bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational study of estimating 3D trabecular bone microstructure for the volume of interest from CT scan data
Authors: Kim Jung Jin , Nam Jimin , Jang In Gwun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInspired by the self‐optimizing capabilities of bone, a new concept of bone microstructure reconstruction has been recently introduced by using 2D synthetic skeletal images. As a preliminary clinical study, this paper proposes a topology optimization‐based method that can estimate 3D trabecular bone microstructure for the volume of interest (VOI) from 3D computed tomography (CT) scan data with enhanced computational efficiency and phenomenological accuracy. For this purpose, a localized finite element (FE) model is constructed by segmenting a target bone from CT scan data and determining the physiological local loads for the VOI. Then, topology optimization is conducted with multiresolution bone mineral density (BMD) deviation constraints to preserve the patient‐specific spatial bone distribution obtained from the CT scan data. For the first time, to our knowledge, this study has demonstrated that 60‐μm resolution trabecular bone images can be reconstructed from 600‐μm resolution CT scan data (a 62‐year‐old woman with no metabolic bone disorder) for the 4 VOIs in the proximal femur. The reconstructed trabecular bone includes the characteristic trabecular patterns and has morphometric indices that are in good agreement with the anatomical data in the literature. As for computational efficiency, the localization for the VOI reduces the number of FEs by 99%, compared with that of the full FE model. Compared with the previous single‐resolution BMD deviation constraint, the proposed multiresolution BMD deviation constraints enable at least 65% and 47% reductions in the number of iterations and computing time, respectively. These results demonstrate the clinical feasibility and potential of the proposed method.
A novel approach to training attention and gaze in ASD: A feasibility and efficacy pilot study
Authors: Chukoskie Leanne , Westerfield Marissa , Townsend Jeanne 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIn addition to the social, communicative and behavioral symptoms that define the disorder, individuals with ASD have difficulty re‐orienting attention quickly and accurately. Similarly, fast re‐orienting saccadic eye movements are also inaccurate and more variable in both endpoint and timing. Atypical gaze and attention are among the earliest symptoms observed in ASD. Disruption of these foundation skills critically affects the development of higher level cognitive and social behavior. We propose that interventions aimed at these early deficits that support social and cognitive skills will be broadly effective. We conducted a pilot clinical trial designed to demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using gaze‐contingent video games for low‐cost in‐home training of attention and eye movement. Eight adolescents with ASD participated in an 8‐week training, with pre‐, mid‐ and post‐testing of eye movement and attention control. Six of the eight adolescents completed the 8 weeks of training and all six showed improvement in attention (orienting, disengagement) and eye movement control or both. All game systems remained intact for the duration of training and all participants could use the system independently. We delivered a robust, low‐cost, gaze‐contingent game system for home use that, in our pilot training sample, improved the attention orienting and eye movement performance of adolescent participants in 8 weeks of training. We are currently conducting a clinical trial to replicate these results and to examine what, if any, aspects of training transfer to more real‐world tasks. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 546–554, 2018
Fostering Evidence‐Informed Teaching in Crucial Classes: Faculty Development in Gateway Courses
Authors: McGowan Susannah , Felten Peter , Caulkins Joshua , Artze‐Vega Isis 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFaculty and faculty developers can improve student learning and outcomes in gateway courses by improving course design, integrating active learning, and aligning assessments with course goals. Drawing on the authors’ varied experiences and a large national initiative, this chapter outlines challenges and strategies to support gateway‐course faculty development.
Healthcare providers’ perspectives on labor monitoring in Nigeria and Uganda: A qualitative study on challenges and opportunities
Authors: Yang Fan , Bohren Meghan A. , Kyaddondo David , Titiloye Musibau A. , Olutayo Akinpelu O. , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Souza João Paulo , Gülmezoglu A. Metin , Mugerwa Kidza , Fawole Bukola 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo explore current practices, challenges, and opportunities in relation to monitoring labor progression, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals in low‐resource settings.MethodsThematic analysis of qualitative data (in‐depth interviews [IDIs] and focus group discussions [FDGs]) obtained from a purposive sample of healthcare providers and managers in selected health facilities in Nigeria and Uganda.ResultsA total of 70 IDIs and 16 FGDs with doctors, midwives, and administrators are included in this analysis. Labor monitoring encompasses a broad scope of care jointly provided by doctors and midwives. A range of contextual limitations was identified as barriers to monitoring labor progression, including staff shortages, lack of team cooperation, delays in responding to abnormal labor observations, suboptimal provider–patient dynamics, and limitations in partograph use. Perceived opportunities to improve current practices included streamlining clinical team cooperation, facilitating provider–client communication, encouraging women's uptake of offered care, bridging the gaps in the continuum of monitoring tasks between cadres, and improving skills in assessment of labor progress, and accuracy in its documentation.ConclusionHealthcare providers face many challenges to effective monitoring of labor progress in low‐resource settings. This analysis presents potential opportunities to improve labor monitoring practices and tools in these contexts.
