Showing papers by "Østfold University College published in 2014"
TL;DR: The results show that vitamin C and E supplements blunted the endurance training‐induced increase of mitochondrial proteins (COX4), which is important for improving muscular endurance, and the results indicate that high dosages of vitamins C andE should be used with caution.
Abstract: In this double-blind, randomised, controlled trial, we investigated the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on endurance training adaptations in humans. Fifty-four young men and women were randomly allocated to receive either 1000 mg of vitamin C and 235 mg of vitamin E or a placebo daily for 11 weeks. During supplementation, the participants completed an endurance training programme consisting of three to four sessions per week (primarily of running), divided into high-intensity interval sessions [4-6 × 4-6 min; >90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax)] and steady state continuous sessions (30-60 min; 70-90% of HRmax). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max ), submaximal running and a 20 m shuttle run test were assessed and blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected, before and after the intervention. Participants in the vitamin C and E group increased their VO2 max (mean ± s.d.: 8 ± 5%) and performance in the 20 m shuttle test (10 ± 11%) to the same degree as those in the placebo group (mean ± s.d.: 8 ± 5% and 14 ± 17%, respectively). However, the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX4) and cytosolic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α) increased in the m. vastus lateralis in the placebo group by 59 ± 97% and 19 ± 51%, respectively, but not in the vitamin C and E group (COX4: -13 ± 54%; PGC-1α: -13 ± 29%; P ≤ 0.03, between groups). Furthermore, mRNA levels of CDC42 and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in the trained muscle were lower in the vitamin C and E group than in the placebo group (P ≤ 0.05). Daily vitamin C and E supplementation attenuated increases in markers of mitochondrial biogenesis following endurance training. However, no clear interactions were detected for improvements in VO2 max and running performance. Consequently, vitamin C and E supplementation hampered cellular adaptations in the exercised muscles, and although this did not translate to the performance tests applied in this study, we advocate caution when considering antioxidant supplementation combined with endurance exercise.
244 citations
TL;DR: The NPC Scale, which is based on national and international professional competence requirements for nurses, was comprehensively tested and showed satisfactory psychometrical properties.
116 citations
TL;DR: A research model is developed that examines the effect of information overload and information disorganisation upon customers’ perceived risk and purchase intention online in a single integrative model and suggests a positive relationship betweenInformation overload and customer purchase intention and that internet experience reinforces this positive effect.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a research model that examines the effect of information overload and information disorganisation upon customers’ perceived risk and purchase intention online in a single integrative model. In addition the paper investigates whether internet experience moderates these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the paper's objectives an experiment that involved visiting the ten most visited e-commerce web sites in Spain was conducted. Hypotheses were tested by using structural equation modelling on a data set of 1,396 online shopping customers. Findings – The results suggest a positive relationship between information overload and customer purchase intention and that internet experience reinforces this positive effect. Moreover the results confirm that the relationship between information disorganisation and customer purchase intention is not significant and that internet experience does not moderate the relationship. The findings also indicate...
66 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relation to knowledge among novice teachers in a research-based program in Finland and a general professional program in Norway and found that teachers used more specialized language to frame their conceptions and their knowledge relations reflected a stronger classification and framing than those of the Norwegian teachers.
Abstract: This article examines relations to knowledge among novice teachers educated in a research-based program in Finland and a general professional program in Norway. The curricula of the 2 programs differ in distinct ways with regard to selection and organization of knowledge. We ask whether such differences also play out in the relations to knowledge of the 2 groups of teachers. Bernstein's concepts of knowledge discourses, classification, and framing are employed to analyze in-depth interviews with 12 teachers. The analysis revealed many similarities on the surface, but a closer examination of the teachers' use of professional language revealed significant differences. The Finnish teachers used more specialized language to frame their conceptions, and their knowledge relations reflected a stronger classification and framing than those of the Norwegian teachers. We discuss how these differences may be related to their educational programs, and the possible implications for the teachers' professional identities.
50 citations
TL;DR: Thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with nurses revealed that unclear outcomes, lack of support and culture, fear of vilification and conflicts, unclear routines, technological knowledge and confidence, time and degree of severity were the main drivers of not reporting incidents.
