bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision Making and Decision Support Within New Product Development
Authors: MacCarthy Bart , Pasley Robert
Published: October 2013

There is an extensive literature on new product and process development (NPD). However, the analysis of decision making and decision support requirements in this area is less well researched. Here we discuss decision making in the context of NPD and identify decision types and decision attributes relevant to the NPD context. They illustrate the approach by analyzing NPD decisions in three industrial cases with a focus on early stage NPD decisions. They create a set of attributes with reference to the decision making literature. They find these attributes can be used to codify decisions in order to characterize them. They find the design decisions in these case studies to be creative and brainstorming-led with a low level of structure. The results provide insights both on decision making in NPD in practice and on the requirements for group decision support systems (GDSS) in this area. The authors suggest that an argumentation-based GDSS that allows structure to be developed may be suitable for these decisions. The cases are used to illustrate the application of the approach and show an interesting set of example decision types, but do not cover the range of NPD decisions that may be evident in a larger set of companies.
Elements of Game Design
Authors: Herro Danielle
Published: October 2013

This case examines the development of a game design curriculum offered to high school students as an in-school elective course in the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD), a Wisconsin suburban school district of 5,200 students. Elements of Game Design (EOGD) was created by an Instructional Technology Administrator (ITA), Technical Education (TE) teacher, and Visual Arts (VA) teacher in 2010, and implemented 9 times during the 2011-12 school year. The rationale for proposing the course was based on the overlap of research, trends, and experience studying game-design and game-based learning environments. To that end, it is important to note the ITA was simultaneously completing an educational technology doctoral degree focused on digital media and learning and engaged in research involving Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) and Augmented Reality Games (ARG).
Developing and Evaluating a Web-Based, Multi-Platform Curriculum for After-School Robotics
Authors: Martin Fred G. , Scribner-MacLean Michelle , Christy Sam , Rudnicki Ivan
Published: October 2013

The University of Massachusetts Lowell and a non-profit partner, Machine Science Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts have developed a Web-based curriculum for after-school robotics, based on two microcontroller platforms: one for middle school students and the other for high school students. The curriculum, which teaches computer programming and design skills in the context of hands-on electronics and robotics activities, was developed and evaluated as part of a four-year National Science Foundation-funded research project called Building an Internet Community of Design Engineers (iCODE). From 2006 to 2010, the project partners used the curriculum to support year-long academic enrichment programs at middle schools, high schools, and community centers in underserved communities within Boston, Lowell, and Lawrence, Massachusetts. This chapter describes the design and development of the iCODE curriculum, explores the project’s assessment strategies, and reflects on lessons learned from four years of offering after-school robotics for an inner-city youth population.
A MUVEing Success
Authors: Kennedy-Clark Shannon , Thompson Kate
Published: October 2013

The chapter will explain the role of scenario-based MUVES and educational games in science education and will present both the benefits for students and the challenges of using these forms of technology in a classroom setting. This chapter presents the findings of two case studies on the use of a scenario-based Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE) in science education. The chapter will consider strategies for designing professional development programs for teachers and pre-service teachers to enhance both the teachers’ skills and their confidence in using and designing classroom activities suitable for MUVEs and educational games in science inquiry learning.
Supporting Teachers’ Instrumental Genesis with Dynamic Mathematical Software
Authors: Madden Sandra
Published: October 2013

This chapter addresses the need to prepare and support teachers of mathematics in order that they will be able to co-construct with their students classroom environments in which the Standards for Mathematical Practice as well as the content standards (CCSSM, 2010) are implemented fruitfully. Specifically, the chapter describes and illustrates design elements of learning environments with potential to positively impact pre- and in-service teachers’ knowledge of mathematics, facility with technology, and beliefs about how mathematics may be learned. The practice of using appropriate tools strategically is highlighted; however, each of the practice standards is integral to a classroom environment which supports mathematical proficiency (National Research Council, 2001). This chapter examines and illustrates the explicit and intentional instructional design features of using provocative tasks, dynamic technology scaffolding, and sustained intellectual press, which together interact in classrooms to promote the mathematical practices and habits of mind explicated in the CCSSM.
Using WEDPI Learning Package to Upgrade Teacher’s Skills on Information Technology
Authors: Luaan Johan Eddy , Shariff Sabariah , Mohamed Zulkifli
Published: October 2013

