bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Seeking Behavior of Medical Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science
Authors: Phuritsabam Bobby , Devi Arambam Bidyaluxmi
Published: January 2017

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the library services and facilities provided to the Medical Scientists of JNIMS, Porompat. The study is limited to Medical Scientist of JNIMS who employed at twenty two (22) different medical departments of JNIMS. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on survey method; questionnaire and interview method is used for collection of primary data. Hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed to the medical scientist of JNIMS. Findings: Services and facilities provided by the library are not satisfied by the medical scientist; library lack qualified manpower to function the library. Originality/Value: The study is part of the dissertation submitted to the Department of Library and Information Science, Manipur University for the year2014-2015. Article Type: Case Study
Information Needs and Assessment of Bioinformatics Students at the University of Swaziland
Authors: Sorokhaibam Satyabati Devi , Mathabela Ntombikayise Nomsa
Published: January 2017

A survey was carried out of the information landscape within the students of Computer Science, Biology and Mathematics in the University of Swaziland which examined the research problems, important sources of information, the methods of access, information needs and seeking behavior of the users their assessment and the role of the Libraries since Librarian have to identify the information needs, uses and problems faced to meet the needs and requirement of the user. A total of 200 questionnaire were distributed. The survey indicated that majority of the students believe that the online resources play a very important role for their research and show positive attitude toward future bioinformatics usage and training. The study concluded that the training preferences of students need to be further explored.
Research, Leadership, and Resource-Sharing Initiatives
Authors: Alenzuela Reysa
Published: January 2017

A consortium is an association of independent libraries and/or library systems established by formal agreement, usually for the purpose of resource-sharing. The needs of special libraries cannot be fully addressed by regional organization because of its wide scope, thus, a consortium for specific group is deemed useful. This book chapter aims to describe the development of a local consortium and its role in building a culture of research, creating dynamic leadership and discussing how resource-sharing scheme goes beyond traditional inter-library loan. Using focus group discussion, the consortium members thresh out issues and concerns where collaborative research, dynamic leadership and resource- sharing pave way to enhance access to medical information.
Naturalizing Consciousness Emergence for AI Implementation Purposes
Authors: Vallverdú Jordi , Talanov Max
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to delineate a naturalistic approach to consciousness. This bioinspired method does not try to emulate into a 1:1 scale real mechanisms but instead of it, we capture some basic brain mechanisms prone to be implemented into computational frameworks. Consequently, we adopt a functional view on consciousness, considering consciousness as one among other cognitive mechanisms useful for survival purposes in natural environments. Specifically, we wish to capture those mechanisms related to decision-making processes employed by brains in order to produce adaptive answer to the environment, because this is the main reason for the emergence and purpose of consciousness.
Research on Human Cognition for Biologically Inspired Developments
Authors: Wehle Marko , Weidemann Alexandra , Boblan Ivo Wilhelm
Published: January 2017

Robotic developments are seen as a next level in technology with intelligent machines, which automate tedious tasks and serve our needs without complaints. But nevertheless, they have to be fair and smart enough to be intuitively of use and safe to handle. But how to implement this kind of intelligence, does it need feelings and emotions, should robots perceive the world as we do as a human role model, how far should the implementation of synthetic consciousness lead and actually, what is needed for consciousness in that context? Additionally in Human-Robot-Interaction research, science mainly makes use of the tool phenomenography, which is exclusively subjective, so how to make it qualify for Artificial Intelligence? These are the heading aspects of this chapter for conducting research in the field of social robotics and suggesting a conscious and cognitive model for smart and intuitive interacting robots, guided by biomimetics.
Appreciating Specialization
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G. , Boachie-Mensah Francis
Published: January 2017

The central precept of this chapter is to leverage the division of labor to create a talented workforce. The divided labor can be appreciated to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop the talent useful to progress the job. Specialization arises in many situations such as when the experts share their experience, enabling the novice to constantly learn to improve systems thinking and personal mastery. It can also happen as a result of planned on-the-job training. Innovation can happen when individuals segment their knowledge about the job and increase their skillfulness to champion productivity. Technical know-how too can be described as highly structured skill-sets acquired from years of continuous learning and improvement leading to proficiency. Expertise can also refer to innovative and systems thinking, espousing the development of techniques and methods leading to increased productivity. A case study is deployed to understand how competencies were developed and implemented successfully in an enterprise. Appreciative Inquiry change management savoir-faire was deployed to pin-point at what gave life to the business. This information was used to promote the talent needed to boost output in the value creation system.
Mastering Talent Management
Authors: Oppong Nana Yaw
Published: January 2017

