bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENTERPRISE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND ACTIVITY PROCESS
Authors: Kalibataitė Gražina
Published: July 2010

The article is research work on organization of information systems and business process interoperability problem. A brief information about activity processes and use of operating models is supplied. Emphasis lies on activity process reenginering importance considering the available information technology. Summarizes the methods and models of activity process analysis. A practical organization of information resources is setting as an example.
THE ELEMENTS OF COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT OF AN ENTERPRISE: A CASE OF OLIGOPOLIC MARKETS COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Krivka Algirdas
Published: July 2010

The article raises the problem of the complex analysis of competitive environment of an enterprise, which is considered to be the main source of factors, influencing enterprise‘s strategic behaviour and performance. The elements of competitive environment are derived from “traditional” market structure characteristics, developed by the scholars of classical economics and modern microeconomics, with additional factors coming from industrial organization, theoretical oligopoly models, M. Porter’s five competitive forces and diamond. The developed set of the elements of competitive environment is applied for the comparative analysis of three Lithuanian oligopolic markets. The results obtained confirm the potential for practical application of the developed classification for similar analysis.
COMPETENCES EVALUATION OF TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS IN BALTIC STATES: RESEARCH OF STUDENTS’ OPINION
Authors: Ledauskaitė Kristina
Published: July 2010

To develop knowledge, advanced technology and skilled labor-based economy in Lithuania, it is necessary to make an effective business interaction and practical training, and preparation of specialists to ensure the ability to compete in European labor markets, and general capacity building. Common started training for professionals is to consider raising questions as to develop people in constantly changing global context. Several years of the research done in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia transport sectors, has allowed the evaluating of the general competencies of these area specialists, and showed that specialists working in transport/logistics area are faced with lack of practical skills. The eliminating of these lacks requires close cooperation between the educational institutions and transport and/or logistics sector cooperation.
SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO HOUSEHOLDS HOUSING CREDITS‘ ANALYSIS
Authors: Milerytė Erika , Jurevičienė Daiva
Published: July 2010

This paper discusses housing financing process using the system approach, including the influence of external factors such as economic, social, competitive and legal environment. The article presents the characteristics of participants of the housing crediting system and interrelationship between them that helps to describe the influence of the elements to each other ant for the system in whole. The main housing financing systems, used in foreign countries, are discussed.
BANKING CONSOLIDATION PROCESS AND IMPACT TO FINANCIAL STABILITY
Authors: Novickytė Lina
Published: July 2010

Globalization promotes financial market participants to seek opportunities for efficient management of available resources and maximize benefits. In recent years, took place in the con­solidation process is mainly due to both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors. Most often leads to consolidation pro­cesses in order to gain economies of scale, market power and X-efficiency. Market consolidation and financial sector stability studies have shown that concentrated financial intermediaries market have a negative impact on the region/country/sector financial stability. In the future countries and regions (EU) must find ways and means to smoothly manage the inevitable process of globalization under the supervision of future merger transac­tions in order to guarantee the efficiency and sustainability of the financial sector.
NETWORKING IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR: INTER-FIRM VS INTRA-FIRM PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nugaras Justas , Radzevičienė Asta
Published: July 2010

Changes in the global economic environment have a huge impact on the transport and logistics sector. Experts in the sector emphasize the role of collaboration in order to reach common goals. In theory such phenomena is analyzed through the networking viewpoint. Among the major groups of players in the sector, two types of networks are dominant: inter-firm networking and intra-firm networking. Empirical pilot research is done by comparing two types of networking in global and local companies. Following the results of the pilot research the conclusion was made that inter-firm networking and intra-firm networking in the companies complement each other and require further research.
INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT IN EU BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Pliopaitė Indrė , Radzevičienė Asta
Published: July 2010

Managing cultural diversity is not a subject of strategic dilemma anymore, but rather the necessity for an organization in the 21st century. The article seeks to present the importance of organizational and individual intercultural competence as an instrument for the management of cultural diversity, and specificity of its development. It analyzes the demand and specificity of the development of intercultural competence in EU banking sector, operating under circumstances of increased market integration and internationalization. The results of empirical survey aimed at examining the demand for and behaviour of EU operating banks concerning intercultural competence development are presented here. The suggestions for improvement of IC development of EU banking sector employees are provided in the article, too.
EVALUATION OF MULTI RESIDENTIAL HOUSE RENOVATION EFFICIENCY
Authors: Rapcevičienė Daiva
Published: July 2010

