bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case for Open Access Networks
Authors: Flournoy Don , LeBrasseur Rolland , Albert Sylvie
Published: May 2011

Efforts to keep the broadband Internet a free and open public utility are much in the news. In the context of the Network Society, the authors examine some of the publicly stated arguments and positions being taken in the articulation of “net neutrality” and “open source” practices and principles. The article explores the difficult technical challenges present in maintaining “open access” telecommunications networks using proprietary technologies. From a global perspective, industry groups have strong incentives to work together to adopt universal technical standards. With more open technical standards, open source applications and products can be accelerated and made more pervasive. Collaboration among businesses, national governments, and public sectors are seen as key to implementing policies that lead to public participation in economic and social development both locally and globally. The principal means by which all these approaches can be sustained is to keep the Internet accessible, free and open for all.
Counter-Surveillance Strategies Adopted by Child Pornographers
Authors: Eneman Marie
Published: May 2011

On the one side, it could be argued that ICT provide a perceived anonymity for people downloading and distributing child abusive material, also labelled child pornography. While, on the other side the technology offers powerful surveillance mechanisms to monitor these activities and thus constitutes a powerful tool for law enforcement. This paper aims to explore how offenders manage the risk of surveillance when downloading, distributing and exchanging child abusive material. Critical research with a focus on panopticon is used as a theoretical framework. The data is drawn from interviews with offenders, convicted of child pornography. The findings show that the offenders have developed technological and social strategies to reduce the risk of surveillance and addresses the need of a new theoretical concept better adjusted to surveillance practices that allow the many to watch the many. The ultimate motivation for researching this topic is to contribute to the development of effective child protection strategies.
A Multi-Facet Analysis of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
Authors: Lin Judy Chuan-Chuan , Hsu Chin-Lung
Published: May 2011

Mobile applications such as multimedia messaging service (MMS) promises a new way to share rich content of information that enhances its users’ personal connectivity experiences as well as productivity. However, the adoption of MMS seems to be unexpectedly slow (Bonte, 2008). As mobile phones become ever smarter (or complex) in functions, understanding the adoption behaviors of complex mobile services such as MMS becomes utterly important to both practitioners and academic. This chapter introduces a multi-facet model for MMS adoption by integrating the well-known behavioral models such as TAM and TPB with other factors including intrinsic motivation, personal innovativeness and critical mass. An internet survey of 213 subjects with prior experience in MMS usage found strong support for the proposed model. The results show that the adopter’s attitude toward MMS is the most dominating factor in shaping his/her intention to use MMS, followed by subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, the results further suggest adopter’s intrinsic motivation is the most important motivating factor for attitude toward using MMS. Implications of these findings are discussed for researchers and practitioners.
The Benefits of (Automated) Dialogue
Authors: Hurling Robert , De Boni Marco , Richardson Alannah
Published: May 2011

The authors compared user evaluation of a text based dialogue system with a simple pick list for the same task. The authors matched the systems in terms of key factors, such as design for Usability, and took into account individual differences between participants that might have influenced their perception, such as Locus of Control, Experience and Personality. They found participants rated the text based dialogue system as being more informative, more credible, less frustrating and more persuasive than the simple pick list system. Participants’ ratings were dependent on their Personality, Locus of Control and reported level of physical activity. Participants did not differentiate between the systems in terms of their ease of use, indicating the other observed differences were not due to a simple difference in Usability. This study demonstrated the benefits of including automated dialogue in a system designed to help people find solutions for their exercise barriers. Further work is required to establish in what other situations dialogue provides a benefit.
Asymmetrical Learning Create and Sustain Users’ Drive to Innovate, When Involved in Information Systems Design
Authors: Kanstrup Anne Marie , Christiansen Ellen
Published: May 2011

We describe a case of development of an interface to online feedback on electricity consumption designed for private households. The development process was planned and executed in line with traditions of participatory design and Scandinavian systems design: inviting selected users to take the lead as much as possible by introducing a design space and design artifacts in their home environment, and gradually, in a sequence of three events unfolding over a month, drawing their attention to possible futures. Our reflection on this case makes us suggest a couple of central principles of user involvement and user engagement, in short ‘the user drive’. We emphasize mutually asymmetrical partnership comprising knowing, artifacts, and dedicated space: users knowing the setting of use, designers knowing technological possibilities, the design artifacts which stages user imagination and serve as a boundary object of communication between designers and users, and the dedicated space of imagination, which in our case had the form of a time- and story-line running from observing own home to innovating present ways of knowing about electricity consumption.
Internet-Enabled User Interfaces for Distance Learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Soon Keng , Peiris Roshan , Choi Yongsoon , Cheok Adrian David , Mei-Ling Charissa Lim , Theng Yin-Leng , Nguyen Ta Huynh Duy , Qui Tran Cong Thien , Vasilakos Athanasios V.
Published: May 2011

