Digital Commons Network^™

Reducing Unwarranted Variation In Healthcare Service Delivery Systems: Key Issues, Research Challenges And Potential Solutions, Nagesh Shukla, Senevi Kiridena, Nishikant Mishra

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

There is a growing need worldwide to increase the quality and productivity of healthcare services delivery. To this end, analysing and reducing unwarranted variations in healthcare has attracted much attention in recent times. However, current modelling and simulation approaches to reduce unwarranted variations suffer from numerous limitations. Consequently, service improvement efforts have often failed to deliver expected results. This paper discusses the key issues associated with reducing unwarranted variations in hospital service delivery systems, and proposes a research framework that aims at overcoming these issues. In doing so, it highlights the need for: accurately and efficiently modelling complex service delivery …

Complementary Techniques For Probing Terahertz Magnetic Excitations In Cu3bi(Seo3)2o2cl, K H. Miller, E Constable, H Berger, D B. Tanner, J Horvat, R A. Lewis

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A low frequency magnetic excitation in Cu3Bi(SeO 3)2O2Cl has been studied through complementary spectroscopic techniques which utilised terahertz radiation from a synchrotron, a mercury arc lamp, and a two-colour photomixing system. The excitation has been studied at temperatures down to 5K and in magnetic fields up to 10T. © 2012 IEEE.

Nonlinear Optical Response Of Graphene Superlattice In Terahertz Frequency Regime, Yee Sin Ang, Chao Zhang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

We investigate the nonlinear optical response of a Kronig-Penney type graphene superlattice in which the Fermi velocity of the massless Dirac quasiparticle anisotropically depends on the direction of propagation. Such velocity anisotropy results in enhanced nonlinear optical response in terahertz frequency regime.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring Of Split Formation During Charpy Impact Testing Of High Strength Steel, Andrii Kostryzhev, R B. Punch, Claire L. Davis, Martin Strangwood

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring has been used to detect split formation during room temperature low blow Charpy impact testing of high strength thick strip steels. The AE signal analysis identified separate signals originating from hammer impact, plastic deformation (verified using Charpy impact testing on mild steel with no splits) and split initiation/growth. The presence of splits was confirmed by sectioning and fractography, and the splits were brittle in nature. A possible correlation between the AE signal features and fracture mode is presented.

Methods For Usability Evaluations Of Mobile Devices, Fayez Alshehri, Mark Freeman

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The usability of applications designed and developed for mobile devices integral user experience, particularly for current touch-screen mobile devices. This conceptual paper provides a profile of the ways in which mobile device usability evaluation methods are being adapted to better reflect technological. With an increasing capacity for greater user interactivity through a range of tasks and in a variety of contexts, the importance and impact of mobile device context-of-use components is of particular interest to researchers. This requires a need for a shift in evaluation method paradigms with a particular focus on methods involving the user, as part of the …

Electron Emission From Amorphous Solid Water After Proton Impact: Benchmarking Ptra And Geant4 Track Structure Monte Carlo Simulations, M U. Bug, H Rabus, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Track structure Monte Carlo simulations of ionising radiation in water are often used to estimate radiation damage to DNA. For this purpose, an accurate simulation of the transport of densely ionising low-energy secondary electrons is particularly important, but is impaired by a high uncertainty of the required physical interaction cross section data of liquid water.

A possible tool for the verification of the secondary electron transport in a track structure simulation has been suggested by Toburen et al. (2010), who have measured the angle-dependent energy spectra of electrons, emitted from a thin layer of amorphous solid water (ASW) upon a …

New Structural Similarity Measure For Image Comparison, Prashan Premaratne, Malin Premaratne

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Subjective quality measures based on Human Visual System for images do not agree well with well-known metrics such as Mean Squared Error and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio. Recently, Structural Similarity Measure (SSIM) has received acclaim due to its ability to produce results on a par with Human Visual System. However, experimental results indicate that noise and blur seriously degrade the performance of the SSIM metric. Furthermore, despite SSIM's popularity, it does not provide adequate insight into how it handles 'structural similarity' of images. We propose a structural similarity measure based on approximation level of a given Discrete Wavelet Decomposition …

A Social Network Model For Understanding Technology Use For Knowledge-Intensive Workers, Kon Shing Kenneth Chung

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This chapter presents a theoretical model based on social network theories and the social influence model for understanding how knowledge professionals utilise technology. In particular, the association between egocentric network properties (structure, position and tie) and information and communication technology (ICT) use of individuals in knowledge-intensive and geographically dispersed settings is explored. A novel triangulation methodology is adopted where in-depth interviews and observation techniques were utilised to develop constructs for the conceptual model which were then vetted by domain-level experts. A reliable and validated social network-based questionnaire survey is also developed to operationalise the model. Results show that task-level ICT …

Development And Validation Of A Concept Inventory For Introductory-Level Climate Change Science, Lorna Jarrett, Brian Ferry, George Takacs

