Research Publications

In this paper we present a brief overview of belief change, a research area concerned with the question of how a rational agent ought to change its mind in the face of new, possibly conflicting, information. We limit ourselves to logic-based belief change, with a particular emphasis on classical propositional logic as the underlying logic in which beliefs are to be represented. Our intention is to provide the reader with a basic introduction to the work done in this area over the past 30 years. In doing so we hope to sketch the main historical results, provide appropriate pointers to further references, and discuss some current developments. We trust that this will spur on the interested reader to learn more about the topic, and perhaps to join us in the further development of this exciting field of research.

@inbook{17,
  author = {Richard Booth and Tommie Meyer},
  title = {Belief Change},
  abstract = {In this paper we present a brief overview of belief change, a research area concerned with the question of how a rational agent ought to change its mind in the face of new, possibly conflicting, information. We limit ourselves to logic-based belief change, with a particular emphasis on classical propositional logic as the underlying logic in which beliefs are to be represented. Our intention is to provide the reader with a basic introduction to the work done in this area over the past 30 years. In doing so we hope to sketch the main historical results, provide appropriate pointers to further references, and discuss some current developments. We trust that this will spur on the interested reader to learn more about the topic, and perhaps to join us in the further development of this exciting field of research.},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {Logic and Philosophy Today, Vol. 1, Studies in Logic, Vol. 29},
  pages = {385-422},
  publisher = {College Publications},
  url = {www.collegepublications.co.uk/logic/mlf/?00017},
}

Medical AI has established itself as a robust and fruitful field in the last 30 years. Most resource poor countries face the triple burden of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. This coupled with the problems of lack of infrastructure, scarcity of clinical staff, and complex clinical guidelines, have encouraged the application of AI in healthcare specifially on practical issues of field medical data collection, mining, and better integration with healthcare workfow. One such application is an HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy management system that uses AI algorithm to predict drug resistance and the progression of the disease. Another serious problem is the scarcity of personnel with sucient AI knowledge in the medical field. A distance education has shown its potential to remedy the problem.

@{15,
  author = {Milan Hajek and Y. Singh},
  title = {Medical AI - HIV/AIDS Treatment Management System},
  abstract = {Medical AI has established itself as a robust and fruitful field in the last 30 years. Most resource poor countries face the triple burden of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. This coupled with the problems of lack of infrastructure, scarcity of clinical staff, and complex clinical guidelines, have encouraged the application of AI in healthcare specifially on practical issues of field medical data collection, mining, and better integration with healthcare workfow. One such application is an HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy management system that uses AI algorithm to predict drug resistance and the progression of the disease. Another serious problem is the scarcity of personnel with sucient AI knowledge in the medical field. A distance education has shown its potential to remedy the problem.},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {Beyond AI: Interdisciplinary Aspects of Artificial Intelligence},
}

The range of inter-organisational innovation networks existing in the global economy today show a wide variance in structure, purpose, location, lifespan and maturity. These differences between network instantiations highlight the need for deeper understanding of the operation of these networks in order to enable efforts to improve network performance. These efforts include strategic management routines for network leadership, as well as the development of appropriate support structures, e.g. information systems architectures. An important step towards a deeper understanding of inter-organisational innovation networks is to compare the business architectures of network case studies to identify similarities and differences in terms of scope and context, business concepts and underlying system logic. The Zachman framework for enterprise architecture provides an approach to structuring the business architecture of enterprises in a way that allows such comparisons to be drawn. This paper describes the business architecture of two contrasting network case studies from South Africa and Germany within the Zachman framework, and draws some conclusions based on the observed similarities and conclusions.