Analyzed multi residential house renovation investment projects efficiency evaluation methods: economic-social, and environmental, as well as key financial valuation methods: simple pay-back period, the energy cost savings, the net present value, internal rate of return. Building walls condition regenerative rate which is used to evaluate investments in energy-saving measures is also discussed. According to reconstruction investments of multi residential house, three government financing programs of multi residential house are evaluated and selected the most effective program by comparing financial valuation methods taking and without taking into account building walls condition regenerative rate.
THE INFLUENCE OF STATE‘S CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON ECONO-MIC GROWTH
Authors: Šimelytė Agnė
Published: July 2010

The article analyses state‘s capital formation problems and its impact on economic growth. The purpose of this article is to determine the major economic growth indicators affected by foreign capital as well as to measure the intensity on economic growth. For this reason, the analysis of scientific literature as well as statistical analysis was carried out. According to some researches foreign capital significantly effects on GDP, export/import, average wages, and inflation. Further, the relationship between economic growth and foreign capital depends on business sector and region. Despite, mentioned founding, the influence of foreign capital differs in time.
IMPROVEMENT OF PRODUCT INNOVATIONS DEVELOPMENT MODELS
Authors: Strazdas Rolandas , Bareika Rimvydas
Published: July 2010

Many authors distinguish product innovation as a key factor leading to long-term competitiveness of companies. This article analyses widely used product innovation development models and also models having distinguished features. The models are examined in the light of success factors for product innovation development discovered during the empirical studies. Based on the analysis the strengths and weaknesses of the models are identified which provide direction for further improvement. As a result of the study it is becoming clear that the analysed models are not properly consider the success factors such as corporate culture, top management involvement and product development strategy. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that all models are designed for rather big companies having experience in product innovation development.
CHALLENGES OF PERSONAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT UNDER INSTABLE ECONOMIC
Authors: Taujanskaitė Kamilė , Jurevičienė Daiva
Published: July 2010

This article deals with personal finance and personal finance management problems as well as with the necessity of systematic attitude during the economic downturn. Taking into account the downfall of the financial markets, the motivation of individuals’ financial behavior is investigated. The retrospective analysis of the most popular investing instruments and comparison of results is presented in the paper, followed by the suggestion of an alternative investment option, covering the profitability and safety ratio that is independent to the economic cycle. Research findings regarding theoretical and practical personal finance management are followed by conclusions.
WAGE CHANGE IN THE LITHUANIAN LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Žiogelytė Laura
Published: July 2010

In a market, the labour force of the population can be sold and bought. The wage is the price or the monetary value of the labour force. The wage rate depends on the key internal and external factors. In a market economy, remuneration for work becomes the object of negotiation between the employer and the employee. In order to legally implement this negotiation, we need to describe the term of the wage, wage systems, wage structure, functions and other issues. The article deals with the theoretical issues relating to wages: the concept of the wage, the main function of wages, the factors influencing the wage rate are analysed and systematised. The article analyses net wages and gross wages and other factors influencing the Lithuanian labour market.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT IN TRANSPORT SECTOR
Authors: Znakovaitė Asta , Pabedinskaitė Arnoldina
Published: July 2010

This article presents an analysis of intellectual capital; its management, features and processes by which intellectual capital of a company can be evaluated. The main elements of intellectual capital (human, structural and relationship capital) are presented and used in research. After surveying bibliography, intellectual capital evaluation model, which applies to Lithuanian and Latvian companies operating in the transport sector, is created. The research is based on the value-added intellectual capital factor model, the relationship between indicators, multi-asset return correlation and regression analysis and generation of alternatives to intellectual capital performance-enhancing. Following an assessment of intellectual capital of Lithuanian and Latvian transport sectors, on the basis of the results, it was found that the intellectual capital is a key factor in corporation management to increase revenue.
PRESENT CHALLENGES FACED BY THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS INTERESTED IN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Stauskis Gintaras
Published: July 2010

The article presents an update on the actual topics of research in diverse lines of urban and volumetric architecture with an outline of important social, economical and environmental areas. Modern research should involve partnership from the public sector and business, Topics for research could be obtained in the above introduced areas, thus practically implementing and testing the results of research. The articles of recent publication have been peer-reviewed and evaluated by the members of the scientific committee of the conference. Eleven articles have been selected. Eight authors are representatives of VGTU. The papers produced by the authors from Riga Technical University, the University of Weimar and Vilnius Academy of Arts have also been chosen. The topics of the selected articles reveal the authors’ interests in the traditional and non-conventional areas of research. Urban structure and identity, landscape and recreation, mobility and architectural heritage aspects are reflected in the picked out papers.
THE IMAGE OF VIENNA: CITY AS MUSEUM OR DYNAMIC DEVELOPED METROPOLIS?
Authors: Liepa-Zemesa Mara
Published: July 2010

