IT Value Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The state of Rajasthan is situated between 23o3’ and 30o12’ N latitude and 69o30’ and 78o17’ E longitude . The total land area of the state is about 3,24,239 km2 , out of which about 1,98,100 km2 is arid and the rest semi arid. The physical features are characterized mainly by the Aravallis and to the some extent by the vindhyan formation, and the Deccan trap. A major portion of western Rajasthan has desert soils and sandy plains. Sand dunes occupy a greater part of western Rajasthan ( 1,20, 983 km2). The soils of the desert plains are loamy sand to loam and the eastern part has alluvial soil which supports good forests and agricultural crop. Occurrence of saline soils with pH up to 9.0 is a common feature in the sandy areas of Rajasthan. The average annual rainfall in the state is 525-675 mm, and the annual precipitation in different tracts of Rajasthan varies from 13 mm to 1766 mm. Out of the total area , forests cover only about 37,638 km2 and are rich in biodiversity. Rajasthan ...

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- Geography, IT Value, Biomass production, Economic Value

The goal of the firm is to maximize shareholder value. While most firms devote their main efforts to exploit financial value drivers such as mergers and ac- quisitions, not enough attention is being paid to managerial value drivers like re- ducing time to market, increasing throughput, or improving logistics, operations and supply chain management, although these managerial drivers have a

- by Boaz Ronen
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- Supply Chain Management, Theory of Constraints, Case Study, Value Creation
- by Rachel Eardley
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- Communication, Situation awareness, Clock, Mobile phone

K E Y W O R D S: antral follicle count; in-vitro fertilization; ovarian blood flow; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound ABSTRACT Objective To test the hypothesis that ovarian vascularity is increased in women developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and to assess its value as a predictor of OHSS during in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

- by Dr. K. Jayaprakasan
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- Ultrasound, Prospective studies, In Vitro Fertilization, Regression Analysis
- by alessandra bertoli
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- Genetics, Quantitative analysis, Industrial Crops, IT Value

This paper deals with enhancement of hydrogen storage capacity for AB5 type alloy MmNi4:6Fe0:4 from ∼ 1:5 to ∼ 2:04 wt%. It has been shown that through suitable processing involving ball milling with speciÿc parameters (200 rpm, 20 min), the alloy particles besides getting fractured to smaller particles also become strained. The maximum strain, increase in lattice constant and unit cell volume are achieved for ball milling parameters of ∼ 200 rpm and 20 min. It has been suggested that the increase in the unit cell volume results in increase of interstitial hole sizes. This induces higher number of interstitials in unit cell of the material MmNi4:6Fe0:4 to be occupied by hydrogen atoms resulting in increase of hydrogen storage capacity from its value of ∼ 1:5 wt% obtained in the as-synthesized material to ∼ 2:04 wt% for ball-milled materials which embody strained particles. ?

- by akanksha singh
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- Engineering, Hydrogen Storage, Hydrogen Energy, IT Value

The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of decitabine, our preliminary experience with decitabine in patients with a hypomethylating agent, in the treatment of patients with accelerated and blastic phases of CML. chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in transformation. Thirtyseven patients with CML in blastic (20 patients) or accelerated phases (17 patients) were treated. Their median age was 52

- by Steven Kornblau
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- Leukemia, Stem Cell, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- by Robert Chogyoji
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- IT Value, Value Propositions

In assessing erythropoietic agents for chemotherapy-induced anemia, traditional single time-point end points (e.g., hematopoietic response [HR]) fail to reflect clinical benefits over the entire therapy course. Area under the hemoglobin change curve (Hb AUC) is introduced as an alternative measure, and its reliability, clinical significance, and superiority are assessed.

