Digital Commons Network^™

Simulation Of A Hybrid Polywell And Stacked Gradient Poly-Homojunction Cmos Photodiode, Paul V. Jansz, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs pre 2011

In this paper, we have simulated the performance of a photodiode array that has multiple wells per pixel as well as a stacked-gradient poly-homojunction (StaG) geometry. The pixel response resolution was improved when the first StaG epilayer was within 2 μm of the space charge region (SCR).

Lactate Dyscrasia: A Novel Explanation For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Craig Atwood

Research outputs pre 2011

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disease with no cure. We propose a novel molecular model for the pathogenesis of ALS that involves an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent muscle neuronal lactate shuttle (MNLS) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to regulate the flow of lactate from muscle to neurons and vice versa. Failure of the MNLS due to respiratory chain dysfunction is proposed to result in lactate toxicity and degeneration of nerve endings at the NMJ leading to nerve terminus dysjunction from the muscle cell. At a critical threshold where denervation outpaces reinnervation, a vicious cycle …

Factors Influencing Overweight Children's Commencement Of And Continuation In A Resistance Training Program, Melanie Pescud, Simone Pettigrew, Michael R. Mcguigan, Robert Newton

Research outputs pre 2011

Background: In light of the child overweight and obesity problem in Australia, resistance training programs have been trialled as an innovative way of assisting children increase lean body mass and reduce body fat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing overweight children's participation in a resistance training trial program.

Method: Parent-child pairs who participated in the trial program were invited to take part in a follow-up individual interview to discuss their program experiences. In total, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 parent-child pairs.

Results: The factors found to be most relevant to program commencement among …

Autonomous Bee Colony Optimization For Multi-Objective Function, F Zeng, James Decraene, Malcolm Low, Philip Hingston, C Wentong, Z Suiping, M Chandramohan

Research outputs pre 2011

An Autonomous Bee Colony Optimization (A-BCO) algorithm for solving multi-objective numerical problems is proposed. In contrast with previous Bee Colony algorithms, A-BCO utilizes a diversity-based performance metric to dynamically assess the archive set. This assessment is employed to adapt the bee colony structures and flying patterns. This self-adaptation feature is introduced to optimize the balance between exploration and exploitation during the search process. Moreover, the total number of search iterations is also determined/optimized by A-BCO, according to user pre-specified conditions, during the search process. We evaluate A-BCO upon numerical benchmark problems and the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness …

A Practical Approach To Assess Depression Risk And To Guide Risk Reduction Strategies In Later Life, Osvaldo Almeida, Helman Alfonso, Jane Pirkis, Ngaire Kerse, Moira Sim, Leon Flicker, John Snowdon, Brian Draper, Gerard Byrne, Robert Goldney, Nicola Lautenschlager, Nigel Stocks, Marcia Scazufca, Martijn Huisman, Ricardo Araya, John Pfaff

Research outputs pre 2011

Background: Many factors have been associated with the onset and maintenance of depressive symptoms in later life, although this knowledge is yet to be translated into significant health gains for the population. This study gathered information about common modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for depression with the aim of developing a practical probabilistic model of depression that can be used to guide risk reduction strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of 20,677 community-dwelling Australians aged 60 years or over in contact with their general practitioner during the preceding 12 months. Prevalent depression (minor or major) according to the Patient …

Assemblage Turnover And Taxonomic Sufficiency Of Subtidal Macroalgae At Multiplespatial Scales, Dan A. Smale, Gary A. Kendrick, Thomas Wernberg

Research outputs pre 2011

Spatial variability in the structure of subtidal macroalgal assemblages in southwest Australia was examined at multiple spatial scales using a three-factor hierarchal design. Spatial extents ranged from metres (between quadrats) to many hundreds of kilometres (between regions), and the study encompassed N2000 km of temperate coastline. In addition, the influence of taxonomic resolution, from species level data to class level, on spatial patterns was investigated to assess the potential evolutionary timescales of the pattern and for developing cost effective regionally applicable surrogates for biodiversity monitoring. Almost 300 species were identified from 14 sites, representing considerable biodiversity and a significant subset …

