bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous Skeletal Myoblast Sheet Therapy for Porcine Myocardial Infarction without Increasing Risk of Arrhythmia
Authors: Terajima Yutaka , Shimizu Tatsuya , Tsuruyama Shinpei , Sekine Hidekazu , Ishii Hikaru , Yamazaki Kenji , Hagiwara Nobuhisa , Okano Teruo
Published: October 2013

Safety concerns of ventricular tachyarrhythmia have arisen from some clinical trials of autologous skeletal myoblast (SkM) injection therapy. This study examined the effect and safety of SkM sheet therapy in a pig model of chronic myocardial infarction. Minipigs underwent LAD occlusion using a balloon catheter for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. After 28 days, 12 SkM sheets were transplanted onto the infarcted myocardium (sheet group n = 8); the same number of cells was also injected into the myocardium (injection group n = 7), and sham operations were performed as a control (sham group n = 7). Implantable ECG loop recorders (ILR) were placed subcutaneously on the left thorax. At 28 days after transplantation, we assessed cardiac function with MDCT, interrogated ILR, and performed programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS), after which organs were harvested for histopathology. To assess the inflammatory and injury response, inflammation factors and highsensitive CRP and troponin I were measured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days after transplantation by the cytokine array method and ELISA, respectively. The sheet group showed an improvement in cardiac function compared with both the injection and sham groups (LVEF change: 5.8 ± 2.7%, –1.0 ± 2.6%, and –3.8 ± 1.8% in the sheet, injection, and sham groups, respectively, p < 0.05). VF was not detected in any group using ILR, while VT was detected in one pig from the injection group. VF was induced in 25.0%, 71.4%, and 28.6% of animals in the sheet, injection, and sham groups, respectively. In the injection group, anti-macrophage-positive cells were observed around the injected cells within the myocardium. Transmission electron microscopic images showed differentiated myofilaments, collagen layers, and a characteristic extracellular matrix surrounding the SkMs in the sheet group. Toroponin I and IL-6 levels were higher in the injection group compared with both the sheet and sham groups. SkM sheets transplanted onto infarcted myocardium improved cardiac function over SkM injection without increasing arrhythmogenicity.
Bis(benzylamine) monomers: One-pot preparation and application in dendrimer scaffolds for removing pyrene from aqueous environments
Authors: Monaco Olivia N , Tomas Sarah C , Kirrane Meghan K , Balija Amy M
Published: October 2013

Bisimine and bisamine AB2 monomers have been synthesized from 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid and benzaldehyde derivatives without the need for protective groups or purification. This monomer preparation is universal for various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing benzaldehyde substrates. To demonstrate the versatility of these previously unreported AB2 monomers in the formation of high molecular weight structures, novel first-generation dendrimers and hybrid second-generation dendrimers have been synthesized. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, pyrene was shown to be removed from an aqueous environment upon exposure to thin dendrimer films, with the first-generation dendrimer removing 70% of the pyrene within 30 min and the hybrid second-generation dendrimers removing 38–52%. Inclusion formation constants were calculated to be on the order of 109–1011 M−1 and are comparable to the values of previously reported macromolecules. These results illustrate that size may not influence pyrene removal as effectively as composition.
Article Commentary: Drug–Drug Interactions in HIV Therapy: Is it All Clear?
Authors: Burger David , Back David
Published: October 2013

Drug–drug interactions in HIV therapy have been known to the clinic from earliest days of HIV treatment. Hundreds of well-designed pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in either HIV-infected patients or, mostly, in healthy volunteers. Case reports generally are graded lower in terms of evidence-based medicine but sometimes provide valuable information. In this issue of Antiviral Therapy a case of virological failure on an atazanavir-containing regimen was explained by an interaction with charcoal that was used as self-medication for diarrhoea. Clinicians are invited to continue submitting well-documented case reports to increase knowledge on drug–drug interactions in HIV therapy even further.
Learning Confidence Intervals with Mobile Devices.
Authors: Tapia Moreno Francisco Javier , Villa Martinez Hector Antonio
Published: October 2013

Mobile learning (m-learning) enhances learning skills in some students. Mobile phones, Tablets, PDAs, Pocket PCs and Internet can be used jointly in order to encourage and motivate learning wherever and whenever students want to learn. In this work, we show learning objects for teaching and learning inferential statistics using mobile devices. With these learning objects, students can calculate confidence intervals based in either a large or a small data sample obtained from a normal or a non-normal population. These objects are been designed for devices with Android operating system.
mHealth Platform and Architectures to Provide Nutritional Guidance to Children
Authors: Vazquez Briseno Mabel , Diaz Arce Manuel , Jimenez Garcia Elitania , Nieto Hipolito Juan Ivan
Published: October 2013

