bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergent/See
Authors: Sanford Kathy , Merkel Liz
Published: May 2011

In the fall of 2006 the authors’ ethnographic research study began in a response to increasing social concern regarding adolescent (dis)engagement in school literacy practices. The authors began data collection in a grade 9/10 Information Technology (IT) class wherein students were in the process of creating their own videogames as a way to learn programming. Through observations and interviews with students, teachers and parents, they have begun to consider how knowledge developed through creating video games informs the way young people see and engage in the world. They introduce emergence theory to illuminate how their understandings and skills can be used to provide more meaningful learning experiences in formal learning/school experiences. This chapter will demonstrate how these students were engaged in a powerful, emergent learning experience, and one that is very different to the traditional Eurocentric schooling approach, one often not recognized or understood as credible learning.
Predicting the Participation in Information Society
Authors: Zimic Sheila
Published: May 2011

The approach in this chapter is to recognize what is said to be important regarding the feeling of participation in the information society. The perceived feeling of participation is assumed to be an important indicator for young people´s online experiences. In previous research, digital skills and other related concepts such as self-efficacy and a relationship with technology are shown to be important in order to be able to participate in the information society. In this case, there is an exploration into the amount that social factors, digital skills, self-efficacy and a relationship with technology are able to explain the variance in perceived feelings regarding participation. It has been determined that education, self-efficacy, instrumental computer skills, information skills and strategic skills can explain 22 percent of the variance in the perceived feeling of participation. This implies that young people themselves might define other factors as being more important with regards to participation in the information society.
Learning Competence for Youth in Digital Lifelong Learning Society
Authors: Yang Sujuan , Fan Yihong
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to identify challenges and opportunities of learning in rapidly changing digital age, and to propose a theoretical framework of classifying potentially useful learning competences for youths in digital lifelong learning society. The rapid development of technology, economics and society have placed unprecedented challenges to people in all countries and all walks of life, thus demand new ways of learning, or lifelong learning to help people function in this ever changing world more successfully. The framework of learning competences proposed in this chapter encompasses meta-cognition, learning strategies, transfer of learning, and information literacy. All of them are discussed in details in the chapter. Although the framework has the function to help learners achieve learning success in digital environment, a further research involving youth on development and application of it in the digital lifelong learning environment is needed as a next step of research. Therefore, experimental research is needed to further test and adjust the proposed theoretical framework in a digital lifelong learning environment.
To Be Continued…
Authors: Wikström Patrik , Olin-Scheller Christina
Published: May 2011

This chapter contributes to the existing body of knowledge on fan fiction by reporting the findings from a quantitative and qualitative study on fan fiction in a Swedish context. The authors contextualize the fan fiction phenomenon as a part of a larger transformation of the media sphere and the society in general where media consumers’ role as collaborative cultural producers grows ever stronger. They explore what kind of stories inspire the writers and conclude that as in many other parts of the entertainment industry, fan fiction is dominated by a small number of international media brands. The authors show how fan fiction can play an important role in the development of adolescents’ literacies and identities and how their pastime works as a vehicle for personal growth.
The Use of Interactive Media in Identity Construction by Female Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Authors: Aramide Oyewole Jaiyeola
Published: May 2011

The world has become a global village with the aid of the internet whose attributes and capabilities are constantly surpassing all other sources of information that existed before it. The internet facilitates accessibility and availability. Distance in communication has evaporated, making interpersonal and group communication across continents possible and easy. However, a more outstanding use is recorded in its interactive segment. These interactive media come in the forms such as Chat rooms, Facebook, and Email. The chapter examines the uses of the internet interactive media by a selected group of Nigerian female undergraduates in identity construction. Results show sample population prefer and use the facebook for internet interactions due to its affordances. The e-mail and chat room media followed closely in order of preference. The findings support the uses and gratification theory which holds that people manipulate the media for self gratification.
Youth, Sexuality and the Internet
Authors: Daneback Kristian , Löfberg Cecilia
Published: May 2011