Although companies around the world have made talent management a top priority, most human resource professionals and senior executives believe their organizations have not fully resolved the talent management puzzle. The chapter investigates if there are any indicators that suggest that talent management is a puzzle. Applying mainly review of academic and popular literature, the assessment is done under five headings including talent and talent management definitions; the need for talent management; the root of talent management; talent management strategies and processes, and talent management-diversity integration. It is revealed that albeit being differentiator between organizations that succeed and those that do not, talent management is saddled with uncertainties, lack of clarity, and misunderstanding, which are hurdles that need to be cleared to pave way for more effective talent programs. To overcome these, organizations should avoid one common blueprint to all talent situations, but develop approaches that suit individual talent requirements.
Building Capability
Authors: Barrons Kevin Paul , McGinnis Thomas C.
Published: January 2017

Currently, new approaches for training can effectively adopt the “Flipped” model of instruction as an important means of organizing and developing workforce competencies. One of the goals in the university setting at Grand Valley State University is to improve skills and training opportunities which can most efficiently utilize training time. In order to improve cognitive practice and increase skillfulness in a value creation socio-technical system, the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is deployed to progress the talent needed to advance productivity. Seeing much success is noticed in this newest pedagogy “flipped instruction” design, it has changed various disciplines in business education which can best be applied to the training component of the workforce today. The success of this model continues to create higher learner motivation resulting in desired outcomes. The technology of the ZPD juxtaposed with the flipped classroom technique can lead to the improvement of a highly talented workforce.
Why the Zebra's Stripes are Important
Authors: Mupepi Mambo , Modak Aslam , Frey Robert
Published: January 2017

This article progresses the argument that the core competences of the company must be created, diffused, and distributed and protected, to effectively exploit the market. Companies compete on what they know best and in management theory organizations draw a repertoire of multiple resources and skills to effectively differentiate the business in vying for market leadership. The core competence or capability of the firm can be described as talent and a special ability that allows the enterprise to produce the goods demanded by customers exceptionally well. The core competences can also be referred to as explicit practices constituting measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors critical in meeting the needs of clients. The capability should be crafted in a manner that makes imitation by similar entities impossible.
Fundamentals of Talent Management
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: January 2017

This chapter explains the overview of talent management (TM); the characteristics of global talent management (GTM); TM and human capital; TM and career development; the emerging trends of TM in the modern workforce; and the significance of TM in the digital age. TM is a continuous process that involves sourcing, hiring, developing, retaining, and promoting talented employees while simultaneously meeting organization's requirements. TM involves individual and organizational development in response to a rapidly changing business environment. The best TM plans should be effectively aligned with organization's strategic goals and business needs. Business leaders who implement the best TM processes are more prepared than their competitors to compete in the global economy and quickly capitalize on new opportunities. Executives and HR managers need to support the TM-related development of their talented employees to make necessary progress in the modern workforce.
Smart Environment
Authors: Brkljačić Tihana , Majetić Filip , Tarabić Božidar Nikša
Published: January 2017

The aim of the research was to explore young people's habits and attitudes regarding visiting urban green places and ICT use in park settings. A multi–method design involving in–depth semi–structured interviews (n=34) and questionnaire (n=246) was applied. The qualitative research findings were used to prepare instruments for the quantitative stage, and to develop a model of park–visiting behavior of young park users. Most participants visited parks few times per month, usually during the afternoons, accompanied with someone. The main motives for park visits were related to the nature, while the main drawbacks were lack of spare time and bad weather. The most popular activity in parks was conversation. The participants rarely used ICT devices in parks. No significant difference was found regarding subjective wellbeing indicators and frequency of park visits, but positive change in mood was observed after visiting parks. Attitudes towards urban parks were grouped around three distinctive factors: Management, Use and Preferences, explaining 14% of variance of park visiting behavior.
Smartness, City Efficiency, and Entrepreneurship Milieu
Authors: Mundula Luigi , Auci Sabrina
Published: January 2017