A Novel Binarization Algorithm For Ballistics Imaging Systems, Zhihu Huang, Jinsong Leng

Research outputs pre 2011

The identification of ballistics specimens from imaging systems is of paramount importance in criminal investigation. Binarization plays a key role in preprocess of recognizing cartridges in the ballistic imaging systems. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get the satisfactory binary image using existing binary algorithms. In this paper, we utilize the global and local thresholds to enhance the image binarization. Importantly, we present a novel criterion for effectively detecting edges in the images. Comprehensive experiments have been conducted over sample ballistic images. The empirical results demonstrate the proposed method can provide a better solution than existing binary algorithms.

Android Forensics: Simplifying Cell Phone Examinations, Jeff Lessard, Gary Kessler

Research outputs pre 2011

It is hardly appropriate to call the devices many use to receive the occasional phone call a telephone any more. The capability of these devices is growing, as is the number of people utilizing them. By the end of 2009, 46.3% of mobile phones in use in the United States were reported to be smart phones (AdMob, 2010). With the increased availability of these powerful devices, there is also a potential increase for criminals to use this technology as well. Criminals could use smart phones for a number of activities such as committing fraud over e-mail, harassment through text messages, …

Wireless Acoustic Communications And Power Supply For In-Vivo Biomedical Devices, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs pre 2011

Pacemakers are common biomedical devices used in the treatment of specific cardiovascular problems. Current research in biomedical engineering is investigating the use of so called brain pacemakers to regulate conditions such as Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. In this paper, we demonstrate the principle of acoustic communications and power harvesting, in vivo. The signals are intended to be used for fixed in vivo biomedical devices, such as pacemakers, were wired and wireless RF communications cannot be used. Results show the performance of the communications channel. The frequency response, transfer function and transient response (at resonance) of the communications channel were …

A New Perspective On First Read Rate Of 2d Barcodes In Mobile Applications, Keng Tiong (Alf) Tan, Douglas Chai

Research outputs pre 2011

The first read rate (FRR) has been one of the traditional benchmark metric for measuring the performance of barcode systems. In recent studies, it has been noted that the FRR alone is not a complete measure of user experience, especially of barcodes in mobile applications. In this paper, we present a further three factors that would influence the user experience of mobile 2D barcodes. Our investigation is based on a quantitative survey of a controlled study participated by 250 lay users of mobile phones, through reading QRCode and Data Matrix barcodes with a variety of camera mobile phones. Observations from …

Examining Pacing Profiles In Elite Female Road Cyclists Using Exposure Variation Analysis, Chris Abbiss, Leon Straker, Marc Quod, David Martin, Paul Laursen

Research outputs pre 2011

Objective In this study, the amplitude and time distribution of power output in a variety of competitive cycling events through the use of a new mathematical analysis was examined: exposure variation analysis (EVA). Design Descriptive field study. Setting Various professional road cycling events, including; a 5-day—eight-stage tour race, a 1-day World Cup event and the Australian National Individual Time Trial Championships. Participants 9 elite female cyclists (mean (SD), mass = 57.8 (3.4) kg, height = 167.3 (2.8) cm, Vo2peak = 63.2 (5.2) ml kg−1 min−1). Interventions None. Main outcome measurements The variation in power output and the quantification of the …

A Novel Subspace Outlier Detection Approach In High Dimensional Data Sets, Jinsong Leng

Research outputs pre 2011

Many real applications are required to detect outliers in high dimensional data sets. The major difficulty of mining outliers lies on the fact that outliers are often embedded in subspaces. No efficient methods are available in general for subspace-based outlier detection. Most existing subspacebased outlier detection methods identify outliers by searching for abnormal sparse density units in subspaces. In this paper, we present a novel approach for finding outliers in the ‘interesting’ subspaces. The interesting subspaces are strongly correlated with `good' clusters. This approach aims to group the meaningful subspaces and then identify outliers in the projected subspaces. In doing …

