bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperventilation in Pediatric Resuscitation: Performance in Simulated Pediatric Medical Emergencies
Authors: Niebauer Julia M. , White Marjorie Lee , Zinkan J. Lynn , Youngblood Amber Q. , Tofil Nancy M.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the hypothesis that pediatric resuscitation providers hyperventilate patients via bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation during performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), quantify the degree of excessive ventilation provided, and determine if this tendency varies according to provider type.

METHODS:

A retrospective, observational study was conducted of 72 unannounced, monthly simulated pediatric medical emergencies (“mock codes”) in a tertiary care, academic pediatric hospital. Responders were code team members, including pediatric residents and interns (MDs), respiratory therapists (RTs), and nurses (RNs). All sessions were video-recorded and reviewed for the rate of BVM ventilation, rate of chest compressions, and the team members performing these tasks. The type of emergency, location of the code, and training level of the team leader were also recorded.

RESULTS:

Hyperventilation was present in every mock code reviewed. The mean rate of BVM ventilation for all providers in all scenarios was 40.6 ± 11.8 breaths per minute (BPM). The mean ventilation rates for RNs, RTs, and MDs were 40.8 ± 14.7, 39.9 ± 11.7, and 40.5 ± 10.3 BPM, respectively, and did not differ among providers (P = .94). All rates were significantly higher than the recommended rate of 8 to 20 BPM (per Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines, varies with patient age) (P < .001). The mean ventilation rate in cases of isolated respiratory arrest was 44.0 ± 13.9 BPM and was not different from the mean BVM ventilation rate in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest (38.9 ± 14.4 BPM; P = .689).

CONCLUSIONS:

Hyperventilation occurred in simulated pediatric resuscitation and did not vary according to provider type. Future educational interventions should focus on avoidance of excessive ventilation.
Influenza A/H1N1/09-10 Infections in a NICU During the 2009–2010 H1N1 Pandemic
Authors: Vij Navin K. , Stryker Christopher C. , Esper Frank P. , Jacobs Michael R. , Gonzalez Blanca E.
Published: October 2011

Few cases of the pandemic influenza A H1N1 have been reported in very low birth weight infants. We report here a small outbreak in our NICU of 3 cases of influenza A/H1N1/09-10 in very low birth weight infants during the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic and describe their clinical presentations and favorable outcomes despite the lack of treatment.
Retinoblastoma in a Child After Normal Autorefraction and Traditional Vision Screening
Authors: Estopinal Christopher B. , Donahue Sean P. , Gitschlag Gary N.
Published: October 2011

Retinoblastoma is an ocular malignancy that can put a patient's sight and, in some instances, life at risk. Here we report the case of a 2-year-old child who presented to her pediatrician with a 2-week history of left-sided leukocoria caused by retinoblastoma. Results of traditional office-based vision screening and automated vision screening, which often identify but are not specifically designed to detect rare diseases such as retinoblastoma, had been normal in the antecedent 7 months. She underwent enucleation of the left eye and has done well postoperatively. This case highlights the importance of assessing ocular media clarity by using red-reflex testing at multiple intervals during the preschool years, particularly in light of the recently published US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for preschool vision screening, which gave an “insufficient evidence” level for vision screening in children younger than 3 years and failed to address red-reflex examination.
Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes After Early Exposure to Anesthesia and Surgery
Authors: Flick Randall P. , Katusic Slavica K. , Colligan Robert C. , Wilder Robert T. , Voigt Robert G. , Olson Michael D. , Sprung Juraj , Weaver Amy L. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Warner David O.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Annually, millions of children are exposed to anesthetic agents that cause apoptotic neurodegeneration in immature animals. To explore the possible significance of these findings in children, we investigated the association between exposure to anesthesia and subsequent (1) learning disabilities (LDs), (2) receipt of an individualized education program for an emotional/behavior disorder (IEP-EBD), and (3) scores of group-administered achievement tests.

METHODS:

This was a matched cohort study in which children (N = 8548) born between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 1982, in Rochester, Minnesota, were the source of cases and controls. Those exposed to anesthesia (n = 350) before the age of 2 were matched to unexposed controls (n = 700) on the basis of known risk factors for LDs. Multivariable analysis adjusted for the burden of illness, and outcomes including LDs, receipt of an IEP-EBD, and the results of group-administered tests of cognition and achievement were outcomes.

RESULTS:

Exposure to multiple, but not single, anesthetic/surgery significantly increased the risk of developing LDs (hazard ratio: 2.12 [95% confidence interval: 1.26–3.54]), even when accounting for health status. A similar pattern was observed for decrements in group-administered tests of achievement and cognition. However, exposure did not affect the rate of children receiving an individualized education program.

