Tourism recommender systems (TRS) have become popular in recent years; however, most lack visual means of presenting the recommendations. This paper presents ways of developing visual travel recommender systems (V-TRS). The two popular... more
Tourism recommender systems (TRS) have become popular in recent years; however, most lack visual means of presenting the recommendations. This paper presents ways of developing visual travel recommender systems (V-TRS). The two popular travel recommender systems being used today are the TripMatcher™ and Me-Print™. Tour recommendation using image-based planning using SCORM (TRIPS) is a system that aims to make the presentation more visual. It uses SCORM and CORDRA standards. Sharable content object reference model (SCORM) is a standard that collates content from various Web sites, and content object repository discovery and registration/resolution architecture (CORDRA) aims to locate and reference SCORM repositories throughout the Internet. The information collected is stored in the form of an XML file. This XML file can be visualised by either converting it into a Flash movie or into a synchronized multimedia integration language (SMIL) presentation. A case study demonstrating the operation of current travel recommender systems also is presented. Further research in this area should aim to improve user interaction and provide more control functions within a V-TRS to make tour-planning simple, fun and more interactive.
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The focus of this chapter is on the quality of service (QoS) aspects involved in transmitting multimedia information via mobile systems. Multimedia content and applications require sophisticated QoS protocols. These protocols need to... more
The focus of this chapter is on the quality of service (QoS) aspects involved in transmitting multimedia information via mobile systems. Multimedia content and applications require sophisticated QoS protocols. These protocols need to manage throughput, delay, delay variance, error rate, ...
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This chapter provides an overview of tourism ontology and how it can be used for developing e-tourism applications. The Semantic Web is the next generation Web; it uses background knowledge captured as an ontology and stored in... more
This chapter provides an overview of tourism ontology and how it can be used for developing e-tourism applications. The Semantic Web is the next generation Web; it uses background knowledge captured as an ontology and stored in machine-processable and interpretable form. Ontologies form the core of the Semantic Web and can be used to develop intelligent applications. However, generating applications based on ontology still remains a challenging task. This chapter presents a framework that provides a systematic process for developing intelligent e-tourism applications by using a tourism ontology.
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Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Creativity, Multimedia, Storytelling, and 13 moreComputer Supported Collaborative Learning CSCL, Technology Enhanced Learning, Digital Identity, Digital Storytelling, Collaborative Learning, Open Educational Resources, Web, PLE, World Wide Web, Web Tools, Social Media and Collaborative Technologies, Networked and Social Learning, and Digital Media Learning
Abstract. Stories and story-telling are a cultural achievement of signif-icant relevance, even in modern times. Since ancient times stories have served to entertain and teach mankind to transmit knowledge from generation to generation.... more
Abstract. Stories and story-telling are a cultural achievement of signif-icant relevance, even in modern times. Since ancient times stories have served to entertain and teach mankind to transmit knowledge from generation to generation. Story-telling ranges from simple ...
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This paper presents the rationale for building a Blog Visualizer, and elaborates on its conceptual model. Blog Visualizer is a system that uses the information present in blogs, such as images, video, and audio, to create an audio-visual... more
This paper presents the rationale for building a Blog Visualizer, and elaborates on its conceptual model. Blog Visualizer is a system that uses the information present in blogs, such as images, video, and audio, to create an audio-visual interactive presentation for the user. The Blog Visualizer brings together and makes use of relevant data stored in the form of Sharable Content Objects (SCOs). The most relevant SCOs are converted into an audio-visual presentation that can play out on a variety of user devices, with the content repurposed according to device parameters and user preferences. The Blog Visualizer will provide potential tourists with a virtual experience of the trip to support better tour planning.
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This chapter provides an overview of tourism ontology and how it can be used for developing e-tourism applications. The Semantic Web is the next generation Web; it uses background knowledge captured as an ontology and stored in... more
This chapter provides an overview of tourism ontology and how it can be used for developing e-tourism applications. The Semantic Web is the next generation Web; it uses background knowledge captured as an ontology and stored in machine-processable and interpretable form. Ontologies form the core of the Semantic Web and can be used to develop intelligent applications. However, generating applications based on ontology still remains a challenging task. This chapter presents a framework that provides a systematic process for developing intelligent e-tourism applications by using a tourism ontology.
