Showing papers by "Open University of Catalonia published in 2010"

EMU and European government bond market integration.

Abstract: In this study we adopt the CAPM-based model of Bekaert and Harvey (1995) to compare the differences in the relative importance of two sources of systemic risk (world and Eurozone) on Government bond returns, in two groups of countries in EU-15. Results show that euro markets are less vulnerable to the influence of world risk factors, and more vulnerable to EMU risk factors. However, they are only partially integrated. For their part, the markets of the countries that decided to stay out of the Monetary Union present a higher vulnerability to external risk factors.

Analysing feedback processes in an online teaching and learning environment: an exploratory study

Abstract: Within the constructivist framework of online distance education the feedback process is considered a key element in teachers’ roles because it can promote the regulation of learning. Therefore, faced with the need to guide and train teachers in the kind of feedback to provide and how to provide it, we establish three aims for this research: identify the presence of feedback according to the regulation of learning required; characterise this feedback according to content (i.e. the meaning of feedback); and, finally, to explore possible relationships between feedback and the results of the teaching and learning process (i.e. students’ satisfaction and final grades). The results for a sample of 186 students, taking nine courses at the Open University of Catalonia, are discussed in the light of feedback, which is considered a central element in university teaching practice in online environments. We conclude that, in general, the presence of feedback is associated with improved levels of performance and higher levels of satisfaction with the general running of the course.

Asymmetric effects of federal funds target rate changes on S&P100 stock returns, volatilities and correlations

Abstract: We study the effects of FOMC announcements of federal funds target rate decisions on individual stock returns, volatilities and correlations at the intraday level. For all three characteristics we find that the stock market responds differently to positive and negative target rate surprises. First, the average response to positive surprises (that is, bad news for stocks) is larger. Second, in case of bad news the mere occurrence of a surprise matters most, whereas for good news its magnitude is more important. These new insights are possible due to the use of high-frequency intraday data.

Gender differences in computer attitudes and the choice of technology-related occupations in a sample of secondary students in Spain

Abstract: The dearth of women in technology and ICT-related fields continues to be a topic of interest for both the scientific community and decision-makers. Research on attitudes towards computers proves that women display more negative computer attitudes than men and also make less intense use of technology and computers than their male counterparts. For this reason, the main aims of this study are threefold. Firstly, to analyze the existence of gender differences in three dimensions of computer attitudes in a group of 550 secondary students in Spain (mean of age=15years old; SD=1.73). Secondly, to study the moderating influence of a group of contextual variables on those gender differences in computer attitudes. And thirdly, to examine the predictive role of computer attitudes on the intention to pursue technology-related occupations. Some of the analyses of variance carried out show more positive computer attitudes in boys than in girls. These differences are more salient among students coming from rural areas and the upper social class, who are also enrolled in the domain of technology in secondary education, and whose mothers have no occupation outside the home. Finally, simple logistic regressions were carried out in order to prove that all dimensions of computer attitudes predict the enrollment intentions to pursue technology-related occupations. Nonetheless, gender only moderates the relationship between the cognitive dimension of computer attitudes and the enrollment intentions to pursue technology-related occupations.

The SR-GCWS hybrid algorithm for solving the capacitated vehicle routing problem

Abstract: The capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) is a well known problem which has long been tackled by researchers for several decades now, not only because of its potential applications but also due to the fact that CVRP can be used to test the efficiency of new algorithms and optimization methods. The objective of our work is to present SR-GCWS, a hybrid algorithm that combines a CVRP classical heuristic with Monte Carlo simulation using state-of-the-art random number generators. The resulting algorithm is tested against some well-known benchmarks. In most cases, our approach is able to compete or even outperform much more complex algorithms, which is especially interesting if we consider that our algorithm does not require any previous parameter fine-tuning or set-up process. Moreover, our algorithm has been able to produce high-quality solutions almost in real-time for most tested instances. Another important feature of the algorithm worth mentioning is that it uses a randomized constructive heuristic, capable of generating hundreds or even thousands of alternative solutions with different properties. These alternative solutions, in turn, can be really useful for decision-makers in order to satisfy their utility functions, which are usually unknown by the modeler. The presented methodology may be a fine framework for the development of similar algorithms for other complex combinatorial problems in the routing arena as well as in some other research fields.

