bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPING SHANGHAI UNDERGROUND PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM UNDER URBANIZATION: MOBILITY, FUNCTIONALITY AND EQUITY
Authors: Cui Jianqiang , Allan Andrew , Taylor Michael A. P. , Lin Dong
Published: January 2013

Shanghai is being transformed through a process of rapid urbanization. Urbanization has the effects of increasing urban population and the income levels of residents as well as changing the structure of transportation. Under the background, from the 1980s, Shanghai has increasingly built and extended underground pedestrian systems (UPS) within central areas to complement pedestrian networks. UPS have significantly affected urban life in Shanghai under the decades of development but to date, research on UPS usage and perceptions of UPS users has been lacking. This research conducted an on-the-spot survey in Shanghai's UPS in People's Square, Jing'an Temple and Xujiahui areas. Investigation through observation, face to face questionnaires and interviews generated qualitative and quantitative findings on the usage characteristics and perceptions of UPS users. The discussion focused on social usage and equity and the functionality of UPS. It revealed defects in the design and management of Shanghai's UPS, including deficiencies with regard to consideration of the elderly, disabled groups, management of homeless people, the range of merchandise categories and orientation (i.e. way-finding) systems. This research is a significant contribution to enriching knowledge and providing insights into the performance of UPS in a developing country under rapid urbanization.
CONTEXTUAL SEARCHES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SPACE AND GREEN STRUCTURE OF BAUSKA OLD TOWN
Authors: Ziemeļniece Aija
Published: January 2013

The cultural heritage is a potential resource for ensuring quality of human life and sustainable development. The urban environment, in which we live, is not frozen, it is constantly developing. Each time it leaves footprints in the space that can enrich or downgrade its architecturally compositional expression. The environment is constantly changing due to human ambitions, errors and actions. For the preservation of cultural space and development, interdisciplinary cooperation and understanding is required. Identity maintenance of the urban space of Bauska is mainly associated with identification, restoration and preservation of cultural and historical sites as well as care and protection of the landscape space specific to this site. Under the impact of the green cover of the river bank it is visually hard to see the place of rapids. This also applies to the balanced green area in the town's historical centre.
WHAT IS GOOD URBANISM?
Authors: Ellin Nan
Published: January 2013

Across the globe, we are currently undergoing a paradigm shift that is fostering a felicitous turn in urban design, place-making, and community building. This “good urbanism” begins with appreciative inquiry and engages in meaningful co-creation, enabling us to envision best possibilities and rally resources to realize them. Good urbanism adds a few instruments to our planning and design toolkits that enhance the health and well-being of places and move beyond sustainability to prosperity.
ANALYSIS OF THE STRENGTH OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE COLUMN UNDER THE TEMPERATURE OF FIRE / GAISRO TEMPERATŪROS VEIKIAMŲ GNIUŽDOMŲJŲ GELŽBETONINIŲ KOLONŲ ĮTEMPIŲ SKERSPJŪVYJE PASISKIRSTYMO ANALIZĖ
Authors: Jokūbaitis Aidas , Šneideris Arnoldas
Published: January 2013

The article discusses principles calculating resistance of a reinforced concrete column to fire. The paper provides column calculation models, the main characteristics of materials and characteristic stress set points applying finite element program SolidWorks. A comparative analysis of stresses in the cross-section of the reinforced concrete column and the reinforced concrete column strengthened with a metallic shell is made.

Santrauka

Analizuojami gelžbetoninės kolonos atsparumo ugniai skaičiavimo principai. Pateikiami baigtinių elementų programa SolidWorks sudaryti kolonų skaičiuojamieji modeliai, pagrindinės medžiagų charakteristikos ir būdingi įtempių nustatymo taškai. Atliekama gelžbetoninės ir sustiprintos metaliniu apvalkalu gelžbetoninės kolonos įtempių skerspjūvyje lyginamoji analizė.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE POSSIBILITIES OF FUNCTIONING CATALYTIC CONVERTER / KATALIZINIO DEGINIŲ NEUTRALIZATORIAUS VEIKIMO GALIMYBIŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Pukalskas Saugirdas , Švelnia Virginijus , Vėgneris Ričardas
Published: January 2013

