Factors influencing the success of virtual cooperation within Dutch-Chinese strategic alliances

With the globalization wave taking place, companies are increasingly seeking\ud partnerships to gain and sustain competitive advantages. The rapid development of the Internet has speeded up such processes and Information and Communication\ud Technology (ICT) is enabling organizations to be flatter, networked, and more\ud flexible on a global level; and the distance and place are no longer the barriers to expand development, which provides a new way and channel for organizations, especially SMEs both in China and Europe, to gain advantages from cooperation and to create added value. Therefore, the research of how traditional international cooperation sustains and expands business relationships in the age of ‘going virtual’ has been executed. In order to research this phenomenon, International Virtual Alliance is defined as: An electronically-networked cooperation involving companies, from different countries, that envisage mutual benefits by delivering products or services on\ud the basis of common business understandings and a set of agreed goals and standards. The cooperating units provide their respective complementary assets and core competencies.\ud The key concept of this definition is the construction and operation of\ud electronic communication systems

A component based system for S-maintenance.

International audienceThanks to ICT, Web emergency and Internet, the achievement of maintenance services and monitoring can be performed automatically, remotely and through various distributed information systems. Hence the emergence of the concept of services offered through maintenance architectures, ranging from autonomic systems to integrated systems where knowledge management, cooperation and collaboration are vital to any operation. Into this context, new services like intelligent maintenance, self maintenance, etc are required. To this end, a new concept called s-maintenance is emerged. This concept defines a new generation of maintenance systems founded on a knowledge based system. While existing systems don't respond to the characteristics of this new generation of systems, we design in this paper an architecture of a maintenance component based system respecting the characteristics of s-maintenance. Each component in the system is defined to respond to one or many characteristics of this concept

Fundamentals of Earth Observation Policy: Examples for German and European Missions

Several European countries have developed their national high resolution earth observation systems. Some of them are operated in close cooperation with industrial partners, others are dual-use missions earmarked to fulfil the needs of national security. In addition, the European Space Agency and the European Commission have initiated the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) project. Therein, a fleet of satellites (SENTINELs) will deliver data for European wide information services, augmented by data from national and non-European earth observation systems. This new scenario needs clear guidance and regulations. Besides the principles for operations of earth observation missions – as set out in UN principles on earth observation – the operators of very high resolution missions require clear governmental acts which international users can be served and which data might be restricted in distribution. For national science and the SENTINEL-missions, a policy for free and open access is being developed to guarantee a maximum use of the data. Exemplified on the German national missions and the European GMES scenario, data policies and regulations for existing and new earth observation missions will be explained

The Challenge of Ensuring Business Security in Information Age

Every day, thousands of businesses rely on the services and information ensured by information and communication networks. As the dependence on information systems grows, so the security of information networks becomes ever more critical to any entity, no matter if it is a company or a public institution. The asymmetrical threat posed by cyber attacks and the inherent vulnerabilities of cyberspace constitute a serious security risk confronting all nations. For this reason, the cyber threats need to be addressed at the global level. Given the gravity of the threat and of the interests at stake, it is imperative that the comprehensive use of information technology solutions be supported by a high level of security measures and be embedded also in a broad and sophisticated cyber security culture. This paper provides arguments regarding the need to implement coherent information security policies at national level, based on cooperation between public and private sectors and in coordination with international initiatives in the field. Since information security is vital for developing and running an efficient business, this study may constitute a strategic approach to improve the information security posture of Romanian organizations.information security; information security risk management; security threats; confidentiality; integrity; availability.

Naval Vessel Traffic Services

Vessel traffic services (VTSs) ensure the safe and efficient handling of traffic on busy waterways like the English Channel and the approaches to New York. This technique, wherein electronic sensors and communication systems are used to manage traffic actively, can also be used in maritime security operations (MSOs) to enhance safety in areas with risks related to asymmetric threats.1 Nowadays a limited form of VTS is deployed for MSO situated in international waters. These services, provided by naval cooperation and guidance for shipping (NCAGS) organizations, are focused on building maritime domain awareness (MDA) and providing naval-related safety information to merchant shipping

Establishing a Sustainable Development Goal for Oceans and Coasts to Face the Challenges of our Future Ocean

Oceans regulate our climate, provide us with natural resources such as food, materials, substances, and energy and are essential for international trade, recreational, and cultural activities. Free access to and availability of ocean resources and services, together with human development, have put strong pressures on marine ecosystems, ranging from overfishing and reckless resource extraction to various channels of careless pollution. International cooperation and negotiations are required to protect the marine environment and use marine resources in a way that the needs of future generations will be met. For that purpose, developing and agreeing on a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Oceans and Coasts could be an essential element for sustainable ocean management. The SDGs will build upon the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and replace them by 2015. Even though ensuring environmental sustainability is one of the eight MDG goals, the ocean is not explicitly included. Furthermore, the creation of a comprehensive underlying set of oceanic sustainability indicators would help assessing the current status of marine systems, diagnose on-going trends, and provide information for forward-locking and sustainable ocean governance

E-document retrieval services in dentistry and nursing libraries

Rapid accessibility to the accurate, current and evidence-based information that forms the basis of medical librarianship is of the greatest importance. Available information should respond to the needs of individuals with regard to their health problems and should be current, meaningful, quickly accessible, providing patients with data on the most recent medical developments as well as on the newest methods of diagnosis and treatment. The number and types of electronic resources that can serve this purpose are steadily growing and library information services are accordingly diversifying. Electronic resources, particularly electronic databases, electronic articles, and electronic documents, are among the foremost resources used in making scientific information accessible to library users. Libraries and health institutions in Turkey have inevitably joined in a cooperative effort to facilitate the process of accessing medical information. Medical libraries are in cooperation with each other in providing information services and accessing articles in national and international publications. These joint efforts not only encompass systems in individual libraries but also facilitate document retrieval on the basis of a national network. ULAKBİM's TÜBESS and ANKOS's KİTS can be cited as two examples of these nation-wide document retrieval systems. The objective of the present study has been to obtain information on electronic retrieval services in medical libraries, a practice that has a direct impact on the quality of clinical and scientific research in Turkey. The study comprises a subject-based statistical analysis of e-journal types and article request figures for e-document retrieval services over the period 2006-2011 at two libraries in Istanbul that serve the nursing and dentistry schools of two universities. Rapid accessibility to the accurate, current and evidence-based information that forms the basis of medical librarianship is of the greatest importance. Available information should respond to the needs of individuals with regard to their health problems and should be current, meaningful, quickly accessible, providing patients with data on the most recent medical developments as well as on the newest methods of diagnosis and treatment. The number and types of electronic resources that can serve this purpose are steadily growing and library information services are accordingly diversifying. Electronic resources, particularly electronic databases, electronic articles, and electronic documents, are among the foremost resources used in making scientific information accessible to library users. Libraries and health institutions in Turkey have inevitably joined in a cooperative effort to facilitate the process of accessing medical information. Medical libraries are in cooperation with each other in providing information services and accessing articles in national and international publications. These joint efforts not only encompass systems in individual libraries but also facilitate document retrieval on the basis of a national network. ULAKBİM's TÜBESS and ANKOS's KİTS can be cited as two examples of these nation-wide document retrieval systems. The objective of the present study has been to obtain information on electronic retrieval services in medical libraries, a practice that has a direct impact on the quality of clinical and scientific research in Turkey. The study comprises a subject-based statistical analysis of e-journal types and article request figures for e-document retrieval services over the period 2006-2011 at two libraries in Istanbul that serve the nursing and dentistry schools of two universities

The International Digital Transformation of Healthcare: Telehealth Development in the Global Community

Using advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), telemedicine and eHealth are providing a means to transform systems of care for people throughout the world by providing greater access to clinical service, consultation, sharing knowledge, education and training, public and community health, health systems development, epidemiology and research. Leap-frogging over prior barriers, rapid advances in information communication technologies (ICT), computing, and wireless networks are offering greater continuity in access to these services in both developed and developing countries. The use of telehealth must be put in the context of the critical health needs in each country, cultural perspectives, current and future communication infrastructure, other supportive resources, and likelihood for sustainability. Furthermore, these telehealth efforts should be aimed at improving the local capacity in providing ongoing health services in each country and blend into that country’s current and future health care strategies. As the world continues to “shrink”, developing this international telehealth “network of networks” offers an opportunity for cooperation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improving the health of every individual in the world, applying information technologies for peace and the betterment of mankind. The time is now for open and constructive dialogue designed to facilitate that coordination between key stakeholders and other international organisations. These types of international exchange experiences enhanced with telehealth offer significant opportunities for understanding the common denominators, as well as unique differences, related to global health among countries and cultures around the world. These programs can promote international understanding and mutual respect in a manner that can improve the health of the entire global community

the case of African Portuguese speaking countries

INTRODUCTION: Ebola epidemics have shown to have significant impacts on many aspects of healthcare systems. African countries have been facing many difficulties while addressing Ebola epidemics, moreover due to both lack of resources and fragmented involvement of national and international entities. The participation of multiple organizations has created serious problems of coordination of aid and the operation of that aid on the ground. This paper aims at addressing the impact of Ebola epidemics on African health systems, with a special focus on the definition of impact mitigation guidelines and the role of resilience. The example of Portuguese speaking countries is presented. METHODS: A combination of literature review and case study methods are used. A literature review on Ebola outbreak impact on health systems will provide information to define a set of guidelines for healthcare services response to Ebola. The role of cooperation in providing additional resilience is described. Finally a case study focusing on the Portuguese collaboration and intervention in African Portuguese Speaking Countries (PALOP) is presented, as an example how the international community can provide additional resilience. RESULTS: The existing knowledge is very helpful to guide both the preparation and the coordination of Ebola preparedness interventions. Additional resilience can be provided by international cooperation. CONCLUSION: In addition to international concrete support in times of crisis, to have a regional strategy of creating (multi-national) teams to rapidly implement an intervention while establishing better regional capacity to have sufficient resources to support the "resilience" required of the health system.publishersversionpublishe

Joint venture healthcare system as common practice in developing countries : game changing on assessing health services

To explore the essence of game changing on applying joint venture (JV) approach for healthcare system improvement in developing countries. This is cross-sectional study exploring the factors influencing the successful implementation of JV for the healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study included: Qatar Statistical Authority, CIA fact book, Ministry of Health Annual Report, Hamad Medical Corporation Annual Report, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development information, and Qatar's healthcare system history. The research indicated that the LMIC healthcare system would benefit from affiliation with leading technology partner for healthcare reform. The findings support the view of LMIC healthcare systems' needs to incorporate joint venture approach in implementing JV concept for process improvement and knowledge transfer to contribute in country economic growth, development, and stability. Current study explored evidence supporting decision maker and management control of JV trends in different ways in comparison with developed countries. JV can also help the organization to share the risk and cost of large capital investment. The present study supports observations on expending the use of JVs as approach for improvement in LMIC healthcare system. The current study confirmed the advantages of JV which include helping businesses grow faster, increasing productivity, and generating greater profits, both parties sharing the risks and costs, accessing new markets and distribution networks. [Abstract copyright: Copyright: © 2020 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.