Digital Commons Network^™

Homo Electricus And The Continued Speciation Of Humans, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Michael, K. (2007). Homo Electricus and the continued speciation of humans. In M. Quigley (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Information Ethics and Security (pp. 312-318). United States of America: IGI Global. http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/homo-electricus-continued-speciation-humans/13490

Lend Me Your Arms: The Use And Implications Of Humancentric Rfid, Amelia Masters, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Recent developments in the area of RFID have seen the technology expand from its role in industrial and animal tagging applications, to being implantable in humans. With a gap in literature identified between current technological development and future humancentric possibility, little has been previously known about the nature of contemporary humancentric applications. By employing usability context analyses in control, convenience and care-related application areas, we begin to piece together a cohesive view of the current development state of humancentric RFID, as detached from predictive conjecture. This is supplemented by an understanding of the market-based, social and ethical concerns which plague …

Analysis Of Business Process Integration In Web Service Context, J. Shen, G. Grossmann, Y. Yang, M. Stumptner, M. Schrefl, T. Reiter

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

The integration of Web services is a recent outgrowth of the Business Process integration field that will require powerful meta-schema matching mechanisms supported by higher level abstractions, such as UML meta-models. Currently, there are many XML-based workflow process specification languages (e.g. XPDL, BPEL) which can be used to define business processes in the Web services and Grid Computing world. However, with limited capability to describe the relationships (schemas or ontologies) between process objects, the dominant use of XML as a meta-data markup language makes the semantics of the processes ambiguous. OWL-S (Ontology Web Language for Services) exploits the semantic description …

A P2p Based Service Flow System With Advanced Ontology-Based Service Profiles, J. Shen, Y. Yang, Jun Yan

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

A peer-to-peer (p2p) based service flow management system, SwinDeW-S, could support decentralised Web service composition, deployment and enactment. However, traditional workflow definition languages, such as extended XPDL and service-oriented BPEL4WS, have become insufficient to specify business process semantics, especially the descriptions of inputs, outputs, preconditions and effects. In this paper, we propose a novel solution based on OWL-S, a semantic Web ontology language that leverages service discovery, invocation and negotiation more effectively. The enhanced SwinDeW-S architecture is adapted with advanced ontology-based service profiles, and it takes advantage of a well-developed profile generation tool, which translates the BPEL4WS process models to …

Knowledge Sharing And Organizational Change In A Leading Telecommunications Equipment Vendor: A Case Study On Southern Networks, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

In 1999 Southern Networks deployed the Open Text Livelink knowledge management system (KMS). Livelink allowed for the centralization of key corporate applications and associated content at a global, regional, line-of-business, departmental and personal level. Prior to the implementation of Livelink on an enterprise scale, the corporation’s 94,500 employees relied on fragmented departmental web pages which were scattered across eleven different Web servers making the task of finding information very difficult. This paper describes how the process of knowledge transfer at Southern Networks changed with the deployment of Livelink and how it enabled the automation of workflows through the company’s Web-based …

The Importance Of Scenarios In Evaluating The Socio-Ethical Implications Of Location-Based Services, L. Perusco, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Location-based services (LBS) are those applications that utilize the position of an end-user, animal or thing based on a given device (handheld, wearable, interwoven into fabric or implanted), executed for a particular purpose. LBS applications range from those that are mission-critical to those that are used for convenience, from those that are mandatory to those that are voluntary, from those that are targeted at the mass market to those that cater for the needs of a niche market. Location services can be implemented using a variety of access mediums including global positioning systems and radio-frequency identification, rendering approximate or precise …

Stabilisation Of Rail Tracks And Underlying Soft Soil Formations, Buddhima Indraratna, Mohamed A. Shahin, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Construction of rail tracks requires appropriate improvement techniques for ballast and underlying soft formation soil, both of which deform and degrade progressively under heavy train loads. This paper aims to demonstrate and discuss some major aspects in relation to stabilisation of ballasted rail tracks overlaying soft formation soils. The use of geocomposites (i.e. bonded geogrid-geotextile layers) for enhancing the performance of rail tracks is described, with the aim of achieving reduced track settlement, increased resilient modulus and decreased ballast degradation. The effects of increasing the confining pressure on rail tracks in regard to particle breakage are studied using laboratory tests. …

Representation For The Italian Diaspora, E. Arcioni

Faculty of Law - Papers (Archive)

In this Audit paper Elisa Arcioni, University of Wollongong, considers the decision to include seats for the Italian diaspora in the Italian parliament.The decision was of even greater significance since it was the results in the Australasian seat that gave the Prodi government its majority in the Senate.

