Digital Commons Network^™

Raising Heart Rate With Dance Pad Based Computer Games, Martin Masek, Philip Hingston, Matthew Carrigy, Liam Collins, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Untangling The Net: The Scope Of Content Caught By Mandatory Internet Filtering, Catharine Lumby, Lelia Green, John Hartley

Research outputs pre 2011

The following report considers a number of key challenges the Australian Federal Government faces in designing the regulatory framework and the reach of its planned mandatory internet filter. Previous reports on the mandatory filtering scheme have concentrated on the filtering technologies, their efficacy, their cost and their likely impact on the broadband environment. This report focuses on the scope and the nature of content that is likely to be caught by the proposed filter and on identifying associated public policy implications.

We recognise that the Federal Government faces real challenges in balancing the risks posed by the online media environment …

Tunable Multi-Wavelength Fiber Lasers Based On An Opto-Vlsi Processor And Optical Amplifiers, Feng Xiao, Kamal Alameh, Yong Lee

Research outputs pre 2011

A multi-wavelength tunable fiber laser based on the use of an Opto-VLSI processor in conjunction with different optical amplifiers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The Opto-VLSI processor can simultaneously select any part of the gain spectrum from each optical amplifier into its associated fiber ring, leading to a multiport tunable fiber laser source. We experimentally demonstrate a 3-port tunable fiber laser source, where each output wavelength of each port can independently be tuned within the C-band with a wavelength step of about 0.05nm. Experimental results demonstrate a laser linewidth as narrow as 0.05 nm and an optical side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) of …

The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle (Aibl) Study Of Aging: Methodology And Baseline Characteristics Of 1112 Individuals Recruited For A Longitudinal Study Of Alzheimer's Disease, Kathryn Ellis, Ashley Bush, David Darby, Daniel De Fazio, Jonathan Foster, Peter Hudson, Nicola Lautenschlager, Nat Lenzo, Ralph Martins, Paul Maruff, Colin Masters, Andrew Milner, Kevin Pike, Christopher Rowe, Greg Savage, Cassandra Szoeke, Kevin Taddei, Victor Villemagne, Michael Woodward, David Ames

Research outputs pre 2011

Background: The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) flagship study of aging aimed to recruit 1000 individuals aged over 60 to assist with prospective research into Alzheimer's disease (AD). This paper describes the recruitment of the cohort and gives information about the study methodology, baseline demography, diagnoses, medical comorbidities, medication use, and cognitive function of the participants. Methods: Volunteers underwent a screening interview, had comprehensive cognitive testing, gave 80 ml of blood, and completed health and lifestyle questionnaires. One quarter of the sample also underwent amyloid PET brain imaging with Pittsburgh compound B (PiB PET) and MRI brain imaging, and …

Hyperthermic Fatigue Precedes A Rapid Reduction In Serum Sodium In An Ironman Triathlete: A Case Report, Paul Laursen, Greig Watson, Christopher Abbiss, Bradley A. Wall, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

A Multi-Factor Analysis Of Areit Returns, Jaime L.P. Yong

Research outputs pre 2011

Since 1990, the Australian Real Estate Investment Trust (AREIT) sector has experienced substantial growth and popularity. While the AREIT sector had benefit from the increased flow of funds from institutional investors during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the recent impact of the 2008 global financial crisis has been a negative one. In this paper, we examine the sensitivities of annualised AREIT returns against a set of seven firm-specific variables and four market-wide risk variables. Balanced and unbalanced panel regressions are conducted on three sub-periods during 1990 – 2008 corresponding to the major phases in evolution of the AREIT sector. Our …

An Analysis Of Silver Candlesticks From A Casting Point Of View: Originals, Copies, Forgeries, Jaromir Audy, Emil Evin

Research outputs pre 2011

Collecting silver artefacts has traditionally been a very popular hobby. Silver is addictive, therefore the number of potential collectors and investors appears to grow each year. Unfortunately, increases in the interest and buying potentials resulted in a number of forgeries manufactured and introduced to the open antique market. The items such as early silver candlesticks dictate a very high price, for many high quality fakes show very good appearances and matching similarities with originals. Such copies are traditionally manufactured by casting using the original items as patterns. Small details and variances in design features, position and shape of hallmarks, including …

Health Communication Theories: Implications For Hiv Reporting In Asia And The Pacific, Trevor Cullen

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper focuses on the expanding HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic in parts of Asia and the Pacific region and recommends the adoption of insights from particular health communication theories. The author argues that these paradigms can assist in broadening the current scope and content of HIV reporting. One theory in particular - Social Change Communication (SCC) - challenges the media to extend the framing of HIV from primarily a health story to one that is linked to more macro socio-economic, cultural and political factors. Asian and Pacific countries that have an emerging or expanding HIV epidemic need to realise …

