bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximum Locally Stable Matchings
Authors: Cheng Christine , McDermid Eric
Published: June 2013

Motivated by the observation that most companies are more likely to consider job applicants referred by their employees than those who applied on their own, Arcaute and Vassilvitskii modeled a job market that integrates social networks into stable matchings in an interesting way. We call their model HR+SN because an instance of their model is an ordered pair (I, G) where I is a typical instance of the Hospital/Residents problem (HR) and G is a graph that describes the social network (SN) of the residents in I. A matching p, of hospitals and residents has a local blocking pair (h, r) if (h, r) is a blocking pair of ii, and there is a resident r' such that r' is simultaneously an employee of h in the matching and a neighbor of r in G. Such a pair is likely to compromise the matching because the participants have access to each other through r': r can give her resume to r' who can then forward it to h. A locally stable matching is a matching with no local blocking pairs. The cardinality of the locally stable matchings of I can vary. This paper presents a variety of results on computing a locally stable matching with maximum cardinality.
Evaluation of Surveillance for Documentation of Freedom from Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Calvo-Artavia Francisco , Alban Lis , Nielsen Liza
Published: June 2013

The objective was to study how surveillance for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) could be made more resource-effective in a bTB free country. A stochastic scenario tree model was developed to: (1) evaluate the sensitivity (CSe) of four surveillance system components (SSC) (i.e., meat inspection of slaughtered domestic cattle, farmed deer and pigs, and tuberculin testing of adult export cattle) given that bTB would enter one of these components, (2) estimate the probability of freedom (PFree) from bTB over time, and (3) evaluate how future alternative programmes based on visual meat inspection would affect the confidence in freedom from bTB at the very low animal-level design prevalence 0.0002% and a low probabilities of introduction (1%). All, except the export cattle component reached a PFree above 96% within five years. The PFree was slightly reduced if surveillance was changed to visual inspection, e.g., PFree was reduced from 96.5% to 94.3% in the cattle component, and from 98.5% to 97.7% in the pig component after 24 years. In conclusion, visual meat inspection of pigs and cattle will only reduce the confidence in freedom from bTB slightly. However, with negligible probability of introduction (0.1%) the PFree could be maintained well above 99% in the cattle, pigs and deer components, which highlights the importance of rigid testing and quarantine procedures in trade of livestock.
Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Regulates Murine Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation and Pluripotency through an S1P2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Smith Gaelen , Kumar Ashok , Saba Julie
Published: June 2013

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that activates a family of G protein coupled-receptors (GPCRs) implicated in mammalian development, angiogenesis, immunity and tissue regeneration. S1P functions as a trophic factor for many cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Sphingosine phosphate lyase (SPL) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible degradation of S1P. We found SPL to be highly expressed in murine ESCs (mESCs). To investigate the role of SPL in mESC biology, we silenced SPL in mESCs via stable transfection with a lentiviral SPL-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) construct. SPL-knockdown (SPL-KD) mESCs showed a 5-fold increase in cellular S1P levels, increased proliferation rates and high expression of cell surface pluripotency markers SSEA1 and OCT4 compared to vector control cells. Compared to control mESCs, SPL-KD cells showed robust activation of STAT3 and a 10-fold increase in S1P2 expression. Inhibition of S1P2 or STAT3 reversed the proliferation and pluripotency phenotypes of SPL-KD mESCs. Further, inhibition of S1P2 attenuated, in a dose-dependent fashion, the high levels of OCT4 and STAT3 activation observed in SPL-KD mESCs. Finally, we showed that SPL-KD cells are capable of generating embryoid bodies from which muscle stem cells, called satellite cells, can be isolated. These findings demonstrate an important role for SPL in ESC homeostasis and suggest that SPL inhibition could facilitate ex vivo ESC expansion for therapeutic purposes.
Synthetic Genetic Targeting of Genome Instability in Cancer
Authors: Sajesh Babu , Guppy Brent , McManus Kirk
Published: June 2013