Using mobile devices to support online collaborative learning

Abstract: Mobile collaborative learning is considered the next step of on-line collaborative learning by incorporating mobility as a key and breakthrough requirement. Indeed, the current wide spread of mobile devices and wireless technologies brings an enormous potential to e-learning, in terms of ubiquity, pervasiveness, personalization, flexibility, and so on. For this reason, Mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning has recently grown from a minor research field to significant research projects covering a fairly variety of formal and specially informal learning settings, from schools and universities to workplaces, museums, cities and rural areas. Much of this research has shown how mobile technology can offer new opportunities for groups of learners to collaborate inside and beyond the traditional instructor-oriented educational paradigm. However, mobile technologies, when specifically applied to collaborative learning activities, are still in its infancy and many challenges arise. In addition, current research in this domain points to highly specialized study cases, uses, and experiences in specific educational settings and thus the issues addressed in the literature are found dispersed and disconnected from each other. To this end, this paper attempts to bridge relevant aspects of mobile technologies in support for collaborative learning and provides a tighter view by means of a multidimensional approach.

From UML/OCL to SBVR Specifications: a Challenging Transformation.

Abstract: UML is currently the most widely used modeling language for the specification of the conceptual schema (CS) of an information system (IS). However, UML falls short when it comes to allow business people to define in their own language (e.g. using their own terms in natural language) the policies and rules by which they run their business. To this purpose, the semantics of business vocabulary and business rules (SBVR) metamodel specification was proposed. SBVR is conceptualized optimally for business people and it is designed to be used for business purposes, independently of information systems designs. Clearly, SBVR and unified modeling language (UML) cannot be considered as isolated languages. Many of the business rules specified by business people must be automatically executed by the underlying information system, and thus, they must also appear in its UML CS. In this sense, the main goal of this paper is to bridge the gap between UML and SBVR by providing an automatic transformation from UML to SBVR specifications. Thanks to our transformation, designers will be able to interact with the business people (in their own language) to refine and validate the information modeled in the CS before the generation of the final IS implementation. Our transformation also takes into account all possible textual object constraint language (OCL) expressions that complement the UML graphical elements.

The role of information and communication technologies in improving teaching and learning processes in primary and secondary schools

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyse what is happening at schools regarding the integration and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and to examine teachers’ perceptions about what teaching and learning processes can be improved through the use of ICT. A multiple-case-study research methodology was applied. From a previous exploratory research, four different types of schools were determined. Data show there is a widespread view that ICT in teaching favours several teaching and learning processes. In particular, it shows that the contribution of ICT to the improvement of teaching and learning processes is higher in the schools that have integrated ICT as an innovation factor. To attain this highest level implies that a school not only has to modernise the technological tools, but also has to change the teaching models: the teacher’s role, issues regarding classroom organisational, the teaching and learning processes, and the interaction mechanisms.

The consequences of job insecurity for employees: The moderator role of job dependence

Abstract: With globalization and increased international competition have come more flexible forms of employment and increased job insecurity. The authors address the impact of perceived job insecurity on employees' work attitudes and intentions. After reviewing relevant research on stress theory and the relationship between job insecurity and its consequences, they test two hypotheses on 942 employees in Spain, namely: first, that job insecurity relates negatively to job satisfaction and organiza- tional commitment and positively to intention to leave; and, second, that job insecur- ity, economic need and employability interact in the prediction of these outcomes. s a result of globalization and international competition, the labour mar- A ket has undergone rapid change over recent decades. Organizations have therefore had recourse to various measures to reduce costs and increase efficiency, for example downsizing, restructuring, merging, privatization and outsourcing (Hellgren and Sverke, 2003; Allen et al., 2001; Reisel and Banai, 2002; Tivendell and Bourbonnais, 2000; Probst, 2003). Out of these transform- ations there have emerged new forms of employment relationship based on flexi- bility - and these can increase workers' feelings of insecurity about actual jobs (Sverke and Goslinga, 2003; Chirumbolo and Hellgren, 2003). Job insecurity has been defined as "perceived powerlessness to maintain desired continuity in a threatened job situation" (Greenhalgh and Rosenblatt, 1984, p. 438). In re- sponse to job insecurity, workers' attitudes evolve in ways that can have import- ant consequences for their health and behaviour (Davy, Kinicki and Scheck,

