bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Usage Intention of Social Network Games
Authors: Chang Chiao-Chen , Chin Yang-Chieh
Published: October 2011

Social network sites (SNSs) are new communication channels with which people can share information. The main functions of SNSs, such as MySpace, Facebook, and Orkut, consist of displaying a user’s social contacts, enabling people to view each other’s social networks and search for common friends or interesting content. Social networks are also connected to gaming and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular categories of applications on SNSs. The goal of this project is to gain insight into the factors that affect user intention to use a social network game. The study uses an extended technology acceptance model and focuses on combining personal innovativeness, personal involvement, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation to explain usage intentions for social network games. The proposed model was tested with data collected from potential users of a social network game. A multiple regression analysis and MANOVA analysis were then conducted to identify the key causal relationships. It is expected that personal innovativeness and personal involvement will have positive effects on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and ultimately influence usage intentions with regard to social network games.
Investigating Adolescent Bloggers from the Perspective of Creative Subculture
Authors: Chang Yu-Fang , Liu Eric Zhi-Feng , Chang Maiga
Published: October 2011

This study focuses on the phenomenon of adolescent bloggers’ creativity from adolescent peers’ viewpoints. The participants are five twelve- to eighteen-year-old adolescent bloggers who continue managing their blogs. Online questionnaire and semi-structure interviews have been conducted to get participants’ ratings on their perceptions of creativity about themselves and peers. The results suggest that (1) the definition of creativity among adolescent bloggers is novel, useful, and valuable; (2) creativity can be enhanced from doing learning activities and practicing; and, (3) blog serves as a place where adolescents can present their works and also communicate with peers.
An Exploration of Students’ Participation, Learning Process, and Learning Outcomes in Web 2.0 Computer Supported Collaborative Learning
Authors: Shen Chun-Yi , Wu Chen-Hsien
Published: October 2011

Many researchers indicate that collaborative learning is an effective strategy to improve students’ learning. Collaborative learning is no longer confined to face-to-face classrooms with the advancement of technology. The concept of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) matches web 2.0 which emphasize learner centeredness, social interactions, and mutual sharing. The concept of CSCL matches E-Learning 2.0 which focus on learner centeredness, social interactions, and mutual sharing. This study investigates the effects of computer supported collaborative learning with web 2.0 technology on students’ participation, learning process, and learning outcomes. During a 14-week collaborative writing course, thirty participants were asked to use Google Docs to finish their assignments collaboratively. Results showed that computer supported collaborative learning with web 2.0 technology have positive effects on students’ participation, learning process, and learning outcomes. Implications and suggestions are also provided in this study.
Discovering the Life Stories of Modern Hakka Mothers in a Classroom
Authors: Chen Hung-Cheng , Liu Eric Zhi-Feng , Wu Sheng-Yi , Lin Chin-Yu
Published: October 2011

This study examines the life stories of Hakka mothers by a systematic approach in a classroom. In order to grasp a vivid portrait of the so-called “Hakka Mother”, a series of courses that allow every student to revisit the life stories of mothers are proposed. This investigation explores the life stories in two different scopes: the food habit and dressing style. Throughout the dialogues among children and mothers, the life stories embedded in those two scopes have been discovered and the parent-child relationship of each family has been revealed. The results are archived on a social network platform called Ning which enables the Web 2.0 interactions and sharing processes among different users at different platforms such as Facebook and Youtube. This feature enhances the understanding of the cultural aspect of Hakka mothers and invites more people to care about the life story and to contribute their own stories in a similar manner on the social networks.
A Study of the Relationship between Gender and Online Social Presence
Authors: Tu Chih-Hsiung , Yen Cherng-Jyh , Blocher Michael
Published: October 2011

CMC has been considered a “democratizing” technology; however, research indicates that CMC does not automatically result in social equality, and points to the importance of social and cultural factors surrounding the adoption of technology. Research suggests that CMC may impose a disadvantage to females, demonstrating lower levels of social presence. This study assesses the predictive relationship between gender and online social presence. A total of 395 graduate students participated by responding to the Computer-Mediated Communication Questionnaire. Quantitative research designs and analyses were applied. This study concluded that online social presence is not related to gender; therefore, gender cannot serve as an effective predictor for online social presence. A female’s online social presence can be as high as a male’s. Effective strategies to improve online social presence for both genders are suggested. Additionally, this study raises the importance on gender equity in emerging social media.
Technology Capacity Building for Preservice Teachers through Methods Courses
Authors: Zhou George , Xu Judy
Published: October 2011