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper follows on from Jarrett, Takacs and Ferry (2011) which reported the first stage in development of a high school level concept inventory (CI) for the science of climate change: the climate change concept inventory (CCCI). In order to develop a reliable and valid instrument, it is necessary to follow appropriate procedures. This paper details the process of CI item development; reports statistical results of initial field trials and outlines how these will be used to further refine the CCCI. Item difficulty, discrimination, and point biserial coefficient were calculated for each item. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest data were used …

Design And Development Of Compact Readout Electronics With Silicon Photomultiplier Array For A Compact Imaging Detector, Xiao-Hui Zhang, Yu-Jin Qi, Cui-Lan Zhao

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This work aims at developing compact readout electronics for a compact imaging detector module with silicon photomultiplier (SPM) array. The detector module consists of a LYSO crystal array coupling with a SensL's 4×4 SPM array. A compact multiplexed readout based on a discretized positioning circuit (DPC) was developed to reduce the readout channels from 16 to 4 outputs. Different LYSO crystal arrays of 4×4, 8×8 and 12×12 with pixel sizes of 3.2, 1.6 and 1.0 mm respectively, have been tested with the compact readout board using a 137Cs source. The initial results show that the compact imaging detector module with …

A Soft-In Soft-Out Detection Approach Using Partial Gaussian Approximation, Qinghua Guo, Licai Fang, Defeng (David) Huang, Sven Nordholm

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper concerns the implementation of the softin soft-out detector in an iterative detection system. A detection approach is proposed based on the properties of Gaussian functions. In this approach, for the computation of the APP (a posteriori probability) of a concerned symbol, the other symbols are distinguished based on their contributions to the APP of the concerned symbol, and the symbols with less contributions are treated as Gaussian variables to reduce the computational complexity. The exact APP detector and the well-known LMMSE (linear minimum mean square error) detector are two special cases of the proposed detector. Simulation results show …

Chain-Die Forming, Is It A Right Forming Method To Make Structural Parts Of Motor Vehicles With Uhss Material, Shichao Ding, Yuankun Zhang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Reducing the body weight of a motor vehicle is one of the most important research approaches in car manufacturing and steel making industries in order to reduce the pollution caused by motor vehicles. In this approach, ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) is developed by steel makers and has been applied more and more to motor vehicles. The UHSS materials have the required strength, but more or less the material's ductility is sacrificed to achieve this target. High strength materials are difficult to form using conventional forming methods. Forming high strength materials to parts effectively and economically is a high priority. Chain-die …

A Novel Integrated Model To Measure Supplier Performance Considering Qualitative And Quantitative Criteria Used In The Supplier Selection Process, Alptekin Ulutas, Senevi Kiridena, Peter Gibson, Nagesh Shukla

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Supplier evaluation has become a significant topic over the past few decades, as companies have become more outsourced oriented. However, previous research on this topic has not paid adequate attention to the limitations associated with the availability of accurate and reliable data relating to the performance of potential suppliers. In an attempt to address this issue, this paper proposes a novel supplier evaluation model that can handle imprecise quantitative and qualitative data. Additionally, Decision Maker's judgement regarding both qualitative and quantitative criteria are incorporated into this model so that a more comprehensive and realistic assessment of supplier performance can be …

Bonding Of Mg-Base Metallic Glass Through Rapid Resistive Welding, Karl F. Shamlaye, Kevin J. Laws, Bob De Jong, Michael Ferry

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Efficient joining of Magnesium-base bulk metallic glass can be achieved via bonding through resistance welding using rapid heating rates. Bonding of Mg-base metallic glasses (as well as regular magnesium alloys) is a process hindered by the ease of oxide formation in these materials. In this work, resistance welding of Mg65Cu25Y10 metallic glass sheets was investigated up to 627 K , below the liquidus temperature; and also within the supercooled liquid region (443-483 K) of the metallic glass; during processing times of a few seconds, creating strong joins -even when processed in air. It is seen that a fluxing pre-treatment of …

Small Area Estimation In Practice An Applocation To Agricultural Business Survey Data, Nikos Tzavidis, Raymond L. Chambers, Nicola Salvati, Hukum Chandra

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper describes an application of small area estimation (SAbl to agricultural business survey data. Both well known small area estimators, such as the empirical best linear unbiased predictor (EBLUP), and more recently proposed small area estimators, for example, tile M-quanlile, the robust EBLUP aml!he Model Ansed Direct estimators arc considered. Mean squared error estimation is discussed. Using a real agricultural business survey dataset, we place emphasis on model diagnostics for specifying the small area working model, on diagnostic measures for validating the reliability of direct and indirect (modelbased) small area e.~timators i1nd on providing practical guidelines to the prospective …

Nanoscale Characterization Of Ion Tracks: Mc Simulations Versus Analytical Approach, M U. Bug, E Surdutovich, H Rabus, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld, A V. Solov'yov

