bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenegraph-Based Platform for 3D Computer Graphics Training
Authors: Muggéo Vincent
Published: February 2011

We propose a framework for developing online interactive experiments for training students to master the basic concepts of 3D Computer Graphics. As 3D Computer Graphics has applications in a large range of fields (visual arts, media, geography. etc.), we need to devote particular attention to students that are nonexperts in Computer Science and particularly in programming. We also have to take into consideration the resources and efforts required for the development of online training modules. We describe our approach for designing and implementing accurate and efficient training modules and describe how we have implemented one particular use case scenario.
Resurrecting Graduate Conversation through an Online Learning Community
Authors: Thoms Brian , Garrett Nathan , Soffer Mariana , Ryan Terry
Published: February 2011

This article reports on action research that implements online learning community (OLC) software to foster conversation at a specific graduate school. The design of the research is informed by theories of conversation, online learning, and social networking, as well as by popular Web 2.0 technologies. A distinguishing feature of this application is that it is oriented toward and controlled by individuals rather than being centered on courses. Results indicate that stakeholders—graduate students and faculty—appreciate and find value in the OLC we implemented.
Science for Everyone
Authors: Wood Charles A.
Published: February 2011

Recent and emerging technologies offer many opportunities for exploration and learning. These technologies allow learners (of any age) to work with real data, use authentic scientific instruments, explore immersive simulations and act as scientists. The capabilities soon to be available raise questions about the role of schools but do rely on directed learning traditionally supplied by teachers. The prevalence of new tools and data streams can transform society, not just kids, into a culture of learning.
Evolution by Evaluation
Authors: Mahlow Cerstin , Hess Michael , Grund Sven
Published: February 2011

This paper describes the process of formally evaluating an E-Learning system that has been in use for several years. Professional usability evaluation offers deeper insight into user behaviour and needs than accidental feedback collection or introspection by system developers. A first analysis of the evaluation samples shows satisfaction of users with the general design of the system but also dissatisfaction with certain aspects of navigation that would otherwise have escaped our attention. State of the art formal evaluation turned out to be instrumental in making an existing system considerably more user-friendly.
A Methodology for Integrating the Social Web Environment in Software Engineering Education
Authors: Kamthan Pankaj
Published: February 2011

The aim of this article is a technological revitalization of software engineering education from human and social perspectives. It adopts a systematic approach towards integrating the Social Web environment (including technologies and applications based on those technologies) in software engineering education, both inside and outside the classroom. To that regard, a feasibility-sensitive methodology for incorporating the Social Web environment in software engineering education that supports a heterogeneous combination of objectivism and constructivism is proposed and explored. The potential prospects of such integration and related concerns are illustrated by practical examples.
An Investigation of Online Course Management Systems in Higher Education
Authors: Ray Julie A.
Published: February 2011

Colleges and Universities across the United States have experienced an unprecedented growth in the demand for online course instruction in the recent years. With the large increase in the number of students participating in courses in the online format, there is a lack of research or empirical data that examines both the overall effectiveness and the quality of instruction.  This study was designed to examine three major components of online instruction: 1) Course Management Systems (CMS), 2) Instructor training and support and, 3) The evaluation of online courses. Thirty institutions of higher education in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia participated in the research.  The study was a Mixed-Methods approach with both quantitative and qualitative data gathered and analyzed. The methodology and results examined the process of selecting an institutional CMS, the training practices for online instructors, and the evaluation of online courses from an administrative and student perspective.
Why Choose an Online Course?
Authors: Tomei Lawrence , Kwiatkowski April , Brown Lorie , Pash Lori , Javery Christine , Ray Julie , Durocher Rae Ann
Published: February 2011

OCICU is the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities and consists of five provider institutions which are located throughout the United States and Ireland. This consortium is the first of its kind to exist in distance education. The researchers wanted to understand why students choose to take courses through the consortium as well as why students opt for online learning instead of traditional face to face instruction. The research was limited courses that were completed in the Fall 2006, Spring 2007, and Fall 2007. The review of the literature revealed several factors of teaching online that affect why member schools recommend an OCICU course to their students and why these students succeed or fail in an online environment. The response rate of 25% diminishes the ability of this investigation to generalize to this population of 64 institutions.
New Technologies for New Learning Opportunities
Authors: Gibbons Beatrice , Semich George
Published: February 2011

