bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Human Factors in the Development of Context-Aware Personalized Applications
Authors: Tsianos Nikos , Germanakos Panagiotis , Lekkas Zacharias , Mourlas Constantinos
Published: May 2011

The notion of context in context-aware applications is not merely an issue of external situational circumstances or device/channel properties, but it could also refer to a wide array of user characteristics that have an effect throughout users’ interactions with a system. Human factors such as cognitive traits and current state, from a psychological point of view, are undoubtedly significant in the shaping of the perceived and objective quality of interactions with a system, and by defining context in that sense, personalization may as well become an essential function of context aware applications. The research that is presented in this chapter focuses on identifying human factors that relate to users’ performance in Web applications that involve information processing, and a framework of personalization rules that are expected to increase users’ performance is depicted. The environments that empirical results were derived from were both learning and commercial; in the case of E-Learning personalization was beneficial, while the interaction with a commercial site needs to be further investigated due to the implicit character of information processing in the Web.
A Methodology for the Design, Development and Validation of Adaptive and Context-Aware Mobile Services
Authors: Eikerling Heinz-Josef , Mazzoleni Pietro
Published: May 2011

The authors present a holistic approach for the efficient design, implementation, and validation of context-aware mobile services. The according concepts have been developed within the PLASTIC project which devises a methodology based on model-to-model transformations to be applied at different stages of the service lifecycle. Starting from a conceptual model, these models reflect characteristic properties of the mobile service under development such as context information. For the implementation of the service, a middleware suite then is used which comprises a set of constituents which significantly simplify and shorten the mobile services development cycle. The authors focus on demonstrating the concepts in terms of mobile business-to-business field services as opposed to business-to-consumer services. Here through the methodology and tools the dynamicity can be significantly enhanced. By using the contained adaptation mechanism, service specifications (static by nature) can be qualified to deal with additional information (e.g., context) needed for achieving a better quality of service and usability.
Embedding Ubiquitous Technologies
Authors: Elwood Susan A.
Published: May 2011

Since the onset of technology as a tool in our personal and professional lives, we’ve progressed through at least two waves or stages of computing. The concept of ubiquitous computing names the third wave of computing, still in its infancy stages. The first wave consisted of mainframe computers shared by numerous people. The majority of society is presently in the second wave of the personal computing era, where people and machines interact through a predominantly iconic environment. The third phase of computing, referred to as ubiquitous computing, or the age of calm technology, takes place when technology recedes into the background of our daily lives. Alan Kay of Apple calls this the “third paradigm” of computing, while Weiser coins it as the “third wave” of computing (Weiser, 1996). In Weiser’s (2006) third wave of computing, we achieve a vision of multiple computers per person in which “technology recedes into the background of our lives” (p. 1). To reach this point, each individual would need a personal computing device. Studies have shown that students are increasingly gaining access to computers outside of school, whether it be in their own home, a neighbor’s house, or the public library. However, schools have yet to even achieve a ratio of one computer per student (Bull & Ferster, 2005-2006). During this time, we have experienced distinct phases of computing that include: (1) the strife for one-to-one computing, and (2) portable devices with wireless access. Each of these phases has revealed some insights into future ubiquitous technologies and research. According to America’s Digital Schools (ADS) 2006 five-year forecast, “the transition to mobile computing will help facilitate the transition to ubiquitous computing, which is not practical in desktop computer environments” (Hayes Connection & Greaves Group, 2006, p.1).
Implementing RFID Technology in Hospital Environments
Authors: Kemper Littman Marlyn
Published: May 2011

A promising approach for facilitating cost containment and reducing the need for complex manual processes in the healthcare space, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology enables data transport via radio waves to support the automatic detection, monitoring, and electronic tracking of objects ranging from physicians, nurses, patients, and clinical staff to walkers, wheelchairs, syringes, heart valves, laboratory samples, stents, intravenous pumps, catheters, test tubes, and surgical instruments (Karthikeyan & Nesterenko, 2005). RFID implementations streamline hospital applications and work in concert with WLANs (wireless local area networks) and mobile devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). RFID technology also safeguards the integrity of the drug supply by automatically tracing the movement of medications from the manufacturer to the hospital patient. This article begins with a discussion of RFID development and RFID technical fundamentals. In the sections that follow, the work of standards organizations in the RFID space is introduced, and capabilities of RFID solutions in reducing costs and improving the quality of healthcare are described. Descriptions of RFID initiatives and security and privacy challenges associated with RFID initiatives are explored. Finally, trends in the use of RFID-augmented wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the healthcare sector are introduced.
An Ambient Intelligence Based Multi-Agent System for Alzheimer Health Care
Authors: Tapia Dante I. , Corchado Juan M.
Published: May 2011