Technology proficiency has widely been considered a necessary quality of school teachers, yet how to help teachers develop this quality remains an unanswered question. While teacher education programs often offer one technology course as a solution to this issue, scholars have recently argued that such technical skill-oriented courses are not sufficient to develop preservice teachers’ ability to use technology in teaching. This paper argues that the use of technology in teaching requires integrated knowledge between technology, pedagogy, and subject content, and this highly blended knowledge is best developed through the methods courses of a teacher education program. The key message is that preservice teachers need to be consistently exposed to technology and regularly be required to practice it in many aspects of instruction.
The Reality of Virtual Reality
Authors: Lybeck Karen , Bruhn Dana , Feyissa Solen
Published: October 2011

In order to improve teacher preparation courses offered online, a study of the use of Second Life virtual world for peer-teaching activities was conducted. The research period was over one year and the sampling group consisted of 25 Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) students. The methods practiced during the study follow the suggestions and implications given in previous research in hopes that an informed design would be the means to overcome the published limitations of Second Life. Despite this, the authors were not able to overcome previous difficulties, and did not find Second Life to be useful as a tool for classroom role-playing in online teacher-development courses. Virtual reality, however, has promise for facilitating teacher development; thus, further investigation is needed to find an appropriate virtual venue for this purpose.
Online Faculty and Adjuncts
Authors: Betts Kristen , Kramer Ronnie , Gaines Linda L.
Published: October 2011

Online education has grown exponentially over the past decade. Data collected by the Sloan Consortium reveals that between 2002 and 2009 students enrolled in at least one online course increased from 1.6 million to 5.6 million. It is projected that by 2020 up to 60% of college students will take their courses entirely online. A critical question for higher education administrators is “Who will teach these online courses?” Institutions need to be proactive and develop strategies for hiring and training faculty and adjuncts to meet this shift in educational delivery. Moreover, with online student attrition reported as being higher than traditional student attrition, faculty must also know how to engage and retain students in the online classroom environment. This article examines online faculty recruitment, online faculty training, and ten strategies for integrating Online Human Touch training and support into current and future online programs to increase faculty and student engagement and retention. Institutions that are not evaluating online education delivery options may face crisis or financial exigency. For many colleges and university, online faculty and adjuncts will be a central part of the future of the institution.
Probes as a People-Oriented Method
Authors: Graham Connor , Rouncefield Mark
Published: October 2011

This paper discusses some methodological aspects of the use of Probes as a people-oriented method. Different kinds of Probes are reviewed and two separate deployments are documented–Technology Probes and Informational Probes–in a care setting. The authors argue that Probes reflect a post-disciplinary era and a shift of attention beyond ‘the social’ to concerns with individual variation, materiality and the visual in technology design. It is suggested that in an era of ‘everyday development’, Probes can play an important role in providing useful insights concerning the product and potentially the process of programming-type work.
People-Oriented Web
Authors: Liu Jiming
Published: October 2011

This article outlines the scope of the people-oriented Wisdom Web, which would enable users to gain and share practical wisdom and seamless knowledge. It highlights the motivation and benefits of such a paradigm, demonstrating how it could drive knowledge creation as well as scientific and social evolution and development. The new paradigm of Autonomy-Oriented Computing is discussed. Furthermore, it provides several representatives research themes as well as promising research directions in this grand undertaking, with illustrative case studies.
Stakeholders’ Expectations on Health Services
Authors: Gomes Ricardo Corrêa , Gomes Luciana de Oliveira Miranda
Published: October 2011

Performance assessment in profit and not-for-profit organizations has been on the agenda for scholars and practitioners for the last thirty years or so. Despite this effort, a comprehensive model of organizational performance for all kinds of organizations does not exist. This paper aims to contribute to this field by presenting findings from a constructive and interpretative investigation carried out in public organizations at the local level. This research aims to identify the dimensions of performance that addresses stakeholder interests in public organizational performance. To this end, data was collected by semi structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The theoretical framework is based on resource dependence, institutional theory, agency theory, and social network theory. Evidence from the investigation indicates that stakeholders assess public service performance on criteria of efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. This paper provides practical and theoretical contributions by suggesting ways of assessing performance in public organizations, which can contribute to strategic planning by setting milestones related to stakeholder expectations and by defining the dimensions of stakeholders’ assessments of the performance of public service organizations.
Comparative Study Between Japan and the UK on Shifting the Third Sector–Government Relationships
Authors: Tsukamoto Ichiro , Nishimura Mariko
Published: October 2011