The change in teaching techniques which applies information technology brings about a paradigm shift in our country’s educational system. However, past researches have shown that the application of information technology in classrooms is still at an unsatisfactory level. This is caused by a group of teachers who haven’t been able to master the basic skills of information technology application even after attending the courses. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the level of skillfulness of primary school teachers - especially those in the interiors – on information technology, and thereafter develop a multimedia learning package (WEDPI Package for Learning) which will hopefully assist these weak teachers to increase their level of skillfulness in information technology. WEDPI refers to the productivity tools, which includes applications for word-processing (Microsoft Word), electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), database (Microsoft Access), presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint) and the Internet. This research adopted the quantitative approach and the ADDIE model was used in the development of this multimedia learning package. To obtain information on the level of skillfulness, the researcher carried out a hands-on test. The pre-experimental designs, which are the pre-test and post-test, were executed to determine if there were any difference in the level of skillfulness of the teachers after using the WEDPI Package for Learning. The research findings showed that teachers involved gave positive comments about the experience in using this stand alone learning material. The respondents also stated that the WEDPI Package for Learning is easy to use, flexible and is able to help them increase their level of skills in information technology. This is supported by the t-test results which show that there is a significant difference in the achievement of teachers’ scores.
Technology-Based Literacy Approach for English Language Learners
Authors: White Erin L.
Published: October 2013

There is a growing need to implement an alternative and viable solution in U.S. K-12 schools that will address the ever-growing gap that the rapidly growing English Language Learner (ELL) population presents. This chapter examines various technology-based tools and their potential impact. These technology-based solutions could help to alleviate an already taxed educational system, as well as significantly aid in improving and increasing English language acquisition among the nation’s K-12 ELL population. A review of recent research provides evidence and a strong foundation that supports the integration of these solutions. An ELL Design Quadrant ensures that one follows best practices when integrating technology, and a practical applications section presents examples of contemporary technology with accompanying instructional strategies that educators can utilize in the everyday classroom. Throughout the chapter, references to language acquisition and learning theories provide the evidence and background knowledge necessary to integrate technology into the ELL literacy curriculum, based on sound judgment.
The Impact of Blogging and Scaffolding on Primary School Pupils’ Narrative Writing
Authors: Wong Ruth Mei Fen , Hew Khe Foon
Published: October 2013

Narrative writing is a skill that all primary (elementary) school pupils in Singapore are required to develop in their learning of the English language. However, this is an area in which not all pupils excel. This study investigates if the use of blogging and scaffolding can improve pupils’ narrative writing. Data were gathered from 36 primary five (grade five) pupils through pre-post writing tests, reflection sheets, and interviews. The pre-post writing tests were administered before and after the pupils had completed their blogging activities, while the blogs were used to draft their narrative writings and to comment on their peers’ writings. The teacher also used a writing guide that served as a scaffold to help pupils plan their writing on their blogs. Overall, results showed a statistically significant difference of medium effect size between the pre-post test scores. Pupils’ perceptions of using blogs as a tool for writing were also explored.
Using Games for Primary School
Authors: Abrantes Steven Lopes , Gouveia Luis Borges
Published: October 2013

Computer games are a form of e-learning; the player is able to learn at his own rhythm in a fun, but effective way. One of the most important aims of these educational games is to motivate the pupils to make learning easier by using their own experiences. This study is based on the flow experience introduced by Csikszentmihalyi (1975). The person who undergoes the flow experience feels pleased and fully emerged in what he is doing and tends to repeat the activity. In the context of this study, information has been gathered through questionnaires utilizing the five dimensions of the flow state. The sample used consisted on twenty nine pupils; each of them played five games. At the end of the study, it was possible to conclude that the pupils experienced the flow and that it had a positive effect on their learning experiences.
Case Study of Game-Based Learning in a Citizenship Education K-12 Classroom
Authors: Olla Venus
Published: October 2013

This chapter focuses on a case study that involves the incorporation of ICT in particular gaming technology into the subject area of Citizenship Education (CE), a non-traditional ICT focused subject. The case study is within the context of a K-12 classroom and it explores the processes in which a classroom teacher may have to navigate to be able to use innovative ICT within their classroom. The case highlights the main issues as relating to pedagogical and institutional considerations.
Integrating Learning Management Systems in K-12 Supplemental Religious Education
Authors: Hackley Dana C. , Leidman Mary Beth
Published: October 2013

