Towards an aspect weaving BPEL engine

This position paper proposes the use of dynamic aspects and the visitor design pattern to obtain a highly configurable and extensible BPEL engine. Using these two techniques, the core of this infrastructural software can be customised to meet new requirements and add features such as debugging, execution monitoring, or changing to another Web Service selection policy. Additionally, it can easily be extended to cope with customer-specific BPEL extensions. We propose the use of dynamic aspects not only on the engine itself but also on the workflow in order to tackle the problems of Web Service hot deployment and hot fixes to long running processes. In this way, composing aWeb Service "on-the-fly" means weaving its choreography interface into the workflow

Unleashing the Power of Edge-Cloud Generative AI in Mobile Networks: A Survey of AIGC Services

Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) is an automated method for generating, manipulating, and modifying valuable and diverse data using AI algorithms creatively. This survey paper focuses on the deployment of AIGC applications, e.g., ChatGPT and Dall-E, at mobile edge networks, namely mobile AIGC networks, that provide personalized and customized AIGC services in real time while maintaining user privacy. We begin by introducing the background and fundamentals of generative models and the lifecycle of AIGC services at mobile AIGC networks, which includes data collection, training, finetuning, inference, and product management. We then discuss the collaborative cloud-edge-mobile infrastructure and technologies required to support AIGC services and enable users to access AIGC at mobile edge networks. Furthermore, we explore AIGCdriven creative applications and use cases for mobile AIGC networks. Additionally, we discuss the implementation, security, and privacy challenges of deploying mobile AIGC networks. Finally, we highlight some future research directions and open issues for the full realization of mobile AIGC networks

The simplicity project: easing the burden of using complex and heterogeneous ICT devices and services

As of today, to exploit the variety of different "services", users need to configure each of their devices by using different procedures and need to explicitly select among heterogeneous access technologies and protocols. In addition to that, users are authenticated and charged by different means. The lack of implicit human computer interaction, context-awareness and standardisation places an enormous burden of complexity on the shoulders of the final users. The IST-Simplicity project aims at leveraging such problems by: i) automatically creating and customizing a user communication space; ii) adapting services to user terminal characteristics and to users preferences; iii) orchestrating network capabilities. The aim of this paper is to present the technical framework of the IST-Simplicity project. This paper is a thorough analysis and qualitative evaluation of the different technologies, standards and works presented in the literature related to the Simplicity system to be developed

Pattern languages in HCI: A critical review

This article presents a critical review of patterns and pattern languages in human-computer interaction (HCI). In recent years, patterns and pattern languages have received considerable attention in HCI for their potential as a means for developing and communicating information and knowledge to support good design. This review examines the background to patterns and pattern languages in HCI, and seeks to locate pattern languages in relation to other approaches to interaction design. The review explores four key issues: What is a pattern? What is a pattern language? How are patterns and pattern languages used? and How are values reflected in the pattern-based approach to design? Following on from the review, a future research agenda is proposed for patterns and pattern languages in HCI

A contextual design artefact for the dynamic capabilities of SMEs in Nigeria : a critical realist study

Text in EnglishThe tendency of SMEs to focus on their core business activities often results in them overlooking competences to maximise ICT usage which, in turn, leads to the escalation of costs and the diminishing of investment returns. This study, situated within a critical realist philosophy, seeks to explore and design a new ICT artefact for SMEs using the dynamic capabilities framework and mixed method approach. Dynamic capabilities (DCs) refer to an organisation’s ability to continuously renew internal resources towards ensuring business success and market competitiveness. The use of content analysis and retroduction enabled the initial qualitative study to analyse the interview responses gained from 16 SMEs situated in five of the most economically active states in Nigeria. The study then developed and evaluated the ICT artefact amongst 20 SMEs in similar contexts using the elaborated action design research method. The key findings revealed how SMEs in Nigeria use ICTs (in the real domain) to carry out their business processes (in the actual domain) using their DCs (in the empirical domain). The findings suggest that, despite the existence of government support for SMEs across Nigeria, these programmes are generally inaccessible using ICTs. This study identified a critical need for the creation and evaluation of a contextual ICT artefact (i.e. mobile app) suited to Nigeria and in probably other SMEs operating in similar low-income contexts. The evaluation results confirmed the usefulness of the artefact as a suitable tool which would assist SMEs in enhancing their DCs and thus maximise opportunities. This thesis presents a theoretical contribution to IS theory through the identification of absorptive, adaptive and innovative DCs which enhance the competences of SMEs to seize business opportunities. The other theoretical contribution to IS lies in using critical realism to reveal the causal powers of mobile apps and the events generated in SMEs. The findings also contribute to practice by outlining a way in which SME owners can effectively use ICTs to maximise their business capabilities. The thesis recommends that contextually designed ICTs should serve as the bedrock for policy development. Policy makers should continuously sensitise SME owners as to the benefits of ICTs by reinforcing ICT education and creating environments which enable ICT growth.School of ComputingPh.D (Information Systems