Prior research on the use of the internet for sexual purposes has primarily focused on its negative and problematic aspects, such as compulsivity and addiction. Thus, little is known about any possible benefits. The purpose of the current chapter is to focus on how young people aged 12-24 use the internet as a source of knowledge about sexuality. The results rely on qualitative and quantitative data collected in Sweden at various points in time between 2002 and 2009. Young people seek information about various things in relation to sexuality. The primary reason is to gain knowledge about bodily functions and sexual performance. The qualitative data also indicated gender differences in how sexual issues were communicated online. Some young people sought sex information to become sexually aroused while others viewed online pornography to gain knowledge about sexuality, suggesting a possible link between knowledge and sexual arousal. The internet encompasses specific characteristics making it easier to communicate about sexuality in ways sometimes impossible offline. The fact that one can type while being physically distant to others appears to be a particular advantage with using the internet as a source for knowledge about sexuality compared to other ways of communication.
High-Speed Logic Level Fault Simulation
Authors: Ubar Raimund , Devadze Sergei
Published: May 2011

In the first part of the chapter, an introduction to the problem of logic level fault simulation is given together with the overview of existing fault simulation techniques. The remaining part of the chapter describes a new approach to fault simulation based on exact critical path tracing to conduct fault analysis in logic circuits. A circuit topology driven computational model is presented which allows not only to cope with complex structures of nested reconvergent fan-outs but also to carry out the fault reasoning for many test patterns concurrently. To achieve the speed-up of backtracing, the circuit is simulated on higher than traditional gate level. As components of the circuit network, fan-out free regions of maximum size are considered, and they are represented by structurally synthesized BDDs. The latter allow to reduce the number of internal variables in the computation model, and therefore to process the whole circuit faster than on the flat gate-level. The method is explained first, for the stuck-at fault model, and then generalized for an extended class of functional fault model covering the conditional stuck-at and transition faults. The method can be used for simulating permanent faults in combinational circuits, and transient or intermittent faults both in combinational and sequential circuits with the goal of selecting malicious faults for injecting into fault tolerant systems to evaluate their dependability. Experimental results are included to give an idea how efficiently the method works with different fault classes.
Delay Faults Testing
Authors: Baláž Marcel , Dobai Roland , Gramatová Elena
Published: May 2011

Embedded digital blocks and their interconnections have to be verified by at-speed testing to satisfy the quality and reliability of nowadays System-on-Chips (SoCs). Once a chip is fabricated, it must be tested for pre-specified clock frequency and therefore testing has also to cover speed related faults as well as stuck-at faults. Claim for delay fault testing grows with new technologies. The importance of researching the delay fault testing grows rapidly and obviously the results are published separately for individual problems. The purpose of the chapter is to give an introduction to testing the timing malfunctions in digital circuits. The classification of existing basic and advanced delay fault models is presented with advantages and limitations. The latest test application techniques are described for scan-based synchronous and asynchronous circuits.
Thermal-Aware SoC Test Scheduling
Authors: He Zhiyuan , Peng Zebo , Eles Petru
Published: May 2011

High temperature has become a technological barrier to the testing of high performance systems-on-chip, especially when deep submicron technologies are employed. In order to reduce test time while keeping the temperature of the cores under test within a safe range, thermal-aware test scheduling techniques are required. In this chapter, the authors address the test time minimization problem as how to generate the shortest test schedule such that the temperature limits of individual cores and the limit on the test-bus bandwidth are satisfied. In order to avoid overheating during the test, the authors partition test sets into shorter test sub-sequences and add cooling periods in between, such that applying a test sub-sequence will not drive the core temperature going beyond the limit. Furthermore, based on the test partitioning scheme, the authors interleave the test sub-sequences from different test sets in such a manner that a cooling period reserved for one core is utilized for the test transportation and application of another core. The authors have proposed an approach to minimize the test application time by exploring alternative test partitioning and interleaving schemes with variable length of test sub-sequences and cooling periods as well as alternative test schedules. Experimental results have shown the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Reduction of the Transferred Test Data Amount
Authors: Novák Ondrej
Published: May 2011

The chapter deals with compression and-or compaction of the ATPG test vectors and their decompression with the help of on-chip automata. The authors describe ad-hoc test compression methods and compression techniques using subsidiary data from an ATPG. Another possibility of test data amount reduction is to use mixed-mode BIST methods that generate patterns in an autonomous built-in TPG together with deterministic patterns from a tester for a CUT exercising. The authors describe different automata that can generate deterministic test patterns after seeding by a deterministic seed. It is shown that these methods can be similarly efficient as test pattern decompressing automata. The described methods are compared according to their efficiency and the most common test compression techniques used by industrial compression tools are shown.
Architecture-Driven Modernization
Authors: Pérez-Castillo Ricardo , Rodríguez de Guzmán Ignacio García , Piattini Mario
Published: May 2011