The separation of church and state in the United States brought more reliance on congregations for religious education. As a result, there is a long history of supplemental education within the walls of churches, synagogues, and mosques. However, there is an increasing pressure on American congregations to remain technologically relevant in order to teach digital natives the prayers, traditions, and morals in which their faith is founded and thus continue to grow the community. Yet, in most cases, the integration and adoption of such technology proves exceedingly challenging. The following case study focuses on the challenges specifically faced by Jewish congregational religious schools when adopting e-Learning tools. Discussion encompasses one attempt to integrate the learning management system, Moodle, into a congregational religious curriculum.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Authors: Ashman Adrian F.
Published: October 2013

Small, modestly funded and resourced schools can be disadvantaged by limited access to information and communication technology (ICT). This chapter outlines a two-year project conducted in six small special schools located in metropolitan and rural communities. The project was designed to increase the participating schools’ ICT capabilities and promote the use of technology to deliver the curriculum in efficient and appealing ways to their students with a diversity of intellectual and behavioral difficulties. An ICT specialist supported the schools over the course of the project and promoted the introduction of Universal Design for Learning. At the conclusion of the project all schools had made notable gains in acquiring state-of-the-art technology. Teachers and students had become capable and enthusiastic users of hardware and a range of operating and educational software.
INFOhio Transforms Content Delivery for PreK-12 Students
Authors: Fredericka Theresa M. , Schwelik Jennifer
Published: October 2013

This chapter presents a case study of how INFOhio, Ohio’s library and information network for PreK-12 schools, transformed content delivery through partnerships and collaborations to benefit today’s digital learners. It chronicles the formation of a unique relationship between INFOhio and library software vendor SirsiDynix, a partnership that was shaped by the common vision of creating a virtual classroom of reference, research, and discovery material to support student curricular needs. Discussion covers the creation and implementation of the Discovery Portal for student research and inquiry, which brings together Internet content, electronic resources, and physical library materials under one, online interface for Ohio students. Significant traditional and non-traditional partnerships have enabled INFOhio to become one of the largest school library Information Technology projects in the country.
In and out of the School Activities Implementing IBSE and Constructionist Learning Methodologies by Means of Robotics
Authors: Demo G. Barbara , Moro Michele , Pina Alfredo , Arlegui Javier
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the authors describe an inquiry-based science education (IBSE) theoretical framework as it was applied to robotics activities carried out in European K-12 classrooms during the last six years. Interactions between IBSE, problem-based learning, constructivist/constructionist learning theories, and technology are discussed. Example activities demonstrate that educational robotics capitalizes on the digital curiosity of young people. This leads to concrete experiences in STEM content areas and spreads computational thinking to all school types and levels. Cooperation among different stakeholders (students, teachers, scientific and disseminating institutions, families) is emphasized in order to exploit in and out of the classroom school resources, competencies, and achievements and for implementing peer-to-peer education among students and teachers in the same class/school or from different schools.
Online Learning Communities in UAE Schools
Authors: Fares Alia
Published: October 2013

The emergence of the Internet in a time when the world was struggling to cope with new information systems and technologies has put additional burdens on businesses, individuals, and societies, not only to adapt to new ways but also to creatively explore feasible applications and opportunities to drive improvements in all walks of life. This has translated into a multitude of tangible and intangible improvements and has generally improved decision making as a direct result of improved data storages, faster data processing, and retrieval. For educators, the Internet has provided excellent opportunities to improve the processes of online collaborative learning to complement conventional classes as well as reaping the benefits from information and knowledge bases that are relatively easy to access and are ready to share by both educators and students alike. This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges associated with using Internet Online Learning Communities to complement and aid conventional classes and enhance learning outcomes in UAE schools. The study describes the use of online forums to support English language classes in Al Foah Primary School, weighing its pros and cons and identifying lessons learned.
Weebly, Wikis, and Digital Storytelling
Authors: Kissel Brian
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the author explores three questions: 1. How is the practice of writing in K-12 classrooms influenced by this era of new technologies? 2. How can online technologies be brought into the classroom so students can understand that they read and write everyday in digital forms? 3. In what ways can teachers create technology-rich experiences to support 21st century writers? To answer these questions the author briefly examines the theoretical foundation of the process model for writing and how online technologies have impacted this model in classrooms. Next, the author describes three Web 2.0 tools that are available to teachers to use in their classrooms during writing: digital portfolios, wikis, and digital storytelling. The author explains how he uses these tools within his own college classroom. Finally, the author provides a rationale for why teachers should consider using these within their own K-12 classrooms so that digital technologies become a natural part of students’ writing experiences.
Going 1:1 with Laptop Computers in an Independent, Co-Educational Middle and High School
Authors: Milman Natalie B. , Hillarious Marilyn , O’Neill Vince , Walker Bryce L.
Published: October 2013

