bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of poly car boxy late admixtures on portland cement paste setting and rheological behaviour
Authors: Puertas F. , Alonso M. M. , Vazquez T.
Published: April 2010

The objective of the work was to determine the effects of polycarboxilated-type admixture on the setting times and the rheological properties of different types of cements including CEM I 42.5 R, CEM Il/B-V 42.5 N and CEM III/B 32.5 N, defined according to the UNE EN 197-1:2000 standard. The results show that there is a lineal relationship between the initial setting times and the admixture dosage. Mathematical equations that model this behaviour for each of the cements have been determined. The data obtained from the minislump test and from the rheological parameters determined using the rheometer (plastic viscosity and yield stress) point to similar conclusions. It was also verified that the workability effect of the polycarboxilate admixture is most intense for blended cements.
Splitting strength and abrasion resistance of concrete paving blocks as a function of dry bulk specific gravity and ultrasonic pulse velocity
Authors: Haktanir T. , Ari K.
Published: April 2010

Artificial Portland cement concrete paving blocks are widely used in many countries. These paving blocks come in a variety of designs with names such as "Interlocking" and "Italian Flower", and are manufactured with special machinery using rather high quality concrete having a compressive strength of about 50 MPa. Concrete blocks are employed instead of natural cobble stones for essentially economic reasons. The laboratoiy equipment required to measure paving block splitting strength and abrasion resistance, two of the chief properties to be tested in quality checks, is costly and the tests are time-consuming and labour-intensive. The present paper reports on a detailed experimental study performed to relate the splitting strength and abrasion resistance of concrete paving blocks to "dry bulk specific gravity" (DBSG) and "ultrasonic pulse velocity" (UPV), respectively. Statistically significant regression equations describing the dependence of splitting strength on DBSG and abrasion resistance on UPV were obtained with data from random samples of material provided by seven different manufacturers.
Ceramic properties of clay from the Asseiceira quarry at Tomar, Portugal
Authors: Coroado J. , Marques J. , Gomes C. , Rocha F.
Published: April 2010

The clay mined at the Asseiceira quarry near the city of Tomar, Portugal, has traditionally been used to manufacture hollow brick. However, since an assessment has shown the ceramic properties of the strata to vary, the quarry could potentially produce clay blends of different qualities to form raw materials appropriate for items demanded by different market segments, such as high quality facing brick and roof or floor tiles. The composition and texture of the various clay materials identified in the Asseiceira quarry were characterized using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Atterberg limits and grain size analysis The phases resulting from the thermal transformations taking place during drying and firing were identified with thermogravimetric (TG), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and thermodilatometric (TD) techniques. Finally, certain relevant ceramic properties such as linear shrinkage, bending strength and water absorption at 875 °C, 950 °C, 1025 °C and 1100 °C were determined on the raw material after extrusion.
Ferrous sulphate mono and heptahydrate reduction of hexavalent chromium in cement: effectiveness and storability
Authors: Valverde J. L. , Lobato J. , Fernández I. , Marijuán L. , Pérez-Mohedano S. , Talero R.
Published: April 2010

In Community legislation, substances containing hexavalent chromium are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and sensitizing. In cement, hexavalent chromium intensifies sensitization and may set off severe allergic reactions in workers in routine contact with the product, whether in the factory or on construction sites. The allergic or contact dermatitis causes is a very painful disease that may lead to permanent worker disability. According to Directive 2003/53/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Governments of all member countries will be required to prohibit the marketing and use, as of 17 January 2005, of any cement or cement preparation containing more than 2 ppm of chromium (VI). Hexavalent chromium can be reduced with ferrous sulphate to trivalent chromium, which is water-insoluble and therefore innocuous to the skin. The present paper reports the effects of adding ferrous sulphate mono- or heptahydrate to a commercial cement and the storage time of the mix on the concentration of hexavalent chromium. The salts studied were found to effectively reduce hexavalent chromium in cement for at least three months.
Total exploitation of an ornamental granite quarry
Authors: Taboada J. , Alejano L. R. , Bastante F. G. , Ordóñez C.
Published: April 2010

In this paper we propose a methodology to estimate the recovery percentage for each of the products which can be obtained from the exploitation of an ornamental granite quarry: block, semiblock, masonry-transverse stone, and the smaller materials that can be used to obtain construction aggregates. This methodology ensures that quarry exploitation is exhaustive, thereby minimising the production of spoils and the consequent negative impact on the environment. The analysis is based on a detailed and exhaustive compilation of discontinuity data from the research fronts, which are then interpreted statistically and projected over the three weakness planes that are a particular feature of ornamental granite deposits. Using this information, and bearing in mind the minimum commercially viable sizes for each kind of granite, the corresponding recovery rates are calculated for each material in each plane. The results are then integrated using spatial techniques, and the result is an evaluation of quarry contents with a view to total exploitation. This methodology was applied to a quarry in the opening phase in order to carry out an a priori assessment of the economic feasibility of the quarry.
Permeability, porosity and compressive strength of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Valcuende M.O. , Parra C. , Benlloch J.
Published: April 2010

