bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Consumers' Mobile Coupon Adoption
Authors: Im Hyunjoo , Ha Young
Published: April 2016

Mobile technology is becoming a critical part of marketing practices and many retailers aim to engage consumers through mobile coupons. In this context, it is critical to understand what drives consumers to use mobile coupons. Technology adoption research offers insights for both researchers and practitioners into this matter. This chapter critically reviews guiding theories, Technology Acceptance Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory, as well as important literature on technology adoption to discuss evolution and application of technology adoption research. Five perception variables (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, subjective norm, compatibility) and three individual characteristics (personal innovativeness, perceived risk, gender) are selected as most relevant determinants of consumers' intention to adopt and use mobile coupons. Limitation of technology adoption research and possible future research avenues are discussed.
Decision-Making Processes Based on Knowledge Gained from Spatial Data
Authors: Malinowski Elzbieta
Published: April 2016

The increasing popularity of spatial data opens up the possibility to include it in decision-making processes in order to help discover existing interrelationships between facts that might otherwise be difficult to describe or explain. To achieve this goal, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) are seen as a platform to provide and share spatial and conventional data, especially among public institutions. However, SDI initiatives face many problems due to the lack of standards for data publications, the heterogeneity of participants that build and use the system, and participants' different backgrounds, level of preparation, and perception about the objective that SDIs should fulfill. Furthermore, to obtain better benefits from using spatial data, non-expert users in geo-concepts (i.e., users unfamiliar with complex concepts related to spatial data manipulation) should count on a variety of tools that hide spatial data complexity and facilitate knowledge generation with the goal of shifting from traditional spatial data sharing to an intelligent level. In this chapter, the authors refer to different issues related to knowledge generation from spatial data in order to support decision-making processes with an emphasis on public institutions. They look for the answers to several aspects: what tools are available for non-expert users to handle spatial data, who will provide spatial and related conventional data to stakeholders interested in analyzing them, and how to ensure data quality.
Developing a Compendium of Ideas on Using the Retrospective Approach to Mine for GIS Nuggets
Authors: Wellar Barry
Published: April 2016

The compendium of ideas paper addresses two needs: 1) Involving more people in the GIS retrospective program; 2) Creating an initial compilation of ideas which promote mining the various literatures – public, learned, popular (media), professional, etc. – for nuggets such as new ways to add to GIS technology, new reasons to add to geospatial information, and, new uses of GIScience research methods. Four design principles (connecting “ideas” and “nuggets”, using a modular approach, limiting modules to those critical to launch the project; and making it easy to modify modules) provide clear directions throughout the compendium-building process. And, each of the four modules (ideas about doing; ideas about objects of attention; principal GIS components as ideas and spawners of ideas; and, ideas as questions and questions as ideas) can be oriented to pursue general or particular interests that are held by all users of GIS technology and GIScience methods, techniques, and operations.
A Unified Building Model for a Real 3D Cadastral System
Authors: El-Mekawy Mohamed , Östman Anders
Published: April 2016

Cadastral systems today are mostly based on digitally represented 2D parcel maps or land registries of 3D components referenced to different documents. With clear limitations to this method, this chapter focuses on creating 3D property information based on existing 3D building models. It starts by investigating shortages of the most prominent semantic building models for BIM and geospatial models (IFC and CityGML, respectively) as well as a pre-developed Unified Building Model (UBM). The result shows that neither one of the three has capabilities for complete 3D cadastre systems. The chapter proposes an extension to the UBM by adding four subtypes to the boundary surfaces above- and under-ground, namely “Building Elements,” “Digging,” “Protecting Area,” and “Real Estate Boundary.” The extended UBM is then implemented in a case study of a hospital building in Sweden and shown to be able to model all surfaces that define 3D cadastral information of buildings. The extended UBM is argued to contribute to e-planning in cities and urban applications as well as to 3D cadastral applications.
Parallel kNN Queries for Big Data Based on Voronoi Diagram Using MapReduce
Authors: Yan Wei
Published: April 2016

In cloud computing environments parallel kNN queries for big data is an important issue. The k nearest neighbor queries (kNN queries), designed to find k nearest neighbors from a dataset S for every object in another dataset R, is a primitive operator widely adopted by many applications including knowledge discovery, data mining, and spatial databases. This chapter proposes a parallel method of kNN queries for big data using MapReduce programming model. Firstly, this chapter proposes an approximate algorithm that is based on mapping multi-dimensional data sets into two-dimensional data sets, and transforming kNN queries into a sequence of two-dimensional point searches. Then, in two-dimensional space this chapter proposes a partitioning method using Voronoi diagram, which incorporates the Voronoi diagram into R-tree. Furthermore, this chapter proposes an efficient algorithm for processing kNN queries based on R-tree using MapReduce programming model. Finally, this chapter presents the results of extensive experimental evaluations which indicate efficiency of the proposed approach.
Mobile E-Services
Authors: Johansson Dan , Andersson Karl
Published: April 2016