Perceptions And Pedagogy: Exploring The Beliefs And Practices Of An Effective Primary Science Teacher, Angela Fitzgerald, Vaille Dawson, Mark Hackling

Research outputs pre 2011

Effective science teaching is vital for improved student learning outcomes in primary school science. Therefore, there is a need to tease out the components of effective science teaching to better understand what effective primary teachers do in their classrooms and why they do it. Four primary teachers, each nominated as effective science practitioners by a professional colleague, entered into this research study. This 'entry' phase involved gathering information from classroom observations and teacher interviews to provide background information about the beliefs and practices of these teachers. This paper reports on the findings drawn from one teacher - 'Deanne'.

Insecurity By Obscurity: A Review Of Soho Router Literature From A Network Security Perspective, Patryk Szewczyk, Craig Valli

Research outputs pre 2011

Because of prevalent threats to SoHo based ADSL Routers, many more devices are compromised. Whilst an end-user may be at fault for not applying the appropriate security mechanisms to counter these threats, vendors should equally share the blame. This paper reveals that the lack of security related content and poor overall design could impact on end-users’ interpretation and willingness to implement security controls on their ADSL router. It argues that whilst the number of threats circulating the Internet is increasing, vendors are not improving their product literature.

A Phase Iii Clinical Trial Of Exercise Modalities On Treatment Side-Effects In Men Receiving Therapy For Prostate Cancer, Robert Newton, Dennis Taaffe, Nigel Spry, Robert Gardiner, Gregory Levin, Bradley Wall, David Joseph, Suzanne K. Chambers, Daniel Galvao

Research outputs pre 2011

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is accompanied by a number of adverse side effects including reduced bone mass and increased risk for fracture, reduced lean mass and muscle strength, mood disturbance and increased fat mass compromising physical functioning, independence, and quality of life. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the effects of long term exercise on reversing musculoskeletal-related side effects, and cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors in men receiving androgen deprivation for their prostate cancer. Specifically, we aim to investigate the effects of a 12-month exercise program designed to load the musculoskeletal system and reduce cardiovascular and diabetes …

Synchronous Asynchronicity: The Use Of Mobiles To Pattern Face-To-Face Encounters In Chaotic Environments, Jason Raymond Noble, Lelia Rosalind Green

Research outputs pre 2011

Although mobile media are commonly associated with distant communications, young adults also use Short Message Service (SMS) texting for inter-group exchanges in co-located circumstances. Such co-located mobile phone use is particularly evident where usual communication cues are compromised by a chaotic environment. Chaos can ensue when cues of voice and vision are impaired, with secondary impacts upon clear thought and fixed points of reference. A dark, noisy club environment would provide one example of this dynamic at work. Chaotic surroundings can encourage a pleasing suspension of individual control, while exposing participants to a range of social and emotional risks. Text …

Opto-Vlsi-Based Tunable Single-Mode Fiber Laser, Feng Xiao, Kamal Alameh, Yong-Tak Lee

Research outputs pre 2011

A new tunable fiber ring laser structure employing an Opto-VLSI processor and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is reported. The Opto-VLSI processor is able to dynamically select and couple a waveband from the gain spectrum of the EDFA into a fiber ring, leading to a narrow-linewidth high-quality tunable laser output. Experimental results demonstrate a tunable fiber laser of linewidth 0.05 nm and centre wavelength tuned over the C-band with a 0.05nm step. The measured side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) is greater than 35 dB and the laser output power uniformity is better than 0.25 dB. The laser output is very …

Pricing Options By Simulation Using Realized Volatility, David E. Allen, Michael Mcaleer, Marcel Scharth

Research outputs pre 2011

A growing literature advocates the use of high-frequency data for the purpose of volatility estimation. However, despite the successes in modeling the conditional mean of realized volatility empirical evaluations of this class of models outside the realm of short run forecasting is limited. How can realized volatility be used for pricing options? What are the modeling qualities introduced by realized volatility models for pricing derivatives? In this short paper, we propose an options pricing framework based on a new realized volatility model that captures all the relevant empirical regularities of the realized volatility series of the S&P 500 index. We …

Evolving The Quality Of A Model-Based Test Suite, Usman Farooq, Chiou P. Lam

Research outputs pre 2011

Redundant test cases in newly generated test suites often remain undetected until execution and waste scarce project resources. In model-based testing, the testing process starts early on in the developmental phases and enables early fault detection. The redundancy in the test suites generated from models can be detected earlier as well and removed prior to its execution. The article presents a novel model-based test suite optimization technique involving UML activity diagrams by formulating the test suite optimization problem as an Equality Knapsack Problem. The aim here is the development of a test suite optimization framework that could optimize the model-based …