The article discusses trends of Vienna’s architectonic spatial development. Vienna is a city that, one the one hand, lives in its historical arhitecture and city planning and, on the other hand, has allowed innovative building in certain areas. Historical development of Vienna was analyzed, underlining aspects which have had the most impact to the current urban fabric. Since in the federal country of Austria Vienna is a state and a municipality at the same time, it has created its own special planning instruments and regulation for city planning. In achieving more sucessfull city planning results, city planners have admitted that development of informal planning is necessary, paying large attention to involving society in the planning process.
SOCIAL AND ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS OF REVITALIZATION OF HISTORIC URBAN CENTERS: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Gražulevičiutė-Vileniškė Indrė , Urbonas Vilius
Published: July 2010

The structure and architecture of many European cities has started their development during the Middle Ages or even earlier. The historic cores gradually had become centers of contemporary cities and are constantly evolving. They are affected by the tendencies of destruction, initiatives and movements of preservation are also taking place there. The comprehensive works of rehabilitation of Lithuanian historic urban centers were carried out during the period of soviet occupation. The insularity of the Soviet empire, ideological reasons and the absence of the private property has determined certain architectural expressions and solutions for the social problems. After the restoration of the country‘s independence the problems and tendencies typical to Western city centers, such as commercialization and gentrification, started to appear in Lithuanian historic urban cores. This justifies the aim of the article which is to analyze the tendencies of revitalization of historic city centers in Western countries with the main attention to the social and architectural aspects.
THE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND PREVALENCE OF CONTEMPORARY LANDMARKS IN KAUNAS CITY
Authors: Bružas Almantas
Published: July 2010

The article focuses on contemporary architectural accents and their architectural features in Kaunas city. The paper also analyses the prevalence of contemporary architectural accents in the city. Some tendencies towards creating Kaunas landmarks, relationship between them and the built environment and aesthetic measures are discussed on the basis of analyzing the most important and characteristic sacral, commercial, industrial and residential architecture patterns. It can be concluded that contemporary materials as well as a lightweight construction and the courage of architects helped with producing the image of modern architectural landmark, though the spread of Kaunas contemporary landmarks has a chaotic character and the cityscape has not been enriched by the powerful dominants of space structure.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF RURAL ROADS AND BUILT-UP AREAS: THE ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING SITUATION AND POSSIBILITIES OF IMPROVING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Abukauskas Nemunas , Skrodenis Egidijus
Published: July 2010

The results of lengthy thorough investigations into traffic safety situation show that the percentage of pedestrians getting involved in road traffic accidents on Lithuanian roads is significantly higher (more than 33 % of the total number of injury and fatal accidents) than that compared to the other European Union member-states. The article studies traffic safety problems and their factors causing the largest influence on the occurrence of these accidents.
Considering valuable experience gained by foreign countries, investigation was carried out to establish general and main factors causing insufficient road safety conditions and significance of these factors to road safety. The article also shows the main activity improving road safety in Lithuania and discusses the effectiveness of strategic and local (temporary and long term) measures to improve conditions for pedestrian road safety.
THE EFFECT OF ROADS AND STREETS ON SOCIAL AND SPATIAL CITY STRUCTURE
Authors: Matijošaitienė Irina
Published: July 2010

New roads and streets usually affect the social and spatial structure of cities, towns or living area. To demonstrate such effect, research on the municipal areas of Silainiai and Sargenai in Kaunas city was carried out. Two periods of time including before and after building a viaduct joining the municipal areas of Silainiai and Sargenai were investigated. The results of research showed that the spatial composition of the area had changed. Axial maps demonstrated the transformation of territory social code.
INTEGRATION OF INDOOR SKI SLOPES INTO THE URBAN RECREATION SYSTEM
Authors: Urbonaitė Inga
Published: July 2010

Indoor ski slope is an innovative type of active indoor recreation. This new urban character is simulating the concept of mountain ski resort and is considered to be a strong attraction point all year-round. Due to a big scale and complexity, sustainable integration into an urban context should be very carefully considered. Economical, social, environmental and aesthetic impact on surrounding territories is an important factor to be evaluated. International practice shows that the appropriate integration of the above mentioned typology into urban parks increase their popularity and use of the recreation zone. On the other hand, the alien architecture and egocentric dominance of complexes can cause conflict with the existing urban territories and natural environment. Having indoor ski slopes in mind at the stages of regional and town territorial planning is an important point. Only complex development can bring positive results for sustainable town development, town economy, tourism and social life.
TRADITIONAL AND NEW TENDENCIES TO OUTDOOR SACRAL SPACES IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Krūgelis Linas
Published: July 2010