E-services are services delivered over the Internet. Such services have different properties and dimensions, e.g. targeting different sectors, being accessible through different channels, or intended for frequent or infrequent use. Throughout this article the authors address e-services from a mobility perspective. They do this by 1) positioning mobile e-services within the research field; 2) reviewing related work on mobile e-services; and 3) presenting and examining existing challenges (both difficulties and opportunities) when combining mobility and e-services. They see mobile e-services as the next generation of internet-based services and discuss important focus areas and future directions, giving extra notion to challenges and opportunities in the areas of acceptance and adoption, availability anytime and anywhere, and co-operation. In turn, these areas potentially set the scene for enhanced e-participation.
HERMES
Authors: Pelekis Nikos , Frentzos Elias , Giatrakos Nikos , Theodoridis Yannis
Published: April 2016

This chapter presents HERMES, a prototype DB engine that defines a powerful query language for trajectory databases, which enables the support of mobility-centric applications, such as Location-Based Services (LBS). HERMES extends the data definition and manipulation language of Object-Relational DBMS (ORDBMS) with spatio-temporal semantics and functionality based on advanced spatio-temporal indexing and query processing techniques. Its implementation over two ORDBMS and its utilization in various domains proves the expressive power and applicability of HERMES in different application domains where knowledge regarding mobility data is essential. As a proof-of-concept, in this chapter HERMES is applied to a case study related with vehicle traffic analysis, demonstrating its flexibility and usefulness for delivering custom-defined LBS.
Layering Learning – Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Authors: Goldstein Donna , Bryan Valerie C.
Published: April 2016

There are several issues that we urgently need to address regarding K-20 education, including engaging students in the learning process, preparing our youth for entry into the 21st century workplace, enabling them to become fully productive citizens, and providing them with the tools they will need to succeed. Our ability to flourish as a nation depends on this. In his article, “Place-Based Knowledge in the Digital Age,” Thomas Fisher (2012) discusses the potential impact Geographic Information Systems (GIS) may have as our global society becomes more immersed in digital and spatial media. He suggests that “GIS will eventually become a major way—perhaps the dominant way—in which we will access information in the future because of the essentially spatial nature of that software” (Fisher, 2012, p. 5). While Fisher's notion of “spatializing education” may seem abstract, the reality is our ability to connect multiple layers of data based on place will afford a more informed insight into our past, present, and future by revealing relationships, trends, and patterns. Connecting data spatially shifts our way of thinking, and our way of doing business as well as education (Baker, 2012). This is explored in this chapter.
Collaborative Knowledge in Catchment Research Networks
Authors: Macleod Christopher (Kit) J. A.
Published: April 2016

Catchments are increasingly used to structure collaborative knowledge to advance understanding and management of terrestrial and freshwater natural resources. To produce collaborative knowledge of catchment systems requires greater levels of integrative research based on networks of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. To enable increased levels of integrative research depends on development and application of digital technologies to improve collection, use, and sharing of data, and devising new knowledge infrastructures. Catchment observatories that integrate existing and novel physical, social, and digital networks of knowledge infrastructures are urgently needed. This chapter presents three leading international examples of collaborative networks of catchment researchers. In particular, the digital infrastructures they have developed to support collaborative knowledge in catchment research networks. This chapter provides future research directions required for the production, sharing, and use of collaborative knowledge in catchment research networks based on catchment systems science.
Coupling Geospatial and Computer Modeling Technologies to Engage High School Students in Learning Urban Ecology
Authors: DeBay Dennis J. , Patchen Amie , Vera Cruz Anne C. , Madden Paul E. , Xu Yang , Houle Meredith , Barnett Michael
Published: April 2016

This chapter is a description of the Urban Tree Project where high school students were engaged in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to determine the economic and ecological value of trees in their neighborhood. Students collected data on tree locations and conditions and then used CITYgreen to evaluate the economic and ecological value of their trees. Urban high school youth had the opportunity to explore urban ecology in their neighborhoods. Pre–post interview and written assessments were conducted across a wide sample of school contexts. The goal of these assessments was to explore the students' beliefs and understanding regarding the ecosystem services that trees and greenspace provide to a city. The results were mixed as students' understanding measured by the written assessments increased significantly. However, upon further probing, students often showed difficulty in drawing coherent concepts and ideas that depicted a robust understanding of urban ecological principles regarding green space and the services that trees provide.
Extending Metadata Standards for Historical GIS Research
Authors: Burleson Shelley , Giordano Alberto
Published: April 2016