Current research (Adkins & Vasu, 2000; Casey & Rakes, 2002; Dawson and Rakes, 2003) supports technology training for teachers for the purpose of using this technology as an instructional tool in the classroom to improve student learning. To meet this request for teacher educators, it is important to provide quality professional development. Connecting local public school teachers with university faculty for training opportunities was an excellent starting point since our university could provide a high degree of instructional delivery. Our PDS start-up grant enabled us to offer a very successful workshop that provided monetary incentives, ACT 48 credits (PA requirement for teachers), and a positive view on the part of the teachers in using new technologies as well as strengthen a collaborative partnership between the University and a K-12 school district in order to improve student achievement.
ICT Integration Efforts in Higher Education in Developing Economies
Authors: Tibebu Dawit , Bandyopadhyay Tridib , Negash Solomon
Published: February 2011

A situational modified version of Tearle’s model (2004) is utilized in this study to understand the integration of ICTs in the educational process. The study evaluated self efficacy beliefs, institutional support and policy in the context of developing economies where challenges of inadequate resources and insufficient skills persist. We assess the state of affairs, and the challenges faced by teachers and management at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The results show that educators are generally appreciative of ICTs role in the teaching/learning process.
Enabling Enhanced Learning in an Open University Environment
Authors: Vassiliadis Bill , Xenos Michalis , Stefani Antonia
Published: February 2011

Open and Distance learning has been extensively researched in the past few years, yet the focus was more in its technological dimension. The plethora of advanced tools supporting e-learning and the difficulties in their adoption in real situations has only demonstrated that the primary need is a paradigm shift in the educational model. In this work, we argue that this paradigm shift can be efficiently supported by a new computing model: the Grid. Grid computing facilitates knowledge construction and reuse in highly dynamic, distributed e-learning environments. An initial design of an e-learning Grid is presented for an Open University environment where new e-learning models, such as constructivism, can be efficiently supported.
Using On-Line Discussion to Encourage Reflective Thinking in Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Holdan E. Gregory , Hansen Mary
Published: February 2011

Discourse has been thought to be an essential aspect of high quality education (Bean & Stevens, 2002; Harkness, D’Ambrasio & Marrone, 2006; Wade, Fauske & Thompson, 2008; NCTM, 2000; Heller, 2004). But because the teaching profession is sometimes one of isolation and disconnecteness (Wong & Wong, 2001; Zmuda, Kuklis & Kline, 2004; Sparks & Hirsh, 1997), teachers may not get opportunities to engage in thoughtful discourse. With advances in on-line education, however, teachers who might otherwise not have opportunities to engage in meaningful, reflective discourse about teaching and learning can easily, and at their own relative convenience, do so. Through an on-line venue, teachers can get involved in substantive communication about teaching and learning, address valid and invalid preconceptions about the profession, and work to improve their practice through directed meta-cognitive reflective activities.
Accessing ICT Enabled Content in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Negash Solomon
Published: February 2011

While the digital revolution has transformed the way many of us work and live, more than half the world’s population lives in rural areas that have been shut-out of the digital transformation. Low-income countries have yet to realize the benefits from the digital revolution; therefore, a need exists for innovative and alternative models to overcome the lack of access to knowledge and learning. This paper examines the challenges faced by low-income countries in accessing ICT enabled content and proposes a Big-Small model where low-income countries can harness the ICT revolution. This paper concludes with a discussion on sustainability and future research directions.
User Interface Design Pedagogy
Authors: Khoo Benjamin K.S.
Published: February 2011

A major limitation in traditional class lectures that use textbooks, handouts, transparencies and assignments is that students often are unable to “experience” user interface design. This limitation can be overcome by using the constructionist approach, which allows students to experience user interface design by letting them “do” or “construct” so that they can understand and remember. This paper describes an Internet-based interactive case scenario that was developed, based on the constructionist approach, to teach students user interface design concepts in conjunction with the Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction (QUIS). A proof of concept evaluation was conducted and the results indicate that this approach is effective in user interface design pedagogy.
Reexamining Relative Advantage and Perceived Usefulness
Authors: Wang Youwei , Meister Darren , Wang Yinglei
Published: February 2011