The article describes some features and traditions of outdoor sacral spaces in Lithuania, includes a historical analysis and various features of different historical periods and explains the new tendencies and possibilities of future development in contemporary Lithuania. By analysing the phenomenon of outdoor sacral spaces, some archaeological and historical data is used to identify the principles of creating such sacral space.
Blended Learning Applied to an Introductory Course on Conceptual Physics
Authors: Teherán Sermeño Plinio Del Carmen , Carriazo José Gregorio , León Luque Julio Cesar
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we show aspects of the commencement of a novel introductory Physics course with conceptual emphasis. An instructional flexible design in the format of blending learning is presented that combines master classes via teleconference with additional activities in a virtual environment of learning orchestrated by LMS Blackboard. In the forums, workshops and virtual laboratories the impact is evaluated as a grading system based on Continuous Personalized Evaluation
Frequent Itemset Mining and Association Rules
Authors: Imberman Susan , Uz Tansel Abdullah Uz
Published: August 2010

With the advent of mass storage devices, databases have become larger and larger. Point-of-sale data, patient medical data, scientific data, and credit card transactions are just a few sources of the ever-increasing amounts of data. These large datasets provide a rich source of useful information. Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) is a paradigm for the analysis of these large datasets. KDD uses various methods from such diverse fields as machine learning, artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, database management and design, statistics, expert systems, and data visualization.
Knowledge Management in the Chinese Business Context
Authors: Martinsons Maris G. , Davison Robert M.
Published: August 2010

With over a billion people living in the People’s Republic of China, it should not be surprising that Chinese businesses have traditionally relied on an abundance of low-cost labour. Indeed, China has become well-known for its labour-intensive economic activities, to the point of being nicknamed the “factory of the world” (Miyagawa & Yoshida, 2005). However, the Chinese business landscape has been undergoing a process of continuous and at times radical change. This change was sparked in 1978 by the economic reforms associated with the Open Door Policy (see Taylor, 2003, for an extensive review of the economic reforms and their impact) and has been fuelled more recently by China’s 2001 accession to the World Trade Organization. Economic activities planned and controlled by the state have been progressively supplanted by market-based competition. The emerging markets across most industrial and commercial sectors of the Chinese economy have typically stimulated rivalries between domestic enterprises and rivals with foreign funding and/ or management.
A Knowledge Management Model for Patterns
Authors: Kamthan Panjak , Fancott Terrill
Published: August 2010

The reliance on the knowledge garnered from past experience can be crucial for solving problems that occur in any development (Pólya, 1945). A pattern (Buschmann, Henney, & Schmidt, 2007) is a type of conceptually reusable knowledge that has been found useful in various domains of interest (Rising, 2000). For novices, patterns have served as means of guidance; for experts, they have served as means of reference. There are a number of viewpoints of a pattern, and views emanating from these viewpoints (Kamthan, 2010). The interest in this article is to formulate an understanding of a pattern from the perspective of knowledge management. This understanding can, in turn, be useful for communicating a pattern to both humans and machines in a number of ways including publishing a pattern, disseminating a pattern, and using a pattern. The rest of the article is organized as follows. First, the background and related work necessary for subsequent discussion is outlined. Then, relevant stakeholders of a pattern are identified and, based on a process for knowledge creation and transfer that originated in industrial engineering, a knowledge management model for a pattern is proposed. Next, challenges and directions for future research are outlined. Finally, concluding remarks are given.
Knowledge Visualization
Authors: Eppler Martin J. , Burkhard Remo A.
Published: August 2010

Making knowledge visible so that it can be better accessed, discussed, valued, or generally managed is a longstanding objective in knowledge management (see Sparrow, 1998). Knowledge maps, knowledge cartographies, or knowledge landscapes are often heard terms that are nevertheless rarely defined, described, or demonstrated. In this article, we review the state of the art in the area of knowledge visualization, and describe its background and perspectives. We define the concept and differentiate it from other approaches, such as information visualization or visual communication. Core knowledge visualization types, such as conceptual diagrams or visual metaphors, are distinguished, and examples of their application in business are shown and discussed. Implications for research and practice are summarized, and future trends in this domain are outlined.
Secure Knowledge Discovery in Databases
Authors: Wilson Rick L. , Rosen Peter A. , Al-Ahmadi Mohammad Saad
Published: August 2010

Knowledge management (KM) systems are quite diverse, but all provide increased access to organizational knowledge, which helps the enterprise to be more connected, agile, and effective. The dilemma faced when using a KM system is to balance the goal of being knowledge-enabled while being knowledge-secure (Cohen, 2003; Lee & Rosenbaum, 2003).
Trends in Public Design for the Disabled
Authors: Siu Kin Wai Michael
Published: August 2010

