Wednesday 28 June 2017

Northampton Computing Publications this year so far - June 2017


2017

  1. Ajam, H. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of recent contributions on performance and simulation techniques for accelerator devices. In: International Conference on Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Turkey: IEEE ICEEE. (Accepted)
  2. Ajam, H.Ramdhany, R.Hammond, M. and Mu, M. (2017) A middleware to enable immersive multi-device online TV experience.In: Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for TV and Online Video. New York: ACM. (Accepted)
  3. Ajit, S.Holmes, C.Johnson, J.Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2017) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 16(2), pp. 559-586. 1619-1366.
  4. Al Barrak, A.Al-Sherbaz, A.Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2017) Enhancing BER performance limit of BCH and RS codes using multipath diversity. Computers. 6(2) 2073-431X.
  5. Al Barrak, A.Al-Sherbaz, A.Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2017) Utilisation of multipath phenomenon to improve the performance of BCH and RS codes. In: 8th Computer Science & Electronic Engineering Conference. New York: IEEE. 978-1-5090-2050-8. pp. 6-11.
  6. Al-Mahmood, A. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of FPGA-based System-on-Chip designs for real-time industrial application. International Journal of Computer Applications. 0975-8887. (Accepted)
  7. Al-Waisi, Z. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An overview of on-chip cache coherence protocols. In: IEEE IntelliSys Conference 2017 Proceedings. London: IEEE. (Accepted)
  8. Al-Zoiny, S. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2017) Connected Health Services in Smart Technologies. UK: Kobo Publisher. 1230001603163.
  9. Azasoo, J.Kuada, E.Osei Boateng, K. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An algorithm for micro-load shedding in generation constrained electricity transmission network. Paper presented to: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) PowerAfrica Conference 2017, Accra, Ghana, 27-30 June 2017. (Accepted)
  10. Coulter-Smith, L. (2017) Changing minds: multitasking during lectures. In: Springer Computer Science Proceedings. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag. (Accepted)
  11. Fawcett, L.Mu, M.Hareng, B. and Race, N. (2017) REF: enabling rapid experimentation of contextual network traffic management using Software Defined Networking. IEEE Communications Magazine. 0163-6804. (Accepted)
  12. Hill, G.Turner, S. J. and Childs, K. (2017) The answers not on the screen. Paper presented to: 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE), Athens, Greece, 24-25 May 2017. (Accepted)
  13. Manh Phan Hung, D.Manyam Seshadri Naidu, S. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) Architectures for cloud-based HPC in data centers. In: IEEE International Conference on Big Data Analysis. Beijing, China: IEEE. (Accepted)
  14. Ofori-Attah, E.Bhebhe, W. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) Architectural techniques for improving the power consumption of NoC-based CMPs: a case study of cache and network layer. Journal of Low Power Electronics and Applications. 7(2) 2079-9268.
  15. Opoku Agyeman, M.Vien, Q.-T.Hill, G.Turner, S. J. and Mak, T. (2017) An efficient channel model for evaluating Wireless NoC architectures. In: 2016 International Symposium on Computer Architecture and High Performance Computing Workshops (SBAC-PADW). Online: IEEE. 978-1-5090-4844-1. pp. 85-90.
  16. Opoku Agyeman, M. and Zong, W. (2017) An efficient 2D router architecture for extending the performance of inhomogeneous 3D NoC-based multi-core architectures. In: 2016 International Symposium on Computer Architecture and High Performance Computing Workshops (SBAC-PADW). USA: IEEE . 978-1-5090-4844-1. pp. 79-84.
  17. Opoku Agyeman, M.Zong, W.Yakovlev, A.Tong, K.-F. and Mak, T. (2017) Extending the performance of hybrid NoCs beyond the limitations of network heterogeneity. Journal of Low Power Electronics and Applications. 7(2) 2079-9268.
  18. Saleh Alalaki, M. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of recent contributions on simulation tools for Network-on-Chip (NoC).International Journal of Computer Systems. 4(3) 2394-1065. (Accepted)
  19. Turner, S. J. (2017) Experience of using spreadsheets as a bridge in the understanding of AI techniques. Paper presented to: 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE), Athens, Greece, 24-25 May 2017. (Accepted)
  20. Vien, Q.-T.Le, T. A.Phan, C. V. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An energy-efficient NOMA for small cells in heterogeneous CRAN under QoS constraints. Paper presented to: 23rd European Wireless (EW), Dresden, Germany, 17-19 May 2017. (Accepted)
  21. Vien, Q.-T.Opoku Agyeman, M.Le, T. A. and Mak, T. (2017) On the nanocommunications at THz band in graphene-enabled Wireless Network-on-Chip. Mathematical Problems in Engineering. 1024-123X. (Accepted)
  22. Yuan, J.Lorenz, F.Lommatzsch, A.Mu, M.Race, N.Hopfgartner, F. and Albayrak, S. (2017) Countering contextual bias in TV watching behavior: introducing social trend as external contextual factor in TV recommenders. In: ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for Television and Online Video (ACM TVX). The Netherlands: ACM. (Accepted)