Obesity and eating disorders in children are major problems worldwide. To promote their future well-being, it is important to educate children and teenagers about healthy lifestyle choices. Mobile technology offers many opportunities for helping to prevent health problems; however, the sole use of stand-alone applications is insufficient to improve childrenâ??s health awareness because children require proper orientation from adults. In this paper, we present a mobile platform intended to provide nutrition guidance to children and architectures for implementing this platform in an elementary school environment. These architectures provide data capturing and user interfaces that are especially suited for children, and they permit adults to send and receive notifications and messages to improve results.
Mobile Remote Control for Home Automation
Authors: Miramontes Meza Ramses , Escamilla del Río Laura Victoria , Aquino Santos Raúl Teodoro
Published: October 2013

Existing home automation technologies permit persons to control elements of the home using a computer connected to a local network. However, the real challenge is to remotely control objects, permitting users to exercise greater freedom and versatility. This work presents an inexpensive controller device developed for high density constructions typical of many developing countries throughout the world that is designed to remotely control home luminescence, air conditioner and water pumps through mobile devices such as a smart phone or tablet. Results show the packet delivery was acceptable within a range of 15 meters in a concrete, two-story dwelling, thus demonstrating its applicability in small homes in countries which share the same construction features as those of Mexico.
Towards geophysical and geotechnical integration for quick‐clay mapping in Norway
Authors: Sauvin Guillaume , Lecomte Isabelle , Bazin Sara , L’Heureux Jean‐Sébastien , Vanneste Maarten , Solberg Inger‐Lise , Dalsegg Einar
Published: October 2013

Quick clay is a known hazard in formerly‐glaciated coastal areas in e.g., Norway, Sweden and Canada. In this paper, we review the physical properties of quick clays in order to find a suitable, integrated and multi‐disciplinary approach to improve our possibilities to accurately identify the occurrence of quick clay and map its extent both vertically and laterally. As no single geophysical method yields optimal information, one should combine a variety of geophysical methods with geotechnical data (in situ measurements using Cone Penetration Testing (CPTU), Seismic CPTU (SCPTU) and Resistivity CPTU (RCPTU); laboratory tests) for an in‐depth quick‐clay assessment at a given site. In this respect, geophysical data are used to fill the gaps between geotechnical boreholes providing ground‐truth. Such an integrated and multi‐disciplinary approach brings us closer to 2D or pseudo‐3D site characterization for quick clays and as such, an improved assessment of the potential hazard they pose. The integrated approach is applied in practice on two Norwegian quick‐clay sites. The first site, Hvittingfoss, was remediated against potential landslides in 2008 whereas the second one, Rissa, was the scene of a major quick‐clay landslide in 1978, quick clays being still present over a large area. The collected data and preliminary site characterizations illustrate the high diversity as well as the complexity and clearly emphasize the need for higher resolution, careful imaging and calibration of the data in order to accomplish the assessment of a quick‐clay hazard.
4D electrical resistivity tomography monitoring of soil moisture dynamics in an operational railway embankment
Authors: Chambers J.E. , Gunn D.A. , Wilkinson P.B. , Meldrum P.I. , Haslam E. , Holyoake S. , Kirkham M. , Kuras O. , Merritt A. , Wragg J.
Published: October 2013

The internal moisture dynamics of an aged (> 100 years old) railway earthwork embankment, which is still in use, are investigated using 2D and 3D resistivity monitoring. A methodology was employed that included automated 3D ERT data capture and telemetric transfer with on‐site power generation, the correction of resistivity models for seasonal temperature changes and the translation of subsurface resistivity distributions into moisture content based on petrophysical relationships developed for the embankment material. Visualization of the data as 2D sections, 3D tomo‐grams and time series plots for different zones of the embankment enabled the development of seasonal wetting fronts within the embankment to be monitored at a high‐spatial resolution and the respective distributions of moisture in the flanks, crest and toes of the embankment to be assessed. Although the embankment considered here is at no immediate risk of failure, the approach developed for this study is equally applicable to other more high‐risk earthworks and natural slopes.
4D time‐lapse ERT inversion: introducing combined time and space constraints
Authors: Karaoulis M. , Tsourlos P. , Kim J.‐H. , Revil A.
Published: October 2013