The paper considers the principles of catalyst operations and chemical reactions proceeding within. Also, the modes used for defining the efficiency of the catalyst are reviewed. Experimental investigation has been carried out to help with assessing the efficacy of the catalyst according to the concentration of noxious fractions and differences in temperature before and behind the catalyst. Nine Otto engine vehicles have been tested. The applicable contamination level and efficiency of catalyst performance of the vehicles have been set. The conclusion reveals that flowing gas temperature within the vehicle having an effectively performing catalyst is always lower than out flowing gas temperature. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjami katalizatoriaus veikimo principai ir jame vykstančios cheminės reakcijos. Taip pat ap-žvelgiami katalizatoriaus efektyvumo nustatymo būdai. Atliktas eksperimentinis tyrimas, kuris padėjo nustatyti katalizatoriaus veikimo efektyvumą pagal išmetamosiose dujose esančių kenksmingų dalelių koncentraciją ir temperatūrų skirtumą prieš katalizatorių ir už jo. Tyrimo metu ištirti devyni Oto varikliais varomi automobiliai. Nustatytos automobiliams galiojančios taršos normos ir katalizatorių veikimo efektyvumas. Gauta, kad automobilio, kurio katalizatorius veikia efektyviai, į jį įtekančių dujų temperatūra visada yra žemesnė nei iš katalizatoriaus ištekančių dujų temperatūra.
Maritain, penseur de la démocratie : lecteur fidèle de Thomas d'Aquin ?
Authors: Meyer-Bisch Gabriel
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le présent article s’interroge sur la lecture politique, réalisée par Maritain, de certains passages de la Somme de théologie de Thomas d’Aquin. Jacques Maritain, penseur original de la démocratie, s’inspire et se réclame de la pensée philosophique de l’auteur médiéval, et il s’appuie aussi, pour promouvoir sa vision de la démocratie, sur certains textes précis. Nous montrons donc que la pensée du philosophe français, malgré ses limites, repose sur des éléments textuels réellement présents dans cette Somme de Thomas d’Aquin, et en quoi cette interprétation semble cohérente avec ces passages de l’œuvre de l’Aquinate.
Attirer des collaborateurs motivés par le service public. Comment définir les conditions salariales ?
Authors: Bøgh Andersen Lotte , Eriksson Tor , Kristensen Nicolai , Pedersen Lene Holm
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les gestionnaires du secteur public souhaitent parfois attirer des candidats présentant une forte motivation à l’égard du service public étant donné qu’ils sont censés obtenir de meilleurs résultats. La littérature sur la motivation à l’égard du service public donne rarement des conseils pratiques sur la façon de procéder. Conscients que les conditions salariales constituent un dispositif de tri qui peut servir à attirer certains types de travailleurs, nous associons des mesures empiriques de la motivation à l’égard du service public à une nouvelle approche en matière d’évaluation monétaire des conditions salariales du personnel. Cet outil peut servir à améliorer le recrutement et la rétention du personnel présentant une forte motivation à l’égard du service public. Nous verrons que les agents motivés par le service public ont une préférence moindre pour les primes et privilégient davantage les prestations de soins de santé, mais les associations varient selon le contexte dans lequel les agents travaillent. Les perceptions du personnel en ce qui concerne la compatibilité entre les éléments des conditions salariales et l’intérêt sociétal doivent par conséquent être prises en considération lorsque les travailleurs sont motivés par l’idée d’agir en faveur de la société. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Les observations de notre article ont des implications pour les gestionnaires publics qui souhaitent améliorer l’efficacité de leur organisation en attirant des agents présentant un niveau élevé de motivation à l’égard du service public. Nos résultats indiquent que les primes sont dès lors à éviter, en particulier pour les postes administratifs et lorsque la volonté affective d’agir pour le bien d’autrui et de la société est importante. Les prestations de soins de santé sont généralement une bonne idée lorsqu’on souhaite attirer des personnes désireuses d’agir pour le bien des usagers des services. Les régimes privés d’assurance-maladie sont cependant à éviter dans les organismes publics de soins de santé.
Migration qualifiée, développement et égalité des chances. Une critique de la taxe Bhagwati
Authors: Dumitru Speranta
Published: January 2013

Résumé Au regard du vieux débat sur la « fuite des cerveaux », le devoir de promouvoir le développement des pays pauvres semblait incompatible avec le droit humain à l’émigration. A l’encontre de cette idée, Jagdish Bhagwati a proposé dans les années 70 une mesure qui permettait au personnel qualifié de quitter les pays pauvres, tout en taxant leur revenu au bénéfice de leurs pays d’origine. Cet article discute (et rejette) trois justifications possibles de la taxe Bhagwati. Il conclut qu’une telle mesure ne peut être défendue ni comme une compensation pour ce que le pays aurait gagné si les diplômés n’avaient pas émigré, ni comme une obligation de réciprocité basée sur l’investissement dans l’éducation, ni comme une mesure de diminution de l’inégalité entre les opportunités des migrants et de ceux qui restent au pays. Si la mobilité géographique va de pair avec la mobilité sociale, taxer les migrants revient à taxer la mobilité sociale, plutôt que les hauts revenus eux-mêmes.
The Moral Theory of Condillac: A Path toward Utilitarianism
Authors: Orain Arnaud
Published: January 2013

