Analysis of a master-slave architecture for distributed evolutionary computations.

This paper introduces a new mathematical model of the master-slave architecture for distributed evolutionary computations (EC). This model is validated using a concrete implementation based on the Distributed BEAGLE C++ framework. Results show that contrary to (current) popular belief, master-slave architectures are able to scale well over local area networks of workstations using off-the-shelf networking equipment. The main properties of the master-slave are also compared with those of the more mainstream island-model.     

L'échelle des Orientations Générales à la Causalité: Validation canadienne fran?aise du General Causality Orientations Scale.

Conducted a reliability and validity study of the French version of E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan's (1985) General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS), which measures the extent to which people are oriented toward the autonomy, control, and impersonal aspects of the initiation and regulation of behavior. Findings support the psychometric and construct validity of the French version of the GCOS; suggestions for its use in French-Canadian psychological research are discussed. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The MITRE E3 family of models structure and results

A family of energy/economic/environmental (E³) models is presented as a mechanism for analysing national policy issues. The family consists of discrete models which are designed to be run in an integrated manner. The outputs of certain models provide the inputs to the next. This structure allows the analyst to readily incorporate an understanding of regional factors such as local energy prices, concerns over air quality, water availability, or attitudes towards construction of new energy facilities, into national assessments of energy policies. This paper reviews the analytic framework within which energy policy issues are currently addressed. The initial family of E³ models is described with the emphasis on the data linkages and feedback which are provided when these models are run sequentially. The ongoing MITRE research programme with the E³ family of models is presented and plans and opportunities for future work are outlined.     

Thermodynamic analysis of solar photovoltaic cell systems

The thermodynamic characteristics of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are investigated from a perspective based on exergy. A new efficiency is developed that is useful in studying PV performance and possible improvements. Exergy analysis is applied to a PV system and its components, and exergy flows, losses and efficiencies are evaluated. Energy efficiency is seen to vary between 7% and 12% during the day. In contrast, exergy efficiencies, which incorporate the second law of thermodynamics and account for solar irradiation exergy values, are lower for electricity generation using the considered PV system, ranging from 2% to 8%. Values of “fill factors” are determined for the system and observed to be similar to values of exergy efficiency.     

An investigation of gold/ceramic and gold/glass interfaces

This paper describes how various characterisation methods can be used to investigate the physicochemical and spectral properties of gold films in contact with glass or ceramic. The interface between the metal and substrate has been given special attention. The examples chosen to illustrate this include: liquid gold films (decorated and fired) or inlayed gold layers on ceramic wares and “sandwich” gold foils between two glass sheets for mosaic application. Characterisation methods include: microanalytical scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ion beam analyses (PIXE: particle induced X-ray emission; RBS: Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry), photo-spectrometry and colorimetry. The adhesion mechanism and colour behaviour of the coated objects is discussed.     

Scharnhauser公园学校和体育馆,奥斯特菲尔登

这个综合学校包括一个主建筑,一个体育馆和各种户外设施,朝向一片处在前军事基地上的住宅开发区。整个主建筑沿纵向被一个由顶部采光的回廊从中间分开,由此可以进入两侧的教室,回廊局部变宽的部分构成一个公共空间。这个构想与将城市设计理论运用于建筑内部设计的概念相符合:街道、广场和建筑被看成了建筑内部空间部分。虽然这个建筑从外部看来是个大体块,但内部空间却设计流畅,通道有的通向楼层的各个角落,也有的依着倾斜的地势因势而建。由墙面反射的散射光线加强了内部空间的肃穆和厚重感。在具有宗教感的整体风格下,整个学校的设计和装饰也显得古香古色,如一部宽阔的观光楼梯、两个塔形和壁炉形的建筑构成元素等。不同历史风格建筑的叠加给这个校区带来一种复杂的味道,堪比阿尔多·罗西(Aldo Rossi)的设计或泰辛(Tessin)新理性主义的代表作。     

ON THE INVERTIBILITY OF PERIODIC MOVING-AVERAGE MODELS

Abstract. A sufficient condition for the invertibility of univariate periodic moving-average models has been given by Cipra and Ghysels and Hall. We show that this condition is not a necessary one, and provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the general m -variate, d -periodical moving-average MA( q ) case.     

Elastomeric alloys of PVC

The performance standards for flexible PVC compounds continue to become more demanding as manufacturers pursue more value-added applications traditionally dominated by rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers. Blending of PVC with other polymers has proven to be a viable approach in developing higher performance flexible PVC-based materials. This paper will review some of the typical approaches to producing PVC-based elastomers, and show how these standard flexible PVC blends compare to a newly developed family of PVC alloys. The advantages of these materials will be discussed, and some examples of commercial materials and their application will also be reviewed.     

Exploiting partial or complete geometrical symmetry in 3D symmetric Galerkin indirect BEM formulations

Procedures based on group representation theory, allowing the exploitation of geometrical symmetry in symmetric Galerkin BEM formulations, are investigated. In particular, this investigation is based on the weaker assumption of partial geometrical symmetry, where the boundary has two disconnected components, one of which is symmetric; e.g. this can be very useful for defect identification problems. The main development is expounded in the context of 3D Neumann elastostatic problems, considered as model problems; and then extended to SGBIE formulations for Dirichlet and/or scalar problems. Both Abelian and non‐Abelian finite symmetry groups are considered. The effectiveness of the present approach is demonstrated through numerical examples, where both partial and complete symmetry are considered, in connection with both Abelian and non‐Abelian symmetry groups. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.