AUT Research Institutes, Centres and Networks

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AUT Research Institutes, Centres and Networks bring focus to research activity. The objectives are to:

Ensure that resources are concentrated in areas where AUT has capability

Be the key concentration of research activity

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12th Language and Society Conference 2010
(Institute of Culture, Discourse and Communication, AUT University, 2010)
No abstract.
2022 World Hypertension League, Resolve To Save Lives and International Society of Hypertension Dietary Sodium (Salt) Global Call to Action
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2022) Campbell, NRC; Whelton, PK; Orias, M; Wainford, RD; Cappuccio, FP; Ide, N; Neal, B; Cohn, J; Cobb, LK; Webster, J; Trieu, K; He, FJ; McLean, RM; Blanco-Metzler, A; Woodward, M; Khan, N; Kokubo, Y; Nederveen, L; Arcand, J; MacGregor, GA; Owolabi, MO; Lisheng, L; Parati, G; Lackland, DT; Charchar, FJ; Williams, B; Tomaszewski, M; Romero, CA; Champagne, B; L’Abbe, MR; Weber, MA; Schlaich, MP; Fogo, A; Feigin, VL; Akinyemi, R; Inserra, F; Menon, B; Simas, M; Neves, MF; Hristova, K; Pullen, C; Pandeya, S; Ge, J; Jalil, JE; Wang, J-G; Wideimsky, J; Kreutz, R; Wenzel, U; Stowasser, M; Arango, M; Protogerou, A; Gkaliagkousi, E; Fuchs, FD; Patil, M; Chan, AW-K; Nemcsik, J; Tsuyuki, RT; Narasingan, SN; Sarrafzadegan, N; Ramos, ME; Yeo, N; Rakugi, H; Ramirez, AJ; Álvarez, G; Berbari, A; Kim, C-I; Ihm, S-H; Chia, Y-C; Unurjargal, T; Park, HK; Wahab, K; McGuire, H; Dashdorj, NJ; Ishaq, M; Ona, DID; Mercado-Asis, LB; Prejbisz, A; Leenaerts, M; Simão, C; Pinto, F; Almustafa, BA; Spaak, J; Farsky, S; Lovic, D; Zhang, X-H
A Brain Computer Interface Neuromodulatory Device for Stroke Rehabilitation: An Iterative User-Centred Design Approach
(JMIR Publications, 2023-12-11) Alder, Gemma; Taylor, Denise; Rashid, Usman; Olsen, Sharon; Brooks, Thonia; Terry, Gareth; Niazi, Imran Khan; Signal, Nada
BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation technologies for people with stroke are rapidly evolving. These technologies have the potential to support higher volumes of rehabilitation to improve outcomes for people with stroke. Despite growing evidence of their efficacy, there is a lack of uptake and sustained use in stroke rehabilitation and a call for user-centered design approaches during technology design and development. This study focuses on a novel rehabilitation technology called exciteBCI, a complex neuromodulatory wearable technology in the prototype stage that augments locomotor rehabilitation for people with stroke. The exciteBCI consists of a brain computer interface, a muscle electrical stimulator, and a mobile app. OBJECTIVE: This study presents the evaluation phase of an iterative user-centered design approach supported by a qualitative descriptive methodology that sought to (1) explore users' perspectives and experiences of exciteBCI and how well it fits with rehabilitation, and (2) facilitate modifications to exciteBCI design features. METHODS: The iterative usability evaluation of exciteBCI was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 consisted of 3 sprint cycles consisting of single usability sessions with people with stroke (n=4) and physiotherapists (n=4). During their interactions with exciteBCI, participants used a "think-aloud" approach, followed by a semistructured interview. At the end of each sprint cycle, device requirements were gathered and the device was modified in preparation for the next cycle. Phase 2 focused on a "near-live" approach in which 2 people with stroke and 1 physiotherapist participated in a 3-week program of rehabilitation augmented by exciteBCI (n=3). Participants completed a semistructured interview at the end of the program. Data were analyzed from both phases using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Overall, participants perceived and experienced exciteBCI positively, while providing guidance for iterative changes. Five interrelated themes were identified from the data: (1) "This is rehab" illustrated that participants viewed exciteBCI as having a good fit with rehabilitation practice; (2) "Getting the most out of rehab" highlighted that exciteBCI was perceived as a means to enhance rehabilitation through increased engagement and challenge; (3) "It is a tool not a therapist," revealed views that the technology could either enhance or disrupt the therapeutic relationship; and (4) "Weighing up the benefits versus the burden" and (5) "Don't make me look different" emphasized important design considerations related to device set-up, use, and social acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers several important findings that can inform the design and implementation of rehabilitation technologies. These include (1) the design of rehabilitation technology should support the therapeutic relationship between the patient and therapist, (2) social acceptability is a design priority in rehabilitation technology but its importance varies depending on the use context, and (3) there is value in using design research methods that support understanding usability in the context of sustained use.