CONCLUSIONS:

Repeated exposure to anesthesia and surgery before the age of 2 was a significant independent risk factor for the later development of LDs but not the need for educational interventions related to emotion/behavior. We cannot exclude the possibility that multiple exposures to anesthesia/surgery at an early age may adversely affect human neurodevelopment with lasting consequence.
Alternative Vaccination Schedule Preferences Among Parents of Young Children
Authors: Dempsey Amanda F. , Schaffer Sarah , Singer Dianne , Butchart Amy , Davis Matthew , Freed Gary L.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Increasing numbers of parents use alternative vaccination schedules that differ from the recommended childhood vaccination schedule for their children. We sought to describe national patterns of alternative vaccination schedule use and the potential “malleability” of parents' current vaccination schedule choices.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey of a nationally representative sample of parents of children 6 months to 6 years of age. Bivariate and multivariate analyses determined associations between demographic and attitudinal factors and alternative vaccination schedule use.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 61% (N = 748). Of the 13% of parents who reported following an alternative vaccination schedule, most refused only certain vaccines (53%) and/or delayed some vaccines until the child was older (55%). Only 17% reported refusing all vaccines. In multivariate models, nonblack race and not having a regular health care provider for the child were the only factors significantly associated with higher odds of using an alternative schedule. A large proportion of alternative vaccinators (30%) reported having initially followed the recommended vaccination schedule. Among parents following the recommended vaccination schedule, 28% thought that delaying vaccine doses was safer than the schedule they used, and 22% disagreed that the best vaccination schedule to follow was the one recommended by vaccination experts.

CONCLUSIONS:

More than 1 of 10 parents of young children currently use an alternative vaccination schedule. In addition, a large proportion of parents currently following the recommended schedule seem to be “at risk” for switching to an alternative schedule.
Educating Advanced Practice Nurses in Using Social Media in Rural Health Care
Authors: Rutledge Carolyn M. , Renaud Michelle , Shepherd Laurel , Bordelon Michele , Haney Tina , Gregory Donna , Ayers Paula
Published: October 2011

Health care in the United States is facing a crisis in providing access to quality care for those in underserved and rural regions. Advanced practice nurses are at the forefront of addressing such issues, through modalities such as health care technology. Many nursing education programs are seeking strategies for better educating students on technology utilization. Health care technology includes electronic health records, telemedicine, and clinical decision support systems. However, little focus has been placed on the role of social media in health care. This paper describes an educational workshop using standardized patients and hands-on experiences to introduce advanced practice nurses in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program to the role of social media in addressing issues inherent in the delivery of rural health care. The students explore innovative approaches for utilizing social media for patient and caregiver support as well as identify online resources that assist providers in a rural setting.
Entrepreneurship Capital and Technical Efficiency: The Role of New Business/Firms as a Conduit of Knowledge Spillovers
Authors: Laborda Castillo Leopoldo , Guasch Jose Luis , Sotelsek Salem Daniel
Published: October 2011

Increasingly, entrepreneurship is being discussed and considered as a source of high economic growth and competitiveness. Agarwal, Audretsch and Sarkar (2010), questioning the underlying assumptions in the traditional framework of the process of creative destruction, provide an alternative conceptual process of creative construction that characterizes the dynamics between entrants and incumbents. Conceptually, this new framework of creative construction can prove quite useful to analyze the impact of countries’ entrepreneurship capital on economic performance and can be a guide for economic policy.

Audretsch and Keilbach (2003), argue that entrepreneurship capital promotes economic performance by serving as a conduit of knowledge spillovers. A Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) approach is applied here to test this hypothesis. In addition, kernel density functions are employed to analyze convergence (or divergence) in the efficiency estimated for individual countries.

The empirical evidence and results here tend to support the Audretsch and Keilbach hypothesis. Specifically, the empirical analysis shows that the rate of expenses on R&D in relation to New Businesses Registered (NBR) has a positive and significant effect in increasing technical efficiency. These factors facilitate the dissemination of existing knowledge, develop entrepreneurship capital, and thus provide the missing link to economic performance—entrepreneurship capital. We also show the trends and dynamics of changes in countries technical efficiency. Policy implications from these findings are presented.
Institutes of innovative development: Their role in regional clusters
Authors: Bykova Anna
Published: October 2011

The role of technological innovation in enhancing competitive advantage at
the level of individual companies and industries, regions, and even
countries, has increased interest in the innovation component of the cluster,
and has led to revision of the concept of the treatment of cluster effects
and of approaches to their study. As a result of theoretical research and
analysis of practical situations, in the late 1990s W. Feldman and J.
Audretsch developed a theory of economic development through the
establishment of innovation clusters. In this paper we aim to identify the
quantitative link between the participation in innovation clusters and
universities, research centres, and other institutes of innovative
development; we will also try to find the key factors affecting them. We used
econometric procedures for 413 companies (based on the data of accounting and
statistical reports) of the Perm region (Russia). The regression outcomes
allow defining the ?stimulating? factors affecting participation in cluster
relationships. The quantitative analysis was supplemented by in-depth
interviews on different types of relationship forms among companies and
institutes promoting innovation within the framework of a cluster concept.
Transport fleet sizing by using make and buy decision-making
Authors: Stojanovic Djurdjica , Nikolicic Svetlana , Milicic Milica
Published: October 2011