Review Of The Misuse Of Kava Among Indigenous Australians, Belinda Urquhart, Neil Thomson

Research outputs pre 2011

Indigenous Australians experience a significant, disproportionate burden of ill-health when compared with non-Indigenous Australians. This is evidenced in the higher rates of disease and injury in the Indigenous population and their substantially lower life expectancy [1, 2]. The factors contributing to the poor health status of Indigenous Australians are extensive and complex, and reflect events involving dispossession, alienation, and segregation. Despite the multiplicity of factors responsible for the sub-standard health status of Indigenous people, substance use and abuse is one factor that has been identified as having a detrimental impact on poor health [3, 4]. A considerable body of research …

Review Of Educational And Other Approaches To Hearing Loss Among Indigenous People, Samantha Burrow, Ann Galloway, Natalie Weissofner

Research outputs pre 2011

This review article summarizes the available literature regarding educational and other approaches to hearing loss among Indigenous preschool and school children of Australia (i.e. both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Particular attention is given to the: impact of hearing loss; factors contributing to hearing loss; prevention and management of otitis media and hearing loss; education strategies addressing hearing loss; and policies and policy implications for reducing hearing loss and its educational consequences.

Adiabatically Induced Coherent Josephson Oscillations Of Ultracold Atoms In An Asymmetric Two-Dimensional Magnetic Lattice, Ahmed Abdelrahman, Peter Hannaford, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs pre 2011

We propose a new method to create an asymmetric two-dimensional magnetic lattice which exhibits magnetic band gap structure similar to semiconductor devices. The quantum device is assumed to host bound states of collective excitations formed in a magnetically trapped quantum degenerate gas of ultracold atoms such as a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) or a degenerate Fermi gas. A theoretical framework is established to describe possible realization of the exciton-Mott to discharging Josephson states oscillations in which the adiabatically controlled oscillations induce ac and dc Josephson atomic currents where this effect can be used to transfer n Josephson qubits across the asymmetric …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of An Exercise Intervention Targeting Cardiovascular And Metabolic Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer Patients From The Radar Trial, Daniel Galvao, Nigel Spry, Dennis Taaffe, James Denham, David Joseph, David Lamb, Gregory Levin, Gillian Duchesne, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs pre 2011

Androgen deprivation therapy leads to a number of adverse effects including deterioration of the musculoskeletal system and increased risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic complications. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects, efficacy, retention and compliance of a physical exercise intervention in a large established cohort of prostate cancer patients from the Randomised Androgen Deprivation and Radiotherapy (RADAR) study. Specifically, we aim to compare short- and long-term effects of a prostate cancer-specific supervised exercise program to a standard public health physical activity strategy utilizing printed resources on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. Our primary outcomes are cardiorespiratory …

A Novel Reconfigurable Optical Interconnect Architecture Using An Opto-Vlsi Processor And A 4-F Imaging System, Mingya Shen, Feng Xiao, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs pre 2011

A novel reconfigurable optical interconnect architecture for on-board high-speed data transmission is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The interconnect architecture is based on the use of an Opto-VLSI processor in conjunction with a 4-f imaging system to achieve reconfigurable chip-to-chip or board-to-board data communications. By reconfiguring the phase hologram of an Opto-VLSI processor, optical data generated by a vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) associated to a chip (or a board) is arbitrarily steered to the photodetector associated to another chip (or another board). Experimental results show that the optical interconnect losses range from 5.8dB to 9.6dB, and that the maximum …

Review Of Existing Australian And International Cyber-Safety Research, Julian J. Dooley, Donna Cross, Lydia Hearn, Robyn Treyvaud

Research outputs pre 2011

Information and communication technologies have permeated almost all areas of society and become an important component of daily functioning for most Australians. This is particularly true for Internet and mobile phone technology. The majority of Australian households (67% in 2007 – 2008) have access to the Internet and over 11 million Australians use the Internet as an integral part of their personal, social and occupational activities. By mid-2008, there were over 22 million active mobile phones being used in Australia, which equates to more than one phone for every citizen. There are many benefits associated with Internet and mobile phone …

Review Of Cancer Among Indigenous Peoples, Sasha Stumpers, Neil Thomson

Research outputs pre 2011

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of population-level cancer statistics and other key information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people alongside comparative figures for non-Indigenous Australians. It includes general information on the extent of cancer, including: incidence, hospitalisation and mortality. The review also provides information on the extent of cancer for specific cancers: lung, cervical, breast, prostate, liver, pancreatic and colorectal (bowel). Finally, the review discusses issues surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s use of cancer services.

