bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICT in Vietnamese Education
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Boi , Lê Thao
Published: October 2011

It is important that your abstract clearly states the purpose of your chapter and summarizes the content. Unprecedented developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have currently pervaded educational settings the world over. Under the push towards innovative betterment and global connectivity, multiple forms of ICT, especially computers and the Internet, have been frantically implemented in educational systems in developed and developing countries alike. Prophecies of an educational evolution brought about by ICT, however, have not been fulfilled as there persists a great discordance between rhetoric and reality. Research into this field suggests that major challenges are often locally specific and strategic ICT approaches are to be made with contextual as well as socio-cultural considerations. This paper, therefore, aims mainly to investigate the development of ICT integration in Vietnamese education against the contemporary international landscape. It provides an overview of the current ICT-based educational advancement in Vietnam, followed by a detailed discussion of major challenges ushered in by the new-versus-old tensions and discourse conflicts. Practical implementations are also offered in an effort to actualize ICT promises in enhancing and transforming the educational system in Vietnam. This discussion could be relevant to any other developing countries, which have just embarked on and yet are committed to the process of evolutionizing their education via ICT.
Implications of ICT for Society and Individual
Authors: Ranjbar Mahan , Ghanbary Abbass
Published: October 2011

This chapter is an investigation into the effects of communication and Information Technology, the computer in particular, on our society and individual evaluating how computers may affect our life. A few thousand years ago Aristotle said that human beings are a social species. The omnipresent information and communication technology (ICT), on the other hand, has the power to disintegrate the conventional human communities into isolated individuals determining the potential problems that may influence our culture and social lives. This chapter discusses the changes that might have occurred in the society since the improvement of the Information Technology. Therefore, this discussion is an introductory investigation into such influence of ICT and its consequences on human societies.
Student Engagement with Technology
Authors: Falloon Garry
Published: October 2011

This chapter explores significant findings from a two-year study of 9 and 10 year old students working in a technology-rich classroom in the northern region of New Zealand. It specifically reports on outcomes relating to the nature of student engagement with learning tasks while using the technology, and poses some questions about the nature of this learning, and how it occurred. Using a case study methodology, the research utilized innovative screen recording software that allowed for authentic data to be collected about student work processes and interactions, as they navigated their way through learning tasks using the technologies at their disposal. Findings indicate that while student engagement and what appeared to be ‘on task’ behaviors were high, this was often not focused towards meeting planned learning outcomes, and that while the technology was a valuable resource to support the learning of more capable and independent students, others struggled to gain any significant learning benefit from its availability.
Towards an Activity-Driven Design Method for Online Learning Resources
Authors: Hauge Trond Eiliv , Dolonen Jan Arild
Published: October 2011

In this chapter we focus on the challenges we have encountered in the development of an activity-driven design method for online resources in an education programme for school leaders. The study is part of a follow-up research of the Digital Leadership Project (DLP) at the University of Oslo. The design method is experimental and grounded in Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). The study can be seen as a contribution within CHAT in terms of moving from the current use of CHAT as simply a descriptive evaluation tool between analysis and design or design and redesign towards a more developmental model. The study addresses the research problem of interrupting an existing education course design with new technologies and learning objects/resources to try to bridge the gap between different designs for learning. This research contributes to the understanding of how the interplay between cultural artefacts, such as pedagogical ideas, design methods, and technological solutions in a design activity can influence solutions and lead to tensions, which create opportunities for the transformation of the design as a whole.
Boundless Writing
Authors: Jaldemark Jimmy
Published: October 2011

This chapter discusses the application of a transactional approach to educational design. Its purpose is to describe how such an approach could be applied to a thesis course. To fulfill this purpose the chapter unfolds by indicating that the practice of supervision faces challenges from changes in society. Technology-enhanced participation in supervision is one answer to these challenges. Inspired by scholars such as Bakhtin, Dewey, and Vygotsky the applied transactional approach expands on ideas such as dialogues and educational settings. The implementation of these ideas into the educational design intersects within two principles, group-work, and open and public exchanges of information. The transactional approach is then illustrated with the help of a first-year undergraduate thesis course in the discipline of Education.
Authentic Tasks Online
Authors: Amiel Tel , Herrington Jan
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents an exploration of the design and methods of two instantiations of authentic learning tasks in online learning environments. The first case employs a service learning orientation involving a distance learning project taught to students in four sites in two countries, while the second case is of a multimedia-based learning environment employing a scenario to engage students in realistic, simulated learning activities. The two approaches are examined through reference to characteristics of authentic tasks. The chapter demonstrates a range of possibilities for the instructor interested in more informed design of technology-based learning environments in higher education, and in particular, the design and creation of authentic learning tasks.
The Impact of Instructional Simulation Use on Teaching and Learning
Authors: Johnson Michael C. , Graham Charles R. , Hsueh Su-Ling
Published: October 2011