Groove Shape-Dependent Absorption Enhancement Of 850 Nm Msm Photodetectors With Nano-Gratings, Narottam Das, Ayman Karar, Mikhail Vasiliev, Chee Leong Tan, Kamal Alameh, Yong Tak Lee

Research outputs pre 2011

Finite difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis is used to investigate the light absorption enhancement factor dependence on the groove shape of the nano-gratings etched into the surfaces of metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector (MSM-PD) structures. By patterning the MSM-PDs with optimized nano-gratings a significant improvement in light absorption near the design wavelength is achieved through plasmon-assisted electric field concentration effects. Simulation results show about 50 times light absorption enhancement for 850 nm light due to improved optical signal propagation through the nano-gratings.

A Proposed Methodology To Promote Adoption Of 'Green' Production By Small Firms, Elizabeth Walker, Janice Redmond, Margaret Giles

Research outputs pre 2011

Small firms are critical to all economies but also have a significant negative impact on the environment. Their collective footprint equates to 60% of industrial pollution yet small firm owner-managers are not convinced of the necessity for behaviour change. This paper develops a proposed methodology to engage small firm owner-managers in 'green' production, in particular adoption of energy saving and waste recycling practices. This methodology includes a suggested approach to determining the 'tipping point' for the investment of time and resources by small firms. The paper argues that knowing the 'tipping point' and making a realistic business case should encourage …

Light Reductions Drive Macroinvertebrate Changes In Amphibolis Griffithii Seagrass Habitat, Adam Gartner, Paul S. Lavery, Kathryn Mcmahon, Anne Brearley, Helen Barwick

Research outputs pre 2011

Numerous anthropogenic activities can significantly reduce the amount of light reaching seagrass habitats. Typically these result in morphological and physiological changes to the plant and associated algal epiphytes. However, the flow-on effects to seagrass-dependent fauna induced by these disturbances has yet to be examined. This study investigated the effects of different light reduction intensity (high: ~92% reduction; moderate: ~84% reduction), duration (3, 6 and 9 mo) and timing (post-winter and post-summer) on the density and biomass of macroinvertebrate epifauna within an Amphibolis griffithii seagrass ecosystem (Western Australia). There were generally lower epifauna densities and biomass within shaded seagrass plots. When …

The Pregnancy Hormones Human Chorionic Gonadotropin And Progesterone Induce Human Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation And Differentiation Into Neuroectodermal Rosettes, Miguel Gallego, Prashob Porayette, Maria Kaltcheva, Richard Bowan, Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Craig Atwood

Research outputs pre 2011

Introduction: The physiological signals that direct the division and differentiation of the zygote to form a blastocyst, and subsequent embryonic stem cell division and differentiation during early embryogenesis, are unknown. Although a number of growth factors, including the pregnancy-associated hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are secreted by trophoblasts that lie adjacent to the embryoblast in the blastocyst, it is not known whether these growth factors directly signal human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Methods: Here we used hESCs as a model of inner cell mass differentiation to examine the hormonal requirements for the formation of embryoid bodies (EB’s; akin to blastulation) …

Spatial Performance Of Acousto-Ultrasonic Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs pre 2011

In this letter, we present results for the spatial performance of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor to continuous-wave acousto-ultrasonic (AU) signals. The FBG AU sensor is an intensity sensor, using a transmit reflect detection system. The AU sensor was used to receive actively generated continuous-wave ultrasonic signals from a PZT transducer. We present results showing the received signal strength as a function of longitudinal, lateral, and angular separation in small aluminum panels. Measurements were taken for distances of less then 100 mm and at angles from 0 to 90 degrees between the sensor and the transducer. These results show …

