Abstract: Certain sciences such as physics, chemistry or biology,
have a strong computational aspect and use computing infrastructures
to advance their scientific goals. Often, high performance and/or high
throughput computing infrastructures such as clusters and computational
Grids are applied to satisfy computational needs. In addition,
these sciences are sometimes characterised by scientific collaborations
requiring resource sharing which is typically provided by Grid
approaches. In this article, I discuss Grid computing approaches in
High Energy Physics as well as in bioinformatics and highlight some
of my experience in both scientific domains.
Abstract: The software evolution control requires a deep
understanding of the changes and their impact on different system
heterogeneous artifacts. And an understanding of descriptive
knowledge of the developed software artifacts is a prerequisite
condition for the success of the evolutionary process.
The implementation of an evolutionary process is to make changes
more or less important to many heterogeneous software artifacts such
as source code, analysis and design models, unit testing, XML
deployment descriptors, user guides, and others. These changes can
be a source of degradation in functional, qualitative or behavioral
terms of modified software. Hence the need for a unified approach
for extraction and representation of different heterogeneous artifacts
in order to ensure a unified and detailed description of heterogeneous
software artifacts, exploitable by several software tools and allowing
to responsible for the evolution of carry out the reasoning change
concerned.
Abstract: The objective of this project is to study the corrosion
behaviour and hardness based on the presence of martensite in dual
phase steel. This study was conducted on six samples of dual phase
steel which have different percentage of martensite. A total of 9
specimens were prepared by intercritical annealing process to study
the effect of temperature to the formation of martensite. The low
carbon steels specimens were heated for 25 minutes in a specified
temperature ranging from 7250C to 8250C followed by rapid cooling
in water. The measurement of corrosion rate was done by using
extrapolation tafel method, while potentiostat was used to control and
measured the current produced. This measurement is performed
through a system named CMS105. The result shows that a specimen
with higher percentage of martensite is likely to corrode faster.
Hardness test for each specimen was conducted to compare its
hardness with low carbon steel. The results obtained indicate that the
specimen hardness is proportional to the amount of martensite in dual
phase steel.
Abstract: According to the increasing utilization in power system, the transmission lines and power plants often operate in stability boundary and system probably lose its stable condition by over loading or occurring disturbance. According to the reasons that are mentioned, the prediction and recognition of voltage instability in power system has particular importance and it makes the network security stronger.This paper, by considering of power system contingencies based on the effects of them on Mega Watt Margin (MWM) and maximum loading point is focused in order to analyse the static voltage stability using continuation power flow method. The study has been carried out on IEEE 14-Bus Test System using Matlab and Psat softwares and results are presented.
Abstract: Uniqueness and distinctiveness of localities (referred to as genius loci or sense of place) are important to ensure people-s identification with their locality. Existing frameworks reveals that the affective dimension of environments is rarely mentioned or explored and limited public participation was used in constructing the frameworks. This research argues that the complexity of sense of place would be recognised and appropriate planning guidelines formulated by exploring and integrating the affective dimension of a site. Aims of the research therefore are to (i) explore relational dimensions between people and a natural rural landscape, (ii) to implement a participatory approach to obtain insight into different relational dimensions, and (ii) to concretise socio-affective relational dimensions into site planning guidelines. A qualitative, interdisciplinary research approach was followed and conducted on the farm Kromdraai, Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. In essence the first phase of the study reveals various affective responses and projections of personal meanings. The findings in phase 1 informed the second phase, to involve people from various disciplines and different involvement with the area to make visual presentations of appropriate planning and design of the site in order to capture meanings of the interactions between people and their environment. Final site planning and design guidelines were formulated, based on these. This research contributed to provide planners with new possibilities of exploring the dimensions between people and places as well as to develop appropriate methods for participation to obtain insight into the underlying meanings of sites.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a new classification method for automatic sleep scoring using an artificial neural network based decision tree. It attempts to treat sleep scoring progress as a series of two-class problems and solves them with a decision tree made up of a group of neural network classifiers, each of which uses a special feature set and is aimed at only one specific sleep stage in order to maximize the classification effect. A single electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is used for our analysis rather than depending on multiple biological signals, which makes greatly simplifies the data acquisition process. Experimental results demonstrate that the average epoch by epoch agreement between the visual and the proposed method in separating 30s wakefulness+S1, REM, S2 and SWS epochs was 88.83%. This study shows that the proposed method performed well in all the four stages, and can effectively limit error propagation at the same time. It could, therefore, be an efficient method for automatic sleep scoring. Additionally, since it requires only a small volume of data it could be suited to pervasive applications.