The aim of this research is to examine and compare the shifting relationships between third sector organizations and local government under the current public service reforms in Japan and the UK. In both cases, institutional isomorphic tendency amongst third sector organizations can be found. However, in the case of UK, more formalized partnership frameworks set by central government as well as contractual relationships has an impact on this tendency. Contrastingly, Japan partnerships tend to be individualized. In this regard, the contracting framework seems to have more impact on behavior of the third sector organizations than partnership frameworks. In addition, the aspect of co-governance of the third sector organizations has been less developed than in the third sector in the UK. This affinity seems to be associated with the lack of sense of identity as a sector and also the lack of strong third sector organizations.
Addressing the Politics of Accreditation in Engineering Education
Authors: Eijkman Henk , Kayali Obada
Published: October 2011

Engineering departments may face a formidable task in conducting effective accreditation reviews of their programs and ensuring that their outcomes meet the demands of the accrediting organisation. Not least of these tasks is walking the political tightrope of academic staff engagement in environments that reward research over and above educational tasks. This is exacerbated if and when existing programs, when reviewed for accreditation, demand a considerable expenditure of time and energy to ensure they at least meet current, let alone future, graduate attributes and standards. This paper confronts the generally ignored ‘elephant in the room’ of accreditation, namely the politics of accreditation reviews in institutional environments that are increasingly pre-occupied with research. The essential point of this paper is this; accreditation involves the whole-of-program engagement of academics with divergent curricular and pedagogic interests, let alone perspectives and work priorities. Therefore, accreditation reviews are much more likely to be successful when they are approached from a soft systems methodology perspective.
The Relationship between Remediation and Degree Completion for Engineering and Technology Students
Authors: Lesik Sally A. , Kalder Robin S.
Published: October 2011

This study investigates whether students who initially began college as engineering or technology majors and who were required to participate in remedial mathematics and/or remedial English programs, were less likely to graduate with their bachelor’s degree in their fourth through seventh years, as compared to engineering and technology majors who were not required to participate in a remedial mathematics and/or remedial English programs. By using discrete-time survival analysis, findings suggest that remediation status does not appear to impact the time it takes to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology.
Strategic Diffusion of Information and Preference Manipulation
Authors: Di Caprio Debora , Santos-Arteaga Francisco J.
Published: October 2011

This paper bridges the existing gap between the empirical consumer choice literature and the theoretical structures built to account for information manipulation between a sender and a decision maker. The authors define a theoretical structure that allows for the analysis of preference manipulation in multiattribute environments via information multifunctions when the information transmitted is verifiable. A series of examples are provided that illustrate numerically the behaviour and validity of this theoretical structure. A concrete application of this theoretical framework is the possibility for an information sender to induce any predetermined preference relation on a decision maker, and, in particular, how lexicographic preferences can be induced starting from non-lexicographic additive ones.
An Examination of Prestigious Stigma
Authors: Moore Jo Ellen , Love Mary Sue
Published: October 2011

This paper examines “technology geek” through the social psychological lens of stigma. The research expands on an aspect of stigma that can materialize in work settings but has not been fully explicated in prior stigma theory, namely, prestige. The authors argue that a stigma may be worn with pride rather than shame, typified by the case of the technology geek, called “prestigious stigma.” The theory building focuses on interactions between the technology geek and others in the organization, positing that prestigiously stigmatized individuals behave in ways that differ from what social psychologists have generally posited for the stigmatized. This effort culminates in a model of mixed interaction involving the technology geek, which extends prior stigma theory and provides insights for practice and future research regarding technology professionals in organizations.
Using an Ethical Framework to Examine Linkages Between “Going Green” in Research Practices and Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Zaman Maliha , Simmers Claire A. , Anandarajan Murugan
Published: October 2011

The link between “Going Green” in research practices and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is studied using general ethics and social psychology literature. This paper investigates and concludes that a researcher’s ethical judgment is the strongest factor influencing their intention to follow green research practices (GRP). Their ethical judgment is molded indirectly by the researcher’s attitude towards environmental awareness. Their intention towards GRP is influenced by existing research practices and experience in using a technology touted as a greening enabler, Web 2.0. The strength of the relationship suggests there is no pivotal turning point in the research practices to become green. This paper concludes that GRP represent a smaller, albeit important, paradigm shift affecting the conduct and dissemination of research with positive spillover effects for the environment.
Innovation Dynamics in a Monopsony Structure
Authors: Smyrlakis Nikolaos , Summerer Leopold , Latronico Loretta
Published: October 2011