Time‐lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) can be used to characterize dynamic processes occurring in the subsurface of the Earth. It involves the installation of a permanent array of electrodes to monitor changes in resistivity associated with changes in pore‐water properties (salinity, temperature, water content) or porosity (compaction or dilation). The interpretation of time‐lapse data is complicated by both the presence of noise in the data and the influence of low sensitivity in parts of the model. A uniform space and time constraint is not able to address this problem. In this work, we propose a new approach to distinguish noise‐related artefacts to true changes in resistivity, while at the same time addressing the problem of the lack of sensitivity of electrical resistivity tomography with depth. We propose transforming the space and time constraints to be active, meaning that the regularization parameters are distributed rather than being uniform for the entire model. This way, both time‐related noise (assumed to be random) in the data and the lack of sensitivity are addressed and we can incorporate prior information in a natural way into the inversion scheme. Using this strategy, the inversion scheme is able to favour areas where the expected changes are likely to occur while filtering out areas where no changes should occur. The favoured areas can be either selected from a preliminary analysis of the data, or by incorporating other types of prior information into the system based on the process that is monitored.
Smoothness‐constrained time‐lapse inversion of data from 3D resistivity surveys
Authors: Loke M.H. , Dahlin T. , Rucker D. F.
Published: October 2013

Three‐dimensional resistivity surveys and their associated inversion models are required to accurately resolve structures exhibiting very complex geology. In the same light, 3D resistivity surveys collected at multiple times are required to resolve temporally varying conditions. In this work we present 3D data sets, both synthetic and real, collected at different times. The large spatio‐temporal data sets are then inverted simultaneously using a least‐squares methodology that incorporates roughness filters in both the space and time domains. The spatial roughness filter constrains the model resistivity to vary smoothly in the x‐, y‐ and z‐directions. A temporal roughness filter is also applied that minimizes changes in the resistivity between successive temporal inversion models and the L‐curve method is used to determine the optimum weights for both spatial and temporal roughness filters. We show that the use of the temporal roughness filter can accurately resolve changes in the resistivity even in the presence of noise. The L1‐ and L2‐norm constraints for the temporal roughness filter are first examined using a synthetic model. The synthetic data test shows that the L1‐norm temporal constraint produces significantly more accurate results when the resistivity changes abruptly with time. The model obtained with the L1‐norm temporal constraint is also less sensitive to random noise compared with independent inversions (i.e., without any temporal constraint) and the L2‐norm temporal constraint. Anomalies that are common in models using independent inversions and the L2‐norm and L1‐norm temporal constraints are likely to be real. In contrast, anomalies present in a model using independent inversions but that are significantly reduced with the L2‐norm and L1‐norm constraints are likely artefacts. For field data sets, the method successfully recovered temporal changes in the subsurface resistivity from a landfill monitoring survey due to rainwater infiltration, as well as from an experiment to map the migration of sodium cyanide solution from an injection well using surface and borehole electrodes in an area with significant topography.
Comparison and optimal parameter settings of reference‐based harmonic noise cancellation in time and frequency domains for surface‐NMR
Authors: Müller‐Petke Mike , Costabel Stephan
Published: October 2013

The technique of surface nuclear magnetic resonance (surface‐NMR) provides information on porosity and hydraulic conductivity that is highly valuable in a hydrogeological context. However, the applicability of surface‐NMR is often limited due to a bad signal‐to‐noise ratio. In this paper we provide a detailed insight into the technique of harmonic noise cancellation based on remote references to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio. We give numerous synthetic examples to study the influence of various parameters such as optimal filter length for time‐ domain approaches or the necessary record length for frequency‐domain approaches, all of which evaluated for different types of noise conditions. We show that the frequency‐domain approach is superior to time‐domain approaches. We demonstrate that the parameter settings in the frequency domain and the decision whether or not to use separated noise measurement depend on the actual noise properties, i.e., frequency content or stability with time. We underline our results using two field examples.
Assessment of ground compaction using multi‐channel analysis of surface wave data and cone penetration tests
Authors: Bitri A. , Samyn K. , Brûlé S. , Javelaud E.H.
Published: October 2013