A comparison of modeling techniques for software development effort prediction
(Springer-Verlag, 1998) MacDonell, SG; Gray, AR; Kasabov, N; Kozma, R; Ko, K; OShea, R; Coghill, G; Gedeon, T
Software metrics are playing an increasingly important role in software development project management, with the need to effectively control the expensive investment of software development of paramount concern. Research examining the estimation of software development effort has been particularly extensive. In this work, regression analysis has been used almost exclusively to derive equations for predicting software process effort. This approach, whilst useful in some cases, also suffers from a number of limitations in relation to data set characteristics. In an attempt to overcome some of these problems, some recent studies have adopted less common modeling methods, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic models and case-based reasoning. In this paper some consideration is given to the use of neural networks and fuzzy models in terms of their appropriateness for the task of effort estimation. A comparison of techniques is also made with specific reference to statistical modeling and to function point analysis, a popular formal method for estimating development size and effort.
A comparison of semi-deterministic and stochastic search techniques
(Springer, 2000) Connor, AM; Shea, K
This paper presents an investigation of two search techniques, tabu search (TS) and simulated annealing (SA), to assess their relative merits when applied to engineering design optimisation. Design optimisation problems are generally characterised as having multi-modal search spaces and discontinuities making global optimisation techniques beneficial. Both techniques claim to be capable of locating globally optimum solutions on a range of problems but this capability is derived from different underlying philosophies. While tabu search uses a semi-deterministic approach to escape local optima, simulated annealing uses a complete stochastic approach. The performance of each technique is investigated using a structural optimisation problem. These performances are then compared to each other as well as a steepest descent (SD) method.
A comparison of techniques for developing predictive models of software metrics
(Elsevier, 1997-06) Gray, A; MacDonell, SG
The use of regression analysis to derive predictive equations for software metrics has recently been complemented by increasing numbers of studies using non-traditional methods, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic models, case-based reasoning systems, and regression trees. There has also been an increasing level of sophistication in the regression-based techniques used, including robust regression methods, factor analysis, and more effective validation procedures. This paper examines the implications of using these methods and provides some recommendations as to when they may be appropriate. A comparison of the various techniques is also made in terms of their modelling capabilities with specific reference to software metrics.
A computational neurogenetic model of a spiking neuron
(IEEE, 2005) Kasabov, N; Benuskova, L.; Wysoski, S.