Legacy information systems can be a serious headache for companies because, on the one hand, these systems cannot be thrown away since they store a lot of valuable business knowledge over time, and on the other hand, they cannot be maintained easily at an acceptable cost. For many years, reengineering has been a solution to this problem because it facilitates the reuse of the software artifacts and knowledge embedded in the system. However, reengineering often fails due to the fact that it carries out non-standardized and ad hoc processes. Currently, software modernization, and particularly ADM (Architecture-Driven Modernization), standardized by the OMG, is proving to be an important solution to that problem, since ADM advocates carrying out reengineering processes taking into account the principles and standards of model-driven development. This chapter provides an overview of ADM and shows how it allows legacy information systems to evolve, making them more agile, preserving the embedded business knowledge, and reducing maintenance costs. Also, this chapter presents the software archeology process using ADM and some ADM success stories.
Methods for Statistical and Visual Comparison of Imputation Methods for Missing Data in Software Cost Estimation
Authors: Angelis Lefteris , Sentas Panagiotis , Mittas Nikolaos , Chatzipetrou Panagiota
Published: May 2011

Software Cost Estimation is a critical phase in the development of a software project, and over the years has become an emerging research area. A common problem in building software cost models is that the available datasets contain projects with lots of missing categorical data. The purpose of this chapter is to show how a combination of modern statistical and computational techniques can be used to compare the effect of missing data techniques on the accuracy of cost estimation. Specifically, a recently proposed missing data technique, the multinomial logistic regression, is evaluated and compared with four older methods: listwise deletion, mean imputation, expectation maximization and regression imputation with respect to their effect on the prediction accuracy of a least squares regression cost model. The evaluation is based on various expressions of the prediction error and the comparisons are conducted using statistical tests, resampling techniques and a visualization tool, the regression error characteristic curves.
Formalization Studies in Functional Size Measurement
Authors: Özkan Baris , Demirörs Onur
Published: May 2011

Functional size has been favored as a software size attribute that can be measured early in the software development cycles. Its characteristics of being independent of implementation language, technique and technology promoted the use in software cost estimation and other project management practices. It has been about three decades since Albrecht introduced the concept of functional size and a variety of measurement methods have been developed, some of which have been published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Although the concept is recognized in the software community, and there is a growing interest in Functional Size Measurement (FSM), the applications in software organizations have not been common as expected. The problems with FSM method structures and practices have been discussed to be the major factors to explain this situation. This chapter reviews the research papers that propose solutions to the problems with FSM via formalizations in FSM practices or related concept definitions. The associations of the formalization ideas to the abstract software models that represent the view of functionality for FSM methods are of particular interest of the chapter.
Software Development Governance
Authors: Er Nagehan Pala , Erbas Cengiz , Erbas Bahar Çelikkol
Published: May 2011

Software development governance can be defined as the application of “governance” in software engineering in order to increase the probability of success in the level of individual projects as well as in the level of the organization comprising many interrelated projects. The topic deserves an interdisciplinary perspective, as the general subject of governance has been analyzed quite extensively under the field of Transaction Cost Economics. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the identification of three main modes of governance for software engineering, namely: top-down governance, bottom-up governance and reuse governance, each having unique transaction cost characteristics. To be cost effective, (1) the organizations should adapt the right governance structure for their projects based on their characteristics, and (2) the software development tools should support and be in alignment with the underlying governance structure. In this chapter, we briefly overview the first premise and then outline an approach to address the second premise, specifically tackling the issue of tools integration, for software modeling and configuration management tools. We use Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) to represent the mapping between governance structures and software modules, propose a configuration management approach for each mode of software governance, and demonstrate a successful integration using Lattix LDM, IBM Rational ClearCase and IBM Rational Rhapsody, three broadly available tools in the software industry.
Copying with Dynamic Change
Authors: Liyanage Jayantha P.
Published: May 2011