This chapter describes some of the findings from a QUAL + QUAN concurrent mixed method study that examined the first-year implementation of a one-to-one (1:1) laptop initiative in a suburban, independent, co-educational middle and high school in the United States. Overall, the 1:1 laptop implementation was viewed as a positive learning experience for students, teachers, staff, and the school administration. Nevertheless, several problems developed over the course of implementation. These were: technical problems, issues with student distraction and off-task behavior, inappropriate uses of technology, as well as challenges to pedagogical and classroom management, and inclusion of teachers’ voices in implementation decisions. They are introduced in addition to several possible solutions. The chapter closes with suggestions for future research, such as the need to research 2:1 and 3:1 mobile technology initiatives, which are sure to become a part of the 21st century teaching and learning landscape.
Music Composition for Creative Thinking
Authors: Erman Maria Maddalena
Published: October 2013

Music composition may be used as a tool for the development of creative thinking; it can be considered an “exercise of imagination,” and it can offer new operative ways to develop interdisciplinary processes and to promote communicative, cognitive, cultural, aesthetic, and emotional functions. The author of this chapter introduces a report of educational experiences of music composition with pupils in Primary School where, through socio-constructivist learning, the students acquire new ways of reading and writing music and begin to elaborate a different score for new and original musical compositions, written, composed, and performed directly by children. This musical experience has the goal of using a “creative” teaching/learning process that contributes to the individual’s global education. This musical work on music composition is considered an appealing open project because of its formative nature and various applications: it develops a creative pedagogy which doesn't transmit a static culture, but rather provides new thinking processes and new interaction modalities.
Integrating Technology in Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Oigara James N.
Published: October 2013

This chapter discusses technology integration in teacher education programs. Although opportunities for technology training have become more available to prospective teachers, it is evident that successful technology integration needs a paradigm shift in pedagogical approaches and reform in teacher education programs to better support teachers’ integration of technology into instruction. This chapter offers valuable theoretical grounding to help guide researchers and leaders in the field of Educational Technology. Data indicate that basic technology skills alone cannot lead to higher levels of technology use in the classroom. Suggestions are provided on best ways to integrate educational technology into pre-service teacher education programs and in-service teacher professional development programs to enhance effectively teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms.
Integrating Game-Enhanced Mathematics Learning into the Pre-Service Training of Teachers
Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria
Published: October 2013

Mathematical literacy is a core literacy that functions as a critical gatekeeper for participation in many aspects of modern society. Research has shown that the way mathematics is taught at school is highly associated with students’ achievement and interest levels. Declining interest in mathematics and the need to raise the educational standards of youth in this discipline set a critical agenda for the revision of pedagogical practices. Digital games hold a lot of promise as tools for improving mathematics instruction at the school level. This chapter reports the main insights gained from a study that implemented a game-enhanced learning environment for the training of pre-service elementary school teachers. Teachers experienced some of the ways in which online educational games could help students internalize key mathematical concepts across the school curriculum and build their problem-solving skills, while at the same time improving their attitudes towards the subject. The course also familiarized teachers with the design principles for constructivist gaming environments. Findings indicate a positive impact on teachers’ competence in selecting, evaluating, and productively using online games as an instructional tool.
iPods, Internet and Apps, Oh My
Authors: Blake Sally , Winsor Denise L. , Burkett Candice , Allen Lee
Published: October 2013

This chapter explores perceptions about technology and young children and includes results of a survey answered by Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals in relation to age appropriate technology for young children. Integration of technology into early childhood programs has two major obstacles: (a) teachers’ attitudes towards and beliefs about technology and (b) perceptions of what is developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in their classrooms. The issue of what constitutes developmentally appropriate practice for young children in relation to technology in early childhood education classrooms is one that may influence technology use in educational environments. The framework for this chapter explores perceptions of early childhood and instructional technology practitioners and their views of what is and is not appropriate technology for young children.
Digital Preservation
Authors: Parashar Vijay , Vishwakarma Mohan Lal , Patle Nisha
Published: October 2013