The definition of smart city and its measurement are not shared. Different characteristics define a city as smart, which is strictly linked to urban efficiency and to entrepreneurship spirit in a multifaceted way as well as to citizens' well-being. On the basis of the comparison between city and entrepreneur behaviour and on the definition of Giffinger et al. (2007) of smart city, this chapter verifies the efficiency of a sample of European cities using a stochastic frontier approach. Departing from this analysis, the chapter develops the relative smartness definition based on the efficient use of its own resources and related to the different context. Moreover, as a city becomes close to the optimal value, the frontier will shift upward because of the more attractiveness and a new adjustment mechanism should be followed to become efficient again (virtuous cycle). Then, the concept of smartness becomes dynamic. This definition, taking into account city's performance, is able to sustain the entrepreneurship milieu of a city.
Proximity and Cooperation for Innovative Regional Development
Authors: Lucas Maria Raquel , Rego Conceição , Vieira Carlos , Vieira Isabel
Published: January 2017

Entrepreneurship and innovation are multidimensional phenomena, with many interrelated determinants. Innovation is also frequently associated with scientific and technological research. Since innovative entrepreneurship is vital for the promotion of social and economic development, policy makers have for long nurtured potential synergies between universities and enterprises. In the context of wider strategies for regional development, the creation of Science and Technology Parks is one attempt to tackle societal challenges such as boosting competitiveness, job creation or the development of lagging regions. This chapter focuses on the only science and technology park located in the Portuguese region of Alentejo and is organized in five sections: introduction, survey of the literature on proximity and cooperation for innovation, Park description and analysis of a questionnaire developed to assess the effects of membership for resident firms, and a set of conclusions and implications on proximity and innovation for low density converging regions.
Cities Really Smart and Inclusive
Authors: Albuquerque Cristina Maria Pinto
Published: January 2017

This chapter discusses the idea that a really smart city needs not only to innovate in technologies, but also to assure that these innovations will increase social capital and participation possibilities to all citizens. In this domain ICT's to promote new forms of democratic engagement, collective collaboration or creativity stimulation are very important components of a really smart city, more human and social-valued. The focus of the discussion is thus the potential of Smart Cities to develop new possibilities to reduce social isolation and to increase new forms of autonomy, and the factors to have in consideration to avoid digital-divide. The chapter debates also questions associated with the use of surveillance and registration processes and the connected issues of liberty and privacy versus security.
Exploring the Dynamics of an Energy Service Venture
Authors: Capelo Carlos
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the development of a system dynamics model for exploring and learning about the dynamics of an energy service company (ESCO) which business is based on energy performance contracting (EPC). The simulation of that model provides a helpful basis for analysing and explaining the development of key variables, and for accelerating learning on the managerial processes that are critical for the success of the venture. The simulation of the modelled firm produces an overall insignificant market value added mainly due to long sales cycles, indicating a low probability of success. The model is sensitive to changes in the word-of-mouth contact rate parameter which suggests that effective management interventions should consider initiatives that accelerate word-of-mouth among EPC adopters and prospects.
Cooperatives as Responsible and Innovative Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Smart Territories
Authors: Castilla-Polo Francisca , Gallardo-Vázquez Dolores , Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel , Ruiz-Rodríguez María del Consuelo
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, and more than never, businesses´ stakeholders are demanding Social Responsibility (SR) and innovation. In this situation, any business is concerned about how to implement social and innovative practices in creating economic and social value at the same time. This chapter analyzes the relationship between SR and innovation in cooperatives. On the one hand, even acknowledging that the degree of implementation of SR is still different in companies, cooperatives seem to be responsible by nature. However, on the other hand, traditionally innovation has been not a visible strength in the cooperative enterprises. The focus is centered on a specific place: the olive oil cooperatives in the south of Spain and we will describe the cooperative entrepreneurial ecosystem created around this territory, demonstrating how SR and innovation are important features related to competitiveness and success. Cooperatives are strategic business models able to foster development in traditional rural areas, so we can define them as an entrepreneurial ecosystem in smart territories.
Smart Tourism Development
Authors: Avdimiotis Spyros , Tilikidou Irene
Published: January 2017

Halkidiki is a district embedded in Central Macedonia, Greece where tourism has been the most significant pillar of development; however, the sharply declining economic performance of the recent years, clearly indicates the need for structural changes and the development of an ambitious long term regional strategy plan, in order to face economic challenges, explore new market opportunities and robust the existing regional competitive advantages. The purpose of the chapter is to introduce smart tourism development model, which is based on three distinctive development tools: 1) Smart Specialization Strategy Methodology, as the pillar to determine and support specific priorities; 2) Quality Policies, as a pillar of stakeholders commitment to provide superior quality products and services, mostly though Local Quality Agreements; and 3) Social economy entrepreneurship, as the third pillar upon which local population and social entities will be engaged and involved. Smart tourism development model aims to establish a new tourism development perception, closely linked to the existing local market opportunities and simultaneously contributing to the enhancement of the competitive advantages of as many as possible of the other sectors of the regional economy.
International Tourism and Opportunities for Economic Development in India
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: January 2017