Résumé À première vue, les idées morales de l’abbé de Condillac (1714-1780) – et contrairement à celles de son frère Mably – ne doivent pas être comptées au rang de ses succès. Sans postérité apparente, elles ont surtout souffert d’un étonnant manque de notoriété dès le siècle des Lumières et ce jusqu’à nos jours. Aucun des grands commentateurs, contemporains ou plus anciens, de la pensée du philosophe ne s’y est arrêté avant que deux thèses de doctorat récentes ne viennent remettre en cause cet état de fait. Leurs interprétations des idées morales de Condillac sont cependant assez divergentes. La première s’appuie principalement sur l’ Essai sur l’origine des connaissances humaines (1746) et conclut à une forme particulière de morale déontologique. Celle-ci s’appuierait sur la connaissance du principe de conservation de soi, limitatif de la volonté et créateur de devoirs, au travers du langage articulé des êtres humains. La seconde, s’appuyant sur le rôle des besoins et le « calcul des plaisirs et des peines », tente d’inscrire la morale condillacienne dans une optique plutôt utilitariste. Cet article s’inscrit clairement dans cette seconde perspective. Il s’attachera d’abord à présenter en quoi les principes de l’association humaine (de « l’état de nature » au « contrat ») et de la morale sont chez Condillac le résultat de la nécessité de « se conserver », cette dernière notion devant être entendu au sens large de la satisfaction de tous les besoins de l’homme social. Nous verrons ensuite comment Condillac propose un véritable « calcul moral » qui conduit les individus à agir vertueusement tout en n’ayant pour objet que leur intérêt propre. Enfin, la conclusion inscrira cette théorie morale au carrefour des conceptions de Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui et celles des utilitaristes français de la seconde moitié du xviii  e siècle, les idées de Condillac constituant finalement un pas supplémentaire, par rapport au droit naturel, vers une morale conséquentialiste.
Digital Forensic Investigation and Cloud Computing
Authors: James Joshua I. , Shosha Ahmed F. , Gladyshev Pavel
Published: January 2013

This chapter aims to be a high-level introduction into the fundamental concepts of both digital forensic investigations and cloud computing for non-experts in one or both areas. Once fundamental concepts are established, this work begins to examine cloud computing security-related questions, specifically how past security challenges are inherited or solved by cloud computing models, as well as new security challenges that are unique to cloud environments. Next, an analysis is given of the challenges and opportunities cloud computing brings to digital forensic investigations. Finally, the Integrated Digital Investigation Process model is used as a guide to illustrate considerations and challenges during an investigation involving cloud environments.
Forensic Readiness in the Cloud (FRC)
Authors: Ferguson-Boucher Kirsten , Endicott-Popovsky Barbara
Published: January 2013

This chapter focuses on a theoretical approach to proactive evidence collection and presents a conceptual approach for the Cloud. Forensic Readiness in the Cloud (FRC) calls upon technological and organizational strategies to address the risks that threaten organizational information. The two professions of Records Management (RM) and Digital Forensics (DF) can offer insights into how this might be achieved. In this chapter, the authors seek to explore the relationship between the two disciplines and the areas where collaboration and interdisciplinary work would be most beneficial. An initial overview of RM and its relationship to the wider field of Information Assurance (IA) precedes a more in depth comparison of the two related disciplines, using a model that integrates RM and DF. This is offered as a conceptual framework for making decisions about how to identify and manage the increasing quantities of evidence collected on networks. Organizational Network Forensic Readiness (NFR) has emerged as a method for supporting collection of digital evidence from networks using suggested checklists, procedures, and tools. This chapter elaborates upon a previously documented life cycle methodology for ‘operationalizing’ organizational NFR and integrates this with best practice from RM in FRC. FRC provides a conceptual approach to proactive evidence collection and identifies the phases at which RM approaches and processes might be most effectively employed in the Cloud.
Compliance in the Cloud and the Implications on Electronic Discovery
Authors: Gonsowski Dean
Published: January 2013

Cloud Computing will be a disruptive technology that will ultimately change the face of computing with a market approaching $300 billion over the next five years, according to recent study from the Market Intel Group (Mathews, 2010). The unstoppable migration of data to the Cloud is undoubtedly due to numerous financial benefits, particularly for small and medium-sized companies, which historically do not have the same capital budgets as larger enterprises. However, this boundless upside is not without risks from a legal and compliance perspective, making it all that more important for entities to look before they leap. Today, nearly every corporation is required to preserve and produce Electronically Stored Information (ESI), such as emails and other electronic documents, as part of their response to litigation, regulatory inquiries, and subpoenas. When the subject ESI happens to be stored in the Cloud, there are a handful of potential obstacles that serve to complicate the eDiscovery process. For some, this leads to sanctions and increased compliance risks. In order to navigate these potentially treacherous waters, organizations need to be proactive and follow a “measure twice, cut once” approach. This chapter will discuss the basics of eDiscovery and explore ways to minimize potential compliance hurdles when migrating significant data stores to/from the Cloud.
Forensics as a Service
Authors: Shende Jon Rav Gagan
Published: January 2013