Relative advantage and perceived usefulness are often used interchangeably in the literature. In this paper, the authors argue that this limits the understanding of the adoption of ICTs, especially when there are multiple alternatives. To address this issue, the authors reexamine relative advantage in relation to perceived usefulness, providing a re-specification of relative advantage and empirically testing a model that explores the roles of these constructs in explaining and predicting the adoption of a new technology in the presence of an existing one. The results demonstrate that perceived usefulness and relative advantage are related but distinct constructs. In particular, relative advantage fully mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of existing technology on the intention to use a new technology, and partially mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of the new technology on the intention to use it. The findings have important theoretical implications that help investigators better apply these constructs in research, as well as practical implications for ICT promotion strategy.
Adapting a Face-To-Face Competence Framework for Digital Competence Assessment
Authors: Torres-Coronas Teresa , Vidal-Blasco M. Arántzazu
Published: February 2011

In the present landscape of technological change there is increasing awareness of the need to support the acquisition of digital competences. In this paper, the authors address how digital competences can be developed through formal learning. The authors examine and demonstrate the design of a web 2.0 learning experience implemented at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, which developed both digital competences and management knowledge. The authors argue that higher education academics should continue to expand their awareness of web 2.0 applications and the role they can play in optimizing learning and knowledge creation among students, the digital workers of the future.
The Application of Web and Educational Technologies in Supporting Web-Enabled Self-Regulated Learning in Different Computing Course Orientations
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Shen Pei-Di
Published: February 2011

Many educational institutions provide online courses; however, the question whether they can be as effective as those offered in the face-to-face classroom format still exists. In addition, it also remains unclear whether every subject is appropriate to be delivered in web-based learning environments. Thus, the authors redesigned two courses with different orientations and conducted a quasi-experiment to examine the effects of web-enabled self-regulated learning (SRL) in different course orientations on students’ computing skills. Four classes with 173 students from the courses ‘Database Management System’ and ‘Packaged Software and Application’ were divided into 2 (Design-oriented vs. Procedural-oriented) × 2 (SRL vs. non-SRL) experimental groups. The results showed that students who received the intervention of web-enabled SRL had significantly higher grades on the examination for certificates than those that did not receive this intervention, whether in design-oriented or procedural-oriented computing courses. Moreover, students in the two different courses had very similar scores, which resulted in non-significant differences in their end-of-term computing skills.
Computer Technology
Authors: Lin Shu-Hwa
Published: February 2011

This paper describes an innovative course wherein students and faculty collaborate to design, manufacture, manage, and sell organic cotton tote bags. Students remained responsible for the project from start to finish. Responsibilities included all aspects of product development from market research and design conceptualization to producing, promoting and selling the finished tote bag embellished with a heat transfer printed department logo. Moreover, the project required students to develop proficiency in multiple specific computer software programs to facilitate the product development process and ongoing management of promoting, distributing and selling the goods. With the development of fashion design and management skills and applications of computer technology, student projects were successfully executed. Based on positive student evaluations and profitable sales, the course was highly rated.
FOSS Solutions for Community Development
Authors: Rajendran Balaji , Venkataraman Neelanarayanan
Published: February 2011

The use of ICT solutions in developmental activities and the deployment of them in modern telecentres have been widely accepted phenomena. In this article, we examine the use of FOSS – Free/Open source software in ICT solutions and categorize them into two types: ‘FOSS in’ and ‘FOSS for’, in order to emphasize the difference between those solutions, where FOSS play a meager or symbolic role and those solutions that are specifically developed to address a community need. We discuss about our experience in developing a FOSS-based ICT solution that is specifically built to address the needs of a community information system. We illustrate our three-tiered multi-stakeholder model of development, deployment and usage. We also describe our experience in the process of development and pilot deployment of our solution in various locations of India, and emphasize on the synergies between our model and the FOSS mode of ICT solution development.
Digital Divide, Social Divide, Paradigmatic Divide
Authors: Pimienta Daniel
Published: February 2011

The digital divide is nothing else than the reflection of the social divide in the digital world. The use of ICT for human development does offer opportunities to reduce the social divide for individual beings or communities; yet there exists a series of obstacles to overcome. The very existence of an infrastructure for connectivity is only the first obstacle, although it often receives an exclusive focus, due to the lack of an holistic approach which gives an essential part to digital and information literacy. Telecommunications, hardware and software are predictable prerequisites; however, the true pillars of human-focused information societies are education, ethics, and participation, interacting together as a systemic process. As long as decision makers are not ready to consider these evidences, and keep on favoring a mere technological vision, we will suffer from the most dangerous divide in terms of impact: the paradigmatic divide. Any resemblance to characters, projects, or policies in real life is quite intentional.
Local E-Government Management
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: February 2011