This article describes ALZ-MAS; an Ambient Intelligence based multi-agent system aimed at enhancing the assistance and health care for Alzheimer patients. The system makes use of several context-aware technologies that allow it to automatically obtain information from users and the environment in an evenly distributed way, focusing on the characteristics of ubiquity, awareness, intelligence, mobility, etc., all of which are concepts defined by Ambient Intelligence.
South Korea
Authors: Bang Jounghae , Choi Inyoung
Published: May 2011

The present chapter introduces digital library services’ utilization through handheld devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart phones. It argues that handheld devices proliferation justifies the term digital library in terms of anywhere-anytime access, and retrieval and management of information. Furthermore, these devices constitute powerful information harvesting tools that help users enhance their interaction with information spaces, both of physical and digital form. The chapter presents the services that can be accessed by means of portable devices and analyzes the main sociotechnical issues that arise and influence user interaction. Factors that affect acceptance of these devices are discussed, and future trends are presented to outline the research landscape for the forthcoming years.
Privacy Threats in Emerging Ubicomp Applications
Authors: Vildjiounaite Elena , Rantakokko Tapani , Alahuhta Petteri , Ahonen Pasi , Wright David , Friedewald Michael
Published: May 2011

Realization of the Ubicomp vision in the real world creates significant threats to personal privacy due to constant information collection by numerous tiny sensors, active information exchange over short and long distances, long-term storage of large quantities of data, and reasoning based on collected and stored data. An analysis of more than 100 Ubicomp scenarios, however, shows that applications are often proposed without considering privacy issues, whereas existing privacy-enhancing technologies mainly have been developed for networked applications and, thus, are not always applicable to emerging applications for smart spaces and personal devices, especially because the users and their data are not spatially separated in such applications. A partial solution to the problem of users’ privacy protection could be to allow users to control how their personal data can be used. The authors’ experience with mobile phone data collection, nevertheless, suggests that when users give their consent for the data collection, they don’t fully understand the possible privacy implications. Thus, application developers should pay attention to privacy protection; otherwise, such problems could result in users not accepting Ubicomp applications. This chapter suggests guidelines for estimating threats to privacy, depending on real world application settings and the choice of technology; and guidelines for the choice and development of technological safeguards against privacy threats.
Deciphering Pervasive Computing
Authors: Li Grace
Published: May 2011

Pervasive computing and communications is emerging rapidly as an exciting new paradigm and discipline to provide computing and communication services all the time and everywhere. Its systems are now invading every aspect of life to the point that they are disappearing inside all sorts of appliances or can be worn unobtrusively as part of clothing and jewelry. This emergence is a natural outcome of research and technological advances in wireless networks, embedded systems, mobile computing, distributed computing, and agent technologies. At the same time, this emergence brings challenging issues to the legal framework surrounding it. As well recognized, law is a discipline that has direct relevance to human behaviour and its adjoining environment. Thus, a study of law can be a study of the living environment and the people who are in it. This surely brings difficulties for us to study the law in a future scenario such as pervasive computing environment. Attempting to forecast the future of law, technology, and human behavior is a very risky proposition. Hence, it is impossible to fully discuss topics such as “legal aspects of pervasive computing”. This chapter aims to provide a general observation of various legal issues connecting with pervasive computing technologies. To avoid a skeleton introduction piece, the main part of this chapter concentrates on three particular issues: Jurisdiction and the choice of law issue, electronic fraud issue, and the privacy issue. These three are unsettled issues in the current computing environment and believed to become more complicated and controversial in the near future with a wider adoption of ubiquitous computing technology. In the end, this chapter suggests that, to serve the future computing environment better, the legal and regulatory framework should focus on the improvement of internal monitoring of risks and vulnerabilities greater information sharing about these risks and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the role of government should focus on education and training on the care and use of these technologies and better reporting of risks and responses. A fully embedded computing environment that is safe and sound to live in will need more collaboration between individuals, commercial organizations, and the government.
Warranting High Perceived Quality of Experience (PQoE) in Pervasive Interactive Multimedia Systems
Authors: Roibás Anxo Cereijo
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of diverse ethnographic praxis intended to know users and understand how the usage scenarios can influence the quality of their experiences when interacting with pervasive communication systems. Data gathering and evaluation techniques from users’ perspective, future interfaces, and applications for pervasive interactive multimedia systems (an evolved state of mobile and pervasive iTV) are discussed. This chapter also focuses on well established ethnomethodologies that study users and their context in field living labs, cultural probes, focus groups, and on-the-field enactments, integrated within the participatory design process to create future scenarios and applications for pervasive interactive multimedia systems.
A Paradigmatic and Methodological Review of Research in Outsourcing
Authors: Yadav Vanita , Gupta Rajen K.
Published: May 2011