In today’s dynamic information technology system, one area of tremendous focus and recent growth has been that of the cloud-computing model in its various offerings. With this growth, however, come new challenges within the realms of e-discovery and digital forensics, as we traditionally know it. The rapid growth of cloud-computing services and the rate of acceptance and use by consumers are on the rise. Conversely, both legitimate and illegitimate activates can leverage the resources of the cloud to execute their operations. With the challenges growing to combat computer crime that utilizes the cloud ecosystem and the ease of which a criminal activity may be hidden using a cloud service, it is imperative that a cloud provider dedicate time, training, budget, and other resources to provide the facility for forensic investigators as well as law enforcement to combat this threat. The Cloud-Forensics-as-a-Service (FRaaS) model introduced later in this chapter can provide a comprehensive cloud forensics solution for creating a repeatable system. Such a system could be implemented as a standard forensics operational model for deployment within the cloud ecosystem regardless of environments and client service lines.
A Forensic-as-a-Service Delivery Platform for Law Enforcement Agencies
Authors: Marturana Fabio , Tacconi Simone , Italiano Giuseppe F.
Published: January 2013

With the global diffusion of cybercrime, the ever-growing market penetration of high-performance and low-cost personal digital devices, and the commercial success of cloud computing, the area of digital forensics is faced with various new challenges that must be taken seriously. In this chapter, the authors describe a novel approach to digital investigations based on the emerging “Forensics as a Service” (FaaS) model. This model attempts to optimize Law Enforcement Agency’s (LEA) forensic procedures, reduce complexity, and save operational costs. Inspired by previous work on distributed computing for forensic analysis, this chapter provides the reader with design guidelines of a FaaS platform for secure service delivery. The proposed FaaS platform should be able to support investigators and practitioners in their daily tasks (e.g. digital evidence examination, analysis, and reporting) once implemented by a cloud forensic provider or internally by a LEA. In this chapter, the authors also present the architecture components, interfaces, communication protocols, functional and non-functional requirements, as well as security specifications of the proposed framework in detail.
Immersive Virtual Worlds for (E-) Learning
Authors: Rehm Matthias , Konnerup Ulla
Published: January 2013

Virtual worlds are becoming more popular and important for the information society, allowing people to meet “face-to-face” and at the same time be distributed across different places. This offers numerous possibilities of revolutionizing the way learning is realized over long distances and at a given location. However, current uses of environments like Second Life make it very clear that there is a lack of interaction, and the learning concepts that are tailored to these kinds of collaborative environments result more or less in the replication of “always the same,” but this time in a virtual world. An example is a typical lecture that is now available as an in-world podcast. This chapter examines current state-of-the-art approaches of learning in and with virtual worlds in relation to the features of such environments and then proposes a research agenda tailored to making the learning experience truly interactive, collaborative, multi modal, and situation- and context-aware.
Doing and Understanding
Authors: LeRouge Cynthia , Tolentino Herman , Fuller Sherrilynne , Tuma Allison
Published: January 2013

This chapter provides an introduction to the pedagogy of using the case method particularly for instruction in the health informatics context. The thoughts and insights shared in this chapter are inspired by basic theories, published methods, and lessons learned from the authors’ collective experiences. They illustrate the case teaching experience by engaging the reader in an exercise to highlight the basic phases of the case method process and challenges of the process. The case referenced in this exercise (provided in the Appendix to this chapter) has been used on multiple occasions by authors of this chapter, and they draw on their experiences in using this case to illustrate points throughout the exercise. The authors close the chapter by providing the reader with strategies and considerations in using the case method.
Individual, Organizational, and Technological Barriers to EHR Implementation
Authors: Wills Matthew J.
Published: January 2013

This case examines the adoption and implementation of an electronic health record in a regional medical center in Midwest, USA. A background of the organization is provided, including a discussion of the organization’s inception, financials, and organizational structure. A brief literature review of technology adoption, use, and performance is presented, followed by a discussion of data analysis techniques and results. A detailed overview of specific technology, management, and organizational concerns is presented along with challenges and solutions. The objective of this case is to highlight the challenges and opportunities during electronic health record adoption and implementation. The hope is that educators and students alike will appreciate the complexity of health information technology adoption and implementation through specific examples of challenges and solutions. While the information contained in this case is indeed specific to one organization in the USA, the lessons learned are broadly applicable to healthcare organizations throughout the world.
One System of Care, One Electronic Chart
Authors: Gholson Jennifer , Tennyson Heidi
Published: January 2013

Regional Health made a commitment as part of quality and patient safety initiatives to have an electronic health record before the federal government developed the concept of “meaningful use.” The “One System of Care, One Electronic Chart” concept was a long-term goal of their organization, accomplished through electronically sharing a patient’s medical record among Regional Health’s five hospitals and other area health care facilities. Implementing a hybrid electronic record using a scanning and archiving application was the first step toward the long-term goal of an electronic health record. The project was successfully achieved despite many challenges, including some limited resources and physician concerns.
Physician Interaction with EHR
Authors: Noteboom Cherie
Published: January 2013