The advent of Internet technologies since decades ago has propelled distance learning drastically. In this modern world, knowledge develops so fast that the amount of intellectual information that needs to be learnt before it becomes obsolete again is so huge. Distance learning through the use of Internet technologies has the advantage of being able to get across the information to the students remotely and effortlessly. The other advantage, which is the main focus of this paper, is that students are able to learn from their instructors on an entirely new media platform - the Internet-enabled and tangible user interface. This paper discusses how to use two main new media: multi-modal Internet technologies, namely remote physical interface and remote augmented reality technology in distance learning.
In-Vehicle Avatars to Elicit Social Response and Change Driving Behaviour
Authors: Rakotonirainy Andry , Feller Frank , Haworth Narelle
Published: May 2011

Social and psychological theories have provided a plethora of evidence showing that the physical difficulty to express appropriate social interactions between drivers expresses itself in aggression, selfish driving and anti-social behaviour. Therefore there is a need to improve interactions between drivers and allow clearer collective decision making between them. Personal characteristics and the driving situations play strong roles in driver’s aggression. Our approach is centered around the driving situation as opposed to focusing on personality characteristics. It examines aggression and manipulates contextual variables such as driver’s eye contact exchanges. This paper presents a new unobtrusive in-vehicle system that aims at communicating drivers’ intentions, elicit social responses and increasing mutual awareness. It uses eye gaze as a social cue to affect collective decision making with the view to contribute to safe driving. The authors used a driving simulator to design a case control experiment in which eye gaze movements are conveyed with an avatar. Participants were asked to drive through different types of intersections. An avatar representing the head of the other driver was displayed and driver behaviour was analysed. Significant eye gaze pattern difference where observed when an avatar was displayed. Drivers cautiously refer to the avatar when information is required on the intention of others (e.g. when they do not have the right of way). The majority of participants reported the perception of “being looked at”. The number of glances and time spent gazing at the avatar did not indicate an unsafe distraction by standards of in-vehicle device ergonomic design. Avatars were visually consulted primarily in less demanding driving situations, which underlines their non-distractive nature.
Errors in Operational Spreadsheets
Authors: Powell Stephen G. , Baker Kenneth R. , Lawson Barry
Published: May 2011

Spreadsheets are used in almost all businesses, for applications ranging from the mundane to the mission-critical. Errors in the data, formulas, or manipulation of spreadsheets could be costly, even devastating. The received wisdom is that about 5% of all formulas in spreadsheets contain errors, and this rate is consistent across spreadsheets. However, this estimate is based on five studies, some of which are quite informal, and a total of only 43 spreadsheets. Our research was designed to deepen our understanding of spreadsheet errors. Specifically, we address three questions about errors in operational spreadsheets: what is the average cell error rate, how does it differ among spreadsheets, and what types of errors are most prevalent? We created a spreadsheet auditing protocol and applied it to 50 diverse operational spreadsheets. We found errors in 0.9% to 1.8% of all formula cells, depending on how errors are defined. We also found that the error rate differed widely from spreadsheet to spreadsheet.
Using Virtual Communities to Involve Users in E-Service Development
Authors: Söderström Eva , Holgersson Jesper
Published: May 2011

Thriving in the Internet era requires both Internet presence and careful development of the e-services provided using this technology. However, one major problem is how to involve the end users of the e-service(s), something which is necessary if the e-services are to be useful and sustainable. This chapter presents a case study on the e-service development process using a major player in the travel industry as the case. The main focus is on how new technological advancements and phenomena, primarily virtual communities, can be used as a main source of end user requirements. Virtual communities are both of strategic and practical relevance and even cause a need to redefine the term “user participation.” E-services constitute a major trend for private as well as public organizations and should address Internet technology advancements when being developed.
Collaborative Web for Natural Resources Industries
Authors: Chaturvedi Nikhil
Published: May 2011