Due to the growing academic and practitioner interest in the field of outsourcing, there is a need to do a comprehensive assessment and synthesis of research activities to date. This article addresses this need and examines the academic literature on information systems outsourcing and business process outsourcing using a paradigmatic and methodological lens. The objective of this article is fourfold. Firstly, it examines the status of outsourcing research from 1995 to 2005 in eight leading academic journals, to compare the current research trends with past research directions in terms of methodologies applied. Secondly, it analyzes the research paradigms adopted in these research papers using the Operations Research Paradigm framework. Thirdly, it compares and contrasts the outsourcing research work published in three leading European journals with the work published in three leading American journals. Finally, it uncovers the implications of this study and the directions for future research.
The Post-Offshoring IS Organization
Authors: King William R.
Published: May 2011

In the age in which many traditional IS functions will be taken over by offshore vendors or otherwise outsourced, attention needs to be paid to those functions that will increase in importance and/or need to be developed by IS departments if they are to be effective in this new environment. This article suggests a framework that may be judgmentally applied to IS activities in order to determine if they should be considered for offshoring/outsourcing. The results of applying the framework will be unique to each firm that uses it. However, in using that approach in more than 25 firms, the author has found that most firms will wish to retain a number of functions in-house. Fourteen such activities are discussed in three broad categories: “activities related to external relations,” “activities related to the development, customization, and implementation of systems” and “business and IS strategic activities.”
The Role of Digital Service Encounters on Customers' Perceptions of Companies
Authors: Heinonen Kristina
Published: May 2011

The service encounter occurs whenever a customer interacts with a company personally or through technology through, for example, the Internet, e-mail, or telephone. Nowadays, customers frequently initiate the encounter as, for example, inquiries, information searches, and complaints are conveniently performed online. This article explores the role of digital service encounters on customer perceptions of companies. Digital service encounters in this article denote remote customer-company interactions via the Internet or e-mail. The focus is on active customers initiating interactions and on customer perceptions of company responses to these interactions. A conceptual framework that captures customer perceived service encounter value on two dimensions (responsiveness and personalization) is proposed. An empirical study exploring the value of company responses to digital contacts indicated that many contacts are responded to promptly and satisfyingly. However, there are also significant differences in the value of the service encounter. Some service encounters are perceived as unpersonalized, and some are even left without response.
Improving M-Commerce Services Effectiveness with the Use of User-Centric Content Delivery
Authors: Germanakos Panagiotis , Tsianos Nikos , Lekkas Zacharias , Mourlas Constantinos , Samaras George
Published: May 2011

Advances in wireless communications and information technology have made the Mobile Web a reality. The Mobile Web is the response to the need for anytime, anywhere access to information and services. Many wireless applications have already been deployed and are available to customers via their mobile phones and wirelessly-connected PDAs. However, as communications and other IT usage becomes an integral part of many people’s lives and the available products and services become more varied and capable, users expect to be able to personalize a service to meet their individual needs and preferences. The involved sectors have to meet these challenges by reengineering their front-end and back-end office. This article will examine the interaction requirements regarding a friendlier, personalized and more effective multi-channel services environment. It will present the mobility challenges and constraints implemented into the business sector, investigating the current m-commerce situation and the extended user characteristics presenting a high level user-centric m-commerce architecture.
Extending a Conceptual Modeling Language for Adaptive Web Applications
Authors: Djemaa Raoudha Ben , Amous Ikram , Ben Hamadou Abdelmajid
Published: May 2011

The complexity of adaptive Web applications (AWA) is increasing almost every day. Besides impacting the implementation phase, this complexity must also be suitably managed while modeling the application. To this end, the paper proposes an approach for AWA called GIWA based on WA-UML (Web Adaptive Unified Modeling Language). This extension defines a set of stereotypes and constraints, which make possible the modeling of AWA. GIWA’s target is to facilitate the automatic execution of the design and the automatic generation of adaptable web interface. The GIWA methodology is based on different step: requirement analysis, conceptual design, adaptation design and generation. Using GIWA, designers can specify, at a requirement analysis, the features of web application to be generated. These features are represented, at the conceptual level using WA-UML. At the adaptation level, GIWA acquires all information about users’ preferences and their access condition to be used at the generation level. The last level is based on java swing interface to instantiate models which are translated in XML files. GIWA uses then XSL files (user preferences) and RDF files (devices’ capability) to generate the HTML page corresponding to the user.
A QoS Aware, Cognitive Parameters Based Model for the Selection of Semantic Web Services
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: May 2011