The business environment around the world is in a continuous evolution process due to changes in global dynamics. Even though the energy sector has relied much on the known sources, the production process has gone through some notable changes due to inherent challenges and developments in knowledge management and technology use. The Offshore oil & gas production industry today, at least in the North Sea, is at a cross-road where the traditional operational concepts are seriously challenged due to various risk factors and commercial uncertainties. Subsequently, ‘Intergrated eOperations’ (IO) was adapted as the business solution for a sustainable future seeking major benefits by major players in the sector. This has begun to re-engineer the traditional practices and commercial operations, and the industry continuously seeks novel solutions for 24/7 online real-time operations. In this unique ‘eBusiness’ environment, SMEs encounter various technical and operational challenges to cope with the mass scale dynamic change process. In order to utilize IO for commercial advantage, SMEs are in the process of exploring various interface solutions today. With respect to the ongoing developments and the scopes of IO, ‘Collaborative business interfacing’ that is discussed in this chapter is to enable the SMEs to be ‘smarter together’ to capitalize on the potentials of IO through a strategic capability acquisition process. In the IO setting, and the eBusiness environment that it is expected to create, strategic business change is not an option for SMEs but an inevitable issue for survival and growth.
The Diffusion of Internet Technology in Rural Minnesota
Authors: Jones Susan M. , Stover Ronald G.
Published: May 2011

Two independent variables were statistically significant in predicting whether an organization would have a Web page: 1) organizational size measured by the number of paid employees; and 2) organizational complexity indexed by the number of unique job descriptions, physical locations in Minnesota, and physical locations in other states. The results of this research provide practical information to formal organizations considering the adoption of an organizational Web page.
Satisfaction as a Function of Perceived Change in Likelihood of Goal Attainment
Authors: Reinig Bruce A. , Briggs Robert O. , de Vreede Gert-Jan
Published: May 2011

E-collaboration users tend to abandon their technology when they feel dissatisfied by their experience, even if they have been productive. It is therefore important to understand the causes of satisfaction so we can design and deploy e-collaboration in ways that make users both productive and satisfied. We advance a theory proposing satisfaction as a function of a perceived change in the likelihood of goal attainment (LGA). We test the theory in two countries (United States and The Netherlands) that differ along Hofstede’s (1991) masculinity-femininity cultural dimension. Empirical findings support the theory in both countries among 367 knowledge workers using e-collaboration to address real organizational problems and issues. We discuss the implications for research and practice.
E-Collaboration Systems
Authors: Riemer Kai
Published: May 2011

E-Collaboration systems have become the backbone infrastructure to support virtual work in and across organizations. Fuelled by recent technology trends the market today offers an abundance of systems that often support a wide range of communication and collaboration features. In this article I present a study that aims to shed light on the market for E-Collaboration systems by structuring the range of available systems into meaningful classes. To this end, a sample of 94 E-Collaboration systems were characterized using a classification approach. A cluster analysis led to the identification of five system classes and a range of sub classes. I describe the system classes and discuss trends of systems integration and convergence. The results should be equally helpful for researchers who deal with E-Collaboration systems as their objects of interest, as well as for business executives, who need to gather information to support buying decisions.
Privacy and Security in e-Health Applications
Authors: Petkovic Milan , Ibraimi Luan
Published: May 2011

The introduction of e-Health and extramural applications in the personal healthcare domain has raised serious concerns about security and privacy of health data. Novel digital technologies require other security approaches in addition to the traditional “purely physical” approach. Furthermore, privacy is becoming an increasing concern in domains that deal with sensitive information such as healthcare, which cannot absorb the costs of security abuses in the system. Once sensitive information about an individual’s health is uncovered and social damage is done, there is no way to revoke the information or to restitute the individual. Therefore, in addition to legal means, it is very important to provide and enforce privacy and security in healthcare by technological means. In this chapter, the authors analyze privacy and security requirements in healthcare, explain their importance and review both classical and novel security technologies that could fulfill these requirements.
How Knowing Who, Where and When Can Change Health Care Delivery
Authors: Kearns William D. , Fozard James L. , Lamm Rosemarie S.
Published: May 2011

Everything that happens to a person during their lifetime happens in the context of place, and the movements made by the person through and within that place. Persons begin life with a birthplace; they remember exactly where they were when they first laid eyes on their true love, the street address of their first home, etc. New research suggests that changes in movement patterns which occur in home and public spaces may be significant indicators of declining mental and physical health. In this chapter the authors discuss efforts to measure natural human movement, present a novel technique that uses a referential grid system to study the relationship of movement to health changes. The authors then present several syndromes whose understanding may be increased by a more thorough analysis of movement. They conclude with a discussion of how location aware technologies can play a role in identifying problems and solutions in the design of living spaces for the elderly.
Acceptance of Ambient Assisted Living Solutions in Everyday Life
Authors: Spellerberg Annette , Schelisch Lynn
Published: May 2011