The paper presents a novel, biologically plausible spiking neuronal model that includes a dynamic gene network. Interactions of genes in neurons affect the dynamics of the neurons and the whole network through neuronal parameters that change as a function of gene expression. The proposed model is used to build a spiking neural network (SNN) illustrated on a real EEC data case study problem. The paper also presents a novel computational approach to brain neural network modeling that integrates dynamic gene networks with a neural network model. Interaction of genes in neurons affects the dynamics of the whole neural network through neuronal parameters, which are no longer constant, but change as a function of gene expression. Through optimization of the gene interaction network, initial gene/protein expression values and ANN parameters, particular target states of the neural network operation can be achieved, and statistics about gene intercation matrix can be extracted. It is illustrated by means of a simple neurogenetic model of a spiking neural network (SNN). The behavior of SNN is evaluated by means of the local field potential, thus making it possible to attempt modeling the role of genes in different brain states, where EEC data is available to test the model. We use standard signal processing techniques like FFT to evaluate the SNN output to compare it with real human EEC data. © 2005 IEEE.
A contextual information retrieval framework
(National Advisory Committee on Computing Qualifications (NACCQ), 2005) Limbu, D; Connor, AM; MacDonell, SG
The amount of information on the Internet is constantly growing and the challenge now is one of finding relevant information. Contextual information retrieval (CIR) is a critical technology for today's search engines to facilitate queries and return relevant information. Despite its importance, little progress has been made in CIR due to the difficulty of capturing and representing contextual information about users. Numerous CIR approaches exist today, but, to the best of our knowledge, none of them offer a similar service to the one proposed in this paper. This paper proposes an alternative framework for CIR from the World Wide Web (WWW). The framework aims to improve query results (or make search results more relevant) by constructing a contextual profile based on a user's behaviour, their preferences, and a shared knowledge base, and by using this information in the search engine framework to find and return relevant information.
A dialogic approach to online facilitation
(ASCILITE, 2010) Swann, J
Social construction of understanding has long been a significant underlying principle of learning and teaching and while there are many models for the design of online activities to promote this there are considerably fewer models for the facilitation of such dialogue. This paper examines some of these facilitation models from the point of view of a university lecturer seeking to encourage social construction of understanding through online dialogue and proposes an alternative which extends the principles of Community of Inquiry theory. It describes a design-based research project which focuses on the dialogue itself in a university learning environment, and on the development of facilitation techniques which will encourage it to flourish.
A dialogic approach to online facilitation
(ASCILITE, 2009) Swann, J
Social construction of understanding has long been a significant underlying principle of learning and teaching and while there are many models for the design of online activities to promote this there are considerably fewer models for the facilitation of such dialogue. This paper examines some of these facilitation models from the point of view of a university lecturer seeking to encourage social construction of understanding through online dialogue and proposes an alternative which extends the principles of Community of Inquiry theory. It describes a design-based research project which focuses on the dialogue itself in a university learning environment, and on the development of facilitation techniques which will encourage it to flourish.
A framework for contextual information retrieval from the WWW
(International Society for Computers and Their Applications (ISCA), 2005) Limbu, DK; Connor, AM; MacDonell, SG
Search engines are the most commonly used type of tool for finding relevant information on the Internet. However, today’s search engines are far from perfect. Typical search queries are short, often one or two words, and can be ambiguous therefore returning inappropriate results. Contextual information retrieval (CIR) is a critical technique for these search engines to facilitate queries and return relevant information. Despite its importance, little progress has been made in CIR due to the difficulty of capturing and representing contextual information about users. Numerous contextual information retrieval approaches exist today, but to the best of our knowledge none of them offer a similar service to the one proposed in this paper. This paper proposes an alternative framework for contextual information retrieval from the WWW. The framework aims to improve query results (or make search results more relevant) by constructing a contextual profile based on a user’s behaviour, their preferences, and a shared knowledge base, and using this information in the search engine framework to find and return relevant information
A fuzzy logic approach to computer software source code authorship analysis
(Springer-Verlag, 1998) Kilgour, RI; Gray, AR; Sallis, PJ; MacDonell, SG; Kasabov, N; Kozma, R; Ko, K; OShea, R; Coghill, G; Gedeon, T
Software source code authorship analysis has become an important area in recent years with promising applications in both the legal sector (such as proof of ownership and software forensics) and the education sector (such as plagiarism detection and assessing style). Authorship analysis encompasses the sub-areas of author discrimination, author characterization, and similarity detection (also referred to as plagiarism detection). While a large number of metrics have been proposed for this task, many borrowed or adapted from the area of computational linguistics, there is a difficulty with capturing certain types of information in terms of quantitative measurement. Here it is proposed that existing numerical metrics should be supplemented with fuzzy-logic linguistic variables to capture more subjective elements of authorship, such as the degree to which comments match the actual source code’s behavior. These variables avoid the need for complex and subjective rules, replacing these with an expert’s judgement. Fuzzy-logic models may also help to overcome problems with small data sets for calibrating such models. Using authorship discrimination as a test case, the utility of objective and fuzzy measures, singularly and in combination, is assessed as well as the consistency of the measures between counters.
