bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving World Peace through International Trade
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: May 2010

Can e-collaboration technologies help achieve world peace by supporting international trade? At first glance, this seems like an unusual and somewhat nonsensical question. The variables involved, particularly international trade and world peace, may appear to be too broad and socially complex to be meaningfully influenced by e-collaboration technologies. Also, the connection between these variables, if it exists, seems at best counterintuitive. Yet, there is empirical evidence that humans might have evolved what could be called a trading instinct, with the fitness-enhancing goal of either reducing or eliminating the likelihood of violent conflict between trading groups. This would explain why so many people seem compelled to engage in trade interactions, even when they do not need the goods or services that are being traded. This chapter argues that such trading instinct might have evolved, and if it did, that the evolution of the trading instinct happened in the context of face-to-face interactions. Therefore, the same instinct in modern humans would require e-collaboration media of high naturalness (i.e., high face-to-face similarity) to properly play its conflict reduction role. In this sense, e-collaboration media naturalness may act as a moderator of the effect that trade may have on the trading parties’ predispositions to later engage in or support violent conflict, either with each other or with members of the trading parties’ national groups.
Resource Allocation and QoS Provisioning for Wireless Relay Networks
Authors: Le Long Bao , Vorobyov Sergiy A. , Phan Khoa T. , Le-Ngoc Tho
Published: May 2010

This chapter reviews fundamental protocol engineering aspects and presents resource allocation approaches for wireless relay networks. Important cooperative diversity protocols and their typical applications in different wireless network environments are first described. Then, performance analysis and QoS provisioning issues for wireless networks using cooperative diversity are discussed. Finally, resource allocation in wireless relay networks through power allocation for both single and multi-user scenarios are presented. For the multi-user case, we consider relay power allocation under different fairness criteria with or without user minimum rate requirements. When users have minimum rate requirements, we develop a joint power allocation and addmission control algorithm with low-complexity to circumvent the high complexity of the underlying problem. Numerical results are then presented, which illustrate interesting throughput and fairness tradeoff and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed power control and addmission control algorithms.
Handover Analysis and Dynamic Mobility Management for Wireless Cellular Networks
Authors: Rodríguez-Dagnino Ramón M. , Takagi Hideaki
Published: May 2010

Dynamic location of mobile users aims to deliver incoming calls to destination users. Most location algorithms keep track of mobile users through a predefined location area. The design of these location algorithms is focused to minimize the generated signaling traffic. There are three basic approaches to design location algorithms, namely distance-based, time-based and movement-based. In this Chapter we focus only on the movement-based algorithm since it achieves a good compromise between complexity and performance. We minimize a cost function for this dynamic movement-based location algorithm in order to find an optimum threshold in the number of updates. Counting the number of wireless cell crossing during inter-call times is a fundamental issue for our analysis. We use renewal theory to capture the probabilistic structure of this model, and it is general enough to include a variety of probability distributions for modeling cell residence times (CRT) in exponentially distributed location areas and hyperexponentially distributed intercall times. We present numerical results regarding some important distributions.
Supporting Multiple Quality-of-Service Classes in IEEE 802.16e Handoff
Authors: Moh Melody , Moh Teng-Sheng
Published: May 2010

IEEE 802.16 WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a major standard technology for Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (Wireless MAN). Quality-of-service (QoS) scheduling class and mobility management are two main issues for supporting seamless high-speed data and media-stream communications. Previous works on WiMAX handoff however have mainly addressed a particular scenario or a single QoS class. This chapter first presents an overview of the QoS scheduling classes supported by the IEEE 802.16 standard, followed by a survey of major related works proposed to enhance 802.16e handoffs. Next, it will present a new context-sensitive handoff scheme that supports the five 802.16 QoS scheduling classes, and is energy-aware – it may switch to energy-saving mode during handoff. It will then illustrate performance evaluation, which will show that, compared to three existing methods, the proposed scheme successfully supports the five QoS classes in both layers 2 and 3 handoff, decreases end-to-end handoff delay, delay jitter, and service disruption time; it also increases throughput and energy efficiency. Finally, key implementation and cost issues are discussed. We believe that this chapter is a significant contribution for providing high-quality, seamless data and media streaming over 802.16 as well as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) cellular networks, and would be a valuable part of QoS architectures in the wireless networking domain.
Video Distortion Estimation and Content-Aware QoS Strategies for Video Streaming over Wireless Networks
Authors: Babich Fulvio , D’Orlando Marco , Vatta Francesca
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes several advanced techniques for estimating the video distortion deriving from multiple video packet losses. It provides different usage scenarios, where the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) video metric may be used for improving the end user quality. The key idea of the presented applications is to effectively use the distortion information associated to each video packet. This allows one to perform optimal decisions in the selection of the more suitable packets to transmit. During the encoding process, the encoder estimates first the loss impact (for instance the amount of error propagation) of each packet. Afterwards, it generates side information as a “hint” for making video content aware transmission decisions. In this way, it is possible to define new scheduling schemes that give more priority to the packets with higher loss impact, and to assign fewer resources to the packets with lower loss impact. To this end, the usage of hint tracks, introduced in the MPEG-4 systems part, provides a syntactic means for storing scheduling information about media packets that significantly simplifies the operations of a streaming server. Moreover, the prioritization scheme may be used to minimize the overall error propagation under the delay constraint imposed by the video presentation deadline. The chapter also reviews recent research advances in the field of QoS mechanisms that adopt video specific metrics to improve the end user perceived quality.
QoS and Energy-Aware Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Peng Shanghong , Yang Simon X. , Gregori Stefano
Published: May 2010