Semantic Web service selection is considered as the one of the most important aspects of semantic web service composition process. The Quality of Service (QoS) and cognitive parameters can be a good basis for this selection process. In this paper, we have presented a hybrid selection model for the selection of Semantic Web services based on their QoS and cognitive parameters. The presented model provides a new approach of measuring the QoS parameters in an accurate way and provides a completely novel and formalized measurement of different cognitive parameters.
Facing the Challenges of RFID Data Management
Authors: Bose Indranil , Lam Chun Wai
Published: May 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFID) has generated vast amounts of interest in the supply chain, logistics, and the manufacturing area. RFID can be used to significantly improve the efficiency of business processes by providing automatic data identification and capture. Enormous data would be collected as items leave a trail of data while moving through different locations. Some important challenges such as false read, data overload, real-time acquisition of data, data security, and privacy must be dealt with. Good quality data is needed because business decisions depend on these data. Other important issues are that business processes must change drastically as a result of implementing RFID, and data must be shared between suppliers and retailers. The main objective of this article is focused on data management challenges of RFID, and it provides potential solutions for each identified risk.
Cooperative Pricing Under Forecasting Sharing in the Manufacturer-E-Retailer Supply Chain
Authors: Yan Ruiliang , Ghose Sanjoy
Published: May 2011

With the rapid development of the Internet, many retailers and individuals nowadays use this technology to engage in direct e-retailing sales. In this article, we investigate the value of demand-forecast information sharing in a manufacturer-e-retailer supply chain. The value of market information depends not only on its accuracy, but also on the e-retailer’s market power and the product’s Web compatibility. We develop a theoretical approach to examine the value of information sharing for the manufacturer and the e-retailer first, and then we further check to see how information sharing is moderated by the e-retailer’s market share and the product’s e-market-base demand. Our results suggest that under some conditions, both the manufacturer and the e-retailer can be better off from information sharing. Especially when the e-retailer’s market share is larger and the product’s e-market-base demand is higher, information sharing is more valuable for the supply chain players. Using our analysis findings, we indicate marketing strategies that the manufacturer and the e-retailer may want to adopt.
Designing Web Information Systems for a Framework-Based Construction
Authors: Silva Souza Vítor Estêvão , de Almeida Falbo Ricardo , Guizzardi Giancarlo
Published: May 2011

In the Web Engineering area, many methods and frameworks to support Web Information Systems (WISs) development have already been proposed. Particularly, the use of frameworks and containerbased architectures is state-of-the-practice. In this chapter, we present a method for designing framework- based WISs called FrameWeb, which defines a standard architecture for framework-based WISs and a modeling language that extends UML to build diagrams that specifically depict framework-related components. Considering that the Semantic Web has been gaining momentum in the last few years, we also propose an extension to FrameWeb, called S-FrameWeb, that aims to support the development of Semantic WISs.
Utilisation of Case-Based Reasoning for Semantic Web Services Composition
Authors: Osman Taha , Thakker Dhavalkumar , Al-Dabass David
Published: May 2011

With the rapid proliferation of Web services as the medium of choice to securely publish application services beyond the firewall, the importance of accurate, yet flexible matchmaking of similar services gains importance both for the human user and for dynamic composition engines. In this article, we present a novel approach that utilizes the case based reasoning methodology for modelling dynamic Web service discovery and matchmaking, and investigate the use of case adaptation for service composition. Our framework considers Web services execution experiences in the decision making process and is highly adaptable to the service requester constraints. The framework also utilizes OWL semantic descriptions extensively for implementing both the components of the CBR engine and the matchmaking profile of the Web services.
Interactive Whiteboards in the Web 2.0 Classroom
Authors: Miller David , Glover Derek
Published: May 2011

Interactive Whiteboards in the Web 2.0 ClassroomThis chapter summarizes the work underway to chart, critically evaluate, and systematize the introduction of interactive whiteboards (IWB) into modern foreign language classrooms in England. It is suggested that there is a developmental cycle whereby teachers take some time to understand the technology and become competent in its use. They then look to its advantages in presentation and the motivation of students before becoming aware of its pedagogical value and develop a changed classroom practice. This cycle is based upon enhanced teacher understanding of the nature of interactivity and the potential offered by the IWB in meeting a variety of learning needs. The relationship between IWB use and Web 2.0 arises from the potential of both to add impetus for teachers to structure lesson development and enhance activity. It is supported by teacher understanding of questioning techniques, and increasingly, by consideration of the use of gestures at the IWB. While IWBs are not a solution to all learning problems, it is suggested that they offers scope for greater student involvement and understanding in the learning process.
Understanding Brand Website Positioning in the New EU Member States
Authors: Okazaki Shintaro , Škapa Radoslav
Published: May 2011