Most deterioration affecting the durability of self-compacting concrete structures is mediated by water penetration in the concrete, a condition related to its porous structure. The present study analyzes these two factors. To this end, two types of concrete were prepared, a self-compacting and a traditional vibrated concrete, with different W/C ratios and different types of cement. The results of low-pressure water testing to evaluate permeability and analyses to determine compressive strength and pore size distribution showed that self-compacting concrete has lower capillary porosity than traditional concrete, which would explain its greater resistance to water penetration. Such concrete likewise reached higher strength values, except where large proportions of lime powder with low sand equivalents were used in its manufacture, when lower strength was recorded. Lastly, the depth of water penetration and compressive strength were found to be linearly correlated. That correlation was seen to depend, in turn, on the type of concrete, since for any given strength level, self-compacting concrete was less permeable than the traditional material.
Properties of SiMn slag as apozzolanic material in portland cement manufacture
Authors: Frías M. , Sánchez de Rojas M. I. , Menéndez I. , García de Lomas M. , Rodríguez C.
Published: April 2010

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of SiMn slag as a pozzolanic material in commercial Portland cement manufacture. This necessitated exploring different scientific and technical aspects to ensure a correct valuation. The results obtained revealed that silica and calcium are the main components of SiMn slag, whose pozzolanic activity occupies an intermediate position between silica fume and fly ash; it reduces heat of hydration and mortars made with cement containing SiMn slag exhibit compressive strength values similar to the figures for standard mortar. Consequently, the use of SiMn slag as an active addition to cement is feasible, inasmuch as the resulting product meets the requirements laid down in the present legislation.
Local Milieu in Developing China's Cultural and Creative Industry
Authors: Wang Jici , Zhang Chun , Wang Ching-Ning , Chen Ping
Published: April 2010

This paper examines the role of creative milieu and cultural heritages in the development of Chinese cultural industry. Through case study of Beijing’s Nanluoguxiang, where several arts institutions and theaters concentrate, it depicts the birth and growth of a creative place for free artists in the institutional changing of Chinese cultural setting. Based on field survey data from artists, managers and visitors, it shows the spouting and growth of local creativities in a transitional economy needs atmosphere of tolerant and frequent social gathering, especially in spaces like cafes and bars. It also suggests that making a good use of local cultural and creative resources like heritages and folk customs enables the superiority of localization standing out in the wave of globalization. The key findings indicate that the newly-built creative parks might be useful to breed the creative products, but not necessary.
Blue Ocean Strategy
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Seth Piyush , Niyazi Shujauddin
Published: April 2010

This paper emphasizes on the role of entrepreneurship in economic development of a society with the perspective of Blue Ocean strategy used by organizations across the globe and especially in the context of Indian rural markets. The paper also utilizes live examples of organizations going towards uncontested rural markets and is suggestive of the crux and the core definition of entrepreneurship in correlation to the core philosophy of Blue Ocean strategy. In addition, the paper emphasizes that the soul of entrepreneurship lies with in the development of rural markets, which can be done through the effective utilization of Blue Ocean strategy.
Chinese Investments in Italy
Authors: Spigarelli Francesca
Published: April 2010

This paper focuses on the effects of the Go Global policy in Italy. The main type of Chinese investments, their strategic motivations, as well as the role of ethnic networks are analyzed. The phenomenon is still not significant in quantitative terms, but trends are impressive. Italy can provide an access to western markets and strategic logistic services, as well as to a wide array of distinctive skills/intangible assets in manufacturing industries. At the moment, there is a prevalence of greenfield initiatives, but acquisitions are rising sharply. In geographical terms, the locations chosen by Chinese investors favor areas that offer a wealth of distinctive skills (typically, but not only, district areas), but are not limited to industries in which Chinese ethnic groups are involved.
Location Patterns of Section 8 Housing in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Authors: Song Wei , Keeling Karl
Published: April 2010