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ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model comprising three perspective layers (User Perspective Layer (UPL), Application Perspective Layer (APL) and Transmission Perspective Layer (TPL)). By integrating... more
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model comprising three perspective layers (User Perspective Layer (UPL), Application Perspective Layer (APL) and Transmission Perspective Layer (TPL)). By integrating these layers within multimedia communication systems we can provide seamless end-to-end QoS to even a non-technical user. With the current growth of multimedia information transmission the need for efficient and cost effective multimedia communications is paramount. Current protocols, such as: TCP/IP, RSVP, ATM, MPLS, DiffServ, SBM, and architectures, such as: XRM, QoS-A, Heidelberg QoS Model, OSI QoS Framework, and IETF QM operate predominantly at the TPL without adequate consideration given to user and application perspectives. This leaves a large semantic gap between the user's understanding of QoS and the system operation. By integrating the user, application as well as transmission perspectives, the TRAQS model bridges this semantic gap.
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TASK MODELING FOR A MULTIMEDIAAUTHORING SYSTEM BASED ON THE MOVEMENT ORIENTED DESIGN METHODOLOGY Nalin Sharda, Nayanathara Hosur Ramesh School of Computer Science and Mathematics Victoria University PO Box 14428, Melbourne City ...
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Digital storytelling is an innovative pedagogical approach that can engage both students and teachers, helping them tap into the power of digital technologies and contribute to more engaged teaching and learning. This paper presents an... more
Digital storytelling is an innovative pedagogical approach that can engage both students and teachers, helping them tap into the power of digital technologies and contribute to more engaged teaching and learning. This paper presents an overview of a research project which aims to explore the pedagogical benefits of digital storytelling. It describes how to create constructivist learning environments with digital storytelling. The paper started with an overview of digital storytelling, and its pedagogical benefits in the classrooms. The paper also introduces the e-Learning Digital Storytelling framework (eLDiSt), and concludes with an overview of the research methodology, with a brief introduction to each stage of the research, focusing on the digital story workshop, and explains teachers’ roles and students’ tasks. Cite as: Smeda, N., Dakich, E., & Sharda, N. (2012). Transforming Pedagogies through Digital Storytelling: Framework and Methodology. 2nd Annual International Conference on Education & e-Learning (Eel) Proceedings Singapore: Global Science and Technology Forum, pp 206-211. DOI: 10.5176/2251-1814_EeL12.98 http://dl4.globalstf.org/?wpsc-product=transforming-pedagogies-through-digital-storytelling-framework-and-methodology
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The purpose of this paper is to introduce a five layered model as a new modeling technique for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) systems. A Virtual Power Plant is an integration of Dispersed Energy Resources (DERs) that aims to use them more... more
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a five layered model as a new modeling technique for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) systems. A Virtual Power Plant is an integration of Dispersed Energy Resources (DERs) that aims to use them more effectively. It also includes both renewable and non-renewable generators as well as storage systems connected with smart devices. The five layers in this study include of Physical Layer, Information Layer, Control Layer, Optimization Layer, and Human behavior Layer. The paper also outlines the function of each layer as well as the application of this modeling technique in our study.
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Distance learning utilizing the Internet as a transport structure to deliver instructions has been a popular issue in recent years. Education institutions, business circles and government agencies as well are welcoming the Internet era... more
Distance learning utilizing the Internet as a transport structure to deliver instructions has been a popular issue in recent years. Education institutions, business circles and government agencies as well are welcoming the Internet era with active efforts to find ways of conducting ...
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Semantic characterization is necessary for developing intelligent multimedia databases, because humans tend to search for media content based on their inherent semantics. However, automated inference of semantic concepts derived from... more
Semantic characterization is necessary for developing intelligent multimedia databases, because humans tend to search for media content based on their inherent semantics. However, automated inference of semantic concepts derived from media components stored in a database is still a challenge. The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate how layered architectures and “visual keywords” can be used to develop intelligent search systems for multimedia databases. The layered architecture is used to extract meta-data from multimedia components at various layers of abstractions. While the lower layers handle physical file attributes and low-level features, the upper layers handle high-level features and attempts to remove ambiguities inherent in them. To access the various abstracted features, a query schema is presented, which provides a single point of access while establishing hierarchical pathways between feature-classes. Minimization of the semantic gap is addressed using the concept of ...