The goal of an inclusive society with equal opportunity for all is increasingly recognised and promoted worldwide. However, disabled people still face many difficulties in their daily lives, as well as some degree of exclusion from the wider society. Over the past few years, public design has considered ways to benefit disabled people, with an increasing trend to consult with and take advice from disabled people themselves. Taking aircraft lavatories as a case study, this chapter explores ways to help visually impaired people have a better quality of life, with minimal assistance from other people. This chapter discusses how the public design process can use consultative, participatory and inclusive approaches to generate understanding, so that the outcome of applied research fits the needs and preferences of disabled people. This chapter is not just a report on a particular case study. It also hopes to arouse designers’‘ awareness of user-participation as an important trend in public design. Disabled people, users, should be invited to participate actively in the design process in order to bring real benefits to the disabled community, thereby contributing to an inclusive and harmonious society.
Creative and Visualization Tools in Context of Design
Authors: Rao Mamata N.
Published: August 2010

The chapter in the broader sense will look in the area of creativity, creative process, and creative product. Specifically we shall look at the aspects of a creative product, discuss on thought process of the designers with focus on creative and visualization tools. Creative tools will be looked in context of changing mindset or assumptions, redefining problems, developing ideational fluency and bringing flexibility in thinking. Visualization tools such as sketches, storyboards, rough models, developing scenarios for the usage of proposed concepts etc will be discussed in parallel to creative tools serving as aids to externalize thought processes. Creative and visualization tools complement each other in enhancing the designer’s creativity as well as help them come out of the stuckness feeling that they encounter while addressing design problems. Practicing the tools rather than being aware of them is important and the chapter will demonstrate the application of these tools with examples.
Designing Toys, Gifts and Games
Authors: Schaber Friedemann , Thomas Vicki , Turner Randle
Published: August 2010

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a program in the United Kingdom (UK), administrated on behalf of the Technology Strategy Board, a Government Agency, where academics give their expertise to provide a solution for a particular problem, helping organisations to improve their competitiveness and productivity. The academic partners at universities, colleges or research institutes bring their knowledge, skill and technology. In return, KTP enhances the business relevance of their research and teaching, in particular, deepening their expertise of ‘real life’ projects. This investigation exemplifies some of the strengths and pitfalls of this type of knowledge transfer in the context of the global toy, games and gift markets, through case studies of the design and prototype development process for a range of toys, giftware and seasonal products.
Electronic Mail Security
Authors: Achugbue Edwin I.
Published: August 2010

The chapter focuses on the history of the internet system of e-mail; e-mail security; threat to e-mail security, usefulness of e-mail address and country codes, how e-mails can be secured by the individual and electronic mail policy. The future of e-mail security is also described.
Where Are They and Are You There Yet?
Authors: Nat Muesser Cemal
Published: August 2010

People’s environment is increasingly enriched and changed with computing devices which offer services that aid users in their daily activities. In addition, the way that people using the Internet have begun to change with these high-tech computing tools and devices. Following the recent trends on digital technologies, this chapter will discuss how to select and utilize existing Internet technologies for the benefits of education, and policies on using these technologies. The rapid improvements in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the wide introduction of the Internet have added a whole new dimension to education. There are seemingly limitless ways of using technologies and the Internet to enhance the quality of instruction, both in face-to-face courses as well as in distance courses. This chapter will also explain how technological advances and ICT policies are being applied to assist for both instructors and students.
The Semantic Interoperability Centre Europe
Authors: Laudi Aldo
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents a case of a centralised and collaborative approach to interoperability in public administration: SEMIC.EU, the Semantic Interoperability Centre Europe.SEMIC.EU is a horizontal measure of the European Commission implemented with the primary purpose of enhancing semantic interoperability in public administrations and projects across Europe. The European Commission service calls on projects and individuals alike to share their solutions for semantic interoperability (so called “assets”) or to find them through a joint effort. A standardised clearing process governs the evolution of the contributed data models, XML schemas, code lists and ontologies and gives guidance to potential re-users.The chapter argues that especially at a high level of administration like the European one, the guiding principles for common solutions to semantic interoperability coordination must be. exchange of existing practices and community-based negotiation of purposes and meanings.
Equipping the Enterprise Interoperability Problem Solver
Authors: Luttighuis Paul Oude , Folmer Erwin
Published: August 2010

