A cache-based mobility-aware scheme for real-time continuous media delivery in wireless networks

Providing real-time or continuous media (CM) application services in wireless networks poses a significant challenge, as it requires timely delivery of data in a best-effort network. In this paper, we propose a cache-based scheme for mobility-aware, CM applications. The proposed scheme exploits a previously proposed caching strategy to complement Mobile-IP by placing services closer to migrated mobile nodes. The central idea of this work is based on the migration of sessions in order to facilitate uninterrupted delivery of CM in mobile environments. The performance of the proposed scheme is investigated by simulation studies. In particular, the effect of the proposed scheme on several QoS parameters under varying conditions of mobility and CM data is measured.

Exploring new models of elite sport delivery : the case of triathlon in the USA and Australia

There is a growing body of knowledge that examines the tasks and processes for successful sport and recognizes that sport development activities undertaken within the framework of recruitment, retention, and transition should vary between sports and contexts. There has been little research that has examined newer models of sport development in emerging sports. This research examines elite sport development structure and delivery in the sport of triathlon in the USA and Australia. The research team conducted interviews with representatives responsible for the delivery and development of triathlon. The results show three overarching elements in elite sport development: (1) the sport development process, (2) the sport development setting, and (3) outsourcing delivery of sport development. Triathlon has different processes and settings for sport development between the USA and Australia. However, both countries share a core similarity in how they deliver elite sport through a third party organization. A discussion of the implications for the development of new models of elite sport development ensues.

User preference of cyber security awareness delivery methods

Operating systems and programmes are more protected these days and attackers have shifted their attention to human elements to break into the organisation's information systems. As the number and frequency of cyber-attacks designed to take advantage of unsuspecting personnel are increasing, the significance of the human factor in information security management cannot be understated. In order to counter cyber-attacks designed to exploit human factors in information security chain, information security awareness with an objective to reduce information security risks that occur due to human related vulnerabilities is paramount. This paper discusses and evaluates the effects of various information security awareness delivery methods used in improving end-users’ information security awareness and behaviour. There are a wide range of information security awareness delivery methods such as web-based training materials, contextual training and embedded training. In spite of efforts to increase information security awareness, research is scant regarding effective information security awareness delivery methods. To this end, this study focuses on determining the security awareness delivery method that is most successful in providing information security awareness and which delivery method is preferred by users. We conducted information security awareness using text-based, game-based and video-based delivery methods with the aim of determining user preferences. Our study suggests that a combined delivery methods are better than individual security awareness delivery method.

MidiCities : test beds for innovative delivery of urban transformation

Cities globally and nationally are facing a range of daunting challenges to respond to a suite of emerging imperatives including a low carbon future, oil vulnerability, demographic re-composition, and the prospect of unpredictable economic shocks. To pursue a future that is sustainable and resilient requires substantial transformation of existing urban areas and creation of new mechanisms to guide and manage delivery of physical, economic and social changes.

Mid-sized cities provide legible, nimble test beds for exploring cross-disciplinary models and innovative governance and delivery techniques. Australia’s ‘MidiCities’ – home to 4 million urban dwellers frequently overlooked by urban policy or research effort – are emerging as crucibles of innovation and experimentation. Most of these cities retain that essential key ingredient for sustainable urbanism, economic resilience and community identity: a strong, highly legible city centre with a tightly clustered diversity of facilities and functions – the multi-functional activity centre that metropolitan suburban hubs yearn to grow up to become!

These diverse MidiCities are passing a threshold of self-confident sophistication, and are now providing valuable lessons for each other, which could be adopted or adapted by metropolitan cities where scale and complexity can often overwhelm the search for new and appropriate approaches to delivery of rapid change while maintaining clear guidance toward the vision of a ‘preferred’ future. A network of professionals working with Australian and New Zealand MidiCities is coalescing toward a cross-disciplinary platform for exchange of experiences and information, mutual support, improved research and understanding, capacity-building and the refinement of new specialist skills and structures.