Despite the immense popularity and potency of electronic government, it is remain uncharted in many countries regarding proper implementation at the local government level. However, technologies possess the prospect of improvement in the way government works, and make better interactions with their citizens. National governments are trying to realize this potential by finding ways to implement novel technology in spearheading its utilization to achieve the best services for their citizens. They range from awareness raising campaign, knowledge acquisition, social networking to strategic planning, development, and implementation. This article has tried to draw a line of reference by put forwarding the importance of local e-government organizational structure, and their supremacies in terms of utilization of ICT. Along this context, the article has attempted to synthesize a few prospective local e-government scenarios, focus on their adaptation of ICT, and puts forward recommendations to improve local e-government for offering better information services.
Socio-Cultural Context of E-Government Readiness
Authors: Zacher Lech W.
Published: February 2011

E-government is not only an innovative idea but, more and more in a growing number of countries, a practical activity of high priority. It reflects the emergence and development of information societies (IS). Socio-cultural context is a framework of e-government strategies and practices. The context will determine the effects of such efforts. It is important to consider and understand the socio-cultural characteristics and functioning of society while its e-government undertakings are planned and introduced. From this point of view, the presently emerging worldwide information societies can be grouped in classes. It may help to analyze the classes’ needs and possibilities and to formulate proper e-government agenda to be implemented. The real specificities and diversities among classes make the IS development multi-trajectory. In our diversified world, the effects will vary greatly.
Online Synchronous English Learning from Activity Theory Perspectives
Authors: Uden Lorna , Chen Nian-Shing , Wei Chun-Wang , Fan Jui-Chu
Published: February 2011

The implementation of Online Synchronous Learning (OSL) poses many challenges to existing instruction technology theory because of the complexity of the digital age. Although many studies have been carried out for an OSL, there is little evidence of OSL for teaching language learning. This is especially so when it involves multiple cultural perspectives. This chapter describes the implementation of OSL for teaching English to foreign students from different cultures. The authors believe that the cultural historical Activity Theory is ideal for understanding OSL and its pedagogy. Through the lens of Activity Theory, this study takes close look at OSL courses and examines the socio-cultural factors affecting the success of the course as well as their complex relationships. Applying Activity Theory to analyze data collected over three years we have developed a framework to help educators who intend to implement OSL from multiple cultural perspectives.
Culture and Language Learning in Computer-Enhanced or Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Olaniran Bolanle A.
Published: February 2011

This article explores computer-mediated communication (CMC) and information communication technology (ICT) use in language learning. More specifically, the article addresses the impact or implications of CMC tools for computer enhanced language learning. The article attempts to present a review of key literature in adaptation of communication technologies to teaching or learning language in general and specifically second language acquisition. The article stresses the need to understand culture and contextual appropriateness of language, thus, it argues for communication technology to be used as a secondary resource rather than a primary tool for language learners. The discussion addresses the dimensions of cultural variability with respect to language learning. At the same time, features of synchronous and asynchronous CMC were analyzed in the context of language learning. Finally, the article addresses implications for language learning in computer mediated communication or computer assisted environments.
Rural Community and Human Development through Sustainable Information Technology Education
Authors: Bertaux Nancy , Okunoye Adekunle , Bada Abiodun O.
Published: February 2011

In developing countries, Information Technology education is associated with high cost and is not typically available outside urban areas. Seeking IT education might not be on the priority list of countries battling numerous problems related to healthcare, housing, nutrition and other basic needs of life, but globally, IT education is an increasingly important aspect of human resource development, as well as economic development. This article presents a case where the provision of IT education differs from the conventional emphasis on urban dwellers. The authors discuss the case of Summit Computers in a rural community in Nigeria. The analysis of the case suggests that for developing countries to benefit from advances in IT, awareness among the real users, convenience, affordability and consideration of how IT training can meet local needs and employment are important factors. Entrepreneurship, participation and empowerment of local users are also discussed as important factors that enhance the sustainability of IT education in rural communities.
Impact of Technology-Related Environment Issues on Trust in B2B E-Commerce
Authors: Kumar Muneesh , Sareen Mamta
Published: February 2011

The virtual environment of B2B e-commerce interactions has been considered to be a barrier in building trust of trading partners. There is adequate empirical evidence that supports the relationship between various trust related technology issues such as security, privacy, authentication, etc. However, there is dearth of evidence confirming the causal relationship between environment related trust issues such as social-cultural characteristics, technology standards, and regulatory framework. Based on a survey of 106 Indian companies using inter-organizational systems, this paper makes an attempt to identify specific attributes of these three environment-related issues that have the potential to influence trust in B2B e-commerce.
Emerging Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework for Africa
Authors: Zulu Saul F.C.
Published: February 2011