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In this paper we explore how educational drama (EduRama) can be used to enhance learners’ interest in mathematics. ‘Arcadia’ a play by Tom Stoppard, and ‘Fermat’s Last Tango’ a musical by Joanne Sydney Lessner, are taken as examples of... more
In this paper we explore how educational drama (EduRama) can be used to enhance learners’ interest in mathematics. ‘Arcadia’ a play by Tom Stoppard, and ‘Fermat’s Last Tango’ a musical by Joanne Sydney Lessner, are taken as examples of creative works that have been recognized for their ability to introduce mathematical concepts. The main thesis of this paper is that we can enhance the interest of learners in mathematics by introducing mathematical concepts through drama and other creative works. One such EduRama, ‘To Log or Not-to-Log’, is included to demonstrate the concepts underpinning this innovative pedagogical model.
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Distance learning utilizing the Internet as a transport structure to deliver instructions has been a popular issue in recent years. Education institutions, business circles and government agencies as well are welcoming the Internet era... more
Distance learning utilizing the Internet as a transport structure to deliver instructions has been a popular issue in recent years. Education institutions, business circles and government agencies as well are welcoming the Internet era with active efforts to find ways of conducting education, training, and business electronically and cost-effectively. In this chapter, instead of a general introduction to the topic of distance learning, while publications of this nature are widely available, we report three case studies related to Internet-based distance learning conducted in Florida Atlantic University recently. The first case is pertinent to a virtual classroom model that features controlled approaches to avoid unauthorized netsurfing and to maintain an orderly audio conferencing during a class session [1]. The second case reports a collaborative project concerning synchronous distance education between Florida Atlantic University in US and Victoria University in Australia [2]. The...
The technical reports present data and its analysis, meta-studies and conceptual studies, and are considered to be of value to industry, government or other researchers. Unlike the STCRC’s Monograph series, these reports have not been... more
The technical reports present data and its analysis, meta-studies and conceptual studies, and are considered to be of value to industry, government or other researchers. Unlike the STCRC’s Monograph series, these reports have not been subjected to an external peer review process. As such, the scientific accuracy and merit of the research reported here is the responsibility of the authors, who should be contacted for clarification of any content. Author contact details are at the back of this report.
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Parallel computing - glory, collapse and beyond enhancing formal methods of parallel program development with visualization techniques reducing software overheads in parallel linear algebra libraries an optimal parallel algorithm for... more
Parallel computing - glory, collapse and beyond enhancing formal methods of parallel program development with visualization techniques reducing software overheads in parallel linear algebra libraries an optimal parallel algorithm for analzing occluded images possibilistic queueing models for approximation of delay time in computer networks MUCH - a multidisciplinary class hierarchy towards declarative concurrent real-time programming SPACE 2 as a reconfigurable stream processor higher order embedded system design - the gas-burner problem an FPGA implementation of the petri net firing algorithm. (Part contents)
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PurposeThis paper seeks to present a comparative study of the traditional usability‐testing process and the re‐engineered usability‐testing process for live multimedia systems.Design/methodology/approachProvides an overview of current... more
PurposeThis paper seeks to present a comparative study of the traditional usability‐testing process and the re‐engineered usability‐testing process for live multimedia systems.Design/methodology/approachProvides an overview of current usability‐testing techniques and usability laboratory configurations, and identifies some gaps in the traditional usability‐testing approach.FindingsTraditional usability‐testing procedures are suitable for testing systems in the static environment but prove to be sub‐optimal in testing systems for dynamic (real‐time) environments.Originality/valueThe traditional set‐up is compared with innovative laboratory configuration, which consists of three computer systems: the test system in the middle augmented by two systems on either side that function as the scenario presenter and the data collection system. The re‐engineered usability‐testing process streamlined usability experiments and reduced the task completion times.