A Model for Nurturing a Networked Academic Community: #ASCILITEMLSIG Mobile Learning Special Interest Group
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-05-13) Narayan, Vickel; Cochrane, Thomas; Stretton, Todd; Chanane, Nawal; Alizadeh, Mehrasa; Birt, James; Bone, Elisa; Cowie, Neil; Deneen, Chris; Hinze, Meredith; Sinfield, David; Worthington, Tom; Goldacre, Paul; Vanderburg, Robert
This paper explores the development of a special interest group bound by common interests, experiences, and access to opportunities in mobile learning as a model of a networked academic development community. With core members spanning eleven educational institutes across three continents, the Mobile Learning Special Interest Group (MLSIG) was established to facilitate mobile learning praxis to enable authentic learning and learner agency through a networked community of academic practitioners and researchers. The paper identifies critical elements of the MLSIG networked community through an autoethnographic narrative from 14 self-nominated participants. These are woven into a proposed framework and model for nurturing networked academic development communities.
A novel microarray gene selection method based on consistency
(IEEE Computer Society Press, 2006) Hu, Y; Pang, S; Havukkala, I
Consistency modeling for gene selection is a new topic emerging from recent cancer bioinformatics research. The result of classification or clustering on a training set was often found very different from the same operations on a testing set. Here, we address this issue as a consistency problem. We propose a new concept of performance-based consistency and a new novel gene selection method, Genetic Algorithm Gene Selection method in terms of consistency (GAGSc). The proposed consistency concept and GAGSc method were investigated on eight benchmark microarray and proteomic datasets. The experimental results show that the different microarray datasets have different consistency characteristics, and that better consistency can lead to an unbiased and reproducible outcome with good disease prediction accuracy. More importantly, GAGSc has demonstrated that gene selection, with the proposed consistency measurement, is able to enhance the reproducibility in microarray diagnosis experiments.
A novel solution for diagnostic printing
(AUT University, 2011) Barr, K; Diegel, O; Parker, S; Henry, S
A perspective-based understanding of project success
(John Wiley & Sons, 2012) McLeod, L; Doolin, B; MacDonell, SG
Answering the call for alternative approaches to researching project management, we explore the evaluation of project success from a subjectivist perspective. An in-depth, longitudinal case study of information systems development in a large manufacturing company was used to investigate how various project stakeholders subjectively perceived the project outcome and what evaluation criteria they drew on in doing so. A conceptual framework is developed for understanding and analyzing evaluations of project success, both formal and informal. The framework highlights how different stakeholder perspectives influence the perceived outcome(s) of a project, and how project evaluations may differ between stakeholders and across time.