This chapter proposes a structure for handling commonly observed uncertainties in geo-historical data, using as case studies two historical geographical information systems (HGIS) projects that interweave historical research with the geography of genocide. The first case involves the ghettoization of Budapest's Jews during the Holocaust in the second half of 1944. The more recent work, and the second case, covers the Armenian genocide spanning most of WWI and several years afterwards. The authors suggest using existing metadata standards as one way of handling the inherent uncertainties of geo-historical sources. While not a definitive solution, they argue that such an approach provides a starting point and a platform to conceptually frame the use of geo-historical data in HGIS.
Lifestyles and Mobile Services Adoption in China
Authors: Gao Shang , Krogstie John , Chen Zhihao , Zhou Wenyan
Published: April 2016

Along with the popularity of mobile devices and advances in wireless technology, mobile services have become more and more prevalent. To the best of knowledge, despite the potential importance of lifestyle, little research has been performed on the effect of various lifestyle factors on mobile services diffusion, particularly in the Chinese context. This study examines the relationship between the lifestyles of Chinese consumers and the adoption of mobile services. Based on a sample of 313 respondents from the biggest city in central China, one can show that consumers with different lifestyles have different preferences related to a number of the identified mobile services. Furthermore, Chinese consumers are clustered into four lifestyle segments by two dimensions: the quality-awareness fashionable dimension and the economical dimension. The findings demonstrate that the quality-awareness fashionable dimension has stronger impact than the economical dimension toward the adoption of all the five types of mobile services.
“Checking Into” Outdoor Lifestyle?
Authors: Zhao Elaine Jing
Published: April 2016

The increasing adoption of mobile media in place-making and space-constructing practices as well as participatory culture open up new opportunities in marketing. This chapter approaches mobile location-based games as sites of brand experience, productive play, and value co-creation. It examines a mobile location-based game launched by The North Face (TNF) in China to increase its consumer base by shaping people's lifestyle aspirations. It offers insights into the use of mobile to engage more participants in the emerging market; the role of mobile as the central tool, platform, and the interface of hybrid spaces (de Souza e Silva, 2006) in the integrated campaign; and the value co-creation process by consumers for the brand. It also points to unintended consequences of the campaign, evidenced in consumers' deconstruction and reconstruction of the marketer-designed game process and their distortion of space. More generally, it reveals the importance of understanding the opportunities and challenges in addressing creative consumers in utilising mobile location-based game for marketing purposes.
Optimizing School Bus Stop Placement in Howard County, Maryland
Authors: Galdi Michael , Thebpanya Paporn
Published: April 2016

In the current system, school bus stops in Howard County, Maryland are manually placed along the school bus routes based on safety, cost-efficiency, and many other variables. With such liberal placement, bus stops are sometimes placed unnecessarily. This issue is prevalent in many school districts and often results in needlessly close bus stop proximity. In this study, the authors implemented a GIS-based heuristic to assist school officials in optimizing their districts bus stop placement. They also estimated the proportion of county-wide bus stops that could be eliminated by this approach. Following the constraints determined by State and local guidelines, the ArcGIS Network Analyst Extension was used to identify unnecessary bus stops across the study area. The initial output was re-evaluated by school officials in order to determine if those bus stops would be eliminated. The results indicate that approximately 30% of the existing bus stops were marked as “candidates for elimination” by the GIS process. After a review of these candidates, it was determined that at least 15% of the total school bus stops could be eliminated. Statistical estimates lent credence to the benefit of a re-evaluation of these bus stops. The method developed in this study can easily be replicated. Hence, it may inspire other school systems to exercise the same approach. Additionally, the results provide a gateway for future studies in examining more efficient school bus routes with less travel time, as well as investigating how much the carbon footprint of school bus fleets can be reduced.
Mobile Big Data
Authors: Aggarwal Shivom , Nayak Abhishek
Published: April 2016

Mobile technologies have given rise to tremendous amounts of data in real-time, which can be unstructured and uncertain. This growth can be attributed as Mobile Big Data and provides new challenges and opportunities for innovation. This chapter attempts to define the concept of Mobile Big Data, provide description of various sources of Mobile Big Data and discuss SWAI (Sources Warehousing Analytics Insights) model of Big Data processing. To understand this complex concept, it is important to visualize the Big Data ecosystem, respective players. Moreover, mobile computing, Internet of things, and other associated technologies have been discussed in light of marketing and communications based applications. The current trends in Mobile Big Data and associated value chain help us understand where the next frontiers of innovation are and how one can create value. This is linked to the future aspects of the Mobile Big Data and evolution of technologies from now onwards.
On Predicting the Future Locations of Moving Objects
Authors: Corona Nicola , Giannotti Fosca , Monreale Anna , Trasarti Roberto
Published: April 2016