The controversial Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is the largest federal low-income housing program. Using GIS-based spatial clustering analysis (Getis–Ord’s Gi statistic) and multiple linear regressions, in this paper, the authors examine the locational patterns of more than 13,600 Section 8 housing units in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and explore key social, economic, demographic, and locational factors underlying the spatial distribution of Section 8 housing. The findings reveal that Section 8 housing continues to concentrate in the central city area with predominantly black residents, a high proportion of families in poverty, and abundant low-cost properties. The Section 8 voucher policy has failed to successfully de-concentrate poor families from these urban areas. Residential mobility of low-income families has been restricted by various factors, most important of which is the lack of accessibility to public transportation across the metropolitan area.
From Beats to Tracts
Authors: Gong Gang
Published: April 2010

In this article, the author addresses the spatial incompatibility between different types of data that is commonly faced in crime analysis research. Socioeconomic variables have been proved valuable in explaining crime behaviors and in predicting crime activities. However, socioeconomic data and crime statistics are usually collected and aggregated at different spatial zonations of geographical space, making the integration and analysis of these data difficult. Simple areal weighting interpolation technique, although frequently employed, often leads to unsatisfactory results due to the fact that most types of crime do not distributed evenly across space. Using 2007 burglary crime in Houston, Texas, as an example, the author illustrates a remote sensing approach to interpolating crime statistics from police beat enumeration district used by Houston Police Department to census tract defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Changing Retail Banking Supply-Demand Mismatch
Authors: Zhou Bin
Published: April 2010

In this study, the author compares the supply-demand mismatch of retail banking services and the changing patterns in Illinois and New York from 1982 to 2007 amid fundamental banking transformation and geographical deregulation. The study uses measures of concentration like the Herfindahl-Herschman Index (HHI) and the E-Index. The study finds that the traditionally unit banking Illinois has narrowed the mismatch over the study period from 1982 to 2007, whereas the traditionally branch banking New York has expanded such mismatch. The study also finds that while the New York banking industry can be characterized by a more concentrated geographical distribution of bank deposits, the Illinois banking industry still has a dispersed geographical concentration of bank offices, though the Chicago MSA has reversed such a pattern.
Of Social Norms and Sanctioning
Authors: Villatoro Daniel , Sen Sandip , Sabater-Mir Jordi
Published: April 2010

“Social norms” is a term widely used in different areas of research like sociology, philosophy or multiagent systems. However, there is still not a clear definition of what social norms are and the types of problems they solve. This work presents a general classification and distinction of norms from a game theoretical perspective. The types of norms treated in this work are those norms created through the interaction of agents and that are not imposed by any central authority. The main differentiation is made between conventional norms and essential norms. The former are norms created to establish a convention in a situation where several solutions are equally feasible, but the society must decide on one, e.g., driving on one side of the road; the later norms solve problems of collective action. Finally, we analyze several aspects of sanctioning mechanisms and how these mechanisms affect in the emergence of norms.
Development of a Web Based Business Oriented Towards a Market Niche in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Pejic-Bach Mirjana , Knezevic Blazenka , Pejic-Bach Miran
Published: April 2010

In transition economies, the number of Internet users has been growing at a two or three-digit average annual growth rate in the past ten years. In addition, during that period the Internet has been considered a potentially important distribution channel for companies in different industries within transition economies. As small companies are the generator of economic growth in such economies, it is important to reconsider the possibilities of Internet usage and development of niche oriented stores within SMEs in transition economies. The basic assumption of this paper is that the Internet allows SMEs and startup companies to access niche markets which have not previously been accessible to them. The paper describes a case study of an on-line store in Croatia developed as a portal which targets the niche market.
An E-Titan's Evolving Strategy and Business Model
Authors: Wang Zhongxian , Hsu Jeffrey , Yao James , Zhang Yanli
Published: April 2010

eMarketMatch1 provides online marketplaces for the sale of goods and services, online payments, and online communication offerings. Their three primary business segments are: eMarketMatch marketplaces, payments, and communications. The marketplace platform has grown beyond the initial auction platform to include a number of other marketplaces for various applications and user audiences. Their partner firm, PayerFirm*, enables individuals and businesses to easily and securely transact payments. As the one of the top ten largest global online retailers, eMarketMatch’s mission is to pioneer new communities around the world built on commerce, sustained by trust and inspired by opportunity. Their ability to maintain or enhance this position will depend on their ability to adapt to new technologies while facing increased competition and anticipating customers’ needs. This paper will address management’s philosophies, the corporate business model, its challenges, network relationships, and its corporate growth to date, as well as future horizons.
Computer Aided Detection and Recognition of Lesions in Ultrasound Breast Images
Authors: Yap Moi Hoon , Edirisinghe Eran , Bez Helmut
Published: April 2010