The construction of a new industrial and commercial area in 2009 at the Givors’ former glass factory area in France involved heavy dynamic compaction work. For the purpose of founding the new buildings, it was necessary to improve the ground mechanical properties of 7–15 m of well‐graded gravel backfill lying on geotechnical bedrock. In order to assess the quality and depth of ground compaction, cone penetration tests are often performed before and after compaction. The method is intrusive and a one‐location test. It requires a substantial amount of time to evaluate a large area and evaluation quality is quite dependent on the operation technique and soil type. In this paper, the quality and extent of ground compaction were evaluated using results from the in situ Multi‐Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) seismic method and cone penetration tests (CPT). MASW tests were used to determine shear‐wave velocity () profiles before and after compaction and CPT tests were adopted to determine the correlation between and the measured penetration resistance () improvement along profiles. The results of this study show the effectiveness of surface waves for the evaluation of compaction performance and demonstrate the potential of this technique to engineering and environmental problems.
Detection and imaging of piping sinkholes by integrated geophysical methods
Authors: Cardarelli Ettore , Cercato Michele , De Donno Giorgio , Di Filippo Gerardina
Published: October 2013

Piping sinkholes may naturally develop in the case of a thick overburden overlying calcareous bedrock. Their detection and imaging is a challenging task for geophysical methods, not only because of the required resolution and depth of penetration, but also because major pitfalls may arise, in such geologically complex areas, from the speculative interpretation of geophysical anomalies as geological features. Data integration from different geophysical methods is essential to remove these interpretation ambiguities, caused by large near‐surface gradients and heterogeneities in the soil properties, as well as by oscillations of the water table and anomalous water circulation.

We present an investigation procedure consisting of the sequential application and integrated interpretation of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) and Self Potential (SP) measurements for locating and monitoring piping sinkholes with application to a site in Central Italy. This approach is a compromise between resolution and cost‐effectiveness, and it is designed to be economically affordable by the private end user.

In complex geological scenarios, it is usually not possible to rate a single geophysical technique as superior to all the others in terms of resolution, cost‐effectiveness and diagnostic capability. The independent information coming from the different geophysical methods is the key to removing interpretation ambiguity when evaluating the position and the development over time of the piping sinkholes. The application of the proposed investigation procedure allowed us to individuate a small area subject to the formation of a piping sinkhole. The geophysical results were confirmed about one year after the execution of the geophysical measurements, as the site exhibited surface evidence of a piping sinkhole, with the formation of a small pond filled with sulphurous water and gases coming from below.
Online Participation and Digital Divide
Authors: Aikins Stephen K. , Chary Meena
Published: October 2013

This chapter examines whether government officials’ deployment of resources to broaden Internet access and participation is influenced by officials’ communication preferences and socioeconomic factors. The concern that the Internet explosion has alienated and marginalized some citizens from the democratic process and civic life has generated intellectual debate and led governments and other sectors to take measures to bridge the gap created by the digital divide. Although several studies have been conducted on the subject, few are yet to be done on the influence of government officials’ communication preferences and socioeconomic factors on resource deployment to broaden access and participation. Drawing on the theories of technological diffusion and determinism, as well as developmental and democratic theories, we argue that officials’ communication preferences and socioeconomic factors will be important in broadening Internet access and participation. Survey data, local government Web site contents and census data were analyzed. Results reveal that officials are not eager to commit resources to activities that broaden access and participation because they generally prefer to communicate with citizens via traditional channels. In addition, the sizes of the elderly and Black population, as well as the relative affluence of cities, do influence the presence of deliberative features on city Web sites.
A Process Model for Successful E-Government Adoption in the Least Developed Countries
Authors: Imran Ahmed , Gregor Shirley
Published: October 2013

Least developed countries (LDCs), have been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in their public sector organizations. Despite a number of high-level initiatives at national and international levels, the progress is still unsatisfactory in this area. Consequently, the countries are failing to keep pace in the global e-government race, further increasing the digital divide. This chapter reports on an exploratory study in a least developed country, Bangladesh, involving a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The analysis of the relationships among the major barriers to progress led to a process model, which suggests a pathway for e-government adoption in an LDC such as Bangladesh. The chapter introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the public sector of LDCs and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
Policy as a Bridge across the Global Digital Divide
Authors: Chary Meena , Aikins Stephen K.
Published: October 2013

This chapter assesses how public policy can be used to bridge the global digital divide, especially in developing nations. First, the chapter characterizes the Internet technologies encompassed within the digital divide according to dimensions of individual socioeconomic characteristics and service provider infrastructure characteristics. Then, the chapter develops a set of technology policy dimensions as they affect those two dimensions, using case vignettes from India to illustrate policy actions. Finally, the chapter makes policy action recommendations to bridge the digital divide, including investments in education and literacy, e-governance, intermediary services, infrastructure, and regulation.
Intelligent M-Learning Frameworks
Authors: Owen Hazel
Published: October 2013