The aim of “Ambient Assisted Living” -devices is to increase comfort and safety and to provide support for elderly people in their homes. In a housing estate in Kaiserslautern, Germany, a touch screen tablet-PC called PAUL (Personal Assistive Unit for Living), numerous sensors and an EIB/KNX-Bus were installed in 20 apartments. Within the framework of the project “Assisted Living”, Urban Sociologists from the University of Kaiserslautern analyzed the elderly people’s experiences and acceptance of the implemented home automation devices, especially of the tablet-PC over a period of two years of usage. Besides technical aspects social issues like community building are focused in the project. The main results of the project will be presented in the chapter.
Wearable Systems for Monitoring Mobility Related Activities
Authors: Zijlstra Wiebren , Becker Clemens , Pfeiffer Klaus
Published: May 2011

Monitoring the performance of daily life mobility related activities, such as rising from a chair, standing and walking may be used to support healthcare services. This chapter identifies available wearable motion-sensing technology; its (potential) clinical application for mobility assessment and monitoring; and it addresses the need to assess user perspectives on wearable monitoring systems. Given the basic requirements for application under real-life conditions, this chapter emphasizes methods based on single sensor locations. A number of relevant clinical applications in specific older populations are discussed; i.e. (risk-) assessment, evaluation of changes in functioning, and monitoring as an essential part of exercise-based interventions. Since the application of mobility monitoring as part of existing healthcare services for older populations is rather limited, this chapter ends with issues that need to be addressed to effectively implement techniques for mobility monitoring in healthcare.
Green Energy
Authors: Miller Wendy , Birkeland Janis
Published: May 2011

Despite the general evolution and broadening of the scope of the concept of infrastructure in many other sectors, the energy sector has maintained the same narrow boundaries for over 80 years. Energy infrastructure is still generally restricted in meaning to the transmission and distribution networks of electricity and, to some extent, gas. This is especially true in the urban development context. This early 20th century system is struggling to meet community expectations that the industry itself created and fostered for many decades. The relentless growth in demand and changing political, economic and environmental challenges require a shift from the traditional ‘predict and provide’ approach to infrastructure which is no longer economically or environmentally viable. Market deregulation and a raft of demand and supply side management strategies have failed to curb society’s addiction to the commodity of electricity. None of these responses has addressed the fundamental problem. This chapter presents an argument for the need for a new paradigm. Going beyond peripheral energy efficiency measures and the substitution of fossil fuels with renewables, it outlines a new approach to the provision of energy services in the context of 21st century urban environments.
Green IS
Authors: Holmström Jonny , Mathiassen Lars , Sandberg Johan , Wimelius Henrik
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the authors investigate the role of ICT in dealing with environmental challenges facing contemporary industrial organizations. Green IS research can essentially be divided into two groups, focusing on technology per se or on providing tools that decreases environmental impact. Building on a planned research project the authors propose innovation of ICT-based services, and especially collaborative services, as useful strategies for providing firms with sense and respond capabilities in relation to environmental challenges. They also argue research that research relevance and multi-disciplinary competencies are key themes that IS researcher needs to acknowledge in order to contribute to practitioners efforts.
Information and Communication Technologies for a more Sustainable World
Authors: Hilty Lorenz M.
Published: May 2011

As has been discussed for decades, a reduction of the input of natural resources into industrial production and consumption by a factor of 4-10 is a necessary condition for Sustainable Development. This paper discusses the potential contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to such a dematerialization of the industrial societies and introduces a conceptual framework which accounts for positive and negative impacts of ICT on physical flows. This framework addresses three levels: the ICT life cycle itself, life cycles of other products influenced by ICT applications, and patterns of production and consumption. The conclusion is that ICT will only contribute to Sustainable Development if this technology is recognized and used as an enabler of a deep structural change; a transition towards an economic system in which value-creation is mainly based on information processing while keeping the physical properties of material within some limits that ensure that it can be recycled. This structural change will include the transition from a material-property-transfer mode to a service-transfer mode of consumption in areas where this is technically feasible and beneficial in terms of resource productivity. In such a post-industrial society, which may also be called a sustainable information society, open technological standards will play a crucial role, since they allow for complexity reduction while keeping competition alive, thus minimizing the risk of unmastered complexity in new critical infrastructures.
A Framework for the Implementation of Eco-Efficient Business Systems
Authors: Shakir Maha
Published: May 2011