The pervasiveness of mobile devices and location-based services produces as side effects an increasing volume of mobility data, which in turn creates the opportunity for a novel generation of analysis methods of movement behaviors. In this chapter, the authors focus on the problem of predicting future locations aimed at predicting with a certain accuracy the next location of a moving object. In particular, they provide a classification of the proposals in the literature addressing that problem. Then the authors preset the data mining method WhereNext and finally discuss possible improvements of that method.
Planning Reform as a Catalyst to Advance E-Planning
Authors: Williamson Wayne , McFarland Paul
Published: April 2016

The limited research on e-Planning in Australia, a perceived slow take up of e-Planning in the New South Wales (NSW), planning system and the release of a set of e-Planning recommendations as part of planning reform packages in 2007 and 2012 are the main reasons for conducting this research. The aim of this chapter is to determine the current attitude of planners towards e-Planning. To achieve this, the authors undertook to discover the attitudes of planners towards e-Planning. An online survey of planning staff was conducted in 2008. The survey results confirmed that planners in the NSW planning system are using a wide variety of IT applications. Participants demonstrated a strong understanding of e-Planning tools and the wider implications for the planning system. Overall, this research found the attitude of planners to be supportive of new technologies and of the use of e-Planning.
Analysis of Plasmonic Structures by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Pau Jose Luis , Marín Antonio García , Hernández María Jesús , Cervera Manuel , Piqueras Juan
Published: April 2016

This chapter focuses on the plasmonic effects that appear in the ellipsometric functions and the pseudodielectric function when metal thin films and nanoparticles are analyzed by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the visible, near infrared and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The chapter is structured in two large sections. The first section reviews the basics of total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE), based on the excitation of surface polaritons in metal thin films. The conditions required to excite polaritons in TIRE systems are analyzed along with the main characteristics of those electromagnetic waves. The second section of the chapter is devoted to study the optical properties of plasmonic resonances in nanostructures and the characteristics introduced in the dielectric functions. The treatment of optical anisotropies and Fano resonances in the ellipsometric models is discussed. The last section of the chapter reviews the state of the art of the technique in biosensing applications.
Functional Coatings for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Arafat M Tarik , Li Xu
Published: April 2016

This chapter outlines the application of coatings for implants and/or scaffolds used for bone tissue engineering (TE). Previously orthopaedic implants and/or scaffolds were designed considering mainly their mechanical aspects. However, due to the criticality of osteointegration with the surrounding tissues after implanting, the biological aspects of implants and/or scaffolds are becoming crucial. Recent trend is to use functional coatings like anti-infective, Ca-P and biomolecules coatings onto implants and/or scaffolds to improve anti-infective, osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, respectively; thereby improving the osteointegration of the implant and/or scaffold with the surrounding tissue. Here, the application of different types of coatings on implants and/or scaffolds for bone TE will be described. The use of coatings as a drug and gene delivery carrier will also be covered in brief. As many of the coatings are still in preclinical testing stage, challenges associated with successful clinical use will be discussed as well.
Fundamental, Fabrication and Applications of Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Mohamed Adel M , Abdullah Aboubakr Moustafa , Al-Maadeed Mariam , Bahgat Ahmed
Published: April 2016

The need to create new enhanced corrosion resistant coatings has grown because of the financial burden corrosion places on certain industries such as oil industry. Organic inhibitors have been extensively reported to protect metals and metallic alloys from corrosion although they have a negative impact on environment. Development of better corrosion resistant coatings such as metal alloys, metal-ceramics, polymers, and hydrophobic films are examples of corrosion resistant coatings for metals and alloys. Recently, superhydrophobic coatings have been widely implemented into many fields including anti-fogging transparent materials, self-cleaning surfaces, biomedical and corrosion applications. In the proposed chapter, a comprehensive review will be dedicated for the fundamentals and developments of superhydrophobic materials including theoretical background; superhydrophobicity in nature; preparation techniques; and recent attempts to develop superhydrophobic surfaces.
Electrodeposition of Nickel-Molybdenum (Ni-Mo) Alloys for Corrosion Protection in Harsh Environments
Authors: Golden Teresa D. , Tientong Jeerapan , Mohamed Adel M.A.
Published: April 2016