Digital preservation is the persistent archiving of digital assets for future access and reuse, irrespective of the underlying platform and software solutions. Existing preservation systems have a strong focus on grids, but the advent of cloud technologies offers an attractive option. The authors describe a middleware system that enables a flexible choice of cloud for ad-hoc computations that arise during the execution of a preservation workflow and also for archiving digital objects. The choice between different infrastructures remains open during the lifecycle of the archive, ensuring a smooth switch between different solutions to accommodate the changing requirements of the organization that needs its digital assets preserved. The authors also offer insights on the costs, running times, and organizational issues of cloud computing, proving that the cloud alternative is particularly attractive for smaller organizations without access to a grid or with limited IT infrastructure.
Comparative Study of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Online Computer Library Services (OCLC) Web Players
Authors: Deshpande Ravikant M. , Paunikar Suvarna H. , Likhar Nilima D.
Published: October 2013

Cloud computing is a model to provide on-demand access of configurable computing services and resources to the network users without direct service provider interaction. Cloud computing is one of the new buzzwords in the business world. It is a generic term for computing solution where software and services are provided over the Internet. Also the cloud computing delivered and managed IT services in several different forms such as Platform, Infrastructure, and to publish Web services for the patrons. In this chapter we discuss technology, benefits, and initiatives and mainly compare about the Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC) cloud service players.
Cloud Libraries-Limitations and Concerns
Authors: Gupta Namita , Rizvi Syed Asim Raza
Published: October 2013

Digital libraries have arrived. New frontiers are being pioneered and technological superhighways being paved for a future researcher to tread on to go farther than humankind has ever gone before to create advanced knowledge-based communities. It is only possible to see how fast the horse will run its race once it has been tamed. Can the digital library be saddled with cloud computing and reined with e-books? The Industrial Revolution has brought disparity between poor and rich, widening the ozone layer gash. Advancements in nuclear technology have not necessarily resulted in worldwide peace. Identifying pitfalls and shortcomings in strategies and policies that govern developing technologies can help prevent issues and problems that can rear their heads at some later stage. This chapter continues to bring forth the issues concerning digital libraries and the challenges, current and ahead. Implications of such issues must be addressed constructively in time at several conceptual and factual levels in the context of a set of values that are ethically and scientifically acceptable by individuals from all walks of life worldwide.
Service Sustainability
Authors: Shirahada Kunio , Fisk Raymond P.
Published: October 2013

The main topic of this chapter is service sustainability. Currently, the modern economy has huge planet-wide sustainability issues. The authors focus on the sustainability of service and propose the perspective of a tripartite value co-creation for achieving service sustainability. In the perspective, service providers collaborate with customers to improve not only their mutual value but also enhance the value of natural capital by establishing a voice for nature in service processes. Questions for changing behavior to achieve sustainability of service are discussed.
Value Creation in Information Business based on the Service Field
Authors: Kosaka Michitaka , Nagaoka Haruko , Doan Minh Chau
Published: October 2013

A new value creation approach to the information business is proposed based on the service field concept. The characteristic of value creation is situation dependent and similar to “value in use” in Service Dominant Logic (SDL). Therefore, the service field concept and KIKI model, which are proposed in Chapter 2 of this book, are applied to the information service business. First, the usefulness of the KIKI model and issues with it for information business are discussed. Then, a methodology of managing the KIKI model holistically in service business is proposed by using the Business Dynamic (BD) methodology. Finally, the service field concept is applied to Information Service Mediators (ISMs), and a new service mediator model based on SDL is proposed. The effectiveness of the service field concept is emphasized in this chapter.
Consideration of Service Design for Internet Service Businesses
Authors: Kondo Akira
Published: October 2013

This chapter proposes a service design process and value co-creation model in Internet information service. Based on a service design survey and current main service design theories and methods, a value co-creation model of Internet information service is proposed, which includes “real time value co-creation” and “accumulated value co-creation.” Human-centered design process of service design for Internet information services is also proposed. This process is intended to take into account the characteristics of the co-value creation model of Internet information, improving the conventional process.
Medical Tourism
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Wong Ho Yin , Hall John
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a conceptual model that can potentially fill research gaps in the literature about medical tourism as an innovative concept in global healthcare provision by developing emerging economies as they are providing low cost alternatives in medical treatment at internationally accredited medical facilities to treat patients from developed countries. Major databases such as Ebscohost and Emerald have been used to search relevant literature. The literature on medical tourism is reviewed so as to understand the key drivers of medical tourism as well as research gaps in the existing literature. Three major drivers of medical tourism have been identified, namely cost, waiting time, and perceived quality. Further empirical research is needed to test the conceptual model in order to better understand what drives a decision to engage in medical tourism. This chapter makes three major contributions; firstly, the identification of the medical tourism literature from the service marketing and management perspectives; secondly, to propose a conceptual model representing innovation in medical tourism for global healthcare by developing emerging economies; thirdly, the identification of research gaps in the medical tourism literature through which future research can further the knowledge of why people travel to developing countries for medical treatment.
Healthcare Services Delivery in India
Authors: Paninchukunnath Ajith
Published: October 2013