Modeling Evaluation Of Continuous Queries On Sliding Windows, Anita Dani, Janusz Getta

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a data stream system is 'a continuous query operating on dynamic data' as opposed to 'static data processed by instantaneous query' in DBMS. Due to potentially infinite size of the stream a query is evaluated after forming finite subsets of the data stream. The sliding window model is the most suitable model for processing finite subsets of a data stream where only recent data items qualify. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model to express a continuous query on sliding windows. This model expresses a window as an ordered set. Its sliding mechanism …

The Australian National Security State And The Third Sector: Who Is Really Protecting Australia's National Security?, Mark Rix

Sydney Business School - Papers

This paper will consider the implications of the Australian Government’s recent national security and anti-terrorism legislation for its relations with Australian citizens and with third sector organisations, like those comprising the community legal sector, that seek to promote and defend citizens’ civil, political and social rights. The series of bills enacted by the Australian Parliament since September 11 2001, the culmination of which has been the Anti-Terrorism (No. 2) 2005 Bill, removes many of the freedoms and rights that Australians have for many years been able to take for granted. The 2005 Bill’s detention and control orders, for example, degrade …

Phase Unwrapping Of Self-Mixing Signals Observed In Optical Feedback Interferometry For Displacement Measurement, Lu Wei, Jiangtao Xi, Yanguang Yu, Joe F. Chicharo

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

With an Optical feedback interferometry (OFI), a self-mixing signal (SMS) can be observed and employed to determine parameters of the semiconductor laser and metrological quantities of an object. In the cases of the measurement of the movement trace of an external target, phase unwrapping of the SMS must be performed, which remains a challenging issue. We report a technique for achieving phase unwrapping of the SMS signals as follows. Firstly, the behaviour of the phase equation of the OFI is studied, based on which general laws for laser phase change with respect to external target movement is extracted. Secondly, the …

Improving The Measurement Accuracy Of Fbg Sensor Using Adaptive Filters, Xingyuan Xu, Jiangtao Xi, Joe F. Chicharo

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Adaptive filters are presented for improving the wavelength detection accuracy of FBG sensors within a sensing system which use tunable laser source. Simulation results demonstrated that by using this technique the Bragg wavelengths of the FBG sensors can be accurately detected. In addition, the filter with NMLS-OCF adaptive algorithm performs faster convergence than the other algorithms.

Improving The Performance Of Iwdm Fbg Sensing System Using Tabu-Gradient Search Algorithm, Xingyuan Xu, Joe F. Chicharo, Jiangtao Xi

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

A Tabu-gradient search algorithm is presented for improving the performance of FBG sensors in an intensity and wavelength-division multiplexed sensing system. Simulation results demonstrated that by using this technique the Bragg wavelengths of the FBG sensors can be accurately and quickly detect even when the original spectrums of FBG sensors can not be pre-determined.

Fringe Calibration Using Neural Network Signal Mapping For Structured Light Profilometers, Matthew J. Baker, Jiangtao Xi, Joe F. Chicharo

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

We present a novel neural network signal calibration technique to improve the performance of triangulation based structured light profilometers. The performance of such profilometers is often hindered by the capture of noisy and aberrated pattern intensity distributions. We address this problem by employing neural networks and a spatial digital filter in a signal mapping approach. The performance of the calibration technique is gauged through both simulation and experimentation, with simulation results indicating that accuracy can be improved by more than 80%.

Optimal Filtering Based Shift Estimation For Fringe Pattern Profilometry By Generalized Analysis Model, Yingsong Hu, Jiangtao Xi, Joe F. Chicharo, Zongkai Yang

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper presents a new algorithm for fringe pattern parofilometry by utilizing generalized analysis model, called optimal filtering based shift estimation (OFSE) method, which provides much lower complexity compared with traditional methods. Meanwhile, as OFSE is derived based on the generalized analysis model, the reconstruction results will not be influenced by the nonlinearity of fringe pattern projection and acquisition system. The efficiency of the proposed OFSE method is confirmed by simulation results, which show that the accuracy of three-dimensional reconstruction using digital fringe pattern profilometry technique can be much improved and the computational complexity can be significantly reduced.