46 citations
TL;DR: The roadmap is intended to provide guidance for organizations in the life sciences regarding the governance of health data processing and storage and is part of a special issue on life sciences computing.
Abstract: The authors analyze legal regulation issues surrounding cloud computing in healthcare. As a result of the authors' expertise in cloud-based data processing for organizations in the areas of healthcare and life sciences, they propose an implementation roadmap. The roadmap is intended to provide guidance for organizations in the life sciences regarding the governance of health data processing and storage. This article is part of a special issue on life sciences computing.
43 citations
TL;DR: This work introduces a Business Process Improvement methodology for overcoming this limitation by integrating process improvement with big data based DSSs.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an alternative coating profile with a comblike profile is proposed and investigated and the band structures are calculated using the finite element method, and it is shown that a complete bandgap can be induced at a significantly low frequency, the wavelength of which is more than 20 times the lattice constant.
Abstract: Two-dimensional ternary locally resonant phononic crystals can be used for vibration control and noise insulation in the low (even audible) frequency range. They traditionally consist of cylindrical scatterers with uniform coatings in their exterior. An alternative coating profile with a comblike profile is proposed and investigated in this paper. The band structures are calculated using the finite element method. We find that a complete bandgap can be induced at a significantly low frequency, the wavelength of which is more than 20 times the lattice constant. The mechanism for such a change is suggested using an equivalent spring–mass model and analyzing the eigenmodes at the bandgap edges. Numerical results and the results predicted by the spring–mass model are coherent.
33 citations
TL;DR: Strain-specific responses were observed and strains of human origin had a higher impact on macrophages compared to strains of food origin, and Gram-negative strains induced high levels of cytokine secretion compared to the Gram-positive strains.
Abstract: Macrophages are important with respect to both innate and adaptive immune responses and are known to differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1- or anti-inflammatory M2-phenotypes following activation. In order to study how different bacteria affect macrophage polarization, we exposed murine RAW 264.7 macrophages to sixteen different strains representing probiotic strains, pathogens, commensals and strains of food origin. Increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or arginase-1 gene expression indicates M1 or M2 polarization, respectively, and was quantified by qRT-PCR. Strains of Escherichia and Salmonella elevated iNOS expression more so than strains of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, indicating that Gram-negative strains are more potent M1 inducers. However, strain-specific responses were observed. For instance, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 was a poor inducer of iNOS gene expression compared to the other E. coli strains, while Enterococcus faecalis Symbioflor-1 was more potent in this respect compared to all the eleven Gram-positive strains tested. Macrophage polarization was further characterized by quantifying secreted pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Exposure to the pathogen E. coli 042 produced a cytokine profile indicating M1 differentiation, which is in accordance with the PCR data. However, exposure to most strains resulted in either high or low secretion levels of all cytokines tested, rather than a clear M1 or M2 profile. In general, the Gram-negative strains induced high levels of cytokine secretion compared to the Gram-positive strains. Interestingly, strains of human origin had a higher impact on macrophages compared to strains of food origin.
32 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this special issue was to collect innovative and high-quality research contributions regarding the advances in the healthcare domain that are enabled by the use of cloud computing architectures and techniques.
Abstract: The emergence of cloud computing leads to new developments for diverse application domains. This is particularly true for healthcare with its tremendous importance in today's society, thus making it worth to investigate the relevant perspectives and insights. In this special issue, readers will find the foundations together with cutting-edge developments in the state-of-the-art of cloud computing based systems for healthcare.
Cloud computing is getting increasing attention and represents nowadays one of the most important research topics in computing science and information systems. Cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardware and software systems within the data centers which provide those services. Cloud is now seen as a valid strategy and specific applications based on these technologies have become widespread.
Healthcare, as with any other service operation, has been impacted by the cloud computing phenomenon with the literature reporting both benefits and challenges of cloud computing in the area. However, the evolving nature of science and technology creates new scenarios that must be studied using interdisciplinary and holistic means.
The aim of this special issue was to collect innovative and high-quality research contributions regarding the advances in the healthcare domain that are enabled by the use of cloud computing architectures and techniques. The focus is intended to be integral for cloud computing in healthcare, but emphasizing not only the IT side of the phenomenon but also the managerial and the health practitioner side.