Electrodeposition of only molybdenum onto substrates is difficult, therefore molybdenum is typically deposited with iron-based alloys such as nickel. The deposition of such alloys is known as an induced codeposition mechanism. The electrodeposition of nickel-molybdenum alloys using alkaline plating solutions is covered in this chapter. The mechanism for deposition of nickel-molybdenum is reviewed, as well as the influence of the plating parameters on the coatings. Characterization of the coatings by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction is discussed and how deposition parameters affect morphology, composition, and crystallite size. Nickel-molybdenum alloys offer enhanced corrosion protection and mechanical properties as coatings onto various substrates. A survey of the resulting hardness and Young's modulus is presented for several research studies. Corrosion parameters for several studies are also compared and show the percentage of molybdenum in the coatings affects these values.
Brand Positioning Practices in Services Sector
Authors: Sultana Nazia
Published: April 2016

During 1980s the strategic relevance of brand positioning was recognized and service organisations are now identifying their key market segments and determining how they wish consumers to perceive their company and its products/services. Positioning is of particular significance for services as it places an intangible service within a more tangible frame of reference. This chapter examines and compares the brand positioning practices in services sector with reference to banks. It proposes a model for positioning of brands in services sector. The findings are based on an exploratory study; empirical data is collected from customer respondents (1800) and marketing executives of the banks. Six banks are studied, two each from public, private sectors and foreign banks. The study would help banks to acquire, retain and satisfy their customers by positioning their brand as it suggests a model that concentrates on internal and external facilitators, sources of growth, designing the service offer and differentiating it from competitors and delivering the service successfully.
Elitist Tag or Tool for Development
Authors: Batabyal Debasish , Mukherjee Sankar Kumar
Published: April 2016

Since time immemorial tourism in hill areas were considered and confined to be leisure centric and recreation oriented. This demand led orientation was a mere perception of the tourists and supply means and ways were largely ignored. Tourism in hill areas is believed to have been a mean of spending from disposable and discretionary income mostly for non-essential activities. This old and stagnant idea has been changing drastically. Today's tourism is not only essential but imperative as well to provide new avenues for income and jobs. This article has dealt with the modern economic environment of tourism in the backdrop of its essential demand (or marketing) and supply (or destination) parameters. More specifically, this article has shown how tourism phenomenon is influencing the community income and thereby their dependency with important marketing and supply trends.
Giving Personalized Treatment
Authors: Phutela Nidhi , Vashisht Anubha
Published: April 2016

Healthy profits are critical to any organization's survival and must be factored into key business decisions, including the decision to hold the customers with the firm. Though these benefits extend beyond the financial realm, organizations should focus more on customers because it makes good business sense. Therefore, to achieve operational excellence, a firm must integrate its sales and service functions across multiple channels that provide personalized services to its customers. From face-to-face contact to self-service websites, they must capitalize on every communication opportunity. Improving customer satisfaction is not enough, to stay competitive; firms must also focus on achieving customer delight. The value of relationships with customers is double the worth of measured brand value. Every single transaction with every customer is a big contributor to successful business. And, nowadays, organizations have started looking for various strategies that can satisfy, delight or excite customers. The most common strategy used is that of engaging its customers with a company or a brand. Vrious ways are adopted to engage customers both online and offline. It can be through extensive brand and product knowledge, discussion forums, personalized services like e-mails, sms etc. Online engagement tactics may bring a revolutionary change in the customer's mindset. Hence, the organization can shift its entire focus on Customers and must provide with an exceptional customer experience. Some of the strategies that can be implemented in this regard are: e-mail marketing and in-product messaging. E-mail Marketing is the commonly used approach by most of the firms these days. The purpose of sending e-mails can be numerous: feedback, upgrades, monthly newsletter, tradeshows, etc. But the question is what would be the response of the customers to these generalized mails. Will they take them on a serious not? The answer is a big ‘NO'. The customers would be appreciating these mails only and only if they are related to the specific interest of the customer. Personalized services steal a customer's heart at least to a certain extent. As far as the second approach is concerned, it is in-product messaging which is on a rise currently. It removes the hurdle of poor conversion rates as in the case of e-mail marketing, also, it focuses directly on customer. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the strategies of customer engagement in creating value satisfaction and thereby building customer loyalty leading to excellence in business, which is one of the key factors for excellence, with a special reference to online shopping. This chapter will provide theoretical framework to understand the relationship between excellence, customer Engagement and loyalty. This chapter is structured as follows. To start with, this chapter focuses on excellence of the business which benefits both the internal as well as the external customer, followed by the outcomes of previous investigations on conceptual framework of engagement.
Empirical Analysis of Tourism Factors Affecting Tourists' Satisfaction
Authors: Ray Nilanjan , Das Dillip Kr
Published: April 2016