The authors extend their previous work on Ultrasound (US) image lesion detection and segmentation, to classification, proposing a complete end-to-end solution for automatic Ultrasound Computer Aided Detection (US CAD). Carried out is a comprehensive analysis to determine the best classifier-feature set combination that works optimally in US imaging. In particular the use of nineteen features categorised into three groups (shape, texture and edge), ten classifiers and 22 feature selection approaches are used in the analysis. From the overall performance, the classifier RBFNetworks defined by the WEKA pattern recognition tool set, with a feature set comprising of the area to perimeter ratio, solidity, elongation, roundness, standard deviation, two Fourier related and a fractal related texture measures out-performed other combinations of feature-classifiers, with an achievement of predicted Az value of 0.948. Next analyzed is the use of a number of different metrics in performance analysis and provide an insight to future improvements and extension.
Effective Implementation of Sales-Based CRM Systems
Authors: Avlonitis George J. , Panagopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: April 2010

Interest in sales technology (ST) and sales-based CRM systems has been increasing in recent years. Indeed, companies spend a great deal of their budgets in implementing CRM systems into their sales organizations. In spite of these investments, however, evidence has been accumulated suggesting a high failure rate of these implementations. Although a number of research studies have been published in this area, there has been no systematic attempt to integrate and synthesize the extant literature. Against this backdrop, this article seeks to increase knowledge in the area by offering a synthesis of prior work into (a) what companies need to consider to effectively implement a CRM system into the sales force, (b) how CRM’s impact on a sales force’s performance can be assessed, and (c) what key performance indicators (KPIs) might be incorporated into the system in order to aid managerial decision making processes. The authors’ framework addresses issues of relevance not only for scholars but also for practicing managers by drawing on the authors’ practical experience in this important area. As such, the article adds layers of knowledge for both theory and practice.
Wrestling With Online Learning Technologies
Authors: Muwanguzi Samuel , Lin Lin
Published: April 2010

This study examines the usability challenges and emotional reactions of blind college students in their attempts to access online educational materials and to communicate with colleagues through online technologies. A case study approach was adopted. Five students were interviewed regarding their online learning experiences using Blackboard, a popular Course Management System. Analysis of the interviews revealed that Blackboard was poorly accessible to the blind students, which affected achieving their academic goals. The study also showed that the blind students were motivated and optimistic of their successes despite their frustrations and feelings of marginalization. The study suggests that academic administrators and database designers work jointly with adaptive software developers in developing enhanced user interfaces to ensure universal access and usability of online technologies and to reduce educational inequities and frustrations encountered by blind students.
Cloud Computing Based E-Learning System
Authors: Al-Zoube Mohammed , Abou El-Seoud Samir , Wyne Mudasser F.
Published: April 2010

Cloud computing technologies although in their early stages, have managed to change the way applications are going to be developed and accessed. These technologies are aimed at running applications as services over the internet on a flexible infrastructure. Microsoft office applications, such as word processing, excel spreadsheet, access database and many more can be accessed through the internet, even though the files and applications are housed in the cloud. Cloud computing provides a low cost solution to academic institutions for their researchers, faculty and students. This setup provides an additional benefit because all these browser-based applications can also be accessed through mobile devices in addition to being available to a variety of laptop and desk top computers, provided internet access is available. In this paper we present a solution that is based on cloud computing and can be used for building a virtual environment both for teaching and learning. We present an interactive tool that can be used for science education; we combined various technologies to achieve this goal. The environment and the design proposed can also be used as a platform for exploring and sharing new ideas as well as for designing, modifying and monitoring educational or course contents. In our design under the same environment we also allow integration of different pedagogical approaches to both learning and teaching.
The Red Storm Architecture and Early Experiences with Multi-Core Processors
Authors: Tomkins James L. , Brightwell Ron , Camp William J. , Dosanjh Sudip , Kelly Suzanne M. , Lin Paul T. , Vaughan Courtenay T. , Levesque John , Tipparaju Vinod
Published: April 2010

The Red Storm architecture, which was conceived by Sandia National Laboratories and implemented by Cray, Inc., has become the basis for most successful line of commercial supercomputers in history. The success of the Red Storm architecture is due largely to the ability to effectively and efficiently solve a wide range of science and engineering problems. The Cray XT series of machines that embody the Red Storm architecture have allowed for unprecedented scaling and performance of parallel applications spanning many areas of scientific computing. This paper describes the fundamental characteristics of the architecture and its implementation that have enabled this success, even through successive generations of hardware and software.
An Efficient Method for Discretizing Continuous Attributes
Authors: Engle Kelley M. , Gangopadhyay Aryya
Published: April 2010