This chapter deals with innovation in healthcare services. Addressing the healthcare needs of consumers in the lower middle and lower class of Indian society demands innovative approaches. Child and maternal health demands special focus as the infant mortality rate of India is higher than the world average as well as the Asia-Pacific average. After giving a brief description about the need for innovation, healthcare innovation, and secondary care hospitals, the chapter introduces the reader to an innovative secondary healthcare service provider in India. The innovative approach adopted by this organization is making maternal and child care more affordable while maintaining good quality. Service innovations can provide value for money as well as value for many.
Establishing the Linkage between Internal Market Orientation and Service Innovation
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet , Gupta Shruti
Published: October 2013

This chapter proposes that internal intelligence generation and dissemination are significantly correlated and have substantial impact on responsiveness. In addition, responsiveness determines the success of internal market orientation and its effect on various employee-related outcomes. The study examines the extent of internal market orientation in Indian banking and its consequences as perceived by the employees of a highly successful private bank that has a wide network of branches in a northern city of India. Structural model was proposed and structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that internal intelligence generation and dissemination are correlated to the extent of 0.89 and have significant impact on a bank’s responsiveness to employees’ needs and wants. Results of the study reveal that internal market orientation ought to be considered as an important strategy for retaining internal customers. Internal market orientation has an indirect significant impact on service innovations in terms of new product/service development, technology advancement, and process innovation through greater staff compliance, strong team work, and greater moral responsibility.
Quality of Work/Life and Service Quality
Authors: Narang Ritu , Singh Smita
Published: October 2013

The chapter focuses on how service quality can be improved by helping the internal customers to improve/enhance the quality of their work/life. Employees play a very significant role in service delivery. To achieve any kind of success in service improvements/innovations the role of employees assumes great significance. It is increasingly being accepted that the nature of services makes them intangible, perishable, heterogeneous, and inseparable. This puts the responsibility of delivering value to the customers on the employees who are directly interacting with them. The competence and attitude of the employee who is the “internal customer” and delivers the services to the external customer is of paramount importance. Service delivery is increasingly becoming the anchor stone due to increase in intensity of competition in the services sector. Since it is the employee who alone can provide this differentiating competitive edge, it is important to understand those factors that operate in an internal customer’s work and life and can impact his delivery in the service sector. This chapter seeks to explore the relationship between the quality of work/life of the “internal customer” and the quality of services delivered to the “external customer.”
Patterns of Migration of Medical Doctors from MENA and ECE to EU Economies with Descriptive Analysis of Relatives Wages
Authors: Zouag Nada
Published: October 2013

This chapter introduces the main features that characterize the health systems and mobility of medical doctors in both MENA and ECE countries taken together. The observed trends and patterns are confronted to the relative wages of medical doctors in each country. A descriptive analysis is conducted on relative wages of medical doctors as they prevail in MENA and ECE relative to EU besides the relative wages between MENA and ECE.
Security Information and Event Management Implementation Guidance
Authors: Shen Yushi , Li Yale , Wu Ling , Liu Shaofeng , Wen Qian
Published: October 2013