While emerging information and communications technologies (ICTs) offer possible solutions to some of the problems of applying ICTs in Africa, there are many challenges that have to be addressed in order to create an environment that is conducive for harnessing these technologies. This chapter, therefore, reviews emerging ICTs and their potential for application in leveraging Africa’s efforts towards meeting its development efforts. The Chapter highlights the digital divide barriers that may inhibit emergent ICTs in Africa. A review of current ICT policies of selected African countries indicates that the policies are geared towards application of ICTs other than their production. The review also reveals a lack of appreciation for emerging ICTs in Africa, both at the national as well as the sub-regional economic bloc levels. The chapter proposes policy frameworks for emerging ICTs for Africa that are necessary for creating an enabling environment for harnessing the emerging ICTs that will propel the continent into the 21st Century and beyond. The barriers to ICTs cut across many different issues. As such, they require multi-pronged policy approaches to address them. And that an emerging ICT environment must be anchored on a number of strategic policy frameworks including the legal, regulatory/administrative institutional framework, infrastructure, technology advocacy, financial, human resources, education and research frameworks. It concludes that Africa can prepare for its future by creating an appropriate environment for fostering the adoption and application of emerging technologies.
University Education and Intellectual Property in the Digital Era
Authors: Kiggundu John
Published: February 2011

The national level of Intellectual Property Law covers national legislation and policy as well as common law, while at the international level it covers international treaties and conventions to which Botswana is a signatory. The Mission of the University of Botswana is to advance the intellectual and human resource capacity of the nation and the international community. In this regard, the goal of this paper is that the University plays a central role in the development of intellectual property law and policy and in the protection of intellectual property at the University and the nation at large. The University must articulate its position on intellectual property issues so as to influence national policy and legislation as well as international developments in intellectual property in the digital era. The area that greatly affects the University of Botswana in its core business is copyright. Accordingly, this paper focuses mainly on issues arising in copyright especially in the digital era and how they affect the University’s core business. The paper covers the duration of copyright, licensing agreements, the cost of digital information, the preservation of digital information, distance learning, the protection of indigenous knowledge systems, and the development of intellectual property education.
The Development of ICT for Envisioning Cloud Computing and Innovation in South Asia
Authors: Abu Sheikh Taher , Tsuji Masatsugu
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the implications of cloud computing in South Asia in relation to ICT deployment. The authors employ empirical analysis based on related literatures and an ICT panel dataset from 1999-2007, to discover significant factors in this field. Evidence from several studies has shown that the deployment of ICT is greatly related to improvements in a country’s economic performance. The study thus focuses on how ICT deployment helps South Asian countries to adopt cloud computing concepts and innovations, such as Web 2.0, Health 2.0 or Education 2.0. ICT penetration differs from country to country in several respects, except with regard to mobile phones. The study therefore generates new ideas, first, to increase capacity and add capabilities based on mobile technology to adopt the concepts of Web 2.0, Health 2.0 or Education 2.0 throughout South Asia, and, second, to re-think ICT deployment and encourage the diffusion of cloud computing and technological innovation. The paper concludes its analysis with suggestions for policy in developing countries.
PPDAM
Authors: Ashrafi Mafruz Zaman , Taniar David , Smith Kate
Published: February 2011

Data mining is a process that analyzes voluminous digital data in order to discover hidden but useful patterns from digital data. However, the discovering of such hidden patterns has statistical meaning and may often disclose some sensitive information. As a result, privacy becomes one of the prime concerns in the data-mining research community. Since distributed association mining discovers association rules by combining local models from various distributed sites, breaching data privacy happens more often than it does in centralized environments. In this work, we present a methodology that generates association rules without revealing confidential inputs such as statistical properties of individual sites, and yet retains a high level of accuracy in the resultant rules. One of the important outcomes of the proposed technique is that it reduces the overall communication costs. Performance evaluation of our proposed method shows that it reduces the communication cost significantly when we compare it with other well-known, distributed association-rule-mining algorithms. Nevertheless, the global rule model generated by the proposed method is based on the exact global support of each item set and hence diminishes inconsistency, which indeed occurs when global models are generated from partial support count of an item set.
The Virtual Twin
Authors: Gachet Alexandre , Haettenschwiler Pius
Published: February 2011