The roles of these external entities span across various functions of the core value chain. This chapter focuses on collaboration in the core functions like geo-sciences, engineering, production operations, supply chain, transportation & logistics, equipment maintenance, materials management, sales and marketing, and environment health and safety (EH&S) etc.
Optimizing Collaborative E-Commerce Websites for Rural Production Using Multi Criteria Analysis
Authors: Andreopoulou Z. , Koutroumanidis T. , Manos B.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we will discuss the website features to be accounted while designing a collaborative website for e-commerce purposes, making the website useful and attractive to revisit. Since the sector of rural production holds difficulties while adopting e-commerce models, the aim of this chapter is to present a methodology aiming to optimize the conceptual content model used in collaborative e-commerce websites promoting rural production. The methodology approach concerns the retrieval of the relative websites in the Internet. Qualitative and quantitative content characteristics are identified and discussed in the retrieved websites to be used as criteria. Websites are further ranked according to 13 criteria using the multicriteria analysis method. Finally, the retrieved websites are classified in groups concerning the above criteria and collaborative Web tools included, aiming to identify the optimum group of websites. The optimum group can be used to benchmark the Web design of e-commerce websites concerning rural production aiming to incorporate collaborative Web tools and become more appealing to Web users accustomed to the Internet culture.
Applying Game Mechanisms to Idea Competitions
Authors: Birke Florian , Witt Maximilian , Robra-Bissantz Susanne
Published: May 2011

In these times of a collaborative Web, consumers actively participate in the creation, elaboration, and evaluation of new content. Portals like Wikipedia demonstrate how this collaborative and creative behavior can result in valuable outcome. Companies benefit, as well, from this active role of the consumer: Consumers generate, develop, and evaluate new ideas for products and services in idea competitions. A challenge of today’s idea competitions is that the recent “inflationary increase” partly results in a decrease of participation. The purpose of this study is to explore one possible approach to transfer the positive motivational effect of games to idea competitions. The transfer of playful elements from a game context to the model of open innovation is what we call “game-based open innovation.” Based on theoretical insights, analysis of 18 cases and three interviews, this study demonstrates the actual occurrence of game mechanisms and their effect on the motivation of participants.
Virtual Worlds for Collaborative Meetings
Authors: Flowers Arhlene A. , Gregson Kimberly
Published: May 2011

Whether businesses will make use of virtual worlds for meetings, training, and events is not just an academic question. Use of existing and newly developed virtual worlds is expected to grow for the near future among all age groups. International companies are entering a variety of virtual worlds to promote collaboration among their geographically dispersed workforce for training and meetings, as well as for business-to-business and business-to-consumer applications with internal and external audiences. These worlds provide engaging experiences that are enjoyable and memorable. This chapter addresses opportunities and challenges in conducting meetings in virtual worlds. It covers the evolution of technology for virtual meetings, a theoretical analysis of telepresence in virtual meetings, case studies of companies utilizing virtual worlds as meeting venues, and practical considerations for conducting virtual meetings and events.
Augment Your Business Reality with New Age Web Tools
Authors: Ritzel Lukas
Published: May 2011

When Berners Lee invented the Internet, he for sure could not have imagined the beast he unleashed. Today, some years later, the Internet is the single most important tool of communication, leisure, and information gathering. With Web 2.0 and social networks becoming more and more mainstream, we must ask the question about what more is about to come. If ever we will look back and define the current moments in 2010 as Web 3.0, it will for sure be the talk of touch screens, 3D technologies, and most of all, the rise of Augmented Reality (AR). This more sensory Internet leads to an entirely new experience of bridging the off-line with the on-line world. It makes the use more human and easier to use because it simulates various aspects of needs and activities we would demand and use even if we were not computer freaks. This chapter talks about AR and its applications and the way it can change our lives and businesses with the support of cyberspace.
Comparison of Policies for Epidemic Broadcast in DTNs under Different Mobility Models
Authors: Giudici Francesco , Pagani Elena , Rossi Gian Paolo
Published: May 2011

The broadcast diffusion of messages in Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) is heavily dependent on nodes mobility, since protocols must rely on contact opportunities among devices to diffuse data. This work is a first effort to study how the dynamics of nodes affect both the effectiveness of the broadcast protocols in diffusing data, and their efficiency in using the network resources. The paper describes three control mechanisms. The mechanisms characterize a family of protocols able to achieve some awareness about the surrounding environment, and to use this knowledge in order to keep the broadcast overhead low, while ensuring high node coverage. Simulation results allow to identify the winning mechanisms to diffuse messages in DTNs under different conditions.
Reservation MAC Protocols for Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Boudour Ghalem , Teyssié Cédric , Zoubir Mammeri
Published: May 2011

