exploit the frequency, temporal and spatial dimensions of the resource space of multi-user system to achieve the best system-level performance. The basic goal for scheduling is to allocate the users with the network resources in a channel aware way primarily as a function of time and frequency to satisfy individual user’s service request delivery (QoS guarantee) and overall system performance optimization. Advanced scheduling schemes consider cross-layer optimization principle, where to fully optimize wireless broadband networks; both the challenges from the physical medium and the QoS-demands from the applications are to be taken into account. Cross-layer optimization needs to be accomplished by the design philosophy of jointly optimizing the physical, media access control, and link layer, while leveraging the standard IP network architecture. Cross-layer design approaches are critical for efficient utilization of the scarce radio resources with QoS provisioning in 4G wireless networks and beyond. The scheduler, in a sense, becomes the focal point for achieving any cross-layer optimization, given that the system design allows for this. The scheduler uses information from the physical layer up to the application layer to make decisions and perform optimization. This is a fundamental advantage over a system where the intelligence is distributed throughout the all entities of the network. In this chapter, the authors present an overview of the basic scheduling schemes as well as investigate advanced scheduling schemes particularly in OFDMA and packet scheduling schemes in all-IP based 4G systems. Game theoretic approach of distributed scheduling, which is of particular importance in wireless ad hoc networks, will also be discussed. 4G wireless networks are mostly MIMO based which introduces another degree of freedom for optimization, i.e. spatial dimension, for which scheduling in MIMO systems is very much complicated and computation intensive. MIMO resource allocation and scheduling is also covered in this chapter. The key research challenges in 4G wireless networks like LTE, WiMAX and the future research direction for scheduling problems in 4G networks are also presented in this chapter.
An End-to-End QoS Framework for Vehicular Mobile Networks
Authors: Alshaer Hamada , Elmirghani Jaafar
Published: May 2010

In recent years we have witnessed a great demand for high speed Internet access in vehicular environment, e.g., trains, buses and medical transport. This chapter introduces an integrated architecture for 4G vehicular mobile networks, which aims to guarantee high quality in provisioned triple-play traffic services (video, voice, and data) to road users. Within this architecture which is based on a cross layer design approach, our contributions can be described in three folds. Firstly, the authors introduce simple and efficient probing mechanisms which are integrated with network resource reservation policies for multihomed vehicular networks. Secondly, packet, flow and user splitting mechanisms have been integrated with end admission traffic control and scheduling mechanisms to guarantee even traffic load distribution among available air interfaces. Finally, the whole architecture has been evaluated under OMNeT++, where results illustrate the impact of network mobility on quality in provisioned services offered to a multihomed NEMO.