An examination of keystroke dynamics for continuous user authentication

Most current computer systems authorise the user at the start of a session and do not detect whether the current user is still the initial authorised user, a substitute user, or an intruder pretending to be a valid user. Therefore, a system that continuously checks the identity of the user throughout the session is necessary without being intrusive to end-user and/or effectively doing this. Such a system is called a continuous authentication system (CAS). Researchers have applied several approaches for CAS and most of these techniques are based on biometrics. These continuous biometric authentication systems (CBAS) are supplied by user traits and characteristics. One of the main types of biometric is keystroke dynamics which has been widely tried and accepted for providing continuous user authentication. Keystroke dynamics is appealing for many reasons. First, it is less obtrusive, since users will be typing on the computer keyboard anyway. Second, it does not require extra hardware. Finally, keystroke dynamics will be available after the authentication step at the start of the computer session. Currently, there is insufficient research in the CBAS with keystroke dynamics field. To date, most of the existing schemes ignore the continuous authentication scenarios which might affect their practicality in different real world applications. Also, the contemporary CBAS with keystroke dynamics approaches use characters sequences as features that are representative of user typing behavior but their selected features criteria do not guarantee features with strong statistical significance which may cause less accurate statistical user-representation. Furthermore, their selected features do not inherently incorporate user typing behavior. Finally, the existing CBAS that are based on keystroke dynamics are typically dependent on pre-defined user-typing models for continuous authentication. This dependency restricts the systems to authenticate only known users whose typing samples are modelled. This research addresses the previous limitations associated with the existing CBAS schemes by developing a generic model to better identify and understand the characteristics and requirements of each type of CBAS and continuous authentication scenario. Also, the research proposes four statistical-based feature selection techniques that have highest statistical significance and encompasses different user typing behaviors which represent user typing patterns effectively. Finally, the research proposes the user-independent threshold approach that is able to authenticate a user accurately without needing any predefined user typing model a-priori. Also, we enhance the technique to detect the impostor or intruder who may take over during the entire computer session.

Transforming the psychological contract through a continuous innovation methodology

This paper introduces the Corporate Culture Change Cycle: a continuous innovation methodology for transforming the psychological contract in an organisational context. The eight step process is based on the action learning model. The purpose of this methodology is to benchmark the psychological contract against eight changing values of the employment relationship as a basis for facilitating a process of aligning the changing needs of employer and employee. Both the Corporate Culture Change Cycle and the New Employment Relationship Model have been validated in several organisational settings and subsequently refined. This continuous innovation methodology addresses gaps in the psychological contract, change management and continuous innovation research literatures. The approach therefore should be of interest to researchers in these fields of study and from a practical perspective for managers wishing to transform their workplace cultures.

Towards continuous surveillance of fruit flies using sensor networks and machine vision

In Australia, the Queensland fruit fly (B. tryoni), is the most destructive insect pest of horticulture, attacking nearly all fruit and vegetable crops. This project has researched and prototyped a system for monitoring fruit flies so that authorities can be alerted when a fly enters a crop in a more efficient manner than is currently used. This paper presents the idea of our sensor platform design as well as the fruit fly detection and recognition algorithm by using machine vision techniques. Our experiments showed that the designed trap and sensor platform is capable to capture quality fly images, the invasive flies can be successfully detected and the average precision of the Queensland fruit fly recognition is 80% from our experiment.

University library virtual reference services : best practices and continuous improvement

The inclusion or not of chat services within Virtual Reference (VR) is an important topic for university libraries. Increasingly, email supported by a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) database is suggested in the scholarly literature as the preferred, cost-effective means for providing university VR services. This paper examines these issues and identifies some best practices for university library VR services relating to chat and email service, collaborative service provision, services staffing, and staff training. Further studies are required to more completely identify best practices for the complete range of VR services.

Modified alternating direction methods for solving a two-dimensional non-continuous seepage flow with fractional derivatives

In this paper, a two-dimensional non-continuous seepage flow with fractional derivatives (2D-NCSF-FD) in uniform media is considered, which has modified the well known Darcy law. Using the relationship between Riemann-Liouville and Grunwald-Letnikov fractional derivatives, two modified alternating direction methods: a modified alternating direction implicit Euler method and a modified Peaceman-Rachford method, are proposed for solving the 2D-NCSF-FD in uniform media. The stability and consistency, thus convergence of the two methods in a bounded domain are discussed. Finally, numerical results are given.

Supply chain collaboration : capabilities for continuous innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how collaborative relationships enhance continuous innovation in the supply chain using case studies. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 23 managers in ten case studies. The main intention was to comprehend how these firms engaged in collaborative relationships and their importance for successful innovation. The study adopted a qualitative approach to investigating these factors. Findings – The findings demonstrate how differing relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capacities to innovate. The ability to work together with partners has enabled firms to integrate and link operations for increased effectiveness as well as embark on both radical and incremental innovation. Research limitations/implications – The research into the initiatives and strategies for collaboration was essentially exploratory. A qualitative approach using case studies acknowledged that the responses from managers were difficult to quantify or gauge the extent of these factors. Practical implications – The findings have shown various methods where firms integrated with customers and suppliers in the supply chain. This was evident in the views of managers across all the firms examined, supporting the importance of collaboration and efficient allocation of resources throughout the supply chain. They were able to set procedures in their dealings with partners, sharing knowledge and processes, and subsequently joint-planning and investing with them for better operations, systems and processes in the supply chain. Originality/value – The case studies serve as examples for managers in logistics organisation who are contemplating strategies and issues on collaborative relationships. The study provides important lessons on how such relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capability to innovate. Keywords Supply chain management, Innovation, Relationship marketing

Examining the role of human resource management in continuous improvement

The objective of this paper is to take a first step in developing a theoretical framework describing the role of HRM in successful CI, based on the current literature from both fields. To this end, elements from the CI Maturity Model and a framework depicting the role of HRM in innovation serve as a foundation for examining how specific bundles of HRM practices utilised during different phases of the CI implementation process may contribute to sustained organisational and enhanced operational performance. The primary contribution of this paper is theoretical; however, the framework has practical value in that it suggests important relationships between HRM practices and behaviours necessary for successful CI. A preliminary test of the framework in an empirical setting is summarised at the conclusion of this paper, where a number of possible research avenues are also suggested.

Exploration and exploitation : the interplay between knowledge and continuous innovation

In rapidly changing environments, organisations require dynamic capabilities to integrate, build and reconfigure resources and competencies to achieve continuous innovation. Although tangible resources are important to promoting the firm’s ability to act, capabilities fundamentally rest in the knowledge created and accumulated by the firm through human capital, organisational routines, processes, practices and norms. The exploration for new ideas, technologies and knowledge – to one side – and – on the other one – the exploitation of existing and new knowledge is essential for continuous innovation. Firms need to decide how best to allocate their scarce resources for both activities and at the same time build dynamic capabilities to keep up with changing market conditions. This in turn, is influenced by the absorptive capacity of the firm to assimilate knowledge. This paper presents a case study that investigates the sources of knowledge in an engineering firm in Australia, and how it is organised and processed. As information pervades the firm from both internal and external sources, individuals integrate knowledge using both exploration and exploitation approaches. The findings illustrate that absorptive capacity can encourage greater leverage for exploration potential leading to radical innovation; and reconfiguring exploitable knowledge for incremental improvements. This study provides an insight for managers in quest of improving knowledge strategies and continuous innovation. It also makes significant theoretical contributions to the literature through extending the concepts of