bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Kidney and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition in Diabetes Management
Authors: Valentine Virginia
Published: October 2012

IN BRIEF

The kidney plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and has become a target for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. This review discusses the role of the kidney in glucose homeostasis and how inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption may become a novel treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
Advances in oncologic imaging
Authors: Akin Oguz , Brennan Sandra B. , Dershaw D. David , Ginsberg Michelle S. , Gollub Marc J. , Schöder Heiko , Panicek David M. , Hricak Hedvig
Published: October 2012

Imaging has become a pivotal component throughout a patient's encounter with cancer, from initial disease detection and characterization through treatment response assessment and posttreatment follow‐up. Recent progress in imaging technology has presented new opportunities for improving clinical care. This article provides updates on the latest approaches to imaging of 5 common cancers: breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and lymphoma. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Effectively Measuring Student Leadership
Authors: Posner Barry Z.
Published: October 2012

With a worldwide sample of students (N = 77, 387), this paper reviews and analyses the psychometric properties of the Student Leadership Practices Inventory [1]. Modest to strong internal reliability coefficients are found across a number of different dimensions. Predictive validity of the instrument is supported, with the instrument being able to differentiate between effective and ineffective leaders using both self-reported and observer (constituent) data. Few significant differences are found on the basis of respondent gender, ethnicity, nationality, or institutional level (high school versus college). Implications for developing student leaders and future research are offered.
Glycobiology Aspects of the Periodontal Pathogen Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Posch Gerald , Sekot Gerhard , Friedrich Valentin , Megson Zoë A. , Koerdt Andrea , Messner Paul , Schäffer Christina
Published: October 2012

Glycobiology is important for the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia, affecting the bacterium’s cellular integrity, its life-style, and virulence potential. The bacterium possesses a unique Gram-negative cell envelope with a glycosylated surface (S-) layer as outermost decoration that is proposed to be anchored via a rough lipopolysaccharide. The S-layer glycan has the structure 4‑MeO-b-ManpNAcCONH2-(1→3)-[Pse5Am7Gc-(2→4)-]-b-ManpNAcA-(1→4)-[4-MeO-a-Galp-(1→2)-]-a-Fucp-(1→4)-[-a-Xylp-(1→3)-]-b-GlcpA-(1→3)-[-b-Digp-(1→2)-]-a-Galp and is linked to distinct serine and threonine residues within the D(S/T)(A/I/L/M/T/V) amino acid motif. Also several other Tannerella proteins are modified with the S‑layer oligosaccharide, indicating the presence of a general O‑glycosylation system. Protein O‑glycosylation impacts the life-style of T. forsythia since truncated S-layer glycans present in a defined mutant favor biofilm formation. While the S‑layer has also been shown to be a virulence factor and to delay the bacterium's recognition by the innate immune system of the host, the contribution of glycosylation to modulating host immunity is currently unraveling. Recently, it was shown that Tannerella surface glycosylation has a role in restraining the Th17-mediated neutrophil infiltration in the gingival tissues. Related to its asaccharolytic physiology, T. forsythia expresses a robust enzymatic repertoire, including several glycosidases, such as sialidases, which are linked to specific growth requirements and are involved in triggering host tissue destruction. This review compiles the current knowledge on the glycobiology of T. forsythia.
Assessment of Fecundity and Germ Line Transmission in Two Transgenic Pig Lines Produced by Sleeping Beauty Transposition
Authors: Garrels Wiebke , Holler Stephanie , Cleve Nicole , Niemann Heiner , Ivics Zoltan , Kues Wilfried A.
Published: October 2012

Recently, we described a simplified injection method for producing transgenic pigs using a non-autonomous Sleeping Beauty transposon system. The founder animals showed ubiquitous expression of the Venus fluorophore in almost all cell types. To assess, whether expression of the reporter fluorophore affects animal welfare or fecundity, we analyzed reproductive parameters of two founder boars, germ line transmission, and organ and cell specific transgene expression in animals of the F1 and F2 generation. Molecular analysis of ejaculated sperm cells suggested three monomeric integrations of the Venus transposon in both founders. To test germ line transmission of the three monomeric transposon integrations, wild-type sows were artificially inseminated. The offspring were nursed to sexual maturity and hemizygous lines were established. A clear segregation of the monomeric transposons following the Mendelian rules was observed in the F1 and F2 offspring. Apparently, almost all somatic cells, as well as oocytes and spermatozoa, expressed the Venus fluorophore at cell-type specific levels. No detrimental effects of Venus expression on animal health or fecundity were found. Importantly, all hemizygous lines expressed the fluorophore in comparable levels, and no case of transgene silencing or variegated expression was found after germ line transmission, suggesting that the insertions occurred at transcriptionally permissive loci. The results show that Sleeping Beauty transposase-catalyzed transposition is a promising approach for stable genetic modification of the pig genome.
Pyrosequencing-Based Transcriptome Analysis of the Asian Rice Gall Midge Reveals Differential Response during Compatible and Incompatible Interaction
Authors: Sinha Deepak Kumar , Nagaraju Javaregowda , Tomar Archana , Bentur Jagadish S. , Nair Suresh
Published: October 2012

The Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) is a major pest responsible for immense loss in rice productivity. Currently, very little knowledge exists with regard to this insect at the molecular level. The present study was initiated with the aim of developing molecular resources as well as identifying alterations at the transcriptome level in the gall midge maggots that are in a compatible (SH) or in an incompatible interaction (RH) with their rice host. Roche 454 pyrosequencing strategy was used to develop both transcriptomics and genomics resources that led to the identification of 79,028 and 85,395 EST sequences from gall midge biotype 4 (GMB4) maggots feeding on a susceptible and resistant rice variety, TN1 (SH) and Suraksha (RH), respectively. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the maggots in SH and RH revealed over-representation of transcripts from proteolysis and protein phosphorylation in maggots from RH. In contrast, over-representation of transcripts for translation, regulation of transcription and transcripts involved in electron transport chain were observed in maggots from SH. This investigation, besides unveiling various mechanisms underlying insect-plant interactions, will also lead to a better understanding of strategies adopted by insects in general, and the Asian rice gall midge in particular, to overcome host defense.
Inhibition of Enzyme Activity of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Triosephosphate Isomerase and BME26 Cell Growth by Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Saramago Luiz , Franceschi Mariana , Logullo Carlos , Masuda Aoi , Vaz Itabajara , Farias Sandra , Moraes Jorge
Published: October 2012

In the present work, we produced two monoclonal antibodies (BrBm37 and BrBm38) and tested their action against the triosephosphate isomerase of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (RmTIM). These antibodies recognize epitopes on both the native and recombinant forms of the protein. rRmTIM inhibition by BrBm37 was up to 85% whereas that of BrBrm38 was 98%, depending on the antibody-enzyme ratio. RmTIM activity was lower in ovarian, gut, and fat body tissue extracts treated with BrBm37 or BrBm38 mAbs. The proliferation of the embryonic tick cell line (BME26) was inhibited by BrBm37 and BrBm38 mAbs. In summary, the results reveal that it is possible to interfere with the RmTIM function using antibodies, even in intact cells.
A Tumor Surveillance Model: A Non-Coding RNA Senses Neoplastic Cells and Its Protein Partner Signals Cell Death
Authors: Jeon Sung , Johnson Betty , Lee Yong
Published: October 2012

nc886 (= pre-miR-886 or vtRNA2-1) is a non-coding RNA that has been recently identified as a natural repressor for the activity of PKR (Protein Kinase R). The suppression of nc886 activates PKR and thereby provokes a cell death pathway. When combined with the fact that nc886 is suppressed in a wide range of cancer cells, the nc886-PKR relationship suggests a tumor surveillance model. When neoplastic cells develop and nc886 decreases therein, PKR is released from nc886 and becomes the active phosphorylated form, which initiates an apoptotic cascade to eliminate those cells. The nc886-PKR pathway is distinct from conventional mechanisms, such as the immune surveillance hypothesis or intrinsic mechanisms that check/proofread the genomic integrity, and thus represents a novel example of tumor surveillance.
Construction and Evaluation of Normalized cDNA Libraries Enriched with Full-Length Sequences for Rapid Discovery of New Genes from Sisal (Agave sisalana Perr.) Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Zhou Wen-Zhao , Zhang Yan-Mei , Lu Jun-Ying , Li Jun-Feng
Published: October 2012

To provide a resource of sisal-specific expressed sequence data and facilitate this powerful approach in new gene research, the preparation of normalized cDNA libraries enriched with full-length sequences is necessary. Four libraries were produced with RNA pooled from Agave sisalana multiple tissues to increase efficiency of normalization and maximize the number of independent genes by SMART™ method and the duplex-specific nuclease (DSN). This procedure kept the proportion of full-length cDNAs in the subtracted/normalized libraries and dramatically enhanced the discovery of new genes. Sequencing of 3875 cDNA clones of libraries revealed 3320 unigenes with an average insert length about 1.2 kb, indicating that the non-redundancy of libraries was about 85.7%. These unigene functions were predicted by comparing their sequences to functional domain databases and extensively annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Comparative analysis of sisal unigenes and other plant genomes revealed that four putative MADS-box genes and knotted-like homeobox (knox) gene were obtained from a total of 1162 full-length transcripts. Furthermore, real-time PCR showed that the characteristics of their transcripts mainly depended on the tight expression regulation of a number of genes during the leaf and flower development. Analysis of individual library sequence data indicated that the pooled-tissue approach was highly effective in discovering new genes and preparing libraries for efficient deep sequencing.
An Overview of the Components of AW-IPM Campaigns against the New World Screwworm
Authors: Mastrangelo Thiago , Welch John
Published: October 2012

The New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), is one of the most damaging parasites of livestock, causing millions of dollars in annual losses to producers. The fly is an obligate parasite of warm-blooded animals, including humans. After a successful 50-year eradication campaign, C. hominivorax has been eradicated from the USA, Mexico and Central America by an area-wide integrated pest management approach. Recently, Caribbean and South American countries have expressed an interest in this approach. Aiming to support forthcoming projects in these countries, this review describes the main technical components of past and ongoing AW-IPM campaigns against C. hominivorax.
Influence of the RelA Activity on E. coli Metabolism by Metabolite Profiling of Glucose-Limited Chemostat Cultures
Authors: Carneiro Sónia , Villas-Bôas Silas G. , Ferreira Eugénio C. , Rocha Isabel
Published: October 2012

Metabolite profiling of E. coli W3110 and the isogenic DrelA mutant cells was used to characterize the RelA-dependent stringent control of metabolism under different growth conditions. Metabolic profiles were obtained by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and revealed significant differences between E. coli strains grown at different conditions. Major differences between the two strains were assessed in the levels of amino acids and fatty acids and their precursor metabolites, especially when growing at the lower dilution rates, demonstrating differences in their metabolic behavior. Despite the fatty acid biosynthesis being the most affected due to the lack of the RelA activity, other metabolic pathways involving succinate, lactate and threonine were also affected. Overall, metabolite profiles indicate that under nutrient-limiting conditions the RelA-dependent stringent response may be elicited and promotes key changes in the E. coli metabolism.
Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Activity of Betulinic Acid and Ursolic Acid Analogues
Authors: Innocente Adrine , Silva Gloria , Cruz Laura , Moraes Miriam , Nakabashi Myna , Sonnet Pascal , Gosmann Grace , Garcia Célia , Gnoatto Simone
Published: October 2012

More than 40% of the World population is at risk of contracting malaria, which affects primarily poor populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Antimalarial pharmacotherapy has utilised plant-derived products such as quinine and artemisinin as well as their derivatives. However, worldwide use of these antimalarials has caused the spread of resistant parasites, resulting in increased malaria morbidity and mortality. Considering that the literature has demonstrated the antimalarial potential of triterpenes, specially betulinic acid (1) and ursolic acid (2), this study investigated the antimalarial activity against P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of some new derivatives of 1 and 2 with modifications at C-3 and C-28. The antiplasmodial study employed flow cytometry and spectrofluorimetric analyses using YOYO-1, dihydroethidium and Fluo4/AM for staining. Among the six analogues obtained, compounds 1c and 2c showed excellent activity (IC50 = 220 and 175 nM, respectively) while 1a and b demonstrated good activity (IC50 = 4 and 5 μM, respectively). After cytotoxicity evaluation against HEK293T cells, 1a was not toxic, while 1c and 2c showed IC50 of 4 μM and a selectivity index (SI) value of 18 and 23, respectively. Moreover, compound 2c, which presents the best antiplasmodial activity, is involved in the calcium-regulated pathway(s).
Nukuhivensiums, Indolo[2,3-a]quinoliziniums from the Marquesan Plant Rauvolfia nukuhivensis
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Prado Soizic , Lecellier Gael , Thomas Olivier , Raharivelomanana Phila
Published: October 2012

The first phytochemical inspection of the Marquesan endemic plant Rauvolfia nukuhivensis led to the isolation and structure characterization of two new indolo[2,3‑a]quinolizinium derivatives named nukuhivensium (1) and N12-methyl-nukuhivensium (2). They feature an aromatic indolo[2,3-a]quinolizinium core, substituted at C-2 by a n-propyl group, which is unusual in this family of alkaloid derivatives. The structure elucidation was performed on the basis of NMR spectroscopy and especially by interpretation of 2D HMBC correlations. A biosynthetic pathway is proposed on the basis of known enzymatic transformations for this family of natural products. These compounds exhibited low antimicrobial activities.
The Use of Implementation Intentions to Promote Vitamin D Supplementation in Young Children
Authors: De Nooijer Jascha , Jansen Roos , Van Assema Patricia
Published: October 2012

Only 50% of Dutch children aged 0–4 years receive sufficient daily vitamin D supplementation. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of implementation intentions in promoting vitamin D supplementation among young children. An electronic survey was conducted among parents of children aged 0–4 (n = 171). These parents were randomly assigned to two groups: one that received implementation intention instructions and one that did not. At follow-up, there were no significant between group differences in any outcome measures. These results suggest that merely asking parents to formulate an implementation intention with respect to giving their child daily vitamin D supplementation is insufficient to improve vitamin D intake among young children. However, testing the intervention via the Internet may not have allowed us to exploit the full potential of the strategy. Investigation of the use of implementation intentions in the setting of toddler consultation clinics is therefore recommended.
In Tube Integrated Electronic Nose System on a Flexible Polymer Substrate
Authors: Kinkeldei Thomas , Zysset Christoph , Münzenrieder Niko , Petti Luisa , Tröster Gerhard
Published: October 2012

The fabrication of electronic devices, such as gas sensors on flexible polymer substrates, enables the use of electronics in applications where conventional devices on stiff substrates could not be used. We demonstrate the development of a new intra-tube electronic-nose (e-nose) gas sensor device with multiple sensors fabricated and integrated on a flexible substrate. For this purpose, we developed a new method of fabricating a sensor array of four gas sensors on a flexible polymer substrate. The method allowed the use of lithography techniques to pattern different polymers with a broad range of solubility parameters. Conductive polymer composites were used as a gas sensitive layer due to the high stretchability of the material. Each of the 30 e-nose devices on one substrate was designed to fit on a polymer strip with a width of 2 mm. A single e-nose strip was successfully integrated into the inlet tube of a gas-measurement apparatus with an inner-tube diameter of 3 mm. Using the e-nose, we were able to differentiate between four different volatile solvent vapors. The tube-integrated e-nose outperformed a chamber-integrated e-nose of the same type in terms of response time and flow-rate influences. The sensor array inside the tube showed a faster response time and detected short pulses of analyte exposure compared to the same sensor array outside of the tube. We measured gas flow rates from 1,000 to 30 sccm without significant changes in sensor performance using this intra-tube e-nose prototype. The tube could be bent to radii < 15 mm with a sensor performance similar to an unbent sensor.
Comparison of Collection Schemes of Municipal Solid Waste Metallic Fraction: The Impacts on Global Warming Potential for the Case of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland
Authors: Kuusiola Timo , Wierink Maaria , Heiskanen Kari
Published: October 2012

In this research article the sustainability of different practices to collect the metal fraction of household waste in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland is examined. The study is carried out by calculating and comparing the greenhouse gas reduction potential of optional practices for collecting the metal fraction of household waste in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland. In order to locate the greenhouse gas reduction potential of the separate collection of the metallic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from residential sources, a comparative carbon footprint analysis using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on six different waste management scenarios is carried out. The modeled system consisted of a waste collection system, transportation, and different waste management alternatives, including on-site separation, separation at the waste management facility as well as metallurgical recovery of separated scrap. The results show that, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, separate collection and recycling of the metallic fraction of solid MSW at residential properties is the preferable option compared to a scenario with no source sorting and incineration of everything. According to this research scenario where the metal fraction of solid household waste was not source-separated or collected separately have clearly higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to all the other scenarios with separate collection for metals. In addition, metal recycling by regional collection points has considerably lower greenhouse gas emission potential than metal recycling by collection directly from residential properties.
Fungal Waste-Biomasses as Potential Low-Cost Biosorbents for Decolorization of Textile Wastewaters
Authors: Prigione Valeria , Grosso Irene , Tigini Valeria , Anastasi Antonella , Varese Giovanna
Published: October 2012

The biosorption potential of three fungal waste-biomasses (Acremonium strictum, Acremonium sp. and Penicillium sp.) from pharmaceutical companies was compared with that of a selected biomass (Cunninghamella elegans), already proven to be very effective in dye biosorption. Among the waste-biomasses, A. strictum was the most efficient (decolorization percentage up to 90% within 30 min) with regard to three simulated dye baths; nevertheless it was less active than C. elegans which was able to produce a quick and substantial decolorization of all the simulated dye baths (up to 97% within 30 min). The biomasses of A. strictum and C. elegans were then tested for the treatment of nine real exhausted dye baths. A. strictum was effective at acidic or neutral pH, whereas C. elegans confirmed its high efficiency and versatility towards exhausted dye baths characterised by different classes of dyes (acid, disperse, vat, reactive) and variation in pH and ionic strength. Finally, the effect of pH on the biosorption process was evaluated to provide a realistic estimation of the validity of the laboratory results in an industrial setting. The C. elegans biomass was highly effective from pH 3 to pH 11 (for amounts of adsorbed dye up to 1054 and 667 mg of dye g−1 biomass dry weight, respectively); thus, this biomass can be considered an excellent and exceptionally versatile biosorbent material.
Issues and Challenges in Flood Risk Management—Editorial for the Special Issue on Flood Risk Management
Authors: Jonkman Sebastiaan , Dawson Richard
Published: October 2012

Recent flood-related disasters (Japan, Thailand, US, Australia) emphasize the need for an effective management of flood risks. As an introduction to this special issue, this editorial summarizes some of the key challenges in the field. Flood risk management needs to recognize the interconnections between infrastructures, economic systems and the role of human factors in assessing and managing the risk. The challenge for flood management in the future is to develop robust and resilient solutions that perform well in uncertain future conditions.
Factors Related to Type of Companion Pet Owned by Older Women
Authors: Gulick Elsie E. , Krause-Parello Cheryl A.
Published: October 2012

Although pets can be valuable companions for older adults, little is known about why older adults select a specific kind of pet. This study examined demographic (e.g., marital status, health status), health (i.e., well-being, loneliness), and environmental characteristics (i.e., living arrangement, type of housing) of 159 older women in terms of whether they had a companion dog or cat. Significantly more women who were married/partnered had dogs, whereas more single women had cats. Significantly more women who lived alone had cats, whereas more women who lived with someone had dogs. Women with companion dogs had significantly lower depressed mood and higher levels of general health, vitality, and total well-being than those with cats. Although loneliness was somewhat greater among women with cats, the difference was not statistically significant. More women living in 55-and-older communities had cats, whereas more women living in private homes had dogs. Practicing psychiatric nurses can use the information generated from this research to advocate for pet companionship in order to enhance well-being in older women.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: What Does it Mean for Mental Health Services for Older Adults?
Authors: Sorrell Jeanne M.
Published: October 2012

The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It is important to think about how this act will affect mental health services for older adults. The act has the potential to improve health outcomes across all income and age groups. There are specific provisions that are expected to improve care for individuals with mental illness, but there is little information about how these provisions will affect older adults with mental illness. As we move toward implementation of the PPACA, psychiatric nurses need to be aware of myths surrounding the act and to think about changes in the health care system, such as collaborative models of care, that may help identify and overcome barriers to treatment of older adults with mental illness.
USING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT METHODS TO GUIDE ARCHITECTURAL DECISION-MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE PREFABRICATED MODULAR BUILDINGS
Authors: Faludi Jeremy , Lepech Michael D. , Loisos George
Published: October 2012

Within this work, life cycle assessment modeling is used to determine top design priorities and quantitatively inform sustainable design decision-making for a prefabricated modular building. A case-study life-cycle assessment was performed for a 5,000 ft2prefabricated commercial building constructed in San Francisco, California, and scenario analysis was run examining the life cycle environmental impacts of various energy and material design substitutions, and a structural design change. Results show that even for a highly energy-efficient modular building, the top design priority is still minimizing operational energy impacts, since this strongly dominates the building life cycle's environmental impacts. However, as an energy-efficient building approaches net zero energy, manufacturing-phase impacts are dominant, and a new set of design priorities emerges. Transportation and end-of-life disposal impacts were of low to negligible importance in both cases.
A FRAMEWORK FOR APPLICATION OF SYSTEM ENGINEERING PROCESS MODELS TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS
Authors: Bersson Thomas F. , Mazzuchi Thomas , Sarkani Shahram
Published: October 2012

Building owners, designers and constructors are seeing a rapid increase in the number of sustainably designed high performance buildings. These buildings provide numerous benefits to the owners and occupants to include improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and environmental site standards; and ultimately enhance productivity for the building occupants. As the demand increases for higher building energy efficiency and environmental standards, application of a set of process models will support consistency and optimization during the design process. Systems engineering process models have proven effective in taking an integrated and comprehensive view of a system while allowing for clear stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, life cycle analysis, technology insertion, validation and verification. This paper overlays systems engineering on the sustainable design process by providing a framework for application of the Waterfall, Vee, and Spiral process models to high performance buildings. Each process model is mapped to the sustainable design process and is evaluated for its applicability to projects and building types. Adaptations of the models are provided as Green Building Process Models.
An Efficient and Simple Algorithm for Matrix Inversion
Authors: Farooq Ahmad , Hamid Khan
Published: October 2012

In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed for finding inverse and determinant of a given matrix in one instance. The algorithm is straightforward in understanding and manual calculations. Computer implementation of the algorithm is extremely simple and is quite efficient in time and memory utilization. The algorithm is supported by an example. The number of multiplication/division performed by the algorithm is exactly; however, its efficiency lies in the simplicity of coding and minimal utilization of memory. Simple applicability and reduced execution time of the method is validated form the numerical experiments performed on test problems. The algorithm is applicable in the cases of pseudo inverses for non-square matrices and solution of system of linear equations with minor modification.
Thirst for Business Value of Information Technology
Authors: Marthandan Govindan , Meng Tang Chun
Published: October 2012

For years information technology (IT) has helped companies improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Today’s IT plays a more strategic role in building capabilities for sustaining and creating competitive advantages. The increasing importance of IT has led many organizations to integrate it into their daily operations. To justify the ever-increasing spending on IT, organizations have been searching for evaluation methods to prove the business value of IT. However, this is a challenging undertaking, as there are contradictory answers to questions on whether it is worthwhile to pay substantial sums for IT. To gain insight into the reasons behind the contradictory answers, this paper first reviews conflicting research results of past studies on IT business value. It then explains the term IT productivity paradox. Last, it provides five reasons why IT business value is not fully reflected in the way business managers expect it to be.
An Efficient and Generic Algorithm for Matrix Inversion
Authors: Farooq Ahmad , Hamid Khan , Shah Inayat Ali
Published: October 2012

This work presents an improvement on the simple algorithms of matrix inversion (Farooq & Hamid, 2010). This generalized algorithm supports selection of pivot randomly in the matrix thus supporting partial and full pivoting. The freedom in pivot selection can be used in minimizing the numerical error and prioritizing the variable to find the solution first. The algorithm is more suitable for finding inverse and determinant of dense matrices. The algorithm requires a mechanism for selection of pivot (e.g., selection of absolute maximum value) in the available sub-matrix and the mechanism to get the inverse from the final resultant matrix by rearranging the rows and columns. A method for assigning the sign of the determinant is also given. The algorithm is explained through solved examples. The number of arithmetic calculations performed by the algorithm is of O () however. The efficiency and simplicity of coding remains the same as of the original algorithm.
Electronic Training Methods
Authors: Sinniah Veeriah , Kaur Sharan
Published: October 2012

This study comparatively examines the relative effectiveness and frequency of use of modern and conventional training methods, as much rhetoric has surrounded the use of techniques like distance learning and computer-based training methods. The responses from 200 employees suggest that no significant difference exists with respect to frequency of use, but a significant difference exists in terms of effectiveness. The result shows that on-the-job training (OJT) methods are widely used and are perceived as the most effective method, whereas distance learning is not widely used because it is perceived as less effective. This study also reveals that a significant difference exists between modern training methods and conventional training methods in terms of attaining training objectives. OJT is given the highest rating for attaining training objectives.
Traditional Job-Related Factors and Career Salience in IT-Based Workplace
Authors: Ahmad Aminu , Ahmad Hartini
Published: October 2012

Despite growing academic and practical concerns about IT-transformed workplaces, little research empirically investigates these concerns. This paper adopts a unique approach to address these concerns by evaluating the appropriateness of traditional drivers of career salience in high IT working environments. Building on established measures of role stress, participation in decision making, job involvement and career salience, questionnaires were distributed to staff working in high IT organizations in Nigeria. Multiple regressions were run from a valid response of 223, resulting in the three traditional drivers accounting for 25% of the variance in career salience. Similarly, standardized ß coefficients indicate on job involvement (0.46) makes unique significant contribution to career salience. This finding is in line with sociotechnical theory—that changes in technical sub-system affect the social sub-system and vice versa. The finding also provides indirect exploratory support for the decreasing importance of non-IT factors in the evolving digital workplace. Other implications, limitations and direction for future research are highlighted.
Human Talent Forecasting using Data Mining Classification Techniques
Authors: Jantan Hamidah , Hamdan Abdul Ali , Othman Zulaiha
Published: October 2012

Talent management is a very crucial task and demands close attention from human resource (HR) professionals. Recently, among the challenges for HR professionals is how to manage organization’s talents, particularly to ensure the right job for the right person at the right time. Some employee’s talent patterns can be identified through existing knowledge in HR databases, which data mining can be applied to handle this issue. The hidden and useful knowledge that exists in databases can be discovered through classification task and has been widely used in many fields. However, this approach has not successfully attracted people in HR especially in talent management. In this regard, the authors attempt to present an overview of talent management problems that can be solved by using this approach. This paper uses that approach for one of the talent management tasks, i.e., predicting potential talent using previous existing knowledge. Future employee’s performances can be predicted based on past experience knowledge discovered from existing databases by using classification techniques. Finally, this study proposes a framework for talent forecasting using the potential Data Mining classification techniques.
Computing Gamma Calculus on Computer Cluster
Authors: Lin Hong , Kemp Jeremy , Gilbert Padraic
Published: October 2012

Gamma Calculus is an inherently parallel, high-level programming model, which allows simple programming molecules to interact, creating a complex system with minimum of coding. Gamma calculus modeled programs were written on top of IBM’s TSpaces middleware, which is Java-based and uses a “Tuple Space” based model for communication, similar to that in Gamma. A parser was written in C++ to translate the Gamma syntax. This was implemented on UHD’s grid cluster (grid.uhd.edu), and in an effort to increase performance and scalability, existing Gamma programs are being transferred to Nvidia’s CUDA architecture. General Purpose GPU computing is well suited to run Gamma programs, as GPU’s excel at running the same operation on a large data set, potentially offering a large speedup.
Determinants of the Use of Knowledge Sources in the Adoption of Open Source Server Software
Authors: Ven Kris , Verelst Jan
Published: October 2012

Previous research suggests that the adoption of open source server software (OSSS) may be subject to knowledge barriers. In order to overcome these barriers, organizations should engage in a process of organizational learning. This learning process is facilitated by exposure to external knowledge sources. Unfortunately, this leaves open the question of which factors determine which knowledge sources are used by organizations. In this study, the authors have performed an exploratory study on the determinants of the use of knowledge sources in the adoption of OSSS. The conceptual model developed in this study was based on the absorptive capacity theory. Data was gathered from 95 organizations to empirically investigate this model. Results provide a quite consistent view on how external knowledge sources are used by organizations in the adoption of OSSS. Moreover, results provide more insight into the context in which the adoption of OSSS takes place.
P2P Streaming Content Delivery Systems
Authors: Zhang Tieying , Cheng Xueqi , Shi Weisong
Published: October 2012

In recent years, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) streaming systems have attracted enormous attention from both industries and academia. P2P streaming technology not only improves system scalability but also enables resource aggregation. This chapter reviews the field of P2P streaming by summarizing the key concepts and giving an overview of the most important systems. Design and implementation issues of P2P streaming systems are analyzed in general, and then six case studies for P2P live streaming, P2P on-demand streaming, and P2P download-based streaming separately are discussed. This chapter will help people in the research community and industry understand the potential properties of P2P streaming. For people unfamiliar with the field, it provides a general overview. Comparison of P2P steaming designs with different architectures is intended for developers and researchers.
Wireless Multimedia Content Distribution Architecture
Authors: Pérez-Llopis Israel , Palau Carlos E. , Esteve Manuel
Published: October 2012

Wireless video streaming, and specifically IPTV, has been a key challenge during the last decade, including the provision of access to users on an always best connected basis using different wireless access networks, including continuous seamless mobility. There are different proposals including IP based video streaming, DVB-H, or MediaFLO to carry out IPTV and video streaming on demand to users in a wireless environment, but one of the most relevant elements is the architecture of the service, with all the components of the delivery process. In this work the authors propose an alternative architecture based on a wireless Content Delivery Network, optimized to distribute video to mobile terminals in order to create a triple screen platform; considering that the main available wireless access networks are WiFi, WiMAX, and 3G, this work focuses on the last two. Surrogates within the CDN architecture act as video streaming servers, while the origin servers in the content providers carry out the transcoding process in order to be compliant with individual client requirements.
Robust Broadcasting of Media Content in Urban Environments
Authors: Fortino Giancarlo , Calafate Carlos , Manzoni Pietro
Published: October 2012

In this work, the authors apply raptor codes to obtain a reliable broadcast system of non-time critical contents, such as multimedia advertisement and entertainment files, in urban environments. Vehicles in urban environments are characterized by a variable speed and by the fact that the propagation of the radio signal is constrained by the configuration of the city structure. Through real experiments, the authors demonstrate that raptor codes are the best option among the available Forward Error Correction techniques to achieve their purpose. Moreover, the system proposed uses traffic control techniques for classification and filtering of information. These techniques allow assigning different priorities to contents in order to receive firstly the most important ones from broadcasting antennas. In particular, as vehicle speed and/or distance from the broadcasting antenna increase, performance results highlight that these techniques are the only choice for a reliable data content delivery.
Remote Delivery of Video Services over Video Links
Authors: Barbero Jesús M.
Published: October 2012

The spreading of new systems of broadcasting and distribution of multimedia content has had as a consequence a larger need for aggregation of data and metadata to traditionally based contents of video and audio supply. Broadcasting chains of this type of channels have become overwhelmed by the quantity of resources, infrastructures, and development needed for these channels to provide information. In order to avoid this kind of shortcoming, several recommendations and standards have been created to exchange metadata between production and distribution of taped programs. The problem lies in live programs; producers sometimes offer data to channels, but most often, channels are not able to face required developments. The key to this problem is cost reduction. In this work, a study is conducted on added services which producers may provide to the media about content; a system is found by which additional communication expenses are not made, and a model of information transfer is offered which allows low cost developments to supply new media platforms.
Introduction to Wireless Networks
Authors: Matin M. A.
Published: October 2012

Wireless networks offer mobility and elimination of unsightly cables and utilize radio waves or microwaves to maintain communication. It is rapidly growing in popularity for both home and business networking. Wireless technology keeps on improving and at the same time the cost of wireless products are continuously decreasing. The demand for ubiquitous personal communications is driving the development of wireless networks that can accommodate mobile voice and data users who move throughout buildings, cities, or countries. The objective of this chapter is to provide the fundamentals of wireless networks so that the general readers can be able to easily grasp some of the ideas in this area.
Security Issues for ISO 18000-6 Type C RFID
Authors: Hawrylak Peter J. , Hale John , Papa Mauricio
Published: October 2012

Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices have matured to the point where they are now expanding beyond the retail supply chain and public transit fare management systems. RFID technology provides a low power and economical method to link remote sensors to larger control systems. In these cases, the RFID protocols provide the communication link between the sensor and larger control system. Security solutions designed for the retail and transit fare management systems are not sufficient for these new control systems. New avenues of attack are available, and attackers have different goals. Therefore, the security of these RFID protocols must be re-examined in order to identify those vulnerabilities that are not significant in the retail or fare applications, but could be exploited in these new settings. This chapter analyzes the ISO 18000-6 Type C protocol to identify potential security vulnerabilities. This protocol is one of the major RFID protocols for passive RFID systems.
Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Rawat Danda B. , Yan Gongjun , Bista Bhed Bahadur
Published: October 2012

The rising number and capacity requirements of wireless systems bring increasing demand for RF spectrum. Cognitive radio (CR) system is an emerging concept to increase the spectrum efficiency. CR system aims to enable opportunistic usage of the RF bands that are not occupied by their primary licensed users in spectrum overlay approach. In this approach, the major challenge in realizing the full potential of CR systems is to identify the spectrum opportunities in the wide band regime reliably and optimally. In the spectrum underlay approach, CR systems enable dynamic spectrum access by co-existing and transmitting simultaneously with licensed primary users without creating harmful interference to them. In this case, the challenge is to transmit with low power so as not to exceed the tolerable interference level to the primary users. Spectrum sensing and estimation is an integral part of the CR system, which is used to identify the spectrum opportunities in spectrum overlay and to identify the interference power to primary users in spectrum underlay approach. In this chapter, the authors present a comprehensive study of signal detection techniques for spectrum sensing proposed for CR systems. Specifically, they outline the state of the art research results, challenges, and future perspectives of spectrum sensing in CR systems, and also present a comparison of different methods. With this chapter, readers can have a comprehensive insight of signal processing methods of spectrum sensing for cognitive radio networks and the ongoing research and development in this area.
Spectrum Access and Sharing for Cognitive Radio
Authors: Umar Raza , Sheikh Asrar U. H.
Published: October 2012

Cognitive radio (CR) has emerged as a smart solution to spectrum bottleneck faced by current wireless services, under which licensed spectrum is made available to intelligent and reconfigurable secondary users. CR technology enables these unlicensed secondary users to exploit any spectrum usage opportunity by adapting their transmission parameters on the run. In this chapter, the authors discuss the characteristic features and main functionality of CR oriented technology. Central to this chapter is Spectrum sensing (SS), which has been identified as a fundamental enabling technology for next generation wireless networks based on CR. The authors compare different SS techniques in terms of their sensing accuracy and implementation and computational complexities along with merits and demerits of these approaches. Various challenges facing SS have been investigated, and possible solutions are proposed.
Deployment of a Wireless Mesh Network for Traffic Control
Authors: Lan Kun-chan , Wang Zhe , Hassan Mahbub , Moors Tim , Berriman Rodney , Libman Lavy , Ott Maximilian , Landfeldt Bjorn , Zaidi Zainab , Chou Ching-Ming
Published: October 2012

Wireless mesh networks (WMN) have attracted considerable interest in recent years as a convenient, new technology. However, the suitability of WMN for mission-critical infrastructure applications remains by and large unknown, as protocols typically employed in WMN are, for the most part, not designed for real-time communications. In this chapter, the authors describe a wireless mesh network architecture to solve the communication needs of the traffic control system in Sydney. This system, known as SCATS and used in over 100 cities around the world — from individual traffic light controllers to regional computers and the central TMC —places stringent requirements on the reliability and latency of the data exchanges. The authors discuss experience in the deployment of an initial testbed consisting of 7 mesh nodes placed at intersections with traffic lights, and share the results and insights learned from measurements and initial trials in the process.
Regional Integration in West Africa
Authors: Marcellus Ikeanyibe Okechukwu , Christian Ezeibe Chukwuebuka
Published: October 2012

Since its establishment in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has faced the task of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa mainly through economic policies and treaties, and has substantially failed to achieve the desired goals. The sub-region is probably one of the most outstanding regional enclaves of human diversity in the world. However, ethnicity and other differences remain critical phenomena of politics and life in the sub-region. More often than not, these differences are exploited for negative purposes rather than leveraging them for the objectives of cooperation, integration, and development. The university system and its academic membership offer an opportunity for harnessing some of the diversity in the region for more fruitful integration and development. This chapter examines this expected role of academia and the university system towards leveraging human resource diversity for improved cooperation, integration, and development in West Africa.