Requirements for IT Governance in Organizations Experiencing Decentralization

International audienceDecentralization of organizations and subsequent change of their management and operation styles require changes in organization's processes and heavily involve IT. Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks fit to primarily centralized organizational structures, and as such have shortcomings when used in decentralized organizations. We illustrate this idea on the example of one organization in the Higher Education sector that faces decentralization of its structure and has to adapt to it. Overcoming these challenges requires some new principles to be introduced and incorporated into the EA knowledge. In particular for IT governance, in this study we argue that peer-to-peer principles can offer more suitable governance over current EA frameworks as they are able to better align with decentralized components of an organizational structure

An examination of the effects of self-regulatory focus on the perception of the media richness: the case of email

Communication is a key element in organizations’ business success. The media richness theory and the channel expansion theory are two of the most influential theories regarding the selection and use of communication media in organizations; however, literature has focused little on the effects of self-regulation by managers and employees in these theories. To analyze these topics, this study develops an empirical investigation by gathering data from 600 managers and employees using a questionnaire. The results suggest that the perception of media richness is positively affected when the individual shows a promotion focus or strategy.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

Virtual rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis using a Kinect-based system: randomized controlled trial

©Jose-Antonio Lozano-Quilis, Hermenegildo Gil-Gómez, Jose-Antonio Gil-Gómez, Sergio Albiol-Pérez, Guillermo Palacios-Navarro, Habib M Fardoun, Abdulfattah S Mashat. Originally published in JMIR Serious Games (http://games.jmir.org), 12.11.2014. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in JMIR Serious Games, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on http://games.jmir.org, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.Background: The methods used for the motor rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders include a number of different rehabilitation exercises. For patients who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), the performance of motor rehabilitation exercises is essential. Nevertheless, this rehabilitation may be tedious, negatively influencing patients motivation and adherence to treatment. Objective: We present RemoviEM, a system based on Kinect that uses virtual reality (VR) and natural user interfaces (NUI) to offer patients with MS an intuitive and motivating way to perform several motor rehabilitation exercises. It offers therapists a new motor rehabilitation tool for the rehabilitation process, providing feedback on the patient s progress. Moreover, it is a low-cost system, a feature that can facilitate its integration in clinical rehabilitation centers. Methods: A randomized and controlled single blinded study was carried out to assess the influence of a Kinect-based virtual rehabilitation system on the balance rehabilitation of patients with MS. This study describes RemoviEM and evaluates its effectiveness compared to standard rehabilitation. To achieve this objective, a clinical trial was carried out. Eleven patients from a MS association participated in the clinical trial. The mean age was 44.82 (SD 10.44) and the mean time from diagnosis (years) was 9.77 (SD 10.40). Clinical effectiveness was evaluated using clinical balance scales. Results: Significant group-by-time interaction was detected in the scores of the Berg Balance Scale (P=.011) and the Anterior Reach Test in standing position (P=.011). Post-hoc analysis showed greater improvement in the experimental group for these variables than in the control group for these variables. The Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) showed good results in usability, acceptance, security, and safety for the evaluated system. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that RemoviEM represents a motivational and effective alternative to traditional motor rehabilitation for MS patients. These results have encouraged us to improve the system with new exercises, which are currently being developed.This contribution was partially funded by the Generalitat Valenciana ("Ajudes per a la realitzacio de projectes d'I+D per a grups d'investigacion emergents", projecte GV/2012/069) and by the Fundacion Antonio Gargallo ("Ayudas financiadas por la Obra Social de Ibercaja de proyectos de investigacion 2013", proyecto 2013/B001).Lozano Quilis, JA.; Gil Gómez, H.; Gil-Gómez, J.; Albiol Pérez, S.; Palacios Navarro, G.; Fardoun, HM.; Mashat, AS. (2014). Virtual rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis using a Kinect-based system: randomized controlled trial. JMIR Serious Games. 2(2). https://doi.org/10.2196/games.2933Se1222Adamovich, S. V., Fluet, G. G., Tunik, E., & Merians, A. S. (2009). Sensorimotor training in virtual reality: A review. Neurorehabilitation, 25(1), 29-44. doi:10.3233/nre-2009-0497Lange, B., Flynn, S., Proffitt, R., Chang, C.-Y., & «Skip» Rizzo, A. (2010). Development of an Interactive Game-Based Rehabilitation Tool for Dynamic Balance Training. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 17(5), 345-352. doi:10.1310/tsr1705-345Lozano, J. A., Montesa, J., Juan, M. C., Alcañiz, M., Rey, B., Gil, J., … Morganti, F. (2005). VR-Mirror: A Virtual Reality System for Mental Practice in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 241-251. doi:10.1007/11536482_23Lange, B. S., Requejo, P., Flynn, S. M., Rizzo, A. A., Valero-Cuevas, F. J., Baker, L., & Winstein, C. (2010). The Potential of Virtual Reality and Gaming to Assist Successful Aging with Disability. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 21(2), 339-356. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2009.12.007Wuang, Y.-P., Chiang, C.-S., Su, C.-Y., & Wang, C.-C. (2011). Effectiveness of virtual reality using Wii gaming technology in children with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(1), 312-321. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2010.10.002Chang, Y.-J., Chen, S.-F., & Huang, J.-D. (2011). A Kinect-based system for physical rehabilitation: A pilot study for young adults with motor disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(6), 2566-2570. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.002Da GamaAChavezTFigueiredoLTeichriebVPoster: improving motor rehabilitation process through a natural interaction based system using kinect sensor, IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces 2012: 145-1462012IEEE Symposium on 3D User InterfacesMar 4-5Costa Mesa, CABaram, Y., & Miller, A. (2006). Virtual reality cues for improvement of gait in patients with multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 66(2), 178-181. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000194255.82542.6bFulk, G. D. (2005). Locomotor Training and Virtual Reality-based Balance Training for an Individual with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 29(1), 34-42. doi:10.1097/01.npt.0000282260.59078.e4Lozano-QuilisJAAlbiol-PerezSGil-GomezHPalaciosGFardoumHMGil-GomezJAMashatASVirtual reality system for multiple sclerosis rehabilitation using KINECT2013International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare (PervasiveHealth)May 5-8Venice, Italy366369Van Hedel, H. J., Wirz, M., & Dietz, V. (2005). Assessing walking ability in subjects with spinal cord injury: Validity and reliability of 3 walking tests. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 86(2), 190-196. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2004.02.010Podsiadlo, D., & Richardson, S. (1991). The Timed «Up & Go»: A Test of Basic Functional Mobility for Frail Elderly Persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 39(2), 142-148. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.1991.tb01616.xSteffen, T. M., Hacker, T. A., & Mollinger, L. (2002). Age- and Gender-Related Test Performance in Community-Dwelling Elderly People: Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test, and Gait Speeds. Physical Therapy, 82(2), 128-137. doi:10.1093/ptj/82.2.128Gil-GomezJASEQ: Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire for Virtual Rehabilitation systems2013International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare (PervasiveHealth)2013Venice, Italy33533