Verification-driven slicing of UML/OCL models

Abstract: Model defects are a significant concern in the Model-Driven Development (MDD) paradigm, as model transformations and code generation may propagate errors to other notations where they are harder to detect and trace. Formal verification techniques can check the correctness of a model, but their high computational complexity can limit their scalability. In this paper, we consider a specific static model (UML class diagrams annotated with unrestricted OCL constraints) and a specific property to verify (satisfiability, i.e., "is it possible to create objects without violating any constraint?"). Current approaches to this problem have an exponential worst-case runtime. We propose a technique to improve their scalability by partitioning the original model into submodels (slices) which can be verified independently and where irrelevant information has been abstracted. The definition of the slicing procedure ensures that the property under verification is preserved after partitioning.

Putting Digital Literacy in Practice: How Schools Contribute to Digital Inclusion in the Network Society

Abstract: In the sociology of childhood and youth, children have been conceptualized as passive subjects on hold, still in the process of becoming—rather than in an effective state of being In effect, children have been conceptualized as the subjects rather than the objects of the research process This influence got carried over to digital divide research The latest thinking in the field has started to define and understand children and young people as heterogeneous, nonpassive, autonomous, diverse, and versatile agents actively appropriating the Internet in meaningful contexts of their everyday lives This article seeks to move the discourse forward via four parallel binary logistic regressions that assess diverse and socially mediated opportunities needed to learn basic digital skills from a representative sample of 6,602 primary and secondary students from 350 schools and high schools in Catalonia, Spain Our research shows that the school appears to be playing a secondary role, as compared with children and young people's social practice in heterogenic contexts of everyday life, not only for Internet training but also for providing opportunities to develop and master basic digital skills

Toward a Longitudinal Model of e-Commerce: Environmental, Technological, and Organizational Drivers of B2C Adoption

Abstract: Despite the important benefits for firms of commercial initiatives on the Internet, e-commerce is still an emerging distribution channel, even in developed countries. Thus, more needs to be known about the mechanisms affecting its development. A large number of works have studied firms' e-commerce adoption from technological, intraorganizational, institutional, or other specific perspectives, but there is a need for adequately tested integrative frameworks. Hence, this work proposes and tests a model of firms' business-to-consumer (called B2C) e-commerce adoption that is founded on a holistic vision of the phenomenon. With this integrative approach, the authors analyze the joint influence of environmental, technological, and organizational factors; moreover, they evaluate this effect over time. Using various representative Spanish data sets covering the period 1996-2005, the findings demonstrate the suitability of the holistic framework. Likewise, some lessons are learned from the analysis of the key building blocks. In particular, the current study provides evidence for the debate about the effect of competitive pressure, since the findings show that competitive pressure disincentivizes e-commerce adoption in the long term. The results also show that the development or enrichment of the consumers' consumption patterns, the technological readiness of the market forces, the firm's global scope, and its competences in innovation continuously favor e-commerce adoption.

