Dr William Chivers
Lecturer
School of Information and Physical Sciences (Computing and Information Technology)
- Email:william.chivers@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:0412 247 160
Career Summary
Biography
My research involves both computer science and biology. After completing a degree in zoology in the 1970s I worked in the IT industry as a computer programmer then taught in secondary schools and NSW TAFE before returning to academia.
In my research I now combine my two academic interests by applying my computer science experience to biology, mainly ecology.
In my PhD research I used individual-based models to explore predator-prey dynamics, applying my models to the Canadian Lynx-Hare system and the Fennoscandian mustelid-microtine system.
My research now involves collaboration with practising ecologists: I am using individual-based models to explore optimal foraging theory in collaboration with UTS, Sydney and I am applying data mining/analysis techniques to explore the effect of climate change on marine plankton in collaboration with Deakin University and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
I have completed two higher degrees, both of which earned research awards: 1. PhD: (2010) Generalised, parsimonious, individual-based computer models of ecological systems. University of Newcastle, Australia. 2. Research masters: (1998) The effect of a constructivist teaching approach and the use of the computer programming language logo on the reconstruction of science beliefs of junior high school students. Research masters thesis, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
Research Expertise
I am an early-career researcher whose work involves the application of computer programming, data mining and data analysis to research questions in ecology. In my PhD research I built two generalised and parsimonious models in the tradition of classical ecological modelling and applied these models to exclusive mammalian predator-prey systems and grazing herbivore systems.
My research now involved the development of further individual-based models and the data mining/analysis of large datasets in ecology (see above).
Teaching Expertise
I am a Lecturer in Applied IT - I have developed and delivered courses at tertiary level in agent-based modelling, computer programming (C, C++, Java, C#, VB, PHP, Python, Perl, Bullant, SQL, Logo, NetLogo), relational database, web development (HTML, CSS, LAMP, Django), system and network administration (FreeBSD, Linux, Netware and WinNT), systems analysis and design, computer architecture and most recently data mining and analysis using the R statistical language.
Administrative Expertise
- Student Academic Conduct Officer (SACO) 2012-current.
- Member of various committees including Teaching and Learning, Student Recruitment and Student Retention.
- Acting head teacher in secondary schools and TAFE colleges, - Coordinator of university courses with up to 800 students
Collaborations (external to UoN)
Current
- Professor Graeme Hays, Deakin University, Warrnambool.
- Dr Anthony Walne, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
- Professor Graham Pyke, UTS, Sydney.
Past
- Professor William Gladstone, UTS, Sydney
- Dr Michael Fuller, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle
- Diploma in Education, University of New England
- Master of Education (Honours), Charles Sturt University
- Bachelor of Science, University of New South Wales
Keywords
- Agent-based modelling
- Climate change
- Computer programming
- Computer-based modeling
- Data Mining
- Data analysis
- Database programming
- Ecological modeling
- Individual-based modeling
- Information technology
- Linux
- Marine ecology
- Natural resource modeling
- Open source software
- Operating systems
- Plankton ecology
- Population dynamics
- Predator-prey modeling
- R
- UNIX
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
310305 | Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) | 60 |
460502 | Data mining and knowledge discovery | 40 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Electrical Engineering and Computing Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/2/1999 - 1/7/1999 | Lecturer in Education - part-time | University of Western Sydney School of Education Australia |
1/7/1990 - 1/12/2001 | Lecturer in IT - part-time | University of Western Sydney Information Technology Australia |
Membership
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
10/6/2007 - | Board member | The Resource Modeling Association (USA) United States |
1/1/2004 - | Membership - The Resource Modeling Association (USA) | The Resource Modeling Association (USA) United States |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
2/7/1978 - 1/6/1984 | Programmer/Analyst | IBM Australia Computing Australia |
Teaching appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
2/1/1994 - 1/2/2001 | Teacher of IT | TAFE NSW Information Technology Australia |
2/6/1984 - 1/12/1993 | Secondary Teacher | NSW Department of Education Science and Infomation Technology Australia |
2/6/1984 - 1/12/1993 | Secondary Teacher | Independant Schools Science and Information Technology Australia |
Awards
Research Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2009 |
Outstanding Postgraduate (Research) Student Achievement University of Newcastle |
1999 |
Award for Outstanding Educational Research NSW Institute for Educational Research Inc |
1998 |
Outstanding Thesis Prize Charles Sturt University |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
INFT6304 |
Project Planning and Management Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Professionals, whether they are working in the sciences, business, engineering, information technology, health or education, typically work in teams to complete projects. This course introduces and examines the technical and socio-cultural dimensions of Project Management. Students experience all aspects of the Project Life Cycle through the completion of integrated unifying exercises. A conceptual framework underpinning Project Management is presented in the context of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). These professional standards are supported by the Australian Institute of Project Managers (AIPM) and their international counterparts. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/5/2015 - 31/8/2015 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2012 - 30/6/2012 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
INFT3007 |