As simulation usage becomes more prevalent in education, it is important to analyze how teaching and learning is impacted by its use. We present here a case study of a specific computer-based instructional simulation, the Virtual Audiometer, and instructor and student perspectives regarding the simulation use’s effects on teaching and learning. Specifically, findings are described within a model of five areas in which technology can effect education: visualization, authentic engagement, quality and quantity of practice and feedback, interaction and collaboration, and reflection. Although room for improvement was identified, data showed that in this specific case, the computer-based instructional simulation improved teaching and learning experiences in all five areas. An understanding of how simulations impact teaching and learning can help inform design of both the simulations produced for higher education and the implementation of these simulations within a course.
An Ecological Approach to Instructional Design
Authors: Resta Paul , Kalk Debby
Published: October 2011

The confluence of collaborative and social technologies, with the phenomenon of digital natives, creates new opportunities for learning environments, which, in turn, demand innovative instructional design strategies. An ecological approach to instructional design can yield rich learning environments that provide learners with authentic experiences. These learning experiences can be challenging, engaging, and effective, and provide students with deep appreciation of underlying processes, principles, and relationships. It’s a learner-centered design that features collaboration, authentic experiences, and complex environments. Designing for these complex systems requires thinking outside the boxes of traditional approaches. The ecological approach requires identifying the key contextual factors and interactions that are central to understanding and performing complex intellectual tasks. This non-linear process involves selecting appropriate technologies and social interactions, appropriate levels of scaffolding and support, and giving learners increasing levels of responsibility for their own successful outcomes.
An Evaluation of Customer-Centric Benefits Associated with Knowledge Management
Authors: Marešová Petra , Bureš Vladimír , Brunet-Thornton Richard , Otcenášková Tereza
Published: October 2011

Growing concern over the state of Knowledge Management (KM) in the Czech Republic has compelled both researchers and practitioners to document current trends. Our study in particular demonstrates that there is a growing awareness to promote KM as the appropriate vehicle to enhance and increase competitiveness and profitability no matter to what specific industry the enterprises may belong. Through KM adoption, the organisation develops a more customer-concentrated approach that sequentially increases internal efficiencies. Research in this area continues. It aspires to provide KM managers with the appropriate tools leading to successful KM implementation especially within the Czech Republic. This chapter analyses existing KM benefits and monitoring methods, and also explores a modified Cost-Benefit Analysis method focused on KM projects. It centres the customer and the general market environment as knowledge sources used to evaluate the appropriateness of a KM project.
Robust Network Services with Distributed Code Rewriting
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Tschudin Christian
Published: October 2011

Nature does not know the concept of a dedicated controlling instance; instead, “control” is an emergent phenomenon. This is in stark contrast with computer networking where protocol control loops are (seemingly) in charge: while the functional aspect of a networking service can be well mastered, the dynamic behavior is still difficult to understand and even control. In this chapter, we present a methodology how to design distributed software systems that are dynamically stable and robust in execution. It is based on continuously replicating a system’s own code base in order to thwart unreliable execution and even accidental code changes. The crucial part is to design the system such that it regulates its own replication. This can be achieved by an execution environment inspired by chemistry to which we add the concept of self-rewriting programs (Quines). With a link load balancing example we show how to exploit competition and cooperation in a self-rewriting service implementation.
The Dendritic Cell Algorithm for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Gu Feng , Greensmith Julie , Aicklein Uwe
Published: October 2011

As one of the solutions to intrusion detection problems, Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) have shown their advantages. Unlike genetic algorithms, there is no one archetypal AIS, instead there are four major paradigms. Among them, the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) has produced promising results in various applications. The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the potential for the DCA as a suitable candidate for intrusion detection problems. We review some of the commonly used AIS paradigms for intrusion detection problems and demonstrate the advantages of one particular algorithm, the DCA. In order to clearly describe the algorithm, the background to its development and a formal definition are given. In addition, improvements to the original DCA are presented and their implications are discussed, including previous work done on an online analysis component with segmentation and ongoing work on automated data pre-processing. Based on preliminary results, both improvements appear to be promising for online anomaly-based intrusion detection.
Application of Genetic Algorithms for Optimization of Anycast Routing in Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networks
Authors: Silva Éderson R. , Guardieiro Paulo R.
Published: October 2011