@{14,
  author = {Henno Gous and J. Gard and Aurona Gerber},
  title = {Business architecture for inter-organisational innovation networks:  A case study comparison from South Africa and Germany},
  abstract = {The range of inter-organisational innovation networks existing in the global economy today show a wide variance in structure, purpose, location, lifespan and maturity. These differences between network instantiations highlight the need for deeper understanding of the operation of these networks in order to enable efforts to improve network performance. These efforts include strategic management routines for network leadership, as well as the development of appropriate support structures, e.g. information systems architectures.
An important step towards a deeper understanding of inter-organisational innovation networks is to compare the business architectures of network case studies to identify similarities and differences in terms of scope and context, business concepts and underlying system logic. The Zachman framework for enterprise architecture provides an approach to structuring the business architecture of enterprises in a way that allows such comparisons to be drawn. This paper describes the business architecture of two contrasting network case studies from South Africa and Germany within the Zachman framework, and draws some conclusions based on the observed similarities and conclusions.},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {ICE 2011},
}

No Abstract

@{9,
  author = {Deshen Moodley and J. Tapamo},
  title = {A semantic infrastructure for a Knowledge Driven Sensor Web},
  abstract = {No Abstract},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {Proceedings of the 4th International Workshop on Semantic Sensor Networks 2011 (SSN11), 23 October 2011,Bonn, Germany,  A workshop of the 10th International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC 2011)},
}

Metamodels are abstractions that are used to specify characteristics of models. Such metamodels are generally included in specifications or framework descriptions. A metamodel is for instance used to inform the generation of enterprise architecture content in the Open Group’s TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel description. However, the description of metamodels is usually done in an ad-hoc manner with customised languages and this often results in ambiguities and inconsistencies. The authors are concerned with the question of how the quality of metamodel descriptions, specifically within the enterprise architecture domain, could be enhanced. Therefore we investigated whether formal ontology technologies could be used to enhance metamodel construction, specification and design. For this research, the authors constructed a formal ontology for the TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel, and in the process, gained valuable insight into metamodel quality. In particular, the current TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel contains ambiguities and inconsistencies, which could be eliminated using ontology technologies. In this paper the authors argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into metamodel construction and specification. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of a model, allowing for more precise and complete artifacts within enterprise architectures, and because these models use standardized languages, they should promote integration and interoperability.

@{469,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe and Paula Kotzé},
  title = {Towards the Formalisation of the TOGAF Content Metamodel using Ontologies},
  abstract = {Metamodels are abstractions that are used to specify characteristics of models. Such metamodels are generally included in specifications or framework descriptions. A metamodel is for instance used to inform the generation of enterprise architecture content in the Open Group’s TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel description. However, the description of metamodels is usually done in an ad-hoc manner with customised languages and this often results in ambiguities and inconsistencies. The authors are concerned with the question of how the quality of metamodel descriptions, specifically within the enterprise architecture domain, could be enhanced. Therefore we investigated whether formal ontology technologies could be used to enhance metamodel construction, specification and design. For this research, the authors constructed a formal ontology for the TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel, and in the process, gained valuable insight into metamodel quality. In particular, the current TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel contains ambiguities and inconsistencies, which could be eliminated using ontology technologies. In this paper the authors argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into metamodel construction and specification. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of a model, allowing for more precise and complete artifacts within enterprise architectures, and because these models use standardized languages, they should promote integration and interoperability.},
  year = {2010},
  journal = {12th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems (ICEIS)},
  pages = {54-64},
  month = {08/06-12/06},
  address = {Funchal, Madeira, Portugal},
  doi = {10204/4075},
}

To stay competitive, enterprises of today need to rely on a sound foundation for execution that incorporates the infrastructure and digitised processes for automating a company’s core capabilities. Once this foundation has been established, management could move their attention away from focusing on lower-value activities to innovative ways to increase profits and growth. The Business-IT Alignment Framework (BIAF) defines business-IT alignment in terms of a paradigm of alignment, three dimensions for alignment, and mechanisms and practices. The BIAF could provide a business-IT alignment perspective on the foundation for execution approach. Using the BIAF perspective, this paper comments on some of the deficiencies related to the foundation for execution approach regarding the systematic identification of opportunities for enterprise-wide process standardisation. The goal is to define a list of requirements that should direct the design of appropriate mechanisms and practices to address the identification of process re-use opportunities for multiple levels of operating maturity.

