Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Time Delays On The Stability Of Load Balancing Algorithms For Parallel Computations, John Chiasson, Zhong Tang, Jean Ghanem, Chaouki T. Abdallah, J. Douglas Birdwell, Majeed M. Hayat, Henry Jérez

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A deterministic dynamic nonlinear time-delay system is developed to model load balancing in a cluster of computer nodes used for parallel computations. The model is shown to be self consistent in that the queue lengths cannot go negative and the total number of tasks in all the queues and the network are conserved (i.e., load balancing can neither create nor lose tasks). Further, it is shown that using the proposed load balancing algorithms, the system is stable in the sense of Lyapunov. Experimental results are presented and compared with the predicted results from the analytical model. In particular, simulations of …

The Supreme Court And Voting Rights: A More Complete Exit Strategy, Grant M. Hayden

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

To the great relief of many observers, the Supreme Court has recently become more deferential to state legislatures with respect to their political redistricting plans. The only problem is that the Court appears to be in no mood to revisit some of the cases that got it entangled in the political thicket to begin with - the ones rigorously applying the one person, one vote standard. Indeed, it recently issued a summary affirmance of a lower court decision that tightened up its already exacting standards regarding population equality. As a result, the Court's partial retreat from politics is doing more …

Market Reaction To Business Method Patents: An Empirical Analysis, Charles Holoubek, Timothy M. Shaughnessy

Computer Law Review and Technology Journal

Patents on methods of conducting business have received abundant press since the recent decisions in State Street Bank & Trust Co. v. Signature Financial Group, Inc. and AT&T Corp. v. Excel Communications, Inc. Indeed, the number of patent applications categorized as Business Method Patents ("BMPs") increased from 165 in 1995 to over 7,800 in 2000, more than a 47-fold jump in just five years. In light of State Street's wide-reaching ramifications, both the court's legal reasoning for and the policy implications of allowing the United States Patent and Trade Office ("USPTO") to extend patent rights to business methods …

Trips: Ten Years Of Disputes At The Wto, Sue Ann Mota

Computer Law Review and Technology Journal

"The TRIPS Agreement, which came into effect on 1 January 1995, is to date the most comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property."

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement, was enacted to reduce impediments to global trade, to promote effective and adequate protection of intellectual property rights, and to ensure that enforcement measures and procedures don't become barriers to trade. To resolve intellectual property and other disputes among member nations, the dispute resolution system is a central element in providing security and predictability, and preserves the rights and obligations …

Efficacy Of Innovative Anti-Microbial Decontamination Of Minimally Processed Vegetables, Christina Busquets I Tortosa

Masters

Chlorine has widespread use commercially as a disinfectant wash for raw vegetables. However, it is an extremely corrosive gas and it may have severe health and environmental implications. The aim of this thesis was to find safe, alternative decontamination treatments for ready-to-eat Iceberg lettuce. The efficacy of 1% acetic acid, 2% citric acid; calcium lactate concentrations of 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3% at wash temperature of 4,25 and 50°C, ozone alone (1 mg 1-1) and in combination with calcium lactate (2.5%) were compared with chlorine as decontaminating treatments. Microbiological analyses were performed following decontamination treatments using the pour plate method …

An Evaluation Of Desktop Video Conferencing For One-To-One Tutorial Support In Mathematics, Brian Joseph Walker

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The growth in Flexible and Distributed Learning will, it is believed, lead to a need for a more innovative and flexible approach to the way support is offered to students. This study which was conducted with students at a Further Education College looks at the effectiveness of using Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC) to provide support to students studying mathematics at a number of different levels. The research design adopted the concept of triangulation with three different approaches being used. The first strand of the methodology was the collection of statistical data for all students re-sitting GCSE mathematics to develop a …

Smith Predictor Structure Stability Analysis Using Mikhailov Stability Criterion, Pauline Sourdille, Aidan O'Dwyer, Eugene Dermot Coyle Professor

Conference papers

As is well known, stability is an important requirement for control systems. Due to the nature of time-delay processes, common methods to evaluate stability may be difficult to use. In 1938, Mikhailov proved a frequency response criterion, which is sufficient and necessary for the stability of processes described by known n-th order constant coefficient linear differential equations. This paper presents the Mikhailov method and the application of this method to a Smith predictor structure controlled by a PI controller.