The Information Resource Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2013 - 31/12/2013 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2015 - 31/12/2015 |
INFT3930 |
Information Technology Project Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia After an introduction to the appropriate skills and tools, students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the semester. Projects typically involve database design and implementation, programming, interface design, and writing and reporting, and individual group members will contribute as appropriate to these tasks. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project report is complemented with an oral presentation. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2013 - 31/12/2013 |
INFT3007 |
The Information Resource Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2014 - 30/6/2014 |
INFT4010 |
Information Technology Honours II: Directed Readings Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Students examine contemporary literature relevant to their proposed research topic, focusing on theoretical perspectives and methodological assumptions. Students will undertake a subsequent literature review in order to develop a conceptual understanding of contemporary approaches to their field of information technology research. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2014 - 30/6/2014 |
INFT4010 |
Information Technology Honours II: Directed Readings Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Students examine contemporary literature relevant to their proposed research topic, focusing on theoretical perspectives and methodological assumptions. Students will undertake a subsequent literature review in order to develop a conceptual understanding of contemporary approaches to their field of information technology research. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2012 - 30/6/2012 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2012 - 31/12/2012 |
INFT3970 |
IT Major Project Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia After an introductory session students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the semester. Projects will refine and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired by students in the BIT Core courses and also in courses that have formed their major. Students also complete an individual task within the course on a topic related directly to their major. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project reports and documentation are complemented with an oral presentation and regular project group meetings. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
INFT2031 |
Systems & Network Administration Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Provides students with theoretical knowledge of computer operating systems and practical experience in the installation and maintenance of a popular operating system on personal computers. Introduces the theoretical basis of computer networks and provides practical experience in the installation and administration of a small network of personal computers. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2015 - 31/12/2015 |
INFT3007 |
The Information Resource Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2012 - 31/12/2012 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Singapore This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/9/2013 - 31/12/2013 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications The University of Newcastle, Singapore Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/5/2012 - 31/8/2012 |
INFT4010 |
Information Technology Honours II: Directed Readings Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Students examine contemporary literature relevant to their proposed research topic, focusing on theoretical perspectives and methodological assumptions. Students will undertake a subsequent literature review in order to develop a conceptual understanding of contemporary approaches to their field of information technology research. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2013 - 30/6/2013 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications The University of Newcastle, Singapore Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/1/2013 - 30/4/2013 |
INFT3007 |
The Information Resource Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2016 - 30/6/2016 |
INFT3970 |
IT Major Project Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia After an introductory session students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the semester. Projects will refine and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired by students in the BIT Core courses and also in courses that have formed their major. Students also complete an individual task within the course on a topic related directly to their major. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project reports and documentation are complemented with an oral presentation and regular project group meetings. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2015 - 31/12/2015 |
INFT2031 |
Systems & Network Administration Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Provides students with theoretical knowledge of computer operating systems and practical experience in the installation and maintenance of a popular operating system on personal computers. Introduces the theoretical basis of computer networks and provides practical experience in the installation and administration of a small network of personal computers. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
INFT6304 |
Project Planning and Management Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Professionals, whether they are working in the sciences, business, engineering, information technology, health or education, typically work in teams to complete projects. This course introduces and examines the technical and socio-cultural dimensions of Project Management. Students experience all aspects of the Project Life Cycle through the completion of integrated unifying exercises. A conceptual framework underpinning Project Management is presented in the context of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). These professional standards are supported by the Australian Institute of Project Managers (AIPM) and their international counterparts. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
INFT3930 |