Innovation is a widely recognised driver of markets for economic growth and technological progress. This paper investigates the innovation dynamics in a monopsony market with a governmental monopsonist. The research is based on an agent-based model published for a traditional, competitive oligopoly market structure and explains aspects of innovation dynamics, such as how innovation is created, how the strategies of imitation and innovation pay off, the diffusion of both strategies and factors that influence them. Following the Schumpeterian concept of emerging innovation as a relational good, the model includes a dynamical component of strategy changes for sellers, which depends on the success of the strategy of those with whom they are exchanging information. For the present work, the structure of this model has been adapted to represent the specific buyer-power situation of monopsony markets. By changing the connectivity of the network between buyers and sellers and by combining all buyers into one, the network is transformed into one that models a monopsony market. In simplified terms, part of the European space market has been described as such a monopsonistic market with a governmental quasi-monopsonist. The paper investigates how innovation dynamics change in such a market.
They’re Here, Now How Do You Keep Them?
Authors: Cook Ruth Gannon
Published: October 2011

This is a case study of a class of first year traditional college-age students enrolled in a class that assessed measures to orient new students and enlist them in becoming committed to completing their degrees. The motivation of the university that designed the course was two-fold: to help students develop good time management and study skills; and to nurture student loyalty to retain them through graduation at this university. The study followed a small class of 18-20 year old first year students through their first semester at a mid-sized western public university. The results of the study indicated that while many factors affect students’ attitudes and retention throughout their college years, simple measures of enlistment and peer-mentoring fared best to positively influence student attitudes and responses in the college-orientation class; and, peer involvement offered the most promise of future brand commitment to student retention at the university.
Assessing Learning via Web 2.0 Technologies
Authors: Wang Viktor , Kania-Gosche Beth
Published: October 2011

Online learning takes place among learners of all ages in both formal and informal contexts. Due to the fact that traditional age students learn differently from non-traditional age students, especially in the virtual environment, educators are encouraged to employ either pedagogical or andragogical assessment methods accordingly. Using pedagogical assessment methods may work for traditional age learners. Likewise, applying andragogical methods may work for non-traditional age learners. Available assessment methods such as objectively-scored tests, subjectively-rated tests and criterion referenced tests will be discussed as well as a new form of assessment--learner self-evaluation. To use the proper tests or methods to assess online learning, educators are encouraged to possess both pedagogical and andragogical knowledge and/or skills. Instructors should use a variety of instructional and assessment methods. The authors of this article provide specific examples of online assessments from both andragogy and pedagogy.
Marketing to and Developing Faculty Members to Create High Quality, Highly Interactive Online Courses
Authors: Hargis Jace
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the author shares a detailed process for soliciting and securing exemplar faculty members, who are ready to redesign and offer their course in a high quality online environment. The goal is to help faculty create highly engaging online learning opportunities as good as or better than their current face to face classes. Interested faculty members submitted a competitive proposal, and were selected to interact in a highly dynamic three day short course. The course introduced and applied learning theories as a mechanism to help faculty develop their materials, so that learners could attend, process, retain and use meaningful conceptually-based material. The outcome of the program was targeted, high quality online courses; word of mouth support and requests for short courses from our law and dental schools.
From Compliance to Concordance and Beyond
Authors: Greenop Daz , Thomas Katherine
Published: October 2011

This commentary begins with a brief overview of recent developments in healthcare policy and practice in the UK. Particular attention is paid to the demise of the concept (and practice) of compliance along with and rise of the concept (and practice) of concordance. Analysis suggests that despite considerable changes in the organisation and delivery of healthcare there remains a clear gap between rhetoric and reality. Drawing on insights from qualitative health research issues of identity, embodiment and self-care are explored and synthesised in a single descriptive framework. Neither compliance nor concordance alone adequately captures the reality of patient experiences in everyday life. The framework of understanding proposed here contextualises compliance and concordance and their corollaries within distinct horizons of expectation. For a truly user-driven healthcare it is not a question of either/or but both and more and asking, in reality, what can a body do?
User Driven Psychiatry
Authors: George Siju Oommen , Roy Samit
Published: October 2011

This paper begins with a personal account of the first author’s journey with a psychiatric disorder and his perception of recovery helped considerably by shared learning on the web from experiences of others with similar illnesses. This illustrates a rapidly evolving web-based model of healthcare adopted increasingly by patients worldwide to examine their own health problems along with support from health professionals, but more often with support of other people with similar illnesses. A psychiatrist’s perspective is then given.
Opportunities and Barriers of Sexual Health and Condom Use among Tea Plantation Workers
Authors: Pal Ranabir , Roy Samir , Pal Shrayan
Published: October 2011