An imperative underpinning the redetermination of education theory and practice is mobility. Mobility encompasses freedom of movement through myriad contexts (physical and cerebral), cultures, and knowledge. Digital natives embrace this mobility, interacting with each other and engaging with new literacies to communicate, access rich contexts, question, and collaborate. There are, however, few studies that investigate the efficacy of blended m-learning as an enhancement to literacy, especially with Gulf learners. Therefore, this chapter describes the background and implementation of ICT enhanced learning and teaching (ICTELT) blended m-learning academic writing intervention piloted at Dubai Men’s College (DMC). Findings from the research study are reported and discussed.
Effortless Data Capture for Ambient E-Services with Digital Pen and Paper Technology
Authors: Lind Leili , Berglund Aseel , Berglund Erik , Bång Magnus , Hägglund Sture
Published: October 2013

In order to counteract the digital divide and to enable the society to reach all its citizens with various kinds of e-services, there is a need to develop access methods and terminal technologies suited also for groups with weak access to the Internet, not the least elderly and people needing care in their homes. In this chapter, the authors will describe technologies for using digital pen and paper as data input media for e-services and computing applications, refer a number of applications together with studies and evaluations of their usability, and finally comment upon future prospects for integrating digital pen and paper as an effortless technique for data capture, especially in order to counteract and diminish the digital divide. The use of digital pen and paper technologies is exemplified with applications demonstrating its appropriateness in home care for elderly, for free-form recording of data on paper such as maps, and as a remote control for a TV set or other electronic appliances with rich functionality in the home.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Australia
Authors: Burns Jane , Blanchard Michelle , Metcalf Atari
Published: October 2013

The rapid uptake of technology offers potentially innovative approaches to promoting mental health amongst young people, addressing a significant public health challenge. The advent of Web 2.0 has seen a shift from text heavy content to the development of communities that foster connectivity. This area of research, its potential to engage young people at risk of isolation, and the mental health benefits it may have, has received little attention. This chapter considers evidence regarding technology’s role in mental health promotion, particularly for marginalised young people. Results are presented from an Australian study, “Bridging the Digital Divide,” which investigated technology access and utilisation by young people experiencing marginalisation. Finally, Australian policy regarding the digital divide and Internet safety is reviewed. The authors conclude that policy responses should move beyond just access and safety and explore innovative ways of ensuring safe and supportive online communities accessible for all young people.
The Changing World of ICT and Health
Authors: Chhanabhai Prajesh , Holt Alec
Published: October 2013

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has undergone rapid change in the last decade and it is now readily accessible within many communities. This change has resulted in a revolution in the healthcare sector as technology has steadily empowered the health consumer. However, the problem of the digital divide remains and may be widening with the growth of technology. This chapter will examine how developing countries have overcome this problem by using varying communication techniques to share health information. The chapter also suggests how mobile phones can provide a more accessible conduit for sharing health information in developing countries as opposed to the Internet alone. These changes need to be embraced in order to provide a framework that will allow ICT to narrow, rather than widen the gap between the information poor and the information rich.
Citizens and E-Government Service Delivery
Authors: Kurtz Jennifer A. , Cole Roland J. , Cole Isabel A.
Published: October 2013

Without a plan for marketing the convenience, ease, and safety of online services, the goal of achieving an 80 percent adoption rate by citizens for certain e-government services (e.g., tax filing and vehicle registration) will remain a dream. Although states realize benefits from implementing online applications that reduce processing time and costs, the rate of growth in citizen e-government adoption rates seems to have leveled off. This chapter examines, from the state’s perspective, successful techniques for increasing citizen use of electronic applications for two common activities – vehicle registration renewal and income tax filing – in four Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio). Usage patterns depend in part on an individual citizen’s technological sophistication, whether digital naïf, digital immigrant, or digital native. Usage can be influenced, however, by state government investments to market electronic services (through awareness campaigns or financial incentives), establish alternative access points, and incorporate human use factors in applications.
American Digital Divides
Authors: Losh Susan Carol
Published: October 2013

Through increasing access to knowledge and facilitating widespread discourse, information and communication technology (ICT) is believed to hold the potential to level many societal barriers. Using national probability samples of United States adults from 1983 to 2006, I examine how gender, ethnicity, and education interacted with generation to influence computer ownership and Internet use. Narrower digital divides in more recent generations can mean greater future digital equality through cohort replacement. However, although gender is now of far less consequence than previously in ICT access and use, significant divides, especially in PC ownership and selected Internet uses have widened by ethnicity and education over five birth cohorts. On the other hand, results from earlier research interpreted as “aging effects” are most likely generational influences instead. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Digital Divide and Disadvantaged Populations in E-Tourism
Authors: Yfantis Billy , Usoro Abel , Tseles Dimitris
Published: October 2013