Cost reduction is among the main quoted reasons for logistics outsourcing,
while transport capacities and operations are among the most outsourced
logistics areas. However, according to transaction costs theory, there is
often room for transport insourcing. Furthermore, nowadays many authors
stress that mixed solutions can give better results than ?make? or ?buy?
alternatives. ?Make or buy? decision-making normative models, methods, and
procedures in transport planning are not much explored. Instead, research is
rather focused on carrier selection techniques, whereby it is supposed that
outsourcing transport capacities is the most suitable solution. The purpose
of this paper is to contribute to the body of literature on classical
?makeor-buy? decision-making in transport fleet sizing in a non-logistics
enterprise. It goes beyond the basic ?make or buy? decisionmaking, and
intermediate solutions (i.e., ?make and buy?) are explored. Practical
directions are given according to theoretical principles, and a case study is
used to exemplify the main deductions. The research also has practical
implications. Many enterprises in transition economies have faced the
question of what to do with their in-house transport fleets. The obtained
results are of interest to merchants and manufacturing enterprises that
already have a private transport fleet and are considering how to rationalize
it.
Synthesis and characterization of porous biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold from different porogens for possible bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Amera A. , Abudalazez A.M.A. , Ismail Rashid , Razak Abd , Masudi Malik , Kasim Rizal , Ahmad Arifin
Published: October 2011

By using the wet precipitation method, Biphasic calcium phosphate granules
were synthesized with Ca/P ratio1.52 and controlled porosity, pore size
distribution, and granule size. Microporosity was then obtained by adjusting
sintering temperature while macroporosity was prepared by adding 1:3 wt%
ratio of two normally used porogens (naphthalene and sugar) and 2 newly
introduced porogens (sago and lentil). Samples from each ratio were pressed
into pellets and were fired at 500?C for 2 hours with 0.5?C/minute heating
rate (for removal of porogens) and further sintered at 850?C for 2 hours with
5?C/minute before cooling down to room temperature. The granules were
prepared by crushing and sieving BCP sintered pellets to get granules of
sizes ranging from 250-500?m. X-rays diffraction (XRD), field emission
scanning electron microscope (FESEM), particle size and porosity analyses
were employed in order to characterize the granules. A round to oval shape
pores with 200-400 ?m size were obtained and identical to the prepared
porogens? particle size. This approach gives the desirable properties near to
normal bone leading to a perfect osteogenesis for the purpose tissue
engineering.
Algorithms for Studying the Impact of Travel Time Reliability along Multisegment Trucking Freight Corridors
Authors: Figliozzi Miguel A. , Wheeler Nikki , Albright Eric , Walker Lindsay , Sarkar Shreemoyee , Rice Danielle
Published: October 2011

Performance measures allow planners and engineers to monitor and evaluate transportation facilities or projects and to justify the allocation of funds among alternative transportation improvement options. To capture the impact of corridor congestion on freight vehicles, new tools and methodologies are developed to analyze data from commercial vehicles and produce performance measures such as travel time, speed, and travel time reliability. Because long freight corridors comprise segments with varying reliability characteristics, the objective was to develop a programming logic that would use available truck Global Positioning System data to (a) identify natural segments or regions in a corridor between urban centers, Interstate junctions, or rural areas and (b) estimate corridorwide impact of travel time unreliability. The case study presented investigates the I-5 corridor in Oregon. The research applies statistical techniques to compute vehicle travel time and reliability for freight movements within each segment. The proposed methodology has been used successfully to identify distinct segments and characteristics of travel time reliability in freight corridors. Travel time information was used to compute cost effects of delays within rural and urban areas along the I-5 corridor. The research presents an advance in the processing and aggregation of Global Positioning System truck data to produce succinct yet informative performance measures and segments.
New Formulation for Traveling Salesman Problem with Separation Requirement and Cost
Authors: Wang Bruce X. , Regan Amelia C. , Miao Qing
Published: October 2011

A unique integer linear programming formulation is proposed to define a Hamiltonian tour in which the cost between a node pair is determined by the number of nodes between each pair on the tour. In addition, a node separation requirement may be conditional on other node separations. Properties of this new traveling salesman problem formulation are discussed, along with an a priori solution to the probabilistic traveling salesman problem with equal node coverage probability as a linear programming alternative to the probabilistic programming method in the literature. A linear programming-based heuristic is proposed and numerically tested.
Meeting the Challenges for Agriculture
Authors: Copeland Les
Published: October 2011