Design Of Functionally Graded Carbon Coatings Against Contact Damage, Rajnish K. Singh, Zhifeng Zhou, Lawrence Kwok Yan Li, Paul Munroe, Mark Hoffman, Zonghan Xie

Research outputs pre 2011

Three different functionally graded amorphous carbon (a-C) thin films were deposited on to aluminium substrates using a closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating method. The closed-field configuration prohibits the loss of secondary electrons and consequently enhances the plasma density significantly. The functional gradient of the a-C films was achieved by varying the bias voltage linearly during deposition. Three graded a-C systems possessing different variations in Young's modulus were deposited with the highest Young's modulus at the (i) top surface, (ii) interface or (iii) middle of the film. Of the three systems investigated, the one with the highest Young's modulus at …

Testing An Exergame For Effectiveness And Attractiveness, Jeffrey Ronald Sinclair, Philip Hingston, Martin Masek, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs pre 2011

In this paper, we report on an experimental study in which we investigated the use of feedback mechanisms in exergames. We based the study around the Dual Flow model for exergame design, using biophysical feedback to control exercise intensity, and player performance feedback to control gameplay challenge. We found good success in controlling exercise intensity to achieve an effective workout, while controlling gameplay challenge to improve enjoyment and attractiveness was problematic. We offer some possible reasons for this, suggesting the need for further investigation.

The Impact Of Consanguinity On Neonatal And Infant Health, Alan H. Bittles, Michael L. Black

Research outputs pre 2011

Marriage between biological relatives is widely popular in many parts of the world, with over 1000 million people living in countries where 20–50+% of unions are contracted between couples related as second cousins or closer. Consanguinity is, however, a controversial topic, in part due to public misunderstanding, complicated by often exaggerated past estimates of the adverse health outcomes. While some consanguineous couples are at high risk of conceiving a child with a genetic disorder, they are a small minority. Thus a multi-population meta-analysis has indicated an excess infant death rate of 1.1% in the progeny of first cousins, and even …

High Utility Video Surveillance System On Public Transport Using Wimax Technology, Iftekhar Ahmad, Daryoush Habibi

Research outputs pre 2011

Video surveillance on public transport is a useful tool to fight against anti-social behaviour like vandalism, harassment, graffiti and terrorism. Real-time video surveillance on moving public transport faces serious technological challenges mainly due to limited throughput offered by existing communication technologies at high vehicular speeds. Success of real-time video surveillance on public transport heavily depends on future communication technologies like WiMAX. WiMAX has emerged as an exciting technology with promises to offer high throughput and improved quality of services (QoS), key requirements for video surveillance on public transport. WiMAX however, offers limited throughput at high vehicular speeds mainly because of …

Challenges And Opportunities For Simulation Modelling Integrating Mine Haulage And Truck Shop Operations, Melinda Hodkiewicz, Steven Richardson, Richard Durham

Research outputs pre 2011

Historically considerable work has been done to develop models that simulate truck haulage for both underground and open-pit operations. However, this work frequently simplifies or overlooks aspects such as the reliability of the trucks, priority setting and maintenance strategies in the truck shop, and resourcing of the repair facilities. This paper provides an overview of work in this area that is specific to the mining industry and also relevant work from other sectors that might inform how improvements can be made. The paper proposes some specific projects that will assist in identifying technical issues. Initially, it is important to understand …

High-Performance Thin-Film Garnet Materials For Magneto-Optic And Nanophotonic Applications, Mikhail Vasiliev, Mohammad Nur E Alam, Viacheslav Kotov, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs pre 2011

Since the 1960's, Magneto-optic (MO) garnet materials have been studied extensively. These materials can possess world-record MO performance characteristics in terms of Faraday rotation and optical quality. Among the rear-earth-doped garnets, the Bi-substituted iron garnet is the best candidate for use as a functional material in different integrated-optics, imaging/image processing applications and also in forward-looking applications e.g. the design of metamaterials with non-reciprocal properties. We have established a set of technologies for fabricating ferrimagnetic garnet films of type (BiDy)3(FeGa)5O12 and also garnet-oxide nanocomposite (BiDy)3(FeGa)5O12 : Bi2O3 layers possessing record-high MO quality across the visible spectral range using RF-magnetron sputtering and …