The maturity of the enterprise interoperability field does not match the importance attached to it by many, both in the public as well as the private community. A host of models, paradigms, designs, standards, methods, and instruments seems to be available, but many of them are only used in rather small circles. Also, they constitute a poorly structured field, divided along disciplinary boundaries and filled with competition and incompatibilities, which is therefore difficult to set foot in by enterprise interoperability problem owners. This chapter proposes a scope and structure of an enterprise interoperability profession by taking the enterprise interface as the pivotal concept. It then defines four perspectives on such interfaces: design, transaction, implementation, and suprastructure. These four perspectives each house a range of issues, which can be tackled by the enterprise interoperability professional by using models and instruments. This chapter identifies and classifies such models and instruments and sketches how a collection of these can be implemented and used.
Expanding the Hydroinformatics Agenda
Authors: Ioris Antonio A. R.
Published: August 2010

Hydroinformatics tools have increasingly offered a contribution towards the assessment of water management problems and the formulation of enhanced solutions. Nonetheless, the search for improved basis of water management requires not only a combination of technical and managerial responses, but also a firm action against socioeconomic injustices and political inequalities. This chapter problematises the role of hydroinformatics in situations of established inequalities and acute management distortions. A case study of the Baixada Fluminense, in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, illustrates the challenges to reverse unsustainable practices where water problems have been exploited by local and national politicians. Although the hydroinformatics community is certainly aware of the social dimension of water management, the aim is to further emphasise the centrality of issues of power and political disputes. The chapter concludes that the agenda of hydroinformatics needs to expand in order to combine state-of-the-art information technology with a critical understanding of how social and spatial differences affect the use and conservation of water systems.
Modeling Grouping Cues for Auditory Scene Analysis Using a Spectral Clustering Formulation
Authors: Martins Luís Gustavo , Lagrange Mathieu , Tzanetakis George
Published: August 2010

Computational Auditory Scene Analysis (CASA) is challenging problem for which many different approaches have been proposed. These approaches can be based on statistical and signal processing methods such as Independent Component Analysis or can be based on our current knowledge about human auditory perception. Learning happens at the boundary interactions between prior knowledge and incoming data. Separating complex mixtures of sound sources such as music requires a complex interplay between prior knowledge and analysis of incoming data. Many approaches to CASA can also be broadly categorized as either model-based or grouping-based. Although it is known that our perceptual-system utilizes both of these types of processing, building such systems computationally has been challenging. As a result most existing systems either rely on prior source models or are solely based on grouping cues. In this chapter the authors argue that formulating this integration problem as clustering based on similarities between time-frequency atoms provides an expressive yet disciplined approach to building sound source characterization and separation systems and evaluating their performance. After describing the main components of such an architecture, the authors describe a concrete realization that is based on spectral clustering of a sinusoidal representation. They show how this approach can be used to model both traditional grouping cues such as frequency and amplitude continuity as well as other types of information and prior knowledge such as onsets, harmonicity and timbre-models for specific instruments. Experiments supporting their approach to integration are also described. The description also covers issues of software architecture, implementation and efficiency, which are frequently not analyzed in depth for many existing algorithms. The resulting system exhibits practical performance (approximately real-time) with consistent results without requiring example-specific parameter optimization and is available as part of the Marsyas open source audio processing framework.
From Face to Facial Expression
Authors: Hammal Zakia , Hammal Zakia
Published: August 2010

This chapter addresses recent advances in computer vision for facial expression classification. The authors present the different processing steps of the problem of automatic facial expression recognition. They describe the advances of each stage of the problem and review the future challenges towards the application of such systems to everyday life situations. The authors also introduce the importance of taking advantage of the human strategy by reviewing advances of research in psychology towards multidisciplinary approach for facial expression classification. Finally, the authors describe one contribution which aims at dealing with some of the discussed challenges.
Designing Efficient Security Services Infrastructure for Virtualization Oriented Architectures
Authors: Naqvi Dr. Eng. Syed
Published: August 2010

Virtualization technologies are emerging as a promising solution for managing the rapidly growing complexities of modern distributed ICT infrastructures. However, a mainstream operational concern for these virtualization oriented architectures is to provide efficient security services. Establishment of in-depth security services and trust relationships are the most desirable features for the effective functioning of these systems. This chapter presents a security architecture to address the comprehensive security needs of today’s virtualization oriented architectures. The concept of virtualization of security services is introduced so as to have absolute freedom to choose the underlying security mechanisms. This concept of virtualization of security services is realized through distributed virtual engines that enable unification of security service calls according to requirements and not according to the underlying technologies. A configurable mechanism for the invocation of security services is proposed to address the security needs of different kinds of users. This approach permits the evolution of efficient security infrastructure with minimal impact on the resource management functionalities. In this way, users and resource providers can configure the security services according to their requirements and satisfaction level. The resulting extensible set of security services include both core security services and contemporary security services required for the modern virtualization oriented infrastructures.
The Complement Inhibitors Crry and Factor H Are Critical for Preventing Autologous Complement Activation on Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Renner Brandon , Coleman Kathrin , Goldberg Ryan , Amura Claudia , Holland-Neidermyer Amanda , Pierce Kathryn , Orth Heather N. , Molina Hector , Ferreira Viviana P. , Cortes Claudio , Pangburn Michael K. , Holers V. Michael , Thurman Joshua M.
Published: July 2010