Editors received a considerable amount of submissions that were peer-reviewed by top experts in the field. Based on the reviews and our reading of the papers, editors selected seven high-quality ones to be published. Contributions of these papers are summarized as follows.
Two contributions deal with scenarios where cloud computing can serve as an enabler for improved decision making and contribute to systemic improvements in healthcare domain. In “Usalpharma: a cloud-based architecture to support Quality Assurance training processes in health area using Virtual Worlds” by F. J. Garcia-Penalvo et al., the authors discuss ways cloud-based architectures can extend and enhance the functionality of training environments based on Virtual Worlds with focus on training processes in Quality Assurance for pharmaceutical laboratories. In “Cloud based meta-learning system for predictive modeling of biomedical data” by M. Vukicevic et al., the authors propose a cloud-based system that integrates a meta-learning framework for ranking and selection of the best predictive algorithms for data at hand and open-source big data technologies for analysis of biomedical data.
Two contributions focus on the topics of risk and security as management issues in cloud computing based systems for healthcare. In “Proposal for a security management in cloud computing for health care” K. by Haufe et al., the authors propose a framework that aims to cover the most important security processes related to cloud computing in the healthcare sector. The approach considers both the standards of the ISO 27000 family, as well as specific aspects of healthcare organizations using cloud computing. In “Risks and crises for healthcare providers: the impact of cloud computing” by R. Glasberg et al., the multidisciplinary team of authors analyze risks and crises for healthcare providers and discuss the impact of cloud computing in such scenarios.
Three contributions deal with specific healthcare-related use cases of cloud computing in diverse application scenarios. In “SAMuS: service-oriented architecture for multisensor surveillance in smart homes,” S. Van Hoecke et al. present the design of a service-oriented architecture (SOA) for multisensor surveillance in smart homes. The solution is evaluated by building a smart Kinect sensor that is able to dynamically switch between IR and RGB and improves person detection by incorporating feedback from pressure sensors within the SOA. In “A cloud-based X73 ubiquitous mobile healthcare system: design and implementation” by Z. Ji et al., a ubiquitous mobile healthcare uHealth system is presented. It is based on the ISO/IEEE11073 personal health data (PHD) standards (X73) and cloud computing techniques. In “An expert fitness diagnosis system based on elastic cloud computing,” K. C. Tseng et al. describe an expert diagnosis system based on cloud computing that is able to classify a user's fitness level based on supervised machine learning techniques. This system uses parameters such as user's physiological data, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) and utilizes an elastic algorithm based on Poisson distribution to allocate computation resources dynamically.
The special issue editors would like to take this opportunity to thank the authors for their papers and the reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions. Special thanks also to the editorial team for its help and also for providing us an opportunity to edit this special issue.
30 citations
TL;DR: Among patients with UC, but not CD, CAM use was associated with severe fatigue interference, and the relationship between fatigue interference and personal factors should be considered further in subsequent studies.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine fatigue interference with daily living in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to explore relationships between severe fatigue interference and socio-demographic and clinical variables, including use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from adult IBD outpatients. Fatigue interference was assessed with the 5-item Fatigue Severity Scale, and scores ≥5 were defined as severe fatigue interference. CAM use was assessed with the International CAM Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between severe fatigue interference and socio-demographic factors, clinical factors, and CAM use. In total, 428 patients had evaluable questionnaires (response rate 93 %). Severe fatigue interference was reported by 39 % of the total sample. Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 238) were more likely than patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 190) to report severe fatigue interference (43 and 33 %, respectively, p = 0.003). In addition, patients reporting severe fatigue interference were more likely to have active disease than patients without severe fatigue interference (p < 0.001 for both diagnoses). Patients with inactive disease had scores comparable to the general population. Factors independently associated with severe fatigue interference in UC included disease activity and CAM use, while in CD they included disease activity and current smoking. Severe fatigue interference is common among IBD patients with active disease. Among patients with UC, but not CD, CAM use was associated with severe fatigue interference. The relationship between fatigue interference and personal factors should be considered further in subsequent studies.
TL;DR: In this paper, several polysaccharides have been added to pluronic F127 (poloxamer 407) gels to test their ability to stabilize the gels against dissolution in aqueous media over time.