This chapter sought to find the long-run relationships between international tourist arrivals in India with economic variables such as GDP, transportation costs and the exchange rate for the period from 2002-2015. The cointegration techniques used was based on Panel Cointegration Test as well as both the OLS estimator and DOLS estimators were used to find long-run relationship of the international tourism demand model for India. The long-run results indicate that growth in income (GDP) of India's major tourist source markets has a positive impact on international visitor arrivals to India. Finally when the value of India's currency strong than the value of these country's currency increasing 1% then the number of international visitor arrivals to India decreasing 0.003% to 0.006%. Furthermore mostly findings were consistent with economic theory and the implications of the model can be use for policy making.
Implication of SASEC Tourism Initiatives on North Eastern States of India
Authors: Dam Supriya
Published: January 2017

India's North Eastern Region (NER) stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range and is surrounded by international borders with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (Tibet Autonomous Region), Nepal, and Myanmar. The landlocked region is constrained by a brief spell of insurgency, and dismal unemployment has affected the region's progress since 1947. The advent of the Look East Policy coupled with a number of South Asia sub-regional arrangements with neighboring countries opened a “Pandora's Box” for this region. The SASEC initiatives of ADB helped to improve the status of tourism and infrastructure, including roads, air connectivity, and also opened cross-border land routes and roads within the North East (NE). The present study takes stock of tourism development from a sustainability perspective and examines the implementation of the SASEC tourism project in eight NE States of India with a view to suggest priority areas for action for promotion of tourism in this region.
Prioritization of Eco-Tourism Forms at Sikkim, India
Authors: Jha Ajeya , Shenga Sherap , Mishra Somnath , Mishra Manjushree
Published: January 2017

Sikkim is the one of the smallest states in India. The state government is promoting eco-tourism as a primary sector of economy. Natural and cultural attributes make Sikkim an ideal destination for Cultural, wildlife, adventure and religious tourism. The objective of the paper is to prioritize these four identified forms of tourism with a view to measure their relative appropriateness in the context of Sikkim. The methodology is based on three tools based on continuous scale, Analytical Hierarchy process (AHP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) respectively. The data has been collected from 40 respondents (senior civil service officers) The paper concludes that that in terms of appropriateness cultural tourism emerges as best followed by religious, adventure and wildlife tourism in that order. Also the three tools appear valid as they arrive at matching conclusions. Our contribution is that prioritization of forms of tourism has been done for the first time and that too using a comprehensive methodology utilizing AHP, QFD and continuous scale.
The Relevance of the Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis to Malaysia
Authors: Tang Chor Foon , Tan Eu Chye
Published: January 2017

This paper explored whether the tourism-led growth (TLG) hypothesis is empirically relevant to Malaysia based upon both full sample and rolling sample analyses. Data from January 1995 to December 2010 have been utilised for the purpose. Instead of relying upon aggregated data of tourist arrivals, disaggregated data of arrivals from 12 major tourism markets are relied upon for more insightful and accurate findings. The empirical results suggest that there was cointegration between Malaysia's economic growth and tourist arrivals from these tourism markets. However, the results of the full sample Granger causality test indicate that only 2 out of 12 tourism markets contributed to economic growth in the short-run. The TLG hypothesis is only supported in the long run by tourist arrivals from 10 out of the 12 tourism markets. The rolling-based Granger causality test shows that it is also these 10 markets situated mostly in developed countries that could provide a stable support for the TLG hypothesis.
Tourism Development and Rural Tourism in Taiwan
Authors: Chen I-Ting , Weicht Konstantin Karl
Published: January 2017

Although tourism plays an increasingly important role in Taiwan's economy, and despite increasing government and academic interest in tourism development and rural tourism in Taiwan, the literature currently lacks of a concise review that brings together the various aspects of tourism development in Taiwan. The present chapter aims to contribute to closing this gap. It does so in six concise sections: a brief overview of Taiwan; the development of tourism in Taiwan; tourism and the economy in Taiwan; tourism and politics in Taiwan; rural tourism development; and small hotels in Taiwan. It is hoped that this account would serve as an important context specific prerequisite for future and more in-depth studies on tourism development and rural tourism in Taiwan.
UNESCO World Heritage Designation
Authors: Bui Huong T. , Le Tuan-Anh , Nguyen Chung H.
Published: January 2017

The chapter analyzes the impacts of World Heritage List designation on the local economy, residents, and environment in the Vietnamese site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Findings from the study raise concerns about managing heritage tourism in developing countries. While Hoi An successfully attracts a large number of tourists and enjoys economic success from tourism, social and environmental sustainability are in question. This case study demonstrates that management of tourism at World Heritage-listed sites is facing challenges of land speculation, inflation, commodification of local culture, and environmental degradation.
The Role of Natriuretic Peptides in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Heart Failure
Authors: Mathews Jennifer L. , Schweighardt Anne
Published: January 2017

The pathophysiology of heart failure is due in part to compensatory mechanisms utilized to maintain cardiac output. Neurohormonal responses include activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems leading to vasoconstriction, increased blood volume through reabsorption of sodium and water, and increased myocardial contractility and heart rate. Prolonged activation of these systems often results in a maladaptive response and a further reduction in cardiac output (Colucci, 2015). Natriuretic peptides counterbalance the neurohormonal systems by antagonizing the actions of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, promoting vasodilation and natriuresis. In hypervolemic states atrial myocytes are stretched resulting in the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Ventricular cells secrete brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in response to the high ventricular filling pressures (de Sa, 2008). The natriuretic peptides are degraded enzymatically by neprilysin. Plasma concentrations of ANP and BNP can be used as markers for the diagnosis of heart failure (Grewal, 2004). The kidneys also produce a natriuretic peptide, urodilatin, and new studies suggest a role for this peptide in the pathophysiology and treatment of heart failure (Anker, 2015). The natriuretic peptides can be targeted therapeutically for the treatment of heart failure. Nesiritide, a recombinant preparation of human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), is FDA approved and has been available for several years for treatment of acute decompensations of heart failure, but has received limited use due to cost and adverse effect profile. Ularatide, a synthetic analog of urodilatin, is currently in phase three clinical trials. In addition, the FDA has recently approved an angiotensin receptor blocker-neprilysin inhibitor that has shown mortality benefit.
Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Vascular Endothelial Barrier Function
Authors: Tauseef Mohammad , Aqil Madeeha , Mehta Dolly
Published: January 2017

During inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis, myocardial infarction and acute respiratory distress syndrome, endothelial cell-cell junctions start to disrupt because of the internalization of the junctional proteins such as vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin. This leads to the formation of minute inter-endothelial gaps, and the infiltration of protein-rich fluid and immune cells in the interstitial space. If remains unchecked, the persistent buildup of edema underlying the endothelial lining sets the stage for the serious life-threatening complications and ultimately leads to the multi-organ failure and death. Thus, to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the opening and resolution phase of the gap formation, will provide an insight to better understand the pathology of the cardiovascular and pulmonary inflammatory disorders. In this chapter, we will discuss about how the signaling mechanisms activated by the known inflammatory molecules increase endothelial permeability.
Store-Operated Calcium Entry Channels
Authors: Bose Diptiman D.
Published: January 2017

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channels mediate Ca2+ influx from the extracellular milieu into the cytosol to regulate a myriad of cellular functions. The Ca2+-release activated Ca2+ current has been well characterized in non-excitable cells such as immune cells. However, the role of SOCE proteins in cardiomyocytes and cardiac function has only been recently investigated. The localized endoplasmic reticulum protein, stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and plasma membrane Ca2+ channels, ORAI form the minimal functional unit of SOCE. The documentation of STIM and Orai expression in cardiomyocytes has raised questions regarding their role in cardiac function. Recent evidence supports the central role of STIM and Orai in gene transcription and, subsequent phenotypic changes associated with cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of our current understanding of SOCE proteins and, to explore their contributions to cardiovascular function and role in cardiac disorders.
Platelet Function Disorders
Authors: Karim Zubair A. , Khasawneh Fadi T.
Published: January 2017

Platelets play an important role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Moreover, platelet dysfunction due to congenital and acquired etiologies is also one of the most common causes of bleeding encountered in clinical practice. Mostly, platelet function disorders are deficiencies of glycoprotein mediators of adhesion and aggregation, whereas defects of primary receptors for stimuli include those of the P2Y12 ADP receptor. Studies on inherited defects of (1) secretion for storage organelles (dense and alpha-granules), (2) the platelet cytoskeleton, and (3) the generation of pro-coagulant activity have allowed for the identification of genes directly and/or indirectly controlling specific functional responses. This chapter will review recent advances in the molecular characterization of platelet function defects, the spectrum of clinical manifestations of these disorders and their management.
Pharmacogenomics and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Dornblaser Emily K. , Worby Craig P. , Brazeau Daniel Alan
Published: January 2017