Information Technology Project Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia After an introduction to the appropriate skills and tools, students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the semester. Projects typically involve database design and implementation, programming, interface design, and writing and reporting, and individual group members will contribute as appropriate to these tasks. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project report is complemented with an oral presentation. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
INFT3940 |
Information Technology Applications Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Expands and integrates students' information technology skills and knowledge through the investigation of specific information technology applications. Considers how a range of information technology components is combined in solving relevant problems. Integrates students' information technology knowledge and skills with their knowledge in application domains. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2013 - 30/6/2013 |
INFT3007 |
The Information Resource Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2015 - 30/6/2015 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Singapore This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/1/2013 - 30/4/2013 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2013 - 30/6/2013 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Singapore This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/9/2012 - 31/12/2012 |
INFT3920 |
Contemporary Issues in Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Singapore This course investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment. Considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students' perspective and skills. |
Quality Assurance, Coordinator (UoNS course) | 1/1/2012 - 30/4/2012 |
INFT3100 |
Project Management Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia Professionals, whether they are working in the sciences, business, engineering, information technology, health or education, typically work in teams to complete projects. This course introduces and examines the technical and socio-cultural dimensions of Project Management. It will provide understanding and skills in project and team management and integrate these with the student’s existing domain expertise. Students experience all aspects of the Project Life Cycle through the completion of integrated unifying exercises. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/1/2015 - 30/6/2015 |
INFT3930 |
Information Technology Project Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia After an introduction to the appropriate skills and tools, students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the semester. Projects typically involve database design and implementation, programming, interface design, and writing and reporting, and individual group members will contribute as appropriate to these tasks. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project report is complemented with an oral presentation. |
Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2012 - 31/12/2012 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2001 | Ware P, Chivers WJ, Cheleski P, Information Processes and Technology, Jacaranda, Sydney (2001) [A1] |
Chapter (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, Panca BS, 'Automated Reporting of Code Quality Issues in Student Submissions', Towards a Collaborative Society Through Creative Learning, Springer, Cham, Switzerland 517-529 (2023) [B1]
|
Nova | |||
2012 | Lynar T, Simon, Herbert R, Chivers W, 'Clustering obsolete computers to reduce e-waste', Societal Impacts on Information Systems Development and Applications, IGI Global, Hershey, PA, USA (2012) |
Journal article (19 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Reporting less coincidental similarity to educate students about programming plagiarism and collusion', Computer Science Education, (2023) [C1] Background and Context: To educate students about programming plagiarism and collusion, we introduced an approach that automatically reports how similar a submitted program is to ... [more] Background and Context: To educate students about programming plagiarism and collusion, we introduced an approach that automatically reports how similar a submitted program is to others. However, as most students receive similar feedback, those who engage in plagiarism and collusion might feel inadequately warned. Objective: When students are likely to be engaging in plagiarism or collusion, we would like the system to apply enough pressure on them to make them reconsider their actions. Method: This study proposes a variation of the approach, which is less likely to report coincidental similarity. The variation was compared with its predecessor via quasi-experiments with 202 computing students. Findings: Students with the new approach are slightly more aware of programming plagiarism and collusion than those with the previous approach with a reduction in cases of such misconduct. Implications: There is another way to automatically educate students about programming plagiarism and collusion with appropriate pressure.
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2023 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Gamification to Help Inform Students About Programming Plagiarism and Collusion', IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 16 708-721 (2023) [C1] ¿We have recently developed an automated approach to reduce students¿ rationalization of programming plagiarism and collusion by informing them about the matter and reporting unco... [more] ¿We have recently developed an automated approach to reduce students¿ rationalization of programming plagiarism and collusion by informing them about the matter and reporting uncommon similarities to them for each of their submissions. Although the approach has benefits, it does not greatly engage students, which might limit those benefits. To discover its full potential, we employ gamification based on self-determination theory and nine heuristics suggested by Roy and Zaman (2017). Students earn more game points by submitting unique programs early, reading the generated reports, and collecting badges. Those with the highest game points are rewarded at the end of the course. According to our evaluation, involving 240 computing undergraduates in three quasi-experiments over three academic semesters, students with gamification become slightly more aware of programming plagiarism and collusion, complete assessments earlier, and read generated reports more frequently. Students engage with the gamification and perceive its impact on usability.