This study examines Websites created by American multinational corporations (MNCs) in the Czech Republic. Utilizing a content analysis technique, we scrutinized (1) the type of brand Website functions, and (2) the similarity ratings between the home (US) sites and Czech sites. Implications are discussed from the Website standardization versus localization perspective.
Healthcare Quality and Cost Transparency Using Web-Based Tools
Authors: Ma Jiao , LeRouge Cynthia
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the use of Web sites to provide patients with understandable information about the quality and price of healthcare healthcare transparency). Our first objective is to discuss patients’ perceptions of empowerment and need for quality and cost information when choosing medical providers and facilities for healthcare procedures. To meet this objective, we address issues of patient awareness of sources of healthcare quality and cost information, perceived responsibility for managing healthcare costs, and knowledge of appropriate actions to exercise choice of providers. Our second objective is to investigate the potential of Webbased tools, which provide healthcare quality and cost information, to facilitate patients’ decisionmaking processes regarding choice of provider for healthcare services, particularly common outpatient procedures. To meet this second objective, we use insights from user-centered design procedures (e.g., focus groups and in-depth interviews) associated with the development of a healthcare transparency Web-based tool.
Exploiting Collaborative Tagging Systems to Unveil the User-Experience of Web Contents
Authors: Malizia A. , De Angeli A , Levialdi S. , Aedo Cuevas I.
Published: May 2011

The User Experience (UX) is a crucial factor for designing and enhancing the user satisfaction when interacting with a computational tool or with a system. Thus, measuring the UX can be very effective when designing or updating a Web site. Currently, there are many Web sites that rely on collaborative tagging: such systems allow users to add labels (tags) for categorizing contents. In this chapter the authors present a set of techniques for detecting the user experience through Collaborative Tagging Systems and we present an example on how to apply the approach for a Web site evaluation. This chapter highlights the potential use of collaborative tagging systems for measuring users’ satisfaction and discusses the future implications of this approach as compared to traditional evaluation tools, such as questionnaires, or interviews.
Identifying Users Stereotypes for Dynamic Web Pages Customization
Authors: Rigo Sandro José , Palazzo de Oliveira José M. , Wives Leandro Krug
Published: May 2011

Adaptive Hypermedia is an effective approach to automatic personalization that overcomes the difficulties and deficiencies of traditional Web systems in delivering the appropriate content to users. One important issue regarding Adaptive Hypermedia systems is the construction and maintenance of the user profile. Another important concern is the use of Semantic Web resources to describe Web applications and to implement adaptation mechanisms. Web Usage Mining, in this context, allows the generation of Websites access patterns. This chapter describes the possibilities of integration of these usage patterns with semantic knowledge obtained from domain ontologies. Thus, it is possible to identify users’ stereotypes for dynamic Web pages customization. This integration of semantic knowledge can provide personalization systems with better adaptation strategies.
Querying Web Accessibility Knowledge from Web Graphs
Authors: Lopes Rui , Carriço Luís
Published: May 2011

Web Accessibility is a hot topic today. Striving for social inclusion has resulted in the requirement of providing accessible content to all users. However, since each user is unique, and the Web evolves in a decentralized way, little or none is known about the shape of the Web’s accessibility on its own at a large scale, as well as from the point-of-view of each user. In this chapter the authors present the Web Accessibility Knowledge Framework as the foundation for specifying the relevant information about the accessibility of a Web page. This framework leverages Semantic Web technologies, side by side with audience modeling and accessibility metrics, as a way to study the Web as an entity with unique accessibility properties dependent from each user’s point of view. Through this framework, the authors envision a set of queries that can help harnessing and inferring this kind of knowledge from Web graphs.
Implementing Collaborative Problem-Based Learning with Web 2.0
Authors: Mills Steven C.
Published: May 2011

Educators face the challenge of keeping classroom learning relevant for a generation of students who have never known life without computers, cell phones, and email. With Web 2.0 technologies educators can easily mediate student-centered learning experiences that engage students collaboratively in problem-solving and critical thinking. This chapter describes how Web 2.0 technologies can supply communication tools and information resources that facilitate the application of a robust set of instructional methodologies in the K-12 classroom. When the pedagogical features of Web 2.0 technologies are used with problem-solving methodologies, teachers can create powerful student-centered learning experiences for educating students for the 21st century.
Toward Mobile Web 2.0-Based Business Methods
Authors: Wac Katarzyna , Bults Richard , van Beijnum Bert-Jan , Chen Hong
Published: May 2011