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most prevalent disease states in the U.S. and contributes substantially to overall morbidity and mortality. The ability to effectively optimize the treatment of cardiovascular disease has a significant impact on overall disease prevention and treatment. This chapter discusses the relationship between genetic variations and their impact on medications used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Key medications that are susceptible to genetic variation have been identified. The chapter describes the mechanisms by which genetic variation may contribute to altered medication concentrations or effects and briefly reviews the place in therapy for the cardiovascular medications. In addition, this chapter reviews current clinical literature to determine the overall impact these variations may have on clinical outcomes.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Turner R. Brigg , Schwartz Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

Infective endocarditis is a relatively uncommon infectious disease that leads to substantial mortality and morbidity. This disease primarily involves bacterial infection of the heart valves. Diagnosis is contingent upon excellent physical examination and radiological and microbiological evidence. While failure to identify the causative microorganism does not preclude the diagnosis of infective endocarditis, management is more difficult. Recent advances have improved the etiological identification and allowed for shorter time to optimal antibiotic therapy. Advances in treatment have focused on therapies to combat drug-resistant microorganisms as well as mitigate adverse events. While new therapies are available, there exists a paucity of clinical evidence and further studies are required.
Immunosuppressive Therapy in Heart Transplantation
Authors: Li Yan , Li April Yingfang , Nwankwo Ifeyinwa S. , Huang Zhi , Zhang Bin , Lu Yun , Yao Yali
Published: January 2017

Heart transplantation is a surgical procedure performed on patients with end-stage heart failure or other irreversible heart disease, Heart transplant prolongs the life of severe heart disease patients. Most of the receipts could survive more than 2-3 years, five-year survival rate could reach 70-80% with immunosuppressive therapy, rejection still an important problem after transplantation. Currently, traditional calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolite agents, and steroids, wildly used after transplantation, the new generation of immunosuppressive medicines have been developed, and cell-based immunotherapy, as mesenchymal stem cell, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, pluripotent cells and Treg cells are promising to be used in cellular immunotherapy in organ transplantation.
Organization Still Matters
Authors: Bravo Rosa Borge , Del Valle Marc Esteve
Published: January 2017

Use of social media by political parties has become a part of their communication strategies. In Catalonia, where around 20% of Internet users obtain political information through Facebook and Twitter, parties use these channels widely. This article has examined 814 posts, 5,772 comments, 52,470 likes and 25,907 shares from the official Facebook pages of Catalan parties in order to ascertain the relevance of the classical party characteristics (party size, level of institutionalization, centralization of decision-making, position at the ideological cleavages) on how parties and their followers behave on Facebook. The data sustain that the characteristics of Catalan parties have an influence on their posting behaviour on Facebook, and mould the reactions (comments, likes and shares) of their Facebook followers to these posts. The results further show that small and new parties achieve greater engagement than bigger and more institutionalized parties.
Network Codes Based on Symmetric Matrices
Authors: Attang Edidiong Anselm , Wu Yuteng , Norouzi Mandana , Atkin Guillermo E
Published: January 2017

The key challenges of future wireless communication are improving data rate and quality of service. However, the challenges posed by having a large number of users such as power control, frequency synchronization and independently faded channels scales with the number of users. Cooperative communications is a candidate technology for high data rate and multi-user communications. In this paper, a new design of distributed network codes is introduced. These network codes are based on algebraic constructions in finite fields. Finite fields have an attractive feature of constraining transmit signal energy and is resilient to fading channels. The codes have high diversity and scale up with an arbitrary number of users. The codes are an alternative to Generalized Dynamic Network Codes without a restriction on the field size. Results are compared to theoretical evaluations and systems with similar configurations.
Butterworth Filter Application for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Abdelgawad Ahmed , Mahmud Md Anam , Yelamarthi Kumar
Published: January 2017

Most of the existing Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems are vulnerable to environmental and operational damages. The majority of these systems cannot detect the size and location of the damage. Guided wave techniques are widely used to detect damage in structures due to its sensitivity to different changes in the structure. Finding a mathematical model for such system will help to implement a reliable and efficient low-cost SHM system. In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to detect the size and location of damages in physical structures using the piezoelectric sensor. The proposed model combines both pitch-catch and pulse-echo techniques and has been verified throughout simulations using ABAQUS/ Explicit finite element software. For empirical verification, data was collected from an experimental set-up using an Aluminum sheets. Since the experimental data contains a lot of noises, a Butterworth filter was used to clean up the signal. The proposed mathematical model along with the Butterworth filter have been validated throughout real test bed.
Teleworking and a Green Computing Environment
Authors: Egbuta Iheanyi Chuku , Thomas Brychan , Al-Hasan Said
Published: January 2017