As peer-to-peer computing finally reaches a critical mass, it triggers changes in the IT landscape that traditional network infrastructures, based on centralized, client/server topologies, cannot manage. Consequently, the ad hoc, self-organized, and loosely controlled nature of peer-to-peer networks needs to be supported by a new coordination layer representing the interests of the user. In order to define this new abstraction layer, this paper introduces the concept of the virtual twin — a kind of anthropomorphic representation of the networked person with whom the user can identify and feel comfortable. We discuss the inner structure of the virtual twin, first in an intuitive and informal way with an emphasis on its social aspect, then in a more detailed way with the analysis of its main components.
Agent-Based Modeling for Simulation of Complex Business Systems
Authors: Langdon Christoph Schlueter
Published: February 2011

This article aims to provide a synopsis of agent-based modeling and how to adapt an agent-based research strategy for the scientific study of complex business systems. Agent-based systems have been a popular field of study in computer science for some time. While computer science-related research has been focused on the artifact itself, such as computational languages and algorithms, research in the management sciences is explicitly focused on business problems. Research in Information Systems (IS) has begun to advance knowledge in the use of agent-based systems as a means to seek different, computational explanations for business phenomena that have eluded scientific inquiry reliant on traditional—specifically, law and axiomatic—explanation (Kimbrough, 2003). The focus on business problems requires a different research approach than what is successful in computer science. Key modifications include first, the explicit articulation of benefits specific to the management sciences, and second, instrument validation.
Dualistic Ontologies
Authors: Grootjen F.A. , van der Weide Th.P.
Published: February 2011

To effectively use and exchange information among AI systems, a formal specification of the representation of their shared domain of discourse—called an ontology—is indispensable. In this article we introduce a special kind of knowledge representation based on a dual view of the universe of discourse and show how it can be used in human activities such as searching, in-depth exploration, and browsing. After a formal definition of dualistic ontologies, we exemplify this definition with three different (well-known) kinds of ontologies, based on the vector model, on formal concept analysis, and on fuzzy logic, respectively. The vector model leads to concepts derived by latent semantic indexing using the singular value decomposition. Both the set model as the fuzzy set model led to Formal Concept Analysis, in which the fuzzy set model is equipped with a parameter that controls the fine-graining of the resulting concepts. We discuss the relation between the resulting systems of concepts. Finally, we demonstrate the use of this theory by introducing the dual search engine. We show how this search engine can be employed to support the human activities addressed above.
A Web Services Implementation of a User-Centered Knowledge Management Platform for the Construction Industry
Authors: Rezgui Yacine , Meziane Farid
Published: February 2011

The research described in this paper aims at specifying and developing an open model-based infrastructure and a set of tools that promote consistent knowledge management within collaborative environments in the construction sector. The specified solution emerged from a comprehensive analysis of the business and information/knowledge management practices of four construction organizations and makes use of a construction-specific ontology for specifying adaptive mechanisms that can organize documents according to their content and interdependencies while maintaining their overall consistency. The proposed Web-based infrastructure includes services allowing the creation, capture, indexing, retrieval, and dissemination of knowledge. It also promotes the integration of third-party services, including proprietary and legacy tools. The Web-services model is used as the underlying middleware technology that supports the solution. The research is sponsored by the European Commission under the Framework V Programme (Information Society and Technology).
A Neural Network-Based Agent Framework for Mail Server Management
Authors: Willow Charles C.
Published: February 2011

Amidst the era of e-economy, one of the difficulties from the standpoint of the information systems manager is, among others, the forecast of memory needs for the organization. In particular, the manager is often confronted with maintaining a certain threshold amount of memory for a prolonged period of time. However, this constraint requires more than technical and managerial resolutions, encompassing knowledge management for the group, eliciting tacit knowledge from the end users, and pattern and time series analyses of utilization for various applications. This paper proposes a framework for building an automated intelligent agent for memory management under the client-server architecture. The emphasis is on collecting the needs of the organization and acquiring the application usage patterns for each client involved in real time. Due to the dynamic nature of the tasks, incorporation of a neural network architecture with tacit knowledge base is suggested. Considerations for future work associated with technical matters comprising platform independence, portability, and modularity are discussed.
Combining Artificial Neural Networks and GOR-V Information Theory to Predict Protein Secondary Structure from Amino Acid Sequences
Authors: Subair Saad Osman Abdalla , Deris Safaai
Published: February 2011