In this paper the authors present a novel method for finding optimal split points for discretization of continuous attributes. Such a method can be used in many data mining techniques for large databases. The method consists of two major steps. In the first step search space is pruned using a bisecting region method that partitions the search space and returns the point with the highest information gain based on its search. The second step consists of a hill climbing algorithm that starts with the point returned by the first step and greedily searches for an optimal point. The methods were tested using fifteen attributes from two data sets. The results show that the method reduces the number of searches drastically while identifying the optimal or near-optimal split points. On average, there was a 98% reduction in the number of information gain calculations with only 4% reduction in information gain.
Towards E-Society Policy Interoperability for Social Web Networks
Authors: Iannella Renato
Published: April 2010

The move toward Policy-Oriented Web is destined to provide support for policy expression and management in the core web layers. One of the most promising areas that can drive this new technology adoption is e-Society communities. With so much user-generated content being shared by these social networks, there is the real danger that the implicit sharing rules that communities have developed over time will be lost in translation in the new digital communities. This will lead to a corresponding loss in confidence in e-Society sites. The Policy-Oriented Web attempts to turn the implicit into the explicit with a common framework for policy language interoperability and awareness. This paper reports on the policy driving factors from the Social Networks experiences using real-world use cases and scenarios. In particular, the key functions of policy-awareness—for privacy, rights, and identity—will be the driving force that enables the e-Society to appreciate new interoperable policy regimes.
Electronic Voting Using Identity Domain Separation and Hardware Security Modules
Authors: Rössler Thomas
Published: April 2010

E-voting increasingly gains interest in e-Democracy and e-Government movements. Not only the technical security issues of electronic voting systems are of paramount importance, but also the necessity of following an all-embracing approach is challenging and needs to be addressed. This paper discusses e-voting as being a supreme discipline of e-Government. It introduces an innovative e-voting concept using the Internet as the voting channel. The concept introduced is based on Austrian e-Government elements and the Austrian identity management concept in particular. This paper presents a novel approach of building an e-voting system relying on two core principles: strong end-to-end encryption and stringent identity domain separation.
An integrated Collaboration Environment for Various Types of Collaborative Knowledge Work
Authors: Fuchs-Kittowski Frank , Siegeris Eric
Published: April 2010

In knowledge work, different types of collaboration can be distinguished. Because of close relationships between these collaboration types, it is necessary to support them together in an integrated collaboration environment. Using case studies, in this paper, the authors describe various types of collaboration practice and demonstrate the necessity of their integrated support. Based on this work, the concept of the incorporation of different types of collaboration in an integrated environment is presented. Furthermore, a prototype implementation of such an integrated environment is offered.
Benefits and Limitations of Technology in MFIs
Authors: Musa Abu Saleh Mohammad , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim
Published: April 2010

Adoption of Information Technology (IT) in Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) has become one of the key indicators to improve operating efficiency and productivity of staff at all levels of the organization. Though the cost of investment in IT is a matter of concern, it has manifold benefits ranging from productivity improvement to socio economic development of the target clients. This paper focuses on the adoption of Point of Sale (POS) technology in MFIs and its benefits in operation, cost reduction and stakeholder relationship through an evaluation of a small-scale MFI, Come to Save (CTS), operating in Bangladesh. This paper reinforces that timely implementation of technology reduces cost of operation, attains economies of scale and increases outreach through increased staff productivity.
Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating User-centered and Citizen-centered E-government
Authors: Jaeger Paul T. , Bertot John Carlo
Published: April 2010

The effectiveness of user interactions and engagement with e-government hinges on the extent to which the information and services being offered are user-centered, and in particular citizen-centered. E-government is not effectively serving users if they cannot find the information and services that they seek due to organizational, educational, policy, or management issues; do not have the skills to properly interact with e-government; do not understand the results that they get; or do not trust the information that they receive. As such, user-centered design and evaluation must be a key consideration in the development and management of e-government. Building on a range of previous research by the authors, this article will examine the issues of the designing for, evaluation of, and research about user-centered e-government and implications for e-government policy and management.
Innovation in Democratic E-Governance
Authors: Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: April 2010

This article provides a brief introduction to Web 2.0 and its gradual adoption in public services and governance. Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of Web-based communities, networks and hosted services, which facilitates interaction between users. Since the invention of the concept of Web 2.0, version numbering has been attached to various activities and organizations, including government. Government 2.0 opens a horizon towards post-modern governance, in which government utilizes in its governance and stakeholder relations open and pluralist interactivity, community-centeredness and citizens’ own content production and networking, following the logic of Web 2.0. The promise of Government 2.0 lies in the idea that the more direct citizen involvement there is in public affairs in Web 2.0 style, the more reason there is for people to take a constructive view of public policies, governance and organizations.
Citizens and Service Channels
Authors: Pieterson Willem
Published: April 2010