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Layered similarity detection for programming plagiarism and collusion on weekly assessments', COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, 30 1739-1752 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, Panca BS, 'Educating Students about Programming Plagiarism and Collusion via Formative Feedback', ACM Transactions on Computing Education, 22 1-31 (2022) [C1]
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2021 |
Laloë J-O, Chivers WJ, Esteban N, Hays GC, 'Reconstructing past thermal conditions in beach microclimates.', Glob Chang Biol, 27 6592-6601 (2021) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Hays GC, Chivers WJ, Laloë JO, Sheppard C, Esteban N, 'Impact of marine heatwaves for sea turtle nest temperatures', Biology Letters, 17 (2021) [C1] There are major concerns about the ecological impact of extreme weather events. In the oceans, marine heatwaves (MHWs) are an increasing threat causing, for example, recent devast... [more] There are major concerns about the ecological impact of extreme weather events. In the oceans, marine heatwaves (MHWs) are an increasing threat causing, for example, recent devastation to coral reefs around the world. We show that these impacts extend to adjacent terrestrial systems and could negatively affect the breeding of endangered species. We demonstrate that during an MHW that resulted in major coral bleaching and mortality in a large, remote marine protected area, anomalously warm temperatures also occurred on sea turtle nesting beaches. Granger causality testing showed that variations in sea surface temperature strongly influenced sand temperatures on beaches. We estimate that the warm conditions on both coral reefs and sandy beaches during the MHW were unprecedented in the last 70 years. Model predictions suggest that the most extreme female-biased hatchling sex ratio and the lowest hatchling survival in nests in the last 70 years both occurred during the heatwave. Our work shows that predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of MHWs will likely have growing impacts on sea turtle nesting beaches as well as other terrestrial coastal environments.
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Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Chivers WJ, Edwards M, Hays GC, 'Phenological shuffling of major marine phytoplankton groups over the last six decades', Diversity and Distributions, 26 536-548 (2020) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2017 |
Chivers WJ, Walne AW, Hays GC, 'Mismatch between marine plankton range movements and the velocity of climate change', NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 8 (2017) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2016 |
Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Scott BR, Chivers WJ, Sanctuary CE, Dascombe BJ, 'Predicting Self-Reported Illness for Professional Team-Sport Athletes.', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11 543-550 (2016) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2014 |
Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, Fuller MM, 'Predator-prey systems depend on a prey refuge', Journal of Theoretical Biology, 360 271-278 (2014) [C1] Models of near-exclusive predator-prey systems such as that of the Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare have included factors such as a second prey species, a Holling Type II predator ... [more] Models of near-exclusive predator-prey systems such as that of the Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare have included factors such as a second prey species, a Holling Type II predator response and climatic or seasonal effects to reproduce sub-sets of six signature patterns in the empirical data. We present an agent-based model which does not require the factors or constraints of previous models to reproduce all six patterns in persistent populations. Our parsimonious model represents a generalised predator and prey species with a small prey refuge. The lack of the constraints of previous models, considered to be important for those models, casts doubt on the current hypothesised mechanisms of exclusive predator-prey systems. The implication for management of the lynx, a protected species, is that maintenance of an heterogeneous environment offering natural refuge areas for the hare is the most important factor for the conservation of this species. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
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Nova | |||||||||
2014 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Programmatic detection of spatial behaviour in an agent-based model.', Information Technology in Industry, 2 38-43 (2014) [C1] | Nova | |||||||||
2013 |
Lynar TM, Simon, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'Reducing energy consumption in distributed computing through economic resource allocation', International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, 4 231-241 (2013) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2011 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Simon, Chivers WJ, 'Resource allocation to conserve energy in distributed computing', International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, 2 1-10 (2011) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2010 |
Lynar TM, Simon, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'Clustering obsolete computers to reduce e-waste', International Journal of Information Systems and Social Change, 1 1-10 (2010) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2008 |
Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Spatial effects in an individual-based model of producer-herbivore interaction', Natural Resource Modeling, 21 72-92 (2008) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2007 |
Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Gladstone W, 'Within-generational and diversity-dependent effects in an individual-based model of predator-prey interaction', Natural Resource Modeling, 20 405-413 (2007) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2003 |
Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, 'The Effects of Varying Parameter Values and Heterogeneity in an Individual-Based Model of Predator-Prey Interaction', Advances in Complex Systems, 6 441-456 (2003) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
Show 16 more journal articles |
Conference (27 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Non-game Incentives in Gamified Programming Education: More Marks or Prizes', Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems: Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL2022): Volume 1, Vienna, Austria (2023) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2022 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Work-In-Progress: Code Quality Issues of Computing Undergraduates', IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON (2022) [E1] Several studies report code quality issues in academia by analysing student submissions. However, most of them focus on novices or a specific integrated development environment (I... [more] Several studies report code quality issues in academia by analysing student submissions. However, most of them focus on novices or a specific integrated development environment (IDE), and the findings might be less representative of code quality issues in general undergraduate computing. This study summarizes code quality issues from seven programming courses with various level of complexity. There are 931 assessment tasks with 15,323 Java/Python program files involved. The reported issues are specifically tailored to computing undergraduates and are selected with checkstyle (Java) and Flake8 (Python). Our study finds that students often neglect to use blank lines between code components, braces where they are optional, and a space after a comment marker. They also sometimes include too much code in one line. This initial study will be expanded via the development of a tool that can automatically summarize the code quality issues of each student submission.