Computer Technology In Malaysia: Teachers’ Background Characteristics, Attitudes And Concerns
Authors: Mukti Norhayati Abd. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractProviding latest computer technology, good facilities and training for teachers to use computers effectively in their classroom instruction is not sufficient. There are many other factors that need to be examined in order to ensure that teachers will use computer technology effectively in their classroom instruction. The main purpose of this study is to find out factors such as teacher's background characteristics, attitudes and concerns that relate to teachers’ use of computer technology in their teaching. This study also attempted to discover whether teachers can be grouped based on their perceptions on the use of computers. This paper will also focus on the differences among teachers who used computer technology in their classroom practice. The results of the study showed that these factors that is teachers’ background characteristics, attitudes and concerns showed a great significance in the degree of classroom computer usage.
Information Systems Development in Nigerian Software Companies: Research Methodology and Assessment from the Healthcare Sector's Perspective
Authors: Soriyan H. Abimbola , Mursu Anja S. , Akinde Adebayo D. , Korpela Mikko J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe requirements for software and information systems for healthcare institutions in Africa differ from those in the industrialised countries in many ways. Local software development, adaptation and organisational implementation is thus highly important. However, very little empirical research has been conducted on the work practice of software engineers and information systems developers in developing countries. In this paper we discuss the methodology for studying the practice of information systems development (ISD) in Nigerian software companies from the healthcare sector's perspective. We argue that such a study must be divided into two parts, one aiming at a “landscape view” using a survey, and the other at “in‐depth portraits” using case studies in different companies. An Activity‐Theoretical research framework is introduced for the latter. The emphasis of the paper is on the theoretical framework and the research methodology, which are proposed for other researchers with similar objectives. However, some main results of the on‐going study in Nigeria are also presented. Finally we discuss first Nigerian software industry's capability to respond to the needs of the country's healthcare institutions, and then the applicability of the proposed research methodology to other contexts.
Development through Information Technology in Developing Countries: Experiences from an Indian State
Authors: Nair K.G.K. , Prasad P.N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKerala, one of the federal states of India, is a region known for its high levels of achievements in education, healthcare and social justice despite low per capita income. In line with global trends, in 1998 the government of Kerala formulated an Information Technology (IT) policy. The policy aims at increased application of IT in all walks of life, enhancing the IT industry base, creating a robust state information infrastructure and creating human resources for IT. The paper discusses the government's initiatives, achievements and limitations in the implementation of the IT policy. The paper identifies the pitfalls in the present IT policy and suggests suitable solutions. The study shows that, in spite of financial constraints, Kerala has made significant achievements in E‐governance. The findings of the study also reveal the need for better strategies for promotion of IT industries and PC penetration. The paper also emphasises the need to mobilise additional resources to achieve the policy objectives.
Online or Out of Reach?
Authors: Rabbitt Elaine , Pagram Jeremy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs we move into the 21st century, higher education institutions in Australia and around the world are undergoing a transition. The trend is to move away from traditional methods of course presentation towards online methodologies. In theory, students within isolated and remote areas of Australia and around the world no longer need to relocate to major cities and educational institutions as they have access to learning opportunities online. This paper describes initial research findings undertaken at two isolated and remote schools in the far north of Western Australia. The schools were visited in order to determine how practical this approach to education is in the ‘real’ world. Early results suggest that in many parts of northern Australia access to these new courses is limited by the telecommunications infrastructure in place. It is evident that in the bush, some Australians are in danger of plummeting into the widening ‘digital chasm’.