Cancer is a leading cause of death throughout the World. A limitation of many current chemotherapeutic approaches is that their cytotoxic effects are not restricted to cancer cells, and adverse side effects can occur within normal tissues. Consequently, novel strategies are urgently needed to better target cancer cells. As we approach the era of personalized medicine, targeting the specific molecular defect(s) within a given patient’s tumor will become a more effective treatment strategy than traditional approaches that often target a given cancer type or sub-type. Synthetic genetic interactions are now being examined for their therapeutic potential and are designed to target the specific genetic and epigenetic phenomena associated with tumor formation, and thus are predicted to be highly selective. In general, two complementary approaches have been employed, including synthetic lethality and synthetic dosage lethality, to target aberrant expression and/or function associated with tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, respectively. Here we discuss the concepts of synthetic lethality and synthetic dosage lethality, and explain three general experimental approaches designed to identify novel genetic interactors. We present examples and discuss the merits and caveats of each approach. Finally, we provide insight into the subsequent pre-clinical work required to validate novel candidate drug targets.
The Effects of Entry in Bilateral Oligopoly
Authors: Dickson Alex
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of entry into the market for a single commodity in which both sellers and buyers are permitted to interact strategically. With the inclusion of an additional seller, the market is quasi-competitive: the price falls and volume of trade increases, as expected. However, contrary to the conventional wisdom, existing sellers’ payoffs may increase. The conditions under which entry by new sellers raises the equilibrium payoffs of existing sellers are derived. These depend in an intuitive way on the elasticity of a strategic analog of demand and the market share of existing sellers, and encompass entirely standard economic environments. Similar results are derived relating to the entry of additional buyers and the effects of entry on both sides of the market are investigated.
Phthalic Acid Chemical Probes Synthesized for Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis
Authors: Liang Shih-Shin , Liao Wei-Ting , Kuo Chao-Jen , Chou Chi-Hsien , Wu Chin-Jen , Wang Hui-Min
Published: June 2013

Plasticizers are additives that are used to increase the flexibility of plastic during manufacturing. However, in injection molding processes, plasticizers cannot be generated with monomers because they can peel off from the plastics into the surrounding environment, water, or food, or become attached to skin. Among the various plasticizers that are used, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid) is a typical precursor to generate phthalates. In addition, phthalic acid is a metabolite of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). According to Gene_Ontology gene/protein database, phthalates can cause genital diseases, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, etc. In this study, a silanized linker (3-aminopropyl triethoxyslane, APTES) was deposited on silicon dioxides (SiO2) particles and phthalate chemical probes were manufactured from phthalic acid and APTES–SiO2. These probes could be used for detecting proteins that targeted phthalic acid and for protein-protein interactions. The phthalic acid chemical probes we produced were incubated with epithelioid cell lysates of normal rat kidney (NRK-52E cells) to detect the interactions between phthalic acid and NRK-52E extracted proteins. These chemical probes interacted with a number of chaperones such as protein disulfide-isomerase A6, heat shock proteins, and Serpin H1. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) software showed that these chemical probes were a practical technique for protein-protein interaction analysis.
Metasin—An Intra-Operative RT-qPCR Assay to Detect Metastatic Breast Cancer in Sentinel Lymph Nodes
Authors: Al-Ramadhani Salma , Sai-Giridhar Priya , George Dilushana , Gopinath Preethi , Arkoumani Evdokia , Jader Samar , Sundaresan Maryse , Salgado Roberto , Larsimont Dennis , Bustin Stephen , Sundaresan Vasi
Published: June 2013

Nodal status is one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer. Established tests such as touch imprint cytology and frozen sections currently used in the intra-operative setting show variations in sensitivity and specificity. This limitation has led to the development of molecular alternatives, such as GeneSearch, a commercial intra-operative real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assay that allows the surgeon to carry out axillary clearance as a one-step process. Since GeneSearch has been discontinued, we have developed the replacement Metasin assay, which targets the breast epithelial cell markers CK19 and mammaglobin mRNA and identifies metastatic disease in sentinel lymph nodes. The optimised assay can be completed within 32 min (6 min for RNA preparation and 26 min instrument run time), making its use feasible in the intraoperative setting. An analysis by Metasin of 154 archived lymph node homogenates previously analysed by both parallel histology and GeneSearch showed concordance for 148 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of Metasin compared with GeneSearch were 95% (CI 83%–99%) and 97% (CI 91%–99%) respectively; compared with histology they were 95% (CI 83%–99%) and 97% (CI 91%–99%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of GeneSearch compared with histology were 90% (CI 77%–96%) and 97% (CI 93%–99%) respectively. The positive predictive value of Metasin was 90% and negative predictive value was 98% for both histology and GeneSearch. The positive predictive value of GeneSearch was 92% and the negative predictive value was 97% compared to histology. The discordance rates of Metasin with both GeneSearch and histology were 3.89%. In comparison, the discordance rate of GeneSearch with histology was 4.5%. Metasin’s robustness was independently evaluated on 193 samples previously analysed by GeneSearch from the Jules Bordet Institute, where Metasin yielded comparable results.
Significant Decline in Galactomannan Signal during Storage of Clinical Serum Samples
Authors: Johnson Gemma , Sarker Shah-Jalal , Hill Kate , Tsitsikas Dimitris , Morin Amelie , Bustin Stephen , Agrawal Samir
Published: June 2013