Congenital and acquired deficiencies of complement regulatory proteins are associated with pathologic complement activation in several renal diseases. To elucidate the mechanisms by which renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) control the complement system, we examined the expression of complement regulatory proteins by the cells. We found that Crry is the only membrane-bound complement regulator expressed by murine TECs, and its expression is concentrated on the basolateral surface. Consistent with the polarized localization of Crry, less complement activation was observed when the basolateral surface of TECs was exposed to serum than when the apical surface was exposed. Furthermore, greater complement activation occurred when the basolateral surface of TECs from Crry−/−fB−/− mice was exposed to normal serum compared with TECs from wild-type mice. Complement activation on the apical and basolateral surfaces was also greater when factor H, an alternative pathway regulatory protein found in serum, was blocked from interacting with the cells. Finally, we injected Crry−/−fB−/− and Crry+/+fB−/− mice with purified factor B (an essential protein of the alternative pathway). Spontaneous complement activation was seen on the tubules of Crry−/−fB−/− mice after injection with factor B, and the mice developed acute tubular injury. These studies indicate that factor H and Crry regulate complement activation on the basolateral surface of TECs and that factor H regulates complement activation on the apical surface. However, congenital deficiency of Crry or reduced expression of the protein on the basolateral surface of injured cells permits spontaneous complement activation and tubular injury.
Tumor Cell-Released TLR4 Ligands Stimulate Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ Cells to Induce Apoptosis of Activated T Cells
Authors: Liu Yan-Yan , Sun Ling-Cong , Wei Jing-Jing , Li Dong , Yuan Ye , Yan Bin , Liang Zhi-Hui , Zhu Hui-Fen , Xu Yong , Li Bo , Song Chuan-Wang , Liao Sheng-Jun , Lei Zhang , Zhang Gui-Mei , Feng Zuo-Hua
Published: July 2010

Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells play important roles in tumor development and have a negative effect on tumor immunotherapy. So far, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of their immunosuppressive phenotype by classical and alternative macrophage activation stimuli are not well elucidated. In this study, we found that molecules from necrotic tumor cells (NTC-Ms) stimulated Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells to induce apoptosis of activated T cells but not nonstimulated T cells. The apoptosis-inducing capacity was determined by higher expression levels of arginase I and IL-10 relative to those of NO synthase 2 and IL-12 in Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells, which were induced by NTC-Ms through TLR4 signaling. The apoptosis-inducing capacity of NTC-Ms–stimulated Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells could be enhanced by IL-10. IFN-γ may reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells only if their response to IFN-γ was not attenuated. However, the potential of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells to express IL-12 in response to IFN-γ could be attenuated by tumor, partially due to the existence of active STAT3 in Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells and NTC-Ms from tumor. In this situation, IFN-γ could not effectively reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells. Tumor immunotherapy with 4-1BBL/soluble programmed death-1 may significantly reduce, but not abolish the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells in local microenvironment. Blockade of TLR4 signaling could further reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells and enhance the suppressive effect of 4-1BBL/soluble form of programmed death-1 on tumor growth. These findings indicate the relationship of distinct signaling pathways with apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells and emphasize the importance of blocking TLR4 signaling to prevent the induction of T cell apoptosis by Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells.
Roles for TGF-β and Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 in Regulatory T Cell Expansion and Diabetes Suppression by Zymosan in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Burton Oliver T. , Zaccone Paola , Phillips Jenny M. , De La Peña Hugo , Fehérvári Zoltán , Azuma Miyuki , Gibbs Sarah , Stockinger Brigitta , Cooke Anne
Published: July 2010

Zymosan is a complex fungal component shown to be capable of both promoting and suppressing the development of autoimmune disorders in mice. In this study, we show that a single injection of zymosan just prior to diabetes onset can significantly delay the progression of disease in NOD mice. Zymosan treatment of NOD mice induced the production of biologically active TGF-β from cells infiltrating the pancreas and was associated with expansion of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1+TGF-β+ macrophages and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in vivo. Neutralization of either TGF-β or programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 abrogated the protective effects of zymosan. Zymosan acted through TLR2 as well as ERK and p38 MAPK to induce macrophage secretion of TGF-β and promotion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Do Altruists Detect Altruists Easier Than Non–Altruists?
Authors: Naganawa Takuya , Yamauchi Shinsaku , Yamagata Noriko , Matsumoto–Oda Akiko , Oda Ryo
Published: July 2010