Mobile service providers (MoSPs) emerge, driven by the ubiquitous availability of mobile devices and wireless communication infrastructures. MoSPs’ customers satisfaction and consequently their revenues, largely depend on the quality of service (QoS) provided by wireless network providers (WNPs) available at a particular location-time to support a mobile service delivery. This chapter presents a novel method for the MoSP’s QoS-assurance business process. The method incorporates a location- and time-based QoS-predictions’ service, facilitating the WNP’s selection. The authors explore different business cases for the service deployment. Particularly, they introduce and analyze business viability of QoSIS.net, an enterprise that can provide the QoS-predictions service to MoSPs, Mobile Network Operators (as MoSPs), or directly to their customers (i.e. in B2B/B2C settings). QoSIS.net provides its service based on collaborative-sharing of QoS-information by its users. The authors argue that this service can improve the MoSP’s QoS-assurance process and consequently may increase its revenues, while creating revenues for QoSIS.net.
The Pedagogical Implications of Web 2.0
Authors: Sturm Matthias , Kennell Trudy , McBride Rob , Kelly Mike
Published: May 2011

Web 2.0 tools like blogs, Wikis, and podcasts are new to the vocabulary of language acquisition. Teachers and students who take full advantage of these emerging tools will participate in more dynamic, immediate, and communicative environments that provide opportunities for meaningful experiences through social constructivist learning. This chapter aims to bring perspectives rooted in educational theory to a domain too often dominated by the technological implications of its tools and argues that social constructivism is the pedagogical paradigm for learning and teaching facilitated by the next generation of Web technology. It reviews basic theoretical tenets and discusses their implications. Social constructivism lays the foundation for learning environments that foster the participation of students and teachers in today’s knowledge and information-based society to their full potential.
A Model-Based Approach for Diagnosing Fault in Web Service Processes
Authors: Yan Yuhong , Dague Philippe , Pencolé Yannick , Cordier Marie-Odile
Published: May 2011

Web service orchestration languages are defined to describe business processes composed of Web services. A business process can fail for many reasons, such as faulty Web services or mismatching messages. It is important to find out which Web services are responsible for a failed business process because we could penalize these Web services and exclude them from the business process in the future. In this paper, we propose a model-based approach to diagnose the faults in a Web service-composed business process. We convert a Web service orchestration language, BPEL4WS, into synchronized automata, so that we have a formal description of the topology and variable dependency of the business process. After an exception is thrown, the diagnoser can calculate the business process execution trajectory based on the formal model and the observed evolution of the business process. The faulty Web services are deduced from the variable dependency on the execution trajectory.
User Facing Web Services in Portals
Authors: Polgar Jana
Published: May 2011

In SOA framework, Portal applications aggregate and render information from multiple sources in easily consumable format to the end users. Web services seem to dominate the integration efforts in SOA. Traditional data-oriented web services require portlet applications to provide specific presentation logic and the communication interface for each web service. This approach is not well suited to dynamic SOA based integration of business processes and content. WSRP 2.0 aim at solving the problem and providing the framework for easy aggregation of presentation services. Is not practical to publish portlets locally if the organisation wishes to publish their portlets as web services to allow their business partners using these services in their portals. UDDI extension for WSRP enables the discovery and access to user facing web services while eliminating the need to design local user facing portlets. Most importantly, the remote portlets can be updated by the web service providers from their own servers.
Social Media Marketing
Authors: Baruh Lemi
Published: May 2011

In recent years social media applications, which enable consumers to contribute to the world of online content, have grown in popularity. However, this growth is yet to be transformed into a sustainable commercial model. Starting with a brief overview of existing online advertising models, this chapter discusses the opportunities available for advertisers trying to reach consumers through social media. The chapter focuses on viral marketing as a viable option for marketers, reviews recent viral marketing campaigns, and offers recommendations for a successful implementation of social media marketing. In conclusion, the author examines future trends regarding the utilization of the emerging Semantic Web in marketing online.
On the Use of Soft Computing Techniques for Web Personalization
Authors: Castellano G. , Fanelli A.M. , Torsello M.A.
Published: May 2011