Abstract: Several different polysaccharides have been added to pluronic F127 (poloxamer 407) gels to test their ability to stabilizethe gels against dissolution in aqueous media over time. The studied polysaccharides include j-carrageenan, chitosan, hyaluronicacid, pectin, alginate, hydroxyethylcellulose, and ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose. Although all the considered polysaccharides sloweddown the dissolution time of the pluronic gels, unmodified polysaccharides only had a modest stabilization effect. However, hydro-phobic modification of polysaccharides with a sufficiently long hydrocarbon chain (C 16 ) was found to partly prevent the gels fromdissolving for more than 6 months. Shorter hydrocarbon chains did not have the same effect, even at high degrees of hydrophobicity. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40465. KEYWORDS: gels; polysaccharides; stimuli-sensitive polymers; grafting; self-assemblyReceived 5 November 2013; accepted 16 January 2014DOI: 10.1002/app.40465INTRODUCTION
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of nursing personnel with respect to patient participation in special care units for persons with dementia in nursing homes, with focus on everyday life.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of nursing personnel with respect to patient participation in special care units for persons with dementia in nursing homes, with focus on everyday life. The study has an explorative grounded theory design. Eleven nursing personnel were interviewed twice. Patient participation is regarded as being grounded in the idea that being master of one's own life is essential to the dignity and self-esteem of all people. Patient participation was described at different levels as letting the resident make their own decisions, adjusting the choices, making decisions on behalf of the residents and forcing the residents. The educational level and commitment of the nursing personnel and how often they were on duty impacted the level that each person applied, as did the ability of the residents to make decisions, and organizational conditions, such as care culture, leadership and number of personnel.
TL;DR: Improvements suggested by participants included having separate pathways for doctors with purely health issues, less use of legalistic language, and a more personal approach with for example individualised undertakings or conditions.
Abstract: Objective To explore the views of sick doctors on their experiences with the General Medical Council (GMC) and their perception of the impact of GMC involvement on return to work. Design Qualitative study. Setting UK. Participants Doctors who had been away from work for at least 6 months with physical or mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems, GMC involvement or any combination of these, were eligible for inclusion into the study. Eligible doctors were recruited in conjunction with the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, the GMC and the Practitioner Health Programme. These organisations approached 77 doctors; 19 participated. Each doctor completed an in-depth semistructured interview. We used a constant comparison method to identify and agree on the coding of data and the identification of central themes. Results 18 of the 19 participants had a mental health, addiction or substance misuse problem. 14 of the 19 had interacted with the GMC. 4 main themes were identified: perceptions of the GMC as a whole; perceptions of GMC processes; perceived health impacts and suggested improvements. Participants described the GMC processes they experienced as necessary, and some elements as supportive. However, many described contact with the GMC as daunting, confusing and anxiety provoking. Some were unclear about the role of the GMC and felt that GMC communication was unhelpful, particularly the language used in correspondence. Improvements suggested by participants included having separate pathways for doctors with purely health issues, less use of legalistic language, and a more personal approach with for example individualised undertakings or conditions. Conclusions While participants recognised the need for a regulator, the processes employed by the GMC and the communication style used were often distressing, confusing and perceived to have impacted negatively on their mental health and ability to return to work.
25 Jun 2014
TL;DR: The result of the analysis reflects some tendencies in research that target the development of software process assessment and SIP models for supporting the standard, the performance, creation and utilization of deployment packages, pilot projects and ISO/IEC 29110 standard implementation approaches.
Abstract: The software industry recognizes the value of VSEs in contributing valuable products and services. Unfortunately current ISO/IEC standards do not completely address the needs of VSEs. Due to this, the ISO/IEC 29110 standard has been developed. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the initiative by means of a systematic literature review of the ISO/IEC 29110 standard. This analysis was conducted using the most significant bibliographic databases. The result of the analysis reflects some tendencies in research that target the development of software process assessment and SIP models for supporting the standard, the performance, creation and utilization of deployment packages, pilot projects and ISO/IEC 29110 standard implementation approaches, the encouragement on concluding the remaining profiles or the creation of new profiles and the design, development and implementation of documentation and knowledge management tools in order to support the adoption of the standard by VSEs.