Previous studies indicated that humans have a cognitive architecture for detecting altruism in others based on non–verbal cues. According to the perspective of ‘green beard effect’, green beard gene should produce recognition of the green beard in other individuals, which predicts that altruists can detect altruists easier than non–altruists. In a game situation in which perceivers respond to videotaped altruists and non–altruists, we measured the altruism of perceivers and examined the relationship between degree of altruism and ability to identify altruists. We found no significant relationship between the accuracy with which altruism levels were detected and the altruism level of perceivers.
Prediction and management of a low‐lying costal arch which restricts the operative working space during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Tajima Yoshitsugu , Kuroki Tamotsu , Kitasato Amane , Adachi Tomohiko , Kosaka Taiichiro , Okamoto Tatsuya , Fujita Fumihiko , Kanetaka Kengo , Susumu Seiya , Mochizuki Satoshi , Torashima Yasuhiro , Kanematsu Takashi
Published: July 2010

Background/purpose

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is difficult to perform in patients with a low‐lying costal arch that entirely covers the liver. We conducted this study to clarify the factors related to a low‐lying costal arch and establish countermeasures to circumvent this characteristic.

Methods

The study included 103 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The possible clinical factors associated with a low‐lying costal arch restricting the operative working space were analyzed. The position of the liver against the costal arch and the presumed surgical visual angle for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comprising the hepatic porta, umbilicus, and costal arch, were estimated with abdominal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Results

Seven (7%) patients had a low‐lying costal arch presenting an inadequate exposure of Calot's triangle and restricted instrument mobility during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and three patients required conversion to a laparotomy. A low‐lying costal arch was significantly associated with advanced age, shorter stature, lighter body weight, coexisting kyphoscoliosis, gallbladder pathology, laparotomy conversion, and most of all, the liver edge lying above the costal arch and a narrow surgical visual angle upon MDCT. Of the seven patients with a critical low‐lying costal arch, four underwent a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy, this being done by lifting the right costal arch to create a workable surgical field; the rib‐lifting procedure was planned as part of the scheduled procedure in the other three patients because the preoperative MDCT examination indicated a poor working space for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

A low‐lying costal arch is a substantial risk factor for conversion to a laparotomy when performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the operative difficulty related to a low‐lying costal arch can be predicted by using preoperative MDCT images and can be managed with proper planning and the appropriate use of the rib‐lifting technique.
Risk factors for postoperative infectious complications after hepatectomy
Authors: Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Ueno Masaki , Ozawa Satoru , Kiriyama Shigehisa , Kawai Manabu , Hirono Seiko , Tani Masaji , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: July 2010

Background/purpose

This study aimed to clarify the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) after hepatectomy.

Methods

The database records of three hundred and eight patients who underwent elective surgical treatment for hepatolithiasis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and metastatic carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed to determine the occurrence of postoperative infectious complications. The incidences of SSIs, classified as superficial or deep incisional SSIs and organ or space SSIs, and all other infectious complications within 30 days after hepatectomy were evaluated.

Results

The incidences of SSIs after a hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis (23.8%) were higher than those after a hepatectomy for HCC (11.3%) (p = 0.034) and after a hepatectomy for metastatic carcinoma (2.7%) (p < 0.001), and the incidence of SSIs after a hepatectomy for HCC was higher than that after a hepatectomy for metastatic carcinoma (p = 0.028). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of remote site infections between the three groups. The incidence of superficial or deep incisional SSIs after a hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis (11.9%) was higher than that after a hepatectomy for metastatic carcinoma (1.4%) (p < 0.001) and the incidence of superficial or deep incisional SSIs after a hepatectomy for HCC (7.8%) was higher than that after a hepatectomy for metastatic carcinoma (1.4%) (p = 0.050). There was a significant difference in the incidence of space/organ SSIs between the patients with hepatolithiasis (11.9%) and HCC patients (3.6%) (p = 0.029), and between the patients with hepatolithiasis and metastatic carcinoma patients (1.4%) (p < 0.001). The rate of positive bile culture was 36.2% in all patients in this study, and the rates were 83.3, 7.8, and 10.0% for patients with hepatolithiasis, HCC, and metastatic carcinoma, respectively. A significantly higher (p < 0.001) positive bile culture rate was observed in patients with hepatolithiasis as compared with HCC or metastatic carcinoma patients.

Conclusions

Our study suggests the existence of a relationship between postoperative SSIs and bile infection, thus supporting the proposed relationship between post‐hepatectomy infection and such variables as liver function, blood sugar control, and nutritional status.