Analysis and improvement of a pseudorandom number generator for EPC Gen2 tags

Abstract: The EPC Gen2 is an international standard that proposes the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the supply chain. It is designed to balance cost and functionality. The development of Gen2 tags faces, in fact, several challenging constraints such as cost, compatibility regulations, power consumption, and performance requirements. As a consequence, security on board of Gen2 tags is often minimal. It is, indeed, mainly based on the use of on board pseudorandomness. This pseudorandomness is used to blind the communication between readers and tags; and to acknowledge the proper execution of password-protected operations. Gen2 manufacturers are often reluctant to show the design of their pseudorandom generators. Security through obscurity has always been ineffective. Some open designs have also been proposed. Most of them fail, however, to prove their correctness. We analyze a recent proposal presented in the literature and demonstrate that it is, in fact, insecure.We propose an alternative mechanism that fits the Gen2 constraints and satisfies the security requirements.

Moderating influence of organizational justice on the relationship between job insecurity and its outcomes: A multilevel analysis:

Abstract: A great amount of research has illustrated the evident prevalence of job insecurity in working life and its harmful outcomes for employees and organizations. Some authors have identified factors that can reduce this negative influence. However, up until now, most of these factors have only been studied at an individual level, without taking into account the fact that contextual conditions can play a moderating role in organizations. Following this perspective, this article analyses the moderator role of organizational justice and organizational justice climate in the relationship between job insecurity and its outcomes. The study was carried out with a sample of 942 employees from 47 Spanish organizations and a subsample composed of 597 employees from 29 of these organizations. The results showed that both organizational justice and organizational justice climate moderated the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction and intention to leave the organization.

The grape phylloxera plague as a natural experiment: the upkeep of vineyards in catalonia (spain), 1858–1935

Abstract: This paper analyses the impact in Catalonia of the grape Phylloxera plague in Europe (1865–90). A statistical model is used to analyse the economic resilience of 35 districts in Catalonia to this external ecological and economic shock, and to explain why districts in the provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona resumed growing wine grapes after the plague, in contrast to districts in Girona and Lleida provinces. The opportunity cost of labour, the demand pull of Barcelona’s commercial growth, and the agro-climatic suitability of land for growing grapes are used to explain the differing capacities of districts to endure the Phylloxera plague in Catalonia. aehr_271 39..61

A parallel grid-based implementation for real-time processing of event log data of collaborative applications

Abstract: Collaborative applications usually register user interaction in the form of semi-structured plain text event log data. Extracting and structuring of data is a prerequisite for later key processes such as the analysis of interactions, assessment of group activity, or the provision of awareness and feedback. Yet, in real situations of online collaborative activity, the processing of log data is usually done offline since structuring event log data is, in general, a computationally costly process and the amount of log data tends to be very large. Techniques to speed and scale up the structuring and processing of log data with minimal impact on the performance of the collaborative application are thus desirable to be able to process log data in real time. In this paper, we present a parallel grid-based implementation for processing in real time the event log data generated in collaborative applications. Our results show the feasibility of using grid middleware to speed and scale up the process of structuring and processing semi-structured event log data. The Grid prototype follows the Master Worker (MW) paradigm. It is implemented using the Globus Toolkit (GT) and is tested on the Planetlab platform.

Usability of upper level ontologies: The case of ResearchCyc

Abstract: Repositories of knowledge about the real world are intended to serve as surrogates for the meaning and context of terms and concepts. These are being developed at two levels: (1) individual domain ontologies that capture concepts about a particular application domain; and (2) upper level ontologies that contain massive amounts of knowledge about the real world and are domain independent. This paper analyzes ResearchCyc, a version of Cyc, that attempts to capture common sense knowledge of the real world. Experience in applying ResearchCyc to web query processing is reported and the insights acquired are used to generate suggestions for improving the usability of upper level ontologies.

Enhancing knowledge management in online collaborative learning

Abstract: This paper aims to explore two crucial aspects of collaborative work and learning: on the one hand, the importance of enabling collaborative learning applications to capture and structure the information generated by group activity and, on the other hand, to extract the relevant knowledge in order to provide learners and tutors with efficient awareness, feedback and support with regards to group performance and collaboration. To this end, in this paper we first propose a conceptual model for data analysis and management that identifies and classifies the many kinds of indicators that describe collaboration and learning into high-level aspects of collaboration. Then, we provide a computational platform that, at a first step, collects and classifies both the event information generated asynchronously from the users' actions and the labeled dialogues from the synchronous collaboration according to these indicators. This information is then analyzed in next steps to eventually extract and present to participants the relevant knowledge about the collaboration. The ultimate aim of this platform is to efficiently embed information and knowledge into collaborative learning applications. We eventually suggest a generalization of our approach to be used in diverse collaborative learning situations and domains.