- by Catherine Piech
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- Quality of life, Logistic Regression, Erythropoietin, Anemia

From modest beginnings in 1973 to over 60 programs nationwide, the PACE concept has proven the value of integrated, interdisciplinary-based care for frail older adults. The evolution of PACE and its regulatory and reimbursement model have changed over time, but the principals of care have remained unchanged. Nationally PACE programs are dealing with some of the same challenges they had 30 years ago and yet PACE programs continue to expand and provide care to an ever wider distribution of populations. The looming issue of ever-growing health care expenditures represents another opportunity for PACE to demonstrate its value while providing a level of quality beyond what could normally be provided by typical Medicare and Medicaid payments for similar conditions and patient characteristics. The future for PACE includes a number of possibilities including flexibility in financing and reimbursement, design changes to work with community-based physicians, potential eligibility adjustments, and growth of rural PACE. The PACE model has clearly demonstrated that in a debilitated, frail population in whom health care expenses would be expect to be high, a combination of team care, managed health care services, and care coordination can lead to both improved health outcomes and reduced expenses over time. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2009; 10: 155-160)

- by Victor Hirth
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- Health Care, United States, Health Care Services, Medicare

The differential group delay (DGD) due to varying local birefringence and random polarization mode coupling is a statistical quantity. Its value at any wavelength fluctuates in time. At any given moment it is wavelength sensitive. Hence, polarization-mode dispersion can only be defined as a mean or rms value of the DGD. All measurements of polarizationmode dispersion involve thus an averaging over a finite sample set. Consequently, all measurements are intrinsically of limited accuracy. We present analytical formulae and numerical data characterizing this intrinsic limitation common to all measurement techniques.

- by Ruud Pellikaan
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- Tensor product semigroups, Pure Mathematics, IT Value, Algebraic Geometry code

The research presented in this paper is focused on the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) on friction-wear properties of semi-metallic friction composites (FC). Semi-metallic FC with increasing content of silicon carbide (SiC: 0, 3.4, 5.6, 9 and 14.6 vol.%) were prepared and slid against cast iron disc and their friction-wear properties were evaluated. The friction coefficient ( ) was observed to increase with SiC content, nonetheless the highest content (14.6 vol.% of SiC) did not significantly increase its value. The volume wear rate (V) of tested friction composites slightly increases with SiC content and temperature. The character of friction layer was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and the topography of friction surface was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two types of films assigned as film I and film II appearing on the friction surfaces of samples after friction test were observed. Film I originate on the friction surface of sample without SiC and is composed of debris of iron, iron oxide, stibnite and carbon. Film II is formed on the friction surface of composites containing SiC and in contrast to film I contain additional debris of SiC.

We develop a new filter which combines spatially adaptive noise filtering in the wavelet domain and temporal filtering in the signal domain. For spatial filtering, we propose a new wavelet shrinkage method, which estimates how probable it is that a wavelet coefficient represents a "signal of interest" given its value, given the locally averaged coefficient magnitude and given the global subband statistics. The temporal filter combines a motion detector and recursive time-averaging. The results show that this combination outperforms single resolution spatio-temporal filters in terms of quantitative performance measures as well as in terms of visual quality. Even though our current implementation of the new filter does not allow real-time processing, we believe that its optimized software implementation could be used for real-or near real-time filtering.

- by Aleksandra Pizurica
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- Video Compression, Wavelet Analysis, Motion estimation, Videoconference

It is shown analytically that the degree of polarization of a beam generated by an electromagnetic Gaussian Schellmodel source which propagates through atmospheric turbulence tends to its value at the source plane with increasing distance of propagation. This result is independent of the spectral degrees of correlation of the source and of the strength of atmospheric turbulence. These conclusions are illustrated by a numerical example.

The major goal of this study was to determine whether protective measures in the case of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture are in accordance with public priorities. To this end we used the Travel Cost (TCM) and Contingent Valuation Methods (CVM) to estimate its value. We also determined the break even point in the allocation of funds targeted to protection at the regional level and performed a cost-benefit analysis of conservation efforts on a national level in Israel. The value of the marginal vulture was found to be approximately 34,000 NIS at Gamla and 316,000 NIS at Hai-Bar Nature Reserves. The economic efficiency of feeding stations was examined from two aspects: At the regional level, the break-even point for a feeding station to be efficient was 0.24 and 2.20 vultures per year for the Hai-Bar and Gamla NRs respectively. At the national level, in most cases, the national project to save vultures, 'Porsim Kanaf' ('Porsim Kanaf' is the national birds of prey conservation project in Israel) passes a Cost-Benefit test based on the valuation results.