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Saturday 24 June 2017

Computing Outreach in June


Problem-solving, robots and blinking LEDs some of the outreach activities from the Computing team.

Blinking LEDs 
This activity is concerned with problem-solving. The challenges are

  • Challenge1: You have a battery and an LED that flashes in several colours (though a non-flashing version could be used). How do you get the LED to come on? How would you describe what you need to do to, in-terms of the LED and the battery, to make this it work - is there a pattern for when it starts lighting up and when it doesn't? 
  • Challenge 2: Add a small magnet to it. What will it stick to and what doesn't it stick to? 
  • Challenge 3: Putting several together can you get them to stick to a surface and spell out a letter or a word? Can you think of a way to get them to stick to fabric?
  • Challenge 4: Can you make a wearable device using one battery, a magnet and one or more of the LEDs? 

Warning: activity must be done under appropriate direct adult supervision.


— STEAM at UN (@STEMatUN) June 14, 2017





The original inspiration came from this video:





Robots
The Computing teams NAO robots seemed to have been a hit today: 


The robots were a hit it sounds see below:



All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon




Tuesday 20 June 2017

BCS Northampton 27th June 2017 - Connectivity Theme - with robots!

27th June 2017 - Connectivity Theme

Social robotics is a growing area of new robotic products, new crowd funded projects in this area are regularly started. In this short talk a brief history and the purpose of social robotics is discussed, followed by meet the robot.
We will also have an update on IOT.
Room NW205 Newton Building, Northampton University.
7:00pm Doors open
7:30pm Lecture start
I get to talk about social robotics and bring some along. The event is free and open both BCS members and non-members.




All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Monday 19 June 2017

MSc Computing student Hussein Ajam talks at prestigious ACM conference

Ajam, H.Ramdhany, R.Hammond, M. and Mu, M. (2017) 
A middleware to enable immersive multi-device online TV experience. In: Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for TV and Online Video. New York: ACM.

Conference: ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for Television and Online Video (ACM TVX 2017) Hilversum, The Netherlands 14-16 June 2017

Abstract: Recent years have witnessed the boom of great technologies of smart devices transforming the entertainment industry, especially the traditional TV viewing experiences. In an effort to improve user engagement, many TV broadcasters are now investigating future generation content production and presentation using emerging technologies. In this paper, we introduce an ongoing work to enable immersive and interactive multi-device online TV experiences. Our project incorporates three essential developments on content authoring, device discovery, and cross-device media orchestration.

To read more go to: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/9458/



All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon

Wednesday 14 June 2017

Problem-solving outreach - Blinking LEDs -14th June 2017

This activity must be done under appropriate direct adult supervision.






The original inspiration came from this video:


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

PhD student Alyaa Al Barrak's latest paper

Al Barrak, A.Al-Sherbaz, A.Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2017) Enhancing BER performance limit of BCH and RS codes using multipath diversity. Computers. 6 2073-431X.




