bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinases in Plant Metal Stress: Regulation and Responses in Comparison to Other Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Opdenakker Kelly , Remans Tony , Vangronsveld Jaco , Cuypers Ann
Published: June 2012

Exposure of plants to toxic concentrations of metals leads to disruption of the cellular redox status followed by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, like hydrogen peroxide, can act as signaling molecules in the cell and induce signaling via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. MAPK cascades are evolutionary conserved signal transduction modules, able to convert extracellular signals to appropriate cellular responses. In this review, our current understanding about MAPK signaling in plant metal stress is discussed. However, this knowledge is scarce compared to research into the role of MAPK signaling in the case of other abiotic and biotic stresses. ROS production is a common response induced by different stresses and undiscovered analogies may exist with metal stress. Therefore, further attention is given to MAPK signaling in other biotic and abiotic stresses and its interplay with other signaling pathways to create a framework in which the involvement of MAPK signaling in metal stress may be studied.
Correction: Renaudin, V. et al. Use of Earth’s Magnetic Field for Mitigating Gyroscope Errors Regardless of Magnetic Perturbation. Sensors 2011, 11, 11390-11414
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Haris , Renaudin Valérie , Lachapelle Gérard
Published: June 2012

Although the equations’ derivation in our paper published in Sensors 2011 [1] is correct, a typo has been found in the summarizing Equations (48) and (49). The dot on the B in the skew matrix should be removed. [...]
Changes in Activity Levels of Older Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lyons Kathleen Doyle , Lambert Lisa A. , Balan Stefan , Hegel Mark T. , Bartels Stephen
Published: June 2012

Older adult cancer survivors often experience disability after cancer treatment, but little is known about how they adjust their daily activities during recovery and their opinions about those adjustments. Forty-three cancer survivors older than 60 years completed an oral interview using standardized and semi-structured assessments of activity level and mood. Overall, participants had a 12% reduction in their activity level at 3 months post-treatment. Greatest reductions were seen for high physically demanding leisure activities (34% reduction) and social activities (16% reduction), with lesser reductions in instrumental (7% reduction) and low physically demanding leisure activities (4% reduction). Twelve percent reported clinically significant depressive symptoms and none met criteria for anxiety disorders. Although cancer treatment is only one factor affecting activity routines, it creates challenges and older adults often reconsider priorities regarding how to spend limited energy. A customized balance of energizing and energy-depleting activities may be most conducive to recovery after cancer treatment.
Los buscones de metal. El sistema de pallaqueo en Huancavelica (1793-1820)
Authors: Povea Moreno Isabel María
Published: June 2012

El presente trabajo estudia la introducción y el desarrollo del sistema de libre trabajo en la minería de Huancavelica, también conocido como sistema de pallaqueo. A la altura de 1790, las medidas borbónicas encaminadas al estímulo de la industria minera huancavelicana no habían tenido éxito. Como último recurso se concedió el permiso general de pallaqueo. Con éste la producción se incrementó brevemente, pero pronto comenzó a decrecer y se situó en niveles muy bajos. La revitalización del centro minero precisaba de importantes inversiones que no tuvieron lugar.
Modelo de cuantificación de las emisiones de CO2 producidas en edificación derivadas de los recursos materiales consumidos en su ejecución
Authors: Mercader M. P. , Ramírez de Arellano A. , Olivares M.
Published: June 2012

La investigación realizada en el presente trabajo plantea la generación de un modelo de cuantificación de las emisiones de CO2 producidas en la ejecución del modelo constructivo habitual definido como el bloque residencial destinado a viviendas de protección oficial, derivadas del proceso de fabricación de los recursos materiales empleados en su ejecución.

La identificación y cuantificación de los materiales de construcción consumidos, permitirá conocer el impacto medioambiental que produce la tipología definida, a través de uno de los indicadores de impacto ambiental más relevantes asociados al peso por m2 de construcción, como son las emisiones de CO2 derivadas del proceso de fabricación de los materiales de construcción empleados en su ejecución.