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Page 1. Creating Innovative New Media Programs: Need, Challenges, and Development Framework Nalin Sharda Computer Science and Mathematics Victoria University PO Box 14428, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA +613 9919 4678 Nalin.Sharda@vu.edu.au ...
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Abstract: As networked multimedia systems have evolved over the recent years, sophisticated multimedia applications have emerged. Through this, a revolution in the transmission of multimedia information over wired and wireless... more
Abstract: As networked multimedia systems have evolved over the recent years, sophisticated multimedia applications have emerged. Through this, a revolution in the transmission of multimedia information over wired and wireless communication technologies has transpired. Society ...
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This paper presents a usability-testing plan for real-time QoS management. We employ a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model that defines three perspectives for the negotiation of QoS. The TRAQS model allows the user to specify the... more
This paper presents a usability-testing plan for real-time QoS management. We employ a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model that defines three perspectives for the negotiation of QoS. The TRAQS model allows the user to specify the desired QoS by using a QoS Parameter ...
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As rainfall reduces in Australia, harvesting rainwater is becoming essential, predicated by the need for sustainable living. Harvesting and storing rainwater in a tank can not only reduce the need for fresh water, but also reduce storm... more
As rainfall reduces in Australia, harvesting rainwater is becoming essential, predicated by the need for sustainable living. Harvesting and storing rainwater in a tank can not only reduce the need for fresh water, but also reduce storm water outflows. Our aim is to research and develop a digital ecosystem to maximise the utilisation of the available harvested rainwater. This can be achieved by considering factors such as current tank water storage level, predicted rainfall, and the current and future water needs of the various appliances in the house. This paper presents the rationale and the high-level model of such a digital ecosystem, called IntelliRain.
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This paper investigates models and technologies that will help in developing integrated water management (IWM) systems by using a Digital Ecosystem. A Digital Ecosystem (DE) is an evolving computer based system that can merge with the... more
This paper investigates models and technologies that will help in developing integrated water management (IWM) systems by using a Digital Ecosystem. A Digital Ecosystem (DE) is an evolving computer based system that can merge with the system it monitors and controls. We present the sustainable living rational for developing IWM systems, and models for the integrated use of fresh and recycled water. Development of innovative solution for sustainable living has become essential in recent times. The concept of Digital Ecosystem is an innovative solution for creating IWM systems, as it is flexible and extensible in space and time. Further research for the development of DEs, using computing technologies such as Wireless Sensor Networks, Smart Systems, and Ubiquitous Computing is required to develop Digital Habitat Ecosystems for integrating the use of freshwater, rainwater and greywater in Australian homes.
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Page 1. Building Visual Travel Recommender Systems and Tourism Communities for Effective User Experience Author: Nalin Sharda Presenter: Charla Yang 2010/8/23 Page 2. 2/21 Outline ▪Introduction ▪Tourism Informatics ▪Travel Recommender... more
Page 1. Building Visual Travel Recommender Systems and Tourism Communities for Effective User Experience Author: Nalin Sharda Presenter: Charla Yang 2010/8/23 Page 2. 2/21 Outline ▪Introduction ▪Tourism Informatics ▪Travel Recommender Systems ...
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Creativity and innovation are the keys to continued advancement in business as well as education. Some of the traditional pedagogy based programs particularly in engineering and information and communication technology (ICT) are... more
Creativity and innovation are the keys to continued advancement in business as well as education. Some of the traditional pedagogy based programs particularly in engineering and information and communication technology (ICT) are facing challenges in attracting ...