The arrival of electronic channels in the 1990s has had a huge impact on governmental service delivery. The new channels have led to many new opportunities to improve public service delivery, not only in terms of citizen satisfaction, but also in cost reduction for governmental agencies. However, until now these promises of e-government have not been met. In general the use of the traditional channels remains high and the costs of introducing and maintaining the electronic channels have merely been additional costs. These observations call for a deeper understanding of the behavior of citizens. Why do citizens choose the channels they use to obtain services? Furthermore, how should knowledge about these behaviors be used to improve governmental multi-channel service strategies and marketing activities? In this article, citizens’ channel behavior will be analyzed while channel usage will be discussed. The authors will explore the channel choices of citizens and further converse on how these findings may help in improving channel strategies and marketing and thus help in improving citizen satisfaction and reduce cost of governmental service delivery.
Comparing Citizens' Use of E-Government to Alternative Service Channels
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: April 2010

This article examines the role e-government has over citizens’ when they initiate contact with their government. It also compares the influence that other contact channels have on citizens’ contacts with government. A public opinion survey is analyzed to determine what factors explain the different methods of contacting government, namely through the phone, e-government, visiting a government office, or a combination of approaches. This article also analyzes citizens’ preferred method of contacting government, examining different types of information or assistance that citizens’ can get from government. The results of this study indicate that e-government is just one of many possible service channels that citizens use, with the phone being the most common. The overall importance of the survey results indicate that e-government is just one contact channel for citizens, and resources should also be devoted towards other contact channels given their importance as well to citizens.
Engaging Citizens on the Internet
Authors: Cassell Mark K. , Hoornbeek John A.
Published: April 2010

This article presents empirical results relating to citizen-government relations on the internet that are based on an assessment of the World Wide Web presence of 428 local governments in northeast Ohio. Northeast Ohio provides a useful picture of E-government-citizen relationships because it includes a range of local government forms (counties, townships, etc.), urban and rural populations, and Midwestern influences that many consider “typical” of American states. The website reviews conducted assess citizen-government engagement in a variety of areas. The measures used include simple engagements like the ability to sign up for email updates and the presence of event calendars to more involved interactions, such as blogs, e-pay services, and open records requests. Using these measures, the authors assess citizen-government engagement among local governments in the sample
Toward UML-Compliant Semantic Web Services Development
Authors: Sánchez Diana M. , Acuña César J. , Cavero José María , Marcos Esperanza
Published: April 2010

The emerging Semantic Web and, in particular, Semantic Web services (SWS), demands the inclusion of new components in applications involving this technology. Therefore, Web development methodologies must be tailored to support the systematic development of such new components. In previous works we presented a UML profile, which extends the SOD-M method for service oriented Web Information System development of the MIDAS model-driven framework, to address the development of Semantic Web Services using WSMO (Web Service Modeling Ontology). The UML profile allows for the modeling of the new elements required by WSMO Web Services. This article focuses on studying the possibility of improving the proposed UML profile, including the OCL (Object Constraint Language), for the representation of WSMO logical axioms through three case studies. This would allow developers, whose knowledge does not extend beyond UML, to develop applications that use Semantic Web services.
Schedulability Analysis for Real Time On-Chip Communication with Wormhole Switching
Authors: Shi Zheng , Burns Alan , Indrusiak Leandro Soares
Published: April 2010

In this paper, the authors discuss a real-time on-chip communication service with a priority-based wormhole switching policy. The authors present a novel off-line schedulability analysis approach, worst case network latency analysis. By evaluating diverse inter-relationships and service attributes among the traffic flows, this approach can predict the packet network latency for all practical situations. The simulation results provide evidence that communication latency calculated using the real time analysis approach is safe, closely matching the figures obtained from simulation.
Modeling Communication in Multi–Processor Systems–on–Chip Using Modular Connectors
Authors: Tsiopoulos Leonidas , Sere Kaisa , Plosila Juha
Published: April 2010

Formal methods of concurrent programming can be used to develop and verify complex Multi–Processor Systems–On–Chip in order to ensure that these systems satisfy their functional and communication requirements. The authors use the Action Systems formalism and show how asynchronous communication of Multi–Processor Systems–on–Chip can be modeled using generic connectors composed out of simple channel components. The paper proposes a new approach to modeling generic and hierarchical connectors for handling the complexity of on–chip communication and data flow. The authors’ goal is to avoid overloaded bus–based architectures and give a distributed framework. A case study presents the authors’ modeling methodology.
Enhancing Complaint and Problem Management
Authors: Juell-Skielse Gustaf
Published: April 2010