How Do Students Measure Service Quality in e-Learning? A Case Study regarding an Internet-Based University.

Abstract: This article discusses the importance of measuring how students perceive quality of service in online higher education The article also reviews the existing literature on measuring users’ perceptions about quality in e-services Even when there are a lot of articles on this matter, none of them focuses on e-learning services, so this paper tries to fill that gap The article proposes using the Critical Incident Technique to perform a qualitative analysis, which contributes to identify the main dimensions and categories that contribute to students’ perception of service quality A case study, regarding a completely online university, is presented and the proposed model is used to obtain some preliminary research results Among these, key quality dimensions from a student point of view are identified Some of these dimensions are: learning process, administrative processes, teaching materials and resources, etc After discussing the research results, a list of recommendations for university managers is formulated We believe that both the proposed methodology and the case-study recommendations can be of potential interest for managers of several universities offering online higher-education worldwide

Application of JXTA-overlay platform for secure robot control

Abstract: In this paper, we present the evaluation and experimental results of secured robot control in a P2P system. The control system is based on JXTA-Overlay platform. We used secure primitives and functions of JXTA-Overlay for the secure control of the robot motors. We investigated the time of robot control for some scenarios with different number of peers connected in JXTA-Overlay network. All experiments are realised in a LAN environment. The experimental results show that with the join of other peers in the network, the average time of robot control is increased, but the difference between the secure and unsecure robot control average time is nearly the same.