Multimedia and real-time applications require bandwidth guarantees, which may be achieved by resource reservation. Several researches were done to propose efficient reservation MAC protocols for ad-hoc networks. In these schemes, channel is segmented into super-frames composed of fixed number of slots. They allocate slots to each traffic source, and make sure that neighbor nodes record the reservation in order to ensure consistency of reservations between neighbor nodes. However, resource reservation in ad-hoc networks remain a very challenging task due to the instability of radio channels, node mobility and lack of coordination between mobile nodes. Proposed reservation MAC protocols like CATA, FPRP, R-CSMA and SRMA/PA have limitations and are suitable only for particular situations. In this paper, we propose a comparative analysis of the most representative reservation MAC protocols. We identify the major issues unresolved by reservation MAC protocols. A performance evaluation and comparative analysis with the IEEE 802.11e are achieved through the NS-2 simulator.
Subscription Policy Control Framework for IMS-Based Networks
Authors: Nasser Nidal , Shang Ming
Published: May 2011

The Policy and Charging Control (PCC) architecture was firstly introduced in the 3GPP’s Release 7. However, the PCC has its problems. The main problems include the incapability of performing policy control with consideration of subscriber profiles and missing specification on how to organize and express the policy information. In addition, no policy control at application session establishment stage also contributes to its imperfectness. In this paper, the authors propose a subscription-based policy control framework that implements a subscription-centered approach for policy control and to enable flexible policy definitions based on the subscriber’s profile at the application level. The framework also provides functionalities of organizing the subscription data, identifying the policy, regulating the policy control process, interpreting, managing and enforcing the corresponding policies. The main objective is to qualify the subscribers and thus, enhance the network customization through defining flexible policies based on policy control requirements for different subscribers.
A Survey on Classical Teletraffic Models and Network Planning Issues for Cellular Telephony
Authors: Barcelo-Arroyo Francisco , Martin-Escalona Israel
Published: May 2011

Air pollution is an important environmental issue that has a direct effect on human health and ecological balance. Factories, power plants, vehicles, windblown dust and wildfires are some of the contributors to pollution. Reasonable simulation tools exist for evaluating large scale sensor networks; however, they fail to capture significant details of node operation or practical aspects of wireless communication. Real life testbeds capture the realism and bring out important aspects for further research. In this paper, we present an implementation of a wireless sensor network testbed for automatic and real-time monitoring of environmental pollution for the protection of public spaces. The paper describes the physical setup, the sensor node hardware and software architecture for “anytime, anywhere” monitoring and management of pollution data through a single, Web-based graphical user interface. The paper presents practical issues in the integration of sensors, actual power consumption rates and develops a practical hierarchical routing methodology.
The Cultural, Economic and Political implications of New Media
Authors: ’ethe Fredrick Kang
Published: May 2011

The findings point out that mobile telephony has become an indispensable tool for most youth providing them with a great sense of control and freedom. However, the technology is also rife with concerns about personal autonomy, dishonesty, breach of cultural norms, personal security and that of others, especially when texting while driving, et cetera.
‘Wiring’ African Newsrooms
Authors: Mabweazara Hayes Mawindi
Published: May 2011

This chapter uses a qualitative case study approach to critically examine the appropriations of the Internet by Zimbabwean mainstream print media journalists. It draws on social constructivist approaches to technology and the sociology of journalism to highlight the impact of the Internet on practices and professionalism. The chapter argues that the deployment of the Internet by Zimbabwean journalists (and indeed in Africa at large) is relative and contingent upon the ‘internal’ newsroom context(s) and the wider socio-political and economic circumstances in which the journalists operate. Among other functions, the technology shapes the mainstream press’ news agenda as well as avails information often censored by government. However, as the chapter shall demonstrate, the use of the Internet is replete with ethical and professional implications.
New Media and Health Communication
Authors: Egbunike Nwachukwu Andrew
Published: May 2011

Malaria is endemic in the tropics and is responsible for a very high infant mortality, killing more than 3,000 children in Africa daily. The Nigerian government’s control measures are targeted at nursing mothers and children. However, a significant portion of the population–the youth–are also very vulnerable. The new media are gradually gaining ground as a dependable channel of meeting the communication needs of young Nigerians. This chapter discusses how the potential associated with the Internet and social networks can be incorporated in the campaign for the Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by Nigerian youth. It also proffers solutions and recommendations based on the concept of participatory development communications.
Mediating Identity and Culture
Authors: Abah Adedayo Ladigbolu
Published: May 2011

