·         Table of Contents (Volume #3, Issue #1)

·         Cover Page (Volume #3, Issue #1)

·         Editorial (Volume #3, Issue #1)

Paper #1

Models of Research and the Dissemination of Research Results: the Influences of E-Science, Open Access and Social Networking

Rae A. Earnshaw, Mohan de Silva and Peter S. Excell

Abstract: In contrast with practice in recent times past, computational and data intensive processes are increasingly driving collaborative research in science and technology. Large amounts of data are being generated in experiments or simulations and these require real-time, or near real-time, analysis and visualisation. The results of these evaluations need to be validated and then published quickly and openly in order to facilitate the overall progress of research on a national and international basis. Research is increasingly undertaken in large teams and is also increasingly interdisciplinary as many of the major research challenges lie at the boundaries between existing disciplines. The move to open access for peer reviewed publications is rapidly becoming a required option in the sector. At the same time, communication and dissemination procedures are also utilising non-traditional forms facilitated by burgeoning developments in social networking. It is proposed that these elements, when combined, constitute a paradigm shift in the model of research and the dissemination of research results.

Keywords: academic social networking; collaboratories; grand challenges; big data; analytics; visualisation; paradigm shift.

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Paper #2

Pattern Recognition using a Neural Network on a Microcontroller with I2C Ultrasonic Sensors

Fazal Noor

Abstract: Ultrasonic sensors have been used in a variety of applications to measure ranges to objects. Hand gestures via ultrasonic sensors form unique motion patterns for controls. In this research, patterns formed by placing a set of objects in a grid of cells are used for control purposes. A neural network algorithm is implemented on a microcontroller which takes in range signals as inputs read from ultrasonic sensors and classifies them in one of four classes. The neural network is then trained to classify patterns based on objects’ locations in real-time. The testing of the neural network for pattern recognition is performed on a testbed consisting of Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) ultrasonic sensors and a microcontroller. The performance of the proposed model is presented and it is observed the model is highly scalable, accurate, robust and reliable for applications requiring high accuracy such as in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Keywords: Ultrasonic Sensors; Time of Flight; Echo; Transmitter; Receiver; I2C; Neural Network; Pattern Recognition; SONAR.

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Paper #3

Design and Implementation of a Long Range Indoor VLC system using PWM

Majed Basha, Martin J. Sibley and Peter J. Mather

Abstract: Visible Light Communications (VLC) is currently considered one of the most promising Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) for commercial applications, due to the widespread deployment of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for energy efficiency, durability and low cost. With the ability to provide several THz of bandwidth, VLC is expected to co-exist with legacy and future Radio Frequency (RF) media as a reliable solution to the rapid demand of high-speed wireless communication. VLC is challenged by two main drawbacks: ambient light interference and the transmission range. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a tuned VLC Analog Front-End (AFE) using simple and low-cost electronic circuity. The proposed VLC receiver architecture consists of a transimpedance amplifier, a fourth order Multiple Feed Back (MFB) band pass filter and a comparator. Experimental results demonstrated that by employing the proposed front-end the VLC transmission range could be extended up to 4.7m by using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Moreover, the proposed system showed robustness against ambient light interference under the indoor scenario.

Keywords: VLC; Pulse Width Modulation; LEDs; Multiple Feedback; SNR.

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Paper #4

Conceptual User Interface Design Process for Healthcare App for Primary Care Level Services in India

Aratrika De and Woo Jeong Chon

Abstract: Combining healthcare services on a primary care level, at a basic rather than specialised extent, for elementary treatment seeking people, can be challenging but yet useful. In fact, there are many different healthcare apps currently available in the emporium of India, however, their lack of usability as well as appropriate user interface is a major concern. Thus, the possibility of creating convenient and sustainable user interface and experience has great potentials in this regard. This paper presents a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) prototype for primary care level services in India, enabling seamless communication amongst pharmacies, clinics and relevant specialised services, demonstrating chronological steps of the conceptual user interface design process. The initial usability test results of the app reveal positive upshots. The PoC prototype, developed exploring service design processes, can be used for reference and guidance for the researchers, developers and other concerned stakeholders.

Keywords: Healthcare Apps; Primary Care in India; User Interface Design Process; Service Design.

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Paper #5

Atomic Cross-chain Swaps: Development, Trajectory and Potential of Non-monetary Digital Token Swap Facilities

Mahdi H. Miraz and David C. Donald

Abstract: Since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2008, many other cryptocurrencies have been introduced and gained popularity. Lack of interoperability and scalability amongst these cryptocurrencies was - and still is - acting as a significant impediment to the general adoption of cryptocurrencies and coloured tokens. Atomic Swaps – a smart exchange protocol for cryptocurrencies - is designed to facilitate a wallet-to-wallet transfer enabling direct trades amongst different cryptocurrencies. Since swaps between cryptocurrencies are still relatively unknown, this article will investigate the operation and market development thus far and query the advantages they offer and the future challenges they face. The paper contains detailed literature and technology reviews, followed by the main analysis and findings.

Keywords: Atomic Swaps; Cross-chain Trading; Blockchain; Cryptocurrencies; Cross-listing; Wallet-to-Wallet Transfer; On-Chain; Off-Chain; Layer 2; Hashed Timelock Contracts (HTLC), Lightning Network; Payment Channels; State Channels; Coloured Coins; DAO; ICO; DApps.

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