- by Ofer Bahat
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- Bioeconomics, Endangered Species, Israel, Birds of prey
- by Kaat Desloovere and +1
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- Mechanical Engineering, Movement analysis, Cerebral Palsy, Movement disorders

We combine estimates of the value of patent rights from a survey of patent-holders with a set of indicator variables in order to model the value of patents. Our results suggest that the number of references to the patent literature as... more

- by D. Harhoff
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- Economics, Policy, Business and Management, IT Value

The performance concept originated from the concept of firm management. The performance management of the firm involves improving its value-cost relationship, which means that the firm will be able to build a product or service, in terms of achieving cost and profitability targets, and compare the results with strategic forecasts. In addition, performance management also requires the firm's ability to develop a dynamic and continuous progress. In such conditions, its performance evaluation is not an objective in itself, but a means used by the organization to achieve progress. The paper will address issues which relate to improving performance and all the instruments used for this purpose.

- by Cătălina Radu
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- Business, Management, Performance Management, Performance Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of minor degrees of renal pelvis dilatation that is detected by antenatal ultrasound scanning in an unselected population and its value in the prediction of significant uropathies. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted over a 24-month period. Infants with an anteroposterior pelvic diameter of Ն4 mm in the second trimester and/or Ն7 mm but Ͻ15 mm in the third trimester were enrolled. RESULTS: Pyelectasis was found in 4.5% of 5643 fetuses (1.5% with significant uropathy). Among the 213 infants whose cases were followed, 132 infants (62%) had renal anomalies, but only 83 infants (39%) had significant uropathies. The ability of the third-trimester renal pelvis dilatation to predict renal abnormalities showed a positive predictive value of 69%. Pyelectasis that was detected only in the second trimester revealed a significant uropathy in 12% of the infants. CONCLUSION: Pyelectasis was found in 4.5% of fetuses. The third-trimester anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter of ≥7 mm was the best ultrasound criterion to predict postnatal uropathies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:242-6.)

- by Efraim Daniel
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- Ultrasound, Prospective studies, Pregnancy, Kidney

The purpose of this paper is to present a hierarchy of progressive IT maturity using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a metaphor for articulating the increasing value that can be derived by the application of Information Technology within competitive organizations. The authors refer to this maturity model as the IT Value Hierarchy. Each level of the IT Value Hierarchy is described using examples and comparisons to Maslow's Hierarchy. The model can be used by IT executives as a framework for better explaining and discussing the value of increasingly sophisticated Information Technology use within the enterprise.

- by Mark Frolick
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- Information Systems, Information Technology, Modeling, Maturity Model

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the underlying dimensions of supply chain management (SCM) practices and to empirically test a framework identifying the relationships among SCM practices, operational performance and SCM‐related organizational performance with special emphasis on small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were collected from a sample of 203 manufacturing SMEs operating in the manufacture of fabricated metal products and general purpose machinery (NACE codes 28 and 29) within the city of Istanbul in Turkey. The research framework was tested using partial least squares method, which is a variance‐based structural equation modeling approach.FindingsBased on exploratory factor analysis (EFA), SCM practices were grouped in two factors: outsourcing and multi‐suppliers (OMS), and strategic collaboration and lean practices (SCLP). The results indicate that both factors of SCLP and OMS have direct positive...