M-government is an emergent area for mobile applications, where citizens and organizations can interact with government and municipal agencies through mobile devices. One promising area for m-government is complaint and problem management, where mobile applications using the integrated functions of a cellular telephone can offer citizens convenient ways of rapidly reporting problems. The problems reported can then be effectively managed by the municipality using state-of-the-art workflow techniques. Furthermore, the municipality can inform citizens and companies of problems already reported or addressed, which can be visualized through interactive maps. In this study, a municipal e-service for complaint and problem management is transformed into an m-service and put into operation in a Swedish municipality. The experiences from developing the m-service comprise of a suggested design and several identified challenges. Suggestions for future research include the application of new technologies for positioning and the adaptation of the m-service to new cellular telephone models.
M-Government for Education
Authors: Ishmatova Diana , Fedotov Yuri V.
Published: April 2010

The main challenges of studying user preferences are related to user uncertainty related to a lack of previous experience with m-Government services. This paper investigates user preferences for potential mobile campus services. It was conducted as a pilot survey with the goal to develop and test a measurement approach for revealing preferences for services that users haven’t yet experienced. The dataset used in this paper is taken from a contingent ranking survey carried out in February 2008, involving purposive sampling of third year university students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University. Numerical estimations reflecting the importance of services and content features were derived using ASPID-methodology (Analysis and Synthesis of Parameters under Information Deficiency), the main advantage of which lies in its ability to work accurately with different types of uncertain information on weight-coefficients.
Single Attestation Image for a Trusted and Scalable Grid
Authors: Deng Yuhui , Helian Na
Published: April 2010

Traditionally, Grid users are forced to trust the Grid platforms, but the users are not always regarded as trustworthy. This trust asymmetry hinders the commercializing of Grid resources. Trusted Grid is proposed to tackle this challenge by leveraging Trusted Computing (TC). However, the TC relies on a microcontroller Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) which has limited computing power and is doomed to be a system bottleneck. This article constructs a trusted Grid as a flat ring and decentralizes the functionalities of TPM across the ring. This architecture offers a single attestation image which provides a transparent attestation to a scalable, large-scale, and dynamic trusted Grid. The architecture also significantly reduces the frequency of attestations, thus alleviating the TPM bottleneck. Furthermore, the architecture can avoid the potential system bottleneck and single point of failure of the centralized architecture or the root node of the hierarchical architecture.
Social Structures and Personal Values That Predict E-Mail Use
Authors: Peterson Mark F. , Thomason Stephanie J. , Althouse Norm , Athanassiou Nicholas , Curri Gudrun , Konopaske Robert , Lenartowicz Tomasz , Meckler Mark , Mendenhall Mark E. , Mogaji Andrew A. , Rowney Julie I.A.
Published: April 2010

This article extends communication and technology use theories about factors that predict e-mail use by explaining the reasons for cultural contingencies in the effects of managers’ personal values and the social structures (roles, rules and norms) that are most used in their work context. Results from a survey of 576 managers from Canada, the English-speaking Caribbean, Nigeria, and the United States indicate that e-mail use may support participative and lateral decision making, as it is positively associated with work contexts that show high reliance on staff specialists especially in the U.S., subordinates, and unwritten rules especially in Nigeria and Canada. The personal value of self-direction is positively related to e-mail use in Canada, while security is negatively related to e-mail use in the United States. The results have implications for further development of TAM and media characteristic theories as well as for training about media use in different cultural contexts.
The Impact of Zoning Concept on Data-Flow Management within LBS System Components
Authors: Almasri Suleiman , Hunaiti Ziad
Published: April 2010

Typical Location Based Services (LBS) system is compound of a mobile device with positioning capability connected to a LBS service provider via wireless network. Thus, the efficiency of LBS System depends on each sub-element composing its architecture. One of the most important factors affecting LBS efficiency is the volume of data streamed from the server to the client. This problem has emerged as a consequence of customer demands for richer services such as videos and high-quality pictures. Therefore this paper discusses the impacts of transmitting huge size of information and services on: the mobile devices, wireless networks and the data server. In addition, it introduces a mechanism to improve the data flow based on the zoning concept in which data is organised in individual databases and then streamed gradually according to the end user’s new location. The outcome of the evaluation of this mechanism has shown better utilisation of the mobile device resources (memory and battery) as well as reducing the network and server consumption time.
Physicians' Non-Use of Technology
Authors: Blue Jon
Published: April 2010