Innovation Lock-In: Unlocking Research And Development Path Dependency In The Australian Wine Industry, D. K. Aylward

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Innovation within the Australian wine industry is at a crossroads. More specifically, under the influence of fundamental paradigm shifts, the objectives, extension and uptake of R&D within the industry’s current innovation framework are being subjected to rather schizophrenic forces. At one level, industry organizations are directing the R&D agenda from within a national, ‘Brand Australia’ context. At another level, the firms that are being serviced by these organizations are demanding region-specific R&D extension in response to global pressure for differentiation and products at higher price-points. This paper will explore these contradictory forces and the degree to which they signal an …

Design As Research: Emergent Complex Activity, Helen M. Hasan

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

There is current interest in design science as a research method in the field of Information Systems. This paper explores this proposition by incorporating established theories into the design research process. These include a view of information systems as essentially socio-technical, notions of tool mediation and expansive learning from Activity Theory and the concept of emergence from Complexity Theory where good design outcomes come from non-deterministic and organic processes. A case of innovative collaborative systems development illustrates how this view of design science may be of value.

Go*Team: A New Approach To Developing A Knowledge Sharing Culture, L. Warne, Helen M. Hasan, D. Hart

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

In the ideal organisational environment, the voluntary transfer of information and knowledge would be the norm, and this understanding would underpin ongoing collective sense-making, leading to appropriate and creative actions for organizational outcomes. Workplaces are full of learning opportunities and in work life, socially based learning is occurring all the time. This paper describes Go*Team, a micro world simulation, for helping enculture the importance of collaborative processes that are at the heart of a knowledge sharing culture. The design of Go*Team and ways of playing the game are discussed, as are ways that Go*Team can be applied in order to …

Sna As An Attractor In Emergent Networks Of Research Groups, Helen M. Hasan, Hamid Pousti

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

While many progressive enterprises are becoming more network-centric, many research-oriented organisations retain a traditional hierarchy with an ego-centric culture. Paradoxically, network-centrism is associated with technology, innovation and creativity, the hallmarks of cutting-edge research. Using concepts of emergence from complexity theory, this study takes a developmental, action research approach to the application of social network analysis in legitimising a network of research groups in a traditionally managed institution. The results indicate that an emergent network is as valid an organisational structure as an imposed hierarchy for research management. The study also demonstrates the use of social network analysis and similar technological …

Leadership Learning: Building On Grounded Theory To Explore The Role Of Critical Reflection In Leadership Learning, George K. Kriflik, Lynda S. Kriflik

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

A study of eight senior managers from different organisations has combined Critical Theory and Grounded Theory approaches. This study builds on the findings of a previous substantive study (Kriflik 2002) which identified the most successful leadership strategies, as perceived by participants. The most successful strategies are those in which leaders focussed on their own behaviours, attitudes and actions. Building on these findings this study explores leadership competencies and the mechanisms which enhance, or enable, leaders’ ability to learn such competencies. Interviews were conducted and transcribed, then analysed, and became the basis for the choice of subsequent participants. The study identified …

Living In A Land Of Fire, R. J. Whelan, P. Kanowski, M. Gill, A. Andersen

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Fires are an inherent part of the Australian environment. They cannot be prevented, but the risks they pose — to life, health, property and infrastructure, production systems, and to environment values — can be minimised through systematic evaluation and strategic planning and management. Fires have a fundamental and irreplaceable role in sustaining many of Australia’s natural ecosystems and ecological processes, and they are a valuable tool for achieving many land management objectives. However, if they are too frequent or too infrequent, too severe or too mild, or mistimed, they can erode ecosystem ‘health’ and biodiversity and compromise other land management …

Simple, Robust And Accurate Head-Pose Tracking Using A Single Camera, Simon Meers, Koren Ward, Ian Piper

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes an inexpensive, robust method for tracking the head position and orientation of the user by using a single low-cost USB camera and infrared light emitting diodes concealed within spectacle frames worn by the user. Unlike gaze and head-pose tracking systems which rely on high-resolution stereo cameras and complex image processing hardware and software to find and track facial features on the user, the proposed system is able to efficiently locate and track the head's orientation and distance relative to the camera with little processing. Due to the infrared light emitting diodes having fixed geometry, the system does …

Modelling Blended Learning Environments: Designing An Academic Development Blog, Geraldine E. Lefoe, Wendy Meyers

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

A major challenge facing academic developers is meeting the development needs of both time poor academics and those staff in multi-location campuses, especially sessional tutors, who may start teaching several weeks before electronic access is enabled. Necessary restrictions placed on access to local intranet and Learning Management Systems meant rethinking how to meet the needs of all staff and in the process model good practice through the use of blended learning environments. One regional university, with seven national and one international campus, is currently redesigning their staff development program to incorporate the use of blogs and wikis to provide access …