Environmental sustainability is an important issue for many individuals, businesses, and governments nowadays. One of the road blocks to sustainable practice is cost, which is an important consideration, particularly for business. The eco-efficiency movement was initiated to address this concern. This chapter reviews the eco-efficiency concept and explains why it is becoming a current issue for many organizations today. The chapter further aims to understand eco-efficient implementation strategies and methods, and the important role that information systems play in creating the required organizational capabilities for these implementations. A framework of eco-efficiency implementation is developed through mapping eco-efficiency strategies to different implementation methods. The framework illustrates how each method is suitable for a particular eco-efficiency strategy. With the understanding that information systems form an integral part of most eco-efficiency implementations, the role of information systems in creating eco-efficiency capabilities is highlighted to enrich the framework.
Architecture, Design and Development of a Green ICT System
Authors: Ramaiya Kinjal , Shrinivasan Vivek , Bhargava Siddhartha
Published: May 2011

Green ICT systems provide the technological basis for organizations to adopt and implement Green ICT policies and practices. This system support can be enhanced by using the upcoming emerging technologies of Cloud computing, Web 2.0, Service Oriented Architecture and Mobile technologies. This chapter aims to incorporate these emerging technologies within Green ICT systems to help organizations be environmentally responsible. Green ICT can be considered as the adoption of an eco-friendly process by an organization in its practice of Information and Communication Technologies. The last decade, in particular, has seen profound awareness on the part of individuals as well as organizations in being environmentally aware. While automation and related computing activities continue to lead to exponential use of energy quotient, at the same time, Green ICT continues to chip away at the ‘resigned‘ views of the decision makers to environmental responsibilities. ICT operates at systems level, applications level, at the end-user level through the desktops and printers, and at the enterprise level through its data centers, servers and other infrastructure. Green ICT is all about optimization and improvement of the organizational processes without hindering its progress in the use of technology and simultaneously minimizing the organizational impact on the environment . This chapter will discuss the context provided by ICT in introducing an organization to a Green ICT system and explaining a detailed architecture and design of such a system. The issues discussed include Hardware and Software implementations, infrastructures and attitudes and policies of decision makers and how they influence global warming, including carbon emissions and the use of software applications in measuring and reporting carbon emissions.
Modeling of Green Supply Chain Logistics
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Wei
Published: May 2011

The green supply chain management has drawn researchers’ attention in recent years, but most of the proposed models for green topics on the subject are case based, and for this reason, they lack generality. In this work, the design of a supply chain network is studied. In this chapter, we try to overcome this limitation and a generalized model is proposed, in which a logistics chain network problem is formulated into a 0-1 mixed integer linear programming model and the decisions for the function of manufactures, distribution centers, and dismantlers will be suggested with minimum cost. A numerical example is provided for illustration.
An Artificial Life-Based Vegetation Modelling Approach for Biodiversity Research
Authors: Ch’ng Eugene
Published: May 2011

The complexity of nature can only be solved by nature’s intrinsic problem-solving approach. Therefore, the computational modelling of nature requires careful observations of its underlying principles in order that these laws can be abstracted into formulas suitable for the algorithmic configuration. This chapter proposes a novel modelling approach for biodiversity informatics research. The approach is based on the emergence phenomenon for predicting vegetation distribution patterns in a multi-variable ecosystem where Artificial Life-based vegetation grow, compete, adapt, reproduce and conquer plots of landscape in order to survive their generation. The feasibility of the modelling approach presented in this chapter may provide a firm foundation not only for predicting vegetation distribution in a wide variety of landscapes, but could also be extended for studying biodiversity and the loss of animal species for sustainable management of resources.
Evolutionary Bayesian Belief Networks for Participatory Water Resources Management under Uncertainty
Authors: Farmani R. , Savic D.A. , Henriksen H.J. , Molina J.L. , Giordano R. , Bromley J.
Published: May 2011