TL;DR: This paper found that there has been a significant deterioration in the exam performance of minority schools relative to that of majority schools after the reform year 2004, and negative effects were most pronounced in the early years following the reform.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the possibilities of sub-Saharan Africa as a sourcing destination in the software field and found that there are many disadvantages and difficulties impeding Nigeria from becoming a preferred sourcing destination, mainly the absence of a strong software industry and the concerns about legislative, fiscal and commercial premises.
Abstract: In recent years, several emergent regions have become software development sourcing countries. This article investigates the possibilities of sub-Saharan Africa as a sourcing destination in the software field. To find out the reasons why sub-Saharan Africa countries, in general, and Nigeria, in particular, are not considered a destination for global software development projects, the authors interviewed a set of professionals from Europe and Africa. Results indicate that there are many disadvantages and difficulties impeding Nigeria from becoming a preferred sourcing destination, mainly the absence of a strong software industry and the concerns about legislative, fiscal, and commercial premises. On the other hand, it is observed that there are also relevant added values and competitive advantages in Nigeria (English-speaking country, same time zone, and cost); therefore, it can become a potential target for software development outsourcing in the medium and long terms.
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: The need for adequate ICT infrastructure/facility in higher education institutions cannot be overemphasized, even as availability and utilization of these facilities are at times the indices for rating universities as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The need for adequate ICT infrastructure/facility in higher education institutions cannot be overemphasized, even as availability and utilization of these facilities are at times the indices for rating universities. In this descriptive survey study, ICT infrastructure and the extent of usage in Nigeria universities were investigated. Questionnaire was the instrument used for gathering information and based on related literature. A total of 452 respondents comprised of students, lecturers and administrators randomly selected from a total of 15 universities from different regions of Nigeria participated. Data collected were analyzed using mean statistic analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
TL;DR: GSE and FSS-5 contributed more to the variance in SOC than sociodemographic and disease-related variables, and longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the value of SOC as a predictor of disability, medication adherence, coping behavior, and health-related quality of life.
Abstract: Background and Aim. Sense of coherence (SOC) is a health-promoting concept reflecting a person's view of life and response to stressful situations and may be of importance in coping with chronic illness. The aim of this study was to explore associations between SOC and sociodemographic, disease-related, and personal characteristics in a sample of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods. Measures included sociodemographic and disease-related data, the Sense of Coherence Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-5). Results. In total, 428 IBD patients had evaluable questionnaires (response rate 93%). The overall mean SOC total score was 66.25 (SD 11.47) and with no statistically significant difference between patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and patients with Crohn's disease (CD). In the multivariate analyses, higher GSE scores were significantly associated with higher SOC scores and higher FSS-5 scores were significantly associated with lower SOC scores in both UC and CD. Conclusion. GSE and FSS-5 contributed more to the variance in SOC than sociodemographic and disease-related variables. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the value of SOC as a predictor of disability, medication adherence, coping behavior, and health-related quality of life.
TL;DR: This paper proposed a theoretical model of multiple stigma by describing how two stigma-related categories (having intellectual disabilities and being an inmate) merge into a third stigmatized category (being an inmate with intellectual disabilities) that makes it possible to be ostracized for each of these three.
Abstract: Even though some people are associated with a single stigmatized group, others are associated with several. In order to shed light on such multiple stigma processes, we propose a theoretical model of ‘multiple stigma’ by describing how two stigma-related categories (having intellectual disabilities and being an inmate) merge into a third stigmatized category (being an inmate with intellectual disabilities) that makes it possible to be ostracized for each of these three. We describe how this extensive ostracism is associated with negative psychological problems and antisocial responses. Consequently, we discuss some possible implications for the criminal justice system and future research.
TL;DR: This paper used frame analysis to classify gene-related information into five gene frames in the media and then used this information to teach media literacy in science class. But despite this curricular emphasis, there are few methods for teaching media literacy for science education.