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model comprising three perspective layers (User Perspective Layer (UPL), Application Perspective Layer (APL) and Transmission Perspective Layer (TPL)). By integrating... more
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a holistic Three Layer QoS (TRAQS) model comprising three perspective layers (User Perspective Layer (UPL), Application Perspective Layer (APL) and Transmission Perspective Layer (TPL)). By integrating these layers within multimedia communication systems we can provide seamless end-to-end QoS to even a non-technical user. With the current growth of multimedia information transmission the need for efficient and cost effective multimedia communications is paramount. Current protocols, such as: TCP/IP, RSVP, ATM, MPLS, DiffServ, SBM, and architectures, such as: XRM, QoS-A, Heidelberg QoS Model, OSI QoS Framework, and IETF QM operate predominantly at the TPL without adequate consideration given to user and application perspectives. This leaves a large semantic gap between the user's understanding of QoS and the system operation. By integrating the user, application as well as transmission perspectives, the TRAQS model bridges this semantic gap.
Research Interests:
Multimedia, as the term implies is the integration of dif-ferent forms of media, and most multimedia systems in-corporate text, graphics, audio and video. Transmission of multimedia content requires communication channels that can process... more
Multimedia, as the term implies is the integration of dif-ferent forms of media, and most multimedia systems in-corporate text, graphics, audio and video. Transmission of multimedia content requires communication channels that can process and transmit audio and video, along with text, ...
ABSTRACT The Digital Ecosystem (DE) concept is a new emerging paradigm based on self-organizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) nodes and links. A DE comprises digital devices also referred to as the Interdependent Digital... more
ABSTRACT The Digital Ecosystem (DE) concept is a new emerging paradigm based on self-organizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) nodes and links. A DE comprises digital devices also referred to as the Interdependent Digital Species (IDS). We extend the DE idea to that of a Digital Habitat Ecosystem Architecture (DHEA) where a DHEA is a DE used in built up environments. Although the DE concept was introduced some years ago for business enterprises, it does not have a formal development methodology. In this paper, we propose a methodology and a framework to create DHEA’s. The methodology will discuss the knowledge of sharing, integration and collaboration of existing digital devices which can be incorporated in one dynamic system. Furthermore, it will give the brief idea to develop a framework for the development of the DHEA. This methodology and framework proposes a pathway to develop a dynamic model that can monitor and control existing wireless devices available in the home environment, instead of using separate static devices. The dynamic model is to incorporate all the basic and advanced requirements. Additionally, this dynamic DHEA will identify the shortcomings of data communication and networking challenges in Digital Species (DS) and propose solutions to overcome those issues.
The focus of this tutorial paper is on networks and their ability to carry multimedia information. In this presentation, the audience will learn about the ability of the various networking technologies to carry multimedia traffic. The... more
The focus of this tutorial paper is on networks and their ability to carry multimedia information. In this presentation, the audience will learn about the ability of the various networking technologies to carry multimedia traffic. The inability of legacy networks to carry multimedia traffic will be discussed, followed by a description of multimedia networks. LAN technologies such as Switched Ethernet, Isochronous Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, 100GAnyLAN, FDDI-II, and Synchoronous FDDI will be presented. Digital leased lines, ISDN and other WAN options for multimedia networking will also be described. Multimedia networking over the Internet will be discussed. Fundamentals of the ATM technology and its application to multimedia information networking will be presented.
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Research Interests: Information Management, Health Care, Congestion Control, Collaborative Learning, Data Structure, and 15 morePerformance Evaluation, Motion estimation, Data Modelling, Design process, Case Study, Error Correction, Management System, Multiresolution Analysis, Orthogonal Transformation, Fault Tolerant, Medical Records, LINEAR PROGRAM, Partial Order, Error Detection, and Medical Information System
ABSTRACT The lack of systematic processes for authoring educational multimedia content is impeding the realization of its full potential. Catering to different learning styles is also a challenge in creating effective educational... more
ABSTRACT The lack of systematic processes for authoring educational multimedia content is impeding the realization of its full potential. Catering to different learning styles is also a challenge in creating effective educational multimedia content. Storytelling has been recognized as ...
Introduction: Most multimedia creation models and tools are disjoint entities [1]. It remains the multimedia author's responsibility to integrate the functionality of these models and tools. MUDPY facilitates the creation of... more
Introduction: Most multimedia creation models and tools are disjoint entities [1]. It remains the multimedia author's responsibility to integrate the functionality of these models and tools. MUDPY facilitates the creation of meaningful multimedia (stand-alone or online) by exposing the ...