Quality of service (QoS) and energy awareness are key requirements for wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which entail considerable challenges due to constraints in network resources, such as energy, memory capacity, computation capability, and maximum data rate. Guaranteeing QoS becomes more and more challenging as the complexity of WSNs increases. This chapter firstly discusses challenges and existing solutions for providing QoS and energy awareness in WSNs. Then, a novel bio-inspired QoS and energy-aware routing algorithm is presented. Based on an ant colony optimization idea, it meets QoS requirements in an energy-aware fashion and, at the same time, balances the node energy utilization to maximize the network lifetime. Extensive simulation results under a variety of scenarios demonstrate the superior performance of the presented algorithm in terms of packet delivery rate, overhead, load balance, and delay, in comparison to a conventional directed diffusion routing algorithm.
Remote Platform Attestation
Authors: Ding Xuhua , Gu Liang , Deng Robert H. , Xie Bing , Mei Hong
Published: May 2010

One of the key mechanisms for trust establishment among different platforms is remote attestation, which allows a platform to vouch for its trust related characteristics to a remote challenger. In this chapter, the authors propose a new conceptual model for remote attestation consisting of four basic ingredients: root of trust, attestation objective, object measurement, and attestation process. With this model, they present a systematic study on the remote attestation, including the methodologies applied for implementing the four elements and the principles for designing an attestation scheme. The authors also examine existing remote attestation schemes in the literature by grouping them into two main types: integrity attestation and quality attestation. They discuss both the strength and the limitations of each type of scheme and explain how they can be applied in trust management in distributed environment.
Trust Issues and Solutions in Multimedia Content Distribution
Authors: Lian Shiguo
Published: May 2010

Multimedia content distribution is a key technique for multimedia services, which transmits multimedia content from a sender to certain receiver(s). With the popularity of multimedia services, the trust issues in content distribution becomes urgent, including the authorized access, privacy protection, trusted payment, piracy surveillance, and so forth. This chapter introduces the trust issues in multimedia content distribution (e.g., authorization, authentication, privacy, payment, ownership, illegal distribution, forgery, etc.), reviews the latest research progress of the solutions, and presents some open issues and promising research topics. It is expected to provide valuable information to researchers or engineers in this field.
Trust Development in Peer-to-Peer Environments
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: May 2010

In peer-to-peer (P2P) service-oriented environments, a peer may need to interact with unknown peers for the services or products provided. Thus the trust evaluation prior to and posterior to interactions becomes a very important issue, which may be based on other peers’ recommendations/evaluations. This chapter presents a dynamic peer trust evaluation model, which aims to measure responding peers’ recommendation trust, and hence filter out low credibility recommendations and obtain more accurate and objective trust values. In our model, prior to any interaction with an unknown peer (target peer), the mean trust value results from the evaluations (recommendations) given by responding peers. Posterior to interactions with the target peer, the trust values are aggregated from both responding peers’ recommendations and the requesting peer’s experience. On aggregating trust values, the weight to the requesting peer’s evaluation becomes bigger and bigger. Meanwhile, during this process, the credibility (recommendation trust) of each responding peer’s recommendation can be measured round by round. This helps filter out low credibility peers and improve the trust evaluation accuracy.
Issues on Anshin and its Factors
Authors: Murayama Yuko , Fujihara Yasuhiro
Published: May 2010

Traditional research on security and safety has been based on the assumption that a user feels secure and safe when using objectively secure and safe systems and services. The authors investigate factors influencing users’ subjective sense of security, which they call Anshin in Japanese. In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of Anshin as an emotional trust and its research issues. They also show how to use statistical analysis methods to derive the factors of Anshin and present some results. Results using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling bring us with three factors contributing to Anshin.
Human-Machine Trust Interaction
Authors: Liu Conghui
Published: May 2010