A Gap Model For Understanding The Variation Of The Real Product From The Ideal, Kevin Delaney, Pat Phelan, Declan Delaney

Conference Papers

Clients have an idealised view of the appearance and functionality of the products they are sourcing. Their product requirements vary according to their specific circumstances and experiences. When designers try to meet or surpass client expectations, variation results and the product will deviate from the client’s idealised view. This often results in frustration, disappointment and rework for everyone concerned. Consequently designers must understand the sources of variation affecting their products and the techniques and tools that they can employ to reduce the negative effects of this variation. This paper examines the factors influencing clients as they formulate their expectations. It …

The Correlation Grid: Analysis Of Synchronous Spiking In Multi-Dimensional Spike Train Data And Identification Of Feasible Connection Architectures, L Stuart, M Walter, R Borisyuk

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

This paper presents a visualization technique specifically designed to support the analysis of synchronous firings in multiple, simultaneously recorded, spike trains. This technique, called the correlation grid, enables investigators to identify groups of spike trains, where each pair of spike trains has a high probability of generating spikes approximately simultaneously or within a constant time shift. Moreover, the correlation grid was developed to help solve the following reverse problem: identification of the connection architecture between spike train generating units, which may produce a spike train dataset similar to the one under analysis. To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, results …

Gpcalma: A Grid-Based Tool For Mammographic Screening, S Bagnasco, U Bottigli, Sc Cheran

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Objectives: The next generation of high energy physics (HEP) experiments requires a GRID approach to a distributed computing system: the key concept is the Virtual Organisation (VO), a group of distributed users with a common goal and the will to share their resources. Methods: A similar approach, applied to a group of hospitals that joined the GPCALMA project (Grid Platform for Computer Assisted Library for MAmmography), will allow common screening programs for early diagnosis of breast and, in the future, lung cancer. The application code makes use of neural networks for the image analysis and is useful in improving the …

Hcv-Specific Cellular Immune Responses In Subjects Exposed To But Uninfected By Hcv, M Metzner, A Houldsworth, Ag Demaine, E Kaminski, Me Cramp

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Study Of An Acrylamide-Based Photopolymer For Use As A Holographic Data Storage Medium, Hosam Sherif, Izabela Naydenova, Suzanne Martin, Colm Mcginn, G Berger, C Denz, Vincent Toal

Conference Papers

An acrylamide-based photopolymer formulated in the Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics has been investigated with a view to further optimisation for holographic optical storage. Series of 15 to 30 gratings were angularly multiplexed in a volume of the photopolymer layers with different thickness at a spatial frequency of 1500 lines/mm. Since the photopolymer is a saturable material, an exposure scheduling method was used to exploit the entire dynamic range of the material and allow equal strength gratings to be recorded. From this investigation the photopolymer layer’s M/# was determined with regard to the recording geometry used. The temporal stability …

Holographic Recording Of Patterns In Thin Film Acrylamide-Based Photopolymer, Izabela Naydenova, Kotakonda Pavani, Emilia Mihaylova, Katia Loudmer, Suzanne Martin, Vincent Toal

Conference Papers

A study of the light induced surface relief modulation in thin photopolymer layers is reported. Due to the nature of the photopolymer used no additional post-processing is required after holographic recording. An investigation of the dependence of the amplitude of the photoinduced relief modulation on different parameters of recording such as spatial frequency, intensity of the beams and times of exposure has been carried out. The surface relief modulation is characterized by white light interferometry. Photopolymer layer thickness ranges from 1-5m. A model of the mechanism of surface relief formation is proposed on the basis of the measured dependencies. A …

Investigation Of Polymerization Rate In An Acrylamide-Based Photopolymer Using Raman Spectroscopy, Raghavendra Jallapuram, Izabela Naydenova, Hugh Byrne, Suzanne Martin, Robert Howard, Vincent Toal

Conference Papers

Diffusion models predict that polymerization and diffusion rates are the key factors that control the dynamics and the final properties of a holographic grating recorded in a photopolymerizable material. Diffusion rates during the initial phase of holographic recording have already been studied and reported. We now report the investigation of the polymerization rate in an acrylamide-based photopolymer using Raman spectroscopy. The polymerization rate constant was estimated by monitoring the intensity of the characteristic Raman peaks at 1284 cm-1 corresponding to the bending mode of CH vinyl bond in acrylamide and 1609 cm-1 corresponding to the carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) in …

On-Road Emissions In Asia Measured By Remote Sensing (Presentation), Donald H. Stedman, Gary A. Bishop