Reporting Hiv In Papua New Guinea: Trends And Omissions From 2000 To 2010, Trevor A. Cullen

Research outputs pre 2011

This article presents the findings from a longitudinal content analysis on the reporting of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in Papua New Guinea’s two national newspapers—The National and Post-Courier—in 2000, 2005 and 2010. The authors tried to answer two key questions: Did press coverage of the disease increase and did the topics change or remain the same? Data from the content analysis showed that coverage of the disease increased significantly during the ten-year study period, and that the framing of the disease moved beyond representing HIV as purely a health story to one that was linked to socio-economic conditions and cultural …

Interrogation Of Water Catchment Data Sets Using Data Mining Techniques, Ajdin Sehovic, Leisa Armstrong, Dean Diepeveen

Research outputs pre 2011

Current environmental challenges such as increasing dry land salinity, water logging, eutrophication and high nutrient runoff in south western regions of Western Australia (WA) may have both cultural and environmental implications in the near future. Advances in computing through the application of data mining ,and geographic information services provide the tools to conduct •studies that can indicate possible changes in these water catchment areas of WA. The research examines the existing spatial data mining techniques that can be used to interpret trends in WA water catchment land use. Large GIS data sets of the water catchments on Peel-Harvey region have …

Official/ Unofficial: Information Management And Social Association, Kay Hearn

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper explores the debates around civil society and corporatism as ways of understanding changes in social association, including non-governmental organisations and protest groups, and information management in relation to the development of the Internet. Both concepts have been used to examine the changes that have taken place since the implementation of the Open Door Policy and more recently the development of the Internet, and have shed light on the way in which new forms of social association operate, and on their relationship to the government. However, both concepts tend to be deterministic and eductionist positions. Instead, I use a …

Adaptive Optical Splitter Employing An Opto-Vlsi Processor And A 4-F Imaging System, Haithem Ab Mustafa, Feng Xiao, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs pre 2011

A novel adaptive optical splitter structure employing an Opto-VLSI processor and 4-f imaging system is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By driving the Opto-VLSI processor with computer generated multicasting phase holograms, an input optical signal launched into an input optical fiber port can be split and coupled into many output optical fiber ports with arbitrary splitting ratios. A proof-of-principle 1 2 adaptive optical splitter structure driven by optimized multicasting phase holograms uploaded onto the Opto-VLSI processor is developed, demonstrating an arbitrary splitting ratio over a wavelength range exceeding 50 nm.

Review Of Volatile Substance Use Among Indigenous People, Richard Midford, Sarah Maclean, Michelle Catto, Olivier Debuyst

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Three Year Results Of The Friendly Schools Whole-Of-School Intervention On Children's Bullying Behaviour, Donna Cross, Helen Monks, Margaret Hall, Therese Shaw, Yolanda Pintabona, Erin Erceg, Gregory Hamilton, Clare Roberts, Stacey Waters, Leanne Lester

Research outputs pre 2011

A group randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of the Friendly Schools program to reduce student bullying behaviour. This socio-ecological intervention targeted the whole school, classroom, family, and individual students to reduce bullying behaviour. Self-report data were collected in 29 schools over three years from a cohort of 1968 eight to nine-year-olds. Surveys measured frequency of being bullied, bullying others, telling if bullied and observing bullying. Results indicate that intervention students were significantly less likely to observe bullying at 12, 24 and 36 months and be bullied after 12 and 36 months, and significantly more likely to tell if bullied …

How Do You Make Information Security User Friendly?, Andrew Jones

Research outputs pre 2011

This article explores the past and the present situation, outlines a new approach, and presents conclusions.