Improving user’s trust appropriately could help in designing an intelligent system and make it work effectively, especially with the fast growth of Web-base technology. This chapter introduces the solutions of improving user’s trust in human-machine interaction (HMI), especially for electronic commerce (e-commerce). The author firstly reviews the concept of trust and the main factors that affects the appropriateness of user’s trust in human-machine interaction, such as the properties of machine systems, the properties of human, and context. On the basis of these, the author further discusses the current state, challenges, problems and limitations of establishing and improving the user’s trust in human-machine interaction. Finally, the author summarizes and evaluates the existing solutions for improving the user’s trust appropriately in e-commerce environment.
A Metamorphic Testing Methodology for Online SOA Application Testing
Authors: Chan W. K. , Cheung S. C. , Leung Karl R.P.H.
Published: May 2010

Testing the correctness of service integration is a step toward assurance of the quality of applications. These applications however may bind dynamically to their supportive services using the SOA pattern that share the same service interface, yet the latter services may behave differently. In addition, a service may implement a business strategy, such as best pricing, relative to the behaviors of its competitors and the dynamic market conditions. As such, defining a test oracle that specifies the absolute expected outcomes for individual test cases is hard. Many existing works ignore these issues to address the problem of identifying failures from test results. This chapter studies an approach to online testing. Service testing is divided into two steps. In the spirit of metamorphic testing, the offline step determines a set of successful test cases to construct their corresponding follow-up test cases for the online step. These test cases will be executed by metamorphic services that encapsulate the services as well as applicable metamorphic relations. Thus, any failure revealed by the approach will be a failure of the service under test.
A Survey of Efficient Resource Discovery Techniques on DHTs
Authors: Abalde Carlos , Gulías Víctor M. , París Javier
Published: May 2010

Much recent work on building scalable peer-to-peer (P2P) systems has focused on distributed hash tables (DHTs), which have become in a powerful building block when designing distributed decentralized behaviors. However, the lookup in the DHT structure itself, rather than the key-based lookup in the data stored in the DHT introduces a series of new challenges. The purpose of this chapter is to review the most outstanding research efforts, many of them from the Grid community, addressing the problem of resource discovery on DHTs. First, the authors present a simple taxonomy and the key internal design and behavior of each contribution, identifying their main strengths and weaknesses. Later, some discussion will be presented and finally, the authors’ personal approach to the problem will be described and compared with previous ones.
Semantic Technologies for Distributed Search P2P Networks
Authors: Biswas Amitava , Mohan Suneil , Mahapatra Rabi
Published: May 2010

Searching is likely to be the next most important service on the Internet after communication. At present centralized Internet search engines can not search a large part of the Internet content, especially those which are behind local search engines. This situation has created disjointed islands of information. P2P networking paradigm has the potential to integrate these under a single unified internet wide search service. However this search infrastructure will have to allow users to perform meaning based search. Therefore the P2P system will need technologies to capture the meaning of what the users intend to search for and then identify relevant objects. This matching between user’s search intention and objects will go beyond simple keyword based comparison. In this chapter the authors present the required techniques to enable a Web architecture that satisfy these needs.
Survey on Grid Computing on Mobile Consumer Devices
Authors: Furthmüller Jochen , Waldhorst Oliver P.
Published: May 2010

Grid computing offers exciting possibilities for mobile consumer devices. The sharing of resources makes new, demanding applications feasible and helps to exploit previously unused potential. As the number of mobile devices for communication and computation increases, so does the appeal of a mobile grid. However, transferring the paradigm of grid computing to the domain of mobile devices is difficult: limited resources, intermittent connectivity, increased heterogeneity, and network dynamics are some of the many complicating factors. There are different approaches to tackling the isolated facets of this task. These avenues vary according to management structure, network architecture, the kind of shared resources, and whether the mobile devices merely use resources or also contribute resources to the grid. This chapter introduces a scheme for classifying approaches to establishing mobile grids with respect to these aspects. Furthermore, it provides a survey of these efforts and identifies remaining challenges and future trends.
Cooperation Incentives
Authors: Hawa Mohammed
Published: May 2010