Using the media accessibility function from self-categorization theory, this study examines the role of the Nigerian video film in mediating the twin issues of culture and identity among African immigrants in the United States. Africans in diaspora constitute the majority of the transnational audience for Nigerian video films outside of Africa. Using a combined method of surveying and personal interviews, several African immigrants, their children, and friends living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas, USA were interviewed for their views on the role of the nascent Nigerian video industry in the way they sustain and straddle their multiple identities and culture in their society of settlement. Results indicate that most of the immigrants view the videos as affirmation of the values they grew up with and with which they still identify. This is in direct contradiction of professed cultural denigration they feel in their everyday professional lives in the United States. Most of the younger immigrants and first generation immigrants view these videos as a convenient way of accessing their Africanness as part of their multi-stranded identity and culture. Based on the expressed motivations for use and expressed outcome of use of the video-film, results indicate that the use of the video-film may have contributed to the accessibility of the African in diaspora label as a social category for this group of immigrants.
New Media and Hegemonic Discourse in Pakistan
Authors: Talib Saman , Gardezi Saadia
Published: May 2011

Cell phones in the Sahara, Internet in Burma, cable television in Pakistan: modern media developments are finally touching the far flung reaches of Earth. With the arrival of these innovations come myriad uses, effects, and consequences. Once again the debate on the emancipatory utility of these media is renewed as these media reach deeper into global society. This chapter states that the effects of the ‘new media’ may not be what we expect with respect to the democratization of society. The analysis shows that ideological hegemony is not only alive and well, but might even thrive in these new media. To scrutinize these effects, the chapter focuses on the impact of Pakistani cable television on identity and culture discourse through the lens of three topics: identity and the new communication technologies; ideology, power and the new media; and new media and new popular cultures.
The Adjunct’s Role in Delivering Quality Online Instruction
Authors: Bedford Laurie
Published: May 2011

Efforts to promote the distinctiveness of online programs in an increasingly competitive market have led to a focus on instructor expertise and instructional quality. The part-time instructor, who is most often charged with facilitating online courses, is commonly viewed as a liability to the integrity of the instructional process. However, little is known about the true nature of the motivations or competencies of this group of instructors. Most often, they are perceived as a homogeneous group with similar motivations and levels of expertise. This case challenges this notion by focusing on a single instructor categorized as a full-time, professional adjunct and is characterized by her colleagues as highly skilled. The case participant describes challenges and best practices that support her in providing quality instruction. These best practices subsequently are discussed as strategies to inform decisions upon which marketing efforts are dependent.
A Four-Step Process to Reposition Small Schools as Sites Within Teaching and Learning Networks
Authors: Stevens Ken
Published: May 2011

The international problem facing small high schools in rural communities of providing access to educational and vocational opportunities that approximate those available to urban students has been addressed by repositioning these institutions as sites within teaching and learning networks in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Four inter-connected dimensions of change are outlined (technological, pedagogical, organizational, and conceptual) whereby small rural schools in this Canadian province were repositioned as sites in teaching and learning networks thereby enhancing educational and vocational opportunities for senior students. There are implications in these changes for the professional education of high school teachers who are increasingly likely to be required to teach in networked classes as well as in traditional classrooms.
Transformation through Marketing
Authors: Bisschoff Tom , Rhodes Christopher
Published: May 2011

A historically white school in a city setting in South Africa is faced with the demand from a newly democratically elected government to transform and become an agent of change in making its pupil profile more representative of the demographics of the country as a whole. This demand is driven by significant national contextual change from a position where schools had an allocated catchment based upon geographical area and ethnic group (before 1994) to a market oriented approach where every school must compete for pupil recruitment to ensure survival whilst also adhering to the government requirement to demonstrate a willingness to change existing mono-cultural pupil profiles to multi ethnic profiles and establish non-sexism and non-racialism as the dominating culture.
An E-Government Strategic Planning Framework
Authors: Sharan Vedmani
Published: May 2011

Public sector organizations have started to use e-government initiatives in order to realize their business values. Although it is well known that the alignment between business and IT improves performance, it has not been studied in public sector organizations. Since a majority of the business-IT alignment models rely on economical jurisdictions, they cannot be blindly implemented in public sector organizations that have business as well as political values. In this chapter, the authors propose an e-government planning framework that is based on the business-IT alignment in a public sector organization.
The Roles of Intermediaries in E-Government Diffusion and Adoption
Authors: Al-Sobhi Faris , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: May 2011