Technology Acceptance Theories have been widely applied and quite successful at explaining the behavioral intention to use technology in many organizations. One of the most significant variables in the Technology Acceptance Model is perceived ease of use. The Technology Acceptance Model purports that perceived ease of use contributes to the behavioral intention to use technology. Additionally, the model purports that perceived ease of use is an antecedent of perceived usefulness. In the adoption and use of technology across multiple industries, previous studies show that Technology Acceptance Theories predictions have been incorrect and not consistently supported. Qualitatively studying physicians, it is shown that medical doctors focus on factors not thoroughly investigated or explained in the literature. This study specifically investigates physicians’ behavioral intention to use a Personal Digital Assistant in their work environment and examines why some tested constructs, such as perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, are not relevant in a health care environment. Plausible solutions to this non-predictability issue, such as technology substitution, are presented.
Issues in Interoperable Structures of Regional Health Information Networks
Authors: Spyrou Stergiani , Bamidis Panagiotis , Maglaveras Nicos
Published: April 2010

In this article, the authors present a brief view of the regional health information networks (RHN) and introduce their interoperable organizational structures. The authors present key issues to achieve interoperability among the health information structures of the regional environment. A description of the risk assessment methodology for data and processes in the RHN structures is also included. Successful examples are then described. Finally, important areas to focus when evaluating RHN are also introduced.
SEMG for Human Computer Interface Using Ann to Navigate Wheel Chair
Authors: Rajesh V. , Kumar P. Rajesh
Published: April 2010

This paper presents an approach to identify hand gestures with muscle activity separated from electromyogram (EMG) using Back Propagation analysis with the goal of using hand gestures for human-computer interaction. While there are a number of previous reported works where EMG has been used to identify movement, the limitation of these works is that the systems are suitable for gross actions and when there is one prime-mover muscle involved. This paper reports overcoming the difficulty by using independent component analysis to separate muscle activity from different muscles and classified using back propagation neural networks. The experimental results show that the system was accurately able to identify the hand gesture using this technique (95%). The advantage of this system is that it is easy to train one to use it and can easily be implemented in real time.
Assessment of Anti-angiogenic Drug in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pan Indrajit
Published: April 2010

It has been documented in the literature that a solid tumor survives by the generation of micro-vessels around it. This phenomenon is known as angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is governed by two factors, namely Tumor Angiogenic Factor (TAF) secreted by the tumor cells and tissue Fibronectin (FNT) concentration in the extra-cellular space. These two factors help in mobilization of endothelial cells from nearby blood vessels. At the initial phase of angiogenesis, neighboring blood vessels affect in formation of capillary sprouts. In this work, to the authors develop a clinically relevant analytical model that could act as an effective tracing system of tumor growth. The author has performed a quantitative assessment of tumor angiogenesis. This analytical method is a correlation between tumor system and vasculature system through an analytical assessment at peripheral blood circulatory of tumor milieu.
Changes in Brain White Matter Assessed Via Textural Features Using a Neural Network
Authors: Kalpana R. , Muttan S. , Agrawala B.
Published: April 2010

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DTMRI) has proved useful for microstructure characterization of the brain. This technique also helps determining complex connectivity of fiber tracts. The brain white matter (BMW) changes with respect to age and corresponding appearance of white-matter lesions among the brain’s message-carrying axons affects cognitive functions in old age. In this paper, the observed morphology in BWM on ageing is analyzed using statistical parameters extracted from DTMR images of different age groups. The gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) obtained from the segmented images gives 14 textural features, subsets of which are adopted as the input sets in a backpropagation neural network classifier. The network is trained to predict the age based on BMW details used as the inputs. The proposed method helps in understanding the age-related changes in white matter. This is useful for the physician in understanding miscorrelation in motor activities and relevant causes in elderly subjects.
Classification of Thyroid Carcinoma in FNAB Cytological Microscopic Images
Authors: Gopinath B. , Gupta B. R.
Published: April 2010

This paper investigates an image classification method performing thyroid carcinoma classification in Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy cytological images of thyroid nodules under noise conditions and varying staining conditions. The segmentation method combines the image processing techniques thresholding and mathematical morphology. Feature extraction and classification are carried out by discrete wavelet transform and Euclidean distance based on k-nearest neighbor classifier, respectively. The classification methodology is successfully tested for Papillary carcinoma and Medullary carcinoma cytological images of thyroid nodules, showing promising results, encouraging future research work. The maximum classification rate of 95.84% and minimum classification rate of 79.17% have been reported for various testing sets of FNAB cytological images of thyroid nodules.