@{468,
  author = {Marne de Vries and Alta van der Merwe and Aurona Gerber and Paula Kotzé},
  title = {Refining The Operating Model Concept To Enable Systematic Growth In Operating Maturity},
  abstract = {To stay competitive, enterprises of today need to rely on a sound foundation for execution that incorporates the infrastructure and digitised processes for automating a company’s core capabilities. Once this foundation has been established, management could move their attention away from focusing on lower-value activities to innovative ways to increase profits and growth. The Business-IT Alignment Framework (BIAF) defines business-IT alignment in terms of a paradigm of alignment, three dimensions for alignment, and mechanisms and practices. The BIAF could provide a business-IT alignment perspective on the foundation for execution approach. Using the BIAF perspective, this paper comments on some of the deficiencies related to the foundation for execution approach regarding the systematic identification of opportunities for enterprise-wide process standardisation. The goal is to define a list of requirements that should direct the design of appropriate mechanisms and practices to address the identification of process re-use opportunities for multiple levels of operating maturity.},
  year = {2010},
  journal = {24th Anuual SAIIE Conference},
  month = {6/10-8/10},
  address = {Muldersdrift, South Africa},
  doi = {10204/4572},
}

There are several sources that indicate a remarkable increase in the adoption of open source software (OSS) into the technology infrastructure of organizations. In fact, the number of medium to large organizations without some OSS installations, is surprisingly low. This move to open source (OS), as well as the obvious advantages thereof, have motivated the CSIR of South Africa to investigate the adoption of OSS across the institution for all aspects of its operations. In launching this endeavour, it became apparent that there are very limited resources available, locally or internationally, that documented process related information about organizational OS migrations. This lack of information provides the motivation for this research that investigates the use of process reference models to capture the process related information for an organization-wide migration from proprietary software to OSS. In order to develop the necessary process reference models, the specific process models for the CSIR OS migration were captured, and, using a repeatable method based on reference model criteria, the generic process reference models for an organizational OS migration were extracted and documented. It is our firm belief that these process reference models would provide a baseline for the processes needed when any organization considers open source adoption or organization-wide OS migration.

@{467,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Onkgopotse Molefo and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {Documenting open source migration processes for re-use},
  abstract = {There are several sources that indicate a remarkable increase in the adoption of open source software (OSS) into the technology infrastructure of organizations. In fact, the number of medium to large organizations without some OSS installations, is surprisingly low. This move to open source (OS), as well as the obvious advantages thereof, have motivated the CSIR of South Africa to investigate the adoption of OSS across the institution for all aspects of its operations. In launching this endeavour, it became apparent that there are very limited resources available, locally or internationally, that documented process related information about organizational OS migrations. This lack of information provides the motivation for this research that investigates the use of process reference models to capture the process related information for an organization-wide migration from proprietary software to OSS. In order to develop the necessary process reference models, the specific process models for the CSIR OS migration were captured, and, using a repeatable method based on reference model criteria, the generic process reference models for an organizational OS migration were extracted and documented. It is our firm belief that these process reference models would provide a baseline for the processes needed when any organization considers open source adoption or organization-wide OS migration.},
  year = {2010},
  journal = {Annual Research Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT)},
  pages = {75-85},
  month = {11/10-13/10},
  publisher = {ACM Press},
  address = {Bela Bela, South Africa},
  isbn = {9781605589503},
  url = {https://dl.acm.org/doi/proceedings/10.1145/1899503},
  doi = {10.1145/1899503.1899512},
}

Due to the prolific growth in connectivity, the development and implementation of distributed systems receives a lot of attention. Several technologies and languages exist for the development and implementation of such distributed systems; however, teaching students in these new technologies remains a challenge. Even though several models for teaching computer programming and teaching programming in a distance-based educational environment (DEE) exist, limited literature is available on models for teaching distributed computing in a DEE. Here our research we examine how distributed computing should be taught in a DEE in order to ensure effective and quality learning for students, specifically by investigating both the specific characteristics of distributed systems technologies and the models used for teaching programming in DEE. The required effectiveness and quality should be comparable to those for students exposed to laboratories, as commonly found in residential universities. This led to the identification of the factors that contribute to the success of teaching distributed computing and determine how these factors can be integrated into a proposed distributed systems distance-based teaching model we call the Independent Distributed Learning Model (IDLM).