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Nova | ||||||
2020 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Preprocessing for Source Code Similarity Detection in Introductory Programming', Koli Calling '20: Proceedings of the 20th Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research, online (2020) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2020 |
Karnalim O, Simon, Chivers W, 'Similarity Detection Techniques for Academic Source Code Plagiarism and Collusion: A Review', IEEETALE 2019 International Conference on Teaching, Assessment and Learning for Engineering, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2020) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2010 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Simon, Chivers WJ, 'Reducing grid energy consumption through choice of resource allocation method', Proceedings: 24th IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium IPDPS 2010 and 24th IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium, Workshops and Phd Forum IPDPSW, Atlanta, GA (2010) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2009 | Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Simon, Chivers WJ, 'Impact of node ranking on outcomes of grid resource allocation', WORLDCOMP 2009: The 2009 World Congress in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Applied Computing, Las Vegas (2009) [E1] | Nova | ||||||
2009 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, Simon, 'A grid resource allocation mechanism for heterogeneous e-waste computers', Grid Computing and e-Research 2009: Proceedings of the Seventh Australasian Symposium on Grid Computing and e-Research (AusGrid 2009), Wellington, NZ (2009) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2009 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Simon, Chivers WJ, 'Why decide: Is a user's estimation of job completion time useful in grid resource allocation?', 18th World IMACS Congress and MODSIM 2009 - International Congress on Modelling and Simulation: Interfacing Modelling and Simulation with Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Proceedings (2009) [E1] There are many resource allocation mechanisms for grid computing. One trait that many allocation mechanisms have, is that they require the user to estimate how long their task wil... [more] There are many resource allocation mechanisms for grid computing. One trait that many allocation mechanisms have, is that they require the user to estimate how long their task will take to execute on a system. The result of the user's input can have a considerable impact on scheduling, and can affect the grids ability to meet quality of service requirements for other jobs. Incorrect estimates by users could result in other jobs being turned away that should not have, or jobs being accepted, that should not have been. The user's estimation could conceivably be accurate if the user is running the same jobs repeatedly on the same hardware. However this is rarely the case in a grid environment. This estimation is often an estimation that is made with limited or no knowledge of how long a task will take on the underlying hardware and can be considered to be a guess. In this paper we have tested the accuracy of user estimation of task execution, through simulating the grid environment. The simulation includes a simple agent-based batch auction to distribute jobs to resources. The simulated environment contains a number of resources. Tasks are submitted to the environment periodically by agents who estimate the length of time their job will take. Each agent has only one job but submits that job several times throughout the simulation. Each job requires a random amount of processing and each resource can process a random amount per time-step. There are three groups, each group with equal quantities of agents. Each group uses one of three strategies to estimate the length of time their task will take to execute on the grid. One strategy uses the agent's limited memory to estimate the length of execution based on the time previous tasks took for that agent to execute over the grid; a second strategy utilises a history from the assigned resource as to how long previous jobs have taken to execute on the resource; and the third strategy is a zero intelligence strategy, it is a random guess. The results show whether there is any significant difference between the accuracy of an estimation made using historical data from a user, using historical data from the resource, or a random guess. The results have implications for the design of grid resource allocation mechanisms, and for how users interact with current resource allocation mechanisms. It also raised the question, when should a user's input be required and on what will it be based?.
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Nova | ||||||
2008 | Chivers WJ, Fuller MM, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Modeling sub-patterns in the snowshoe hare and Canadian lynx population cycles: An individual-based approach', The 2008 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, Warsaw, Poland (2008) [E3] | |||||||
2008 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'Implementing an agent based auction model on a cluster of re-used workstations', Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA 2008), Cairns, QLD (2008) [E1]
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Nova | ||||||
2008 | Lewis BG, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'Modelling service levels in a call centre with an agent-based model', Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA 2008), Cairns (2008) [E1] | Nova | ||||||
2007 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Resource-driven herding-like behavior in a parsimonious individual-based model of producer-herbivore behavior', 2007 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling. Abstracts, Cape Cod, Massachusetts (2007) [E3] | |||||||
2007 |
Lewis BG, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, Summons PF, 'Agent-based simulation of a multi-queue emergency services call centre to evaluate resource allocation', MODSIM 2007 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Proceedings, Christchurch, New Zealand (2007) [E1]
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2007 |
Lynar TM, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'Implementing an agent based auction model on a cluster of inexpensive', Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. Proceedings, Christchurch, New Zealand (2007) [E1]
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2007 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Functional issues in modelling interspecies interaction in space', Research Higher Degree Students Congress 2005. Proceedings, Newcastle, NSW (2007) [E2] | |||||||
2006 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'An Analysis of the Causes of Population Stability in a Generalized Individual-Based Model of Predator-Prey Dynamics', Abstracts 2006 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, Bergen, Norway (2006) [E3] | |||||||
2005 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Spatial effects in an individual-based model of the interaction of species at different trophic levels', MODSIM 2005, Melbourne (2005) [E1] | |||||||
2005 | Chivers WJ, Gladstone W, Herbert RD, 'Spatial effects in an individual-based model of interspecies interaction', 2005 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, Arcata, California (2005) [E3] | |||||||
2004 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Gladstone W, 'Simulating Predator-Prey Population Dynamics with an Individual-Based Model', Proceedings of Research Higher Degree Students Congress June 2003, Newcastle (2004) [E2] | |||||||
2004 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Gladstone W, 'Individual variability and within-generational time scales in an individual-based model of predator-prey interaction', 2004 World Conference on Natural Resource Modelling, Melbourne, Australia (2004) [E2] | |||||||
2004 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Gladstone W, 'Population fluctuations and the importance of variation in a generalized individual-based model of predator-prey interaction', 89th Annual Meeting - Ecological Society of America, Portland, Oregon (2004) [E2] | |||||||
2003 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Gladstone W, 'Heterogeneous resource partitioning in a generalized individual-based model of multi-species interaction', Integrative Modelling of Biophysical, Social, and Economic Systems for Resource Management Solutions, Townsville, Australia (2003) [E1] | |||||||
2002 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, 'Using Individuals to Model Predator-Prey Interaction', Using Individuals to Model Predator-Prey Interaction, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan (2002) [E1] | |||||||
2002 | Chivers WJ, McKinnon DH, 'Can learning a programming language affect metacognitive beliefs and science beliefs of junior high school students?', Can learning a programming language affect metacognitive beliefs and science beliefs of junior high school students?, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia (2002) [E1] | |||||||
2002 |
Lewis BG, Herbert RD, Chivers WJ, 'The migration of a call centre to a contact centre', The migration of a call centre to a contact centre., Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia (2002) [E1]
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2001 | Chivers WJ, Herbert RD, Keen S, 'Comparison of Individual-Based and Dynamic Modelling using Bullant', MODSIM 2001 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Proceedings Volume 3: Socioeconomic Systems, ANU, Canberra, Australia (2001) [E1] | |||||||
Show 24 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 11 |
---|---|
Total funding | $26,561 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20151 grants / $3,000
Faculty Strategic Small Grant - 2015$3,000
Fund three trips to Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC to work with my research colleague Professor Graeme Hays.
The research involves collaboration with Prof. Hays and Dr. Anthony Walne of the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS), Plymouth, UK. SAHFOS has used commercial shipping to collect plankton samples in the north Atlantic and North Sea since 1946.
Our research in 2015 involved using the SAHFOS data to look for the effects of climate change on plankton range movements - are plankton moving with the climate change velocity?
Funding body: FSCIT Strategic Grant
Funding body | FSCIT Strategic Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | 1. Dr William Chivers, UoN, 2. Professor Graeme Hays, Deakin University, 3. Dr Anthony Walne, SAHFOS, Plymouth, UK. |
Scheme | Internal |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20091 grants / $5,000
2009 World Conference on Natural Resource Modelling$5,000
The 2009 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling was held in Juneau, Alaska, June 17-19, 2009.
Chivers, William and William Gladstone and Ric Herbert: Generalized, parsimonious, individual-based computer models of ecological systems: their potential for the development of mechanistic understanding.
Abstract
The great majority of individual-based computer models in ecology are written for specific systems. The necessity to realistically describe interactions at a local level make these models complex, often with large numbers of parameters. In this paper we present two generalized, parsimonious individual-based computer models of predator-prey dynamics in ecological systems. Findings include that complex, realistic, non-linear behavior may be simulated using individuals with very minimal behavior; the addition of space to a model is necessary to reproduce some patterns evident in herbivore-producer dynamics and a graphical display reveals important details of system behaviour not evident in population means. In two applications of the models to two specific ecological systems, we find that a) the reproduction of the major and minor patterns in the Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare system by an aspatial model suggests that the underlying mechanism of predator-prey systems may be more simple than is suggested by the literature and b) the formation of herds in a spatial model is driven by the re-growth of resources only, with herbivore maximum move distance per time step the most important factor in determining whether herds form. We suggest that the use of generalized, parsimonious individual-based computer models offers potential for the development of mechanistic understanding of ecological systems.
Funding body: Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia
Funding body | Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | 1. Dr William Chivers, 2. A.Prof. William Gladstone, 3. Dr Ric Herbert |
Scheme | Conference Travel Grant (Faculty, School and Singapore QA Funds) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2009 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20081 grants / $1,700
2008 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, Warsaw, Poland, 15/6/2008 - 18/6/2008$1,700
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2008 |
Funding Finish | 2008 |
GNo | G0189112 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20071 grants / $1,700
2007 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, 19/6/2007 - 22/6/2007$1,700
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | G0187842 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20061 grants / $1,500
2006 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling, 25-28 June 2006$1,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2006 |
Funding Finish | 2006 |
GNo | G0186555 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20051 grants / $2,400
2005 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling: Modeling for the Management of Complex Systems, 14-18 June 2005$2,400
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2005 |
Funding Finish | 2005 |
GNo | G0185498 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20041 grants / $1,165
The 89th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, August 1-6, 2004$1,165
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2004 |
Funding Finish | 2004 |
GNo | G0184200 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20032 grants / $8,488
Selection of test sites for the development and validation of a computer model to support the conservation and sustainable use of the of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii. $7,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Early Career Researcher Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2003 |
Funding Finish | 2003 |
GNo | G0183546 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
MODSIM2003:Integrative Modelling of Biophysical, Social and Economic Systems for REsource Management Solutions. Queensland Australia. 14-17 July 2003$988
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2003 |
Funding Finish | 2003 |
GNo | G0183292 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20021 grants / $1,117
The 6th International Bi-Annual Conference on Complex Systems (CSO2), Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan 9 - 11 September, 2002$1,117
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2002 |
Funding Finish | 2002 |
GNo | G0182245 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20011 grants / $491
MMANZ Conference / Canberra / 10-13 December 2001$491
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor William Chivers |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2001 |
Funding Finish | 2001 |
GNo | G0181622 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | PhD | Building Awareness of Programming Plagiarism and Collusion through Similarity Feedback Generation | PhD (Information Technology), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | Corona: Code Autonomous Reference Assistance | M Philosophy (InformationTech), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2011 | Masters | A Parsimonious Agent-Based Emergency Call Centre Model | M Philosophy (InformationTech), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2011 | PhD | Energy Conservation in Distributed Heterogeneous Computing Environments Using Economic Resource Allocation Mechanisms | PhD (Information Technology), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
News
News • 14 Feb 2017
Plankton species at risk from climate change
A significant study involving the University of Newcastle (UON) has revealed certain species of plankton have moved substantially and depleted in number over the past six decades due to rising sea temperatures, causing serious concern for the marine ecosystem.
Dr William Chivers
Position
Lecturer
School of Information and Physical Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Focus area
Computing and Information Technology
Contact Details
william.chivers@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | 0412 247 160 |
Office
Building | Elizabeth Street |
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Location | Sydney , |