Due to the growing variety and quantity of information available on the Web, there is urgent need for developing Web-based applications capable of adapting their services to the needs of the users. This is the main rationale behind the flourishing area of Web personalization that finds in soft computing (SC) techniques a valid tool to handle uncertainty in Web usage data and develop Web-based applications tailored to user preferences. The main reason for this success seems to be the synergy resulting from SC paradigms, such as fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms. Each of these computing paradigms provides complementary reasoning and searching methods that allow the use of domain knowledge and empirical data to solve complex problems. In this chapter, we emphasize the suitability of hybrid schemes combining different SC techniques for the development of effective Web personalization systems. In particular, we present a neuro-fuzzy approach for Web personalization that combines techniques from the fuzzy and the neural paradigms to derive knowledge from Web usage data and represent the knowledge in the comprehensible form of fuzzy rules. The derived knowledge is ultimately used to dynamically suggest interesting links to the user of a Web site.
Virtual Web Services
Authors: Vilas Julio Fernández , Pazos Arias Jose J. , Vilas Ana Fernández
Published: May 2011

Several open issues in Web services architecture are being solved by using different kinds of solutions. Standard high-availability techniques based on the use of Web servers, business-logic-based caching systems, dynamic binding of Web services by programming the access to a SOAP message content from the business logic layer, and other kinds of current open problems can now be handled using a common unique technique. What we propose is to apply virtualization techniques to Web services.
Empirical Studies for Web Effort Estimation
Authors: Di Martino Sergio , Ferrucci Filomena , Gravino Carmine
Published: May 2011

Web technologies are being even more adopted for the development of public and private applications, due to the many intrinsic advantages. Due to this diffusion, estimating the effort required to develop Web applications represents an emerging issue in the field of Web engineering since it can deeply affect the competitiveness of a software company. To this aim, in the last years, several estimation techniques have been proposed. Moreover, many empirical studies have been carried out so far to assess their effectiveness in predicting Web application development effort. In the chapter, we report on and discuss the results of the most significant empirical studies undertaken in this field.
IT and the Social Construction of Knowledge
Authors: Revilla Elena , Sánchez-Alarcos José
Published: May 2011

In a dynamic environment, knowledge is the only valid asset that allows organizations to adapt and change. That is why knowledge is one of the few resources on which any organization can support its sustained success. This resource, in its turn, appears as a result of a repetitive process of learning. Learning is a social product—knowledge is social and has synergic possibilities—therefore, its value increases when it is shared, enriched, and developed beyond the individual, proportioning coherence to the interpretations of the members of the group (Brown & Duguid, 2001; Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995). Many researchers have pointed out that the capacity of an organization to get into the environment, interpret it, and understand it, in short, to learn it, requires dialogue and discussion among its members. Through dialogue (Isaacs, 1993), each member exhibits a perception or personal image of the world, and these perceptions will affect the other members when they are shared during interaction. Together, the discussion of individual perceptions produces a shared image of reality.
Social Networks in Information Systems
Authors: de Freitas Hernâni Borges , Barão Alexandre , Rodrigues da Silva Alberto
Published: May 2011

A social network represents a set of social entities that interact through relationships like friendship, co-working, or information exchange. Social Network Analysis studies the patterns of relationships among social entities and can be used to understand and improve group processes. The arrival of new communication tools and networking platforms, especially the Web 2.0 Social Networking Services, opened new opportunities to explore the power of social networks inside and outside organizations. This chapter surveys the basic concepts of social networks methods, approaches, tools, and services. In particular, this chapter analyzes state-of-the-art social networks, explaining how useful Social Network Analysis can be in different contexts and how social networks can be represented, extracted, and analyzed in information systems.
DemonD
Authors: Delalonde Charles , Soulier Eddie
Published: May 2011

This research leverages information retrieval activity in order to build a network of organizational expertise in a distributed R&D laboratory. The authors describe traditional knowledge management practices and review post-cognitivists theories in order to define social creation in collaborative information retrieval activity. The Actor-Network theory accurately describes association processes and includes both human and non-human entities. This chapter compares this theory with the emergence of Social Search services online and Experts’ Retrieval Systems. The chapter authors suggest afterward, a social search engine named DemonD that identifies documents but more specifically users relevant to a query. DemonD relies on transparent profile construction based upon user activity, community participation, and shared documents. Individuals are invited to participate in a dedicated newsgroup and the information exchanged is capitalized. The evaluation of our service both ergonomic and through a simulation provides encouraging data.
A Framework for Analyzing Social Interaction Using Broadband Visual Communication Technologies
Authors: O’Donnell Susan , Molyneaux Heather , Gibson Kerri
Published: May 2011