Abstract: Heterogeneous repolarization causes dispersion of the T-wave and has been linked to arrhythmogenesis. Such heterogeneities appear due to differential expression of ionic currents in different regions of the heart, both in healthy and diseased animals and humans. Mice are important animals for the study of heart diseases because of the ability to create transgenic animals. We used our previously reported model of mouse ventricular myocytes to develop 2D mouse ventricular tissue model consisting of 14,000 cells (apical or septal ventricular myocytes) and to study the stability of action potential propagation and Ca2+ dynamics. The 2D tissue model was implemented as a FORTRAN program code for highperformance multiprocessor computers that runs on 36 processors. Our tissue model is able to simulate heterogeneities not only in action potential repolarization, but also heterogeneities in intracellular Ca2+ transients. The multicellular model reproduced experimentally observed velocities of action potential propagation and demonstrated the importance of incorporation of realistic Ca2+ dynamics for action potential propagation. The simulations show that relatively sharp gradients of repolarization are predicted to exist in 2D mouse tissue models, and they are primarily determined by the cellular properties of ventricular myocytes. Abrupt local gradients of channel expression can cause alternans at longer pacing basic cycle lengths than gradual changes, and development of alternans depends on the site of stimulation.
Abstract: The problems with high complexity had been the challenge in combinatorial problems. Due to the none-determined and polynomial characteristics, these problems usually face to unreasonable searching budget. Hence combinatorial optimizations attracted numerous researchers to develop better algorithms. In recent academic researches, most focus on developing to enhance the conventional evolutional algorithms and facilitate the local heuristics, such as VNS, 2-opt and 3-opt. Despite the performances of the introduction of the local strategies are significant, however, these improvement cannot improve the performance for solving the different problems. Therefore, this research proposes a meta-heuristic evolutional algorithm which can be applied to solve several types of problems. The performance validates BBEA has the ability to solve the problems even without the design of local strategies.
Abstract: Nowadays, more engineering systems are using some
kind of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the development of their
processes. Some well-known AI techniques include artificial neural
nets, fuzzy inference systems, and neuro-fuzzy inference systems
among others. Furthermore, many decision-making applications base
their intelligent processes on Fuzzy Logic; due to the Fuzzy
Inference Systems (FIS) capability to deal with problems that are
based on user knowledge and experience. Also, knowing that users
have a wide variety of distinctiveness, and generally, provide
uncertain data, this information can be used and properly processed
by a FIS. To properly consider uncertainty and inexact system input
values, FIS normally use Membership Functions (MF) that represent
a degree of user satisfaction on certain conditions and/or constraints.
In order to define the parameters of the MFs, the knowledge from
experts in the field is very important. This knowledge defines the MF
shape to process the user inputs and through fuzzy reasoning and
inference mechanisms, the FIS can provide an “appropriate" output.
However an important issue immediately arises: How can it be
assured that the obtained output is the optimum solution? How can it
be guaranteed that each MF has an optimum shape? A viable solution
to these questions is through the MFs parameter optimization. In this
Paper a novel parameter optimization process is presented. The
process for FIS parameter optimization consists of the five simple
steps that can be easily realized off-line. Here the proposed process
of FIS parameter optimization it is demonstrated by its
implementation on an Intelligent Interface section dealing with the
on-line customization / personalization of internet portals applied to
E-commerce.
Abstract: A challenged control problem is when the
performance is pushed to the limit. The state-derivative feedback
control strategy directly uses acceleration information for feedback
and state estimation. The derivative part is concerned with the rateof-
change of the error with time. If the measured variable approaches
the set point rapidly, then the actuator is backed off early to allow it
to coast to the required level. Derivative action makes a control
system behave much more intelligently. A sensor measures the
variable to be controlled and the measured in formation is fed back to
the controller to influence the controlled variable. A high gain
problem can be also formulated for proportional plus derivative
feedback transformation. Using MATLAB Simulink dynamic
simulation tool this paper examines a system with a proportional plus
derivative feedback and presents an automatic implementation of
finding an acceptable controlled system. Using feedback
transformations the system is transformed into another system.