The Software Industry in Bangladesh and its Links to The Netherlands
Authors: Tjia Paul 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOrganizations such as KLM, Philips and Baan in The Netherlands have been collaborating with IT‐suppliers in developing countries. Dutch software projects are now being executed in many nations, and especially in Asia. India is the most popular country, but some Dutch companies have chosen to outsource work to lesser‐known IT‐destinations, such as Bangladesh. This country has more than 200 software houses and data‐entry centres and numerous computer shops. At present, there are around 20 – 30 Bangladeshi software developers with foreign clients, some of which are 100% export orientated.Several years ago, software was identified by the government of Bangladesh as having important export potential. The total amount of software and IT‐services exports is currently estimated at a maximum of $ 30 million per year. Dijkoraad‐hawar, a medium sized IT company and Metatude, a start‐up company are presented as Dutch case studies in this paper. Each organization has set up a software development centre in Dhaka, and has been satisfied with the results. One of the main advantages perceived by these users is the potential for significant reduction in project costs. Also, qualified candidates can be found in Bangladesh and cultural differences had no major impact.
Ukraine and Success Criteria for the Software Exports Industry
Authors: Gengler Emmy B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe need to reduce the costs associated with software development and the subsequent shift to offshore locations, where labor rates are lower, is nothing new. Due to the success of such countries as Ireland, Israel and India, many other nations are looking to also capitalize on their low‐cost, highly educated human resources. Using the success criteria developed by Heeks and Nicholson (2002), with its adaptation by Carmel (2003), this paper analyzes one such country, Ukraine. As part of the examination, direct observation, structured interviews and document review were used. Having the strengths of its human capital and an embedded research and development structure, the paper defines areas where Ukraine needs to improve. Areas discussed are: technological infrastructure (specifically data connectivity), financial infrastructure weaknesses, and the lack of a comprehensive national vision and strategy. Recommendations are given for activities Ukraine can undertake to develop its software exports industry, as well as suggestions for the Ukrainian firms competing in this industry. The paper is not intended to correlate how Ukraine's current software exports position affects the success or failure of individual IT services projects or the licensing of technology from Ukraine.
An Analysis of Vietnam's ICT and Software Services Sector
Authors: Chidamber Shyam R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of Vietnam's position in the global ICT and Software services industry. Vietnam entry in this increasingly competitive sector is built on a foundation of positive macroeconomic changes and investments from government and multi‐lateral organizations. Using an analytical framework that includes nine significant factors for newly competitive countries, this paper suggests that Vietnam's competitive strengths include cost effective workforce, improving infrastructure, linkages with key markets and an ambitious national vision. The country has benefited by attracting investment and established local presence of industry leaders. However Vietnam is a late entrant to the market and has weaknesses in key areas such as finance and international benchmarking.
Looking Beyond India: Factors that Shape the Global Outsourcing Decisions of Small and Medium Sized Companies in America
Authors: Coward Christopher T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA number of developing countries are attempting to capture a piece of the rapidly growing offshore software development market, yet little is known concerning why an American firm may elect to work with a provider in one of these aspiring countries rather than in an offshore IT superpower such as India. This article examines the global outsourcing decisions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a sector that is increasingly looking offshore to fulfill its software development needs. The article is based on a study conduced between November 2001 and February 2002 involving structured interviews with eighteen companies and experts that have outsourced software development work to countries other than India. The responses were compared to the existing literature on the decision processes of large firms and the outsourcing experiences of firms that choose providers in India. The study revealed fourteen factors that influenced the decisions of these SMEs: cost savings, personal connection, US presence, critical mass of skilled technical professionals, project management skills and quality certification, language and culture, western business savvy and practices, intellectual property rights protection, regulatory environment, telecommunications infrastructure, physical infrastructure, time zone difference, political stability and diversification, and country image.Price savings is the primary catalyst driving the outsourcing decisions of these SMEs, just as it is with large firms. However, because the software development process of these SMEs is typically not as sophisticated, they rely more heavily on a wide range of non‐technical, or human, factors to achieve their outsourcing objectives. Most notably, these SMEs typically found their outsourcing providers through foreign nationals employed in their firms, and instead of CMM, required the sort of close cooperation that can only be sustained when client and provider can communicate frequently and resolve problems as they arise without interference from language barriers or cultural incompatibilities. US‐based intermediaries representing one or more offshore providers have proliferated to cater to these firms. Time zone differences are more of an obstacle than an advantage. Countries that can tap their overseas populations for their personal connections and expertise in western business practices should have a competitive advantage in building successful offshore software development industries. This is especially relevant as client companies in America seek to diversify their outsourcing relationships in order to reduce their dependency on any single country.