Abstract: After completion of formal education, the mass media represent people's primary source of scientific information. Besides the traditional attention to scientific knowledge, national curricula are therefore increasingly emphasizing critical and reflexive engagement with media content as a key objective of science education. Despite this curricular emphasis, there are few methods for teaching media literacy in science class. Here, we apply frame analysis to meet this challenge. Based on a previously described framing scheme for classifying gene-related information into five gene frames, we developed a pilot teaching programme for upper secondary school biology. Thirty-four students from two parallel classes were taught how to identify gene frames in media texts. The programme was placed at the end of their conventional genetics teaching, so that the students already had a basic knowledge in genetics. Learning outcomes were evaluated with pre- and post-test word association maps and focus group interviews, a...
TL;DR: Results from an investigation amongst the largest cities in Norway, Denmark and Sweden concerning drivers and preferred methods for improving the old system indicate that Norway ranks flood prevention lower than the other Scandinavian countries.
Abstract: Pluvial flooding already challenges the capacity of drainage and sewerage system in urban areas in Scandinavia. For system owners this requires a stricter prioritization when improving the systems. Experts seem to agree that a regime shift from improving old combined sewers by piped solutions to more sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), must take place. In this paper results from an investigation amongst the largest cities in Norway, Denmark and Sweden concerning drivers and preferred methods for improving the old system are presented. The results indicate that Norway ranks flood prevention lower than the other Scandinavian countries. During the last decades, Norwegian authorities have had a strong focus on pollution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The attention to drainage and sewerage system regarding flooding, water leaks, infiltration or pollution has been neglected. Renewal or rate of investment in relation to existing drainage and sewerage system is easy to register, and provides a measure of the activity. In order to optimize flood prevention, and may be promoting the use of SuDS, the cities should be required to measure the efficiency, either by monitoring or modeling the impact of stormwater to the system. Lack of such requirements from Norwegian authorities seem to be a plausible explanation to why Norwegian cities are less focused on flood prevention compared to Swedish and Danish cities.
19 May 2014
TL;DR: The goal of a mobile application which displays real-time energy consumption information in a household is presented to increase energy awareness amongst the users, encourage energy savings and make the user avoid using larger amounts of energy during the energy peaks.
Abstract: The energy consumption in form of electricity in households is highly dependent on the behavior of the inhabitants. Timely feedback on the user's household energy consumption and energy saving advisory is the key to energy saving. In this paper, the concept of a mobile application which displays real-time energy consumption information in a household is presented. The goal is to increase energy awareness amongst the users, encourage energy savings and make the user avoid using larger amounts of energy during the energy peaks. A prototype using techniques such as visualization, gamification and social networking was developed and tested in regards to its goals and usability.
TL;DR: This paper will analyse the previous work on these topics and demonstrate first conclusions regarding a way forward on a symbiosis of the disciplines economics, psychology and information technology.
Abstract: The skill shortage is becoming an ever-increasing challenge for IT departments. Allocation of resources in the best possible way is even more important. The challenge is to improve the enterprise not only on the side of the organizational and process level, but to develop new strategies and approaches in human resource management. Only a symbiosis of the disciplines economics, psychology and information technology will enable relevant and indispensable employees and promote loyalty to the company. A frequent change of the work place, for a well-trained professional, is so long associated with normality until they find the best environment for fulfilling their needs and expectations. These expectations are no longer just on a financial level. This paper will analyse the previous work on these topics and demonstrate first conclusions regarding a way forward.
TL;DR: In this paper, the up-trading process has two key characteristics: first, it is equity induced and second, it impacts both the supply and demand sides of housing markets.
Abstract: Housing markets reflect our housing consumption profile over the life cycle. As we age, marry and have kids, we seek larger dwellings and to a greater extent owner-occupied housing. The up-trading process has two key characteristics: first, it is equity induced. Second, it impacts both the supply and demand sides of housing markets. This is our point of departure. The paper combines a housing ladder with a house price index to show how up-trading amplifies shocks and introduces a multiplier into the housing market. The interplay between market segments results in up-trading induced price dispersion and a price response in the segments on top of the ladder that exceeds those of segments further down, even when shocks are equal across market segments. Finally, as up-trading impacts both housing supply and housing demand, even balanced shocks to net demand might impact house prices. Focusing on different market segments, shocks to demand might have both direct (the size effect) and indirect (the up-t...
TL;DR: The authors shed some light on how the traditional knowledge management approach has changed to a networked approach of knowledge sharing and explain how social media is used as a business tool, in particular in Information Technology industry environments.
Abstract: Business improvement is a hot topic in all business areas. In the last years, the unstoppable emergence of the use of social media by organizations and individuals alike has opened this tool for knowledge networking purposes. In this paper, the authors shed some light on how the traditional knowledge management approach has changed to a networked approach of knowledge sharing. Authors also explain how social media is used as a business tool, in particular in Information Technology industry environments. ECQA Certified Social Media Networker Skills SIMS is a new qualification that is available from 2013 and is meant to train and certify experts in the use of social media as a business improvement enabler and as a means for knowledge networking in organizational settings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors empirically investigate the assumptions underlying a theoretical dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, the long-run and the short-run structure of the model may be imposed in the framework given by a cointegrated vector autoregression (CVAR) model.
Abstract: In order to empirically investigate the assumptions underlying a theoretical dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, the long-run and the short-run structure of the model may be imposed in the framework given by a cointegrated vector autoregression (CVAR) model. This allows testing restrictions pertaining to the model without filtering the data before estimating the model. A DSGE model which includes financial markets is tested in the CVAR framework, and restrictions from the theoretical model are mainly rejected. Comparing impulse response functions from the theoretical model and the restricted empirical model also show that the results from the theoretical model are not found in the data. This suggests that the theoretical model needs to be extended or modified before it can match the empirical observations.
TL;DR: In this paper, Wenders' film Wings of Desire is used to illustrate and explore Peirce's notion of experience and his claim that "experience is our great and only teacher".
Abstract: Wim Wenders' film Wings of Desire tells the story of an angel who wishes to become mortal in order to know the simple joy of human life. Told from the angel's point of view, the film is shot in black and white. But at the very instant the angel perceives the realities of human experience, the film blossoms into colour. In this article, I use this film to illustrate and explore Peirce's notion of experience and his claim that ‘experience is our great and only teacher’.
In his 1903 Harvard lectures, Peirce placed phenomenology at the heart of his philosophy, while outlining a notion of ‘experience’ that clearly integrates his semiotics, phenomenology and pragmatism. To Peirce, experience is a ‘brutally produced conscious effect’ that comes ‘out of practice’ and is a ‘forcible modification of our ways of thinking’. But as this modification is generated by the actions and flows of signs, it is pertinent to read Peirce's notion of experience in relation to his notion of semiosis. Consequently, a Peircean reading of Wings of Desire not only helps to explore how experience teaches, but also the ways in which the rudeness of experience cannot be fully understood without considering the sign's action.
19 May 2014
TL;DR: The results indicated that a collaborative competition would be a motivating factor for reducing energy consumption, and the social aspect of the competition seemed to enhance motivation further.
Abstract: Motivated by the need to reduce energy consumption and provide consumers with control over energy usage, I wanted to explore how smart energy meters can be combined with social media and data visualization, and utilized to facilitate energy awareness for household consumers. Furthermore, I wanted to explore if the concept of persuasive technology can be used to modify consumer behaviour, by motivating for energy savings and avoiding energy peaks. In order to create a prototype for such an application, similar cases have been studied, and households have been interviewed to discover what is preventing them from consuming less energy. Based on these results a low fidelity prototype of a collaborative competition in social media has been created. Both expert evaluation and usability testing were performed on the prototype. The results indicated that a collaborative competition would be a motivating factor for reducing energy consumption, and the social aspect of the competition seemed to enhance motivation further.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate the role of industrial structure and productivity growth imbalances in determining export growth, aggregate growth, and a country's transition trajectory in a two-sector supply-side model.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of industrial structure and productivity growth imbalances in determining export growth, aggregate growth, and a country's transition trajectory. The theoretical framework is a two-sector supply-side model of a small open economy with endogenous industrial structure and cross-sectoral subsidies. First, we show how a larger cross-sectoral productivity growth differential positively affects growth when industrial structure is given exogenously. Distinct industrial structures lead to distinct regimes: "high growth and low inflation" and "low growth and high inflation," respectively. Second, we endogenize the industrial structure. The condition under which a higher productivity growth differential positively affects growth is now related to an economy's structural flexibility. Distinguishing between regimes of a widening productivity growth gap across sectors, and, respectively, regimes of a narrowing gap, allows for a more refined assessment regarding whic...