This paper considers strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and formulates a conceptual model of the processes involved. Teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computing initiatives and many advantages include lower greenhouse gas emissions related to travel, greater worker satisfaction and, as a result of lower overhead office costs, increased profit margins. The paper initially investigates the appropriateness of a working definition of teleworking with regard to green computing and explores the benefits, and barriers, of teleworking in a green computing environment. Theoretical frameworks and models of teleworking are considered and a conceptual model of the contribution of teleworking to green computing is formulated. The application of the model is considered in terms of teleworking concepts, the organisational environment and driving forces. It is the intention of the paper to identify, and articulate, those teleworking concepts that will be useful to academicians, scientists, business entrepreneurs, practitioners, managers and policy makers, and to indicate future directions for research scholars and students with similar interests.
Revenue Efficiency of Fuzzy Sample Decision Making Unit
Authors: Aghayi Nazila , Salehpour Samira
Published: January 2017

Revenue efficiency measurement is one of the most important issues in data envelopment analysis (DEA). Most of the proposed models calculate the revenue efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) which play a main role in the formation of the production possibility set by implementing exact or fuzzy data. The revenue efficiency value of a sample decision making unit with exact and fuzzy data has not been investigated by these models yet. There exist different types of fuzzy numbers, however, only a special type of them has been used in revenue efficiency models with fuzzy data. The concept of vector has not been employed to calculate the measure of the revenue efficiency in any of the studies conducted thus far. However, in this article the authors propose a model for evaluating the revenue efficiency measure of a fuzzy sample DMU without the limitations of previous models with regards to the formation of the production possibility set. In the proposed model, data can be selected from different types of fuzzy numbers and there is no limitation on the type of the used fuzzy data. In addition, the current article employs the concept of vector for revenue efficiency assessment for the first time.
Review on Using System Dynamics in Designing Work Systems of Project Organizations
Authors: Al-Kadeem Reem , Backar Soheir , Eldardiry Mohamed , Haddad Heba
Published: January 2017

System dynamics research has been introduced to some management fields including operations management, organizational behavior, project management, and market uncertainties research. This paper highlights the use of system dynamics in modeling work system design of projects' organizations seeking better projects behavior. This paper provides a review on system dynamics in product development projects exploring managerial and organizational factors influencing projects' behavior and probability of success. The review includes three different yet intermingling fields; organization's work system design, project management in projects' organizations, along with system dynamics. This paper proposes guiding method to explore how to use system dynamics in projects' work system design and development.
Standardization in China
Authors: Weithmann Sabrina
Published: January 2017

Electric vehicle (EV) development in China emerged with the 863 program (1986) for high technologies and has received support since the 10th Five Year Plan. While standards were of no particular importance in the early years of EV development, standards have increasingly become subject to policies and programs. For instance, the promotion of ‘indigenous' or ‘home-grown' innovation is perceived as means to develop domestic standards and contribute to international standards. Alongside this target, the Chinese government mandated the development of an EV standardization roadmap to serve as a guideline for optimizing standardization work, promoting technical innovation and large-scale industrialization. It was even considered that EV standardization was a novel standard field that has the potential to secure China a forerunner position in technological development as well as international standardization, regardless of standard-setting practices in the conventional automotive sector. Against this background, this paper examines the differences in system set-up and processes of standardization for the traditional automotive and the electric vehicles sector. While conventional automotive standardization is limited to a single sector with the Ministry of Industry of Information Technology and the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre in charge, electric vehicles require the participation of stakeholders from other sectors. Therefore, the negative influence from the conventional decentralized automotive sector on the development of common nationwide standards like the dynamics between national, regional and local actors cannot be deprived. Additionally, this paper also highlights learnings from EV standardization that might set positive impulses for conventional EV standardizations.
Complex Network Perspective on Collaboration in the ICT Standardization
Authors: Ali-Vehmas Timo
Published: January 2017

Standardization is a crucial enabler of global business of Information and Communications Technologies. Convergence of the underlying networking paradigms of licensed Mobile Communication and license exempted Internet has made progress but full integration is still far from being complete. For standardization professionals the unpredictable convergence makes decision-making and participation in standardization complicated. This study examines collaboration in five closely related standardization organizations working in this field during the years from 2003 to 2008. The results show similarities and differences in collaboration structures and behaviours reflecting the specific scope and context of each standardization organization. Furthermore, this study extends the use of social network analysis as a tool to the field of empirical standardization research. The results pave the way to better collaboration in standardization communities of converging Mobile Internet and beyond by providing better visibility and new insights to standardization leaders, policy makers and users.
Where to Integrate Security Practices on DevOps Platform
Authors: Yasar Hasan , Kontostathis Kiriakos
Published: January 2017

“Software security” often evokes negative feelings amongst software developers because this term is associated with additional programming effort, uncertainty and road blocker activity on rapid development and release cycles. The Secure DevOps movement attempts to combat the toxic environment surrounding software security by shifting the paradigm from following rules and guidelines to creatively determining solutions for tough security problems (Taschner, 2015). Secure software should be focused on a proactive approach that limits the attack surface and produces reliable software. Secure DevOps developers want their software to bend but not break, which means the software absorbs attacks and continues to function. The burgeoning concepts of DevOps include a number of concepts that can be applied to increase the security of developed applications. Applying these and other DevOps principles can have a big impact on creating an environment that is resilient and secure. Specifically, this paper clearly explains how to address security concerns in the early stages of the development lifecycle and leverage that knowledge throughout the SDLC.
A Cosine-Similarity Mutual-Information Approach for Feature Selection on High Dimensional Datasets
Authors: Dubey Vimal Kumar , Saxena Amit Kumar
Published: January 2017

A novel hybrid method based on Cosine Similarity and Mutual Information is presented to find out relevant feature subset. Initially, the supervised Cosine Similarity of each feature is calculated with respect to the class vector and then features are grouped based on the obtained cosine similarity values. From each group the best mutual informative feature is selected. The selected features subset is tested using the three classifiers namely Naïve Bayes (NB), K-Nearest Neighbor and Classification and Regression trees (CART) for getting classification accuracy. The proposed method is applied to various high dimensional datasets. Obtained results showed that the proposed method is capable of eliminating the redundant and irrelevant features.
The surface aerosol optical properties in the urban area of Nanjing, west Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Zhuang Bingliang , Wang Tijian , Liu Jane , Li Shu , Xie Min , Han Yong , Chen Pulong , Hu Qiduo , Yang Xiu-qun , Fu Congbin , Zhu Jialei
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Observational studies of aerosol optical properties are useful for reducing uncertainties in estimations of aerosol radiative forcing and forecasting visibility. In this study, the observed near-surface aerosol optical properties in urban Nanjing are analysed from March 2014 to February 2016. Results show that near-surface urban aerosols in Nanjing are mainly from local emissions and the surrounding regions. They have lower loadings but are more scattering than aerosols in most cities in China. The annual mean aerosol extinction coefficient (EC), single-scattering albedo (SSA) and asymmetry parameter (ASP) at 550 nm are 381.96 Mm−1, 0.9 and 0.57, respectively. The aerosol absorption coefficient (AAC) is about 1 order of magnitude smaller than its scattering coefficient (SC). However, the absorbing aerosol has a larger Ångström exponent (AAE) value, 1.58 at 470∕660 nm, about 0.2 larger than the scattering aerosols (SAE). All the aerosol optical properties follow a near-unimodal pattern, and their values are mostly concentrated around their averages, accounting for more than 60 % of the total samplings. Additionally, they have substantial seasonality and diurnal variations. High levels of SC and AAC all appear in winter due to higher aerosol and trace gas emissions. AAE (ASP) is the smallest (largest) in summer, possibly because of high relative humidity (RH) which also causes considerably larger SC and smaller SAE, although intensive gas-to-particle transformation could produce a large number of finer scattering aerosols in this season. Seasonality of EC is different from the columnar aerosol optical depth. Larger AACs appear during the rush hours of the day while SC and back-scattering coefficient (Bsp) only peak in the early morning. Aerosols are fresher in the daytime than at night-time, leading to their larger Ångström exponent and smaller ASP. Different temporal variations between AAC and SC cause the aerosols to be more absorbing (smaller SSA) in autumn, winter and around rush hours. ASP has a good quasi-log-normal growth trend with increasing SC when RH is below 60 %. The correlation between AAC and SC at the site is close but a little smaller than that in suburban Nanjing in spring. Atmospheric visibility decreases exponentially with increasing EC or SC, more sharply in spring and summer, and it could be further deteriorated with increasing SSA and ASP.