Research Medical Center is a regional medical center that meets the needs of residents of a rural area in the Midwest. It is part of a large healthcare system. The primary care hospital implemented the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The endeavor to implement Health IT applications including Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), EHRs, nursing documentation, and paperless charts, adverse drug reaction alerts, and more were introduced with the corporate initiative. The core applications were clinical and revenue cycle systems, including CPOE. The planning, implementation, and training was developed by the parent operating company and efforts to engage the local physicians were minimal. There were over 300 physicians involved. The physicians were primarily not hospital employees. They had the ability to choose to adopt the EHR and adapt their social, work, and technology practices, or to avoid usage. Follow up research indicated the change management and support efforts were not successful for the physician stakeholder.
Primary Care Patient Management and Health Information Technology
Authors: Multak Nina
Published: January 2013

Electronic Health Records (EHR) are a system of Health Information Technology (HIT) components including clinical documentation, medication orders, laboratory and diagnostic study results, management, and evidence based clinical decision support. In this case, a patient’s care is compromised because of incomplete documentation of medical information and lack of integration among data collection systems. The patient has had over fifty years of medical care in a U.S. government health system followed by care in a private primary care setting. Effective implementation and utilization of EHRs in primary care settings, will positively affect patient safety and quality of care. Appropriate use of EHR provides challenges to clinicians, HIT developers, and healthcare administrators. Provision of quality patient care utilizing HIT is challenging to use and implement, but when patients receive healthcare from multiple sources, the challenge becomes even greater. The need for integrated EHR systems is evident in the geriatric population (Ash, et al., 2009), where the ability to provide data to new clinicians may be affected by cognitive decline in this population. Management of health and chronic conditions in the geriatric population requires an ongoing commitment to HIT implementation for safer and more effective care.
Florida Health Information Exchange
Authors: Noblin Alice , McLendon Kelly , Shim Steven
Published: January 2013

Florida began the journey to health information connectivity in 2004 under Governor Jeb Bush. Initially these efforts were funded by grants, but due to the downturn in the economy, the state was unable to support growth in 2008. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funding to further expand health information exchange efforts across the country. As a result, Florida is now able to move forward and make progress in information sharing. Harris Corporation was contracted to provide some basic services to the health care industry in 2011. However, challenges remain as privacy and security regulations are put in place to protect patients’ information. With two seemingly opposing mandates, sharing the information versus protecting the information, challenges continue to impede progress.
Health Information Technology Collaboration in Community Health Centers
Authors: Forrestal Elizabeth J. , Cellucci Leigh W. , Zeng Xiaoming , Kennedy Michael H. , Smith Doug
Published: January 2013

Health-Center-Controlled Networks (HCCNs) are collaborative ventures that provide health information technologies to Community Health Centers (CHCs). Community Partners HealthNet (CPH), Inc. is a HCCN. CPH’s member organizations are non-profit health care organizations that provide primary health care to individuals in medically underserved areas. As non-profits, they must regularly seek grant funding from foundations and state and federal agencies to provide quality, accessible health care. Consequently, initiatives to adopt and implement Health Information Technologies (HIT) require individual CHCs to carefully consider how best to incorporate HIT for improved patient care. This case study describes CPH, discusses the collaboration of six individual CHCs to create CPH, and then explains CPH’s on-going operations.
CoRDS Registry
Authors: Trudeau Seth
Published: January 2013

The Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) registry has been started to provide a central repository of data for participants suffering from a number of rare diseases and to provide those participants with a resource to learn more about their disease and, in a future enhancement, connect with others that are afflicted. The second purpose of the registry is to provide a resource for researchers to identify and recruit potential participants for their research studies. This case study will focus on the technical aspects of setting up a registry and providing access to participants and their medical team, who will enter data about their disease, and researchers, who will access de-identified data to include in their research. Security of the external website and access to Protected Health Information (PHI) are the main areas of concern with this registry.
Healthcare Systems using Clinical Data
Authors: Ghosh Biswadip
Published: January 2013

The use of Information Systems (IS) in healthcare organizations is increasing. A variety of information systems have been implemented to support administrative activities such as scheduling systems, insurance and billing, electronic prescriptions, pharmaceutical dispensaries, and patient health records and portals. To make a fundamental difference in the delivery of patient care, systems that support important clinical healthcare decision processes are needed that leverage the clinical knowledge embedded in patient medical records. The aggregation of clinical data from multiple sources is difficult due to data interoperability issues. The VHA case study of the CICSP system illustrates a program that effectively leveraged clinical data from multiple surgical programs to build a system to support decision-making at many organizational levels. The technical and organizational practices from the VHA case provide important lessons to address interoperability issues when building other healthcare information systems.
Clinical Decision Support System for Diabetes Prevention
Authors: Shrestha Sarin
Published: January 2013