- by Prof. Mike Iravo
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- Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, Supply Chain Management
- by Eric Van Hensbergen
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- Computer Science, Operating Systems, Distributed Computing, Synchronization

ABSTRAK Seiring dengan meningkatnya penggunaan Teknologi Informasi (TI) pada perusahaan sekuritas online, maka perusahaan mengharapkan investasi TI yang dilakukan dapat memberikan hasil dan manfaat sesuai dengan harapan. Maka dari itu perusahaan menerapkan aplikasi metatrader 4.0 yang bertujuan untuk memberikan manfaat bagi perusahaan, menjaga tingkat kepuasan dan memberikan pelayanan terbaik kepada nasabah. Untuk menghitung manfaat investasi TI yang dihasilkan, terdapat metode dan framework yang dapat digunakan yaitu Val IT Framework 2.0. Val IT Framework 2.0 memiliki 3 proses utama untuk mengukur manfaat investasi TI yaitu Value Governance, Portofolio Management, dan Investment Management, membangun business case,dan menentukan maturity level perusahaan. Dengan adanya perencanaan investasi TI aplikasi metatrader 4.0 menggunakan Val IT Framework 2.0 akan menghasilkan business case yang menjelaskan mengenai asumsi dan hasil data daftar fakta, analisa keselarasan, manfaat finansial dan non-finansial, analisa resiko, optimasi resiko, dan dokumentasi business case, serta maturity level yang membantu perusahaan untuk mengukur investasi TI, menetapkan pilihan strategis dengan melihat sejauh mana efektifitas perusahaan dalam memberikan manfaat, mengambil keputusan, memperbaiki portofolio investasi TI secara jelas. Kata Kunci : Manfaat Investasi TI, Val IT Framework 2.0, Aplikasi Metatrader 4.0, Business Case, Portofolio Investasi TI.

- by Yeffry Handoko
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- IT Value, IT Governance and Framework

This paper highlights a distinctive way to research and present issues within education using metaphor and the qualitative narrative methodology known as auto ethnography. Auto ethnographic writing links the personal to the cultural and is recognised as a methodology that combines the method with the writing of the text, which in turn explicates the personal story, or journey of the writer, within the culture in which the investigation, or experience, takes place. Although auto ethnography has not been common within education its value and the perception of its worth is changing. This paper uses auto ethnography to investigate and relate a personal encounter occurring within a particular educational and social context. It also presents a framework for perceiving the rise in consciousness, facilitated by the use of metaphor, as one moves through

- by Michael Dyson
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- Education, Teacher Education, Professional Development, Social Context

In the present work polyurethane foams containing variable concentrations of nano-sized clay and esparto wool were prepared and studied, with the objective of developing new multi-scalar rigid foams. The addition of montmorillonite clay favoured foaming and the formation of finer and homogeneous cellular structures, resulting in foams with compressive elastic moduli and collapse stresses lower than that of the polyurethane foams. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis versus the foams' relative density demonstrated that both properties follow one single trend for the two materials. The combination of esparto and montmorillonite further reduced the cell size of foams, at the same time promoting higher open cell contents, resulting in the foams with the lowest mechanical properties. Although no important differences in thermal conductivity were found with adding montmorillonite, its value decreasing with reducing the relative density, the incorporation of esparto led to higher thermal conductivities, independently of the relative density. The combination of esparto and montmorillonite resulted in foams with thermal conductivities halfway between the esparto-reinforced and the montmorillonite-reinforced foams, related to a higher open cell content.

- by José Ignacio Velasco
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- Comparative Analysis, IT Value, Thermal Conductivity, Relative Density

The state of Rajasthan is situated between 23º3' and 30º12' N latitude and 69º30' and 78º17' E longitude . The total land area of the state is about 3,24,239 km² , out of which about 1,98,100 km² is arid and the rest semi arid. The physical features are characterized mainly by the Aravallis and to the some extent by the vindhyan formation, and the Deccan trap. A major portion of western Rajasthan has desert soils and sandy plains. Sand dunes occupy a greater part of western Rajasthan ( 1,20, 983 km²). The soils of the desert plains are loamy sand to loam and the eastern part has alluvial soil which supports good forests and agricultural crop. Occurrence of saline soils with pH up to 9.0 is a common feature in the sandy areas of Rajasthan. The average annual rainfall in the state is 525-675 mm, and the annual precipitation in different tracts of Rajasthan varies from 13 mm to 1766 mm. Out of the total area , forests cover only about 37,638 km² and are rich in biod...