Fuel Efficiency Automobile Test Publications

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Multi-Scale Variability Of Beach Profiles, Ying Li

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This work focuses on the multi-scale variability of beach profiles. This includes the spatial variability over a range of scales of surveyed beach profiles and the complex temporal variability of beach elevation at given positions along the profile. The aims of this work are to characterize the variability of beach profiles in both time and space, to identify the predominant spatial and temporal patterns of beach profile changes, to identify the extreme profile changes due to infrequent storms/storm groups, to understand the nature of beach profile change in depth, to quantify the non-stationarity of beach profile and to provide insight …

Modelling Learning Behaviour Of Intelligent Agents Using Uml 2.0, Hossam Allam

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This thesis aims to explore and demonstrate the ability of the new standard of structural and behavioural components in Unified Modelling Language (UML 2.0 / 2004) to model the learning behaviour of Intelligent Agents. The thesis adopts the research direction that views agent-oriented systems as an extension to object-oriented systems. In view of the fact that UML has been the de facto standard for modelling object-oriented systems, this thesis concentrates on exploring such modelling potential with Intelligent Agent-oriented systems. Intelligent Agents are Agents that have the capability to learn and reach agreement with other Agents or users. The research focuses …

The Polyvalent Mission Of Writing Centers, Phillip J. Gardner, William M. Ramsey

The Writing Center Journal

No abstract provided.

Delay Hierarchy Propagation Model, Ehab Mohammed Soliman

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Construction projects are always exposed to delay. Research has shown that most projects encounter delays and this problem is a global one. Previous research related to delays in construction projects have been dedicated to measuring and ranking the direct delays that have occurred. These types of delay are past delays and have already affected many aspects of the project's performance. This type of research is of the reactive type and handles delays after they have happened. The objective of this research is to model the construction project delays that can be used to predict the level of delays that the …

Concerning Swash On Steep Beaches, Adrian Pedrozo Acuna

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This investigation focuses on the prediction of sediment transport and beach evolution in coarse-grained beaches. This includes observed morphological changes on both gravel and mixed beaches from experimental investigations at the Large Wave Flume (GWK) in Hanover. Germany. The recorded measurements show that the majority of morphology change took place adjacent to the zone of wave-breaking, close to the shoreline in both cases. Based on these observations, the discussions are carried out with psirticular regard to the observed tendency for onshore transport axid profile steepening in the swash zone. The aim is to identify the cross-shore hydrodynamics and sediment transport …

Multi-Agent Fitness Functions For Evolutionary Architecture, Richard Holden

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The dynamics of crowd movements are self-organising and often involve complex pattern formations. Although computational models have recently been developed, it is unclear how well their underlying methods capture local dynamics and longer-range aspects, such as evacuation. A major part of this thesis is devoted to an investigation of current methods, and where required, the development of alternatives. The main purpose is to utilise realistic models of pedestrian crowds in the design of fitness functions for an evolutionary approach to architectural design. We critically review the state-of-the-art in pedestrian and evacuation dynamics. The concept of 'Multi-Agent System' embraces a number …

Structure Property Relationships In Organic Conjugated Systems, Luke O'Neill, Patrick Lynch, Mary Mcnamara

Articles

A series of π conjugated oligomers were studied by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. A linear relationship between the positioning of the absorption and photoluminescence maxima plotted against inverse conjugation length is observed. The relationships are in good agreement with the simple particle in a box method, one of the earliest descriptions of the properties of one-dimensional organic molecules. In addition to the electronic transition energies, it was observed that the Stokes shift also exhibited a well-defined relationship with increasing conjugation length, implying a correlation between the electron-vibrational coupling and chain length. This correlation is further examined using Raman spectroscopy, whereby …

Structural Property Relationships In Conjugated Polymers, Patrick Lynch, Luke O'Neill, J. Whelan, Mary Mcnamara, Hugh Byrne

Articles

The synthesis of a series of PPV derivative polymers by the Wittig-Horner reaction is described. The structure of each polymer is varied and the effects of these variations on the optical properties is explored. The effects of alkyloxy side chains is observed between the PPV derivatives Poly(-p-phenylvinylene-co-2,5-bis-octyloxy phenylvinylene.) PPV-OPV and Poly (para-2,5-bis-(n-octyloxy)-phenylvinylene) POPV. The phenyl units of the soluble PPV derivative POPV are replaced by alternate naphthyl units in the polymer Poly(2,5-bis(n-octyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene-1,5-bis(n-octyloxy)-2,6-naphthylene vinylene) POPN-ONV and then fully by naphthyl units in Poly(2,6-bis-(n-octyloxy)-1,5-NaphthyleneVinylene) PONV. The addition of alkyloxy sidechains served to red shift the fluorescence emission as expected. The systematic …