The tourism sector has changed rapidly since the dawn of the internet revolution in the late 1990s. At the same time, the digital divide has disadvantaged many in developing economies as well as the disabled population. It is interesting to observe, however, that the emerging computer technologies, especially mobile computing, are offering significant opportunities to this disadvantaged population. This chapter discusses these opportunities that increase the participation in and reaping of benefits from tourism.
Innovation in Financing Mechanism of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Authors: Kunal
Published: October 2013

This research work presents a conceptual framework used for analyzing financing mechanism for ICT projects. The focus is on developing countries with a focus on bridging digital divide and using ICT services for economic development. This is an effort in achieving millennium development goals, and the conventional financing mechanism of international organizations has been summarized. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of investment, and for the same purpose, a number of new financing mechanisms are devised by funding organization/agencies. These innovative mechanisms have been summarized with special focus on advantages and disadvantages. The graphic illustrations help in understanding fund flow in financing mechanism. These innovative mechanisms are further explained with the help of cases. A number of innovative financing mechanisms have been presented, which can be adopted for ICT projects in developing countries.
Addressing Social Inclusion via eDemocracy Applications
Authors: Karamagioli Evika
Published: October 2013

Public participation is considered to be the remedy for the democratization of political processes. As technological progress advances, more trust is put in Information and Communication Technologies as tools to democratize the political processes by enhancing and assisting citizens’ involvement in political processes. Such examples are initiatives like eDemocracy and eParticipation, among others. However, experts emphasize that technology as any kind of “tool” is not unbiased, and it does involve serious considerations of social import. The emergence of the digital divide is a proof that these tools, if not handled appropriately, could cause even greater impact to the already existing social exclusion. At this point, social inclusion has re-emerged not only as a strategy for confronting social exclusion in general but also the digital divide, which keeps citizens from participating in political processes. This chapter indicates and concludes on how social inclusion functions not only as a prerequisite for public participation via ICT but also, through appropriate regulatory mechanisms, represents a solution for combating the problems of exclusion that eDemocracy faces.
The Issues of Digital Natives and Tourists
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince , Amaele Samuel , Kpolovie Peter James , Egbezor Daniel Elemchukwu
Published: October 2013

Frequently it is presumed that Nigerian students and faculties have been unable to find effective ways to use technology in the classroom and other aspects of their teaching and learning. Yet, considerable debate remains over the most efficient techniques and procedures to measure students and faculties IT/IS use. In most developing countries, the challenges associated with carrying out IT/IS measurements are different from those in developed countries, as are the methods for selecting appropriate IT/IS contents. The thrust of this chapter is to examine IT/S contents with a view to analyse their meaning and impact on educational offerings. This study gathered data using a five item demographic variable and a fifty item questionnaire to measure student and faculty academic IT/IS use in two universities in Nigeria. This study is based on the 191 responses received to the questionnaire. The results reveal significant differences between the academic use of IT/IS by students and faculty members. This groundbreaking study recommends that universities become valuable and proactive actors in the provision of technology based learning, teaching and research for students and academic staff so as to foster an effective academic environment aimed at meeting MDG education goals. This scholarly discourse has implication for researchers, education practitioners, planners, policy makers and government.
Gender Gaps and Information and Communication Technology
Authors: Pande Rekha
Published: October 2013

The present chapter attempts to look at the digital divide and the constraints related to Information Technology, which women share by gender. Along with major subdivisions on region, ethnic group, class, and caste, a major digital divide based on gender is emerging in India. Poverty is the main constraint that many women face along with men, in addition to their lower status in Indian society. Women face challenges in pursuing education at all ages because of lack of time to attend school, familial and household duties, and socio-cultural norms that give a low priority to education. The gender gap, especially the gap between men and women and how they benefit from Information Technology, has widened, because women are less likely than men to receive technical education or be employed in technology intensive work. Globalization has further complicated this issue, leading to increasing feminization.
Solving the Paradoxes of the Information Technology Revolution
Authors: Sandulli Francesco D.
Published: October 2013