- by Dr Amit Kotia
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- IT Value, Biomass production, Economic Value, Plant species

Background: In Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), mental retardation and compulsive hyperphagia cause early obesity, the co-morbidities of which lead to short life-expectancy, with death usually occurring in their 20s. Long-term weight loss is mandatory to lengthen the survival; therefore, the lack of compliance in voluntary food restriction requires a surgical malabsorptive approach.

- by Francesco Papadia
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- Bariatric Surgery, Quality of life, Life Style, Survival Analysis

Radiopharmaceuticals have a long tradition of clinical and research applications. Current legislation of developed Countries includes these compounds in the regulatory environment of medicinal products. Products used under a marketing authorisation license and investigational radiopharmaceuticals are then part of the clinical practice and scientific programs. Positron Emission Tomography has induced a strong increase in the number of potentially available radiopharmaceuticals and, beside being a breakthrough in diagnostic nuclear medicine, has demostrated its value as research tool. Drug Development Research is searching new tools for reducing attrition and increasing efficiency in the identification and development of new medicines. Molecular Imaging, PET in particular seems to have important answers to this demand. The regulatory environment in Europe is hence revised in the perspective of utilisation of nuclear molecular imaging as a supporting tool for DDR. Relevant documents from European regulatory Agency (EMEA) as well as their essential impact on radiopharmaceuticals have been summarised and discussed.

Background Procalcitonin (PCT) is considered a sensitive and specific diagnostic and prognostic marker of systemic bacterial infection, but its value is questionable in certain clinical conditions, particularly in hemato-oncological patients. Materials and methods We analyzed PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in 56 patients of a pediatric hematologyoncology unit during 110 consecutive non-infectious febrile episodes related to administration of T-cell antibodies (group A; n=22), alemtuzumab (monoclonal CD52 antibody, CAMPATH-1H/group B; n=8), interleukin-2 (IL-2/group C; n=41), prophylactic donor granulocyte transfusions (group D; n=9), or to acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD/group E; n=10) and compared the results with 20 episodes of Gram-negative sepsis (group F). Main results In the majority of the non-infectious episodes PCT and CRP increased to serum levels statistically indistinguishable from Gram-negative sepsis. Median peak levels of PCT (normal<0.5 ng/ml)/CRP (normal<8 mg/l) for groups A-F were 4.34/59.0 (A), 10.14/93.5 (B), 1.11/175.0 (C), 1.43/164 (D), 0.96/34.0 (E), and 8.14 ng/ml /126.0 mg/ l (F). Highest single levels were observed in groups A and F. Conclusions PCT and CRP are of limited value as diagnostic markers of sepsis during T-cell-directed immunomodulatory treatment, granulocyte support, or acute GvHD.

- by Volker Strenger and +1
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- Child Welfare, Adolescent, Prospective studies, Child
- by Leandro Moraes
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- Biomedical Engineering, Comparative Study, INTENSIVE CARE, Calibration

This paper addresses a commonly raised question regarding wet etching of Pyrex glass: "How are the defects on the glass generated during etching process while most of the masking materials are chemically inert in the etching solution?" The response to this question relies in controlling the residual stress in the masking layer (its value, gradient and nature: compressive or tensile) and controlling the hydrophobicity of the mask surface. With this response, the solution for achieving a suitable process can be easily set up: a low stress masking layer (preferably performed by successive depositions) and a hydrophobic surface of the masking layer (easily achieved, for example by hard baking of the photoresist masking layer). Nevertheless, these factors must be correlated with a correct selection of the glass material (low content of oxides that gives insoluble products after the reaction with the etching solution) and a fast etch rate (achieved using highly concentrated hydrofluoric acid). The best reported results in the literature are analyzed for this perspective.