Abstract:
Modern wireless communication systems suffer from phase shifting and, more importantly, from interference caused by multipath propagation. Multipath propagation results in an antenna receiving two or more copies of the signal sequence sent from the same source but that has been delivered via different paths. Multipath components are treated as redundant copies of the original data sequence and are used to improve the performance of forward error correction (FEC) codes without extra redundancy, in order to improve data transmission reliability and increase the bit rate over the wireless communication channel. For a proof of concept Bose, Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem (BCH) and Reed-Solomon (RS) codes have been used as FEC to compare their bit error rate (BER) performances. The results showed that the wireless multipath components significantly improve the performance of FEC. Furthermore, FEC codes with low error correction capability and employing the multipath phenomenon are enhanced to perform better than FEC codes which have a bit higher error correction capability and did not utilise the multipath. Consequently, the bit rate is increased, and communication reliability is improved without extra redundancy.



All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Monday 12 June 2017

Academic teaching-based research 2017 part 2



The recent 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE) held in Athens, Greece 24-25th May 2017 provided the Computing Academic team an opportunity to present some their work in teaching computing. In the picture above going left to right Thomas Butler, Liz Coulter-Smith, Suraj Ajit, Scott Turner and Ryan Edwards.

Three papers have been discussed previously:  https://computingnorthampton.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/academic-teaching-based-research-2017.html


Details of a further three of the six papers presented can be found below



1. Seven Deadly Sins of Software Flexibility 
Thomas Butler, Mark Johnson

Abstract. As software development techniques evolve, practices emerge which both help and hinder software development. These practices are often identified first by industry experts who work with large codebases in big teams. There are many software development techniques that have been labelled "bad practice" by these industry experts that aren't formally recognised in academia. This paper briefly describes some of these bad practices.



2. ASSESSMENT OF PROGRAMMING MODULES IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING EDUCATION 
SURAJ AJIT

ABSTRACT Assessment plays a very important role in how students learn. There has been extensive research done on different modes of assessments in higher education. This paper reports on how that research applies to programming modules in Software Engineering education. In particular, the paper reports on the author’s experience and the student perceptions of several assessment modes in programming modules. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 167 undergraduate computing students to get their perceptions on the preferred mode of assessment for programming modules in Software Engineering education. The paper also investigates the effect automated marking systems could have on programming assessments by gathering student perceptions. Student perceptions sought reveal that they would complete more weekly lab exercises if they were to get instant feedback on their submissions from an automated tool. 


3. An Assessment of the Impact on Student Learning via the Use of Role-Play to Simulate Client Interactions within Software Engineering Assessments 
Mark Johnson , Ryan Edwards, Heydon Hancox
Abstract: Assessment plays a very important role in how students learn. There has been extensive research done on different modes of assessments in higher education. This paper reports on how that research applies to programming modules in Software Engineering education. In particular, the paper reports on the author’s experience and the student perceptions of several assessment modes in programming modules. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 167 undergraduate computing students to get their perceptions on the preferred mode of assessment for programming modules in Software Engineering education. The paper also investigates the effect automated marking systems could have on programming assessments by gathering student perceptions. Student perceptions sought reveal that they would complete more weekly lab exercises if they were to get instant feedback on their submissions from an automated tool. 

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Friday 9 June 2017

Students experience real-life computing challenge at KPMG

Taken from: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/students-experience-real-life-computing-challenge-at-kpmg/