Delay and disruption tolerant networks (DTNs) have the capacity of providing data communication to remote and rural areas where current networking technology does not work well. In such challenging areas characterized by long duration partition, routing is a common problem. Anycast routing can be used for many applications in DTNs, and it is useful when nodes wish to send messages to at least one, and preferably only one, of the members in an anycast destination group. In this chapter, an anycast routing algorithm for DTNs based on genetic algorithms (GAs) is presented and analyzed. The GA is applied to find the appropriate combination of each path to comply with the delivery needs of the group of anycast sessions simultaneously. The routing algorithm based on GAs under consideration uses the concept of subpopulation to produce the next generation of the population, a limited number of solutions to be evaluated, and yields minimum delay in achieving a specified rate of delivery. Simulation results show that the studied GA-based anycast routing algorithm can produce good results.
Survey of Cross-Layer Optimization Techniques for Wireless Networks
Authors: Chao Han-Chieh , Chang Chi-Yuan , Chen Chi-Yuan , Chang Kai-Di
Published: October 2011

The explosive development of Internet and wireless communication has made personal communication more convenient. People can use a handy wireless device to transfer different kinds of data such as voice data, text data, and multimedia data. Multimedia streaming, video conferencing, and on-line interactive 3D games are expected to attract an increasing number of users in the future. The bandwidth requirement would be high and the heterogeneous terminals would generally provide limited resource, such as low processing power, low battery life and limited data rate capabilities. These applications would be the major challenge for wireless networks. Although the traditional layered protocol stacks have been used for many years, they are not suitable for the next generation wireless networks and the mobile systems. Due to the time varying transmission of the wireless channel and the dynamic resource requirements of different application, the traditional layered approach to the mobile multimedia communication is full of challenges to meet the user requirement on performance and efficiency. Cross-layer design is an interesting research topic that actively exploits the dependence between different protocol layers to obtain performance gains. The authors performed a survey and introduced the cross-layer design principles and issues for different research topics, including QoS, mobility, security, application, and the next generation wireless communication.
Scalable Video Delivery over Wireless LANs
Authors: Li Maodong , Chuah Seong-Ping , Chen Zhenzhong , Tan Yap-Peng
Published: October 2011

Recent advances in wireless broadband networks and video coding techniques have led the rapid growth of wireless video services. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive study on the transmission of scalable video over wireless local area networks (WLAN). We analyze first the mechanisms and principles of the emerging scalable video coding (SVC) standard. We then introduce the IEEE 802.11 standards for WLAN and related quality of service (QoS) issues. We present some studies of SVC over WLAN using cross-layer design techniques. We aim to exploit the unique characteristics of the scalable video coding technology to enhance personalized experience and to improve system performance in a wireless transmission system. Examples and analyses are given to demonstrate system performances.
Mobile Multimedia Streaming Using Secure Multipath in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Chen Lei , Lee Chung-Wei
Published: October 2011

Supporting reliable and secure multimedia streaming service is a challenging task in the environment of wireless Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) where radio signals are prone to security attacks and the quality of media streaming is degraded by signal strength loss and interference. The mobility of mobile devices makes streaming even more difficult as communication links are often broken when the devices move out of the transmission range of their neighbors. This paper proposes a stable multipath routing algorithm and an intelligent secure data distribution scheme for multimedia streaming in MANETs. The multipath Neighbor Stability Routing is able to find more stable and long-lasting paths than traditional ad hoc routing algorithms. The secure data distribution takes historical data-path distribution into consideration and maximally disperses new multimedia data to reduce the possibility of information leakage to unauthorized parties. The authors’ simulation and analysis indicate that the combination of these two mechanisms can provide high quality paths to achieve secure multimedia streaming.
Sensor Networks Security for Pervasive Healthcare
Authors: Krontiris Ioannis
Published: October 2011