Abstract: Over the early years of the 21st century, cities
throughout the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region have
expanded more rapidly than ever before. Given the presence of a
large volume of high-rise buildings allover the region, the local
authority aims to set a new standard for sustainable development;
with an integrated approach to maintain a balance between economy,
quality, environmental protection and safety of life. In the very near
future, as mandatory requirements, sustainability will be the criteria
that should be included in all building projects. It is well known in
the building sustainability topics that structural design engineers do
not have a key role in this matter. In addition, the LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) has looked almost exclusively
on the environmental components and materials specifications. The
objective of this paper is to focus and establish groundwork for
sustainability techniques and applications related to the RC high-rise
buildings design, from the structural point of view. A set of
recommendations related to local conditions, structural modeling and
analysis is given, and some helpful suggestions for structural design
team work are addressed. This paper attempts to help structural
engineers in identifying the building sustainability design, in order to
meet local needs and achieve alternative solutions at an early stage of
project design.
Abstract: Petroglyphs, stone sculptures, burial mounds, and
other memorial religious structures are ancient artifacts which find
reflection in contemporary world culture, including the culture of
Kazakhstan. In this article, the problem of the influence of ancient
artifacts on contemporary culture is researched, using as an example
Kazakhstan-s sculpture and painting. The practice of creating
petroglyphs, stone sculptures, and memorial religious structures was
closely connected to all fields of human existence, which fostered the
formation of and became an inseparable part of a traditional
worldview. The ancient roots of Saka-Sythian and Turkic nomadic
culture have been studied, and integrated into the foundations of the
contemporary art of Kazakhstan. The study of the ancient cultural
heritage of Kazakhstan by contemporary artists, sculptors and
architects, as well as the influence of European art and cultures on the
art of Kazakhstan are furthering the development of a new national
art.
Abstract: Knowledge of food resource of the houbara which an
endangered species would be a important step toward the
preservation of this bird. Adequate study has not been done in this
field and therefore the food sources of the houbara during the
brooding season was studied in the central steppe of Iran. In order to
determine the density of insect in plant communities the pitfall trap
was used , positioned in five linear transects divided between plant
communities and in two repetitions. The results showed that the
among communities there was a significant difference in term of the
number beetles and ants ( p= 0.01, F2, 29= 4.66) collectively. Also
bush steppe habitat had a higher arthropoda density in comparison
with the shrub steppe habitat. Considering that most houbara nests
were found in the bush steppe habitat .It seems this habitat provides
the most available food supply for the houbara chicks.
Abstract: Jatropha curcas stem was analyzed for chemical
compositions: 19.11% pentosan, 42.99% alphacellulose and 24.11%
lignin based on dry weight of 100-g raw material. The condition to
fractionate cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in J. curcas stem using
steam explosion was optimized. The procedure started from cutting J.
curcas stem into small pieces and soaked in water for overnight.
After that, they were steam exploded at 214 °C and 21 kg/cm2 for 5
min. The obtained hydrolysate contained 1.55 g/L ferulic acid which
after that was used as substrate for vanillin production by Aspergillus
niger and Pycnoporus cinnabarinus in one-step process. The
maximum 0.65 g/L of vanillin were obtained with the conversion rate
of 45.2% based on the initial ferulic acid.
Abstract: Value-based group decision is very complicated since many parties involved. There are different concern caused by differing preferences, experiences, and background. Therefore, a support system is required to enable each stakeholder to evaluate and rank the solution alternatives before engaging into negotiation with the other stakeholders. The support system is based on combination between value-based analysis, multi criteria group decision making based on satisfying options, and negotiation process based on coalition formation. This paper presents the group decision and negotiation on the selection of suitable material for a support bridge structure involving three decision makers, who are an estate manager, a project manager, and an engineer. There are three alternative solutions for the material of the support bridge structure, which are (a1) steel structure, (a2) reinforced concrete structure and (a3) wooden structure.