Protein secondary structure prediction is a fundamental step in determining the 3D structure of a protein. In this paper, a new method for predicting protein secondary structure from amino acid sequences has been proposed and implemented. Cuff and Barton 513 protein data set is used in training and testing the prediction methods under the same hardware, platforms, and environments. The newly developed method utilizes the knowledge of the GOR-V information theory and the power of the neural networks to classify a novel protein sequence in one of its three secondary structure classes (helices, strands, and coils). The newly developed method (NN-GORV-I) is improved further by applying a filtering mechanism to the searched database and, hence, named NN-GORV-II. The developed prediction methods are rigorously analyzed and tested, together with other five well-known prediction methods in this domain in order to allow easy comparison and clear conclusions.
A Database Service Discovery Model for Mobile Agents
Authors: Song Lei , Li Xining , Ni Jingbo
Published: February 2011

One of the main challenges of mobile agent technology is how to locate hosts that provide services requested by mobile agents. Traditional service location protocols can be applied to mobile agent systems in order to explore the service discovery issue. However, because of their architecture deficiencies, they adequately do not solve all the problems that arise in a dynamic domain such as database location discovery. From this point of view, we need some enhanced service discovery techniques for the mobile agent community. This article proposes a new model for solving the database service location problem in the domain of mobile agents by implementing a service discovery module based on search engine techniques. As a typical interface provided by a mobile agent server, the service discovery module improves the decision ability of mobile agents with respect to information retrieval. This research is part of the IMAGO system, an infrastructure for mobile agent applications. This article focuses on the design of an independent search engine, IMAGOSearch, and discusses how to integrate service discovery into the IMAGO system, thus providing a global scope service location tool for intelligent mobile agents.
Multi-Agent Patterns for Deploying Online Auctions
Authors: Jureta Ivan , Kolp Manuel , Faulkner Stéphane
Published: February 2011

Today, a high volume of goods and services is being traded using online auction systems. The growth in size and complexity of architectures to support online auctions requires the use of distributed and cooperative software techniques. In this context, the agent software development paradigm seems appropriate for their modeling, development, and implementation. This article proposes an agent-oriented pattern analysis of best practices for online auctions. The patterns are intended to help both IT managers and software engineers during the requirement specification of an online auction system while integrating benefits of agent software engineering.
A Multi-Agent Decision Support Architecture for Knowledge Representation and Exchange
Authors: Singh Rahul
Published: February 2011

Organizations rely on knowledge-driven systems for delivering problem-specific knowledge over Internet-based distributed platforms to decision-makers. Recent advances in systems support for problem solving have seen increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for knowledge representation in multiple forms. This article presents an Intelligent Knowledge-based Multi-agent Decision Support Architecture” (IKMDSA) to illustrate how to represent and exchange domain-specific knowledge in XML-format through intelligent agents to create, exchange and use knowledge in decision support. IKMDSA integrates knowledge discovery and machine learning techniques for the creation of knowledge from organizational data; and knowledge repositories (KR) for its storage management and use by intelligent software agents in providing effective knowledge-driven decision support. Implementation details of the architecture, its business implications and directions for further research are discussed.
Knowledge Acquisition Modeling Through Dialogue Between Cognitive Agents
Authors: Yousfi-Monod Mehdi , Prince Violaine
Published: February 2011

This article tackles learning and communication between cognitive artificial agents. Our focus is on dialogue as the only way for agents to acquire knowledge, as it often happens in natural situations. Since this restriction has scarcely been studied in artificial intelligence (AI) until now; this research aims to provid a dialogue model devoted to knowledge acquisition. It allows two agents, in a “teacher” – “student” relationship, to exchange information with a learning incentive (on behalf of the student). The article first defines the nature of the addressed agents, the types of relation they maintain, and the structure and contents of their knowledge base. It continues by describing the different goals of learning, their realization, and the solutions provided for problems encountered by agents. A general architecture is then established and comment on the part of the theory implementation is given. The conclusion talks about the achievements carried out and the potential improvement of this work.
User Relevance Feedback in Semantic Information Retrieval
Authors: Picariello Antonio , Rinaldi Antonio M.
Published: February 2011

