Multi-Criteria Job Scheduling in Grid Using an Accelerated Genetic Algorithm

The continuous growth of computation power requirement has provoked computational Grids, in order to resolve large scale problems. Job scheduling is a very important mechanism and a better scheduling scheme can greatly improve the efficiency of Grid computing. A lot of algorithms have been proposed to address the job scheduling problem. Unfortunately, most of them largely ignore the security risks involved in executing jobs in such an unreliable environment as Grid. This is known as security problem and it is a main hurdle to make the job scheduling secure, reliable and fault-tolerant. In this paper, we present a Genetic Algorithm with multi-criteria approach, in terms of job completion time and security risks. Although Genetic Algorithms are suitable for large search space problems such as job scheduling, they are too slow to be executed online. Hence, we changed the implementation of a traditional genetic algorithm, proposing the Accelerated Genetic Algorithm. We also present the Accelerated Genetic Algorithm with Overhead which concerns the extra overhead caused by the application of Accelerated Genetic Algorithm. Accelerated Genetic Algorithm and Accelerated Genetic Algorithm with Overhead are compared with three well-known heuristic algorithms. Simulation results indicate a substantial performance advantage of both Accelerated Genetic Algorithm and Accelerated Genetic Algorithm with Overhead.     

Ranking Countries and Geographical Regions in the International Green Bond Transfer Network: A Computational Weighted Network Approach

Computational Economics - In this work, we map and measure the interdependencies that exist in green bond markets, relying on yearly proceeds allocation data reported in Tolliver et al. (Environ...     

Computational Aspects of Sustainability

Computational Economics -     

Multifunctional polypropylene composites produced by incorporation of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets

The potential of using exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets, xGnP^TM, as a reinforcement that can produce multifunctional polymer composites was explored. xGnP-polypropylene (PP) composites fabricated by melt mixing using a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding were investigated for their thermal, viscoelastic and barrier properties as a function of xGnP concentration and aspect ratio. These properties of the xGnP-PP composites were compared to the properties of composites made with PAN-based carbon fibers, VGCF, carbon black and nanoclay. Results indicate that when oriented properly, the xGnP will not only stiffen the composite but also reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion in two directions rather than in one as in the case of aligned fiber composites. Furthermore, the large aspect ratio of xGnP, even at low loadings, increases the oxygen barrier of PP at least as effectively as the commonly used nanoclays and finally, addition of xGnP significantly enhances the thermal conductivity of the polymer matrix.     

A 1-year remote sensing study of radiative effects of aerosol and clouds over the NE Mediterranean

Direct aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) and cloud radiative forcing (CRF) over the Aegean Sea are investigated using 1 year of almost continuous observations of aerosol optical properties, cloud data and Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) satellite short-wave (SW) and long-wave (LW) fluxes during 2005–2006. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) values from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) over the Aegean Sea are found to be high during summer and spring months. This period of the year, the air masses come predominantly from the eastern and northeastern part of Europe. The monthly mean ARF at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) over the Aegean Sea resulted in net cooling and ranged from??6.0 to??15.8 W m^?2, within the range of results from previous studies. The presence of fine particles greatly influenced the ARF. The CRF was also characterized by net cooling and ranged from??23 to??84 W m^?2 and appeared to be driven primarily by changes in cloud fraction. An apparent aerosol weekly cycle with lower values during the weekend as well as a cloud fraction weekly cycle with lower values during the weekend is observed over the Aegean Sea, which, if confirmed, could result in net TOA forcing of around??20 W m^?2.     

Task cluster scheduling in a grid system

Effective load distribution and resource management is of great importance in designing complex distributed systems as grid. This pre-assumes the capability of partitioning the arriving jobs into independent tasks that can be executed simultaneously, assigning the tasks to processors and scheduling the task execution on each processor. A simulation model, consisting of two homogeneous clusters, is considered to evaluate the performance for various workloads. The Deferred policy is applied to collect global system information about processor queues. This paper proposes a special scheduling method referred to as task clustering method. We examine the efficiency of two task routing policies – one static and one adaptive – and six task scheduling policies, which rearrange processor queues regarding to a criterion. Our simulation results indicate that the adaptive task routing policy in conjunction with SGFS-ST scheduling algorithm, which uses more efficiently the task clustering method, leads to a significant performance improvement.     