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It has become one of the vital issues of economic and social benefits to the society. This paper identifies the impact of tourism in Paro, different motivational factors which may directly or indirectly influence the tourists' satisfaction. The primary objective of this study includes the growth, development and emergence of tourism potentials in Paro, in particular, as well as to analyze the tourist flow pattern and also examine the existing and future requirement in the motivational point of view. For the accomplishment of the purposed objective, data for the study were collected through pre -structured questionnaire. The sample size was restricted to 100 tourists. In terms of the present scenario of the above components, how to attract more tourists and promoting infrastructural requirement for better tourism service to improve the level of tourists' motivation.
Limerence and Neuro-Marketing
Authors: Adhikari Harasankar
Published: April 2016

In global India, the people in all layers suffer from Western Bound Cultural Syndrome and they usually imitate a highly consumerised life with changing life style and life choices. The entertainment and enjoyment are the prime issue regardless of social, economical, educational and cultural status. The advertisement and entertainment industries are being used to market sensitization as well as promotion of consumerism.. Here, there are two tools/weapon, limerence, an emotional state of being in love and neuro-marketing system are being used deliberately to promoting the market. To explore the implication of limerence and neuro-marketing system in business in service sector, and its impact, a study was conducted on 200 population of both rural and urban area of West Bengal, India. Data was collected through structured interview schedule to know effect consumerism in their daily survival with their happiness and unhappiness. It was revealed that people were submerged by want created, identity and status consumption. Their consumption was not need based. Even 28.5% of them who were students or unemployed or no earning were habituated to consume a handsome and they were managing it forcefully from their parents. The status of consumption was increasing according to income level. Marketing strategies through limerence and neuro-marketing would be redefined for a safe and healthy society.
Research Strategy for Studying User's Acceptance of Tourism-Related ITs
Authors: Siang Tan Gek , Aziz Kamarulzaman Ab. , Ahmad Zauwiyah
Published: April 2016

This paper aims to guide future researchers on research strategy for studying user's acceptance of tourism-related Information Technologies (ITs). In a study on user's acceptance of the technological-combination of virtual reality and augmented reality application in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka, the author proposes 11 steps of research strategy which begin with developing the research framework (Step 1), proposing the research hypotheses (Step 2), determining research design (Step 3), designing sampling processes (Step 4), designing questionnaire (Step 5), conducting face validity (Step 6), developing the prototypes (Step 7), conducting pilot testing (Step 8), collecting data (Step 9), analyzing data (Step 10), as well as providing conclusion (Step 11).
Service Quality Perceptions of the Customers in the Insurance Sector in West Bengal
Authors: Ghosh Meghdoot , Ghosal Indrajit
Published: April 2016

The quality of the service is a pre-requisite for any service organization's market performance and subsequently, economic performance. Managers in any service sector are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that their services are customer-focused and that continuous performance improvement is being delivered. Given the financial and resource constraints under which service organizations must manage it is essential that customer expectations are properly understood and measured and that, from the customers' perspective, any gaps in service quality are identified. Measuring Service Quality becomes indispensable for any service organization to monitor and control the quality of service delivery and enjoy competitive advantage.
Identity and Access Management in the Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Thomas Manoj V. , Chandrasekaran K.
Published: April 2016

Nowadays, the issue of identity and access management (IAM) has become an important research topic in cloud computing. In the distributed computing environments like cloud computing, effective authentication and authorization are essential to make sure that unauthorized users do not access the resources, thereby ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information hosted in the cloud environment. In this chapter, the authors discuss the issue of identity and access management in cloud computing, analyzing the work carried out by others in the area. Also, various issues in the current IAM scenario in cloud computing, such as authentication, authorization, access control models, identity life cycle management, cloud identity-as-a-service, federated identity management and also, the identity and access management in the inter-cloud environment are discussed. The authors conclude this chapter discussing a few research issues in the area of identity and access management in the cloud and inter-cloud environments.
Distributed Multi-Cloud Based Building Data Analytics
Authors: Petri Ioan , Diaz-Montes Javier , Zou Mengsong , Zamani Ali Reza , Beach Thomas H , Rana Omer F. , Parashar Manish , Rezgui Yacine
Published: April 2016