E-government diffusion and adoption is a global topic that concerns many developed and developing countries worldwide. However, global efforts to provide e-services to different stakeholders (citizens) differ from one country to another in terms of readiness, challenges, adoptions, and diffusions. These differences are due to the variation of technological, political, cultural, economic, and social differences. A numbers of studies on e-government have focused on the technological, economic, and political aspects of implementation while others have examined factors that influence citizens’ adoption of e-government services such as availability, accessibility, usability, and trust. This study will focus on the influence of intermediary roles played by a third party in helping diffusion and adoption of e-government. This chapter will use a case study approach to reflect the roles of intermediaries on e-government realms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The chapter will aim to address the research question, “What are the roles of an intermediary in adoption and diffusion of e-government services?” This study will explore the most salient factors that determine diffusion and adoption in Saudi Arabia and contribute to the literature on intermediary roles in an e-government context. This study will use a qualitative approach and interview key mangers in intermediary agencies and the officials responsible for e-government implementation in a Saudi context. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings will be discussed, offering recommendations and future research directions.
An Empirical Effort to Validate Electronic-Government Adoption Model
Authors: Shareef Mahmud Akhter , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: May 2011

This chapter then organizes results obtained from statistical analysis and interprets the findings. Finally, the chapter presents EG adoption models for different levels of service maturity. The five sections of the chapter with sub-sections present the theoretical design, methodology, analysis, discussion, and conclusion of the study.
E-Government Development
Authors: Shareef Mahmud Akhter , Kumar Uma , Kumar Vinod
Published: May 2011

Almost all of the countries in the world are developing their online-government, or e-government (EG), systems with the support of information and communication technology (ICT). Countries are gradually enhancing their service scope, functionality, and flexibility to meet strategic goals set at the policy stage and to satisfy user requirements. For investment justification, necessary modifications, further development, and future guidelines assessing the performances of those EG projects are imperative for any country. This chapter is designed to develop a comprehensive model (E-government Performance Matrix – GPM) from the practitioner’s perspective to measure the performance of ongoing EG projects. This chapter has four sections with sub-sections.
Incident Command Situation Assessment Utilizing Video Feeds from UAVs
Authors: McGuirl John , Sarter Nadine , Woods David
Published: May 2011

Past experience has shown that introducing new Information Technologies can have unintended and undesirable consequences, such as new forms of errors and a narrowing of data search activities. Eight Incident Commanders (ICs) took part in a simulated disaster response exercise to determine how the availability of real-time image feeds from a UAV impact on situation assessment and decision-making. The exercise simulated the video feed from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows incident command centers to monitor developments at a crisis site. The results showed that information from the video image channel dominated information available from other channels or in other forms. Nearly all of the ICs failed to detect important changes in the situation that were not captured in the imaging channel but that were available via other, more traditional data sources. The dominance of the image feed resulted in ICs narrowing their data search activities and reducing cross-checking across diverse data sources. This study confirms anecdotal reports that users can over-rely on video feeds from UAVs.
Resilient Emergency Response
Authors: Trnka Jiri , Johansson Björn J.E.
Published: May 2011

The focus of this chapter is the design and development of Information and Communication Technologies that support collaborative work and processes in command and control teams, more specifically, in joint emergency response operations. The unique contexts and varying circumstances of response operations have an impact on how collaborative work and interactions among commanders emerge, as well as on the extent to which Information and Communication Technologies are used. This emergence of response operations poses specific methodological complications and demands on how to study command and control teams, and also how to approach high-level design problems. The chapter demonstrates how such analysis can be performed. It presents a study of scenario-based role-playing simulation with professionals – emergency management commanders – as participants. The study documents the work practice of a team of commanders from the Swedish local and regional emergency response organizations responding jointly to an emergency, a medium size forest fire. The study also identifies areas and/or activities that may be enhanced by command and control tools. A combined set of bottom-up data driven and top-down methods – topical episode analysis, communicative roles, socio-metric status and communication modelling – are used to assess communication and interactions among the commanders. The findings indicate that the studied commanders used informal arrangements within the established formal command and control structures, and took informal functions and communicative roles across organizational and domain boundaries to handle diverse incidents and so called pseudo-problems. This identified adaptive and improvised behaviour of the commanders – and the team as whole – was identified as a critical characteristic for effective command and control work in joint response operations. Cross-domain and cross-organizational knowledge was found to be the most important feature of this type of capability to adapt and improvise. The study, further, highlights the significance of employing bottom-up, data driven methods for analysis of design and development processes, as well as important methodological challenges related to this type of analysis.
Knowledge Management in Support of Crisis Response
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Raman Murali
Published: May 2011