The research on the digital divide usually analyzes the differences between those who have access to information technology and those who have not. This approach typically considers information technology a homogeneous set of technologies. In this chapter, we will break this assumption establishing different subsets of information technologies according to their impact on the task productivity and the firm’s demand for high skilled labour. This new focus reveals that depending on the information technology used by the firm to perform a given task, the demand for high skilled and low skilled workers may vary and consequently their wages and income, producing in some cases a new and till now unobserved digital divide.
From the Digital Divide to Multiple Divides
Authors: Comunello Francesca
Published: October 2013

It is widely acknowledged that the label “digital divide” can be partially misleading, because it emphasizes a binary dichotomy (“haves vs. have nots”) and a mere technological dimension (in terms of physical availability of devices or conduits). Behind the dichotomous model, however, lie different use and adoption strategies. People cannot be described as being either in or out. Evaluating the complex relationships between technological, social, and human factors raises a number of questions, mainly related to the role of technology in social development. Moreover, we should also reconsider what is commonly meant by information and communication technology. In this chapter, I will try to introduce a multilevel model for analyzing the digital divide, focusing on effective access and new media literacy. The focus will be shifted from technology to humans. In every ICT for development project, local context and local needs should be regarded as the key factors.
Incorporating Information Literacy into Instructional Design within Pre-Service Teacher Programs
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: October 2013

As information and technology increase, the need for help in accessing, evaluating, and using information efficiently rises. Preservice teachers need information literacy for their own study, instructional practice, and as a set of skills to teach PK-12 students. Librarians are uniquely trained and experienced in this arena, so their instructional role has the potential to serve as a central function in teacher preparation. In reality, educator librarians collaborate on several levels; ideally, they are instructional partners with teacher educators. As information and technology increase, the need for help in accessing, evaluating, and using information efficiently rises. Preservice teachers need information literacy for their own study, instructional practice, and as a set of skills to teach PK-12 students. Librarians are uniquely trained and experienced in this arena, so their instructional role has the potential to serve as a central function in teacher preparation. In reality, educator librarians collaborate on several levels; ideally, they are instructional partners with teacher educators.
Creating Virtual Field Trips to Support Student-Centered Learning
Authors: Delacruz Stacy , Shaheen Maria
Published: October 2013

Using a case study approach, elementary preservice teachers created Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) based around the Common Core Standards, state content standards, and cross-disciplinary content integration. The following semester, these virtual field trips were used in their student teaching placements. The researchers interviewed the preservice teachers to determine the benefits and challenges of creating VFTs and using VFTs in the elementary classroom. The data revealed that preservice teachers perceived the following benefits of virtual field trips: VFTs emphasized multiple perspectives on a topic, extended and integrated learning, allowed students to virtually experience places they may not normally have an opportunity to visit, and are more cost-effective than traditional field trips. Challenges include: Limited technology skills (of preservice teachers) and availability of technology while implementing VFTs; schools and classrooms with limited technology decreases the ability for all students to take the virtual field trip; and user-friendliness for younger students. The concept of global awareness was emphasized as preservice teachers presented virtual field trips internationally to other professionals and schools.
Moving from Professional Development to Real-Time Use
Authors: Deyoe Meghan Morris , Newman Dianna L. , Asaro-Saddler Kristie
Published: October 2013

This chapter demonstrates the importance of teacher training in the use of technology in literacy instruction by focusing on the need to update current teachers’ skills and practice. In the setting described, the emphasis was on the transfer of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) strategies, learned via in-service professional development, to program classrooms supplied with twenty-first century technology in a high needs setting for at-risk students in grades 3-9. In addition to the general at-risk setting, specific literacy-related affective and cognitive learning outcomes are noted for students with disabilities and for English language learners. Program findings indicate the benefits of continuous professional development and embedded training along with embedded implementation of technology within pedagogical and content literacy instruction. Positive literacy-related cognitive results are noted for all students enrolled in the program classrooms; data for students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs) also reveals potential benefits.
Expanding the Definitions of Text and Literacy in the Secondary Content Areas
Authors: Seglem Robyn , Lycke Kara L.
Published: October 2013

Content area teachers are often prepared to instruct with texts that are heavily grounded in written language despite research that demonstrates that literacy and text expand beyond these parameters. Traditional content literacy/reading courses maintain preservice teachers’ traditional understandings of text and of literacy as reading and writing, and they do not take into account broader definitions of text and literacy. This chapter describes how the authors, faculty in a medium-sized university teacher education program, redesigned their secondary content literacy course. The intention was to help preservice teachers better understand the nature of literacy in their particular disciplines and to demonstrate how to incorporate a variety of texts to effectively teach their content material. Sample lessons and assignments are described and student responses are discussed in terms of their larger implications for teacher education.
21st Century New Literacies and Digital Tools as Empowering Pedagogies for Urban Youth of Color
Authors: Sealey-Ruiz Yolanda , Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: October 2013