Galactomannan (GM) is widely used for detection of invasive aspergillosis in high-risk haemato-oncology patients. Recent publications have reported a lack of repeatability of GM detection. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the repeatability of GM levels during storage of clinical samples. In a GM screening strategy, positive sera were repeat tested as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Short-term (ST) storage of samples was at +4 °C while long-term (LT) storage was at −80 °C. Bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid was also repeating tested after ST storage and LT storage. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was employed to assess the repeatability of GM levels. In a subset of 14 GM positive sera, repeat testing was performed on both the original serum and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) pre-treated sample. There was a significant reduction in GM signals on repeat testing following ST storage (median GM index: 0.65 vs. 0.19; p < 0.001) and LT storage (median GM index: 0.56 vs. 0.10; p < 0.001) of serum samples. Of samples that were initially GM positive, an average GM index reduction of 50% was seen, with approximately two-thirds becoming GM negative on repeat testing of the same sample. In contrast, GM signal loss was not seen on repeat testing of BAL fluid following ST or LT storage. When GM positive serum samples were repeat tested using EDTA pre-treated serum from the first step of the testing protocol, all samples remained GM positive. In contrast, when the same samples were repeat tested from the original collected serum, 9 samples (64%) became GM negative. The significant reduction in GM signals during ST and LT storage of serum samples has implications for clinical management. Although the reasons for GM decline are unknown, they occur prior to the EDTA pre-treatment stage, indicating that the time from phlebotomy to testing should be minimized. BAL fluid GM index values remain stable.
Anti-Tumor Effects of Mfn2 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Ge-Er , Jin Hai-Long , Lin Xian-Ke , Chen Chao , Liu Xiao-Sun , Zhang Qing , Yu Ji-Ren
Published: June 2013

Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein involved in mitochondrial fusion. Its mutation can cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Recent studies of Mfn2 in cancer research have not included gastric cancer. We confirmed that Mfn2 expression was lower in tumor tissue than in normal gastric mucosal tissue and that it was negatively correlated with tumor size, indicating an anti-tumor role for Mfn2. In vitro experiments showed that Mfn2 overexpression suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation and colony formation, weakened the invasion and migratory ability of cancer cells by downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9, halted the cell cycle and induced apoptosis. Western blotting indicated the likely involvement of P21 and PI3K/Akt signaling. Therefore, Mfn2 is a potential anti-tumor gene and a potential therapeutic target for treating gastric cancer. The progress of gastric cancer may be delayed by controlling Mfn2 expression.
Ethanol Extract of Atractylodes macrocephala Protects Bone Loss by Inhibiting Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Ha Hyunil , An Hyosun , Shim Ki-Shuk , Kim Taesoo , Lee Kwang , Hwang Youn-Hwan , Ma Jin
Published: June 2013

The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala has been used mainly in Traditional Chinese Medicine for invigorating the functions of the stomach and spleen. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala (AMEE) on osteoclast differentiation. We found that AMEE inhibits osteoclast differentiation from its precursors induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), an essential cytokine required for osteoclast differentiation. AMEE attenuated RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, subsequently inhibiting the induction of osteoclastogenic transcription factors, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1. Consistent with the in vitro results, administration of AMEE protected RANKL-induced bone loss in mice. We also identified atractylenolide I and II as active constituents contributing to the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of AMEE. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AMEE has a protective effect on bone loss via inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and suggest that AMEE may be useful in preventing and treating various bone diseases associated with excessive bone resorption.
Afterword: Embodiment, Social Order, and the Classification of Humans as Waste
Authors: Shilling Chris
Published: June 2013

The rise of body studies has, since its development in the early 1980s, been characterized by a resilience and creativity that shows no signs of abating. There are various reasons for this success, but two are especially worthy of note. Socially informed studies of the materialities, capacities and connectedness of body subjects have maintained their capacity to advance disciplinary, cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary work on the subject into new agendas [1,2]. Additionally, emerging studies in the field continue to facilitate a sustained interrogation of those residual categories that have helped to define, but also restrict, the reach and ambition of sociology and related disciplines, and advance our understanding of social actions, social relationships and societies. Thus, in contrast to the traditional sociological concern with abstract ‘social facts’ that threatened, at times, to render redundant a focus on the physical constitution of those subject to them [3], sociologists of embodiment have explored the corporeal consequences of social structures, while also highlighting how the bodily components of agency and interaction were affected by, and became meaningful to people through, such factors as health, illness and dis/ability.
Metz et Ratisbonne : La flèche de la tour de Mutte et son relief en Allemagne autour de 1400
Authors: Kurmann Peter
Published: June 2013

Les analogies formelles entre la flèche de la tour de Mutte de la cathédrale de Metz et le dessin d'une immense tour, conservé aux archives diocésaines de Ratisbonne, sont mises en relief pour la première fois. De même, le dessin d'une façade à deux tours, conservé également aux archives diocésaines de Ratisbonne, se rapproche de la façade de la cathédrale de Toul. Cette dernière ainsi que la tour messine ne datent que de la deuxième moitié du XVe siècle, tandis que les dessins de Ratisbonne remontent aux années 1400. Néanmoins, la parenté entre toutes ces œuvres n'est pas fortuite, car les dessins de Ratisbonne reflètent des projets dressés à la fin du XIVe siècle par Pierre Perrat, maître d'œuvre dans les cathédrales de Metz et de Toul, projets qui ne furent réalisés que beaucoup plus tard.
De l'imagier Jean Bauduy au Maître de Biron : Les « momies des comtes de Toulouse », Statues en terre cuite de 1523
Authors: Julien Pascal
Published: June 2013

Huit statues de terre cuite de grande qualité, conservées au musée des Augustins de Toulouse, ont longtemps fait l'objet d'attributions, de datations ou d'interprétations fantaisistes. Provenant de l'église abbatiale Saint-Sernin, elles représentent des hommes et des femmes à taille humaine, aux visages très réalistes, aux habits soignés. Des actes inédits révèlent qu'elles furent exécutées en 1523 par l'imagier Jean Bauduy et qu'elles représentent des sibylles et des prophètes. Leur analyse et la concordance des documents prouvent les liens très étroits entre leur sculpteur et le maître de Biron ; jusqu'alors non identifié, cet artiste de Bordeaux dirigea le principal atelier de sculpture du sud-ouest de la France durant la fin du XVe siècle et le premier tiers du XVIe siècle. Datées, identifiées, ces statues sont un jalon essentiel dans l'histoire de la première Renaissance française.
L'enceinte médiévale de Césarée
Authors: Mesqui Jean , Faucherre Nicolas
Published: June 2013

L'enceinte urbaine de Césarée maritime constitue un ensemble monumental d'un intérêt considérable ; construite en moins d'un an par Saint Louis, elle offre des solutions architecturales tout à fait originales, Elle a été dégagée dans les années 1960 sous la direction de Avraham Negev ; les fouilles de cet archéologue sont malheureusement demeurées inédites. À partir des manuscrits de cet auteur, et d'un examen architectural des restes en élévation, le présent article présente une première analyse de cet ensemble d'architecture militaire, en le resituant par rapport à la production royale contemporaine.
Triptolide Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Growth and Angiogenesis of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Downregulating COX-2 and VEGF
Authors: Ma Jian-Xia , Sun Yun-Liang , Wang Yi-Qian , Wu Hong-Yu , Jin Jing , Yu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2013

Triptolide (TPL) inhibits the growth and proliferation of a wide range of human cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report that TPL induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells by downregulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to examine the expression of COX-2 and VEGF. The Matrigel angiogenesis and Transwell migration were employed to assess tube formation
and cell migration. Pancreatic cancer mouse xenografts were established to investigate the in vivo antitumor effects of TPL. TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the apoptosis rate and protein expression in tumor tissues. TPL inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic
cancer cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner and decreased the expression of COX-2 and VEGF in vitro. Furthermore, medium from TPL-treated PANC-1 cells inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs. TPL significantly reduced the growth of pancreatic cancer
mouse xenografts, accompanied by an induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and reduction of COX-2 and VEGF. Our data indicate that suppressing the expression of COX-2 and VEGF may be one of the molecular mechanisms by which TPL induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth and angiogenesis
of human pancreatic cancer cells.
Knockdown of Pokemon Protein Expression Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Suppression of AKT Activity
Authors: Zhu Xiaosan , Dai Yichen , Chen Zhangxin , Xie Junpei , Zeng Wei , Lin Yuanyuan
Published: June 2013

Overexpression of Pokemon, which is an erythroid myeloid ontogenic factor protein, occurs in different cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Pokemon is also reported to have an oncogenic activity in various human cancers. This study investigated the effect of Pokemon knockdown on the regulation of HCC growth. POK shRNA suppressed the expression of Pokemon protein in HepG2 cells compared to the negative control vector-transfected HCC cells. Pokemon knockdown also reduced HCC cell viability and enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. AKT activation and the expression of various cell cycle-related genes were inhibited following Pokemon knockdown. These data demonstrate that Pokemon may play a role in HCC progression, suggesting that inhibition of Pokemon expression using Pokemon shRNA should be further evaluated as a novel target for the control of HCC.
A BPM Framework for NPD Process Knowledge Management
Authors: Caforio Antonio , Corallo Angelo , Dimartino Angelo
Published: June 2013

In today’s context of strong competition among organizations and rapid changes in business surroundings, the organizations really need to start thinking about improving their performance, especially in knowledge intensive processes such as New Product Development. Business Process Management and Knowledge Management can represent organization’s strategic resources to the extent in which they are viewed as a base of success or failure, but they need to be supported by synergic systems that allow shaping the context in which knowledge is created and where knowledge can be re-used. Managing the explicit definition of the NPD processes and its resources allows the regulation of reusable “process knowledge,” the achievement of standardization, the improvement of best practice reuse, the improvement of time/cost efficiency, and the support of workers in the retrieval of knowledge resources suitable to conduct the product development activities. Thus, the aim of the chapter is to study how to best support companies in the collection and organization of process knowledge in the domain of their new product development, and to present an NPD process knowledge management framework which, starting from BPM approaches and its related technologies, allows the building of the required knowledge for the product development process more effectively for users and stakeholders.
New Telerehabilitation Services for the Elderly
Authors: Teixeira António , Pereira Carlos , Oliveira e Silva Miguel , Alvarelhão Joaquim , Silva Anabela G. , Cerqueira Margarida , Martins Ana Isabel , Pacheco Osvaldo , Almeida Nuno , Oliveira Catarina , Costa Rui , Neves António , Queirós Alexandra , Rocha Nelson
Published: June 2013

The world’s population is getting older with the percentage of people over 60 increasing more rapidly than any other age group. Telerehabilitation may help minimise the pressure this puts on the traditional healthcare system, but recent studies showed ease of use, usability, and accessibility as unsolved problems, especially for older people who may have little experience or confidence in using technology. Current migration towards multimodal interaction has benefits for seniors, allowing hearing and vision problems to be addressed by exploring redundancy and complementarity of modalities. This chapter presents and contextualizes work in progress in a new telerehabilitation service targeting the combined needs of the elderly to have professionally monitored exercises without leaving their homes with their need regarding interaction, directly related to age-related effects on, for example, vision, hearing, and cognitive capabilities. After a brief general overview of the service, additional information on its two supporting applications are presented, including information on user interfaces. First results from a preliminary evaluation are also included.
Commercial Home Assistance Services
Authors: Milutinovic Milica , Decroix Koen , Naessens Vincent , De Decker Bart
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, the authors describe the software architecture of a commercially run home assistance system that allows patients or elderly people to stay longer at home. Since such systems often have to handle sensitive medical information, the protection of the privacy is a major concern. In addition, legislation often restricts access to health information to qualified persons (i.e. medical personnel), who are not always available in a commercial setting. The home assistance system can offer several services, ranging from scheduling necessary tasks and following up their execution, to monitoring the patient’s health status and responding promptly to requests for help or in case of emergency situations, and all this without the need to maintain personal medical data or identifying information about patients and caregivers in the home assistance centre.
Elderly People and Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Authors: Blazun Helena , Saranto Kaija , Rissanen Sari , Bobek Samo
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to present up-to-date knowledge on elderly people’s use of Information Communication Technology (ICT), online social networks, and eventual positive effects of advanced technology on the quality of life of elderly people. The chapter is based on two previous literature reviews and a new integrated literature review focusing on three main criteria: use of ICT, attitudes of elderly people toward ICT, and benefits of and barriers to the use of ICT. A comparison of the literature reviews shows the level of currently known facts about computer use among the elderly and presents the necessary steps for future research on how to increase the computer engagement of elderly people toward a better quality of life.
Nursing Information Systems
Authors: Macedo Ana Paula , Petronilho Fernando , Cainé João
Published: June 2013

We have witnessed a change in the Health Information Systems (HIS) in what concerns structure, contents, and support for optimization of the resources, the best efficiency in cost control, and a better management of the quality of services rendered to the citizens. From the standpoint of reformulating the HIS, we can see an evolution in the production of information centered almost exclusively in the need of a documental proof on the care rendered by nurses to the citizens to produce information that can constitute a central resource for their clinical decision making. The authors describe the evolution of the Nursing Information Systems (NIS), reflect upon the impact of reformulation and implementation of the NIS in Portugal in the development of the nursing practice, and reflect upon the impact of the NIS reformulation in the quality of care as well as in education and training in the nursing area.
Maturity and Metrics in Health Organizations Information Systems
Authors: Carneiro Alberto
Published: June 2013

This chapter discusses the issues and choices that researchers and technicians should consider when adapting maturity models to healthcare organizations needs. It discusses the practical utilization of maturity models, including different maners of exploring a model’s usefulness. For a more complete understanding of maturity models and their applicability, the selection of criteria and processes of measurement, called metrics, is briefly reviewed in terms of indicators and daily procedures. Finally, some issues of management information systems security are briefly addressed, along with a note on measuring security assessment.
Why and How Did Health Economics Appear? Who Were the Main Authors? What is the Role of ITCs in its Development?
Authors: Borges Ana Pinto , Laranjeira Erika
Published: June 2013

Over the past sixty years, developed countries have registered high growth of total expenditure on health, which has attracted the attention of health economists, organizations, and policymakers alike. At the same time, the authors observe the increasingly important role of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), not only in improving diagnosis and treatment and the quality of information, but also in the growth of these expenditures. According to this scenario, the authors focus on the development of Health Economics as an autonomous branch within Economics, highlighting not only its origin and the leading authors that began to write about it, but also the impact and the role of the development of ICTs on Health Economics and healthcare.
An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model in Hospital-in-the-Home Units
Authors: Martínez-Caro Eva , Cegarra-Navarro Juan Gabriel , Solano-Lorente Marcelina
Published: June 2013

The implementation of a Hospital-in-the-Home Unit (HHU) involves the application of technologies adapted to improve quality of care. The aim of this chapter is to develop a model based on the Technology Acceptance Model, which identifies key success factors for the acceptance of technology systems in HHUs. Qualitative research was carried out in the HHU of a Spanish hospital. Interviews were conducted with the HHU team, the hospital nurse manager, and the medical manager. An extended technology acceptance model is derived from the interviews. While organisational triggers such as accessibility, collaboration, confidentiality, training, and security are the main drivers for perceived usefulness and ease of use; individual processes such as unlearning and openness to address the needs of patients are the main enablers for the participation of practitioners. The results shed light on a possible way for healthcare managers to enhance their subordinates’ acceptance of technologies for HHUs.
Impact of Blogs on Sales Revenue
Authors: Zhang Guoying , Dubinsky Alan J. , Tan Yong
Published: June 2013

In this study, blog data were collected and network parameters were captured to represent three common measurements of online Word-Of-Mouth: intensity, influence level, and dispersion. These parameters were then analyzed using a General Estimating Equation (GEE) model to test their effects on average weekly movie box office receipts. Findings indicated that all three parameters were significant in the model. The aggregated degree, representing WOM intensity, was positively significant, which was consistent with results from extant research. Further, diameter of a network, representing WOM dispersion, was observed to be positively significant, which validated the importance of spreading WOM as far as possible. Counter-intuitively, the aggregated size node, representing WOM influence level, was ascertained to be negatively significant, which might be explained by the possible negative stance from opinion leaders with high influence level. Applying network analysis methodology to blog entries, the present work differentiated itself from extant WOM literature that has focused chiefly on content analysis. The findings also provided managerial insights to companies interested in utilizing blogs as online WOM for marketing initiatives and implications for future research.
A Comparative Study of Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Al Falahi Kanna , Harous Saad , Atif Yacine
Published: June 2013

Clustering is a major problem when dealing with organizing and dividing data. There are multiple algorithms proposed to handle this issue in many scientific areas such as classifications, community detection and collaborative filtering. The need for clustering arises in Social Networks where huge data generated daily and different relations are established between users. The ability to find groups of interest in a network can help in many aspects to provide different services such as targeted advertisements. The authors surveyed different clustering algorithms from three different clustering groups: Hierarchical, Partitional, and Density-based algorithms. They then discuss and compare these algorithms from social web point view and show their strength and weaknesses in handling social web data. They also use a case study to support our finding by applying two clustering algorithms on articles collected from Delicious.com and discussing the different groups generated by each algorithm.
Analyzing Persian Social Networks
Authors: Esmaeili Leila , Nasiri Mahdi , Minaei-Bidgoli Behrouz
Published: June 2013

Analysis of data in social networks is very important for researchers, sociologists, and academics. Given the size and diversity of web data in a Web 2.0 environment, analyzing this data has been a challenge. Since data act as inputs in such projects, the accuracy of the output is directly related to the input. Good data allows for extraction of valuable knowledge. In this article, the authors present their experiences with preparation and preprocessing of data in a Persian social network. The authors also report on the analysis of the data and findings.
Gamifying Everyday Activities using Mobile Sensing
Authors: Fitz-Walter Zachary , Tjondronegoro Dian , Wyeth Peta
Published: June 2013

The addition of game design elements to non-game contexts has become known as gamification. Previous research has suggested that framing tedious and non-motivating tasks as game-like can make them enjoyable and motivating (e.g., de Oliveira, et al., 2010; Fujiki, et al., 2007; Chiu, et al., 2009). Smartphone applications lend themselves to being gamified as the underlying mobile technology has the ability to sense user activities and their surrounding environment. These sensed activities can be used to implement and enforce game-like rules based around many physical activities (e.g., exercise, travel, or eating). If researchers wish to investigate this area, they first need an existing gamified application to study. However if an appropriate application does not exist then the researcher may need to create their own gamified prototype to study. Unfortunately, there is little previous research that details or explains the design and integration of game elements to non-game mobile applications. This chapter explores this gap and shares a framework that was used to add videogame-like achievements to an orientation mobile application developed for new university students. The framework proved useful and initial results are discussed from two studies. However, further development of the framework is needed, including further consideration of what makes an effective gamified experience.
A Context-Aware Smart TV System with Body-Gesture Control and Personalized Recommendation
Authors: Lee Wei-Po , KaoLi Che
Published: June 2013

Smart TV enables viewers to conveniently access different multimedia content and interactive services in a single platform. This chapter addresses three important issues to enhance the performance of smart TV. The first is to design a body control system that recognizes and interprets human gestures as machine commands to control TV. The second is to develop a new social tag-based method to recommend most suitable multimedia content to users. Finally, a context-aware platform is implemented that takes into account different environmental situations in order to make the best recommendations.
Students’ Attitudes towards Library Facilities and Information Resources of University Libraries in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Thanuskodi S.
Published: June 2013

The present century ushered in the knowledge economy whereby information, access to it, and the ability to use it to create new knowledge becomes the single most important skill that individuals need to acquire in order to succeed. The workplace is asking for university graduates who have acquired a stronger intellectual framework for using information for discovery. This calls for a change in the university educational landscape and a pedagogic shift from the closure learning system where students and the teacher communicated and interacted face-to-face to include a new learning system that is virtual, distributed, problem-based, more student-centered, and facilitated by global information networking systems. This is a knowledge-based pedagogy and requires that both students and teaching faculty acquire information seeking and management skills. E-learning, open access to resources, distance education, interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration enhanced by information communication technologies are major developments that are reshaping library services. Consequently, new roles and services have emerged for university librarians. Taking up the characteristics of an electronic information resource, librarians are more “distributed” and play a central role in the teaching/learning programmes of the university: they serve as consultants in information resources management and coordinate information technology applications; they provide instructions on research methods and other areas that deal with incorporating information communication technologies into learning, and are more actively involved in providing information instructional programmes to both faculty and students. The present study evaluates the use of library facilities and information resources in university libraries in Tamil Nadu. A survey of 518 students from 5 universities in Tamil Nadu was conducted through a set of questionnaires. The collected data covers the use of library resources, services, (e.g. reference services, photocopying services), etc. The chapter concludes that the main intention for the use of libraries has been the academic interest of the students.
Academic Libraries in Nigeria and the Challenges of Application of Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Igwe Kingsley Nwadiuto
Published: June 2013

Nigeria is one of the developing countries where many challenges are affecting the management of its academic libraries, especially in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) application. Academic libraries are libraries in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) that are established to provide information resources and information services in support of the research, teaching, learning, and community development objectives of the institutions. However, despite the overwhelming influence of ICT, the information superhighway, and the open access initiatives across the globe, the extent of ICT adoption, application, and utilization for the provision of information services in Nigerian academic libraries is nothing to cheer. This chapter, which adopts a descriptive approach, examines the following: conceptual explanation of ICT and the case for its application and the state of ICT and the challenges of ICT application in Nigerian academic libraries, with recommendations on the way forward.
A Review into E-Health Services and Therapies
Authors: Good Alice , Sambhanthan Arunasalam
Published: June 2013

E-health has expanded hugely over the last fifteen years and continues to evolve, providing greater benefits for patients, health care professionals, and providers alike. The technologies that support these systems have become increasingly more sophisticated and have progressed significantly from standard databases, used for patient records, to highly advanced Virtual Reality (VR) systems for the treatment of complex mental health illnesses. The scope of this chapter is to initially explore e-health, particularly in relation to technologies supporting the treatment and management of wellbeing in mental health. It then provides a case study of how technology in e-health can lend itself to an application that could support and maintain the wellbeing of people with a severe mental illness. The case study uses Borderline Personality Disorder as an example, but could be applicable in many other areas, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. This type of application demonstrates how e-health can empower the individuals using it but also potentially reduce the impact upon health care providers and services.
Coordinating Enterprise Services and Data
Authors: Worfolk Keith R.
Published: June 2013

The critical inter-dependencies between Enterprise Services and Enterprise Data are often not given due consideration. With the advent of Cloud Computing, it is becoming increasingly important for organizations to understand the relationships between them, in order to formulate strategies to jointly manage and coordinate enterprise services and data to improve business value and reduce risk to the enterprise. Enterprise Services encompass Service-driven applications deployed on-premises in the enterprise data centers as well as in the Cloud for the “extended enterprise.” Enterprise Data Management encompasses the cross-application enterprise-level perspective of data in an information-sharing enterprise, and the critical business data that is created, maintained, enriched, and shared outside the traditional enterprise firewall. This chapter discusses and proposes best practice strategies for coordinating the enterprise SOA & EDM approaches for mutual success. Primary coordination aspects discussed include: Service & Data Governance, Master Data Management, Service-driven & EDM Architecture Roadmaps, Service Portfolio Management, Enterprise Information Architecture, and the Enterprise Data Model. It recommends a facilitative Service-driven Data Architecture Framework & Capability Maturity Model to help enterprises evaluate and optimize overall effectiveness of their coordinated Service-driven & EDM strategies.
Design for Information Processing in Living Neuronal Networks
Authors: Kudoh Suguru N.
Published: June 2013

A neurorobot is a model system for biological information processing with vital components and the artificial peripheral system. As a central processing unit of the neurorobot, a dissociated culture system possesses a simple and functional network comparing to a whole brain; thus, it is suitable for exploration of spatiotemporal dynamics of electrical activity of a neuronal circuit. The behavior of the neurorobot is determined by the response pattern of neuronal electrical activity evoked by a current stimulation from outer world. “Certain premise rules” should be embedded in the relationship between spatiotemporal activity of neurons and intended behavior. As a strategy for embedding premise rules, two ideas are proposed. The first is “shaping,” by which a neuronal circuit is trained to deliver a desired output. Shaping strategy presumes that meaningful behavior requires manipulation of the living neuronal network. The second strategy is “coordinating.” A living neuronal circuit is regarded as the central processing unit of the neurorobot. Instinctive behavior is provided as premise control rules, which are embedded into the relationship between the living neuronal network and robot. The direction of self-tuning process of neurons is not always suitable for desired behavior of the neurorobot, so the interface between neurons and robot should be designed so as to make the direction of self-tuning process of the neuronal network correspond with desired behavior of the robot. Details of these strategies and concrete designs of the interface between neurons and robot are be introduced and discussed in this chapter.
Development and Simulation of an Adaptive Control System for the Teleoperation of Medical Robots
Authors: Minh Vu Trieu
Published: June 2013

This chapter presents the design and calculation procedure for a teleoperation and remote control of a medical robot that can help a doctor to use his hands/fingers to examine patients in remote areas. This teleoperation system is simple and low cost, connected to the global Internet system, and through the interaction with the master device, the medical doctor is able to communicate control signals for the slave device. This controller is robust to the time-variant delays and the environment uncertainties while assuring the stability and the high transparent performance. A novel theoretical framework and algorithms are developed with time forward observer-based adaptive controller and neural network-based multiple model. The system allows the medical doctor to feel the real sense of the remote environments.
Teaching and Learning in English as the Medium for Instruction for International Students
Authors: Corrigan Paul C.
Published: June 2013

Early signs of a systemic shift in higher education towards significant use of English can be seen across some continents where English is not the usual spoken language. Such a shift derives from universities’ efforts to internationalize and capitalize as they navigate the currents of globalization. The use of English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) as pedagogy should be examined more closely in the context of the concurrent growth of higher education around the world and the increase in the number of international (and local) students who are studying in English as a Second Language (ESL). A robust model of EMI as pedagogy is presented, which can be useful in supporting an internationalizing institution’s EMI policy.
The effectivity of periprostatic nerve blockade for the pain control during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Otunctemur Alper , Dursun Murat , Besiroglu Huseyin , Can Polat Emre , Cakir Suleyman Sami , Ozbek Emin , Karadeniz Tahir
Published: June 2013

Aim: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostete biopsy is accepted as a standard procedure in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Many different protocoles are applied to reduce the pain during the process. In this study we aimed to the comparison of two procedure with intrarectal lidocaine gel and periprostatice nerve blockade respective- ly in addition to perianal intrarectal lidocaine gel on the pain control in prostate biop- sy by TRUS. Methods: 473 patients who underwent prostate biopsy guided TRUS between 2008-2012 were included in the study. 10-point linear visual analog pain scale(VAS) was used to evaluate the pain during biopsy. The patients were divided into two groups according to anesthesia procedure. In Group 1, there were 159 patients who had perianal-intrarectal lidocaine gel, in Group 2 there were 314 patients who had periprostatic nerve blockade in addition to intrarectal lidocain gel. The pain about probe manipulation was aseesed by VAS-1 and during the biopsy needle entries was evalu- ated by VAS-2. Results were compared with Mann-Whitney U and Pearson chi-square test. Results: Mean VAS-2 scores in Group 1 and Group 2 were 4.54 ± 1.02 and 2.06 ± 0.79 respectively. The pain score was determined significantly lower in the Group 2 (p = 0.001). In both groups there was no significant difference in VAS-1 scores, patient’s age, prostate volume, complication rate and PSA level. Conclusion: The combination of periprostatic nerve blockade and intrarectal lidocain gel provides a more meaningful pain relief compared to group of patients undergoing intrarectal lidocaine gel.