Dominant height growth and site index curves for Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in central Cyprus

A dominant height growth model and a site index model were developed for Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in central Cyprus. Data from 64 stem analysis in 32 temporary plots, where Calabrian pine was the only tree species, were used for modeling. The plots were selected randomly in proportion to two site types. Four difference equations were tested. The evaluation criteria included qualitative and quantitative examinations and a testing with split data. The difference equation of Korf showed the best results for all data. An analysis of the height growth patterns among sites - as these were defined from the selected equation - was made in order to study the behavior of different site index curves. Results indicated the validity of a common height growth model for the two sites. In spite of the irregular height growth pattern observed in Calabrian pine, the model obtained allows us to classify and compare correctly Calabrian pine stands growing at different sites.     

Development of a novel bioactive packaging based on the incorporation of Lactobacillus sakei into sodium-caseinate films for controlling Listeria monocytogenes in foods

A novel packaging technology was developed based on the incorporation of Lactobacillus sakei cells into sodium-caseinate (SC) edible films. Incorporation was based either on direct addition of the cells in the film forming solution used for casting or by surface spraying of the culture on the preformed film, resulting in a population density of 10⁶ cfu/cm². Addition of sorbitol in the film matrix increased the viability of the cells, greater than 90%, upon storage under both refrigeration and ambient temperature conditions for 30 days. Incorporation of the viable protective culture did not affect the mechanical properties and the physico-chemical properties of the film. Application of the films to both laboratory medium (agar) and a food model system (fresh beef) inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes resulted in a rapid growth of L. sakei immobilized in the film following contact with the wet medium or the food surface and a significant inhibition of the pathogen growth compared to the control samples under both constant and dynamic storage temperature protocols. The present study indicated that biopolymer-based antimicrobial films containing cells of a protective culture can be used as an effective packaging technology for improving food safety.     

Additive manufacturing of glass with laser powder bed fusion

Its transparency, esthetic appeal, chemical inertness, and electrical resistivity make glass an excellent candidate for small- and large-scale applications in the chemical, electronics, automotive, aerospace, and architectural industries. Additive manufacturing of glass has the potential to open new possibilities in design and reduce costs associated with manufacturing complex customized glass structures that are difficult to shape with traditional casting or subtractive methods. However, despite the significant progress in the additive manufacturing of metals, polymers, and ceramics, limited research has been undertaken on additive manufacturing of glass. In this study, a laser powder bed fusion method was developed for soda lime silica glass powder feedstock. Optimization of laser processing parameters was undertaken to define the processing window for creating three-dimensional multilayer structures. These findings enable the formation of complex glass structures with micro- or macroscale resolution. Our study supports laser powder bed fusion as a promising method for the additive manufacturing of glass and may guide the formation of a new generation of glass structures for a wide range of applications.     

An investigation of graphite nanoplatelets as lubricant in grinding

Cooling and lubrication are very critical to ensure workpiece quality in grinding due to the high friction and intense heat generation involved in the process. Liquid lubricants have traditionally been used in flood form or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), raising however, major environmental and economic concerns. The focus of this study is to evaluate the performance of graphite nanoplatelets as a lubricant in surface grinding. The role of graphite's characteristics such as form, size and concentration; and the effect of the carrying medium and the graphite's application method are determined based on an experimental study. The results indicate that graphite nanoplatelets significantly reduce the grinding forces, specific energy, and improve surface finish during surface grinding of hardened D-2 tool steel. A comparison with results obtained in conventional MQL grinding is also provided. The proper selection of graphite, carrying medium and application method can lead to a low cost, nontoxic and simple alternative to solid lubrication or MQL grinding.