Macroeconomic Aspects Of Substance Abuse: Diffusion, Productivity And Optimal Control, Amnon Levy, Frank Neri, D. Grass

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

This paper deals with macroeconomic aspects of widespread substance abuse with a reference to illicit drugs as an example. Substance abuse impedes the productivity of the labor force and reduces economic growth. Workers are either nonusers and therefore fully productive, a number of whom are employed by the government in drug-control activities, or users who are only partially productive. Efficient management of the nation’s portfolio of workers involves eradicating drug use when initial user numbers are lower than a critical level, but allows user numbers to rise to, and be accommodated at, a stationary level when initial user numbers exceed …

Exploratory And Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of The Perceived Switching Costs Model In The Business Services Sector, Venkata K. Yanamandram, L. White

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Switching costs has been recognised as a primary reason why dissatisfied customers stay with their suppliers. While a validated multidimensional scale of switching costs exists in a business-to-consumer context, there has been little empirical research effort devoted to operationalising different types of switching costs in business service relationships. This research strives to develop a model taking into consideration the various types of switching costs. Data was collected online from 453 Australian businesses using a key informant approach. While the initial Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) failed to produce the hypothesised six-factor model, a re-run of EFA identified a five-factor model, with …

Customers’ Sensitivity To Different Measures Of Corporate Social Responsibility In The Australian Banking Sector, Alan Pomering, Sara Dolnicar

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has received considerable research attention over the past several decades, including a growing body of work examining consumer responses to firms’ socially-responsible initiatives. Much of this has been of an experimental design, with CSR narrowly focused on one or two dimensions of consumer goods. Findings from these studies suggest consumers will respond positively to firms’ CSR initiatives. Prior studies do not, however, provide any indications how sensitive consumers are to a range of different kinds of CSR activities. Furthermore, no studies have so far been undertaken in the context of fairly standardized services which are offered …

The User-Friendliness Of Alternative Answer Formats, Sara Dolnicar, Bettina Grun

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Despite the increasing resistance of consumers to participate in market research and the vast amount of literature on the methodological superiority of certain answer formats over others, the issue of user-friendliness of different answer formats has not been investigated extensively in the past. We contribute to this area of research by investigating respondents’ preferences for one of five answer formats. The preference is not measured hypothetically, respondents are invited to choose their preferred format and complete the questionnaire in the respective version. Results indicate that ordinal (polytomous and dichotomous) scales are the respondents’ favourite choices. These favourite answer formats are …

Consumer Information Privacy: A Building Block For Marketing Leadership, Sara Dolnicar, Yolanda Jordaan

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Increasingly, violations of consumers’ personal information are altering the way consumers feel about divulging their personal information to organisations. It is proposed that by identifying which consumers react in which ways to different uses of their personal information, distinct market segments could be constructed. Such segments could offer businesses an opportunity to act responsibly by discriminating their information use in dependence of the segment needs, creating opportunities for competitive advantage and market leadership. This paper provides a brief overview on information privacy, marketing relationships and market leadership; and empirically explores general and personal privacy concerns and behaviour segments in terms …

From Battle Metris To Symbiotic Symphony: A New Model For Musical Games, Mark Havryliv, E. Vergara-Richards

Faculty of Creative Arts - Papers (Archive)

Music and games have a rich history of interplay. Instrumental composers engage with the idea of game play as a way to serialise musical material, facilitate performer’s real-time decision making and organise a particular theatricality in performance. On the other hand, electronic game developers typically use music as a motivational device in a game, and in more sophisticated games conceive the creation of sound and music as an artefact of game play.

Whilst both these types of works can exhibit a tremendous degree of complexity in the relationship between game play and music, this paper argues that the question – …

Facilitating Uptake Of Online Role Play: Reusability, Learning Objects And Learning Designs , Sandra Wills, A. Mcdougall

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

This study tracks the uptake of online role play in Australia from 1990 to 2006 and the affordances to its uptake. It examines reusability, as one affordance, from the perspective of two often polarized constructs: Learning Object and Learning Design. The study treats “reuse” on two levels: reuse of an existing online role play and reuse of an online role play as the model for another role play. In keeping with terminology that has come into recent use, we propose that the first level implies the online role play is used as a Learning Object and the second level implies …