Body-worn sensors and wireless interconnection of distributed embedded devices facilitate the use of lightweight systems for monitoring vital health parameters like heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure. Patients can simply wear monitoring systems without restricting their mobility and everyday life. This is particularly beneficial in the context of world’s ageing society with many people suffering chronic ailments. However, wireless transmission of sensitive patient data through distributed embedded devices presents several privacy and security implications. In this book chapter the authors’ first highlight the security threats in a biomedical sensor networks and identify the requirements that a security solution has to offer. Then the authors’ review some popular architectures proposed in the bibliography over the last few years and they discuss the methods that they employ in order to offer security. Finally the authors’ discuss some open research questions that have not been addressed so far and which they believe offer promising directions towards making these kinds of networks more secure.
Communication Issues in Pervasive Healthcare Systems and Applications
Authors: Vouyioukas Demosthenes , Maglogiannis Ilias
Published: October 2011

This book chapter provides a systematic analysis of the communication technologies used in healthcare and homecare, their applications and the utilization of the mobile technologies in the healthcare sector by using in addition case studies to highlight the successes and concerns of homecare projects. There are several software applications, appliances, and communication technologies emerging in the homecare arena, which can be combined in order to create a pervasive mobile health system. This study highlights the key areas of concern and describes various types of applications in terms of communications’ performance. A comprehensive overview of some of these homecare, healthcare applications and research are presented. The technologies regarding the provision of these systems are described and categorised in two main groups: synchronous and asynchronous communications’ systems and technologies. The recent advances in homecare using wireless body sensors and on/off-body networks technologies are discussed along with the provision of future trends for pervasive healthcare delivery. Finally, this book chapter ends with a brief discussion and concluding remarks in succession to the future trends.
The Role of Information Communication Technologies Within the Field of Communication for Social Change
Authors: Servaes Jan
Published: October 2011

There is a lot of talk about the ‘newness’ of mobile and wireless Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) these days. What is so ‘new’ about them? And in what way will they solve the still unresolved problems of poverty, inequality and information divides in the world? This chapter takes a bird’s eye perspective and presents a number of observations regarding the role of ICTs within the field of Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC). All those involved in the analysis and application of Communication for Development and Social Change would probably agree that in essence communication for social change is the sharing of knowledge aimed at reaching a consensus for action that takes into account the interests, needs and capacities of all concerned. It is thus a social process, which has as its ultimate objective sustainable development at distinct levels of society. Communication media and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools in achieving social change but their use is not an aim in itself—interpersonal communication and traditional group media must also play a fundamental role. This basic consensus on development communication has been interpreted and applied in different ways throughout the past century. Both at theory and research levels, as well as at the levels of policy and planning-making and implementation, divergent perspectives are on offer. In this chapter, the author presents a brief overview of the field of Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC) and elaborates on the role and impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Development and Social Change.
Healthcare Oriented Smart House for Elderly and/or Disabled People
Authors: Samaras Nicholas S. , Chaikalis Costas , Siafakas Giorgios
Published: October 2011

Smart houses represent a modern technology which can secure and facilitate our life. The objective of this chapter is to adapt medical sensors to home automated systems, which collect medical data such as blood pressure, heart rate and electrical heart activity for elderly and/or disabled persons. Firstly, the collected data is transferred to a home server and to an external manager for further analysis. Subsequently, data is stored at a database where monitoring is available only for authorized users via a simple web interface. The IEEE 802.15.4 wireless standard has been chosen as the preferred solution for communication in the smart house. Finally, two implementation scenarios of the smart house for an elderly and/or disabled person are simulated using the Custodian software tool. This case study shows that simulating the automation system of a smart house before the implementation is advantageous.
Microsystems for Wireless Sensor Networks with Biomedical Applications
Authors: Carmo J. P. , Dias N. S. , Correia J. H.
Published: October 2011

This chapter introduces the concept of wireless interface, followed by the discussion of the fundamental items, concerning the fabrication of microsystems comprising low-power devices. Using as example, a design of a RF transceiver the frequency of 2.4 GHz and fabricated using a UMC RF CMOS 0.18 µm process, it will be discussed the main issues in the design of RF transceivers for integration in wireless microsystems. Then, it will be presented two biomedical applications for wireless microsystems: the first is a wireless EEG acquisition system, where it is presented the concept of EEG electrode and the characterisation of iridium oxide electrodes. The other application, is a wireless electronic shirt to monitoring the cardio-respiratory function. The main goal of these applications, is to improve the medical diagnostics and therapy by using devices which reduces healthcare costs and facilitates the diagnostic while at the same time preserving the mobility and lifestyle of patients.
Contemporary Music Students and Mobile Technology
Authors: Cochrane Thomas
Published: October 2011