- by Ciprian Iliescu
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- Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, IT Value, Residual Stress

Highway infrastructure represents a significant part of the public assets, and through its lifetime, is exposed to various deterioration processes leading to the depreciation of its value. It is therefore of vital importance to manage these assets aiming to reduce the loss of their value with time to a minimum. A typical task of road managers is making decisions related to maintenance, repair and rehabilitation based on data regarding the existing condition, risk of its use, life cycle costs and age. Road infrastructure is complex, and therefore the optimal choice of planned interventions is a delicate task often left to the road managers' subjective judgment. The main goal of research work presented in the paper is the development of a multiple criteria decision support system to determine the priority ranking of asset rehabilitation projects. Results are presented for a selected case study that consists of 27 overpasses for a highway section. The data on the condition of crossovers obtained by regular inspection along their contribution to a structured database are essential. The selection of the set of asset rehabilitation projects is carried out by using the developed decision support system that includes the budget constraint option. The selected set of asset maintenance/rehabilitation projects meets best the pre-defined combination of several criteria and therefore yields the maximized overall benefit. The results showing the selection criteria employed in the decision process and relative importance are crucial in obtaining the targeted goals. The selected criteria should therefore reflect the needs of the users and the actual conditions related to the assets.

- by Aleksander Srdic and +1
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- Applied Economics, Decision support system, Automotive Engineering, Transport

, H79-U82 This article presents the results of a longitudinal study of 80 subjects between the ages of 3 and 8 years old to determine their conceptions of money and its value The research was conducted within the framework of Piagetian theory using the "cntical method " A test was given and subsequently repeated after an interval of 12 months The results demonstrate that the development of the notions under lnveshgabon proceeds m 6 definable stages

- by Anna Bombi
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- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Child Development, IT Value
- by Bob McKercher
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- Marketing, Market Segmentation, Tourism, IT Value

The magnitude and seasonal dynamics of evapotranspiration (ET) for a steppe in central Mongolia was estimated over a full year period (from 25 March 2003 to 24 March 2004, 366 days) using the eddy covariance (EC) technique. The steppe,... more

- by J. Asanuma
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- Environmental Science, Hydrology, Methodology, Evaluation

The paper presents the results from an experimental investigation of the starting parameters of fluorescent lamps operating with electronic ballasts. Two types of lamps are investigated, T5 tubes and compact fluorescent lamps, operating with three types of ballasts: instant start, rapid start and programmed start type. Five different operating cycles are employed. Starting and operating voltage and current waveforms are recorded at regular time intervals of the lamp life at different starting scenarios. The preheat ratio is also calculated at the end of the preheat time for the systems working with preheating ballasts. This ratio indicates the temperature at the moment of starting, which is critical for the lamp life. Its value in real time is also calculated for each lamp system during the starting period. The signatures of the lamp starting scenarios are discussed and a comparison is given between the different ballast operations. Their potential consequences on lamp life are examined.

- by F. Topalis
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- Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Measurement, Real Time

Background: We have previously demonstrated the potential efficacy of a computer-assisted board game as a tool for medical education. The next logical step was to transfer the entire game on to the computer, thus increasing accessibility to students and allowing for a richer and more accurate simulation of patient scenarios. Methods: First, a general game model was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic. A breast module was then created using 3-D models, radiographs, and pathology and cytology images. The game was further improved by the addition of an animated facilitator, who directs the players via gestures and speech. Thirty-three students played the breast module in a variety of team configurations. After playing the game, the students completed surveys regarding its value as both an educational tool and as a form of entertainment. 10-question tests were also administered before and after playing the game, as a preliminary investigation into its impact on student learning. Results: After playing the game, mean test scores increased from 6.43 (SEM Ϯ 0.30) to 7.14 (SEM Ϯ 0.30; P ϭ 0.006). The results of the five-question survey were extremely positive. Students generally agreed that the game concept has value in increasing general knowledge regarding the subject matter of breast disease and that the idea of following simultaneously the work-up of numerous patients with similar problems is a helpful way to learn a work-up algorithm. Conclusions: Postgame surveys demonstrate the efficacy of our computer game model as a tool for surgical education. The game is an example of problem based learning because it provides students with an initial set of problems and requires them to collect information and reason on their own in order to solve the problems. Individual game modules can be developed to cover material from different diagnostic areas.