Ensuring food security is an ongoing global challenge. Many forecasts point to a need to increase food production by at least 70% if we are to feed the world’s projected population of nine billion in 2050. Recent volatility in commodity prices and the general upward trend in the cost of food are indicators that global food systems are now driven by demand rather than supply. There are various reasons for this: greater demand for animal protein with economic growth in developing countries; the continuing increase in world population; competition between food and bioenergy crops for land and water; low inventories of world grain stocks; reduced investment in agricultural R&D; and unfavorable weather resulting in a succession of poor harvests around the world. Increasing production of grains, which are the foundation of the human food supply, will have to be achieved through higher crop yields without boosting inputs of land, water and energy. Meeting community expectations for environmental stewardship and sustainability, and adapting food production to increasingly variable climate, add greatly to the challenge. [...]
The atomic force microscope as a mechano–electrochemical pen
Authors: Obermair Christian , Wagner Andreas , Schimmel Thomas
Published: October 2011

We demonstrate a method that allows the controlled writing of metallic patterns on the nanometer scale using the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) as a “mechano–electrochemical pen”. In contrast to previous experiments, no voltage is applied between the AFM tip and the sample surface. Instead, a passivated sample surface is activated locally due to lateral forces between the AFM tip and the sample surface. In this way, the area of tip–sample interaction is narrowly limited by the mechanical contact between tip and sample, and well-defined metallic patterns can be written reproducibly. Nanoscale structures and lines of copper were deposited, and the line widths ranged between 5 nm and 80 nm, depending on the deposition parameters. A procedure for the sequential writing of metallic nanostructures is introduced, based on the understanding of the passivation process. The mechanism of this mechano–electrochemical writing technique is investigated, and the processes of site-selective surface depassivation, deposition, dissolution and repassivation of electrochemically deposited nanoscale metallic islands are studied in detail.
THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE OF FAMILY FIRMS AS A KEY FACTOR OF COMPETITIVENESS / PAGRINDINIS ŠEIMOS ĮMONIŲ KONKURENCINGUMO VEIKSNYS – ORGANIZACINĖ KULTŪRA
Authors: Vallejo-Martos Manuel Carlos
Published: October 2011

In the current research work we build and test a model for the analysis and management of the organizational culture of family firms based on the main arguments of neo-institutional theory and transformational leadership theory. The model we have built allows us to test for the existence of positive relations between the values defining the second level of organizational culture (commitment, harmony, long term orientation and customer service and performance, measured through variables, such as profitability, survival and group cohesion. The model will prove to be useful tool to exploit the competitive potential that the organizational culture represents for this type of firms. Santrauka Šiame straipsnyje, atsižvelgiant į dabartinę mokslinių tyrimų kryptį, analizuojama organizacinė šeimos įmonių kultūra, kuri grindžiama neoinstitucine teorija ir transformacinio vadovavimo teorijos modeliu. Modelyje pateikiamos teigiamos santykių vertės, nustatančios organizacinę kultūrą (įsipareigojimus, darną, ilgalaikę orientaciją ir klientų aptarnavimą) bei veiklos rezultatus, išmatuotus naudojant tokius kintamuosius kaip pelningumas, išlikimas ir grupės egzistavimo sanglauda. Modelis rodo, kokios priemonės būtų naudingos siekiant išnaudoti konkurencinį tokio tipo įmonių potencialą.
MULTI-CRITERIA MODELS OF DECISION-MAKING SUPPORT IN AIR NAVIGATION SYSTEMS / SPRENDIMŲ PRIĖMIMO ORO NAVIGACIJOS SISTEMOSE PALAIKYMO DAUGIAKRITERINIAI MODELIAI
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymyr , Pysarchuk Olexiy
Published: October 2011

Multi-criteria models of decision-making for the rational allocation of limited resources and evaluation of the efficiency of a result are proposed in the article. A cost efficient system of particular criteria and the resultant of a nonlinear chart of compromises are used for optimum allocation of resources. Analogue description of particular criteria of optimal distribution is applied, which allows the necessity of surplus in all possible decision variants to be avoided and the amount of calculations to be decreased.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikti daugiakriteriniai sprendimų formavimo modeliai, sprendžiant optimalaus ribotų išteklių paskirstymo ir gautų rezultatų efektyvumo įvertinimo užduotis. Optimaliems ištekliams pasiekti taikyta tokių kriterijų, kaip efektyvumas ir vertė, sistema, o sprendžiant optimizavimo užduotis – paketas pagal nelinijinių kompromisų schemą. Čia taikytas analoginis atskirų optimalaus paskirstymo kriterijų aprašymas, leidžiantis išvengti visų įmanomų sprendimų variantų perviršio būtinybės ir sumažinti būtinų operacijų skaičių.
CONTRIBUTION-BASED PROFIT-SHARING SCHEME FOR JOINT VENTURES / PELNO PASIDALIJIMO TARP ĮMONIŲ SCHEMA, PAGRĮSTA PATIRTOMIS IŠLAIDOMIS
Authors: Hsueh Sung-Lin , Yan Min-Ren
Published: October 2011