A participatory integrated (social, economic, environmental) approach based on causal loop diagram, Bayesian belief networks and evolutionary multiobjective optimisation is proposed for efficient water resources management. The proposed methodology incorporates all the conflicting objectives in the decision making process. Causal loop diagram allows a range of different factors to be considered simultaneously and provides a framework within which the contributions of stakeholders can be taken into account. Bayesian belief networks takes into account uncertainty by assigning probability to those variables whose states are not certain. The integration of Bayesian belief network with evolutionary multiobjective optimisation algorithm allows analysis of trade-off between different objectives and incorporation and acknowledgement of a broader set of decision goals into the search and decision making process. The proposed methodology is used to model decision making process for complex environmental problems, considering uncertainties, addressing temporal dynamics, uncovering discrepancies in decision analysis process (e.g. completeness or redundancy of the model based on utility function) and generating policy options that trade-off between conflicting objectives. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is examined in several water resources management problems. The case studies include optimum water demand management, UK; management of groundwater contamination of Copenhagen source capture zone areas, Denmark and simultaneous optimum management of four overexploited aquifers in Spain. It is shown that the proposed methodology generates large number of management options that trade-off between different objectives. The remaining task is to choose, depending on the preference of decision makers, a group of solutions for more detailed analysis.
A Composite Indicator to Measure Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Gómez-Limón José A. , Riesgo Laura
Published: May 2011

This paper deals with a comparative analysis of alternative methods of constructing composite indicators to measure the global sustainability of the agricultural sector. The comparison is implemented empirically on the irrigated agriculture of the Duero basin in Spain as a case study. For this purpose, the study employs a dataset of indicators previously calculated for different farm types and policy scenarios. The results enable us to establish a hierarchy of policy scenarios on the basis of the level of sustainability achieved. By analysing the heterogeneity of different farms types in each scenario, it is also possible to determine the main features of the most sustainable farms in each case. All this information is useful for the support of agricultural policy design and its implementation, as we attempt to improve the sustainability of this sector.
An Australian Rules Football Club Approach To Green ICT
Authors: Phuah Jeffrey
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the Green ICT approach of an Australian Rules football club. In the role of their IT Manager, I had the opportunity to undertake formal training and then formulate an approach to uplifting the club’s environmental credentials. This chapter is all about understanding the ICT equipment’s contribution to the overall emissions of the respective clubs and the industry as a whole. As a case study, this chapter starts with how the football industry is addressing the efforts to reduce carbon emissions, considers the potential for IT to be a low-carbon enabler and then applies it to a specific football club.
Applying Service Oriented Architecture and Cloud Computing for a Greener Traffic Management
Authors: Bhalla Ishan , Chaudhary Kamlesh
Published: May 2011

Traffic Management System (TMS) is a possible implementation of a Green IT application. It can have direct impact on reducing the greenhouse gases. The focus of this report is to illustrate how event driven SOA design principles can be applied in designing traffic management system. It also discusses how cloud computing concept can be used for TMS application. Traffic during peak hours is a problem in any major city where population growth far exceeds the infrastructure. Frequent stop and start of the cars on the heavy traffic roads and slow moving traffic causes greater fuel consumption, which results in greater emission of carbon gases. If efficient traffic management system can speed up the traffic average speed it will help reduce the carbon emission. As the WiMAX technology reaches maturity and achieves greater reliability and speed for wireless data transmissions new mobile applications are possible. Traffic Management System is one such example. WiMAX can facilitate communication to and from fast moving cars. WiMAX combined with GPS (Global Positioning System) technology can facilitate building an efficient traffic management system. The authors have also discussed various scenarios where Cloud computing technology can be utilised resulting in further optimisation of the computing resources and therefore reducing the carbon emission.
Digital Green ICT
Authors: Kamani Krunal , Kathiriya Dhaval , Virparia Paresh , Parsania Pankaj
Published: May 2011

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an irreplaceable component of practically every aspect of human activity with its impact buttressed by the omnipresent internet. While the developed world thrives on ICT capabilities, the developing economies are using it for leapfrogging into new levels of technological advancement. Modern ICT systems are made up of a complicated mix of people, networks, hardware and software. As their spread is increasing rapidly, issues such as energy, environment and related aspects have to be addressed ensure user satisfaction without damaging the ecosystem. This chapter focuses on green ICT aims to study and practice use of computers and other ICT resources efficiently laying stress on factors like reduction of hazardous components, maximization of energy efficiency, enhancing re-cyclability and biodegradability.
Environment-Enterprise Integration
Authors: Michelini R. C. , Razzoli R. P.
Published: May 2011

Part of manufacturers’ responsibility when bringing out new products is to consider their environmental footprint. The legal supply chain combines hardware/software delivery, granting on-duty conformance to use preservation, and end-of-life take-back, with compulsory recovery targets. These entrepreneurial competencies appear externally, in respect to old manufacturing practices, which were internal. Networking options provide fundamental technological aids. This chapter analyses some technologically-driven solutions which stand out for the exploitation of net concerns at these three integration levels: business project co-operation, through spot-wise agreements; the factually united organisation or virtual corporation; joint and several liability, or extended corporation. The checks are centered on the bottom up series of appraisals, to evidence the return on investment from below so that the partnership permanently spurs motivation and fosters competition through properly established facilities/functions integration into unified competitive entrepreneurial organisations.
Green Product Retrieval and Recommendations System
Authors: Liao Yi-Chun
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a preference-based recommendation procedure in a green product information retrieval system. It constructs a green information management system based on data mining technology. Green products and relevant green regulations were collected and then integrated in a content-based and collaborative filtering method to provide a preference-based query interface for green products. It is hoped that the proposed system offers consumers a green information platform when they are considering buying green products. Our proposed system recommends the best possible choices for consumers that indicate a green preference. Besides serving as a green information retrieval for the consumers, the system also assists the product designers with understanding the preference some consumers have for green products and the satisfaction they get from buying these products.
Mathematical-Modelling Simulation Applied to Help in the Decision-Making Process on Environmental Impact Assessment of Agriculture
Authors: Pessoa Maria , Fernandes Elizabeth , Nascimento de Queiroz Sonia , Ferracini Vera , Gomes Marco , Dornelas de Souza Manoel
Published: May 2011

The present chapter provides a brief explanation on some aspects involved in the development of models and mathematical-modelling simulations, to show their benefits to the decision-making process in the environmental impact assessment of agriculture. Aspects concerning the agroecosystems were also presented toward the sustainability of Brazilian agricultural production systems. Some applications which have been developed in Brazil were pointed out, as well as a specific case study conducted at the Guarani aquifer recharge area located in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, in order to show the influence of input data on the results provided by CMLS94 simulator.
Sustainable Urban Stormwater Management
Authors: Lee Shinyi , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: May 2011

Stormwater has been recognised as one of the main culprits of aquatic ecosystem pollution and as a significant threat to the goal of ecological sustainable development. Water sensitive urban design is one of the key responses to the need to better manage urban stormwater runoff, the objectives of which go beyond rapid and efficient conveyance. Underpinned by the concepts of sustainable urban development, water sensitive urban design has proven to be an efficient and environmentally-friendly approach to urban stormwater management, with the necessary technical know-how and skills already available. However, large-scale implementation of water sensitive urban design is still lacking in Australia due to significant impediments and negative perceptions. Identification of the issues, barriers and drivers that affect sustainability outcomes of urban stormwater management is one of the first steps towards encouraging the wide-scale uptake of water sensitive urban design features which integrate sustainable urban stormwater management. This chapter investigates key water sensitive urban design perceptions, drivers and barriers in order to improve sustainable urban stormwater management efforts.
The Relation Between ICT and Environmental Management Practice in a Construction Company
Authors: Jacobsson Mattias , Linde Anneli , Linderoth Henrik
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to draw attention to the use of ICT in the building and construction industry with a special interest in the day-to-day activities of those companies that are working to develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable production processes. The chapter is based on a comprehensive survey of ICT use and attitudes to environmental related issues in middle and large sized construction companies in Sweden and two case studies: One of ICT use in a larger Swedish building and construction company and one of communication, coordination, and decision making processes in a construction project. Based on the empirical data we argue that in order to enhance a more environmentally friendly building and construction industry there is a need for a more genuine cooperation and knowledge sharing between different actors both in crossing project boundaries as well as overriding contractual limitations. Decisions in a construction project must be taken earlier in the process and construction companies need to focus more on those processes over which they actually do have power.
Zoning Based on Climate and Soil for Planting Eucalyptus in Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: Alba José , Wrege Marcos , Garrastazu Marilice
Published: May 2011

Zoning based on climate and soil characteristics does not represent a full ecological-economic zoning procedure, as the Brazilian law establishes, but it is a positive step forward toward a sustainable use of natural resources. The Embrapa Temperate Climate Research Center has developed, with the collaboration of several entities from Brazil and Uruguay, a zoning procedure based on climate and soil for planting eucalyptus in southern region of Rio Grande do Sul State covering a total area greater than 3,5 million hectares. Three eucalyptus species were considered: Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Data were processed and integrated through statistical procedures and by using a GIS. The potential surface area for forestry surpasses 900,000 hectares, but a homogeneous exploitation of that territory is limited by legal restrictions.