This chapter is about guidance and implementation prepared by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Security as a Service (SecaaS) workgroup, which is made up of users and practitioners in the field of information security. In preparing this implementation guide, input has been sought from experts throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. A lot of professional judgment and experience are applied in the architecture, engineering, and implementation of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) guide to ensure that it logs the information necessary to successfully increase visibility and remove ambiguity, surrounding the security events and risks that an organization faces. By providing SIEM as a service under SecaaS, the provider has to be able to accept log and event information, customer information and event feeds, and conduct information security analysis, correlation, and support incident response. By providing flexible real-time access to SIEM information, it allows the party consuming the SIEM service to identify threats acting against their environment cloud. This identification then allows for the appropriate action and response to be taken to protect or mitigate the threat. The simple step of increasing visibility and removing ambiguity is a powerful tool to understanding the information security risks that an organization is facing.
Data Protection in the Cloud Era
Authors: Shen Yushi , Li Yale , Wu Ling , Liu Shaofeng , Wen Qian
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the authors examine a potential enterprise customer’s strategy and scenario to protect its data in the cloud computing era. CorpFort is the name of a hypothetical company. This chapter starts with the problem statement in the data protection space at CorpFort. Then, it describes a vision in the protection of data in the ideal state. Finally, it creates the strategy and solutions for realizing the vision.
A Metamodel for Component-Based Service Modeling
Authors: Becker Michael , Klingner Stephan
Published: October 2013

Due to industrialization of services, organizations need to establish new approaches for tackling challenges like increased competition, complexity, and pressure on the market because of prices. It seems promising to use approaches from other domains in the service industry, e.g. Mass Customization from the domain of industrial engineering. This work presents a metamodel implementing standardization and modularization concepts. Furthermore, we provide a formal framework for service modeling and configuration. Thus, it is possible to mass customize services.
Innovation in Service System Solutions
Authors: Abdelkafi Nizar , Hilbig Romy
Published: October 2013

Service innovations are regarded as important drivers in the Europe 2020 Strategy. They are recognized to have a powerful potential to transform entire regions and sectors in Europe. The European Union (EU) and its member states are currently launching initiatives and programs that focus on leveraging service innovation to achieve so-called smart specialization of regions. This paper explains the transformative power of service innovation, a concept introduced recently by the European commission. First, it reviews the literature on service innovation. It concludes that service innovation is a multidimensional concept that combines offering, process, and business model innovations. It focuses, in particular, on the business model approach and introduces a new taxonomy for business models of the providers of service system solutions. Then, the paper provides an overview of selected EU initiatives and programs to foster service innovation. By means of the case of electric mobility in Germany, the authors show how business models of service system solution providers can transform model regions and sectors in the EU. The Input-Throughput-Output model is drawn to explain the transformation process due to services in the case of electric mobility in Saxony, Germany.
Tracheostomy Care and Complications in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Morris Linda L. , Whitmer Andrea , McIntosh Erik
Published: October 2013

Tracheotomy is a common procedure in intensive care units, and nurses must provide proper care to tracheostomy patients to prevent complications. One of the most important considerations is effective mobilization of secretions, and a suction catheter is the most important tool for that purpose. Each bedside should be equipped with a functional suctioning system, an oxygen source, a manual resuscitation bag, and a complete tracheostomy kit, which should accompany patients wherever they go in the hospital. Complications include infection, tracheomalacia, skin breakdown, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheostomy emergencies include hemorrhage, tube dislodgement and loss of airway, and tube obstruction; such emergencies are managed more effectively when all necessary supplies are readily available at the bedside. This article describes how to provide proper care in the intensive care unit, strategies for preventing complications, and management of tracheostomy emergencies.
A Monovalent Anti-Human CD28 Domain Antibody Antagonist: Preclinical Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Suchard Suzanne J. , Davis Patricia M. , Kansal Selena , Stetsko Dawn K. , Brosius Ruth , Tamura James , Schneeweis Lumelle , Bryson James , Salcedo Theodora , Wang Haiqing , Yang Zheng , Fleener Catherine A. , Ignatovich Olga , Plummer Christopher , Grant Steven , Nadler Steven G.
Published: October 2013

Targeting the CD28-CD80/86 pathway with an anti-CD28 antagonist is a promising alternative to current therapies for autoimmunity. However, attempts at generating conventional anti-CD28 mAbs lacking stimulatory activity has been challenging. In this study, we describe anti-human CD28 receptor antagonist domain Abs (dAbs) that are specific for human CD28. These dAbs are potent inhibitors of T cell activation, with an EC50 of 35 ± 14 ng/ml for inhibition of proliferation. The EC50 of 53 ± 11 ng/ml in an ex vivo CD28 receptor occupancy assay corresponds with in vitro functional activity, suggesting a direct correlation. The anti-CD28 dAb is equipotent in the inhibition of CD80- and CD86-mediated T cell proliferation and does not interfere with CTLA-4–mediated downmodulation of CD86 expression on APCs. The anti-CD28 dAbs are monomeric and do not demonstrate any evidence of agonism or costimulatory activity. In cynomolgus monkeys, the anti-CD28 dAb demonstrated pharmacodynamic activity, as measured by the inhibition of a T cell–dependent Ab response, without evidence of T cell depletion or cytokine release. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between systemic exposure, duration, and extent of CD28 receptor occupancy, and pharmacodynamic activity. Taken together, these data support clinical evaluation of this novel anti-CD28 dAb for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Till geochemical signatures of the Pine Point Pb-Zn Mississippi Valley-type district, Northwest Territories
Authors: Oviatt N M , McClenaghan M B , Paulen R C , Gleeson S A
Published: October 2013