The user dimension is a crucial component in the information retrieval process and for this reason it must be taken into account in planning and technique implementation in information retrieval systems. In this article we present a technique based on relevance feedback to improve the accuracy in an ontology based information retrieval system. Our proposed method combines the semantic information in a general knowledge base with statistical information using relevance feedback. Several experiments and results are presented using a test set constituted of Web pages.
Content-Based Image Classification and Retrieval
Authors: Ali Jafar M.
Published: February 2011

Advances in data storage and image acquisition technologies have enabled the creation of large image datasets. Thus, it is necessary to develop appropriate information systems to efficiently manage these datasets. Image classification and retrieval is one of the most important services that must be supported by such systems. The most common approach used is content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems. This paper presents a new application of rough sets to feature reduction, classification, and retrieval for image databases in the framework of content-based image retrieval systems. The suggested approach combines image texture features with color features to form a powerful discriminating feature vector for each image. Texture features are extracted, represented, and normalized in an attribute vector, followed by a generation of rough set dependency rules from the real value attribute vector. The rough set reduction technique is applied to find all reducts with the minimal subset of attributes associated with a class label for classification
Towards Stable Model Bases for Causal Strategic Decision Support Systems
Authors: Hillbrand Christian
Published: February 2011

Most decision support systems (DSS) based on causal models fail to analyze the empirical validity of the underlying cause-and-effect hypotheses, but instead concentrate on numerous analysis techniques within the method base. However, the soundness of these cause-and-effect-relations as well as the knowledge of the approximate shape of the functional dependencies underlying these associations turns out to be the biggest issue for the quality of the results of decision supporting procedures. Therefore this article strives towards an approach to prove the causality of nomologic cause-and-effect-hypotheses by empirical evidence as a prerequisite for the approximation of the mostly unknown causal functions. Since the latter very often show non-linear influences, it is necessary to employ universal function approximators for this purpose: consequently the proposed approach adopts artificial neural networks (ANN) as an inductive method to learn a calculational model of cause-and-effect functions from empirical time series.
A New Approach for Building a Scalable and Adaptive Vertical Search Engine
Authors: Ali H. Arafat , El Desouky Ali I. , Saleh Ahmed I.
Published: February 2011

Search engines are the most important search tools for finding useful and recent information on the Web today. They rely on crawlers that continually crawl the Web for new pages. Meanwhile, focused crawlers have become an attractive area for research in recent years. They suggest a better solution for generalpurpose search engine limitations and lead to a new generation of search engines called vertical-search engines. Searching the Web vertically is to divide the Web into smaller regions; each region is related to a specific domain. In addition, one crawler is allowed to search in each domain. The innovation of this article is adding intelligence and adaptation ability to focused crawlers. Such added features will certainly guide the crawler perfectly to retrieve more relevant pages while crawling the Web. The proposed crawler has the ability to estimate the rank of the page before visiting it and adapts itself to any changes in its domain using.
Agile Workflow Technology and Case-Based Change Reuse for Long-Term Processes
Authors: Minor Mirjam , Tartakovski Alexander , Schmalen Daniel
Published: February 2011

The increasing dynamics of today’s work impacts the business processes. Agile workflow technology is a means for the automation of adaptable processes. However, the modification of workflows is a difficult task that is performed by human experts. This article discusses the novel approach of agile workflow technology for dynamic, long-term scenarios and on change reuse. First, it introduces new concepts for a workflow modeling language and enactment service, which enable an interlocked modeling and execution of workflows by means of a sophisticated suspension mechanism. Second, it provides new process-oriented methods of case-based reasoning in order to support the reuse of change experience. The results from an experimental evaluation in a real-world scenario highlight the usefulness and the practical impact of this work.
A Multiagent-based Framework for Integrating Biological Data
Authors: Maghrabi Faheema , Faheem Hossam M. , Soliman Taysir , Fayed Zaki T.
Published: February 2011

Biological data has been rapidly increasing in volume in different Web data sources. To query multiple data sources manually on the internet is time consuming for biologists. Therefore, systems and tools that facilitate searching multiple biological data sources are needed. Traditional approaches to build distributed or federated systems do not scale well to the large, diverse, and the growing number of biological data sources. Internet search engines allow users to search through large numbers of data sources, but provide very limited capabilities for locating, combining, processing, and organizing information. A promising approach to this problem is to provide access to the large number of biological data sources through a multiagent-based framework where a set of agents can cooperate with each other to retrieve relevant information from different biological Web databases. The proposed system uses a mediator-based integration approach with domain ontology, which uses as a global schema. In this paper we propose a multiagent-based framework that responds to biological queries according to its biological domain ontology.