Needs and challenges for online language teachers - the ECML project DOTS

Abstract: The growing use of digital technologies in educatio nal settings, paralleled by a paradigm change in educational theory from an instructivist transmi sion approach to constructivist and sociocultural theories of learning, demands more ad apted teacher training programs, both technical and pedagogical. Looking at factors influ encing teachers’ implementation of ICT in the foreign language classroom and guided by the re sults of a needs analysis survey conducted among twenty six language teachers from twenty five different European countries, the DOTS project aims to develop an online workspace with bi te-s zed learning objects for autonomous Teaching English with Technology – Developing Online Teaching Skills Special Issue, 10(2), 5-20. 6 use by language professionals, particularly freelan ce teachers who frequently miss out on the training opportunities provided for their full-time colleagues. 1. Using ICT in language teaching With the development of digital technologies over t he past decades, the possibilities for learning and teaching languages have changed dramat ic lly, and a plethora of ICT tools allow for a more learner-centred approach and an increase d focus on interaction among students and between students and teachers. This links in with a par digm change in educational theory from an instructivist transmission approach to cons tructivist and sociocultural theories of learning which are informed by pedagogical principl es such as interaction, collaboration, learner control, and community. A report on a Europ e-wide survey on the impact of ICT in teaching and learning foreign languages (Fitzpatric k and Davies, 2003) argues that this change also needs to be reflected in changing teach er/learner roles. Yet while the use of digital technologies in educat ional settings has been growing and teachers increasingly use computer-assisted languag e le rning (CALL) in their classrooms, pedagogical developments have not always kept pace with this. This is particularly true in relation to the use of interactive and collaborativ e Web 2.0 tools such as forums, blogs and wikis. The European Parliament and the Council of Europe r ecommend eight key competences for every citizen of the knowledge soci ety (The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, 2006): 1) communication in the mother tongue; 2) communication in foreign languages; 3) mathematical competence and basic competences in sc ience and technology; 4) digital competence; 5) learning to learn; 6) social and civic competences; 7) sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; 8) cultural awareness and expression. (p. 13). Several of these competences are directly or indire ctly related to language learning and the use of ICT, namely communication in the mother tongue and in foreign languages (cf. points 1 and 2), digital and technological competen ce (cf. points 3 and 4), learning to learn (cf. point 5) and intercultural and social competences ( f. points 6 and 8). Teaching English with Technology – Developing Online Teaching Skills Special Issue, 10(2), 5-20. 7 In the preamble to the language policy of the EU la nguages in particular are seen as ‘a basic building block’ in the European Union’s effor ts to contribute “to the development of quality education by promoting citizens’ mobility, designing joint study programmes, establishing networks, exchanging information, and through a commitment to lifelong learning”, thus enabling its citizens to take advan tage of the educational opportunities created by an integrated Europe ( http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/eu-language policy/index_en.htm). In 2009 the EU Education Council also highlighted t he role that teachers have in promoting languages ( http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/eu-language policy/index_en.htm). The Lisbon strategy emphasises the need to “take steps to ensure that all the teachers involved are qualified in the use of these [new] technologies” (http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/lisbon_strategy_ n.htm). It is crucial, however, that training should go beyond the acquisition of techni al skills and include the pedagogical implementation of such skills in the language class room. As Hubbard and Levy (2006, ix) stress: “there is a need for both technical and ped agogical training in CALL, ideally integrated with one another”. In order to do this successfully , teachers first and foremost need to develop and continually enhance these competences themselve s, and they need to be equipped with the skills to independently acquire new knowledge a nd pply this knowledge in their teaching. The need for development of teacher training is par ticularly pressing for freelance language teachers [ 1] in higher, adult, and vocational education. Langu age professionals in these areas often do not require a teaching qualifi cation, and the training programmes that are available do not necessarily include the use of ICT . While there is no shortage of good online materials for online teaching of languages (e.g. http://www.camsoftpartners.co.uk/freestuff.htm ), much effort and cost in creating online language learning material is wasted without the ad quate training of teachers to use it. To ensure that both teachers and learners have access to online technologies and new ways of learning, the time-constraints of part-time staff n eed to be taken into account and more justin-time training opportunities need to be developed , providing teachers with general training in the use of ICT and supporting them with specific training in online teaching and learning of languages. 2. Language teachers and ICT: institutional, social and professional constraints Three major factors need to be considered in relati on o language teachers’ interest and motivation in using ICTs in their classes: Teaching English with Technology – Developing Online Teaching Skills Special Issue, 10(2), 5-20. 8 • the type of institution(s) where they work • their social status • their self-perception as a teacher. 2.1. The type of institution The teaching environment of a particular institutio n determines to what extent language teachers are expected to use ICT in their teaching and to what extent it is genuinely feasible for them to integrate online teaching into their cl asses. The institutional expectations may be established within a pedagogical framework, but the successful implementation of these is dependent both on the technical environment and the institutional support provided (see Maver, this volume). On the one hand, the amount of computers and types of applications available to teachers and students are crucial poin ts. On the other hand, institutional help in the form of ICT training programmes and pedagogical support is crucial for overcoming the anxiety and fear of some teachers concerning the us e and the usefulness of online teaching (Karasavvidis, 2009). While we can still find a cer tain amount of institutional resistance towards online teaching, this is expected to dimini sh over time as new generations of teachers and students emerge, for whom the use of ICT is the norm and not the exception. 2.2. Teachers’ social status While the institutional environment plays an import ant role, teachers’ social status often proves to be the decisive factor in integrating (mo re) online teaching into their classes. Johnson (1997) states that [t]eachers in many national contexts – some would s ay in most – tend to be underpaid and overworked, often operating in difficult physical a nd psychological conditions. The occupation of EFL/ESL teaching as a whole lacks the status of established professions such as medicine and law. Many teachers work without job security or ben efits. (p. 682) Vielau (2001) describes the precarious professional situation of freelance language teachers at German adult education colleges and que stions whether these institutions should expect professionalism from their freelance languag e teachers if they cannot guarantee any job security. The author concludes that in a rapidl y changing world in which the educational sector often suffers from severe under-financing, f reelance language teachers should see their status as permanent rather than transitional and co sequently adopt a professional attitude towards their teaching which includes an awareness of the importance of qualifications and the quality of their work. Teaching English with Technology – Developing Online Teaching Skills Special Issue, 10(2), 5-20. 9 However, given the time and financial constraints o ften experienced by freelance language teachers, there are undoubtedly fewer oppo rtunities for (self-) training and (self-) development in the use of ICT than for fully-employ ed language teachers who have access to their institution’s financial, pedagogical and tech nical resources. 2.3. Teachers’ self perception In the plenary talk at the 2010 IATEFL conference, T ssa Woodward (2010) addressed the topic of “The Professional Life Cycles of Teachers” . Based mainly on work by Huberman (1989), Woodward suggests that teachers pass throug different stages in their professional lives and in their self-perception as teachers; sta ges which include experimentation and activism as well as reassessment and self-doubt. It seems that teachers who consistently invest in classroom experiments are more likely to be sati sfied in later stages of their professional life cycles than their peers who focus their effort s on school-wide or district-wide activities. The implications of these findings for the purpose f this article are twofold. Firstly, the model of a professional life cycle can help lan guage teachers to become aware of their self-perception as teachers and subsequently decide to invest in their self-development in order to actively combat disengagement and burn-out . This may well lead to more teachers experimenting with ICT in order to discover ways in which online teaching can enhance their teaching. Secondly, teacher educati