Decision support and the effectiveness of web-based delivery and information tailoring for bowel cancer screening : an exploratory study

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females throughout the developed world. Population screening using fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) facilitates early detection and greater chance of survival, but participation rates are low. We developed a Web-based decision tool to provide information tailored to an individual’s decision stage for CRC screening and attitude toward screening utilizing the Preventive Health Model (PHM) and Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) as theoretical frameworks for screening behavior. We describe the practical steps employed in the tool’s design and the subsequent conduct of an exploratory study.
Objective: To design a decision tool for CRC screening and conduct an exploratory study among average-risk men and women to (1) test the impact of message type (tailored vs non-tailored) and message delivery modality (Web-based vs paper-based) on attitudes toward screening and screening uptake, and (2) investigate the acceptability of the decision tool and relevance of materials.
Methods: Participants (n = 100), recruited from a population sample of men and women aged 50-76 residing in urban Adelaide, Australia, were randomly assigned to a control group or one of 4 interventions: (1) Web-based and tailored information, (2) paper-based and tailored information, (3) Web-based and non-tailored (generic) information, or (4) paper-based and non-tailored information. Participation was augmented by snowball recruitment (n = 19). Questionnaires based on PHM variables were administered pre- and post-intervention. Participants were given the opportunity to request an FOBT. Following the intervention, participants discussed the acceptability of the tool.
Results: Full data were available for 87.4% (104/119) of participants. Post-intervention, perceived susceptibility scores for individuals receiving tailored information increased from mean 10.6 (SD 2.1) to mean 11.8 (SD 2.2). Scores on self-efficacy increased in the tailored group from mean 11.7 (SD 2.0) to mean 12.6 (SD 1.8). There were significant time x modality x message effects for social influence and salience and coherence, reflecting an increase in these scores for tailored Web-based participants only; social influence scores increased from mean 11.7 (SD 2.6) to mean 14.9 (SD 2.3), and salience and coherence scores increased from mean 16.0 (SD 2.2) to mean 17.7 (SD 2.1). There was no greater influence of modality or message type on movement toward a decision to screen or screening uptake, indicating that neither tailored messages nor a Web modality had superior effect. Overall, participants regarded tailored messages positively, but thought that the Web tool lacked “media richness.”
Conclusions: This exploratory study confirms that tailoring on PHM predictors of CRC screening has the potential to positively address attitudes toward screening. However, tailoring on these variables did not result in significantly increased screening uptake. Future research should consider other possible psychosocial influences. Mode of delivery did not affect outcomes, but as a delivery medium, the Web has economic and logistical advantages over paper.

Identifying the determinants of e-learning service delivery quality

In recent years, many universities and educational institutions have made considerable investments in e-learning systems. These are systems that deliver educational services via electronic channels. Service quality has been studied in previous research as a critical factor for measuring systems success. Modest attention has been paid to factors affecting the service delivery quality in the e-learning arena. The objective of this study is to identify the factors considered to impact the e-learning systems service delivery quality through a survey of stakeholders. The sample was 720 students enrolled in online courses at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).The main finding of this study is that IT infrastructure, system quality, and information quality significantly affect service delivery quality in the e-learning systems field. IT infrastructure services were found to play a critical role in improving system quality and information quality, and this construct can be considered as a foundation of delivering high quality educational services.

ICT alternative for primary care delivery in Indonesia : a proposal

This paper proposes a new research program and presents a current analysis of the potential of health information systems (HIS) to improve primary care delivery in rural Indonesia. A new HIS will be implemented to facilitate patient centred primary care and to support the interactions and collaborations between three types of participants including the patient, their doctors and pharmacist in Malang, Indonesia. A tetradic relationship between the new HIS and three participants (patient, doctors, and pharmacist) is examined through the lens of the actor network theory (ANT) with a view to form a new healthcare service delivery model for primary care providers in Indonesia. Based on this model, a network of primary care providers would share the patient medical records (PMR) and provide collaborative care programs to promote healthy life styles, prevent diseases, and to manage chronic disease care more effectively and efficiently.

Primary science specialist learning program – report of delivery

The Primary Science Specialist (PrimSS) Professional Learning Program consisted of a fifteen day program, of which Deakin delivered 5 days of pedagogy and content in science education, followed by 3 days of leading change in schools and developing other teachers' capacities. Delivered in several phases, it was possible to provide teachers with ideas and models for them to trial within their schools and to report back to the group, during the program.