@misc{466,
  author = {Petra Le Roux and Alta van der Merwe and Aurona Gerber},
  title = {A Model for Teaching Distributed Computing in a Distance-based Educational Environment},
  abstract = {Due to the prolific growth in connectivity, the development and implementation of distributed systems receives a lot of attention. Several technologies and languages exist for the development and implementation of such distributed systems; however, teaching students in these new technologies remains a challenge. Even though several models for teaching computer programming and teaching programming in a distance-based educational environment (DEE) exist, limited literature is available on models for teaching distributed computing in a DEE. Here our research we examine how distributed computing should be taught in a DEE in order to ensure effective and quality learning for students, specifically by investigating both the specific characteristics of distributed systems technologies and the models used for teaching programming in DEE. The required effectiveness and quality should be comparable to those for students exposed to laboratories, as commonly found in residential universities. This led to the identification of the factors that contribute to the success of teaching distributed computing and determine how these factors can be integrated into a proposed distributed systems distance-based teaching model we call the Independent Distributed Learning Model (IDLM).},
  year = {2010},
  journal = {International Workshop on Distance Education Technology (DET)},
  month = {14/10-16/10},
}

The vision of the Semantic Web is to provide the World Wide Web the ability to automate interoperate and reason about resources and services on the Web. However, the autonomous dynamic open distributed and heterogeneous nature of the Semantic Web introduce new security challenges. Consequently, security becomes a crucial factor for the adoption of the Semantic Web. There are existing suggested security frameworks for the Semantic Web, however none of these address all issues related to the Semantic Web, neither have any requirements for such frameworks been established. Common criteria are therefore required to evaluate existing security frameworks. In this paper, the authors suggest a set of evaluation criteria that can be used to evaluate existing Semantic Web security frameworks

@{471,
  author = {Ibrahim Mbaya and Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {Requirements of a Security Framework for the Semantic Web},
  abstract = {The vision of the Semantic Web is to provide the World Wide Web the ability to automate interoperate and reason about resources and services on the Web. However, the autonomous dynamic open distributed and heterogeneous nature of the Semantic Web introduce new security challenges. Consequently, security becomes a crucial factor for the adoption of the Semantic Web. There are existing suggested security frameworks for the Semantic Web, however none of these address all issues related to the Semantic Web, neither have any requirements for such frameworks been established. Common criteria are therefore required to evaluate existing security frameworks. In this paper, the authors suggest a set of evaluation criteria that can be used to evaluate existing Semantic Web security frameworks},
  year = {2009},
  journal = {IASTED International Conference on Software Engineering},
  pages = {106-113},
  month = {17/02/19/02},
  address = {Innsbruck, Austria},
  doi = {10204/3818},
}

An enterprise architecture (EA) framework is a conceptual tool that assists organizations and businesses with the understanding of their own structure and the way they work. Normally an enterprise architecture framework takes the form of a comprehensive set of cohesive models or enterprise architectures that describe the structure and the functions of an enterprise. Generically, an architecture model is the description of the set of components and the relationships between them. The central idea of all architectures is to represent, or model (in the abstract) an orderly arrangement of the components that make up the system under question and the relationships between these components. It is clear within this context that the models within an enterprise architecture framework are complex. However, recent advances in ontologies and ontology technologies may provide the means to assist architects with the management of this complexity. In this position paper we want to argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into enterprise architecture frameworks. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of her model, allowing for more precise and complete artefacts within enterprise architecture framework repositories, and because these models use standardized languages, they will promote integration and interoperability with and within these repositories.

@{470,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {Towards the use of formal ontologies in Enterprise Architecture framework repositories},
  abstract = {An enterprise architecture (EA) framework is a conceptual tool that assists organizations and businesses with the understanding of their own structure and the way they work. Normally an enterprise architecture framework takes the form of a comprehensive set of cohesive models or enterprise architectures that describe the structure and the functions of an enterprise. Generically, an architecture model is the description of the set of components and the relationships between them. The central idea of all architectures is to represent, or model (in the abstract) an orderly arrangement of the components that make up the system under question and the relationships between these components. It is clear within this context that the models within an enterprise architecture framework are complex. However, recent advances in ontologies and ontology technologies may provide the means to assist architects with the management of this complexity. In this position paper we want to argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into enterprise architecture frameworks. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of her model, allowing for more precise and complete artefacts within enterprise architecture framework repositories, and because these models use standardized languages, they will promote integration and interoperability with and within these repositories.},
  year = {2009},
  journal = {1st International Workshop on Advanced Enterprise Repositories},
  pages = {114-129},
  month = {06/05-07/05},
  publisher = {SCITEPRESS},
  address = {Milan, Italy},
  doi = {10.5220/0002220801140124},
}