Su aplicación práctica a un conjunto de diez proyectos de ejecución ubicados en Sevilla, proporcionará datos concluyentes sobre la cuantificación de las emisiones de CO2 producidas en su ejecución, identificando los de mayor impacto ambiental.
Adaptive Content Presentation in Asynchronous Learning Environments
Authors: Tsoulouhas Georgios , Georgiou Dimitrios , Karakos Alexandros
Published: June 2012

In Adaptive Educational Hypermedia Systems (AEHS), we expect that the learning content presentation should be appropriately retrieved from learning object repositories, and dynamically tailored to each learnerâ??s needs. Each learner has a profile, subject to continuous change. The basic components of the learnerâ??s profile include his/her cognitive characteristics, background of knowledge, previous experience, and current emotional situation. This paper proposes the architecture of a Petri net-based workflow engine â?? scheduled to be implemented in a AEHS - aiming to provide a reliable and efficient platform for the execution of learning course flows in a grid environment. Dealing with the question of adaptive management of learning content, the proposed p-timed Petri net is capable of presenting learning content adapted to the learnerâ??s Learning Style and knowledge background. The proposed schema is accurately tested using a p-timed Petri net simulator. The schema may now be extended to include other components of the learnerâ??s profile.
E-Learning using Cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Walker Jessie J , Swaid S. , Mortazvi M.
Published: June 2012

Cyberinfrastructure has become a major defining force for America, because of its economic, social, and national importance. Over the last two decades, scientists within all sectors of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) have witnessed an explosive rise of cyberinfrastructure as a research tool; universities are utilizing this infrastructure and its applications as an integral part of scientific education. The Arkansas Minority Cyberinfrastructure Training, Education Consortium (AMC-TEC), is a unique interdisciplinary cyberinfrastructure (CI) educational community within Arkansas to educate a majority minority student population, and faculty in cyberinfrastructure-oriented concepts, theories, practices, and principles within STEM at teaching-oriented Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The project focuses on developing the capacity of these institutions within three core areas as they relate to cyberinfrastructure e-learning resources, (1) institutional faculty development (2) tangible cyber-based student activities (3) CI curriculum enhancement. This paper presents some of the strategies that have been successfully deployed by the universities involved in the project to institutionalize a renaissance in STEM education, e-learning at student-focused universities, through the sharing of resources and expertise to transform STEM education and research by injecting in cyberinfrastructure resources.
Honorable Mention for CNUR816: Health Assessment at Ryerson University
Authors: Ahmed Mariam , Pirner Diane , Koechli Linda , Glynn Maureen
Published: June 2012

This article provides an overview of the digital learning objects created to address the need for
Design and Evaluation of Hydro-Pneumatic Friction Damper Suspension System
Authors: Gorabal S.V. , Kurbet S.N. , Appukuttan K.K.
Published: June 2012

Perceived comfort level and ride stability are the two most important factors in the evaluation of suspension system in a mobile vehicle. It is extremely difficult to simultaneously maintain a high standard of vehicle ride, handling and body control in the vehicle by using conventional passive suspension system. However, the use of active suspensions would result in better comforts than the passive ones. This paper presents the design and analysis of a pneumatic friction damper and hydro-pneumatic friction damper. A non-linear quarter car model is developed, which includes pneumatic actuation by pressure regulation. The performance of the proposed model was assessed in terms of level of vibration reduction. Simulations on a prototype model show that the proposed system has good performance and robustness.
Feature Recognition and Datum Extraction for Setup Planning and Operation Sequencing for Prismatic Parts
Authors: Reddy T. Srikanth , Shunmugam M. S.
Published: June 2012

An automated planning system extracts data from design models and processes it efficiently for transfer to manufacturing activity. Researchers have used face adjacency graphs and volume decomposition approaches which make the feature recognition complex and give rise to multiple interpretations. The present work recognizes the features in prismatic parts considering Attributed Adjacency Matrix (AAM) for the faces of delta volume that lie on rawstock faces. Conceptually, intermediate shape of the workpiece is treated as rawstock for the next stage and tool approach direction is used to recognize minimum, yet practically feasible, set of feature interpretations. Edge-features like fillets/undercuts and rounded/chamfer edges are also recognized using a new concept of Attributed Connectivity Matrix (ACM). In the first module, STEP AP-203 format of a model is taken as the geometric data input. Datum information is extracted from Geometric Dimension and Tolerance (GD&T) data. The second module uses features and datum information to arrive at setup planning and operation sequencing on the basis of different criteria and priority rules.
The Impact of FEM Modeling Parameters on the Computed Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of SLA Copper Shelled Electrodes
Authors: Iakovakis Vassilios , Kechagias John , Petropoulos George , Maropoulos Stergios
Published: June 2012

In this study, the authors use the finite element method to model and analyse a cylindrical copper shelled SLA electrode for EDM operations, which is investigated experimentally in literature. A uniform silver paint thickness and copper shell thickness is assumed around the SLA epoxy core. In the experiment, 2-D analysis was used due to the axissymmetric shape, and steady state and transient die sink EDMing simulations were followed. Modelling parameters are varied and their impact on the resulting temperature and stress fields is evaluated. The intermittent nature of the electrode thermal loading is also simulated with FEM transient analysis. It is shown that, using the finite element method, the influence of the copper shelled SLA electrode manufacturing and EDM-process parameters can be studied.
Roughness Optimization of Electroless Ni-B Coatings Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Das Suman Kalyan , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the authors present an experimental study of roughness characteristics of electroless Ni-B coatings and optimization of the coating process parameters based on L27 Taguchi orthogonal design. Three coating process parameters are considered viz. bath temperature, reducing agent concentration, and nickel source concentration. It is observed that concentration of reducing agent together with bath temperature play a vital role in controlling the roughness characteristics of the coatings. The analysis yields the optimum coating parameter combination for minimum roughness. A reduction of about 15% is observed in roughness at the optimal condition compared to the initial condition. The microstructure, composition, and the phase content of the coating are also studied with the help of scanning electron microscopes energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively.
Blended Learning Internationalization from the Commonwealth
Authors: Kinash Shelley , Crichton Susan
Published: June 2012

This case depiction addresses the contentious issue of providing culturally and globally accessible teaching and learning to international students in universities in the Commonwealth nations of Australia and Canada. The chapter describes the university systems and cultures, the barriers to authentic higher education internationalization, and the problems frequently experienced by international students. Two university cases are presented and analysed to depict and detail blended learning approaches (face-to-face combined with e-learning) as exemplars of culturally and globally accessible higher education and thereby ideologically grounded internationalization. Lessons learned are presented at the systems level and as teaching and learning solutions designed to address pedagogical problems frequently experienced by international students in the areas of communication, academic skills, teaching and learning conceptualization, and moving from rote learning to critical thinking. The blended learning solutions are analysed through the lens of critical theory.
Developing an E-Learning Course for a Global Legal Firm
Authors: Baltazar Gemma
Published: June 2012

This case study describes the considerations, challenges, and lessons learned in developing this online course, which is the foundation of an overall risk management training program for the Firm. Risk management is a very broad, deep, and complex topic which impacts the practice of law in many different ways. Recognizing that it is in meaningful discussions where learning most likely takes place, the project team’s challenge was to design an e-learning course that allows sufficient interactivity to engage the learner and stimulate thinking around issues they encounter in whatever legal area, and at whatever level they practice.
Integrating Culture with E-Learning Management System Design
Authors: Archee Ray , Gurney Myra
Published: June 2012

Although it is a legal requirement of all organizations to permit sensorially, cognitively, and physically disabled persons equitable access to public website information, cultural factors are seldom considered as important in the design of online information content. But many tertiary institutions have a highly diverse, multicultural student body whose learning needs require special attention. Usually, instructors transform existing lectures and exercises, then adds links, and discussions to create Web-supported units, but without any real understanding of possible cultural artifacts or inherent limitations of their online interfaces. This study reports on the results of an action research study whereby students were asked to comment on their preferences for three uniquely different purpose-built WebCT pages which comprised near-identical content. The students showed a definite preference for a sparse, menu-driven webpages as opposed to a colorful, congested, all-in-one interface, or the bare-bones WebCT interface.
Learning in Cross-Cultural Online MBA Courses
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Magjuka Richard J.
Published: June 2012

The rapid improvement in online communication technologies and the globalization of the economy have made offering transnational courses in online learning programs a popular trend. This chapter reports the findings of a case study that investigated the perceptions of international students regarding cultural challenges in their learning experiences during an online MBA program. The study revealed that international students faced cultural barriers, including time management, transition to different instruction styles, time zone differences, case-based learning, and academic integrity, which affected their engagement in online MBA courses. Recommendations are made at the end of the chapter on how to improve the quality of the international students’ learning experiences in cross-cultural learning environments.
Integrated Cross-Cultural Virtual Classroom Exchange Program
Authors: O’Neill Eunhee Jung
Published: June 2012

As information and communication technology (ICT) evolves, the scope of social interactions expands globally through the Web, and knowledge has become a key source for economic production. The capacity to understand diverse cultures and the ability to utilize ICT for knowledge acquisition and application have become critical to increasing and sustaining global solidarity, peace and development. Accordingly, society expects educational institutions to provide students with cultural learning opportunities and ICT skills. In an effort to address these issues, a cross-cultural virtual classroom exchange program using an online course management system was introduced to public schools in Korea and the USA. By investigating technological, pedagogical, and organizational factors, this paper analyzes the adaptability of public schools in Korea and the USA with respect to integrating cross-cultural virtual exchange activities within their respective curricula. Ultimately, this case recommends solutions for increasing adaptability, and invites international collaboration among education stakeholders to disseminate the cross-cultural virtual learning worldwide.
Informal Online Learning through the Mediterranean Youth Technology Club
Authors: Eteokleous-Grigoriou Nikleia
Published: June 2012

The Mediterranean Youth Technology Club is a bridge building initiative designed to empower and educate youth, providing them with tools that would enable them to become socially and culturally responsible leaders. Within MYTecC youth simultaneously follow three different but complimentary curricula: English, Social-Virtual, and Technology in an informal educational setting, extensively using Web 2.0 tools. Two MYTecC cycles have been finalized, and a new one is in the process of being initiated. The current study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of MYTecC. It aims to capture the overall MYTecC experience from students’ and instructors’ perspectives. Additionally, it measures the development of youth’s social-cultural and leadership skills, skills and knowledge developed, as well as attitude changes. Finally, it evaluates the role of Web 2.0 tools in achieving the above.
Oral Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication between SL Students
Authors: Planas Sergi Roura
Published: June 2012

Different ways of communication are encouraging the development of a different societal texture where social networking sites, blogs, or other Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) tools are employed. The “youngcast” project, an international students’ exchange, has been designed to cope with the demands of this technologically globalized context we are immersed in; in this project, an online platform is used and Oral Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (OSCMC) exchanges are scheduled in order to join English and Spanish Second Language (SL) learners from different parts of the world. A case study, aimed to discover some of the preliminary factors inhibiting participants from taking part in the OSCMC exchanges, resulted in the design of an updated version of the online platform; this new environment is more focused on facilitating online communication between tandem partners and keeping track of some of their learners’ production for ulterior feedback.
Integrative Language and Culture Learning
Authors: Smith Pete , Marston Jan
Published: June 2012

VLS provided a model that supports study in less commonly taught languages at smaller and medium size colleges and universities, and that can also inform distance education or self-directed on-line study of languages in a broad range of institutions, organizations, and agencies.
Interactive Trivia of Laws of the Game as a Resource for Training FIFA Football Referees
Authors: Armenteros Manuel , Benítez Anto J. , Curca Diana-Gabriela
Published: June 2012

This chapter presents the interactive trivia game developed by the TECMERIN research group in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) as an online educational resource to facilitate the learning process for football referees and assistant referees. The interactive trivia model uses a total of 1500 multiple-choice questions. This research explains the structure and dynamics of the game, the technology used, its structure, and the theoretical basis. The model has been tried out by eleven international referee instructors in order to test the user experience as felt by the participants. The results obtained show great satisfaction in the game as an educational resource and confirm the immediate possibility of extrapolating the model to other areas of sport.
Visualizing Plant Community Change Using Historical Records
Authors: Brister Evelyn , Hane Elizabeth , Korfmacher Karl
Published: June 2012

Ecological data from land surveys from 1811 for the 100,000-acre Connecticut Tract in western New York were transcribed and then analyzed using ArcGIS and IDRISI GIS software. The surveys contained both witness tree data and line descriptions, which were analyzed for species composition and community type. Results illustrate that many changes have occurred in species composition. Possible causes of these changes to the mature forests may include introduced pests and diseases or anthropogenic land-use change. Comparisons to the National Wetlands Inventory Database reveal that while some of the wetlands that were present in 1811 still exist today, particularly in the Byron-Bergen Swamp and in the wetlands along the Lake Ontario shoreline, other original wetlands have been lost while new wetlands have replaced some upland forests. This study helps elucidate past causes of temporal and spatial variability, and it provides a reference point for land managers who need to understand the effects of land-use history for ongoing restoration efforts.
Relating Transportation Quality Indicators to Economic Conditions in the South-Central U.S.
Authors: Comer Jonathan C. , Graham Amy K. , Brown Stacey R.
Published: June 2012

Investment in transportation infrastructure is widely assumed to spur economic growth, a belief that persists among both the general public and government officials. However, research has provided inconsistent evidence to date, and many researchers believe that good transportation is a necessary but insufficient condition for regional growth. This study examines the issue from a different perspective than the majority of past research, using spatial regression techniques to explore the relationship between transportation quality and regional economic development at an intermediate spatial resolution. Using federal highway statistics on pavement roughness and bridge quality, this research examines the relationship between measurable results of transportation spending, as evidenced by better quality roads and bridges, and various indicators of economic health. This relationship is examined in the South-Central U.S. (Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas) at the county level and uncovers moderate to weak regression coefficients overall but with notable spatial variations across the study area.
Using Volunteered Geographic Information to Assess the Spatial Distribution of West Nile Virus in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: McKnight Kevin P. , Messina Joseph P. , Shortridge Ashton M. , Burns Meghan D. , Pigozzi Bruce W.
Published: June 2012

West Nile Virus is a vector-borne flavivirus that affects mainly birds, horses, and humans. The disease emerged in the United States in 1999 and by 2001 had reached Michigan. In clinical human cases, the most common symptoms are fever, weakness, nausea, headache, and changes in mental state. The crow is the most common wildlife host in the life cycle of the virus. The state of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Community Health, collected the spatial locations of over 8,000 dead birds (Corvidae), statewide, during 2002. The large number of samples made spatial and temporal hotspot detection possible. However, the volunteer reporting method produced a dataset with a direct correlation between the numbers and locations of the dead birds and human population density and accurately identifying hotspots remains a challenge. Geographic variation in dead bird intensity was modeled using both global and local spatial clustering algorithms. Statistical models identified overall spatial structure and local clustering. Identification of hotspots was confounded by limited information about the collection procedures, data availability and quality, and the limitations of each method.
Research Commentary
Authors: Garrison William L. , Wellar Barry , MacKinnon Ross , Black William R. , Getis Arthur
Published: June 2012

Flexibility is what people seek when striving to increase or expand economic and social choices, equity, and technological innovations. Flexibility provides the robustness needed to adjust to changes such as those arising from a warmer/colder world, and the actions required when managing threats from and results of social strife, economic downturns, environmental catastrophes, infrastructure disruptions, and war. Flexibility is easy to praise at the level of principle, if allowed that a bit of stability and resistance to change does have merit. At the level of practice or operations the concept is most elusive, and explaining what flexibility means, why it is thwarted, and how it might be obtained is a challenging task. This paper begins by contrasting views of systems and their behaviors. Alternative explanations for behaviors thwarting flexibility are identified. Consequences of inflexible, locked-in development paths are illustrated using examples from transportation and similar systems. Suggestions for increasing flexibility are made after examining system behaviors in dynamic contexts. Academic, government, and industry experiences inform and color interpretations.
Leveraging the Science of Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Bunch Rick , Tapp Anna , Pathak Prasad
Published: June 2012

The Center for Geographic Information Science (CGISc) at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) was established in the Summer of 2006. CGISc is an educational research entity that relies on the use of GIS and the science of geographic information to conduct research on human and natural phenomena distributed on the Earth’s surface. CGISc welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration, and emphasizes the development of public-private sector partnerships. CGISc also places a high priority on research that involves students. This paper first provides an overview of the CGISc. This section is followed by a discussion on the fundamental approach to conducting geographic research using GIS. The paper concludes with several significant projects and a discussion on future directions.
Sharing Environmental Data through GEOSS
Authors: Giuliani Gregory , Ray Nicolas , Schwarzer Stefan , De Bono Andrea , Peduzzi Pascal , Dao Hy , Van Woerden Jaap , Witt Ron , Beniston Martin , Lehmann Anthony
Published: June 2012

Understanding the complexity of earth-system processes is crucial to convey improved information on the environment to decision-makers and the general public. Addressing this need by sharing environmental data is challenging because it requires a common agreed framework that allows easy and seamless integration of data from different sources. In this regard, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) portends major benefits through various sharing mechanisms and by giving access to services that could be linked together to process and generate new understandable knowledge and information. Various United Nations projects could greatly benefit from the GEOSS approach.
An Exploratory Theoretical Framework for Understanding Information Behaviour
Authors: Mosindi Osemeke , Sice Petia
Published: June 2012

Recent trends in researching Information Behaviour in organisations show that the initial focus on technology has shifted to cognitive methods that take the individual into account, but more recently there has been a move to the social sciences approach. Literature shows that this approach has been informative but rather theoretic as there has been limited work using this approach to handle information problems in organisations. There is a need to develop and test theories to help understand Information Behaviour in organisations in a social science context that gives direct benefits to the organisation. It is useful to view organisations as complex social networks of interactions, where importance is put on the relationships between people in the organisations, as well as on the individual actor. A need exists to evaluate and connect insights from social sciences communities of practice, and complexity theory. This paper explores insights from these theories and develops a conceptual framework for understanding Information Behaviour in organisations. Data collection is in a preliminary stage, reflections and observations, of the researcher and a few participants. The intention is to provoke thoughts along the lines of seeking to use a synergy between theories that can offer different and useful platforms to help better understand the impact of information behaviour on organizational culture.
ICT Integration in Nigeria
Authors: Eke Damian O.
Published: June 2012

In the past few decades, there has been a lineal relationship between technology and development- the belief that availability of technology would produce development. This is evident in the advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), together with their rapid application in all spheres of mankind’s life that have led many to call our society ‘the information society’. It has become an important tool of governance that should be employed by every country-a tool Nigeria has failed to apply effectively. This paper discusses ICT integration in Nigeria, its relevance as a tool of development, socio-cultural factors constraining its integration, and suggests ways of eliminating these factors.
The Influence of Information Control upon On-Line Shopping Behavior
Authors: Gu Linwu , Aiken Milam , Wang Jianfeng , Wibowo Kustim
Published: June 2012

Previous studies have explored privacy instruments and disclosures as factors that affect on-line shopping intentions or attitudes. However, few have evaluated how information control affects this behavior. This paper draws on psychological and social justice theories to gain an understanding of how information control impacts on-line purchasing directly or indirectly through the mediation of intrinsic motivation. The resulting causal model was validated using structural equations with data from 179 respondents. Results show that perceived information control affects cognitive absorption, and users, as expected, value procedural fairness.
Automatic Language Translation
Authors: Samanta Swadesh Kumar , Woods John , Ghanbari Mohammed
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the authors demonstrate that language diversity imposes a significant barrier in message communication like Short Messaging Service (SMS). SMS and other messaging services, including Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and e-mail, are widely used for person-to-person and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) communications due to their reach, simplicity and reliability of delivery. Reach and service delivery can be further enhanced if the message is delivered in the recipient’s preferred language. Using language translation software and a database server, the authors show that the messages can be delivered as per language preference of the recipient irrespective of the language of the original message. They demonstrate the proposed mechanism can deliver a large number of services, such as education, health care management, notification in emergency situations, news and weather reports, to those who are currently not able to access them due to language barrier.
A Usability Comparison of SMS and IVR as Digital Banking Channels
Authors: Peevers Gareth , Douglas Gary , Jack Mervyn A. , Marshall Diarmid
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the authors compare the usability of SMS mobile banking and automated IVR telephone banking. Participants (N = 116) used SMS banking and IVR banking to find their account balance in a repeated-measures experiment. IVR banking scored higher for usability metrics: effectiveness, attitude, and quality. There was no clear difference in rank order of preference between the two channels. Participants gave positive comments regarding speed and efficiency with SMS banking, but had serious doubts over the security of the SMS channel, impacting consumer trust in SMS banking. The authors argue that usability problems and security concerns are a major factor in the low adoption of SMS mobile banking. Older users were less positive in general to SMS banking compared with the more established IVR banking. Older users had lower first time completion rates for SMS banking and gave IVR banking higher attitude and quality scores.
Multimedia Technology in the Financial Services Sector
Authors: Peevers Gareth , Douglas Gary , Jack Mervyn A.
Published: June 2012

Participants (N=71) took part in mortgage interviews with a human agent interacting with a computer using four different communication modes: a standard video ink, a video link with video-data, the telephone and face-to-face. Video-plus-data came significantly higher in the rankings than phone. It is argued that video-plus-data was found to be more useful than phone, as it provided the participants with more feedback on their mortgage negotiation. Usability and preference were highest for face-to-face. Usability of video was significantly higher than video-plus-data. Comments made by the participants suggest that this may have been due to the split-attention effect and it is argued that this could be diminished by usability improvements. There were no significant differences in usability between the two video services and the telephone. Reasons for this are explored. Differences between genders were also discovered with the phone being judged to be less usable by male participants. If face-to-face mortgage interviews are to be supplemented by other communication channels then users would find video-plus-data the most acceptable, but there is much room for further improvements in usability.
Barriers to e-Government Implementation in Jordan
Authors: Fidler Christine Sarah , Kanaan Raed Kareem , Rogerson Simon
Published: June 2012

This paper identifies and highlights the significance of Wasta as a barrier to e-government implementation within The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and is part of a wider qualitative research study of all barriers. A longitudinal research approach was applied to explore any dynamism within the presence of barriers over a three year study, as well as to seek a richer understanding of such barriers. Data, principally collected via interviews with relevant stakeholders, was analysed using Strauss and Corbin’s variant of grounded theory. Using illustrative quotations primarily from interview transcripts, this paper enunciates the significant and persistent role that Wasta plays in hindering Jordan’s e-government implementation, both as an explicitly mentioned barrier and as cause of other barriers. The paper supports the view that culture is a root cause of e-government implementation difficulty, and that barriers vary with the different country settings in which e-government systems are embedded.
Effects of Email Utilization on Higher Education Professionals
Authors: Chase Nancy M. , Clegg Becky
Published: June 2012

This exploratory study examines the impact of email as a primary communication technology upon the perceptions and work behaviors of higher education professionals who support university administrative functions. Based on the interviews and observations of 23 participants, key themes emerged regarding the relationship of email to the interactions of higher education professionals. Findings are presented in three sections: (1) impact on productivity, (2) impact on social interactions, and (3) impact on well-being. The professionals who participated in this study articulated the importance of face-to-face interaction particularly in complex situations; they recognize the need to manage email sender expectations to deal with their own work stresses, and strive to temper the negative impact of constant disruption by email on workplace productivity.
Multi-Modal Professional Development for Faculty
Authors: Anderson Sheri , Oyarzun Beth
Published: June 2012

This chapter describes a multi-modal faculty professional development program designed using the Analyze, Design, Development, Implement, and Evaluation process (ADDIE) and the Community of Learners model. The program includes a general training series, one-on-one trainings, on-demand training, as well as social events. The general training series is offered synchronously via face-to-face and webinar formats simultaneously. This training series is also offered asynchronously via training videos and slides that are published to a website. Additionally, the professional development program encourages faculty to support one another and share their experiences through social events and colloquiums. This multi-modal approach creates an adaptable and flexible environment that allows the professional development program to meet the needs of a diverse group of faculty.
Two Quadrants for the Development of Virtual Environments to Support Collaboration between Teachers
Authors: Stevens Ken
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to outline how pre-service teacher education can be adapted to the emergence of virtual educational structures and processes that complement traditional classes. The chapter is based on research conducted in rural schools in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador that links in-service and pre-service teachers to provide insights for the latter into real-life, networked classrooms, particularly those located in communities located beyond major centres of population, to which most students were likely to be appointed. Face-to-face groups of pre-service teachers were able to include virtual practicing teachers in their discussions. The significance of this study will be judged by the extent to which professional discourse between pre-service and in-service teachers reflects the virtual challenge of intranets to the physical isolation of traditional schools.
Using Virtual World Technology as a Faculty Development Tool in Higher Education
Authors: Wood Linda W.
Published: June 2012

Higher education institutions are constantly challenged with the task of educating a technology savvy generation of students. Colleges must be able and ready to meet the needs of these digital-age students. What are the perceptions of college faculty of using virtual world technology as a teaching tool in the classroom? The purpose of this chapter is to explore how virtual world environments can be used as a faculty development tool in order to encourage the use of virtual worlds as a teaching tool in the classroom. This chapter references research from a mixed methods study exploring college faculty perceptions of the adoption of virtual world technology into the classroom, which in turn, provides insight to the willingness of higher education faculty to adopt this type of technology. In addition, the final section of the chapter includes a suggested guide on how to create a virtual world faculty development workshop based in Linden Lab’s Second Life.
Assessment Processes for Online Professional Development
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: June 2012

Professional development (PD) assessment is an ongoing, integral activity in order to improve results at individual, training, program, and institutional levels. Principles of assessment are outlined, and the general processes of assessment design, delivery, and analysis are explained. Technology greatly expands the possible data that can be collected for assessment purposes. Emphasis is placed on online environments, noting the issues that are unique to that environment.
Online Education
Authors: Lorgnier Nicolas G. , O’Rourke Shawn M. , Coward Patricia A.
Published: June 2012

Young people will have to change their names in order to escape their “cyber past,” prophesized Eric Schmidt (Google’s CEO) in August 2010. This provocative thought from the principal opponent of Facebook may be considered a strategic maneuver, but it also highlights the deep societal changes coming with the continuing development of social media. From the instructors’ perspective, people may wonder if online education could help students develop their communication skills in the era of web 2.0. But others may contend that a priority has to be given to the class content, not to another use of the media, which simply provides a new channel to enhance the learning experience. This chapter proposes a first step to reconcile the two perspectives and shows that improving students’ communication skills and awareness when teaching in an online environment can enhance student learning and help personal branding, i.e. developing the ability to package their skills and to showcase their distinctive attributes. To help demonstrate this, results from the authors’ courses are provided.
Implicit Memory and Aging
Authors: Was Christopher A. , Woltz Dan J.
Published: June 2012

There is clear evidence that aging has an effect on memory. However, not all memory processes suffer as one ages. In the current chapter, the authors review the distinctions between explicit memory (i.e., effortful storage and retrieval of information) and implicit memory (i.e., learning and memory that do not require conscious effort). They then review the evidence indicating that implicit memory does not decline at the same rate as explicit memory. They authors then discuss the possibility of using implicit memory processes (e.g. procedural memory), to aid explicit memory processes (e.g., declarative memory). Finally, they discuss the need and the opportunity to incorporate information and communications technologies into the lives of older adults in order to support memory and learning.
Technology as a Bridge between Health Care Systems and Older Adults
Authors: Morrow Daniel , Chin Jessie
Published: June 2012

The authors explore the role of technology in supporting collaboration between health care providers and older adults. They focus on two technologies that help link patients to their providers by giving them access to health information and services: 1) patient portals to Electronic Health Records, and 2) Personal Health Record systems. Theories of distributed cognition and common ground are used to frame a review of the small but growing body of research that investigates which older adults use or do not use these technologies, and why. The findings, while sparse, suggest that older adults with lower levels of health literacy stand to benefit the most from this technology, but they tend to have fewer cognitive, literacy, and other psychosocial resources needed to take advantage of the technology. This discrepancy is due in part to systems that are not designed with older adults’ needs and abilities in mind. The authors conclude with recommendations for improving the use of these tools to support patient/provider collaboration by making them easier to use, and by integrating them with other communication media to support the broader context of the patient/provider relationship.
Internet Use among Older Adults
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Lee Bob , Kirk Robert M.
Published: June 2012

Older adults (65 and above) are the fastest growing population to use computers and the Internet in their everyday lives. The primary purpose of this chapter is to use a Lifespan Developmental Perspective to examine both the constraints and the opportunities of Internet use among older adults. Given age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes, older adults may encounter different constraints in Internet use from younger adults. The Selective Optimization with Compensation model is used to explore opportunities for older adults in using the Internet to improve quality of life. Future product designs and training programs should take into account older adults’ physical and cognitive limitations, as well as their socio-emotional needs. It is also recommended that social policies should help older adults overcome these constraints in order to reduce age-related digital divide and promote quality of life for older adults.
Remote Care Delivery Technologies
Authors: Hill Robert D.
Published: June 2012

This chapter presents a guided framework for describing Remote Care Delivery Technologies (RCDT) in the processes of healthcare management among older patients diagnosed with chronic disease. To date, a process framework for the application of RCDT for chronic health conditions has not been systematically described, although much of the literature in RCDT, including telemedicine and telehealth, has focused on intervening with issues that involve the monitoring of chronic disease symptoms and the coordination of ongoing care. To elucidate how this process framework operates in managing chronic health conditions examples are provided from the published literature to clarify and differentiate each of the steps of this framework. A final section describes guidelines informed by this framework for providing RCDT in the management of chronic disease.
Using Technology to Reach Caregivers of Veterans with Dementia
Authors: Daniel Candice M. , Hicken Bret , Luptak Marilyn , Grant Marren , Rupper Randall
Published: June 2012

Caregivers of persons with dementia experience higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and other mental health problems, as well as increased rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality compared to their non-caregiving peers. They also face significant challenges in accessing support from local, state, and VA resources. Several empirically supported treatments have been developed to assist these caregivers. However, accessing these interventions can be difficult given the extent and demand of their caregiving duties. To address this problem, the authors developed a psycho-educational caregiver intervention for use with in-home digital technology that is currently underway at three Veteran’s Health Affairs (VA) health care centers. The chapter provides: 1) a brief summary of the background and rationale for intervention development; 2) an overview of the project; and 3) the issues and lessons learned from developing interventions using digital technology for use with older adults.
Organizational IT Sustainability Measures
Authors: Smeitink M. H. , Spruit M.
Published: June 2012

This chapter provides an overview of contemporary measures to improve environmental IT sustainability, and explains how to prioritize these measures. The question is not if, but how and when organizations should be addressing sustainability issues, due to expected growth in regulations and growth in stakeholder pressure. In mitigating these sustainability problems, the role of IT is ambiguous. IT is both part of the problem and part of the solution to the problem. This research explains how IT-related opportunities in organizations can support a sustainable environment, and how these relate to organizational goals.