Along with globalization of the construction market, international construction firms often choose to cooperate with local construction firms in the form of Joint Ventures (JV) when they enter into the domestic markets of different countries. In this way, they cannot only reduce investment risks, but also enhance production efficiency, reduce costs and generate more profits. The conventional method of profit-sharing between JV firms is based on ratio of investment. However, as the firms make different contributions to the project, the rationality of such a profit-sharing method is often doubtful and thus is difficult to maintain a stable cooperative relationship for a JV team. Based on the concept of the cooperative game theory, this paper proposes a contribution-based profit-sharing model using Shapley Value. A case study is used to describe how firms can use this model to reach decisions of participation, and determine a fair profit-sharing rule after cooperation to enhance mutual trust and create the advantages of cooperation.

Santrauka

Vykstant statybos rinkos globalizacijai, tarptautinės statybos įmonės, patekusios į vietinę kitos šalies rinką, dažnai linkusios bendradarbiauti su vietos statybos įmonėmis. Jos gali ne tik sumažinti investicijos riziką, bet ir padidinti gamybos efektyvumą, sumažinti išlaidas ir gauti didesnį pelną. Tradicinis pelno pasidalijimo metodas tarp įmonių grindžiamas investicijų santykiu. Tačiau kai įmonių įnašas į projektą skirtingas, toks pelno metodo racionalumas dažnai abejotinas, todėl tokiu atveju yra sunku palaikyti stabilų įmonių bendradarbiavimą. Remiantis lošimų teorijos koncepcija, šiame darbe siūlomas pelno pasidalijimo modelis naudojant Shapley reikšmę. Skaitmeniniu pavyzdžiu rodoma, kaip įmonės gali taikyti šį modelį priimdamos sprendimus dėl dalyvavimo bendroje veikloje ir teisingo pelno pasidalijimo. Taip sustiprinamas tarpusavio pasitikėjimas ir sukuriamos bendradarbiavimo prielaidos.
NEURAL NETWORKS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN CREDIT RISK ASSESSMENT. EVIDENCE FROM THE ROMANIAN MARKET / NEURONINIAI TINKLAI IR JŲ TAIKYMAS KREDITO RIZIKAI VERTINTI RUMUNIJOS RINKOS PAVYZDŽIU
Authors: Cimpoeru Smaranda Stoenescu
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this article is to see how neural networks are used in credit risk assessment problems. For this, we firstly introduce the main theoretical concepts of the neural calculus, as well as the fundaments for the main training algorithm: the error back-propagation algorithm. We review the specialty literature and find that the neural networks yield better results than other classification techniques, like multivariate discriminant analysis or logistic regression, when applying them in credit risk assessment problems. We focus on a few types of networks: feed-forward networks with multiple layers, fuzzy adaptive networks, support vector machines. We develop an analysis on Romanian Small and Medium Enterprises (financial ratios) and the results are in line with the findings from the literature: the neural networks give better results than the logistic regression. The study can be developed by analyzing a support vector machine or a fuzzy adaptive network.

Santrauka

Šio straipsnio tikslas – parodyti, kaip neuroniniai tinklai yra naudojami kredito rizikos vertinimo problemoms spręsti. Iš pradžių pristatoma pagrindinė teorinė koncepcija, paskui – pagrindinis algoritmas. Literatūros analizė atskleidė, kad sprendžiant kredito rizikos vertinimo problemas neuroniniai tinklai duoda objektyvesnius rezultatus už kitus klasifikacijos metodus, t. y. daugiamatę diskriminantinę analizę arba logistinę regresiją. Dėmesys sutelkiamas į kelių tipų neuroninius tinklus: daugiasluoksnius, prisitaikančius ir vektorinius. Atlikta Rumunijos mažų ir vidutinių įmonių finansinių rodiklių analizė ir gauti rezultatai patvirtino prielaidą, kad neuroniniai tinklai duoda objektyvesnį rezultatą už logistinę regresiją.
Towards a chain coordination model for quality management strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of European pork producers
Authors: Brinkmann Detert , Lang Juliane , Petersen Brigitte , Wognum Nel , Trienekens Jacques
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a new chain coordination model for quality management strategies of European pork supply chains. It is a result of qualitative research into intensive and extensive pork production in seven selected countries consisting of a literature review, country-specific expert interviews and case studies. The model defines strategic roles and responsibilities for quality management actors on normative, strategic and operational levels and groups these actors into the categories certification, coordination and control. New actors have been defined for the category 'coordination of quality management strategies': the chain quality board (normative), the network coordinator (strategic) and the quality broker (operational level). The proposed concept of a quality broker represents an innovative approach to facilitate implementation of coordination mechanisms in pork supply chains. In addition, coordination mechanisms have been defined and classified under the headings contracts, information technology, information sharing and joint decision making. The model represents an organizational concept applicable to a broad diversity of pork supply chains. It is intended to facilitate the establishment and management of quality management strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of European pork producers.
ERP Selection at AmBuildPro
Authors: Sklar M. , Yermish I.
Published: October 2011