Cloud computing has emerged as attractive platform for computing data intensive applications. However, efficient computation of this kind of workloads requires understanding how to store, process, and analyse large volumes of data in a timely manner. Many “smart cities” applications, for instance, identify how data from building sensors can be combined together to support applications such as emergency response, energy management, etc. Enabling sensor data to be transmitted to a cloud environment for processing provides a number of benefits, such as scalability and on-demand provisioning of computational resources. In this chapter, we propose the use of a multi-layer cloud infrastructure that distributes processing over sensing nodes, multiple intermediate/gateways nodes, and large data centres. Our solution aims at utilising the pervasive computational capabilities located at the edge of the infrastructure and along the data path to reduce data movement to large data centres located “deep” into the infrastructure and perform a more efficient use of computing and network resources.
GIS Approach for Collaborative Monitoring and Prediction of Environmental Noise in Urban areas
Authors: Juarez Juan H. , Moreno Marco A. , Torres-Ruiz Miguel J.
Published: April 2016

Environmental noise, as well as being a form of environmental pollution that affects mainly urban areas, it is a problem that involves people's quality of life. This paper presents a methodology that takes advantage of the Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) in obtaining georeferenced environmental noise maps and the corresponding statistics for a particular area of interest. The methodology herein presented considers the phases of Data acquisition, Analysis and data processing, and Visualization of the information. The design and development of a Geographic Information System is presented, which consists of a web mapping application, an application for mobile devices, called NoiseMonitor, Geospatial Analysis and Machine Learning methods (Support Vector Machines and Artificial Neural Networks) for acoustic noise prediction using contextual information, that is, some factors around the measurements. A study case is based on Mexico City.
Enrichment of Geographic Information Based on Gazetteers
Authors: Luna Vladimir , Fonseca Fred , Davis Jr. Clodoveu A. , Quintero Rolando , Escamilla Imelda
Published: April 2016

A large amount of geographic information is contained in text documents available in the Web. For instance, forum messages posted by students in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) may contain references to places. Unfortunately, this information is not exploited, although it can be useful to further understand the topics of the courses. Therefore, the authors propose an approach to instantly provide additional information to MOOC students about geographic features found in publications at course forums. The results are displayed through our tool, ORBIS, which automatically highlights the geographic entities in the texts. With this tool, the student gets access to additional information in the same environment, without disruption, interacting with maps and spatial relationships with other entities. Information on locations mentioned in text is obtained from queries posted to the gazetteer Linked OntoGazetteer. The authors applied their prototype to the students' posts in the forum space for the Geo-MOOC titled Maps and the Geospatial Revolution course, offered by the Pennsylvania State University.
Potentiodynamic Polarization of Brass, Stainless and Coated Mild Steel in 1M Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Adetunji Olayide , Ude Onwuka O. , Kuye Sidikat I. , Dare Enock O. , Alamu Kamol O. , Afolalu Sunday A.
Published: April 2016

Enormous funds are spent on the protection of engineering components and structures annually as a result of corrosion. Degradation sets in, due to electrochemical reaction that takes place between materials and the environment leading to reduced performance. The associated downtime caused by replacement and maintenance of vessels, pipes, valves and other equipment necessitated seeking for techniques and method to efficiently combat corrosion. This study evaluated the potentiodynamic polarization of brass, Coated Mild Steel (CMS) and Stainless Steel (SS) in sodium chloride (NaCl). The samples (1 x 30 x 30 mm3) were used as working electrodes for Potentiodynamic Polarization Experiment (PPE). The samples were cleaned, and soaked in 1M NaCl solution. Open circuit potentials and current densities of the samples were obtained from PPE which were used to evaluate their corrosion rates. The pH of the media was recorded before and after each experiment. The results obtained using PPE in NaCl (in mm/y) were 0.209, 0.0053 and 0.0046; for brass, MSC and SS respectively. The pH of the medium was measured as 10.9.The results revealed that brass had highest corrosion rate in the medium. The least corrosion rate was obtained for Stainless Steel in 1M NaCl followed by Coated Mild Steel.
A Comparative Study of Tree-Based and Apriori-Based Approaches for Incremental Data Mining
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Soni Hemant Kumar
Published: April 2016

Association rule mining is an iterative and interactive process of discovering valid, novel, useful, understandable and hidden associations from the massive database. The Colossal databases require powerful and intelligent tools for analysis and discovery of frequent patterns and association rules. Several researchers have proposed the many algorithms for generating item sets and association rules for discovery of frequent patterns, and minning of the association rules. These proposals are validated on static data. A dynamic database may introduce some new association rules, which may be interesting and helpful in taking better business decisions. In association rule mining, the validation of performance and cost of the existing algorithms on incremental data are less explored. Hence, there is a strong need of comprehensive study and in-depth analysis of the existing proposals of association rule mining. In this paper, the existing tree-based algorithms for incremental data mining are presented and compared on the baisis of number of scans, structure, size and type of database. It is concluded that the Can-Tree approach dominates the other algorithms such as FP-Tree, FUFP-Tree, FELINE Alorithm with CATS-Tree etc.This study also highlights some hot issues and future research directions. This study also points out that there is a strong need for devising an efficient and new algorithm for incremental data mining.
A Proposed Model for Lead Time Reduction during Maintenance of Public Passenger Transport Vehicles
Authors: Nallusamy S.
Published: April 2016