Cooperation incentives have been proposed as an effective solution to various problems that plague Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and Computational Grid systems including: free-riding, resource discovery, collusion of resources, scalability and fairness. In this chapter we will introduce the concept of cooperation incentives and discuss their design goals and capabilities and how can they improve the characteristics of P2P systems. We will classify incentive mechanisms based on their pattern into four categories: trust-based, reputation-based, barter-trade and bond-based. These categories have different feature sets and can be applied to different scenarios, something we will elaborate on in this chapter. We will also discuss two very popular P2P file sharing systems: BitTorrent and eDonkey2000 (ED2K). We will use this discussion to illustrate how incentive mechanisms have been integrated into these widely-deployed very-successful P2P networks. Throughout our discussion, we will map incentive mechanisms proposed for P2P networks and Computational Grids to their well-established roots in economic systems and game theory.
Virtual Hierarchical Tree Grid Organizations (VIRGO)
Authors: Huang Lican
Published: May 2010

The currently two types of main P2P technologies–unstructured and structured approaches do not care about the semantic meaning of the nodes. They do not care about the nodes whose users may take different roles in social groups in the communities. Here, a semantic P2P Network-Virtual Hierarchical Tree Gird Organizations (VIRGO) is described. VIRGO is a hybrid of unstructured P2P and structured P2P technologies by merging a multi-tuple Virtual Hierarchical Overlay Network and random cached network. It has the following properties: Decentralization--VIRGO is fully distributed, robust, and easy-managed; Load balance–Cached nodes in route table help to solve the problem of the load balance in the tree structure; Scalability--Time complexity, space complexity and message-cost of lookup protocol of VIRGO is O (logN), where N is the total number of nodes in the network; Availability–There is at least one path between every two nodes. This chapter gives audience the concepts, framework, protocols and applications about Virtual Hierarchical Tree Gird Organizations (VIRGO). It will point out why VIRGO should exist among lots of P2P technologies
Enforcing Fairness in Asynchronous Collaborative Environments
Authors: Pierre Guillaume , van Steen Maarten
Published: May 2010

Many large-scale distributed applications rely on collaboration, where unrelated users or organizations share their resources for everyone’s benefit. However, in such environments any node may attempt to maximize its own benefit by exploiting other’s resources without contributing back. Collaborative systems must therefore deploy strategies to fight free-riders, and enforce collaborative behavior. This chapter explores a family of mechanisms to enforce fairness in asynchronous collaborative environments, where simple tit-for-tat policies cannot be used. Our solutions rely on enforced neighborhood relations, where each node is restricted in the choice of other nodes to collaborate with. This creates long-term collaboration relationships, where each node must behave well with its neighbors if it wants to be able to use their resources.
Exploiting P2P Solutions in Telecommunication Service Delivery Platforms
Authors: Manzalini Antonio , Minerva Roberto , Moiso Corrado
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes motivations and characteristics of a novel service platform based on P2P technology for delivering Telecommunication and ICT services. It includes also an analysis of technical advantages, and considerations on business and costs aspects.
Service-Oriented Symbolic Computations
Authors: Petcu Dana , Macariu Georgiana , Cârstea Alexandru , Frîncu Marc
Published: May 2010

Service-oriented computing is an interesting paradigm not only for building business applications but also for scientific applications requiring a loosely-coupled communication system between its components. In particular, scientific applications involving symbolic computations that are both computational and data intensive have proved in the last years to be adequate for implementation in service-oriented architectures, mainly due to the standards promoted for communications or service discovery. This chapter discusses the main issues and problems encountered in the transition from the classical symbolic computations based on stand-alone computer algebra systems towards service-oriented symbolic computations, such as building services from legacy codes, discover, compose and orchestrate services, standardize the exchange data formats. Moreover, several new approaches to solve at least partially these transition problems have been recently implemented, tested and are revealed in this chapter.
Sink Mobility in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Vlajic Natalija , Stevanovic Dusan , Spanogiannopoulos George
Published: May 2010

The use of sink mobility in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is commonly recognized as one of the most effective means of load balancing, ultimately leading to fewer failed nodes and longer network lifetime. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview and evaluation of various WSN deployment strategies involving sink mobility as discussed in the literature to date. The evaluation of the surveyed techniques is based not only on the traditional performance metrics (energy consumption, network lifetime, packet delay); but, more importantly, on their practical feasibility in real-world WSN applications. The chapter also includes sample results of a detailed OPNET-based simulation study. The results outline a few key challenges associated with the use of mobile sinks in ZigBee sensor networks. By combining analytical and real-world perspective on a wide range of issues concerning sink mobility, the content of this book chapter is intended for both theoreticians and practitioners working in the field of wireless sensor networks.
Introduction
Authors: Cristea Valentin , Dobre Ciprian , Stratan Corina , Pop Florin
Published: May 2010

The general presentation of Large Scale Distributed Computing and Applications can be done from different perspectives: historical, conceptual, architectural, technological, social, and others. This Introduction takes a pragmatic approach. It starts with a short presentation of definitions, goals, and fundamental concepts that frame the subjects targeted in the book: the Internet, the Web, Enterprise Information Systems, Peer-to-Peer Systems, Grids, Utility Computer Systems, and others. Then, each of these actual large scale distributed system categories is characterized in terms of typical applications, motivation of use, requirements and problems posed by their development: specific concepts, models, paradigms, and technologies. The focus is on describing the Large Scale Distributed Computing such as it appears today. Nevertheless, presenting actually used solutions will offer the opportunity to found that older theoretical results can still be exploited to build high performance artifacts. Also, the ever-ending stimulating relationship between users, who require better computing services, and providers, who discover new ways to satisfy them, is the motivation to introduce future trends in the domain, which pave the way towards the next generation Cyberinfrastructure. The chapter introduces a comprehensive set of concepts, models, and technologies, which are discussed in details in the next chapters.
Communication
Authors: Cristea Valentin , Dobre Ciprian , Stratan Corina , Pop Florin
Published: May 2010

Communication in large scale distributed systems has a major impact on the overall performance and widely acceptance of such systems. In this chapter we analyze existing work in enabling high-performance communications in large scale distributed systems, presenting specific problems and existing solutions, as well as several future trends. Because applications running in Grids, P2Ps and other types of large scale distributed systems have specific communication requirements, we present different the problem of delivering efficient communication in case of P2P and Grid systems. We present existing work in enabling high-speed networks to support research worldwide, together with problems related to traffic engineering, QoS assurance, protocols designed to overcome current limitation with the TCP protocol in the context of high bandwidth traffic. We next analyze several group communication models, based on hybrid multicast delivery frameworks, path diversity, multicast trees, and distributed communication. Finally, we analyze data communication solutions specifically designed for P2P and Grid systems.
Scheduling
Authors: Cristea Valentin , Dobre Ciprian , Stratan Corina , Pop Florin
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents the scheduling problem in large scale distributed systems. Most parts of the chapter are devoted to discussion of scheduling algorithms and models. The main challenges of scheduling problem are approached here. The implementation issues are also covered. The chapter has three parts. The first part covers basics like scheduling models, scheduling algorithms for independent tasks and DAG scheduling Algorithms for tasks with dependencies. The first part of the chapter presents a classification of scheduling problems, methods that are relevant for the solution procedures, and computational complexity. The scheduling models are presented based on systems architecture described in Resource Management chapter. This firs part also provides a critical analysis of most important algorithms from different points of view, such as static versus dynamic policies, objective functions, applications models, adaptation, QoS constraints and strategies dealing with dynamic behavior of resources. The second part covers new scheduling mechanism like resources co-allocation and advance reservation. Multi-criteria optimization mechanisms for users and systems constrain (e.g. load-balancing, minimization of execution time) are described and analyzed in this chapter. This part uses algorithm and methods to highlight the importance of these topics. The dynamic scheduling is also the subject of this part. It is also presented the implementation issues for scheduler tools. Since it is not possible to cover the whole area of scheduling in one chapter, some restrictions are imposed. Firstly, the chapter presents only Scheduling for Large Scale Distributed Systems (LSDS), without single system scheduling. Secondly, some interesting topics of fault tolerance (re-scheduling) are not analyzed in this chapter.
Applications
Authors: Cristea Valentin , Dobre Ciprian , Stratan Corina , Pop Florin
Published: May 2010

This chapter covers the subject of application in LSDS. The chapter is organized in two parts. The chapter parts present two aspect of application in LSDS: the overview of applications in entire world and the method of applications development. It is also presented a description of current projects and applications in large scale distributed systems, like applications from OSG projects in USA, EGEE and SEE-GRID applications in Europe and Asia, DEISA initiative (Distributed European Infrastructure for Supercomputing Applications). This part also presents the relevant applications in LSDS, like Grids, P2P systems.
The ‘Learner' Pole
Authors: Narcy-Combes Jean-Paul
Published: May 2010

Learning is the process which connects all the poles of the model. Its description in the book has been placed between its object, one of our poles, language (L2 in a plurilingual context in our case), and the learner, our second pole, whose specific problems cannot be understood if the process has not been clarified. This second pole will be dealt with in this chapter. We should perhaps refer to learners in the plural if we accept the tenets of LeDoux (2003) when he says that in neurobiological terms all humans are similar in their construction, but that the multiplicity and variety of their experiences makes it impossible to study their actual psychological processes according to general universal principles. A learning cycle has been proposed in which learning is symbolized by the arrows. Defining the position of the learners regarding the cycle is more problematic. They experience the cycle in order to learn L2, their experience can only be described in individual terms as they follow the arrows.
Lessons for Development Economists from the Shanghai Experience, 1842-2008
Authors: Horesh Niv
Published: May 2010

This chapter compares the contours of Shanghai’s economy in the pre-war era (1842-1937) with its breakneck reform thrust following the 1990 designation of the city’s Pudong precinct as China’s primary financial centre. It will seek to explore why the city was a magnet for so many Chinese entrepreneurs and intellectuals before World War II, and whether the reformed societal and physical infrastructure of Shanghai in the 21st century can bring about similar entrepreneurial dynamism, that might help shake off the legacy of state dirigisme and create a truly global innovation hub.
Evaluating the Internal Capabilities and External Linkages of the Philippine IT-Enabled Services (ITES) Industry
Authors: Sales Clarissa , Dornberger Utz
Published: May 2010

Over the past five years the Philippine IT-enabled services industry has grown tremendously, fuelled primarily by strong global demand. The main competitiveness drivers of the Philippines as an attractive location for offshore IT-enabled services are well documented: highly skilled, English proficient workforce; low labour costs; cultural affinity towards the United States; reliable telecommunications infrastructure; and business-friendly policies. It is this rare combination of resources that has attracted many FDIs to locate their outsourcing operations in the Philippines which has made the country a prime location for customer contact service centres and business process outsourcing. This chapter examines the internal capabilities and external linkages of the Philippine ITES industry based on an empirical study. It focuses on how these various capabilities and linkages play a significant role in facilitating the ITES industry’s growth and long term sustainability.
Higher Order Neural Networks for Symbolic, Sub-symbolic and Chaotic Computations
Authors: Neto João Pedro
Published: May 2010

This chapter deals with discrete and recurrent artificial neural networks with a homogenous type of neuron. With this architecture we will see how to perform symbolic computations by executing high-level programs within this network dynamics. Next, using higher order synaptic connections, it is possible to integrate common sub-symbolic learning algorithms into the previous architecture. Thirdly, taking advantage of the chaotic properties of dynamical systems, we present some uses of chaotic computations with the same neurons and synapses, and, thus, creating a hybrid system of three computation types.
Analysis and Improvement of Function Approximation Capabilities of Pi-Sigma Higher Order Neural Networks
Authors: Murata Junichi
Published: May 2010

A Pi-Sigma higher order neural network (Pi-Sigma HONN) is a type of higher order neural network, where, as its name implies, weighted sums of inputs are calculated first and then the sums are multiplied by each other to produce higher order terms that constitute the network outputs. This type of higher order neural networks have good function approximation capabilities. In this chapter, the structural feature of Pi-Sigma HONNs is discussed in contrast to other types of neural networks. The reason for their good function approximation capabilities is given based on pseudo-theoretical analysis together with empirical illustrations. Then, based on the analysis, an improved version of Pi-Sigma HONNs is proposed which has yet better function approximation capabilities.
Fifty years of Electronic Hardware Implementations of First and Higher Order Neural Networks
Authors: Selviah David R. , Shawash Janti
Published: May 2010

This chapter celebrates 50 years of first and higher order neural network (HONN) implementations in terms of the physical layout and structure of electronic hardware, which offers high speed, low latency, compact, low cost, low power, mass produced systems. Low latency is essential for practical applications in real time control for which software implementations running on CPUs are too slow. The literature review chapter traces the chronological development of electronic neural networks (ENN) discussing selected papers in detail from analog electronic hardware, through probabilistic RAM, generalizing RAM, custom silicon Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuit, Neuromorphic chips, pulse stream interconnected neurons to Application Specific Integrated circuits (ASICs) and Zero Instruction Set Chips (ZISCs). Reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are given particular attention as the most recent generation incorporate Digital Signal Processing (DSP) units to provide full System on Chip (SoC) capability offering the possibility of real-time, on-line and on-chip learning.
Recurrent Higher Order Neural Network Control for Output Trajectory Tracking with Neural Observers and Constrained Inputs
Authors: Ricalde Luis J. , Sanchez Edgar N. , Alanis Alma Y.
Published: May 2010

This Chapter presents the design of an adaptive recurrent neural observer-controller scheme for nonlinear systems whose model is assumed to be unknown and with constrained inputs. The control scheme is composed of a neural observer based on Recurrent High Order Neural Networks which builds the state vector of the unknown plant dynamics and a learning adaptation law for the neural network weights for both the observer and identifier. These laws are obtained via control Lyapunov functions. Then, a control law, which stabilizes the tracking error dynamics is developed using the Lyapunov and the inverse optimal control methodologies . Tracking error boundedness is established as a function of design parameters.
Artificial Tactile Sensing and Robotic Surgery Using Higher Order Neural Networks
Authors: Najarian Siamak , Hosseini Sayyed Mohsen , Fallahnezhad Mehdi
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, a new medical instrument, namely, the Tactile Tumor Detector (TTD) able to simulate the sense of touch in clinical and surgical applications is introduced. All theoretical and experimental attempts for its construction are presented. Theoretical analyses are mostly based on finite element method (FEM), artificial neural networks (ANN), and higher order neural networks (HONN). The TTD is used for detecting abnormal masses in biological tissue, specifically for breast examinations. We also present a research work on ANN and HONN done on the theoretical results of the TTD to reduce the subjectivity of estimation in diagnosing tumor characteristics. We used HONN as a stronger open box intelligent unit than traditional black box neural networks (NN) for estimating the characteristics of tumor and tissue. The results show that by having an HONN model of our nonlinear input-output mapping, there are many advantages compared with ANN model, including faster running for new data, lesser RMS error and better fitting properties.
A Taxonomy of Educational Games
Authors: O’Brien Dan , Lawless Kimberly  A. , Schrader P. G.
Published: May 2010

Digital games are a relatively new tool for educators, who often misunderstand their value for education. This is partly since they perceive many very different types of games in the same way. The authors propose a taxonomy of digital games in education based on the features that are relevant to instructional design and educational research. The taxonomy outlines four genres into which games fall, depending on the cognitive functions and skills they engage. The theoretical basis for the taxonomy the authors develop draws from R. M. Gagne’s Five Categories of Learning Outcomes, Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, and D. H. Jonassen’s Typology of Problem Solving. The links between these theories and the educational games taxonomy will allow educators and researchers to understand games in the light of their educational affordances. Instructional design based on these theories can more effectively integrate games into the classroom.
Exploring Guild Participation in MMORPGs and Civic Leadership
Authors: Friedman Adam , Hartshorne Richard , VanFossen Phillip
Published: May 2010

This chapter reports the results of a survey study of the civic engagement and participation of guild members in the massively multi-player online role play game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft (WoW). Further, the authors explore the implications of the results of the study for K-12 social studies education. Specifically, the authors focus on the potential of MMORPGs such as WoW for meeting content standards in the social studies—in this case, the National Standards for Civics and Government--and for impacting on pre-service social studies teacher education.
A New Interactive Whiteboard Pedagogy through Transformative Personal Development
Authors: Haldane Maureen
Published: May 2010

This chapter examines how teachers acquire proficiency in the use of interactive whiteboards for the enhancement of whole-class teaching. It suggests that teachers are unlikely to make optimal use of the affordances of the technology through preparatory training alone, and that such an expectation could adversely affect the chances of successful implementation. A phased development of teachers’ capability is described during which those with initially limited technical skills can begin to explore the pedagogic potential of the interactive whiteboard and then progressively develop their technical skills in tandem with the evolution of their pedagogy. The author proposes a process of Transformative Personal Development (TPD) within which initial expert interventions demonstrate what is ultimately achievable and set the agenda for a more sustained period of collaborative work-based learning.
Using Interactive Whiteboards to Teach Grammar in the MFL Classroom
Authors: Bettsworth Barbara
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine, from the pupil’s perspective, how effective the interactive whiteboard is in promoting understanding and retention of specific grammar points in the Modern Foreign Languages classroom within the secondary school sector. Fifty-eight pupils, in two parallel teaching groups, participated in the study over an eight-week period at a secondary school in the UK. The lessons were delivered entirely from the IWB, using a wide range of interactive features. Pupils completed a questionnaire designed to assess their perceptions of language learning before and after the study. In addition, six pupils from each of the groups were interviewed in more detail. The results of the questionnaires and interviews indicated a strong preference for IWB enhanced lessons, particularly where these related visual features of the IWB to elements of language. The results will inform future training within the languages department, and then within other teaching areas at the school.
IWBs as Support for Technology-Related Projects in EFL Education in Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Soares Doris
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in two collaborative projects developed with 12 English as a Foreign Language students, aged 10-12, in a school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected by asking the students to complete two questionnaires which assessed a) their views on the newly introduced technology and b) their opinion on the projects vis-à-vis the support the IWB offered. Critical reflection on the teacher’s practice was also considered. The data suggests that the students see the board as enhancing motivation for learning and that it can be useful in learner-centered contexts, provided that teachers revisit their practices and give their students more autonomy in class.
Making a Connection
Authors: Charsky Dennis
Published: May 2010

This chapter will make a connection between game genres, game characteristics, and constructivist teaching structures. Constructivist teaching structures, like open learning environments and anchored instruction, have the same aims as serious games – to facilitate higher order learning skills and knowledge. However, constructivist teaching structures are not games and serious games are grappling with how to design games and keep the fun and learning in perfect balance. Making connections between game genres and characteristics (where much of the fun resides) and teaching structures (where much of the learning resides) will highlight commonalities that can be taken advantage of in the design of good serious games – where learning and fun are in perfect balance.
eGaming and Girls
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J. , Murphy Nora G.
Published: May 2010

Schools and libraries are considering the incorporation of egaming because of its attraction to youth and its potential benefit for instruction, developing information literacy skills and facilitating academic success. Although egames are played by most youth, egaming has gender-linked properties: extent of play, choice of games, social interaction in gaming (such as role-playing games), and novice gaming practice. School libraries are uniquely positioned to provide resources and services to insure gender-equitable gaming experiences: gaming periodicals, opportunities to select and review games, collaboration with classroom teachers, and single-sex activities. The emerging trends of casual gaming, mobile egaming, and gaming design offer opportunities that can attract girls, which teacher librarians can leverage in their services. Their efforts can also contribute to the larger arena of serious games.
Creativity and KnowledgeBased Urban Development in a Nordic Welfare State
Authors: Inkinen Tommi , Vaattovaara Mari
Published: May 2010

This chapter addresses the provision and condition of the knowledge-based development in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland. This chapter looks at linkages between regional (urban) development and welfare state elements supported by local and national policies. The authors concentrate on one hand on urban and regional policy tools, and on the other to education, because together they provide a platform for building a knowledge-based society. The authors also explore the current condition of selected creative and knowledge-intensive employment in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The Role of the Built Environment in the Creation, Cultivation and Acquisition of a Knowledge-Base
Authors: Jerome Kristine Peta
Published: May 2010

This chapter explores the role of the built environment in the creation, cultivation and acquisition of a knowledge base by people populating the urban landscape. It examines McDonald’s restaurants as a way to comprehend the relevance of the physical design in the diffusion of codified and tacit knowledge at an everyday level. Through an examination of space at a localised level, this chapter describes the synergies of space and the significance of this relationship in navigating the global landscape.
Orchestrating Knowledge-Based Urban Development
Authors: Yigitcanlar Tan , Sarimin Muna
Published: May 2010

In the era of knowledge economy, cities and regions have started increasingly investing on their physical, social and knowledge infrastructures so as to foster, attract and retain global talent and investment. Knowledge-based urban development as a new paradigm in urban planning and development is being implemented across the globe in order to increase the competitiveness of cities and regions. This chapter provides an overview of the lessons from Multimedia Super Corridor, Malaysia as one of the first large scale manifestations of knowledge-based urban development in South East Asia. The chapter investigates the application of the knowledge-based urban development concept within the Malaysian context, and, particularly, scrutinises the development and evolution of Multimedia Super Corridor by focusing on strategies, implementation policies, infrastructural implications, and agencies involved in the development and management of the corridor. In the light of the literature and case findings, the chapter provides generic recommendations, on the orchestration of knowledge-based urban development, for other cities and regions seeking such development.
Data Mining to Examine the Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Zahedi Hamid
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study is to use data mining methods to investigate the physician decisions specifically in the treatment of osteomyelitis. Two primary data sets have been used in this study; the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Thomson MedStat MarketScan data. We used online sources to obtain background information about the disease and its treatment in the literature. An innovative method was used to capture the information from the web and to cluster or filter that information to find the most relevant information, using SAS Text Miner. Other important innovations in investigating the data include finding the switches of medication and comparing the date of the switch with the date of procedures. We could study these medications switched at deeper levels, but this is not necessary in our study, especially with limited access to data. We also create a model to forecast the cost of hospitalization for patients with osteomyelitis.
Outcomes Research in Gastrointestinal Treatment
Authors: Ramos Pedro
Published: May 2010

This case study describes the use of SAS technology in streamlining cross-sectional and retrospective case-control studies in the exploration of the co-morbidity of depression and gastrointestinal disorders. Various studies in Europe and America have documented associations between irritable bowel syndrome and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders; however, these were observational studies. Because it is impossible to randomize symptoms, it is difficult to isolate patients with these co-morbidities for randomized trials. Therefore, studies will continue to use observational data. In this study, all steps are conducted electronically in a rapid development environment provided by SAS technology. In addition, it examines the potential rate of health-care utilization particularly for GI disorders among individuals with depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. We find that the proportion of patients with gastrointestinal problems and psychological disorders is typically higher than the proportion of patients with only gastrointestinal problems.