- by Ben Eidelson
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- Algorithms, Educational Measurement, Medical Education, Game Based Learning

Introduction The role of 18 F-FDG PET in the management of gynaecologic malignancies remains unclear mainly due to the failure of clinicians to appreciate the signiWcance of this imaging tool. However, this under utilisation is being actively re-addressed with a large number of reviews and studies, particularly in the last few years. Methods and Results PET has been shown to have high sensitivity and speciWcity in the evaluation of relapse and nodal disease in cervical cancer, while other uses such as staging and monitoring response to therapies being under further investigation. Similarly, promising results have been published in the use of PET in patients aVected by endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas for detecting lymph nodes metastasis and recurrent disease. In ovarian cancer, PET appears to have a great potential in staging and assessment of disease relapse. An important utility of PET in gynaecologic tumours, which is shared with a large number of other malignancies, is its value in positively changing the patients' management. Conclusion The surge in studies using PET in gynaecological malignancies is in its early stages, and further studies are required to optimise the role of PET in these conditions.

- by Stefano Fanti
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- Ovarian Cancer, Positron Emission Tomography, Endometrial Cancer, Sarcoma

The aim of this article is to provide an introduction to conjoint analysis as a research tool, and to indicate its value for analyzing consumer preference based on the value that the consumers attach to the attributes of the goods that they intend to purchase. The study involves the use of the tool of conjoint Analysis to evaluate consumer preference vis.a.vis Brand, Price Level, FM Radio, and Camera. The results of the study indicate that the most important attribute behind consumer preference for mobile phones was Brand, followed by Price, then Camera, and finally FM Radio.

- by Faisal Afzal Siddiqui
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- Conjoint Analysis, Mobile phone, IT Value, Coefficient of Determination

In the present work, structural, morphological, magnetic and optical properties of nickel ferrite thin films having different thickness are reported. All the films were deposited on Si (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique. Thicknesses of the films determined by x-ray reflectivity vary from 62 to 176nm as the deposition time varies from 16 min to 40 min. The films were characterised by x-ray diffractogram, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy for structural and phase confirmation. FTIR and Raman spectra confirm mixed spinel nature of nickel ferrite. Surface morphology is studied by Atomic force microscopy. All the films have granular nature. Magnetic properties were studied by vibrating sample magnetometer and magnetic hysteresis curves were recorded for all the films at room temperature and at10K. At 10K, saturation magnetisation was found to increase while coercivity deceases with thickness. The results are explained on the basis of anisotropy induced by cation inversion and strain. Optical properties were studied by UV-vis reflectance spectra. The value of optical band gap (5.7eV) was found to be independent of thickness of the film.

- by Gagan Dixit
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- Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Crystal Growth, Powder technology

The effect of climate change on the yield of three wheat varieties (Sids1, Sakha 93 and Giza 168) and consumptive use was studied by implementing two-year field experiment in Giza Agricultural Station, Giza, Egypt in 2006/07 and 2007/08 growing seasons using CropSyst model with two climate change scenarios. These scenarios were A2 (temperature increase by 3.1°C and CO 2 concentration is 834 ppm) and B2 (temperature increase by 2.2°C and CO 2 concentration is 601 ppm) developed by Hadley Center for Climate Prediction and Research. CropSyst model was validated using the collected data of wheat yield and consumptive use. The scenarios were used to run the CropSyst model and to predict the expected yield in the year of 2038. Two early sowing dates were proposed as adaptation options, i.e. 1 st of November and 21 st of October to reduce the harm effect of climate change on wheat yield and a new irrigation schedule was used. The results indicated that CropSyst predictions for yield and consumptive use were highly accurate. Furthermore, A2 scenario predicted greater reduction in wheat yield, compared with B2 scenario in the year of 2038. Likewise, wheat yield losses were higher at the 1 st growing season, compared with the 2 nd growing season under the two scenarios. The results also revealed that under the 1 st growing season for both climate change scenarios, Sakha 93 variety was found to be more tolerant to heat stress. Whereas, Sids 1 variety was found less vulnerable to climate change in the 2 nd growing season. The results also showed that wheat yield improvement and irrigation water saving could be attained using the proposed adaptation strategies in the year of 2038. Under cultivation in November, 1 st , a slight improvement in yield losses could be achieved with a slight increase in the amount of applied irrigation water. Whereas, under sowing in October, 21 st , a decrease in yield losses could be achieved with a decrease in the amount of applied irrigation water. Under all cases, water use efficiency was increased, compared with its value under the two climate change scenarios.