In the era of evidenced-based medicine, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major international health issue; adolescents and young people are particularly vulnerable. The current study determines the perceptions of sexual health and condom use in sexual encounters among tea plantation workers of North Bengal in India. A population based cross-sectional study was undertaken with 973 adults of both sexes selected by a multi-stage random sampling using an anonymous pre-tested close-ended structured questionnaire. The majority of study participants were working class in the age range of 16 to 30 years. The gender distribution of the participants was almost equal. The majority of males were in the age group of 46-60 years, while the majority of the females were in the age group of 16-30 years. There was no statistical association between age and use of condoms. Significant statistical differences were seen in condom use in relation to marital status, religion, type of family, and number of living children. This study revealed inadequate protective behavior adopted by plantation workers. In this socio-demography with the acceptance of sexual relation outside marriage, non-use of condoms increases vulnerability to HIV/AIDS/ and other sexually-transmitted infections.
DSS for Health Emergency Response
Authors: Oikonomou Dimitris , Moulianitis Vassilis , Lekkas Dimitris , Koutsabasis Panayiotis
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the design approach and architecture of a Decision Support System (DSS) for the Hellenic Centre for Emergency Health Care (EKAB, http://www.ekab.gr). The DSS supports the cooperation and decision-making processes at the EKAB call centre concerning the effective activation and allocation of appropriate resources mainly: ambulances, healthcare personnel and other public emergency resources like fire fighting and police. The DSS is a geographic web-based mash-up that builds on top of existing information systems and databases, and collects, aggregates, records, and presents various types of dynamic information about medical incidents in real time, promoting evidence-based medicine. The system provides a number of user interfaces (web-based and mobile) for call centre operators, radio centre operators, ambulance personnel, and administration. A contextual approach was necessary for the design of the system based on various related methods. Field observation of the current ways of work at EKAB sites, design, and development of data resources and user interfaces were conducted.
Creating Secondary Learning Resources from BMJ Case Reports through Medical Student Conversational Learning in a Web Based Forum
Authors: Biswas Tamoghna , Sen Parijat , Dasgupta Sujoy , Guha Niyogi Subhrashis , Ghosh G. C. , Bera Kaustav , Biswas Rakesh
Published: October 2011

This paper discusses an exploratory approach in creating stimulating medical education resources in the form of interactive conversational learning between medical students and facilitators who dissected a case previously published in BMJ to which the students do not have access, thus bringing out the learning points in an exploratory manner. Through these conversations, students discover the subject and learn actively along with a facilitator who gradually guides them through the case based problem. BMJ Case reports present a unique platform for this case based PBL (problem based learning) activity. In this illustrative example, students and facilitators perform problem based learning in a nearly asynchronous manner on a web based forum.
Joint Angular and Time Diversity of Multi-Antenna CDMA Systems in Wireless Fading Channels
Authors: She Feng , Chen Hsiao Hwa , Li Hongyang
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a multi-antenna based receiver structure for direct sequence code division multiple access (DS/CDMA) system is proposed. The proposed scheme exploits the excellent time resolution of a CDMA RAKE receiver and uses an antenna array beamforming structure to resolve multipath returns in both angular and time domains. A much higher diversity gain than that based only on the time domain diversity can be achieved. This work suggests a new space-time diversity paradigm, namely angular-time diversity, which differs from traditional Alamouti-type space-time coded schemes. The impairments caused by multipath and multiuser interference are analyzed. The performance of the proposed receiver in multipath fading channel is explicitly evaluated. An expression for uncoded system bit error probability is derived. Simulation results show the performance improvement in terms of BER due to the use of multi-antenna in the receiver, and the results illustrate that the multi-antenna based receiver works effectively in resolving multipaths in both angular and time domains to achieve performance improvement due to angular and time diversity gain provided by the multi-antenna system.
Insights from Experimental Research on Distributed Channel Assignment in Wireless Testbeds
Authors: Juraschek Felix , Günes Mesut , Philipp Matthias , Blywis Bastian
Published: October 2011

This article presents the DES-Chan framework for experimental research on distributed channel assignment algorithms in wireless mesh testbeds. The implementation process of channel assignment algorithms is a difficult task for the researcher since common operating systems do not support channel assignment algorithms. DES-Chan provides a set of common services required by distributed channel assignment algorithms and eases the implementation effort. The results of experiments to measure the channel characteristics in terms of intra-path and inter-path interference according to the channel distance on the DES-Testbed are also presented. The DES-Testbed is a multi-radio WMN with more than 100 nodes located on the campus of the Freie Universität Berlin. These measurements are an important input to validate common assumptions of WMNs and derive more realistic, measurement-based interference models in contrast to simplified heuristics.
HTTP Traffic Model for Web2.0 and Future WebX.0
Authors: Deart Vladimir , Pilugin Alexander
Published: October 2011

This article presents a method of estimation for HTTP traffic quality service parameters mean delay and lost packets percentage. This method, based on statistic measurements, includes simulation and analytical modeling. Statistical HTTP traffic models presented earlier take into account typical features of WEB2.0 Internet traffic, which were used for the simulation model. Developed universal simulation models make it possible to research service quality parameters under setting network conditions over a wide range considering Internet development. The presented analytical method based on batch packet arrival model allows an accuracy estimation of mean HTTP-packets delay in Core Router by simple calculations. Objective results of HTTP traffic quality service parameters can be used in QoS standard development for WEB traffic and model QoE standard development.
BER Fairness and PAPR Study of Interleaved OFDMA System
Authors: Ahmed Sabbir , Kawai Makoto
Published: October 2011

For an OFDMA system, the role of interleavers is analyzed to ensure fairness of BER performance among the active users and investigate their respective PAPR properties. In this paper, the authors consider a generic system and show that for a slowly changing multipath channel, individual user’s BER performance can vary, implying that the propagation channel effect is unfairly distributed on the users. Applying different types of frequency interleaving mechanisms, the authors demonstrate that random interleaving can ensure BER fairness on an individual user basis but the associated system overhead for de-interleaving is very high. In this context, the authors introduce the application of cyclically shifted random interleaver and demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving BER fairness (dispersion in individual users BER reduced by 94% compared to no interleaving at 20dB SNR) with little system overhead. The authors also explore the comparative performance of different interleavers for scenarios with varying number of total subcarriers and subcarriers per user. Based on the scenario specific results, the authors conclude that for a heavily loaded system, i.e., relatively low number of subcarriers per user, cyclically shifted random interleavers can effectively ensure uniform performance among active users with reduced system complexity and manageable PAPR.
Lifetime Maximization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Katiyar Vivek , Chand Narottam , Soni Surender
Published: October 2011

One of the fundamental requirements in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is to prolong the lifetime of sensor nodes by minimizing the energy consumption. The information about the energy status of sensor nodes can be used to notify the base station about energy depletion in any part of the network. An energy map of WSN can be constructed with available remaining energy at sensor nodes. The energy map can increase the lifetime of sensor networks by adaptive clustering, energy centric routing, data aggregation, and so forth. In this paper, the authors describe use of energy map techniques for WSNs and summarize the applications in routing, aggregation, clustering, data dissemination, and so forth. The authors also present an energy map construction algorithm that is based on prediction.
Synchronous Relaying in Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks
Authors: Moltchanov D. , Vinel A. , Jakubiak J. , Koucheryavy Y.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors propose a simple concept for emergency information dissemination in vehicular ad-hoc networks. Instead of competing for the shared wireless medium when transmitting the emergency information, the authors’ proposed method requires nodes to cooperate by synchronizing their transmissions. The proposed scheme is backward compatible with IEEE 802.11p carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance. The authors also briefly address some of the implementation issues of the proposed scheme.
Impact of e-CRM on Website Loyalty of a Public Organization’s Customers
Authors: Jih Wen-Jang
Published: October 2011

Web-enabled customer relationship management, or e-CRM, is able to simultaneously achieve the conflicting goals of strategic flexibility and operational efficiency in developing and executing innovative e-commerce marketing strategies. A multi-disciplinary field, involving such areas as marketing, economics, business strategy, information systems, social psychology and consumer behavior, e-CRM strengthens customer relationships via a portfolio of trust-building practices with the support of powerful information technologies. While most literature in e-CRM has examined how firms formulate and implement e-CRM initiatives, there is little information on the overall quality of an e-commerce firm’s e-CRM practices from the consumer point of view. This research proposes such a consumer-oriented concept, e-CRM value, based on existing e-CRM research, and examines the effect of e-CRM value on website loyalty. An empirical study is conducted to validate the theoretical model. Customers’ perceptions of e-CRM value have positive causal effects on their website loyalty. Valuable implications can be derived from this finding for public organizations in managing their customer relationships.
Success of Public Knowledge Management in the Light of the Rossian Ethics
Authors: Zanjani Mehdi Shami , Dabbagh Hossein , Rouzbehani Roshanak
Published: October 2011