This case describes the process by which a conglomerate subsidiary of a larger enterprise chooses an ERP package. Conflicting goals faced by divisional and corporate needs are presented, asking the reader to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the processes and the packages selected.
Building Automation into Existing Business Processes
Authors: Paper D. , Rodger J.
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the implementation of a novel information system that facilitates automation of business processes. The novel system enables managers to design and develop their own processes into the system (with little or no help from technologists). As a result, information flow is greatly enhanced because managers understand the business and the associated processes. The CEO has a vision to transform the organization to more effectively track activities so that it can double in size within the next few years.
Reinventing Business Processes Through Automation
Authors: Paper D.
Published: October 2011

Although numerous firms have experimented with business process reengineering (BPR), many have achieved less than dramatic results (Davenport, 1993; Hammer & Champy, 1993; Kotter, 1995). To explore possible reasons for BPR underachievement, an in-depth case study was undertaken. The case focuses on events surrounding the redesign of a fundamental business process (Personal Lines Insurance) at Safeco Corporation. Redesign is led by the Information Systems and Services (ISS) department as they are in charge of the Personal Lines Systems (PLS) that support the business. Analysis of the interviews provides a detailed description of the project and uncovers possible reasons for failure of the reengineering effort.
Implementation Failure of an Integrated Software Package
Authors: Sarker S.
Published: October 2011

The case study describes the process of implementation of an integrated software package at the Thai subsidiary (SMTL) of a Hong Kong-based multinational company (SMHK) engaged in the manufacturing of electronic equipment.
Next Generation Collaborative Information Platforms
Authors: Pattinson Hugh M. , Low David R.
Published: October 2011

Current new and next generation e-novation collaborative platforms are explored through a “Day-In-The-Life-Of” scenario in 2020 based on key semantic concepts drawn from chapters within the E-Novation book. Key themes for an emerging e-novation collaborative platform include: triple convergence (before and after), Web 3.0/4.0 – the Web is a brain, redefined collaborative communication, virtual/augmented reality, service-dominant logic (SDL), marketing and innovation, open-source creation, development and distribution, digital branding, CRM redefined, complexity and SMEs, e-novation office, e-novation curriculum, social graphing e-novation, and sustainability platforms and innovation. These themes are discussed both in relation to the current new collaborative platform and how they may develop from 2010-2020. E-novation will be the innovation and marketing social and business service.
Optimization of CMOS Quadrature VCO Using a Graphical Method
Authors: Mnif Hassene , Mellouli Dorra , Loulou Mourad
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes the design and the optimization of Quadrature Voltage Controlled Oscillators (QVCOs) based on the coupling of two LC-tank VCO. This work covers the phase noise analysis, a graphical optimization approach, already used to optimize LC oscillator phase noise (Andreani, Bonfanti, Romano, & Samori, 2002), to optimize QVCO phase noise while satisfying design constraints such as power dissipation, tank amplitude, tuning range and start up condition. The cross-coupling transistors impact on phase noise for different configurations is especially addressed. The obtained BS-QVCO, using 0.35µm CMOS process, can be tuned between 2.2GHz and 2.58GHz, and shows a phase noise of -129 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset from a 2.4 GHz carrier, for a current consumption of 9.25mW. The equivalent phase error and amplitude error between I and Q signals are respectively 0.65° and 1.87%.
Networked Learning Environments
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: October 2011

This chapter introduces the idea of networked learning environments and argues that these environments provide the totality of surrounding conditions for learning in digital networks. It provides illustrative vignettes of the ways that students appropriate networked environments for learning. The chapter then examines the notion of networked learning environments in relation to the idea of infrastructure and infrastructures for learning and sets out some issues arising from this perspective. The chapter suggests that students and teachers selectively constitute their own contexts and that design can only have an indirect effect on learning. The chapter goes on to argue that design needs to be located at the meso level of the institution and that a solution to the problem of indirect design lies in refocusing design at the meso level and on the design of infrastructures for learning.
ICTS and Their Role in Health Promotion
Authors: Sabone Motshedisi B. , Mogobe Keitshokile D. , Sabone Tiny G.
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents findings of mini-survey that utilized an exploratory descriptive design to examine the accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and utility of ICTs with specific reference to health promotion for selected rural communities. Specifically, the study focused on access to radio, television, mobile phone, and Internet services at a level of effort and cost that is both acceptable to and within the means of a large majority in a given village. The findings indicate that ICTs gadgets explored have opened up possibility for health services and information to reach even people in the rural areas. Ultimately, access affects the general well-being of individuals. One of the major initiatives under the umbrella of health is improving access to health services and information; and this covers among other things, expanding the delivery of health information through the radio and television. This study confirms breakthrough in this respect. Challenges that accompany the use of these ICT gadgets include no connectivity in some areas and lack of training to use them.
Quest for Economic Empowerment of Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania
Authors: Semali Ladislaus M.
Published: October 2011

This case describes field research investigations that were conducted in Tanzania from June 2008 to June 2009 to examine access to, and use of cell phones by women residing in rural villages and in a nearby urban center. Rural villages were considered critical in this study as key players in the wellbeing of traditional rural families.
Gender Equality as a Development Factor in the Application of ICT for Agro-Forestry
Authors: Raditloaneng Wapula
Published: October 2011

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of peasant economy and a source of subsistence in Botswana, and as such, innovative agricultural programs are introduced to benefit villagers. The case described in this chapter is that of Gamolele/Gakgatla watershed agro-forestry project, whose goal was to raise awareness of the existence of the six hectare plot and how it could be turned into viable agro-forestry and horticulture ventures mainly for sources of livelihood for community and its neighborhood. Technologies used during the life of the project included a computer and other modern ways of planting. Participants emerged with survival skills like knowledge of planting in rows, transplanting of seedlings and harvesting in rows, medicinal plants production, harnessing, and promotion of growing healthy foods by seasons. Participants learned to manage, use, and maintain technology by quick fixes or taking it to experts for more complex troubleshooting and final repairs. Overall, the emphasis was on attracting women to be part of experiencing using ICT in agro- forestry businesses, and this project successfully did this. This chapter thus shares experiences and lessons learned from the involvement of women together with challenges facing their involvement.
Experiencing the Functionality of Mathematical Indigenous ICTs on Community Development
Authors: Garegae Kgomotso G.
Published: October 2011

The benefits of the farm to the community are multifold. About 80% of workers in the Dairy House Farm project come from Molapowabojang, a rural village in which this farm is located. There is no doubt that this farm contributes to the wellbeing of its employees. This project also contributes directly to community members not working in the farm. They are given liquid whey for free and the product is useful in a number of ways. It can be used to cook sour meal (sorghum or porridge). Overall, the madila product is highly nutritious making the farm contribute to development of the village by reducing the rate of malnutrition among people especially, children who benefit from it.
Leveraging Open Source Technology in 3D Game Engine Development
Authors: Stowell Tim , Scoresby Jon , Coats K. Chad , Capell Michael R. , Shelton Brett E.
Published: October 2011

Market 3D engines have all the capabilities needed for developing full-featured 3D simulation and game environments. However, for those in education and small-business, it remains a formidable task to acquire the resources needed to purchase or create a development platform with cutting-edge capabilities. Leveraging existing and open-source software libraries can greatly enhance the main application development, freeing developers to focus more on the application concept itself rather than the needed supporting pieces. This chapter explores the nuances of successfully mixing core code with these third-party libraries in creating a fully functioning development environment. Many steps with accompanying checks-and-balances are involved in creating a game engine, including making choices of what libraries to use, and integrating the core code with third-party libraries. By offering insights into our open source driven process, we help inform the understanding of how game engines may be generated for other educational and small-budget projects.
What Players Like About Video Games
Authors: Weber René , Shaw Patrick
Published: October 2011

Video game developers make multimillion dollar decisions based on hunches, personal experience, and iteration. A theoretical model of video game player behavior – how one chooses, plays, and evaluate games – can provide an important framework for these decisions. According to social cognitive theory, one’s behavior can be understood as the result of expected outcomes resulting from direct and observational learning processes. Video game players use symbolic representations (quality perceptions) of their direct and observed experiences with video games to build expectations of whether playing a specific video game will satisfy their needs. A series of in-depth interviews and a subsequent survey with students of a large mid-western university was conducted to enumerate groups of similar players (player types), and video game quality perceptions. Both concepts were used to provide empirical evidence for a model to predict video game playing. Results show that, in prediction models, the best player types are those that include player type-specific quality perceptions.
Virtual Worlds for Teaching
Authors: Norton-Barker Catherine , Corbit Margaret , Bernstein Richard
Published: October 2011

Immersive virtual worlds structured for education have the potential to engage students who do not respond well to traditional classroom activities. To test the appeal and usability of virtual environments in the classroom, four ninth grade science classes in a rural Upstate New York school were randomly assigned to learn an introductory genetics unit for three class periods in either an online, multi-user, virtual world computer environment or in a traditional classroom setting using lecture, worksheets, and model building. The groups were then reversed for a second three-day trial. Quizzes were given before, at midpoint, and at the end of the study. Both groups demonstrated significant knowledge gain of the genetics curriculum. This study demonstrates that self-directed learning can occur while exploring virtual world computer environments. The students were enthusiastic about using virtual worlds for education and indicated a strong preference for a variety of teaching methods, which suggests that offering mixed modalities may engage students who are otherwise uninterested in school.
Accounting and Auditing of Financial Derivatives
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed , Hegazy Karim
Published: October 2011

The Egyptian Capital Market Authority (CMA) examined the company’s financial statements for the year ended on December 31, 2008, while the auditors’ reports forced the company’s management, despite the objection of two of the company’s auditors, to restate its financial statements at December 31, 2008, and modify its profit appropriation statement after their publication to shareholders and the public. The research presents the problems related to the application of the International Accounting Standards no 32 and 38 “Financial assets and Derivatives,” their Egyptian equivalents, and the Egyptian Standards on auditing no 700 and 702. Further, the research identifies the differences associated with auditors issuing contradictory audit reports for a company’s single set of financial statements.
Centralizing Integrated Long Range Planning and Budgeting
Authors: Valore Taylor
Published: October 2011

Upon relocation to a new, state-of-the-art, 260-acre campus outside of Cairo, Egypt, the American University in Cairo (AUC) sought to revamp its annual planning and budgeting processes to address several deficiencies. Primarily, long-range planning and annual budgeting were two independent events with little synchronization. This case study will detail the process and technical aspects of AUC’s transition to a centralized and synchronized planning and budgeting cycle focused on determining appropriate workflows and leveraging database technologies to track planning initiatives throughout an approvals process. Readers will be able to weigh the drawbacks of centralization against the benefits of standardized budget review and planning.
The Alexandria Mineral Oils Company (AMOC)
Authors: Tooma Eskandar
Published: October 2011

This case deals with a critical question about the underlying motives for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), using the events surrounding the IPO of the Alexandria Mineral and Oils Company (AMOC) in Egypt. AMOC, a government-owned company that was seeking partial privatization, was offered to the public at LE 45per share, and in no more than one week of trading, the share price skyrocketed to LE 85, almost doubling the company’s price/earnings (P/E) ratio. This was a matter of major concern to the company’s management, since the high P/E ratio detracted from AMOC’s attractiveness to a strategic investor. The case gives an overview of AMOC’s main business activities and of the local and international petroleum industry and highlights the process of an initial public offering as well as the parties involved.
Social Marketing in Egypt
Authors: Ads Mohamed , Tolba Ahmed
Published: October 2011

The following case focuses on the concept of social marketing in Egypt and how it is applied at the charity and development-focused non-governmental organization (NGO) Nahdet El Mahrousa (NM). This is one of the recently established NGOs; it has initiated a creative model, whereby individuals and institutions are encouraged to seek their support in starting a local developmental initiative. One of the projects that NM is proud to support is the “Young Innovators Awards” (YIA) program, which was launched in 2004. It could be considered one of the success stories of social marketing. However, after several successful years, the program turned into a dilemma for its managing team, when its main source of funding was not available anymore. They were faced with the challenge of finding alternative sources of financial support in a limited amount of time to evade the drawbacks of stopping the program all together.
Mona El Fadly
Authors: Kamel Menna , Awni Ali
Published: October 2011

This case examines a business in the food catering industry and demonstrates the importance of supply chain practices even to an entrepreneur’s small business. The business is legally registered as ‘El Yosr Food Corner’ and has been operating in Egypt since 1997. It provides standardized as well as customized home-made oriental dishes at competitive prices. By 2009, the surge in the growth of the business had strained the company’s operational capabilities in various ways. Furthermore, the business had encountered a number of hitches as a result of inefficiencies in supply chain management. Menna Reda, El Yosr’s consultant, was called in to advise the enterprise owner and managing director, Mona El Fadly, of the proper course of action to address these challenges.
The Business Value of E-Collaboration
Authors: Fink Lior
Published: October 2011

This article presents a conceptual framework of the business value of e-collaboration. In the past decade, firms have increasingly implemented collaborative technologies to support business activities, and investments in collaborative technologies have taken an increasing share of firms’ e-business investments. Presumably, such investments have been motivated by the notion that the implementation of collaborative technologies has business value. While research has repeatedly demonstrated the individual- and group-level impacts of collaborative technologies, it has rarely addressed their impacts at the organizational level and demonstrated their business value. In this article, I draw on three strategic management frameworks – the resource-based view of the firm, the knowledge-based view of the firm, and the dynamic capabilities perspective – to describe how specialized knowledge assets can be integrated through collaborative processes to create and sustain a competitive advantage. I then use this conceptualization as a platform for defining the organizational roles of collaborative technologies and the potential impact of each role on organizational performance. The main objective of this article is to provide a conceptual framework for researchers and practitioners who are interested in investigating and understanding the organizational impacts of collaborative technologies.