Broadband visual communication (BVC) technologies— such as videoconferencing and video sharing—allow for the exchange of rich simultaneous or pre-recorded visual and audio data over broadband networks. This chapter introduces an analytical framework that can be utilized by multidisciplinary teams working with BVC technologies to analyze the variables that hinder people’s adoption and use of BVC. The framework identifies four main categories, each with a number of sub-categories, covering variables that are social and technical in nature: namely, the production and reception of audio-visual content, technical infrastructure, interaction of users and groups with the technical infrastructure, and social and organizational relations. The authors apply the proposed framework to a study of BVC technology usability and effectiveness as well as technology needs assessment in remote and rural First Nation (indigenous) communities of Canada.
Situational Awareness in Collaborative Work Environments
Authors: Kulyk Olga , van Dijk Betsy , van der Vet Paul , Nijholt Anton , van der Veer Gerrit
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses awareness support to enhance teamwork in co-located collaborative environments. In particular, the authors focus on the concept of situational awareness which is essential for successful team collaboration. Mutual situational awareness leads to informal social interactions, development of shared working cultures which are essential aspects of maintaining working relationships. First, an overview of the studies on team coordination and situational awareness support is presented. Second, a collaborative working environment is described for scientific teams in a molecular biology omics experimentation domain. Then, the results of practical case studies are discussed, as well as situational awareness support for scientific teams in collaborative environments. Finally, the authors discuss practical challenges in design and evaluation of group support systems for collaborative working environments and our multi-level analysis approach. The chapter gives new insights into how shared displays support group awareness, and how to design and evaluate interactive systems and visualisations that afford awareness in order to stimulate existing and new forms of collaboration in advanced working environments.
Peer Learning and Social Interactions in an Asynchronous Learning Environment
Authors: Ragusa Angela T.
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores how Internet-based asynchronous communication forums utilized in teaching undergraduate courses affect social interactions and student satisfaction. Drawing from an analysis of qualitative data, such as student and teachers’ perceptions, this case study reveals four key factors that affect learner satisfaction: (1) trust of people and technology, (2) awareness of how technicallymediated interactions differ from face-to-face interactions, (3) peer-based learning opportunities, and (4) integration of relevant learning materials and opportunities for social engagement. The findings suggest that when asynchronous forums are used as the principle vehicle for communication and learning, students feel less socially isolated, report a sense of belonging, and positively evaluate learning outcomes. The case study identifies asynchronous electronic forums as an effective tool for peer learning and social interactions among upper-level distance education students in Australia.
Harnessing Web 2.0 for Context-Aware Learning
Authors: Fu Wai-Tat , Kannampallil Thomas
Published: May 2011

We present an empirical study investigating how interactions with a popular social tagging system, called del.icio.us, may directly impact knowledge adaptation through the processes of concept assimilation and accommodation. We observed 4 undergraduate students over a period of 8 weeks and found that the quality of social tags and distributions of information content directly impact the formation and enrichment of concept schemas. A formal model based on a distributed cognition framework provides a good fit to the students learning data, showing how learning occurs through the adaptive assimilation of concepts and categories of multiple users through the social tagging system. The results and the model have important implications on how Web 2.0 technologies can promote formal and informal learning through collaborative methods.
Trust in Social Networking Definitions from a Global, Cultural Viewpoint
Authors: Kennedy Max , Sakaguchi Toru
Published: May 2011

This chapter attempts to understand the trust in social network services, where users post their personal information online to everyone with or without any specific relationships. Many definitions of trust were examined through a literature review in electronic commerce and virtual community areas, and it was found that most of them were based on a specific relationship, such as a buyer-seller relationship. However, one concept of trust—generalized trust, also known as dispositional trust—was found to best fit the situation of social networking. Generalized trust in social networking is further discussed from a cultural viewpoint. As an example, a Japanese SNS, Mixi, was analyzed in detail. Future research direction on trust in social networking is discussed as well.
Providing Mobile Multimodal Social Services Using a Grid Architecture
Authors: Pierno Stefania , Magaldi Massimo , Supino Gian Luca , Bevilacqua Luca , di Carlo Vladimiro Scotto , Russo Roberto , Romano Luigi
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we describe a grid approach to providing multimodal context-sensitive social services to mobile users. Interaction design is a major issue for mobile information system not only in terms of input-output channels and information presentation, but also in terms of context-awareness. The proposed platform supports the development of multi-channel, multi-modal, mobile context aware applications, and it is described using an example in an emergency management scenario. The platform allows the deployment of services featuring a multimodal (synergic) UI and backed up on the server side by a distributed architecture based on a GRID approach to better afford the computing load generated by input channels processing. Since a computational GRID provides access to “resources” (typically computing related ones) we began to apply the same paradigm to the modelling and sharing of other resources as well. This concept is described using a scenario about emergencies and crisis management.