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The goal of this work was to investigate the agreement of physical parameters related to the particle track structure on the nanometer scale, obtained by means of a detailed track structure simulation (PTra) as well as by a rapid analytical approach. Parameters describing the tracks of secondary electrons produced by 0.3 MeV/u C6+-ions were of particular interest as those particles are densely ionizing. For this purpose, the target volume in form of a nanometric water cylinder was positioned at different radial distances from the ion trajectory and track structure parameters were determined as function of the radial distance. While the …

Shifting Freight To Rail Could Make The Pacific Highway Safer, Philip G. Laird

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Articulated trucks such as semi-trailers and "B-Doubles" are involved in about 30% of fatal road accidents on the Pacific Highway. As the number of trucks carrying freight between Sydney and Brisbane increases, we will see more tragic incidents like the fatal crash involving a B-Double on 8 January 2012 near Urunga.

Engineering Across Cultures: New Learning Resources For Intercultural Competency In Engineering, Thomas Goldfinch, Elyssebeth Leigh, Les Dawes, Anne Gardner, Timothy Mccarthy

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

BACKGROUND The work described in this paper has emerged from an ALTC/OLT funded project, Exploring Intercultural Competency in Engineering. The project indentified many facets of culture and intercultural competence that go beyond a culture-as-nationality paradigm. It was clear from this work that resources were needed to help engineering educators introduce students to the complex issues of culture as they relate to engineering practice. A set of learning modules focussing on intercultural competence in engineering practice have been developed that cover the various aspects of culture in engineering identified in the project. Supporting the resources, an eBook detailing the ins and …

Assessing Students Understanding Of The Concept Of Free Body Diagrams Using Online Tests, Timothy J. Mccarthy, Thomas Goldfinch

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

There are many threshold concepts for students to grasp in Engineering Mechanics. Research has shown that one of the critical concepts that must be understood is the Free Body Diagram (FBD). This paper describes an approach to check students’ mastery of simple Free Body Diagrams and to address errors and misconceptions they may have. An online FBD quiz has been designed and implemented in a first year Engineering subject. Teaching material and follow-up support is targeted for students who struggle with the concept until mastery is achieved. These have been based on the theory of threshold concepts and the force …

On Combining Chase-2 And Sum-Product Algorithms For Ldpc Codes, Sheng Tong, Huijuan Zheng

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This letter investigates the combination of the Chase-2 and sum-product (SP) algorithms for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. A simple modification of the tanh rule for check node update is given, which incorporates test error patterns (TEPs) used in the Chase algorithm into SP decoding of LDPC codes. Moreover, a simple yet effective approach is proposed to construct TEPs for dealing with decoding failures with low-weight syndromes. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in improving both the waterfall and error floor performance of LDPC codes.

Secure And Practical Key Distribution For Rfid-Enabled Supply Chains, Tieyan Li, Yingjiu Li, Guilin Wang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In this paper, we present a fine-grained view of an RFID-enabled supply chain and tackle the secure key distribution problem on a peer-to-peer base. In our model, we focus on any pair of consecutive parties along a supply chain, who agreed on a transaction and based on which, certain RFID-tagged goods are to be transferred by a third party from one party to the other as in common supply chain practice. Under a strong adversary model, we identify and define the security requirements with those parties during the delivery process. To meet the security goal, we first propose a resilient …

Transactive Memory Systems: Exploring Task, Expertise And People (Tep) Unit Formation In Virtual Teams: Conceptualization And Scale Measurement Development, Mohamed Imran Mohamed Ariff, Simon K. Milton, R Bosua, Rajeev Sharma

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Transactive Memory Systems (TMS) are important cognitive constructs to share knowledge and control and coordinate interdependent tasks in teams. The construction of Transactive Memory Systems involves a number of key phases that lead up to the actual formation of a team’s TMS. In particular, the development of Task-Expertise-People (TEP) units, form an essential part of the development of a team’s Transactive Memory System. At this stage very little is known of how Task- Expertise-People units are formed in virtual teams. This paper addresses this problem by following an inductive, quantitative method to develop a measurement scale for TEP formation in …

The Effect Of Chromium Addition On The Strain Ageing And Recrystallisation Behaviour Of Low Carbon Steel, Elena Pereloma, V Bata, Azdiar A. Gazder

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The strain ageing and recrystallisation behaviour of conventional low carbon A06 steel was compared with those containing varying amounts of chromium (0.26, 0.52 and 0.74 wt.%). The results show that the A06 steel undergoes four stages of strain ageing: (i) the pinning by solute atoms of dislocations generated during pre-strain, (ii) the generation of fresh dislocations from grain boundaries, (iii) the onset of precipitation and, (iv) the inhibition of dislocation generation from grain boundaries due to pinning by carbon segregation. On the other hand, the chromium containing steels only exhibit the fIrst three stages of strain ageing. An approximately twofold …