Five billion songs, and counting, have been downloaded (completely legally) through Apple Computer’s online iTunes Store. The iTunes University links free educational content from over seventy tertiary institutions worldwide, and is now available to New Zealand tertiary institutions. The Internet has revolutionised the delivery and access of media and education – making access to a worldwide audience or market merely a Google (or iTunes Store) search away! But, what are the real-world practicalities of this for contemporary music students and teachers today? How can these tools be utilised to facilitate personalised learning environments. Within this context, this chapter presents and evaluates a mobile learning case study at Unitec in the Diploma of Contemporary Music on the Waitakere campus.
“Stay Out of the Way! My Kid is Video Blogging Through a Phone!”
Authors: Kim Paul
Published: October 2011

The current trends in social network media, coupled with increasingly advanced and ubiquitous mobile technology point towards great potential for their use in learning support and an emerging possibility of “deconstructing digital divide.” This paper explores a mobile video blogging model embedded in a learning support community as a means of addressing learning needs among underperforming students of low socioeconomic status. In this study, various mobile video recording approaches were analyzed and some blogging strategies were linked to higher learning outcomes. Although a few challenges and issues were identified, the mobile video blogging community was generally found to be a viable learning support model for children in underserved communities.
Wireless Networking Credibility, Device Interoperability & Other Important Issues to Take Into Consideration for the Deployment of a Homecare Service Provision Model
Authors: Perakis Konstantinos , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: October 2011

The proposed chapter aims to provide a discussion on the issue of the utilization of wireless technologies, for the deployment of monitoring wireless personal area sensor networks for the unobtrusive monitoring of patients. The chapter aims to answer some of the fundamental questions raised by this, including which is the most appropriate technology for such a networking architecture, what is the best topology for home monitoring wireless sensor network solutions, and what is the performance of the wireless networking technologies. In addition, it aims to initiate some brainstorming as regards how many interoperability protocols we actually need, presenting the strong and weak points of most of the current interoperability standards utilized in the field of homecare, with emphasis on the encoding and formatting of ElectroCardioGram (ECG) waveforms. Last but not least it aims to pinpoint other important issues in the field of homecare, such as legal and safety issues which are worth of consideration.
Environmental Challenges in Mobile Services
Authors: Lingarchani Amit
Published: October 2011

Pervasive mobile services are part of almost all business processes. These services are provided irrespective of location, time and place using devices such as mobile phones, smartphones and laptops. This boost in mobile services has also resulted in numerous environmental challenges ranging from design and manufacturing of the mobile device through to mobile service providers and corresponding network infrastructure. This chapter outlines the use of mobile services to increase customer base. In addition, it also provides a better view on opting mobile wireless services over wired services. Environmental challenges around the use of mobile services are described as part of the chapter. Finally some suggestions to reduce carbon emissions and to be energy efficient are provided. In short the chapter goes in line with sentence “Going green is no longer optional from business vantage point” (Brenner, 2008).
Evolution in Broadband Technology and Future of Wireless Broadband
Authors: Nandi Banani , Subramaniam Ganesh
Published: October 2011

In the last two decades, the availability of worldwide high speed Internet networks together with progressive deployment and adoption of broadband connections to Internet has significantly enhanced the ability to transmit video, audio and voice through the same channel with high performance. In addition to that, since the beginning of this millennium, there has been a rapid growth in diffusion of wireless broadband. In this respect, mobile broadband is gaining popularity lately in both developing as well as developed countries. The main reason for this growth in wireless broadband lies in its ability to serve remote areas at relatively lower cost than landline and its potential to transmit information seamlessly from anywhere in the world. The purpose of this chapter is to examine this changing diffusion behavior of fixed versus mobile broadband technology and highlight the future possible path of adoption for these technologies by users around the world.
The Future of WiMAX
Authors: Viehland Dennis , Chawla Sheenu
Published: October 2011

WiMAX is being promoted as a potential solution to a number of problems that have plagued the wired and wireless broadband industry since it originated. Can WiMAX fulfill this promise in a crowded and competitive market? If so, what factors are critical to its success? Who will use WiMAX and for what purposes? This chapter identifies both the critical success factors that will give WiMAX an edge over other existing wireless technologies and the key applications that will contribute to its success. The top three critical success factors for WiMAX are availability of handset devices and consumer premise equipment, bandwidth speed, and interoperability and standardization. A panel of WiMAX experts concludes that broadband on demand, wireless services provider access, and Voice over IP are the top three killer applications for WiMAX.
Advances in Security and Privacy in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kar Dulal C. , Ngo Hung L. , Mulkey Clifton J. , Sanapala Geetha
Published: October 2011

It is challenging to secure a wireless sensor network (WSN) because its inexpensive, tiny sensor nodes do not have the necessary processing capability, memory capacity, and battery life to take advantage of the existing security solutions for traditional networks. Existing security solutions for wireless sensor networks are mostly based on symmetric key cryptography with the assumption that sensor nodes are embedded with secret, temporary startup keys before deployment thus avoiding any use of computationally demanding public key algorithms altogether. However, symmetric key cryptography alone cannot satisfactorily provide all security needs for wireless sensor networks. It is still problematic to replenish an operational wireless sensor network with new sensor nodes securely. Current research on public key cryptography for WSNs shows some promising results, particularly in the use of elliptic curve cryptography and identity based encryption for WSNs. Although security is essential for WSNs, it can complicate some crucial operations of a WSN like data aggregation or in-network data processing that can be affected by a particular security protocol. Accordingly, in this chapter, the authors summarize, discuss, and evaluate recent symmetric key based results reported in literature on sensor network security protocols such as for key establishment, random key pre-distribution, data confidentiality, data integrity, and broadcast authentication as well as expose limitations and issues related to those solutions for WSNs. The authors also present significant advancement in public key cryptography for WSNs with promising results from elliptic curve cryptography and identity based encryption as well as their limitations for WSNs. In addition,they also discuss recently identified threats and their corresponding countermeasures in WSNs.
Certificate-Based Trust Establishment in eEnabled Airplane Applications
Authors: Li Mingyan , Sampigethaya Krishna , Poovendran Radha
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes potential roles of trust in future aviation information systems. The next-generation air transportation systems are envisioned to be a highly networked environment with aircraft digitally linked with ground systems and wireless technologies allowing real-time continuous sensing, collection and distribution of aircraft information assets. The resulting enhancements promise to revolutionize manufacturing, operation and maintenance of commercial airplanes. Safe and dependable aircraft operation as well as public well-being in these complex system-of-systems with multiple stakeholders, demands that the distributed information assets can be trusted to be correct and that the level of trustworthiness in systems can be established. This chapter considers two recent abstractions of such aviation systems – an electronic distribution system connecting aircraft with ground components for exchanging updates and data of onboard software, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for logistics and maintenance of aircraft – which use digital certificates to establish trust in integrity and authenticity of information assets as well as in authorized components handling these assets. The chapter presents unique challenges of aviation, such as regulations and business models, which can complicate implementation of certificate-based trust and further warrant trustworthiness proofs.
Mobile Agent Systems
Authors: Siddiqui Farhan , Zeadally Sherali , Basu Kashinath
Published: October 2011

The mobile agent paradigm has received considerable attention in recent years for its wide applications in various areas of computing technology. This has led to the development of several commercial, as well as research oriented mobile agent systems. Recently, mobile agent technology is being employed for providing mobility support in networking and telecommunication environments. This article outlines various uses and types of mobile agents, along with their benefits, and limitations. The authors provide an insight into the application of mobile agents to support mobility management, focusing on ongoing research and recent research development efforts. Potential challenges associated with using mobile agents for mobility purposes are also discussed.
Mobile Agent-Based Multimedia Content Discovery
Authors: Venkatesan S. , Chellappan C. , Vaish Anurika
Published: October 2011

Content discovery is an important aspect in the context of ever-growing internet based information services and management. Especially multimedia content discovery is an essential aspect because it is an effective and efficient way to deliver the concept to the people or making them understands easily. For this multimedia content discovery, a well known search engine Google is using different kind of linking techniques. But the challenge arises, in case the multimedia content location is not available with the link, then it is not able to discover the content location. To overcome the above limitation, we propose this mobile agent based multimedia content discovery model. Here, mobile agent would be send to the location of the server where the content is available and bring it to the real world environment. Also with the advantage of the mobile agent, we can reduce the network traffic and also we can discover all the contents location.
Recovery of Ubiquitous Multimedia Content Discovery Mobile Agent
Authors: Venkatesan S. , Chellappan C. , Dhavachelvan P.
Published: October 2011

Multimedia content is ubiquitous; therefore it is very difficult to bring all the hidden contents to the every one of universe. Mobile agent technology is the efficient technique to discover and bring the multimedia content to the universe with the help of dynamic itinerary movement. While mobile agent is roaming to discover the ubiquitous content, it has to go and visit multiple servers with different character in nature (that is server may be legitimate or hostile; hostile intention is to disturb the agent functionalities either by killing the agent or modifying the agent functionalities). Whenever the agent is disturbed (agent is altered or killed) by the hostile servers while roaming to discover the content, we should have the recovery mechanism to rollback the agent. This chapter adopts the K-response recovery model to rollback the original agent even then it is cracked or killed by the malicious servers while discovering the multimedia content.
IPTV Challenges and Solutions in Metro Networks
Authors: Zare Sajjad , Ghaffarpour Rahbar Akbar
Published: October 2011

The Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) uses digital TV technology and transmits TV and video contents over IP-based networks, where customers can have more choices in watching TV programs and interacting with it. In this chapter, different challenges and solutions proposed for IPTV are studied. We present an introduction to IPTV, its features, its applications, network factors for deploying IPTV, and an overview to IPTV networking infrastructure. Moreover, we study different factors in video coding that have an effect on optimizing the bandwidth and are robust against impairments. In addition, different challenges in IPTV over optical and wireless networks are reviewed. Besides, we study different solutions to improve VoD services. These methods use NVoD and TVoD to improve unicast services. We also study the methods that use features of networks and videos to improve multicasting services in IPTV. Finally, we discuss the methods to improve QoS in DSL and wireless networks.
Service Provision Evolution in Self-Managed Future Internet Environments
Authors: Kousaridas Apostolos , Madgalinos Panagis , Alonistioti Nancy
Published: October 2011

Future Internet is based on the concepts of autonomicity and cognition, where each network element is able to monitor its surrounding environment, evaluate the situation, and decide the action that should be applied. In such context, the traditional service provisioning approaches necessitate a paradigm shift so as to incorporate the Cognitive Cycle. Towards this end, in this chapter, we introduce a Cognitive Service Provision framework suitable for Future Internet Networks. The proposed approach supports cognition by modeling a service as an aggregation of software components bundled together through a graph. Consequently, each service is composed by various components and is tailored to the operational context of the requestor. In order to prove the viability and applicability of the proposed approach we also introduce the enhancement of the IP Multimedia Subsystem through our Cognitive Service Provision framework. Finally, based on our work, we discuss future research directions and the link between service and network management.
Decentralization in Distributed Systems
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur , Ranjan Rajiv , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: October 2011

In recent years, decentralization in distributed computing systems, such as Grids and Clouds has been widely explored in order to improve system performance in terms of scalability and reliability. However, the decentralized nature of the system also raises some serious challenges. This chapter discusses the major challenges of designing and implementing decentralization in Grid and Cloud systems. It also presents a survey of some existing decentralized distributed systems and technologies regarding how these systems have addressed the challenges.
Engineering Gene Control Circuits with Allosteric Ribozymes in Human Cells as a Medicine of the Future
Authors: Penchovsky Robert
Published: October 2011

Systems and synthetic biology promise to develop new approaches for analysis and design of complex gene expression regulatory networks in living cells with many practical applications to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. In this chapter the development of novel universal strategies for exogenous control of gene expression is discussed. They are based on designer allosteric ribozymes that can function in the cell. The synthetic riboswitches are obtained by a patented computational procedure that provides fast and accurate modular designs with various Boolean logic functions. The riboswitches can be designed to sense in the cell either the presence or the absence of disease indicative RNA(s) or small molecules, and to switch on or off the gene expression of any exogenous protein. In addition, the riboswitches can be engineered to induce RNA interference or microRNA pathways that can conditionally down regulate the expression of key proteins in the cell. That can prevent a disease’s development. Therefore, the presented synthetic riboswitches can be used as truly universal cellular biosensors. Nowadays, disease indicative RNA(s) can be precisely identified by employing next-generation sequencing technologies with high accuracy . The methods can be employed not only for exogenous control of gene expression but also for re-programming the cell fate, anticancer, and antiviral gene therapies. Such approaches may be employed as potent molecular medicines of the future.
Quality in Telemedicine Services
Authors: Christodoulou Eleni , Zyga Sofia , Athanasopoulou Maria
Published: October 2011

Technology advances have brought forward new and evolved services and technical infrastructure that promote and enhance quality healthcare services, such as telepresence and wearable technology. Nevertheless, there are several obstacles in telemedicine performance that need to be resolved.
Role of Information Technology in Healthcare Quality Assessment
Authors: Ilioudi Stamatia , Lazakidou Athina A. , Tsironi Maria
Published: October 2011

Quantifying and improving the quality of health care is an increasingly important goal in medicine. Because quality of life is difficult to define and even more difficult to measure - particularly with physically and mentally vulnerable people - outcomes from nursing in continuing care are not easily articulated. The focus of the nursing assessment tool is therefore on increasing quality of life, rather than perceiving health gain simply as increased longevity. Assessment is considered to be the first step in the process of individualized nursing care. It provides information that is critical to the development of a plan of action that enhances personal health status. It also decreases the potential for, or the severity of, chronic conditions and helps the individual to gain control over their health through self-care. In this chapter the authors try to describe how important is the role of information and especially of the Information Technology in healthcare quality assessment.
Towards Continuous Authentication Based on Gait Using Wearable Motion Recording Sensors
Authors: Derawi Mohammad Omar , Gafurov Davrondzhon , Bours Patrick
Published: October 2011

In this chapter we present continuous authentication using gait biometric. Gait is a person’s manner of walking and gait recognition refers to the identification and verification of an individual based on gait. This chapter discusses advantages and disadvantages of gait biometrics in the context of continuous authentication. Furthermore, we present a framework for continuous authentication using gait biometrics. The proposed framework extends on traditional static (one-time) user authentication. The framework can also be applied to other biometric modalities with small modifications.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Authors: Omer Abdeen Mustafa
Published: October 2011

The increased availability of reliable and efficient energy services stimulates new development alternatives. This article discusses the potential for such integrated systems in the stationary and portable power market in response to the critical need for a cleaner energy technology. Anticipated patterns of future energy use and consequent environmental impacts (acid precipitation, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect or global warming) are comprehensively discussed in this chapter. Throughout the theme several issues relating to renewable energies, environment, and sustainable development are examined from both current and future perspectives. It is concluded that green energies like wind, solar, ground-source heat pumps, and biomass must be promoted, implemented, and demonstrated from the economic and/or environmental point view.
Analyses and Monitoring of Power Grid
Authors: Jabbar Rana A. , Junaid Muhammad , Masood M. A. , Bashir A. , Mansoor M.
Published: October 2011

Power system analyses and monitoring of power system engineering are as essential as oxygen for human beings. This innovative approach deals with a 132 kV grid simulation in electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP). The existing power distribution system in Pakistan consists of approximately six thousand 11 kV feeders, which are mainly analyzed by software FDR-ANA (Feeder Analyses). This software does not have capability to provide comprehensive analyses for integrated power system. The case under study is 132 kV grid situated in Gujranwala electric power company (GEPCO), one of the distribution companies (DISCO’s) of Pakistan electric power company (PEPCO) which has been selected for comprehensive analyses using ETAP software. This software performs numerical calculations of large integrated power system with fabulous speed, besides generating output reports. In a developing country like Pakistan it is first time that analyses based Off-line monitoring has been made, which includes load flow, harmonic, transient, short circuit and ground grid analyses. In load flow analysis, current flowing in every branch, power factor, active and reactive power flow, line losses, voltage magnitude with angle etc. have been calculated. During harmonic analysis, distorted current and voltage waveforms along with their harmonic spectrum caused by non-linear loads have been recorded. Transient analysis has been performed to record different waveforms like variation in bus frequency, bus real power loading, bus voltage angle, and bus reactive power loading for short interval of time during transient conditions. In ground grid modeling, step, and touch potentials have been calculated in comparison with set standards. While performing short circuit analysis, all the possible short circuit faults like line to ground, double line to ground, 3-phase faults etc. on ½ cycle, 1.5 to 4 cycle, and 30 cycle networks have been performed to record the short circuit currents. These analyses have been executed using ETAP software, based upon historical data obtained from original system that will be very helpful for system security and reliability.
High-Speed Cable Replacement for Multimedia Streaming in Wireless Personal and Local Area Networks
Authors: Chou Chun-Ting
Published: October 2011

The multimedia content is migrating promptly from standard quality to high-definition and even 3D. As a result, existing wireless technologies can no longer support multimedia streaming as their wired counterparts. To overcome this problem, new wireless technologies that support multi Gbps wireless transmission are desperately needed. In this chapter, we focus on the promising 60 GHz technology and investigate two important standards including ECMA-387 and IEEE 802.11ad standards. Key designs of the two standards are discussed and qualitatively evaluated. Based on our evaluation, one can select the solution that suits best for the targeted applications.