The use of mobile devices to access the World Wide Web is becoming more prevalent. When browsing webpages on small-screen devices, it is difficult to locate information of interest since the limited screen space can be fully packed with information. Also, browsing Web tables on small-screen devices is a non-trivial problem. To fit a large table in a small-screen device, the association between data values and their corresponding headers may be disrupted. It is difficult to locate information accurately if the data meanings are lost. For visually impaired users, the problem is even more challenging. Sequential presentation of the webpage by a screen reader is too time-consuming if the information of interest is placed at or near the end of the webpage. Therefore, there is a need to re-organize useful information in webpages in order to enhance information finding on small-screen devices. In this thesis, various adaptations are proposed by exploring and exploiting relationships between Web elements in the webpage. In the current literature, some proposed heuristics are based on specific HTML elements, which cannot be generalized. Some other algorithms assume a correct DOM structure, which would fail if the webpage is not properly marked up. Many algorithms extract blocks without assigning them the proper titles. A gap needs to be filled, such that extracted blocks will be given a proper title through exploring the relationships between semantic elements. In this thesis, I propose to integrate relationship analysis and DOM-tree structure traversal for identifying logical sections together with their section headings. By extracting all the section headings, a table of content can be constructed to provide direct access to interested sections in an efficient way. Relationship analysis is a critical complement to the DOM structure for identifying the semantic content hierarchy when a webpage is not properly marked up. By exploring relationships between table cells, the structure of an unstructured Web table can be extracted. The semantic meanings of the data values are retained by preserving the data values and their corresponding headers. A novel way of accessing a webpage, which converts the page itself and its Web table into menu-based presentation, is then proposed. Converting the webpage into an Interactive Voice Response System introduces yet another mode of access which can enhance the accessibility of the webpage. In addition to improving mobile accessibility, the proposed adaptations can also benefit the visually impaired users. Experiments show that the average effectiveness and efficiency of adaptation with direct access are improved by 18% and 15% respectively, which are clearly better than the case without adaptation. Also, by adapting the Web table into a series of menu pages, the effectiveness and efficiency are improved by 61% and 37% respectively. For the evaluations with visually impaired users, the adaptation with direct access can greatly improve efficiency by 85%. Some complicated Web tables in fact could not be properly interpreted by visually impaired users; the Web table adaptation makes them accessible. Information finding indeed becomes more efficient and effective when using the adapted versions. / published_or_final_version / Computer Science / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

They say marriages are made in heaven, but in today’s digital, wired world, they are increasingly made online. But they still have to be solemnized in the offline world, especially in India, where the entire extended family is involved in the sacred process. It is this echoing sentiment in the Indian cultural code that is driving singles to matrimonial Web sites – creating a concept where tradition marries technology. And despite the constant evolution of these sites that include membership fees and increased risk of the misuse of personal information displayed in members’ profiles, there are more users now than ever before. / text

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published_or_final_version / Physiology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

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This thesis explores the notion of site as a generative basis for architecture. Site is conceived not only as a plot of land where a building is located, but also as something that is the result of agency: the architectural intervention. Site is thus constructed with architecture; it is as much a consequence as a thing. Still Creek was chosen as a provocative site in which to explore this idea. Once Vancouver's largest salmon-bearing stream. Still Creek now exists in a barren, degraded state — the result of a century of urbanization. In its fragmented course from its headwaters to Burnaby Lake, Still Creek flows above and below ground through a diversity of site conditions, ranging from a primeval ravine to a polluted industrial area. Recently, sensibilities about the stream have changed. There are presently a variety of groups interested in Still Creek, not only as a public amenity, but also as an urban ecosystem. In response, it was proposed that (1) an urban trail be located along the discontinuous course of the stream, and (2) a facility be located along the stream that addresses some of the needs of these interested groups. The Still Creek Interpretive Facility marks both the beginning of the stream and the start of the urban trail. Located at the edge of the Renfrew Ravine where the stream first emerges from a subterranean culvert, the building makes apparent the many forces present on the site. An initial gesture of excavation reveals the culvert and demarcates a constructed and a natural edge. The constructed edge of the excavation is heightened with a veil of translucent solar panels that diffuse sunlight and help power the building. A wood screen along the natural edge of the excavation acts as a foil to the alder forest, allowing the building to maintain a quiet presence in the ravine as well as creating shimmering views of colour and light. The stream fills the lowest part of the excavation, mitigating high runoff flows and making a reflective pool for light, precipitation, and sound. The excavation and screen walls form a vessel into which mute volumes are inserted, creating a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, some relating more to site, others relating more to programme. Exterior building circulation winds through the whole assembly — an extension of the urban trail — forming a rich experiential descent from street...through building...to stream beyond...

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Thesis (MA (Hons))--University of South Australia, 2000