Most organizations face difficult challenges in managing knowledge for crisis response, but it is crucial for response effectiveness that such challenges be overcome. Organizational members must share the knowledge needed to plan for emergencies. They also must be able during an emergency to access relevant plans and communicate about their responses to it. This article examines the role and relevance of knowledge management (and knowledge management systems therein) in support of crisis response. We begin by discussing what knowledge management and crisis response mean. We move on to suggest why crisis response efforts within an organizational context, might benefit from knowledge management initiatives. Specific examples of how knowledge management efforts have supported crisis response in the past are then presented. We end by offering researchers with some suggestions for future research work in light of this subject domain.
CADEAU
Authors: Davidyuk Oleg , Milara Iván Sánchez , Riekki Jukka
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the authors introduce CADEAU, a prototype that addresses these challenges through a unique combination of autonomic mechanisms for application composition and methods for user interaction. These methods differ from each other in the degree to which the user is involved in the control of the prototype. They are offered so that users can choose the appropriate method according to their needs, the application and other context information. These methods use the mobile device as an interaction tool that connects users and resources in the ubiquitous space. The authors present the architecture, the interaction design, and the implementation of CADEAU and give the results of a user study that involved 30 participants from various backgrounds. This study explores the balance between user control and system autonomy depending on different contexts, the user’s needs, and expertise. In particular, the study analyses the circumstances under which users prefer to rely on certain interaction methods for application composition. It is argued that this study is a key step towards better user acceptance of future systems for the composition of ubiquitous applications.
Self-addressing for Autonomous Networking Systems
Authors: Schmidt Ricardo de O. , Gomes Reinaldo , Sadok Djamel , Kelner Judith , Johnsson Martin
Published: May 2011

Autoconfiguration is an important functionality pursued by research in the contexts of dynamic ad hoc and next generation of networks. Autoconfiguration solutions span across all architectural layers and range from network configuration to applications, and also implement cross-layer concepts. In networking, the addressing system plays a fundamental role as long as hosts must be uniquely identified. A proper identification is the base for other network operations, such as routing and security issues. Due to its importance, addressing is a challenging problem in dynamic and heterogeneous networks, where it becomes more complex and critical. This chapter presents a review and considerations for addressing autoconfiguration, focusing on the addressing procedure. Several self-addressing solutions for autonomous networks are surveyed, covering a wide range of possible methodologies. These solutions are also categorized according to the methodology they implement, their statefulness, and the way they deal with addresses duplication and/or conflicts. Special considerations regarding conformity to IPv6 are also presented.
Privacy in Pervasive Systems
Authors: Liotta Antonio , Liotta Alessandro
Published: May 2011

Data protection legislation has developed in a digital communication context that is changing dramatically. Infrastructure-based, networked systems are increasingly interconnecting and interoperating with infrastructure-less or even spontaneous networks, which are important elements of pervasive systems. These are also characterized by an autonomic, self-managed behavior that undermines the role of central management entities such as network and service providers. In this context, meeting the demanding requirements of privacy laws becomes a serious challenge, because once the user’s data crosses a managed boundary, it is impossible to clearly determine and transfer responsibilities. This chapter revisits the important elements of privacy regulations with the purpose of highlighting the hurdles posed onto pervasive systems. The analysis in this chapter indentifies imperative research and technological issues.
Factors Influencing Satisfaction with Mobile Portals
Authors: Seng Daisy , Wilkin Carla , Sugianto Ly-Fie
Published: May 2011