Exploration for base metal deposits using till geochemistry and indicator mineral methods has been the focus of many studies initiated in recent years. The University of Alberta, Geological Survey of Canada, Tamerlane Ventures Incorporated, and Teck Resources
Limited are examining the indicator minerals and till geochemistry that characterize glacial dispersal from the Pine Point Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) district, Northwest Territories. This case study documents the clastic glacial dispersal down-ice from the O-28 former
open pit mine.
Aqua regia digestion/ICP-MS analysis of the <0.063 mm fraction of till identify Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Tl, S, and Se as the pathfinder elements associated with Pit O-28 in the Pine Point MVT district. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd are highest directly down-ice of the subcropping
mineralization in the direction of the earliest recorded ice-flow trajectory (~230°). This geochemical signature does not appear detectable at the surface. This may be due to extensive till cover and dilution by multiple ice-flow trajectories, or due to the
extensive winnowing and reworking of the till surface by glacial Lake McConnell that inundated the region during deglaciation.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and a root endophyte on the biomass and root morphology of selected strawberry cultivars under salt conditions
Authors: Sinclair Grant , Charest Christiane , Dalpé Yolande , Khanizadeh Shahrokh
Published: October 2013

Sinclair, G., Charest, C., Dalpé, Y. and Khanizadeh, S. 2013. Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and a root endophyte on the biomass and root morphology of selected strawberry cultivars under salt conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 997–999. The influence of four arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus arenarium, G. caledonium, G. irregulare, and G. mosseae) and a root endophyte species (Piriformospora indica – Sebacinales) was investigated on four “day-neutral” strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) cultivars (Albion, Charlotte, Mara des Bois, and Seascape) for their tolerance to salt stress. Fungal symbiosis tended to benefit strawberry plants in their tolerance to salinity, confirming the potential use of mycorrhizal biotechnology in horticulture in arid areas.
Evaluating genetic variation and relationships amongPuccinellia nuttallianapopulations using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers
Authors: Liu Yining , Fu Yong-Bi , Coulman Bruce E.
Published: October 2013

Liu, Y., Fu, Y.-B. and Coulman, B. E. 2013. Evaluating genetic variation and relationships among Puccinellia nuttalliana populations using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1097–1104. Nuttall's salt-meadow, or alkali grass [Puccinellia nuttalliana (Shultes) Hitchc.], is a native grass species in North America, well known for its salt tolerance. Little information is available about the genetic diversity of natural populations of this species. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to examine the inter-population relationships and to compare variances within and among 23 populations collected from the Canadian Great Plains. Five AFLP primer pairs were employed to screen 15 genotypes (five sets of three half-sib plants) from each population, and 185 polymorphic AFLP bands were scored for each sample. The frequencies of these scored bands ranged from 0.02 to 0.99 with a mean of 0.60. The analysis of molecular variance revealed more than 96% of the total AFLP variation resided within populations. Populations were not highly differentiated with only 4% of the total AFLP variation residing among populations. A Mantel test revealed a significant but low correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r=0.29, P=0.024). Implications for P. nuttalliana conservation, germplasm sampling, and cultivar development are discussed.
Total Offset and Medical Net Discount Rates: 1981–2012
Authors: Schap David , Guest Lauren , Kraynak Andrew
Published: October 2013

Medical net discount rates (MNDRs) are calculated using monthly data for the period 1981:01–2012:06 based on the medical consumer price index and annual percentage yields based on 3-month, 6-month and 1-year U.S. Treasury Securities. Stationarity is tested for each series and the results of time-series analytics through 2000:05 are compared to previously published results (Ewing, Payne and Piette, 2001) that omitted Treasury Securities of shortest duration. The various series are extended to 2012:06 and the time series properties are examined. Although the results are mixed, they are more supportive of total offset (i.e., a zero MNDR) than previously published research findings have been.