Millions of people around the world have diabetes. It is the seventh leading cause of death in US. An advancement of technologies may serve as the backbone for controlling diseases. Computerizing healthcare is expected to be one of the powerful levers essential for significant transformation in the quality and cost of delivering healthcare. Data management and technology is essential for providing the ability to exchange data and information at the right place in the right time to the right people in the healthcare process, to enable informed decision-making, and to achieve better health outcomes. Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) provides guidance specific to the patient, including importing/entering patient data into the CDSS application and providing relevant information like lists of possible diagnoses, drug interaction alerts, or preventive care reminders to the practitioner that assists in their decision-making. This chapter has focuses on the use of CDSS for diabetes prevention.
Network Coding for Multimedia Communications
Authors: Nemoianu Irina-Delia , Pesquet-Popescu Béatrice
Published: January 2013

Network Coding (NC) is an innovative technique that can achieve the maximum information flow in a network by allowing nodes to combine received packets before retransmission. This chapter provides an overview of the joint use of NC and a set of current multimedia techniques that have shown promising results compared to traditional approaches. The applications range from distributed storage, content distribution with scalable coding, multiple description coding in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks, to the applications in wireless networks and the recent trends in cross-layer optimization.
Intra-Refresh Techniques for Mobile Video Streaming
Authors: Fleury Martin , Ali Ismail , Qadri Nadia , Ghanbari Mohammed
Published: January 2013

Mobile devices are replacing the desktop computer in most spheres outside the workplace. This development brings a problem to video streaming services, as wireless channels are fundamentally error-prone, whereas video compression depends for most of its gains on predictive coding. The H.264 codec family has included a good number of error resilience facilities to counter-act the spatio-temporal error propagation brought on by packet loss. This chapter outlines these facilities before examining ways in which predictive coding can be temporally restrained. In particular, intra-refresh techniques are the focus, as these bring additional utility to the video stream. For example, the chapter compares periodic and gradual intra-refresh, each of which provides recovery points for the decoder and also allow stream switching or joining at these points. Thus, in intra-coding, the more normal temporal prediction is temporally replaced by spatial prediction, at a cost in coding efficiency but allowing a decoder in a mobile device to reset itself. After a review of research into this area, the chapter provides a case study in non-periodic intra-refresh before considering possible future research directions.
Provisioning Converged Applications and Services via the Cloud
Authors: Adeyeye Michael
Published: January 2013

The cloud is becoming an atmosphere to store huge data and deploy massive applications. Using virtualization technologies, it is economical and feasible to provide testbeds in the cloud. The convergence of Next Generation (NG) networks and Internet-based applications may result in the deployment of future rich Internet applications and services in the cloud. This chapter shows the migration of mobility-enabled services to the cloud. It presents a SIP-based hybrid architecture for Web session mobility that offers content sharing and session handoff between Web browsers. The implemented system has recently evolved to a framework for developing different kinds of converged services over the Internet, which are similar to services offered by Google Wave and existing telephony Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). In addition, the work in this chapter is compared with those similar technologies. Lastly, the authors show efforts to migrate the SIP/HTTP application server to the cloud, which was necessitated by the need to include more functionalities (i.e., QoS and rich media support) as well as to provide large-scale deployment in a multi-domain scenario.
PriorityQoE
Authors: Melo Adalberto , Bezerra Paulo , Abelém Antônio J. G. , Neto Augusto , Cerqueira Eduardo
Published: January 2013

In the next generation of mobile network services, there will be the provision of multimedia services with the desired quality for wireless networks. In the future Internet, an integrated platform of cloud services will be made available within the XaaS (X-as-a-Service) paradigm. In the light of this evidence, the focal point of this study is an area that is very important to analyze, which is how to ensure a satisfactory Quality of Experience (QoE) for applications with video streaming. This chapter shows the PriorityQoE tool, which employs a methodology to establish a hierarchy for video streaming packets that are based on QoE objective metrics. It also outlines an intelligent mechanism for packet discard together with the PriorityQoE. The results of the performance evaluation of the tools showed that the effects of congestion on the network through the QoE of the video streaming were reduced. The QoE mediations were carried out by considering the knowledge of three QoE objective metrics (SSIM, VQM, and PSNR). The evaluation was conducted by means of a simulation of the transmission of multimedia content in IEEE 802.11 networking standards. The tools showed a better buffer handling and discarded the packet that least degrades the QoE of the video streaming.
Consumer Culture
Authors: Wiedmann Klaus–Peter , Hennigs Nadine , Behrens Stefan , Santos Carmen R. , Pertejo Ana R. , Kuster Inés , Ganassali Stéphane , Moscarola Jean , Dalli Daniele , Laaksonen Pirjo , Turley Darach , Kenyon Alexandra , Corciolani Matteo
Published: January 2013