Computing students from the University of Northampton had the chance to test their inner ‘Apprentice’ by taking part in a Business Challenge, with leading auditing company KMPG.
By working in groups, the 20 students who took part in the two-day event were given a challenge based on a real-life business problem which they had to research, interview clients and deliver a 30-minute presentation outlining the proposed solution.
Their task was to access the software needs for an aircraft manufacturing company. They needed to understand the current business mode – its strengths and limitations – and then create an appropriate strategy for the development of a software solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the business. The students presented their ideas to the key project stakeholders, who decided which approach was the best for their company.
The winning team consisted of Kyle Barth, Rhys Sharratt, Lucy Hollyer, Kelly Nicole and Stephen Ledger.
Lucy Hollyer said: “The event was a fantastic insight into the real world of software development by involving members from both the ecommerce business analyst team and the programming team.
“It was interesting to see how our simulated client briefs provided by lecturers were very similar to industry briefs. After the event I feel so much more confident in my analysis and presentation skills, especially pitching why KPMG would be best suited to solve the business’s problems.”
Kyle Barth commented: “I found the experience very enjoyable. I learned how to deal with tough questions during presentations and it really helped refresh my teamwork abilities; especially under pressure with tight time constraints.
“I think it will definitely help me a lot in industry as these skills are relevant to being a successful software engineer.”
Pascal Kreukniet, Senior Manager – Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations, said: “For KPMG inaugural business event for students, we couldn’t have hoped for a more committed and capable group with a great mix of skills.”
Mark Johnson, Deputy Head of Computing at the University of Northampton, said: “The event was organised specifically for our students, initially through one of my former students who has done amazingly well working for KPMG. Our students were able to gain real-life industry experience that helps them build their confidence and boosts their CVs when it comes to applying for jobs.
“It also gave KPMG the opportunity to see first-hand the capability of our students, with a view to potentially offering internships and graduate jobs to any high-flying candidates.”


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

University of Northampton Computing PhD student scoops regional logo design prize

Taken from: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/university-of-northampton-student-scoops-regional-logo-design-prize/


Julius Azasoo
A University of Northampton PhD student’s creative flare has won him a cash prize in a logo design competition.
Julius Azasoo, from the Faculty of Science and Technology, won £450 for a design that was praised by judges for being “professional” and “innovative”.
Julius accepted the challenged to create a new logo for the East Midlands Doctoral Network (EMDoc), a group of Universities across the region that share best practice, resources and insights into postgraduate research.
Julius will collect his prize at EMDoc’s annual conference on 13 September when the logo will be officially launched. He will also receive credit on the EMDoc website for his efforts.
The brief was to make an attractive and creative image that looked professional but not corporate. The logo also needed to show no visual bias toward any one field of study.
Each university could submit three images for the competition and Julius’ design, which focused on the equality of networks, took the following into consideration:
·         Blue – a colour commonly used to denote networks
·         The nine circles represent the nine member universities
·         The academic diversity is represented by the different sizes of the circles
·         The rectangle is the firm academic foundation of the group
Commenting on his prize, Julius said: “I’m very pleased and proud that my logo has won, although I did not expect to win.
“The University of Northampton has many resources for students to support them during their studies, including design software that helped me here.
“Creating the logo helped me develop skills I never knew I had. I’d encourage fellow students to make full use of these resources as well.”


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Thursday 8 June 2017

Changing minds: multitasking during lectures.




1.Changing minds: multitasking during lectures.
Coulter-Smith, L. (2017) 

Paper presented at 13th China Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE) held in Athens, Greece, 24-25 May 2017

Abstract: Multitasking students is a common topic amongst academics. Many studies focus on how students multitask while this study investigates why students multitask in formal lectures. A questionnaire was used to discover student perceptions around multitasking amongst computing students. The results indicate most students are adequately motivated to improve their multitasking behaviour if it influences their grades. Results show that most students claimed boredom as a significant reason for multitasking in class. This study suggests we inform students about the effects of multitasking as it relates to their academic achievement.

To find out more click here





All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Model-based tool for Tactical Data Links

Ajit, S., Holmes, C., Johnson, J., Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2017) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 16(2), pp. 559-586. 1619-1366

DOI: 10.1007/s10270-015-0480-2

Abstract
The Tactical Data Link (TDL) allows the exchange of information between cooperating platforms as part of an integrated command and control (C2) system. Information exchange is facilitated by adherence to a complex, message-based protocol defined by document-centric standards. In this paper, we report on a recent body of work investigating migration from a document-centric to a model-centric approach within the context of the TDL domain, motivated by a desire to achieve a positive return on investment. The model-centric approach makes use of the Epsilon technology stack and provides a significant improvement to both the level of abstraction and rigour of the network design. It is checkable by a machine and, by virtue of an MDA-like approach to the separation of domains and model transformation between domains, is open to integration with other models to support more complex workflows, such as by providing the results of interoperability analyses in human-readable domain-specific reports conforming to an accepted standard.

More information can be found at: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/7750/

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon