Improving Software Development: The Prescriptive Simplified Method

We describe the Prescriptive Simplified Method (PSM), a software development method, based upon UML and use cases. PSM uses a traditional software development cycle and embeds use case development in the system construction phase. PSM has been used in three pilot studies. These studies support PSM as a viable means of transitioning lay people to novice system developers. This paper defines PSM and a teaching approach. Our overall goal is to validate both by tracking the development of a cohort of students, from the beginning of their training through to their early experiences in industry

Inadequacies of research used to monitor change to rock art and regulate industry on murujuga (Burrup Peninsula\u27), Australia

Murujuga (\u27Burrup Peninsula\u27) in northwest Western Australia contains the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the world. A substantial petrochemical industrial complex has been placed in close proximity to this cultural treasure. A review of the publically available research reports used by governments to justify establishment of industry and the levels of acceptable emissions reveals the research is not scientifically credible in design, methodology, analysis or interpretation. Each report has serious errors, which renders most results to be of little value. There remains a knowledge deficit on the condition of petroglyphs. No credible decisions about the effects of industry on the rock art can be made using the reports

Methane Emissions from Ruminants in Australia: Mitigation Potential and Applicability of Mitigation Strategies

Anthropomorphic greenhouse gases are raising the temperature of the earth and threatening ecosystems. Since 1950 atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased 28%, while methane has increased 70%. Methane, over the first 20 years after release, has 80-times more warming potential as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Enteric methane from microbial fermentation of plant material by ruminants contributes 30% of methane released into the atmosphere, which is more than any other single source. Numerous strategies were reviewed to quantify their methane mitigation potential, their impact on animal productivity and their likelihood of adoption. The supplements, 3-nitrooxypropanol and the seaweed, Asparagopsis, reduced methane emissions by 40+% and 90%, respectively, with increases in animal productivity and small effects on animal health or product quality. Manipulation of the rumen microbial population can potentially provide intergenerational reduction in methane emissions, if treated animals remain isolated. Genetic selection, vaccination, grape marc, nitrate or biochar reduced methane emissions by 10% or less. Best management practices and cattle browsing legumes, Desmanthus or Leucaena species, result in small levels of methane mitigation and improved animal productivity. Feeding large amounts daily of ground wheat reduced methane emissions by around 35% in dairy cows but was not sustained over time

Development of a virtual reality overlay for Velnet (Virtual environment for learning networking)

The problems of providing a real, physical specialist laboratory to teach computer networking such as, the lack of funding and physical space and the risks and threats to the network environment and infrastructure, can be solved by the use of a virtual learning environment. Velnet is such a virtual learning environment that we have developed and used successfully. Velnet consists of one or more host machines and operating systems, commercial virtual machine software, virtual machines and their operating systems, a virtual network connecting the virtual machines, and remote desktop display software. In order to be able to present more computer-networking concepts and to improve on our original version of Velnet we have been developing a virtual reality overlay. This virtual reality overlay allows students to build virtual networking topologies in a virtual lab. This paper describes Velnet our virtual environment for learning networking and the virtual reality overlay currently under development