Reliability and validity of two fitness tracker devices in the laboratory and home environment for older community-dwelling people

© 2018 The Author(s). Background: Two-thirds of older Australians are sedentary. Fitness trackers have been popular with younger people and may encourage older adults to become more active. Older adults may have different gait patterns and as such it is important to establish whether fitness trackers are valid and reliable for this population. The aim of the study was to test the reliability and validity of two fitness trackers (Fitbit Flex and ChargeHR) by step count when worn by older adults. Reliability and validity were tested in two conditions: 1) in the laboratory using a two-minute-walk-test (2MWT) and 2) in a free-living environment. Methods: Two 2MWTs were completed while wearing the fitness trackers. Participants were videoed during each test. Participants were then given one fitness tracker and a GENEactiv accelerometer to wear at home for 14-days. Results: Thirty-one participants completed two 2MWTs and 30 completed the free-living procedure. Intra Class Correlation's of the fitness trackers with direct observation of steps (criterion validity) was high (ICC:0.86,95%CI:0.76,0.93). However, both fitness trackers underestimated steps. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.75) was found between the two 2MWTs for each device, particularly the ChargeHR devices. Good strength of agreement was found for total distance and steps (fitness tracker) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (GENEactiv) for the free-living environment (Spearman Rho's 0.78 and 0.74 respectively). Conclusion: Reliability and validity of the Flex and ChargeHR when worn by older adults is good, however both devices underestimated step count within the laboratory environment. These fitness trackers appear suitable for consumer use and promoting physical activity for older adults

Mann and gender in Old English prose : a pilot study

It has long been known that OE mann was used in gender-neutral as well as gender-specific contexts. Because of the enormous volume of its attestations in Old English prose, the more precise usage patterns of mann remain, however, largely uncharted, and existing lexicographical tools provide only a basic picture. This article aims to present a preliminary study of the various uses of mann as attested in Old English prose, particularly in its surprisingly consistent use by an individual author, namely that of the ninth-century Old English Martyrology. Patterns emerging from this text are then tested against other prose material. Particular attention is paid to gender-specific usage, examples of which are shown to be exceptional for a word which largely occurs in gender-neutral contexts.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Systemic 7-methylxanthine in retarding axial eye growth and myopia progression: a 36-month pilot study

The adenosine antagonist 7-methylxanthine (7-mx) works against myopia in animal models. In a clinical trial, 68 myopic children (mean age 11.3 years) received either placebo or 7-mx tablets for 12 months. All participants subsequently received 7-mx for another 12 months, after which treatment was stopped. Axial length was measured with Zeiss IOL-Master and cycloplegic refraction with Nikon Retinomax at −6, 0, 12, 24, and 36 months. Axial growth was reduced among children treated with 7-mx for 24 months compared with those only treated for the last 12 months. Myopia progression and axial eye growth slowed down in periods with 7-mx treatment, but when the treatment was stopped, both myopia progression and axial eye growth continued with invariable speed. The results indicate that 7-mx reduces eye elongation and myopia progression in childhood myopia. The treatment is safe and without side effects and may be continued until 18–20 years of age when myopia progression normally stops