Increasingly, more youth of color are gaining access to multiple forms of digital and popular media, yet 21st Century Literacies are virtually absent from the curriculum in most schools that serve them. By contrast, their increased knowledge of digital tools is usually met with restrictive access. For example, in many urban public high schools, cell phones are seen as contraband and students are required to “check” them at the door. Additionally, access to the Internet and social media platforms are blocked on most computers to which students have access while in school. More research is needed on how race, gender, ethnicity, and language intersect with access to digital tools in schools. This chapter presents a dialogue about the positive impact of using 21st Century New Literacies and digital tools with Black male middle and high school students. The authors highlight ways that teachers can effectively use digital tools in their classrooms.
Evaluating the Use of Structured e-Forum Tools in Consultations on Public Policies
Authors: Loukis Euripidis , Xenakis Alexander , Soto-Acosta Pedro
Published: October 2013

The governments of many countries all over the world attempt to reform and improve their communication and interaction with citizens in important public policies issues through electronic channels mainly based on the Internet. It is therefore highly important to develop and systematically evaluate ICT tools that can facilitate and support high quality interaction and consultation among citizens and government agencies on public policies. This chapter investigates and evaluates the use of a structured e-forum tool, which has been designed and developed for this purpose, based on the Issue Based Information Systems (IBIS) framework. Using this tool an e-consultation pilot has been conducted on new legislation, which usually constitutes the most important, complex, and extensively debated component of every public policy. It has been evaluated using multiple methods: analysis of the discussion tree, quantitative evaluation through a structured questionnaire, and qualitative evaluation through an in-depth discussion in a small focus group. The conclusions of them were consolidated revealing the advantages offered by the structured e-forum, and also its limitations.
Data Mining Applications in the Service of e-Government
Authors: Stylios George , Christodoulakis Dimitris , Besharat Jeries , Vonitsanou Maria-Alexandra , Kotrotsos Ioannis , Koumpouri Athanasia , Stamou Sofia
Published: October 2013

In this chapter we propose the exploration of text and data mining techniques for empowering e-government applications and services for the citizen’s benefit. In particular, we start by providing a field overview with respect to the current trends in e-government services and we demonstrate via proofs of concept the limited adaptation existing e-government applications entail. Stimulated by the need to transform e-government services to e-inclusion applications, we suggest the utilization of data mining techniques for processing the governmental data so as to extract and associate information fragments with real citizen needs and thus enable the encapsulation of the latter in future governmental decisions. To demonstrate the usability and added value of our proposed approach we have designed an interactive e-government infrastructure, the architecture of which we will present and discuss in our chapter. Moreover, we will elaborate on the system details, its adaptation capacity and we will discuss its usage benefits for both citizens and public sector bodies.
Mobile Marketing
Authors: Ciaramitaro Barbara L.
Published: October 2013

Mobile technologies have dramatically changed the world’s ability to communicate. The number of mobile phones used worldwide has exceeded 4.6 billion with continued growth expected in the future. In fact, in the United States alone, the numbers of mobile phone users comprise over 80% of the population. Mobile phones and tablets (mobile devices) are not simply voice communication devices. They have become a medium to create voice, music, text, video, and image communications. Importantly, these various types of communication can be created and shared on demand by the mobile user. In addition to communication methods, mobile devices are also a tool used to access the Internet, view television and movies, interact with GPS (Global Positioning System), and read and respond to barcode and augmented reality messages. Each of these methods utilized by the mobile phone user becomes a tool that can be used in mobile marketing to expand beyond traditional marketing methods. Mobile devices are considered to be “the most personal piece of technology that most of us will ever own” (Krum, 2010, p. 7). We usually take them with us wherever we go and are usually reachable through them. However, mobile devices also provide the ability to access the most personal information about us. Mobile devices know who we communicate with and how often. They know our schedule – both business and personal. They often know all of our email addresses and frequently accessed web sites. They know what videos, music, television shows, and movies we like. They know about us through pictures and text messages sent and received. They know where we go, how often, and how long we stay through location tracking technology. This collection of accessible personal information allows mobile marketing to target individuals at the time and place where their message will be most effective. Mobile technologies over the past 20 years have dramatically changed the way people communicate, collaborate, search for, receive, and share information. These dramatic changes have had striking impact on the world of marketing to the extent that mobile marketing has become the predominant form of customer engagement.