Scada Security - Slowly Circling A Disaster Area, Craig Valli, Andrew Woodward

Research outputs pre 2011

SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) networks control much of the industrialised nations production and supply complexes. Various government reports and investigations have highlighted the vulnerability of these systems. Many of these systems are on private networks which are increasingly being connected to systems that are accessible from other networks such as the Internet. SCADA systems have unique security and operational requirements. However, many of the most basic security measures are missing in these networks. This examines some of these issues and proposes some technologies that could help secure these networks from attack.

Scada Forensics With Snort Ids, Craig Valli

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper is a research in progress paper outlining an approach using open source IDS (Snort) and honeypot (nepenthes, honeyd) technologies to create a resilient layered defensive approach for SCADA and control systems networks.

Dietary Composition Modulates Brain Mass And Solubilizable Abeta Levels In A Mouse Model Of Aggressive Alzheimer's Amyloid Pathology, Steve Pedrini, Carlos Thomas, Hannah Brautigam, James Schmeidler, Lap Ho, Paul Fraser, David Westaway, Peter St George Hyslop, Ralph Martins, Joseph Buxbaum, Giulio Pasinetti, Dara Dickstein, Patrick Hof, Michelle Ehrlich, Sam Gandy

Research outputs pre 2011

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, an increased interest in the role diet plays in the pathology of AD has resulted in a focus on the detrimental effects of diets high in cholesterol and fat and the beneficial effects of caloric restriction. The current study examines how dietary composition modulates cerebral amyloidosis and neuronal integrity in the TgCRND8 mouse model of AD. Methods: From 4 wks until 18 wks of age, male and female TgCRND8 mice were maintained on one of four diets: (1) reference (regular) commercial chow; (2) high …

A Review Of Interventions To Encourage Smes To Make Environmental Improvements, Craig M. Parker, Janice Redmond, Mike Simpson

Research outputs pre 2011

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the world economy but they are thought to be responsible for around 60% of all carbon dioxide emissions and 70% of all pollution. SMEs often have major problems with limited resources, limited knowledge and limited technical capabilities to deal with their own negative environmental impact. SMEs exhibit widely differing characteristics and commitment where environmental issues are concerned. Yet under these conditions they are all expected to engage in environmental improvement. Interventions that encourage environmental improvement are often polarised between regulation and legislation at one extreme and voluntary environmental agreement …

Intensity Of Herbivory On Kelp By Fish And Sea Urchins Differs Between Inshore And Offshore Reefs, Mathew Vanderklift, Paul Lavery, Kris Waddington

Research outputs pre 2011

Interactions between water motion, primary productivity, and herbivory are complex. Rates of grazing by fish on tropical coral reefs and by sea urchins on temperate rocky reefs are usually high, but can be low in areas of extreme water motion. Some herbivores can switch between mobile (grazing) and sedentary (drift-feeding) behaviours, and this can be influenced by water motion. We compared the relative consumption of the kelp Ecklonia radiata at rocky reefs in western Australia with different wave exposures (inshore versus offshore). No herbivory was recorded offshore, suggesting that wave exposure might inhibit herbivory. We also compared grazing by fish …

Poetry In The Classroom : Dish It Up!, Helen Adam

Research outputs pre 2011

Not available.

Wellbeing And Retention: A Senior Secondary Student Perspective, Jan Gray, Mark Hackling

Research outputs pre 2011

Non-completion of senior secondary schooling continues to be a matter of concern for policy makers and practitioners in Australia today. Despite the efforts of governments to improve participation and retention rates, 30% of students drop out of school before completing Year 12. Further, some students remain at school, just biding their time until graduation. Within this context, we investigate whether the wellbeing of the students is a key factor in supporting senior students in deciding to continue at school. The article reports on the first phase of a two-year study of factors impacting on quality retention and participation of 250 …

Does Tick Size Change Improve Liquidity Provision? : Evidence From The Indonesia Stock Exchange, David E. Allen, Josephine Sudiman

Research outputs pre 2011

The market regulators of the Indonesia stock exchange have made several changes in permissible minimum price variations, from a single tick size (IDR 5) in 2000 to multiple tick sizes (IDR1, 5, 10, 25, 50) in 2007 for the purposes of promoting efficient trading and liquidity improvements. Researchers have demonstrated that finer tick sizes will lower bidask spreads, yet studies which examine the impact of tick size on other key liquidity dimensions such as realized market depth and speed of quote revision are limited. As tick size diminishes so too do the benefits of time precedence rules and encouragement is …