- by Samiha Ouda and +1
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- Climate Change, Climate Change Adaptation, Water use efficiency, Irrigation Scheduling

Using the Taguchi method, this study presents a systematic optimization approach for removal of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) by a nanostructure, zinc oxide-modified mesoporous carbon CMK-3 denoted as Zn-OCMK-3. CMK-3 was synthesized by using SBA-15 and then oxidized by nitric acid. The zinc oxide was loaded to the modified CMK-3 by the equilibrium adsorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution followed by calcination to convert zinc nitrate to zinc oxide. The CMK-3 had porous structure and high specific surface area which can accommodate zinc oxide in a spreading manner, the zinc oxide connects to the carbon surface via oxygen atoms. The controllable factors such as agitation time, initial concentration, temperature, dose and pH of solution have been optimized. Under optimum conditions, the pollutant removal efficiency (PRE) was 97.25% for Pb(II) and 99% for Hg(II). The percentage contribution of each controllable factor was also determined. The initial concentration of pollutant is the most influential factor, and its value of percentage contribution is up to 31% and 43% for Pb and Hg, respectively. Our results show that the Zn-OCMK-3 is an effective nanoadsorbent for lead and mercury pollution remediation. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used to model the equilibrium adsorption data for Pb(II) and Hg(II).

- by Ali Ghafary
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- Engineering, Water, Carbon, Water Purification

The software Petri Net Toolbox, dealing with Petri nets under MATLAB, is presented. It can handle five types of Petri nets (untimed, transition-timed, place-timed, stochastic and generalized stochastic) with finite or infinite capacity. The toolbox is equipped with a user-friendly graphical interface and allows three simulation modes accompanied or not by animation. Its functions cover the key topics of analysis such as coverability tree, structural properties (including invariants), time-dependent performance indices, max-plus state-space representations. A design procedure is also available, based on parameterized models. The integration with the MATLAB philosophy enlarges the utilization of this popular software towards the area of discrete-event systems. The applicability of this toolbox in several domains of engineering, illustrated by three examples, demonstrates its value as an educational aid.

- by Mihaela Matcovschi
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- Modeling and Simulation, IT Value, Petri Net, Education and Training

- by jitendra singh
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- Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Crystal Growth, Powder technology
- by Marshall Van Alstyne
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- Information Systems, Marketing, Information Technology, Information Flow

Econometric studies have highlighted factors that appear to explain the differential effects of information technology (IT) on productivity at the firm level. Central to these explanations is the concept of organizational transformation; that value realization from IT depends on time-consuming investments in organizational change and results in new, often intangible, organizational assets. The aim of this study was to further investigate the concept of IT-enabled organizational transformation as a component of the value realized from IT at the firm level. Survey data was analyzed from respondents from 1050 businesses of varying sizes and across industries. Transformational benefits were found to exist as a distinct benefit category and to be closely related to other forms of ITgenerated business benefits. They were also an important component of overall IT business value. Qualitative data illustrated these findings and pointed to possible complex causal relationships in the generation of IT value. The findings have implications for models of IT business value generation and for managerial practice.

- by Walter Fernández and +2
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- Information Systems, Information Technology, Organizational Change, Organizational Learning