Researchers have attempted to integrate the fields of management and ethics for the past 50 years. Although the moral aspects of knowledge management have been studied, its philosophical attitude has been overshadowed. This work designs a philosophical background—in moral philosophy—for public knowledge management. To achieve the research goal, the relationships between human critical success factors of knowledge management and moral duties are discussed. These moral duties are based on the Rossian ethical framework. The authors recommend moral duties to public organizations that try to manage knowledge successfully. The results show that “beneficence” is the most significant to knowledge management success in the public sector. In this paper, the authors integrate knowledge management with the Rossian ethical framework to increase successful knowledge management in public organizations.
3D Object Modeling using Sketches
Authors: Kyratzi Sofia , Sapidis Nickolas S.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors present a new algorithm for constructing a solid model when the given input is only one partial-view sketch (“natural sketch”). This algorithm is a two-step process, where first a complete (wireframe) sketch is derived, which is then transformed into a 3D polyhedron. The paper details topological and geometric aspects of the process, as well as the essential “user-interaction” components dealing with cases where the sketch-to-solid problem does not have a unique solution.
On Volume Based 3D Display Techniques
Authors: Blundell Barry G.
Published: October 2011

In the case of certain applications in which a need exists to visualize and interact with voluminous data sets and complex 3-D geometrical models, the conventional computer interface inhibits key human-computer interaction processes. Here, several deficiencies of the standard interface are identified with emphasis on a failure to make optimal use of the complex human sensory systems. Various general forms of interaction modality are outlined together with several types of image space. This provides a basis for brief discussion of emerging ‘creative’ 3-D display systems with emphasis on computational holography, varifocal techniques, and volumetric systems.
Assessing Adequacy of Leisure and Recreation Facilities in KFUPM Campus
Authors: Aldosary Adel S. , Nahiduzzaman Kh. Md.
Published: October 2011

Leisure and recreation facilities are strongly intertwined due to their mutual dependencies. Thus, they build up invisible networks. Leisure and recreation facilities are one of the imperative components for socio-cultural, psychological, and economic development. In the spectrum of sustainable development, it is not possible to initiate development process without strategically planning for leisure and recreation activities. KFUPM was developed with specific leisure and recreation facilities for its community members. This paper examines their adequacy and possible set of actions to minimize the inadequacies in relation to growing and changing needs of the diversified-culture based community. Preparation of a proposed alterative (strategic) action plan to improve leisure and recreation facilities is based on conducting an internal assessment of current and forecasting amenities, and the need-gap analysis. The proposed action plan covers the estimated cost and urgency level for each of the alternative leisure and recreation improvement options. KFUPM must be committed to embracing the vision and strategies presented by this study, and allocate resources to implement strategic plans for improving leisure and recreation facilities that foster productivity and help shape systems for human resource development.
Financial Reporting of Intellectual Capital and Company’s Performance in Indian Information Technology Industry
Authors: Pal Karam , Soriya Sushila
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the relationship between Financial Reporting of Intellectual Capital and Company’s Performances in Indian Information Technology Industry. For the purpose of this study, sixty companies listed on NSE were taken for a period of 1999-00 to 2008-09. Value Added Intellectual Co-efficient (VAICTM) method developed by Pulic (1998) was used for the analysis of the data. The present study uses VAICTM model and regression equation for the evaluation of intellectual capital and their relationship with productivity, profitability, and market valuation of the companies. The result of the study supports the hypothesis that profitability of the company can be explained by the intellectual capital. However, there is no significant association of intellectual capital with productivity and market capitalization of the companies for the selected time period of year 1999-00 to 2008-09.
Game Theory
Authors: Coffey Aodhan L. , Ward Tomas E. , Middleton Richard H.
Published: October 2011

Designing suitable robotic controllers for automating movement-based rehabilitation therapy requires an understanding of the interaction between patient and therapist. Current approaches do not take into account the highly dynamic and interdependent nature of this relationship. A better understanding can be accomplished through framing the interaction as a problem in game theory. The main strength behind this approach is the potential to develop robotic control systems which automatically adapt to patient interaction behavior. Agents learn from experiences, and adapt their behaviors so they are better suited to their environment. As the models evolve, structures, patterns and behaviors emerge that were not explicitly programmed into the original models, but which instead surface through the agent interactions with each other and their environment. This paper advocates the use of such agent based models for analysing patient-therapist interactions with a view to designing more efficient and effective robotic controllers for automated therapeutic intervention in motor rehabilitation. The authors demonstrate in a simplified implementation the effectiveness of this approach through simulating known behavioral patterns observed in real patient-therapist interactions, such as learned dependency.
Reliability Allocation Problem in Series-Parallel Systems
Authors: Yalaoui Alice , Belmecheri Farah , Châtelet Eric , Yalaoui Farouk
Published: October 2011

Reliability optimization is an important step in industrial systems design. In order to develop a reliable system, designers may introduce different redundant technologies with the same functionality in parallel. In this paper, each technology is assumed to be composed of series components. The obtained configuration belongs to the series-parallel systems. The presented tool is for the design or the improvement of such systems, in order to minimize the system cost with a reliability constraint. The aim is to find the reliability to allocate to each component in order to minimize the total cost, such that the global system reliability verifies a minimal level constraint. This problem is known to be NP-hard. In this paper, a metaheuristic approach, based on the Ant Colony Optimization technics (ACO), is used in order to improve an existing approach. The experimental results, based on randomly generated instances, outperform the one of previous method dedicated to this problem.
Simultaneous Tolerance Synthesis for Manufacturing and Quality using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Rao Y. S. , Rao C. S. P. , Janardhana G. Ranga , Vundavilli Pandu R.
Published: October 2011

Tolerance plays a major role in the manufacturing industry, as it affects product design, manufacturing, and quality of the product. This paper considers product design, manufacturing, and quality simultaneously, and introduces a concurrent approach for tolerance allocation using evolutionary algorithms. A non-linear model that minimizes the combination of manufacturing cost and quality loss simultaneously, in a single objective function has been considered. In the proposed work, evolutionary algorithms (that is, Genetic Algorithms (GA), Differential Evolution (DE), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)) have been used to determine the optimal tolerances at the minimum manufacturing and quality loss cost. The application of the proposed methodology has been demonstrated on a simple mechanical assembly.
Experimental Study on Recent Advances in Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Jeyakumar G. , Shanmugavelayutham C.
Published: October 2011

The Differential Evolution (DE) is a well known Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), and is popular for its simplicity. Several novelties have been proposed in research to enhance the performance of DE. This paper focuses on demonstrating the performance enhancement of DE by implementing some of the recent ideas in DE’s research viz. Dynamic Differential Evolution (dDE), Multiple Trial Vector Differential Evolution (mtvDE), Mixed Variant Differential Evolution (mvDE), Best Trial Vector Differential Evolution (btvDE), Distributed Differential Evolution (diDE) and their combinations. The authors have chosen fourteen variants of DE and six benchmark functions with different modality viz. Unimodal Separable, Unimodal Nonseparable, Multimodal Separable, and Multimodal Nonseparable. On analyzing distributed DE and mixed variant DE, a novel mixed-variant distributed DE is proposed whereby the subpopulations (islands) employ different DE variants to cooperatively solve the given problem. The competitive performance of mixed-variant distributed DE on the chosen problem is also demonstrated. The variants are well compared by their mean objective function values and probability of convergence.
Using Ontologies to Relate Resource Management Actions to Environmental Monitoring Data in South East Queensland
Authors: Hunter Jane , Becker Peter , Alabri Abdulmonem , van Ingen Catharine , Abal Eva
Published: October 2011

The Health-e-Waterways Project is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the University of Queensland, Microsoft Research and the South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership (SEQ-HWP). This project develops the underlying technological framework and set of services to enable streamlined access to the expanding collection of real-time, near-real-time and static datasets related to water resource management in South East Queensland. More specifically, the system enables water resource managers to access the datasets being captured by the various agencies participating in the SEQ HWP Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP). It also provides online access to the statistical data processing tools that enable users to analyse the data and generate online ecosystem report cards dynamically via a Web mapping interface. The authors examine the development of ontologies and semantic querying tools to integrate disparate datasets and relate management actions to water quality indicators for specific regions and periods. This semantic data integration approach enables scientists and resource managers to identify which actions are having an impact on which parameters and adapt the management strategies accordingly. This paper provides an overview of the semantic technologies developed to underpin the adaptive management framework that is the central philosophy behind the SEQ HWP.
An Ontology-Based Framework for Authoring Tools in the Domain of Sustainable Energy Education
Authors: Karetsos Sotirios , Haralampopoulos Dias , Kotis Konstantinos
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an ontology-based framework for the production of learning designs, focusing on the domain of sustainable energy education. An ontology of the sustainable energy development domain and educational model designed in compliance with widespread standards constitute the proposed framework to disprove the vagueness of “sustainable development” and enhance reusability and shareability of learning material respectively. The authors envisage this framework both as a means to support the authoring of learning scenarios and as a provisioning of a field for conversation about the appropriate authoring tool in this area. In this sense, an integrating approach for the representation of the learning design domain is kept, focusing on the concept of “mediating artefacts”.