An efficient public transport system contributes directly to a nation’s growth. It influences the development and growth of industries and thereby helps in increasing the national wealth. Transport services should be made available in such a way that the ‘Right vehicles are in the Right place at the Right time’ which also signifies a profitable business. Reliability of a transport vehicle with its key factors plays an important role in deciding its performance. It is also requires to find out the modifications and changes in the servicing and maintenance methods that are to be followed for reducing the lead time taken. Being an engineer, I considered this as a challenge and experimented in Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited by using a new proposed model of vehicle assembly flow line during maintenance in reducing the lead time in order to increase the efficiency of the existing practices. In this particular case the passenger transport vehicle assembly involved is very vital for the passenger’s transport service. Hence, the lead time taken for refurbishing the vehicle is to be minimized. To meet this requirement, all the subsystems which are undergoing refurbishment are to be closely monitored for servicing, testing and delivery to the final assembly line. In addition, some of the assemblies can be carried out in parallel to minimize the lead time. This has resulted in improving the lead time taken from 60 days to 45 days i.e. 25% of lead time can be reduced. This increases the availability of passenger transport vehicle 15 days ahead to the passengers. Managing maintenance, repair and refurbishing is a more challenging task than managing most manufacturing facilities since high degree of uncertainty has to be overcome in such operations.
Histopathologic Prolife of Primary Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Uyo City (Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria)
Authors: Abudu Emmanuel K. , Akinbami Oluyinka S.
Published: April 2016

Incidence of gastrointestinal malignancy is gradually increasing. The aim of the study is to investigate age, sex and relative frequencies of various gastrointestinal malignancies diagnosed between January 2007 and December 2014 in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and in a Private Specialist Laboratory, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. All histological-diagnosed cases of gastrointestinal malignancies seen during the study period were recruited noting their bio-data and histopathological characteristics. A total of 67 patients aged 6-77 years (mean 58.0, SD 7.4) were enrolled; a male to female ratio of 1.3:1 was recorded. The most common age group and anatomical site affected with gastrointestinal malignancy were 61-70 years (23 cases, 34.3%) and colo-rectum cancers (36 cases, 53.7%). The small intestine and stomach were second and third leading anatomic sites involved in gastrointestinal malignancies, accounting for 13 (19.4%) and 8 (11.9%) cases respectively. Adenocarcinoma accounted for the majority of gastrointestinal malignancies (57 cases, 85.1%). Lymphoma and carcinoid tumor were also common, accounting for 3 (4.5%) cases each. Colorectal carcinoma was the most common type of gastrointestinal malignancies (53.7%) with adenocarcinoma being the predominant histological subtype of gastrointestinal malignancies.
Knowledge of midwives about hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in primary healthcare
Authors: Stellenberg Ethelwynn L. , Ngwekazi Nompumelelo L.
Published: April 2016

Background: Many factors or medical conditions may influence the outcome of pregnancy,which in turn, may increase infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. One such condition is an increase in blood pressure (BP).Setting: The study was conducted in maternity obstetrical units (MOUs) in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Objectives: To determine the knowledge about hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDPs) of registered midwives working in MOUs in PHCs.Methods: A quantitative descriptive correlation research design was applied. A simple random sample of 43 (44%) rural and urban clinics was selected, and all registered midwives (n = 101) working in these clinics completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected over a period of 1 month. The reliability and validity of the methodology were supported by experts and a pilot study. Descriptive statistics including various statistical tests to determine any associations between variables using a 95% confidence interval were applied.Results: A gap in the knowledge of midwives about HDPs was identified. Only 56.4% of the participants correctly answered the questions on the clinical manifestations of severe pre-eclampsia and 68.3% on the factors affecting BP, whereas 27.7% had no understanding about pre-eclampsia. Significant statistical differences were identified in the knowledge of staff in clinics where doctors visit regularly versus those in clinics where there are no visits (p = 0.04), and between experience of midwives and management of HDPs (p = 0.02).Conclusion: The knowledge of midwives is deficient regarding HDPs. Continuous professional development is critical in midwifery both in theory and in clinical practice.Keywords: Midwives; Hypertension; Eclampsia; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy