bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Foreign Exchange Rates Using an SVR-Based Neural Network Ensemble
Authors: Yu Lean , Wang Shouyang , Lai Kin Keung
Published: May 2011

In this study, a triple-stage support vector regression (SVR) based neural network ensemble forecasting model is proposed for foreign exchange rates forecasting. In the first stage, multiple single neural predictors are generated in terms of diversification. In the second stage, an appropriate number of neural predictors are selected as ensemble members from the considerable number of candidate predictors generated by the previous phase. In the final stage, the selected neural predictors are combined into an aggregated output in a nonlinear way based on the support vector regression principle. For further illustration, four typical foreign exchange rate series are used for testing. Empirical results obtained reveal that the proposed nonlinear neural network ensemble model can improve the performance of foreign exchange rates forecasting.
The Impact of Certification on Healthcare Information Technology Use
Authors: Hikmet Neset , Bhattacherjee Anol
Published: May 2011

This study examines the effects of certifications such as JCAHO on healthcare information technology (HIT) usage in healthcare organizations and user satisfaction with such usage. Using survey data collected from healthcare administrators in a nation-wide sample of 347 hospitals and long-term care facilities, we provide evidence that certifications do indeed enhance HIT usage and user satisfaction, at least within specialized user groups such as healthcare administrators. We further demonstrate that this increase in HIT usage due to certifications increases with facility size and is more prominent for larger hospitals than for smaller long-term care facilities, though the same cannot be said of user satisfaction. Our study suggests that certifications can be used as a valuable tool for motivating HIT usage, while also drawing attention to an under-examined area of HIT research.
Warranting High Perceived Quality of Experience (PQoE) in Pervasive Interactive Multimedia Systems
Authors: Roibás Anxo Cereijo
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of diverse ethnographic praxis intended to know users and understand how the usage scenarios can influence the quality of their experiences when interacting with pervasive communication systems. Data gathering and evaluation techniques from users’ perspective, future interfaces, and applications for pervasive interactive multimedia systems (an evolved state of mobile and pervasive iTV) are discussed. This chapter also focuses on well-established ethnomethodologies that study users and their context in field living labs, cultural probes, focus groups, and on-the-field enactments, integrated within the participatory design process to create future scenarios and applications for pervasive interactive multimedia systems.
Context Sensitive Mobile Services
Authors: Bose Indranil , Chen Xi
Published: May 2011

The advancements in mobile technologies make the collection of customers’ context information feasible. Service providers can now incorporate context information of customers when providing personalized services to them. This type of services is called context sensitive mobile services (CSMS). Context refers to the environment around customers when there are business transactions between customers and service providers. Location, time, mobile device, services, and other application specific information are all possible components of context. Compared to other types of mobile services, CSMS can fit to customers’ demands better. CSMS can follow push model or pull model. Different context sensitive services are sensitive to different context information with different degrees of sensitivity. In the future, CSMS can find good support from data mining approaches to understand customers better. Security is currently an important issue for CSMS.
Choosing Basic Architectural Alternatives
Authors: Chroust Gerhard , Schoitsch Erwin
Published: May 2011

When designing a complex software-intensive system it is unavoidable to make some a-priori basic assumptions about its architecture. We introduce so-called basic architectural alternatives as a means to guide these decisions and to understand their effects. These alternatives are classified according to five fundamental dimensions (enactment time, location, granularity, control, and automation and task distribution). For each dimension we describe some six typical, real examples of such an alternative. For each example we indicate fundamental properties of that alternative: elasticity with respect to later compromises, reversability of the choice (with resonable effort), uniformity requirements with respect to the different elements of in the system, and applicability of the chosen method accross the dimension. Finally, we discuss synergistic or contradictive effects of alternatives with respect to others. We hope that this analysis, together with the specific examples and their key properties, provide some insight for novices and seasoned designers and guides them during the early phases of system design.
A Survey of Software Architecture Approaches
Authors: Cooper Kendra M.L. , Dai Lirong , Steiner Renee , Mili Rym Zalila
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a survey of software architecture approaches. It is intended for a broad audience of students, practitioners, and researchers, in particular those who may be new to the area of software architecture. The chapter begins with a brief history of software architecture as a discipline. This is followed by a survey of established and emerging software architecture approaches. In the section on established approaches software architecture concepts are presented, which include software architecture views, decomposition strategies, description languages, and patterns; overviews of two established approaches (structured design and object-oriented design) are provided. In the section on emerging approaches, agent-, aspect-, and component-oriented approaches are included. For each of these approaches an overview, survey of the literature in the area, and a discussion are presented. The discussion includes current research issues in the community. The conclusions provide a summary of the chapter; future research directions follow.
Evaluating Quality of Service for Enterprise Distributed Systems
Authors: Hill James H. , Schmidt Douglas C. , Slaby John M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the next generation of system execution modeling tools designed around modeldriven engineering (MDE) coupled with domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs). The authors discuss key design issues involved with implementing a next generation SEM tool and show how they can be applied to developing service-oriented architecture (SOA)-based applications. Finally, the authors use a real-life case study to illustrate how next generation system execution modeling tools can help understand quality-of-service (QoS) issues earlier in the development lifecycle (i.e., during design-time) instead of waiting until complete system integration.
Multi-Vehicle Missions
Authors: Baltié Johan , Bensana Eric , Fabiani Patrick , Farges Jean-Loup , Millet Stéphane , Morignot Philippe , Patin Bruno , Petitjean Gerald , Pitois Gauthier , Poncet Jean-Clair
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with the issues associated with the autonomy of vehicle fleets, as well as some of the dimensions provided by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution. This presentation is developed using the example of a suppression of enemy air defense mission carried out by a group of Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV). The environment of the Mission Management System (MMS) includes the theatre of operations, vehicle sub-systems and the MMS of other UCAV. An MMS architecture, organized around a database, including reactive and deliberative layers is described in detail. The deliberative layer includes a distributed mission planner developed using constraint programming and an agent framework. Experimental results demonstrate that the MMS is able, in a bounded time, to carry out missions, to activate the contingent behaviors, to decide whether to plan or not. Some research directions remain open in this application domain of AI.
Stratified Constraint Satisfaction Networks in Synergetic Multi-Agent Simulations of Language Evolution
Authors: Mehler Alexander
Published: May 2011

We describe a simulation model of language evolution which integrates synergetic linguistics with multiagent modelling. On the one hand, this enables the utilization of knowledge about the distribution of the parameter values of system variables as a touch stone of simulation validity. On the other hand, it accounts for synergetic interdependencies of microscopic system variables and macroscopic order parameters. This approach goes beyond the classical setting of synergetic linguistics by grounding processes of selfregulation and self-organization in mechanisms of (dialogically aligned) language learning. Consequently, the simulation model includes four layers, (i) the level of single information processing agents which are (ii) dialogically aligned in communication processes enslaved (iii) by the social system in which the agents participate and whose countless communication events shape (iv) the corresponding language system. In summary, the present chapter is basically conceptual. It outlines a simulation model which bridges between different levels of language modelling kept apart in contemporary simulation models. This model relates to artificial cognition systems in the sense that it may be implemented to endow an artificial agent community in order to perform distributed processes of meaning constitution.
Application of Fuzzy Optimization in Forecasting and Planning of Construction Industry
Authors: Vasant P. , Barsoum N. , Kahraman C. , Dimirovski G.M
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a new method to obtain optimal solution using satisfactory approach in uncertain environment. The optimal solution is obtained by using possibilistic linear programming approach and intelligent computing by MATLAB?. The optimal solution for profit function, index quality and worker satisfaction index in construction industry is considered. Decision maker and implementer tabulate the final possibilistic and realistic outcome for objective functions respect to level of satisfaction and vagueness for forecasting and planning. When the decision maker finds the optimum parameters with acceptable degree of satisfaction, he/she can apply the confidence of gaining much profit in terms of helping the public with high quality and least cost products. The proposed fuzzy membership function allows the implementer to find a better arrangement for the equipments in the production line to fulfill the wanted products in an optimum way.
Geometric Modelling and Computer-Aided Design
Authors: Xu Xun
Published: May 2011

One of the key activities in any product design process is to develop a geometric model of the product from the conceptual ideas, which can then be augmented with further engineering information pertaining to the application area. For example, the geometric model of a design may be developed to include material and manufacturing information that can later be used in computer-aided process planning and manufacturing (CAPP/CAM) activities. A geometric model is also a must for any engineering analysis, such as finite elopement analysis (FEA). In mathematic terms, geometric modelling is concerned with defining geometric objects using computational geometry, which is often, represented through computer software or rather a geometric modelling kernel. Geometry may be defined with the help of a wire-frame model, surface model, or solid model. Geometric modelling has now become an integral part of any computer-aided design (CAD) system. In this chapter, various geometric modelling approaches, such as wire-frame, surface, and solid modelling will be discussed. Basic computational geometric methods for defining simple entities such as curves, surfaces, and solids are given. Concepts of parametric, variational, history-based, and history-free CAD systems are explained. These topics are discussed in this opening chapter because (a) CAD was the very first computer-aided technologies developed and (b) its related techniques and methods have been pervasive in the other related subjects like computer-aided manufacturing. This chapter only discusses CAD systems from the application point of view; CAD data formats and data exchange issues are covered in the second chapter.
Integration of CAD/CAPP/CAM/CNC
Authors: Xu Xun
Published: May 2011

Technologies concerning computer-aided design, process planning, manufacturing and numerical control, have matured to a point that commercialized software solutions and industrial systems can be acquired readily. These solutions or systems are, however, not necessarily connected in a seamless way, that is they are not fiintegrated. The term “islands of automation” has been used to describe these disconnected groups of systems with no obvious integration points other than the end user. As the engineering businesses are increasingly being run in a more globalized fashion, these islands of automation need to be connected to better suit and serve the collaborative and distributed environment. It is evident that the businesses are struggling with this integration strategy at a number of levels other than the underlying technology, including CAD, CAPP, CAM, and CNC for example. In some cases, where integration does not exist among these computer-aided solutions, promising product technologies may come to a sudden halt against these barriers. The previous chapters have focused on these individual computer-aided solutions, e.g. CAD, CAPP, CAM, CNC, and feature technologies. Some localized integration such as integrated feature technology has been studied. The following chapters, will in particular, look at the integration issues, technologies, and solutions. This chapter starts with a general description of traditional CAD, CAPP, CAM, and CNC integration models. This is followed by an industry case study showcasing how a proprietary CAD/CAM can be used to achieve centralized integration. To illustrate CAM/CNC integration, three different efforts are mentioned. They are APT, BCL (Binary Cutter Location, (EIA/ANSI, 1992)), BNCL (Base Numerical Control Language, (Fortin, Chatelain & Rivest, 2004)) and use of Haskell language for CNC programming (Arroyo, Ochoa, Silva & Vidal, 2004).
Integration Based on STEP Standards
Authors: Xu Xun
Published: May 2011

The integration model (Model B) as discussed in the previous chapter makes use of exchangeable neutral data formats such as IGES (1980). Neutral data formats provide a middle tier to connect CAD and CAM systems. Thus, Model B can create a collaborative manufacturing environment and make the design data exchange possible for large projects at the international level. Yet, some problems still remain. IGES was designed to exchange geometrical information only, so additional design or manufacturing information (such as feature information) within a proprietary model is ignored. During data exchange, some information may become astray during data transfer; geometry stitching or model repair is often needed. Plus, IGES is not an international standard. As previously discussed, there are also problems common to both Models A and B (Figure 10.1). Different data formats (e.g. IGES and ISO 6983-1, 1982) are used in the designto- manufacturing chain. Data loss occurs in the transaction from design to manufacturing because only low-level, step-by-step sequential machining commands are passed onto the CNC controllers, leaving the complete product model behind. Of particular significance has been the endeavour made by the International Organization for Standardization to introduce the STEP Standard (i.e. ISO 10303-1 [1994]). Major aerospace and automotive companies have proven the value of STEP through production implementations resulting in savings of US $150 million per year (Gallaher, O’Connor & Phelps, 2002, PDES, Inc. 2006). Moreover, STEP has recently been extended to cater to manufacturing data modelling and execution with an aim to fill the information gap between CAD/CAPP/CAM and CNC. The standard is informally known as STEP-compliant Numerical Control, or otherwise STEP-NC for short. It was given an ISO name of “ISO 14649: Data model for Computerized Numerical Controllers (ISO 14649-1, 2003)”, which defines the STEP-NC Application Reference Model. With STEP being extended to model manufacturing information, a new paradigm of integrated CAD/CAPP/CAM/CNC is emerging. This is illustrated in Figure 11.1. The key to this paradigm is that no data conversion is required and the data throughout the design and manufacturing chain are preserved. This chapter focuses on the use of STEP standards to support data exchange between CAD systems as well as facilitate data flow between CAD, CAPP, CAM, and CNC systems. Also discussed are the specific integration issues between CAD and CAPP, CAPP and CAM, and CAM and CNC using STEP standards. STEP-NC data model is a relatively new member in the STEP family, but it completes the entire suite of STEP standards from design to NC machining. Both Physical File Implementation Method (ISO 10303-21, 1994) and XML Implementation Method (ISO/TS 10303-18, 2004) are presented as the two popular ways of implementing STEP and STEP-NC.
Function Block-Enabled Integration
Authors: Xu Xun
Published: May 2011

Function blocks are an IEC (International Electro-technical Commission) standard for distributed industrial processes and control systems (IEC 61499, 2005). It is based on an explicit event driven model and provides for data flow and finite state automata-based control. Based on previous research, function blocks can be used as the enabler to encapsulate process plans, integrate with a third-party dynamic scheduling system, monitor process plan during execution, and control machining jobs under normal and abnormal conditions. They are also considered to be suitable for machine-level monitoring, shop-floor execution control, and CNC control. Combination of STEP-NC and Function Blocks can be seen as a “natural marriage”. This is because the former provides an informationally complete data model but with no functionality, whereas the latter can embed intelligence and provide functionality in the data model for a more capable CNC regime. This chapter introduces the function block architecture which has been implemented in two types of integrations. The first brings together CAD, CAPP, and CAM. The key is to embed machining information in a function block system that is based on the concept of machining features. The second integration connects CAM with CNC. This is in fact an open CNC architecture that is function block driven, instead of G-code driven.
From Reductive to Robust
Authors: Wallis Steven E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter seeks to identify the core of complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory. To achieve this end, this chapter introduces innovative methods for measuring and advancing the validity of a theory by understanding the structure of theory. Two studies of CAS theory are presented that show how the outer belt of atomistic and loosely connected concepts support the evolution of a theory; while, in contrast, the robust core of theory, consisting of co-causal propositions, supports the validity and testability of a theory. Each may be seen as being derived from differing epistemologies. It is hoped that the tools presented in this chapter will be used to support the purposeful evolution of theory by improving the validity of intelligent complex adaptive systems (ICAS) theory.
Complexity, Information, and Robustness
Authors: Richardson Kurt A.
Published: May 2011

In this supposed “information age,” a high premium is put on the widespread availability of information. Access to as much information as possible is often cited as key to the making of effective decisions. While it would be foolish to deny the central role that information and its flow has in effective decision-making processes, this chapter explores the equally important role of “barriers” to information flows in the robustness of complex systems. The analysis demonstrates that (for simple Boolean networks at least) a complex system’s ability to filter out (i.e., block) certain information flows is essential if it is not to be beholden to every external signal. The reduction of information is as important as the availability of information.
Establishing Social Presence for Online Collaborative Learning
Authors: Yang Harrison Hao
Published: May 2011

Establishing social presence in a text-based environment can be a challenge to teachers. This study discusses the main issues, controversies, and problems of social presence; provides conceptual frameworks of teacher’s role and teaching presence on computer mediated communication (CMC); and presents a sound practical approach incorporating teaching presence and social presence in a graduate asynchronous online course.
Online Interactions
Authors: Willging Pedro
Published: May 2011

In the virtual environment created by asynchronous posting boards, e-mail lists, chat rooms, and other communication tools, it may not be easy for an instructor to detect communication problems among the participants. In this chapter, a research study where social network analysis (SNA) methods were applied to a sample of online classes to investigate interaction patterns and compare to instructors’ perceptions is used to address social interactions in online environments. This study proved that SNA metrics and visualization of interactions are useful and potentially effective tools to analyze asynchronous online interaction patterns. The comparison of the results of a questionnaire administered to the instructors with the SNA results showed that the use of the SNA metrics and visualizations could reveal information the instructor is not aware of. Based on the findings from the study, recommendations for further research are provided. In the first part of this chapter, the importance of investigating interaction patterns in online environments is analyzed and basic SNA methodology is described. In the second part, the SNA methodology is utilized for analyzing online interactions.
The Relationship of Online Gaming and Feedback Type in Facilitating Delayed Achievement
Authors: Cameron Brian
Published: May 2011

Instructional gaming has historically been used as a means of rehearsal and motivation. A majority of research in this area has attempted to identify the most effective method of rehearsal that maximizes student achievement and minimizes information loss over a specified time period. A few studies have suggested that instructional gaming environments have the ability to provide corrective feedback and reinforcement of previously taught information. The author is interested in investigating whether or not instructional online and computer gaming and the use of different forms of feedback produce a significant difference in improving delayed retention of different instructional objectives.
Collection Management Issues with Geospatial Information
Authors: Abresch John , Hanson Ardis , Rheeling Peter J.
Published: May 2011

Among the most challenging aspects of GIS are identifying needs, acquiring resources, and managing the collection, a process that involves decision making in a dynamic and changing environment. Libraries that have traditionally collected maps have a good grounding in many of the issues, yet even they must learn new approaches, new technology, and think beyond the needs of traditional map users. Librarians will find challenges throughout the life of geospatial information, from its acquisition to its disposition, especially as a library collection migrates from a primarily print format to a focus on digital formats.
Teaching with Real Time Communications Technologies
Authors: Caladine Richard
Published: May 2011

Real time communications technologies are just that: technologies that facilitate real time or synchronous communications. An example that springs rapidly to mind is the telephone. The real time communications technologies (RTCs) that are commonly found in educational contexts include text-based examples such as text chat, and rich media examples such as video chat, videoconference, and Access Grid. Teaching with RTCs is not the same as face-to-face teaching due to the imposition the technology makes on the learning, thus limiting some activities. Full definitions of videoconference and video chat and recommendations for teaching with videoconference and video chat are discussed in detail in Chapter XIII. Likewise, teaching with Access Grid plus a description and a definition of it are provided in Chapter XIV. In this chapter some general approaches to teaching that are common to all RTCs are discussed and contrasts are drawn between other approaches that clearly highlight the differences in the RTCs.
Using Technology for Learning, Teaching, and Designing the Curriculum
Authors: Chen Irene , Thielemann Jane
Published: May 2011

The teacher knows how to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction that effectively utilizes current technology for teaching.
The Principles and Applications of Digital Design
Authors: Chen Irene , Thielemann Jane
Published: May 2011

The teacher demonstrates knowledge of the principles of design and their application to digital graphics/animation products.
School Multimedia Design Teams and Projects
Authors: Chen Irene , Thielemann Jane
Published: May 2011

The teacher knows general design guidelines and the different roles and responsibilities involved in developing a multimedia project.
Administration of Educational Web Sites
Authors: Chen Irene , Thielemann Jane
Published: May 2011

The teacher demonstrates knowledge of strategies and techniques for Web site administration.
ICT Developments
Authors: Ford Nigel
Published: May 2011

Information seeking and resource discovery, for which library/information science researchers and developers have devised the techniques and approaches introduced in the previous chapter, may be engaged in by teachers seeking information and learning resources that they can reuse or reconfigure in their own teaching. Resource discovery may also be engaged in by learners themselves—either within the context of a formal course of study in which they are given the opportunity to seek out information and resources for themselves, or as autonomous self-regulated learners operating outside the context of any formal course. Library/information science is concerned with the seeking and discovery of information and resources in both of these contexts. As educationists have developed information and computer technology (ICT)-based approaches to learning design and teaching (which will be introduced in Chapter VI), so library and information scientists have developed ICT-based approaches to enabling and facilitating effective information seeking and resource discovery. These approaches—including ICT-based standards—form the focus of the present chapter.
Developing Shared Mental Models in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
Authors: Shuffler Marissa L. , Goodwin Gerald F.
Published: May 2011

In order to adapt to changing learning environments, instructors must be aware of the challenges that virtuality brings to establishing a shared understanding among online learners. Although developing shared mental models is typically a natural part of learning, it requires significant social and task-related interaction among students, which can be difficult in computer based environments in which social presence is lacking. This chapter will briefly discuss research related to the development of shared understanding and explore what instructors can do to address challenges and facilitate the development of shared knowledge in computer supported collaborative learning environments.
RAPAD
Authors: Webster Ray
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces RAPAD, a reflective and participatory methodology for e-learning and lifelong learning. It argues that by engaging in a reflective and participatory design process for a personalized e-learning environment, individual students can attain a conceptual change in understanding the learning and e-learning process, especially their own. Students use a framework provided by the concept of a personal cognitive or learning profile and the design and development of a personalized e-learning environment (PELE) to engage with key aspects of their learning. This results in Flexible Student Alignment, a process by which students are better able to match their learning and e-learning characteristics and requirements to the practices, resources, and structures of universities in the emerging knowledge society. The use of Web-based technologies and personal reflection ensure that RAPAD is well-placed to be an adaptive methodology which continues to enhance the process of lifelong learning.
Masking Models and Watermarking
Authors: Lobina Mirko Luca , Atzori Luigi , Mula Davide
Published: May 2011

Many audio watermarking techniques presented in the last years make use of masking and psychological models derived from signal processing. Such a basic idea is winning because it guarantees a high level of robustness and bandwidth of the watermark as well as fidelity of the watermarked signal. This chapter first describes the relationship between digital right management, intellectual property, and use of watermarking techniques. Then, the crossing use of watermarking and masking models is detailed, providing schemes, examples, and references. Finally, the authors present two strategies that make use of a masking model, applied to a classic watermarking technique. The joint use of classic frameworks and masking models seems to be one of the trends for the future of research in watermarking. Several tests on the proposed strategies with the state of the art are also offered to give an idea of how to assess the effectiveness of a watermarking technique.
Damageless Watermark Extraction Using Nonlinear Feature Extraction Scheme Trained on Frequency Domain
Authors: Naoe Kensuke , Takefuji Yoshiyasu
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we propose a new information hiding and extracting method without embedding any information into the target content by using a nonlinear feature extraction scheme trained on frequency domain. The proposed method can detect hidden bit patterns from the content by processing the coefficients of the selected feature subblocks to the trained neural network. The coefficients are taken from the frequency domain of the decomposed target content by frequency transform. The bit patterns are retrieved from the network only with the proper extraction keys provided. The extraction keys, in the proposed method, are the coordinates of the selected feature subblocks and the neural network weights generated by the supervised learning of the neural network. The supervised learning uses the coefficients of the selected feature subblocks as the set of input values, and the hidden bit patterns are used as the teacher signal values of the neural network, which is the watermark signal in the proposed method. With our proposed method, we are able to introduce a watermark scheme with no damage to the target content.
Legal Protection of the Web Page as a Database
Authors: Mula Davide , Lobina Mirko Luca
Published: May 2011

Nowadays the Web page is one of the most common medium used by people, institutions, and companies to promote themselves, to share knowledge, and to get through to every body in every part of the world. In spite of that, the Web page does not entitle one to a specific legal protection and because of this, every investment of time and money that stays off-stage is not protected by an unlawfully used. Seeing that no country in the world has a specific legislation on this issue in this chapter, we develop a theory that wants to give legal protection to Web pages using laws and treatment that are just present. In particular, we have developed a theory that considers Web pages as a database, so extends a database’s legal protection to Web pages. We start to analyze each component of a database and to find them in a Web page so that we can compare those juridical goods. After that, we analyze present legislation concerning databases and in particular, World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treatments and European Directive 96/92/CE, which we consider as the better legislation in this field. In the end, we line future trends that seem to appreciate and apply our theory.
A Brief History of Computers, Computing in Education, and Computing in Philadelphia Schools
Authors: Schifter Catherine
Published: May 2011

There was a time when electricity was a novelty; something to be harnessed, to be understood. With time, not only did mankind harness electricity and understand it, but electricity became a mainstay of modern society. Today we cannot imagine our lives without light bulbs, refrigerators, and all the wonderful appliances that run on electricity. Similarly, there was a time when the telephone was a toy for the wealthy in their homes. Only the very well off could afford one of those “contraptions.” Why would the hoi polloi have a need for a telephone at home? Again, with time, not only did the hoi polloi have a need for the telephone in the home, but phones became self contained (i.e., didn’t need an operator as a mediator), smaller, and portable with the advent of the modern twenty-first century cell phone. But cell phones too rely on electricity; and as with electricity, we cannot imagine our lives without the telephone in all its forms.
Continuous Practice Improvement
Authors: Schifter Catherine
Published: May 2011

Since the early 1980s education had been challenged to improve student outcomes. It was during these years of debate on what would help schools help children achieve more that microcomputers were making inroads into schools. Apple Computer started the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) project, described briefly in Chapter 3. Microcomputer technology was developing and changing dramatically each year, with new opportunities available to support classroom teaching. Then the World Wide Web came into the mix in 1993, opening up new resources and opportunities for teachers and students. All of a sudden they were not limited to the resources available (or not) in the classrooms or school libraries. The world was opening up to schools in ways never imagined before. However, schools and teachers were still accountable for student learning. How could corporations step up to the challenge of supporting the nations’ future workforce?
Exploring Serres' Atlas, Hodges' Knowledge Domains and the Fusion of Informatics and Cultural Horizons
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the extent to which selected writings of French philosopher Michel Serres and a health care model created by Brian Hodges in the UK can augment and inform the development of social informatics. The volume of Serres’ output contrasts markedly with work devoted to Hodges’ Health Career - Care Domains - Model. Since the concept of health is universal culturally, and informatics disciplines are emerging fields of practice characterised by indistinct boundaries in terms of theory, policy, and practice, various ethnographic and cultural associations will be made. Placing Hodges’ model and Serres’ work together is not intended to suggest direct equivalence, other than the common themes this author intends to bring to the attention of the social informatics community. Central to this is the notion of holistic bandwidth, utilising Hodges’ model as a tool to develop and disseminate sociotechnical perspectives.
The Cultural Factors in Electronic Monitoring
Authors: Chen Jeng-Chung Victor , Tarn J. Michael
Published: May 2011

The use of electronic monitoring tools in the workplace has grown dramatically because of the availability of inexpensive but powerful monitoring systems and the wide use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in today’s workplace. However, existing research pays little attention to the pervasive use of electronic monitoring systems on ICT at work. This chapter draws theories in international and organizational cultures and concludes four hypotheses on privacy concerns of employees and their perceived trust to the management when being electronically monitored.
Technology and Continuing Professional Education
Authors: McPherson Maggie , Baptista Nunes Miguel , Sandars John , Kell Christine
Published: May 2011

Social Information Technology (SIT) can allow individuals, dispersed both in time and place, to connect via the Internet. Consequently, the use of online networks is very appealing to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) providers. However, our findings seem to have revealed an underlying reality overshadowed by this hype. Our experience, as both providers and researchers of online CPE to a range of healthcare workers, suggests that the reality of online networks is often far different from the planned learning objectives. In fact, we believe that learning in CPE must be assumed to be much more then the attainment of intangible concepts. Acquisition of static facts are useless if the learners do not have the understanding to apply them in apposite contexts and organisational settings. The use of new Web 2.0 approaches, such as social bookmarking and social networking, may well be an exciting potential development, but if busy professionals are to use SITs as an integral part of their daily personal and professional lives, further research into factors that facilitate and inhibit such usage is required.
Applied Ethics and ICT-Systems in Healthcare
Authors: Collste Göran
Published: May 2011

What are the ethical implications of information and communication technology in healthcare and how can new ICT-systems fit in an ethically based healthcare system? In this chapter, new ICT-applications in healthcare are assessed from an ethical perspective. The first application assessed is a system making patient information accessible for all healthcare units at a district, county or even national level. The second application, the so-called patient portal, is a system for patient Internet access to his or her medical record. The third application is the use of the Internet as a source of medical information, a means for medical consultation and for marketing of drugs. The systems are primarily assessed by the following ethical principles; the principle of doctor-patient relationship, the principle of responsibility and the principle of autonomy.
Clinical Safety and Quality Management in Health IT
Authors: Stanberry Benedict
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the principle risks that are associated with the supply of healthcare information systems, services, and technologies and the emerging best clinical safety and quality management practices that are being adopted by both users and suppliers in order to mitigate or remove these risks. It states that there are two principle sources of risk: one derived from the potential harm that could be caused to patients and users in a care environment and the other derived from possible failures to achieve the specifications and service levels demanded by a buyer. It argues that for a health IT supplier, implementing industry best practices in an effective way not only provides a high level of protection from both sources of risk but has in any event now become a minimum expectation on the part of users such as the NHS Connecting for Health programme. The chapter concludes that although quality, safety and performance standards in health IT still lag behind other, more established sectors of healthcare innovation—such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices—new standards for clinical safety and quality management are rapidly emerging, introducing a new dimension into informatics standardisation and substantially but necessarily raising the barriers to entry into the health IT market place.
Biometrics, Human Body, and Medicine
Authors: Mordini Emilio
Published: May 2011

Identity is important when it is weak. This apparent paradox is the core of the current debate on identity. Traditionally, verification of identity has been based upon authentication of attributed and biographical characteristics. After small scale societies and large scale, industrial societies, globalisation represents the third period of personal identification. The human body lies at the heart of all strategies for identity management. The tension between human body and personal identity is critical in the health care sector. The health care sector is second only to the financial sector in term of the number of biometric users. Many hospitals and healthcare organisations are in progress to deploy biometric security architecture. Secure identification is critical in the health care system, both to control logic access to centralized archives of digitized patients’ data, and to limit physical access to buildings and hospital wards, and to authenticate medical and social support personnel. There is also an increasing need to identify patients with a high degree of certainty. Finally, there is the risk that biometric authentication devices can significantly reveal any health information. All these issues require a careful ethical and political scrutiny.
Development of Survy Instrument
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesk K.
Published: May 2011

Chapter 2 described the proposed conceptual model that is used to understand the adoption, usage, and impact of broadband from the consumer perspective. Chapter 3 described the appropriate research approach for testing the hypotheses and to validate the proposed conceptual model. From Chapter 3 it was concluded that the survey research approach is an appropriate method to investigate the issue of broadband diffusion. Further suggestions that were provided in Chapter 3 are before conducting the final data collection a reliable survey instrument should be developed and validated. Validating an instrument is a critical step before testing a conceptual model (Boudreau et al., 2001; Straub et al., 2004). This is due to the rigour of the findings and interpretations in positivist research that are based on the solid validation of the instruments used to gather data (Boudreau et al., 2001; Straub et al., 2004). Therefore, this chapter aims to describe the development of a survey instrument designed to investigate broadband adoption, usage, and impact within UK households. By undertaking the following three stages, this led to the development of a reliable instrument: (1) to explain broadband adoption behaviour some initial factors were identified from the literature and then a decision upon how to determine them in an exploratory survey approach needed to be made; (2) content validation was performed on the itemed pools that resulted from the exploratory survey. The purpose of this step was to confirm the representativeness of items to a particular construct domain and, finally, (3) a pre-test and a pilot test were conducted utilising the obtained instrument after content validation was undertaken in order to confirm the reliability of the measures.The next section briefly re-introduces the conceptual model and provides a list of the constructs included in the various stages of the validation process. Following this, an overview of the instrument development process is provided. Then the first stage of the validation process (i.e., the exploratory survey) is presented and discussed. This is followed by the content validation process. The instrument testing process that includes the pre-test and pilot-test is described before presenting the summary of the chapter.
Conclusion
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesk K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a conclusion of the results and discussions of the UK case study research presented in this book. The chapter begins with an overview of this research in the next section. This is followed by the main conclusions drawn from this research. Following this, a discussion of the research contributions and implications of this research in terms of the theory, policy and practice is provided. This is ensued by the research limitations, and a review of the future research directions in the area of broadband diffusion and adoption. Finally, a summary of the chapter is provided.
Historical Background
Authors: Michael Katina , Michael M.G.
Published: May 2011

This chapter takes the reader through a historical tour of identification techniques from ancient times to the present. The histories shed light on how the purpose of citizen identification (ID) has changed as it has been impacted by complementary and supplementary innovations. The chapter provides a thorough exploration of government-to-citizen (G2C) ID systems, so as to better understand the possible uses or potential misuses of current and future mandatory ID schemes. It also presents some of the evolutionary changes that have taken place in the nature and scope of citizen ID, and their subsequent potential implications on society. Historically governments have requested the registering of their population for census collection and more recently the need to know what social benefits accrue to each household. Nowadays, however, citizen ID numbers are even used to open bank accounts and to subscribe to mobile services, among many other things. In addition, auto-ID techniques are not only pervasive but are increasingly becoming invasive. The chapter draws examples from history and emphasizes the types of issues that should be carefully deliberated in the introduction of any new national ID-based scheme. These schemes need forward planning and safeguards beyond those currently provided.
Smart Cards
Authors: Michael Katina , Michael M.G.
Published: May 2011

The history of the smart card begins as far back as 1968. By that time magnetic-stripe cards while not widespread, had been introduced into the market (Purdue, 2008). Momentum from these developments, together with advancements in microchip technology made the smart card a logical progression. Two German inventors, Jürgen Dethloff and Helmut Grötrupp applied for a patent to incorporate an integrated circuit into an ID card (Rankl & Effing, 1997, p. 3). This was followed by a similar patent application by Japanese academic, Professor Kunitaka Arimura in 1970. Arimura was interested in incorporating “one or more integrated circuit chips for the generation of distinguishing signals” in a plastic card (Zoreda & Oton, 1994, p. 36). His patent focused on how to embed the actual micro circuitry (Lindley, 1997, p. 13).
Educating in the Information Society
Authors: Tyner Kathleen
Published: May 2011

As educational institutions struggle to accommodate the widespread social uses of digital media, tensions emerge between traditional and innovative school practices, resulting in unforeseen opportunities to rethink the design of physical spaces, curriculum resources, and pedagogical approaches. This chapter investigates digital literacy in pervasive computing environments as a driver for designing contemporary learning environments. Combined with open pedagogies, innovative resources, and well-designed virtual and physical learning spaces, technological advances have the potential to transform education. In the process, policymakers must reflect on the supports and challenges related to the social uses of pervasive, ubiquitous computing in the built world.
Globalisation and New Technology
Authors: Caron Andre H.
Published: May 2011

Whether globalisation results in a “métissage” of cultures or the hegemony of one culture will depend on the analytical and social skills of those who make up our communities. The introduction of new technologies in education such as laptops, MP3s, and Ipods and the new concept of mobile learning require an examination of the teacher’s role in facilitating innovation, conveying culture, and acting as a conceptual translator. By modeling and teaching students critical and social skills, teachers can help tomorrow’s citizens to use the new flow of information to meet the challenges of globalisation.