Maintaining The Identity Of Dynamically Embodied Agents, Alan Martin, Gregory O'Hare, Brian Duffy, Bianca Schoen-Phelan, John Bradley

Conference papers

Virtual agents are traditionally constrained in their embod- iment, as they are restricted to one form of body. We propose allowing them to change their embodiment in order to expand their capabili- ties. This presents users with a number of di±culties in maintaining the identity of the agents, but these can be overcome by using identity cues, certain features that remain constant across embodiment forms. This pa- per outlines an experiment that examines these identity cues, and shows that they can be used to help address this identity problem.

Intentional Embodied Agents, Alan Martin, Gregory M.P. O'Hare, Brian R. Duffy, John F. Bradley, Bianca Schoen-Phelan

Conference papers

The notion of embodiment within a virtual environment and an intelligent agent could be intimately linked, in order to form a single Agent Chameleon. This paper presents an architecture for achieving this, while allowing agents freedom to chose an embodiment suitable to the task at hand..

Bi-Directional Ontology Versioning Bov, Siyang Zhao, Brendan Tierney

Conference papers

his paper defines a new type of ontology versioning: Bi-directional Ontology Versioning: BOV. BOV provides bi-directional mappings and transformations between concepts in two ontology versions. BOV is identified by two levels mapping processes: linguistic mapping and structural mapping. BOV can satisfy the requirement of mapping in distributed environment.

Correlation Of Spectroscopic And Biochemical Assays Postionising Radiation Exposure In Human Skin Cell Analogues, Aidan Meade, Hugh Byrne, Fiona Lyng

Conference papers

Raman spectroscopy, as an evaluation of the products of ionising radiation exposure in biological systems, has been utilised mainly in the evaluation of the impact of exposure in tissue, cellular constituents and live animals. It has also been recently demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy can demonstrate key spectroscopic changes in the live cell associated with significant apoptotic and necrotic chemical damage. The present preliminary work utilises Raman spectroscopy at 514.5 nm to evaluate the results of exposure to -rays in HaCaT cells from a Co-60 therapy source, in tandem with other biological assays. The results demonstrate that a number of spectral …

Electroabsorption Studies Of Structurally Modified Fullerene Thin Films, Gerald Farrell, Gordon Chambers, Hugh Byrne

Conference papers

Ultraviolet (UV/Vis) and Electroabsorption (EA) spectroscopy is used to examine and differentiate between intermolecular and intra molecular excited state species in fullerene films. Charge Transfer (CT) states are identified at 2.4 eV and 2.7 eV and dipole moments are calculated. Thermal annealing of C60 films is monitored in situ using absorption spectroscopy and electroabsorption spectroscopy. Recorded spectra display both some temperature dependent and partially irreversible effects, indicating the occurrence of an annealing process. EA shows that the CT states associated with the transferring an electron from the HOMO of one molecule located at the (0,0,0) position to the LUMO of …

Use Of Raman Spectroscopy In The Investigation Of Debundling Of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Elizabeth Gregan, Sinead Keogh, Theresa Hedderman, Gordon Chambers, Hugh Byrne

Conference papers

Samples of raw nanotubes are compared to those deposited from solutions to examine separation of nanotube bundles. Single wall nanotubes bundles produced by the arc-discharge and HiPco methods were solubilised in toluene, DMF and 1,2 dichloroethane. Resonant Raman spectroscopy was used to determine if debundling of the tubes sample occurred. The results showed some degree of debundling, best for the 1,2 dichloroethane solvent, which also shows long term solubility.

Gis-Based Site Suitability Analysis For Planning Confined Animal Feeding Operations In Iowa, Brian Lance Bakker

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are becoming increasingly common on the Iowa landscape. These structures produce a very large number of livestock in a small area. The production of livestock is essential to the economy of Iowa, creating billions of dollars in revenue. However, when production is confined to small areas, large amounts of byproducts are produced that can cause a threat to the environment surrounding the areas of production. Thus, there is a need for careful planning, particularly the selection of suitable locations for future CAFO development. Currently, locations for CAFOs are simply chosen according to a producer's preference …