A Pilot Study of Application of the Stroke Riskometer Mobile App for Assessment of the Course and Clinical Outcomes of Covid-19 Among Hospitalised Patients
(Karger Publishers, 2023) Merkin, Alexander; Akinfieva, Sofya; Medvedev, Oleg N; Krishnamurthi, Rita V; Gutsaluk, Alexey; Reips, Ulf-Dietrich; Kuliev, Rufat; Dinov, Evgeny; Nikiforov, Igor; Shamalov, Nikolay; Shafran, Polina; Popova, Lyudmila; Burenchev, Dmitry; Feigin, VL
BACKGROUND: Early determination of COVID-19 severity and health outcomes could facilitate better treatment of patients. Different methods and tools have been developed for predicting outcomes of COVID-19, but they are difficult to use in routine clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of inpatients aged 20-92 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 to determine whether their individual 5-year absolute risk of stroke at the time of hospital admission predicts the course of COVID-19 severity and mortality. The risk of stroke was determined by the Stroke Riskometer mobile application. RESULTS: We examined 385 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 (median age 61 years). The participants were categorised based on COVID-19 severity: 271 (70.4%) to the "Not severe" and 114 (29.6%) to the "Severe" groups. The median risk of stroke the next day after hospitalisation was significantly higher among patients in the Severe group (2.83 [95% CI 2.35-4.68]) vs the Not severe group (1.11 [95% CI 1.00-1.29]). The median risk of stroke and median systolic blood pressure (SBP) were significantly higher among non-survivors (12.04 [95% CI 2.73-21.19]) and (150 [95% CI 140-170]) vs survivors (1.31 [95% CI 1.14-1.52]), 134 [95% CI 130-135]), respectively. Those who spent more than 2.5 hours a week on physical activity were 3.1 times more likely to survive from COVID-19. Those who consumed more than one standard alcohol drink a day, or suffered with atrial fibrillation, or had poor memory were 2.5, 2.3, and 2.6 times more likely not to survive from COVID-19, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High risk of stroke, physical inactivity, alcohol intake, high SBP, and atrial fibrillation are associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that the Stroke Riskometer app could be used as a simple predictive tool of COVID-19 severity and mortality.
A prototype tool to support extended team collaboration in agile project feature management
(ISRST, 2009) Licorish, S; Philpott, A; MacDonell, SG
In light of unacceptable rates of software project failure agile development methodologies have achieved widespread industry prominence, aimed at reducing software project risks and improving the likelihood of project success. However, the highly collaborative processes embedded in agile methodologies may themselves introduce other risks. In particular, the fluid and diverse nature of agile team structures may mean that collaboration regarding what is to be delivered becomes more challenging. We have therefore developed a prototype tool intended to enable all stakeholders to have greater access to the features of the emerging system irrespective of their location, via remote feature management functionality. Software engineering experts have evaluated the initial prototype, verifying that it would enhance collaboration and is likely to assist teams in their handling of feature management.
A PSO based adaboost approach to object detection
(Springer Verlag, 2008) Mohemmed, AW; Zhang, M; Johnston, M
This paper describes a new approach using particle swarm optimisation (PSO) within AdaBoost for object detection. Instead of using the time consuming exhaustive search for finding good features to be used for constructing weak classifiers in AdaBoost, we propose two PSO based methods in this paper. The first uses PSO to evolve and select the good features only and the weak classifiers use a kind of decision stump. The second uses PSO for both selecting the good features and evolving weak classifiers in parallel. These two methods are examined and compared on a pasta detection data set. The experiment results show that both approaches perform quite well for the pasta detection problem, and that using PSO for selecting good individual features and evolving associated weak classifiers in AdaBoost is more effective than for selecting features only for this problem.
A simulation framework to support software project (re)planning
(IEEE, 2009-08-27) Kirk, D; MacDonell, S
Planning and replanning software projects involves selecting activities according to organisational policies, project goals and contexts, deciding how to effect the activities, and dealing with uncertainty in activity outputs. There is at the present time no general model to support project managers with all of these tasks. The contributions of this paper are to propose a set of properties that are desirable in a model for (re)planning and to create a framework based on these properties. The purpose of the framework is to support the modelling and simulation of (re)planning during software projects. Key aspects of the framework are a focus on project objectives as drivers of activity selection, and activity prediction that supports uncertainty and that may be based on previous activity data, expert opinion or experimental evidence. We present a 'proof-of-concept' case study to illustrate how the framework can be applied to support planning.

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