The debate on standardization versus adaptation is everywhere apparent and addresses the question whether and to what extent consumer behaviour differs between countries. While some studies confirm the assumption of one single pan-European market, another stream of research emphasizes that European countries continue to possess predominantly distinct market identities and favour multi-regional strategies. Thus, in the tension between worldwide standardization, national customization, and hybrid approaches such as “glocalization,” the aim of this chapter is to shed light on the importance of cultural differences and similarities in international marketing. After discussing the meaning of cultural influences for marketing management in general, this chapter presents the results of a meta-analytic literature review concentrating on consumer culture in the food and beverage sector.
Is there a European Shopping-Related Lifestyle?
Authors: Laaksonen Pirjo , Hellén Katarina , Santos Carmen R. , Abad-González Julio , Brockdorff Noellie , Zammit Clive , Camillieri Liberato , Turley Darach , Andronikidis Andreas I. , Avlonitis George J. , Papastathopoulou Paulina
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate possible differences and similarities across European countries in terms of shopping culture, and identify in which constructs or dimensions these differences occur. The results suggest that European countries do differ in terms of shopping-related lifestyles and that these differences are related to responsibility, quality, shopping enjoyment, shopping as a social activity, and online shopping, as well as overt and covert shopping behaviour. Therefore, it was concluded that there seem to be many shopping-related lifestyles in Europe, not a single unified one.
Drinking Motives
Authors: Grunert Klaus , Rosendahl Jacob , Andronikidis Andreas I. , Avlonitis George J. , Papastathopoulou Paulina , Santos Carmen R. , Pertejo Ana R. , Abad-González Julio , Laaksonen Pirjo , Halkoaho Jenniina , Kenyon Alexandra , Kopicarova Lenka , van Berkel Johan
Published: January 2013

This chapter presents an analysis of what consumer in Europe drink and why they drink what they drink. The concept of drinking motives is developed and defined, and analysis of data on drinking motives shows that these can be grouped into two major classes: self-expressive and functional. This distinction is universal and hence applies across Europe. However, the importance of self-expressive as compared to functional motives, as well as the way in which these relate to different beverages, does differ across Europe. Both dimensions are relevant for the motives for drinking non-alcoholic drinks, whereas the self-expression dimension dominates reasons for drinking alcoholic drinks. The Eastern European countries have generally higher scores on the self-expression dimension, indicating that such motives play a bigger role there compared to the other regions. No clear geographical pattern emerged with regard to the functional dimension. Beer and spirits are the alcoholic drinks and tea, water, and juice the non-alcoholic drinks that are related to high scores on the self-expression dimension. Water and juice are the drinks scoring highest on functionality, being mainly related to health, availability, and quenching one’s thirst. The non-alcoholic products scoring low on functionality are coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Analysis of socio-demographic differences resulted in only a few effects. Men, lower education groups, and lower income groups are more likely to drink alcohol for reasons other than self-expression motives (such as to quench one’s thirst). Also, the health motive plays a larger role for older people, and the self-expressive and social motives play a larger role for younger people. The chapter closes with recommendations for the marketing of drink products in Europe.
Research and Managerial Implications
Authors: Kaufmann Hans Rüdiger , Orphanidou Yianna , Casarin Francesco , Rosin Umberto
Published: January 2013

The chapter summarizes the project’s contribution to knowledge in the field of consumer behaviour and consumer culture, the applied, partially innovative, research methodology, and the major research implications. Furthermore, the key research findings are portrayed with respect to European consumers’ preference and motives for different beverage categories, the drivers and places for alcoholic consumption, further aspects of general buying behaviour, and the influence of branding and identity on alcoholic consumption. Concluding from the research findings, it provides practical managerial implications with respect to decisions on market intelligence, segmentation, positioning, and marketing communication with a special emphasis on the influence of health and to what extent these decisions can be standardized or should be culturally adapted. Moreover, innovative market clusters are described based on a variety of criteria to support managers’ decisions on market selection and market entry. The chapter finishes with a final note.
Exploring Gender Differences in Attitudes Toward Software Piracy Among Undergraduate Students in a Developing Country
Authors: Acilar Ali , Aydemir Muzaffer
Published: January 2013

This study explores the relationship between gender of undergraduate students and their attitudes towards software piracy. Research data was obtained by surveying the undergraduate students of a business administration department at a public university in Turkey. Independent samples t-test was used for comparisons between male and female students’ attitudes toward software piracy. It was found that female students find software piracy less acceptable than male students do. The study finding is consistent with previous studies that reported female student participants are significantly more ethical than male student participants in terms of software piracy.
E-Governance in the Developing World
Authors: Khan Md. Abir Hasan , Alam SM Shafiqul
Published: January 2013

E-Governance is a powerful tool for bringing change to the government process in the developing world. Mainly, e-governance operates at the cross roads between information and communication Technology (ICT) and Government Processes (GP). In order for successful implementation and maximize the impact, e-governance must be embedded and supported in the existing government processes by both politically and technically in the country. Bangladesh, as one of the countries of developing world, has been implementing various projects of installation and adaptation of e-governance with a view to ensuring the transparency and accountability of government processes since more than a decade ago. This article attempts to provide an overview on the existing state and impacts of e-governance in Bangladesh and revealed that Bangladesh has made remarkable progress over the years in the way of e-governance. However, more concentrations are needed in the country to expedite the successful implementation of initiatives for ensuring e-services.
AGE AT DIAGNOSIS OF SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Authors: Akodu Femi , Diaku-Akinwumi I N , Njokanma O F
Published: January 2013