Effectiveness Of Fiscal Incentives To Attract IT Investments: A Brazilian Case
Authors: Sá Luciana , Marczak Sabrina , Audy Jorge , Avritchir Jairo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBig companies in the Information Technology (IT) industry have been increasingly distributing on a world scale their software development units to countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America through offshore development centers. This is a strategy to increase competitiveness and reduce costs. In this context, emerging countries, like Brazil and its initiatives focused on the development of hardware and software industry, have become an attractive option to receive investments in the IT sector. This paper analyzes the major factors that have attracted foreign IT companies to investment in Brazil. The challenges of keeping these investments in the country are also analyzed. This study is an exploratory case study based on the concrete experience of implementation of an offshore software development center, belonging to Dell Inc., in Brazil.
A Methodology for Self‐Diagnosis for Software Quality Assurance in Small and Medium‐Sized Industries in Latin America
Authors: Herrera Elizabeth Munive , Ramírez Raúl A. Trejo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCurrently, only a small fraction of software companies around the world achieve a high quality level for their development process. A vast majority of software producers, which have not yet implemented a methodology for software quality assurance, are paying high costs of production and systems maintenance, and are therefore being displaced from the global market, not being on the same competitiveness level than companies that posses a quality assurance method.There are several models for software quality assurance, such as the Capability Maturity model (CMM), the Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination (SPICE) and the ISO 9000 norm from the International Standarization Organization. These models provide quality patterns that a company should adhere to, therefore improving its software production process.Unfortunately, the successful implementation of such models is not generally possible within the context of small and medium‐sized software organizations in Latin America, given deterring factors such as cultural impact and lack of resources, among others.Our proposal for implementing and improving software quality assurance methods on such companies is a new methodology for self‐diagnosis, based on concepts, goals and activities defined by CMM. Companies with minimal experience can use this methodology with quality standard methods.We also define rules that allow the automation of the methodology through the use of an expert system, which would play the role of a “virtual quality auditor”, supporting the definition of an action plan and thus reducing the investment required for processes improvement.
ICT Clusters as a Way to Materialize a National System of Innovation: Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor Flagships
Authors: Mohan Avvari V. , Omar Aliza A. , Aziz Kamarulzaman A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDeveloping countries have realised the need to develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to compete in an environment of increasing globalisation and also the emergence of the knowledge based economy. But given the limited resources, one approach seems to be popular among many countries is the ‘cluster’ based approach for industrial development This paper seeks to highlight one such effort viz. Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Cluster with its Flagships approach. The MSC is presented in the paper as a physical manifestation of the NSI, to illustrate how a policy driven – cluster based regional development approach has helped to further national innovative performance and competitiveness
Adoption of Electronic Commerce by Organizations in India: Strategic and Environmental Imperatives
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Vaidya Sanjiv D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn recent years many developing nations have been exposed to significant external changes such as economic deregulation and globalization. Evidence suggests that this has resulted in the adoption of EC by organizations in these countries. It is important to understand the strategic and environmental imperatives for EC adoption. Such understanding is required for anticipating necessary changes in EC adoption, to keep in tune with the impending and emerging changes in the environment. It is also needed for formulating business strategies in alignment with the organization's IS strategies and IT capabilities, and for addressing managerial challenges in EC adoption. This paper is based on a study of EC adoption in eighteen companies from eleven industries in India. It is aimed at examining the different factors, related to strategic and environmental imperatives, which lead to the adoption of EC by organizations in developing countries. The results, based on interviews with close to a hundred people in these organizations indicate that tThere are broadly three conditions under which an organisationorganization adopts EC. These are related to the external environment, organizational performance and specific internal management compulsions. Each of these conditions describes a specific aspect of EC adoption and leads to imperatives for changes in processes and products. These imperatives in turn, result in the adoption of EC in different critical organizational processes. This study is one of the first detailed empirical studies on EC adoption in Indian organizations.
Technology Transfer: Strategic Management in Developing Countries
Authors: Davison Robert M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTechnology Transfer: Strategic Management in Developing Countries, by Goel Cohen, Visiting Professor, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London, UK, Faculty Member, Teheran University, Iran, Sage Publications, 2003: ISBN: 0‐7619‐9770‐9; Rs. 550; 337pp