A layered architecture for the Semantic Web that adheres to software engineering principles and the fundamental aspects of layered architectures will assist in the development of Semantic Web specifications and applications. The most well-known versions of the layered architecture that exist within literature have been proposed by Berners-Lee. It is possible to indicate inconsistencies and discrepancies in the different versions of the architecture, leading to confusion, as well as conflicting proposals and adoptions by the Semantic Web community. A more recent version of a Semantic Web layered architecture, namely the CFL architecture, was proposed in 2007 by Gerber, van der Merwe and Barnard [23], which adheres to software engineering principles and addresses several of the concerns evident from previous versions of the architecture. In this paper we evaluate this recent architecture, both by scrutinising the shortcomings of previous architectures and evaluating the approach used for the development of the latest architecture. Furthermore, the architecture is applied to usage scenarios to evaluate the usefulness thereof.

@{472,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe and Andries Barnard},
  title = {A Functional Semantic Web architecture},
  abstract = {A layered architecture for the Semantic Web that adheres to software engineering principles and the fundamental aspects of layered architectures will assist in the development of Semantic Web specifications and applications. The most well-known versions of the layered architecture that exist within literature have been proposed by Berners-Lee. It is possible to indicate inconsistencies and discrepancies in the different versions of the architecture, leading to confusion, as well as conflicting proposals and adoptions by the Semantic Web community. A more recent version of a Semantic Web layered architecture, namely the CFL architecture, was proposed in 2007 by Gerber, van der Merwe and Barnard [23], which adheres to software engineering principles and addresses several of the concerns evident from previous versions of the architecture. In this paper we evaluate this recent architecture, both by scrutinising the shortcomings of previous architectures and evaluating the approach used for the development of the latest architecture. Furthermore, the architecture is applied to usage scenarios to evaluate the usefulness thereof.},
  year = {2008},
  journal = {European Semantic Web Conference (ESWC)},
  pages = {273-287},
  month = {01/06-05/06},
  publisher = {Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg},
  address = {Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain},
  isbn = {978-3-540-68233-2},
  url = {https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-540-68234-9},
  doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-68234-9_22},
}

Tim Berners-Lee proposed a layered architecture for the languages of the Semantic Web in 2000 and suggested an adapted architecture in 2003. We evaluated the architecture according to a list of layered architecture characteristics and in this paper, based on aforementioned evaluation, we propose an adapted layered architecture for the languages of the Semantic Web based on fundamental aspects for layered architectures in information systems.

@{475,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Andries Barnard and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {Towards a semantic web layered architecture},
  abstract = {Tim Berners-Lee proposed a layered architecture for the languages of the Semantic Web in 2000 and suggested an adapted architecture in 2003. We evaluated the architecture according to a list of layered architecture characteristics and in this paper, based on aforementioned evaluation, we propose an adapted layered architecture for the languages of the Semantic Web based on fundamental aspects for layered architectures in information systems.},
  year = {2007},
  journal = {International Conference on Software Engineering},
  pages = {10},
  month = {13/02-15/02},
  publisher = {ACTA Press},
  address = {Innsbruck, Austria},
  doi = {10204/1189},
}

The identification of process model structures is usually complex and costly. If these structures can be reused across boundaries, this could not only benefit the internal structure of one application domain, but could also benefit organizations where it is not feasible to initiate expensive process re-engineering innovations. Furthermore, a reusable process is not worth much if the process is not available. The preservation and availability of objects are therefore important, through libraries in the case of objects, or repositories in the case of process models. The creation of the MIT Process Handbook was a step in this direction. However, although the authors used object-oriented concepts in the abstract representations, they did not rigorously apply object-oriented concepts in the abstract representations used in publications on their process repository. Especially in the notation used and reference to specializations, there are some inconsistencies. To address these issues, we suggest the use of polymorphism, where specializations inherit from the generic base process model, and the use of more formal object-oriented notation for defining specialization.

@{474,
  author = {Alta van der Merwe and Paula Kotzé and Aurona Gerber},
  title = {Generic process model structures: towards a standard notation for abstract representations},
  abstract = {The identification of process model structures is usually complex and costly. If these structures can be reused across boundaries, this could not only benefit the internal structure of one application domain, but could also benefit organizations where it is not feasible to initiate expensive process re-engineering innovations. Furthermore, a reusable process is not worth much if the process is not available. The preservation and availability of objects are therefore important, through libraries in the case of objects, or repositories in the case of process models. The creation of the MIT Process Handbook was a step in this direction. However, although the authors used object-oriented concepts in the abstract representations, they did not rigorously apply object-oriented concepts in the abstract representations used in publications on their process repository. Especially in the notation used and reference to specializations, there are some inconsistencies. To address these issues, we suggest the use of polymorphism, where specializations inherit from the generic base process model, and the use of more formal object-oriented notation for defining specialization.},
  year = {2007},
  journal = {Annual Research Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT)},
  pages = {172-180},
  month = {02/10-03/10},
  publisher = {AC},
  address = {Port Elizabeth, South Africa},
  isbn = {978-1-59593-775-9},
  url = {https://dl.acm.org/doi/proceedings/10.1145/1292491},
  doi = {10.1145/1292491.1292511},
}

Rapid development methodologies are popular approaches for the development of modern software systems. The goals of these methodologies are the inclusion of the client into the analysis, design and implementation activities, as well as the acceleration of the system development phases through an iterative construction approach. These methodologies also claim to manage the changing nature of requirements. However, during the development of large and complex systems by a small and technically competent development team, there is a danger that certain unforeseen practical implications are introduced into the development process by rapid development methodologies. In this paper we reflect on some observed practical implications of rapid development methodologies after the completion of two projects that involved the construction of large and complex software systems.

@{473,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe and Ronell Alberts},
  title = {Implications of Rapid Development Methodologies},
  abstract = {Rapid development methodologies are popular approaches for the development of modern software systems. The goals of these methodologies are the inclusion of the client into the analysis, design and implementation activities, as well as the acceleration of the system development phases through an iterative construction approach. These methodologies also claim to manage the changing nature of requirements. However, during the development of large and complex systems by a small and technically competent development team, there is a danger that certain unforeseen practical implications are introduced into the development process by rapid development methodologies. In this paper we reflect on some observed practical implications of rapid development methodologies after the completion of two projects that involved the construction of large and complex software systems.},
  year = {2007},
  journal = {Computer Science and Information Technology Education (CSITEd)},
  pages = {242-243},
  month = {16/11-18/11},
  address = {Mauritius},
  doi = {10204/1829},
}

The terms architecture, layered architecture and system architecture are often used by researchers, as well as system architects and business process analysts inconsistently. Furthermore, the concept architecture is commonplace in discussions of software engineering topics such as business process management and system engineering, but agreed upon design and evaluation criteria are lacking in literature. Such criteria are on the one hand valuable for the determination of system architectures during the design phase, and on the other hand, provides a valuable tool for the evaluation of already existing architectures. The goal of this paper is thus to extract from literature and best-practices such a list of criteria. The authors applied these findings to two prominent examples of layered architectures, notably the ISO/OSI network model and the Semantic Web language architecture.

@{476,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Andries Barnard and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {Design and Evaluation Criteria for Layered Architectures},
  abstract = {The terms architecture, layered architecture and system architecture are often used by researchers, as well as system architects and business process analysts inconsistently. Furthermore, the concept architecture is commonplace in discussions of software engineering topics such as business process management and system engineering, but agreed upon design and evaluation criteria are lacking in literature. Such criteria are on the one hand valuable for the determination of system architectures during the design phase, and on the other hand, provides a valuable tool for the evaluation of already existing architectures. The goal of this paper is thus to extract from literature and best-practices such a list of criteria. The authors applied these findings to two prominent examples of layered architectures, notably the ISO/OSI network model and the Semantic Web language architecture.},
  year = {2006},
  journal = {Fourth International Workshop on Modelling, Simulation, Verification and Validation of Enterprise Information Systems (MSVVEIS)},
  pages = {86-96},
  month = {23/05-27/05},
  publisher = {INSTICC Press},
  address = {Paphos, Cyprus},
  isbn = {978-972-8865-49-8},
  doi = {10204/990},
}

Semantic Web application areas are experiencing intensified interest due to the rapid growth in the use of the Web, together with the innovation and renovation of information content technologies. The Semantic Web is regarded as an integrator across different content and information applications and systems, and provide mechanisms for the realisation of Enterprise Information Systems. The rapidity of the growth experienced provides the impetus for researchers to focus on the creation and dissemination of innovative Semantic Web technologies, where the envisaged'Semantic Web’ is long overdue. Often the terms ’Semantics’, ’metadata’, ’ontologies’ and ’Semantic Web’ are used inconsistently. In particular, these terms are used as everyday terminology by researchers and practitioners, spanning a vast landscape of different fields, technologies, concepts and application areas. Furthermore, there is confusion with regards to the current status of the enabling technologies envisioned to realise the Semantic Web. In this paper we chart the Semantic Web landscape and provide a brief summary of related terms and enabling technologies. We also use the architectural model proposed by Tim Berners-Lee as basis to present a status model that reflects current and emerging technologies.

@article{450,
  author = {Aurona Gerber and Andries Barnard and Alta van der Merwe},
  title = {A Semantic Web Status Model},
  abstract = {Semantic Web application areas are experiencing intensified interest due to the rapid growth in the use of the Web, together with the innovation and renovation of information content technologies. The Semantic Web is regarded as an integrator across different content and information applications and systems, and provide mechanisms for the realisation of Enterprise Information Systems. The rapidity of the growth experienced provides the impetus for researchers to focus on the creation and dissemination of innovative Semantic Web technologies, where the envisaged'Semantic Web’ is long overdue. Often the terms ’Semantics’, ’metadata’, ’ontologies’ and ’Semantic Web’ are used inconsistently. In particular, these terms are used as everyday terminology by researchers and practitioners, spanning a vast landscape of different fields, technologies, concepts and application areas. Furthermore, there is confusion with regards to the current status of the enabling technologies envisioned to realise the Semantic Web. In this paper we chart the Semantic Web landscape and provide a brief summary of related terms and enabling technologies. We also use the architectural model proposed by Tim Berners-Lee as basis to present a status model that reflects current and emerging technologies.},
  year = {2006},
  journal = {Integrated Design & Process Technology},
  volume = {Special issue: IDPT},
  pages = {473-482},
  url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10204/992},
  doi = {10204/992},
}

The immense growth in mobile technology has opened various opportunities, both in marketing and in M-Commerce applications. The growth in these applications is according to the system of systems concept through which technologies such as cell phone networks are becoming integrated with other systems such as the Internet. Unfortunately, this may also lead to a new security risk, the use of mobile technology, more specifically the distribution of short message service (SMS) messages, to conduct phishing attacks. We demonstrate four types of phishing activities that can take place via mobile technology and provide a specific example on one of the introduced types.

@{477,
  author = {Alta van der Merwe and Remzi Seker and Aurona Gerber},
  title = {Phishing in the System of Systems Settings: Mobile Technology},
  abstract = {The immense growth in mobile technology has opened various opportunities, both in marketing and in M-Commerce applications. The growth in these applications is according to the system of systems concept through which technologies such as cell phone networks are becoming integrated with other systems such as the Internet. Unfortunately, this may also lead to a new security risk, the use of mobile technology, more specifically the distribution of short message service (SMS) messages, to conduct phishing attacks. We demonstrate four types of phishing activities that can take place via mobile technology and provide a specific example on one of the introduced types.},
  year = {2005},
  journal = {IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics},
  pages = {492-498},
  month = {10/10-12/10},
  publisher = {IEEE},
  address = {Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States of America},
  isbn = {0-7803-9298-1},
  url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/conhome/10498/proceeding},
  doi = {10.1109/ICSMC.2005.1571194},
}