Abstract: People at workplace always face with stress and feel it in their lives. There are many factors that create stress and mobbing is one of them. Mobbing is a psychological terror, conducted systematically toward an individual by others at the same workplace. Mobbing started to become a famous subject last years in U.S and Europe. In Turkey, it is a new concept not because it does not occur, because of human nature that does not allow confessing it. Mobbing is being ignored by people, organizations and also government in our country. The focus of this study will be mobbing in Turkey by examining the workplace mobbing among Turkish academicians. There are other studies about mobbing in Turkey but none of them studied academy. Because mobbing methods change according to sectors and occupations, it is important to analyze each sector to understand the methods used in mobbing and the reactions of victims to these actions. The concept is analyzed in detail before focusing on mobbing at universities. This paper will be unique because there is no information about this specific subject in Turkish literature. In this paper, both qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to describe the mobbing at Turkish academic environment.
Abstract: Devices in a pervasive computing system (PCS) are characterized by their context-awareness. It permits them to provide proactively adapted services to the user and applications. To do so, context must be well understood and modeled in an appropriate form which enhance its sharing between devices and provide a high level of abstraction. The most interesting methods for modeling context are those based on ontology however the majority of the proposed methods fail in proposing a generic ontology for context which limit their usability and keep them specific to a particular domain. The adaptation task must be done automatically and without an explicit intervention of the user. Devices of a PCS must acquire some intelligence which permits them to sense the current context and trigger the appropriate service or provide a service in a better suitable form. In this paper we will propose a generic service ontology for context modeling and a context-aware service adaptation based on a service oriented definition of context.
Abstract: In this article, we are dealing with a model consisting of a classical Van der Pol oscillator coupled gyroscopically to a linear oscillator. The major problem is analyzed. The regular dynamics of the system is considered using analytical methods. In this case, we provide an approximate solution for this system using parameter-expansion method. Also, we find approximate values for frequencies of the system. In parameter-expansion method the solution and unknown frequency of oscillation are expanded in a series by a bookkeeping parameter. By imposing the non-secularity condition at each order in the expansion the method provides different approximations to both the solution and the frequency of oscillation. One iteration step provides an approximate solution which is valid for the whole solution domain.
Abstract: In this paper the influence of heterogeneous traffic on
the temporal variation of ambient PM10, PM2.5 and PM1
concentrations at a busy arterial route (Sardar Patel Road) in the
Chennai city has been analyzed. The hourly PM concentration, traffic
counts and average speed of the vehicles have been monitored at the
study site for one week (19th-25th January 2009). Results indicated
that the concentrations of coarse (PM10) and fine PM (PM2.5 and
PM1) concentrations at SP road are having similar trend during peak
and non-peak hours, irrespective of the days. The PM concentrations
showed daily two peaks corresponding to morning (8 to 10 am) and
evening (7 to 9 pm) peak hour traffic flow. The PM10 concentration is
dominated by fine particles (53% of PM2.5 and 45% of PM1). The
high PM2.5/PM10 ratio indicates that the majority of PM10 particles
originate from re-suspension of road dust. The analysis of traffic flow
at the study site showed that 2W, 3W and 4W are having similar
diurnal trend as PM concentrations. This confirms that the 2W, 3W
and 4W are the main emission source contributing to ambient PM
concentration at SP road. The speed measurement at SP road showed
that the average speed of 2W, 3W, 4W, LCV and HCV are 38, 40,
38, 40 and 38 km/hr and 43, 41, 42, 40 and 41 km/hr respectively for
the weekdays and weekdays.
Abstract: In recent years fuel cell vehicles are rapidly appearing
all over the globe. In less than 10 years, fuel cell vehicles have gone
from mere research novelties to operating prototypes and demonstration
models. At the same time, government and industry in development
countries have teamed up to invest billions of dollars in partnerships
intended to commercialize fuel cell vehicles within the early
years of the 21st century.
The purpose of this study is evaluation of model and performance
of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle in different drive cycles. A fuel
cell system model developed in this work is a semi-experimental
model that allows users to use the theory and experimental relationships
in a fuel cell system. The model can be used as part of a complex
fuel cell vehicle model in advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR).
This work reveals that the fuel consumption and energy efficiency
vary in different drive cycles. Arising acceleration and speed in a
drive cycle leads to Fuel consumption increase. In addition, energy
losses in drive cycle relates to fuel cell system power request. Parasitic
power in different parts of fuel cell system will increase when
power request increases. Finally, most of energy losses in drive cycle
occur in fuel cell system because of producing a lot of energy by fuel
cell stack.