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide as well as in Nigeria. Delay in the diagnosis of the condition constitutes an important cause of concern for caretakers of affected children.Objective: To determine the age at diagnosis in a population of children with sickle cell anaemia in Lagos, Nigeria.Methodology: The study was conducted between October and December 2009 at the sickle cell clinic of the Department of Paediatrics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos in South west Nigeria. By convenience sampling, a total of 192 children with sickle cell anaemia aged six months to 15 years were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire.Results: Overall, the mean age at confirmation of haemoglobin genotype was 27.33 months (± 26. 36 months). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly lower among males than females (25.59 ± 27.74 Vs 29.14 ± 24.85, p = 0.04). A quarter of the children were diagnosed before infancy and three-quarters before three years of age. Upper social stratum and small family size were significantly associated with earlier diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia.Conclusion: Too few subjects are diagnosed in infancy. Routine screening should ideally be done at birth and neonatal period or at the latest, between six and nine m Background: Sickle cell anaemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide as well as in Nigeria. Delay in the diagnosis of the condition constitutes an important cause of concern for caretakers of affected children.Objective: To determine the age at diagnosis in a population of children with sickle cell anaemia in Lagos, Nigeria.Methodology: The study was conducted between October and December 2009 at the sickle cell clinic of the Department of Paediatrics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos in South west Nigeria. By convenience sampling, a total of 192 children with sickle cell anaemia aged six months to 15 years were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire.Results: Overall, the mean age at confirmation of haemoglobin genotype was 27.33 months (± 26. 36 months). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly lower among males than females (25.59 ± 27.74 Vs 29.14 ± 24.85, p = 0.04). A quarter of the children were diagnosed before infancy and three-quarters before three years of age. Upper social stratum and small family size were significantly associated with earlier diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia.Conclusion: Too few subjects are diagnosed in infancy. Routine screening should ideally be done at birth and neonatal period or at the latest, between six and nine mKey words: diagnosis, genetic disorders, population, sickle cell anaemia
Skin Involvement in Primary Systemic Amyloidosis
Authors: Kumar Susheel
Published: January 2013

Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease. It primarily involves kidney, heart, peripheral nerves and liver. Intracutaneous hemorrhage manifesting in the form of petechiae, purpura and ecchymoses due to infiltration of blood vessel walls by amyloid deposits are the most common skin lesions. We report a case of primary systemic amyloidosis with multiple, non-itchy, papular lesions in lower eyelids and lower chest wall bilaterally. Diagnosis was confirmed in this case by biopsy of skin lesions using congo red staining. Papular eruptions as seen in index patient are relatively uncommon form of skin manifestations.
Successful treatment of gastric relapse in multiple myeloma with bortezomib after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT)
Authors: Sivgin Serdar
Published: January 2013

We report a  case of  59-year-old Turkish   man with history of MVR and COPD whom was diagnosed with stage IIIA IgG lambda multiple myeloma (MM) in 1997. He underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following melphalan 200mg per body area(m2)in February 2006. On 18th of February 2011; he was admitted to the emergency service of university hospital with complaints of hematemesis and melena. In gastric biopsy obtained from the lesion; pathological evaluation showed monoclonal lambda light chain infiltration originated from neoplastic plasma cells in gastric mucosa. The patient was considered as local gastric relapsed disease and was treated with 2 cycles of bortezomib. An excellent response was achieved after  2 cycles of BEP regimen, his paraprotein levels dropped below 10 g/L and there was no recurrence of the hematemesis or melena.
An Urologic Face of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:Sequential Prostatic and Penis Localization
Authors: D'Arena Giovanni , Guariglia Roberto , Villani Oreste , Martorelli Maria Carmen , Pietrantuono Giuseppe , Mansueto Giovanna , Patitucci Giuseppe , Imbriani Emilio , Masciandaro Tommaso , Borgia Ludovica , Vita Giulia , D'Auria Fiorella , Statuto Teodora , Musto Pellegrino
Published: January 2013

We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in whom a leukemic involvement of prostate and penis occurred in the advanced phase of his disease. Obstructive urinary symptoms were indicative of prostatic CLL infiltration, followed by the occurrence of an ulcerative lesion on the glans. Histologic examination confirmed  the  neoplastic B-cell infiltration. Both localizations responded to conventional treatments. A review of the literature confirms that leukemic involvement of the genito-urinary system is   uncommon in CLL patients. However, such an involvement should be considered in CLL patients with urologic symptoms and a long history of the disease.