Customer Relationship Management applied to higher education: developing an e-monitoring system to improve relationships in electronic learning environments

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has usually been associated with business contexts. However, it has recently been pointed out that its principles and applications are also very appropriate for non-profit making organisations. In this article, we defend the broadening of the field of application of CRM from the business domain to a wider context of relationships in which the inclusion of non-profit making organisations seems natural. In particular, we focus on analysing the suitability of adopting CRM processes by universities and higher educational institutions dedicated to electronic learning (e-learning). This is an issue that has much potential but has received little attention in research so far. Our work reflects upon this matter and provides a new step towards a CRM solution for managing relationships of specific customers, such as students. Indeed, the main contribution of this article is specifically characterised by the proposal and empirical application of an e-monitoring system that aims to enhance the performance of relationships in e-learning environments.

Towards energy-efficient reactive thermal management in instrumented datacenters

Abstract: Virtual Machine (VM) migration is one of the most common techniques used to alleviate thermal anomalies (i.e., hotspots) in cloud datacenter's servers of by reducing the load and, therefore, decreasing the server utilization. However, there are other techniques such as voltage scaling that also can be applied to reduce the temperature of the servers in datacenters. Because no single technique is the most efficient to meet temperature/performance optimization goals in all situations, we work towards an autonomic approach that performs energy-efficient thermal management while ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) delivered to the users. In this paper, we explore ways to take actions to reduce energy consumption at the server side before performing costly migrations of VMs. Specifically, we focus on exploiting VM Monitor (VMM) configurations, such as pinning techniques in Xen platforms, which are complementary to other techniques at the physical server layer such as using low power modes. To support the arguments of our approach, we present the results obtained from an experimental evaluation on real hardware using High Performance Computing (HPC) workloads on different scenarios.

Psychological elements explaining the consumer's adoption and use of a website recommendation system: A theoretical framework proposal

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand, with an emphasis on the psychological perspective of the research problem, the consumer's adoption and use of a certain web site recommendation system as well as the main psychological outcomes involved.Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of theoretical modelling.Findings – A conceptual model is proposed and discussed. A total of 20 research propositions are theoretically analyzed and justified.Research limitations/implications – The theoretical discussion developed here is not empirically validated. This represents an opportunity for future research.Practical implications – The ideas extracted from the discussion of the conceptual model should be a help for recommendation systems designers and web site managers, so that they may be more aware, when working with such systems, of the psychological process consumers undergo when interacting with them. In this regard, numerous practical reflections and suggestions are presented.Origi...