Smart phones are increasingly used in commercial sectors to facilitate mobile transactions. Herein the advancements of mobile technology and network engineering have been instrumental in the proliferation of pervasive computing using mobile devices. As a result portal technology has emerged to provide users in both Web and mobile contexts with a single point of access and personalization to Information Systems. The shortcomings of existing instruments in capturing the diversity in user opinions about satisfaction with mobile portals mean that the development of a new instrument for measuring user satisfaction in this context is invaluable. This chapter documents the first stage in this journey, namely the content validation process. Drawing upon related theoretical and empirical research, the authors identify an initial pool of factors that affect user satisfaction with mobile portals. Then, using multiple focus groups, the authors refine these factors in preparation for the next stage, which involves development of the items.
Socio-technical Factors in the Deployment of Participatory Pervasive Systems in Non-Expert Communities
Authors: Komninos Andreas , MacDonald Brian , Barrie Peter
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the design and development of an interactive mobile tourist guide system according to the principles of Pervasive Computing laid out by Hansmann (2004) and presents solutions to the technical issues encountered in the development of a multi-tiered system that encompasses a wide ecology of devices. The chapter further presents the non-technical issues encountered during a live trial of the system and uses the experience gathered from this deployment to present evidence that Hansmann’s (2004) four principles require the addition of a fifth principle, which is defined and based on hedonic values. In this view, the latter are crucial to the successful adoption of mobile and pervasive systems.
Pervasive Applications in the Aged Care Service
Authors: Sugianto Ly-Fie , Smith Stephen P. , Wilkin Carla , Ceglowski Andrzej S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a case study about the adoption of a wireless handheld care management system at an aged care facility in Victoria, Australia. The research evaluated the motivation for adoption and usefulness of the system in collecting patient data. It employed a qualitative technique to gather insights from two perspectives: operations staff as end users and management as strategic decision makers. These findings indicate conflicting views in terms of the usefulness of the pervasive application by the operations staff and the significance of this IT investment by senior management. Based on the understanding that IT investment often cannot be measured solely in monetary terms, the authors propose the use of the Balanced Scorecard approach to systematically evaluate the performance of the pervasive application in aged care facilities as such.
Openness—Evolution of Mobile Communications
Authors: Thalanany Sebastian
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the author reveals the role of openness, specifically standardization, in the mobile cloud – a cornerstone for an open, inter-operable realization. The discussion of mobile communication, the 4G mobile network, mobile cloud, and the openness in the mobile cloud are covered in this chapter.
An Extendible Simulation Game to Promote Team Spirit on Mobile Computing Devices
Authors: Tam Vincent , Liao Zexian , Leung C.H. , Yeung Lawrence , Kwan A.C.M.
Published: May 2011

Game based learning (GBL) has significantly reshaped the latest educational or training technologies through engaging players in many carefully planned learning activities in real-world applications including the training of tactic planning in a simulated combat environment, or resource management for any large organization. Successful examples range from the commercially available simulation games like SimBusiness, being adopted in some business schools in North America, to Quest Atlantis as a 3D multi-user learning game platform to children aged 9 – 15 in meaningful inquiry tasks. In a previous Teaching Development Project, the authors of this chapter developed an interesting simulation game platform for a virtual university campus containing game rooms with different missions for students to fulfill so as to enhance the learners’ experience after classes on ubiquitous computing devices. All the missions are focused on engaging players to exercise their logical thinking or problem-solving skills in relevant areas of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). To promote team spirit, each group of 3 to 4 students will work together to complete all the missions within the virtual campus. The authors used the open-source Nebula Version 2.0 toolkit to build a prototype of our simulation game containing various game rooms inside a virtual campus that can be accessed through any Windows based desktop or pocket PCs. To allow the real-time chatting facility among team members, the Yet Another Telephony Engine (YATE) server is employed in the interactive game platform. A preliminary evaluation was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the simulation game on motivating and/or enhancing the learners’ experience in relevant disciplines. All in all, there are many interesting directions for further investigations including the integration of our simulation game with existing learning management system or increasing players’ involvement in proposing new missions.
OpenLaszlo
Authors: Moya Chris
Published: May 2011

Programming a rich Internet application (RIA) in any Web environment is the goal of Laszlo Systems. The open source software, OpenLaszlo Presentation Server, allows a user to run, on any device, applications that blend to perfection a user-centered design. It facilitates development from the basic levels such as creating forms, menus and other components for a website, up to high-level tasks like focusing on the attention of the user, to easily create, for example, an e-commerce website, a full management back office or a trip booking site, all this using animations comparable to those created with proprietary software.
Supporting Distance Users of Mobile Learning Technology
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Hongxiu
Published: May 2011

With the rapid deployment of mobile devices, mobile learning emerges as a promising approach giving rise to a wide spectrum of new education possibilities. It serves as an effective conduit to deliver education to civilians of all social-economic levels, in particular the learners previously unreachable from traditional education systems, such as problem teenagers, social employees, and ageing people. Hence, unlike traditional education approaches, it is considered to be a good alternative to deal with the challenges posed by demographic shifts and social transformation. The purpose of this chapter is to: (i) identify the theoretical and technological underpinnings for delivering mobile learning to the distance learner, and (ii) discuss the possible learner communities that can benefit from mobile learning technology, with regard to their unique learning requirements and features.