Drift optimization of high‐rise buildings in earthquake zones

This paper presents a Drift Design Structural Model (DDSM) for the design optimization of high‐rise buildings in seismic zones. The model is formulated as a Generalized Single Degree of Freedom System subjected to equivalent static seismic loadings. The model objectives are: (a) the minimization of the structure weight; (b) the minimization of the structure top drift; and (c) the uniform distribution of the inter‐story drifts over the building height in order to minimize earthquake damage through the increase in plastic ductility. Seven high‐rise buildings were analysed in order to validate the model, to illustrate its use and to demonstrate its capabilities in structural design optimization in earthquake zones. The results obtained show that the DDSM performed well and consequently can be of practical value to structural designers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DCA-DS: A Distributed Clustering Algorithm Based on Dominating Set for Internet of Vehicles

In this paper, we propose a new Distributed Clustering Algorithm Based on Dominating Set (DS) for Internet of Vehicles, called DCA-DS. To construct the DS, DCA-DS algorithm introduces a new parameter, called node span, which represents the number of the node neighbours that are not unclustered, including the node itself. DCA-DS algorithm is based on a simple heuristic method that uses a greedy strategy, where the node having the largest span is included in the DS, therefore it acts as new CH and all its neighbours become Cluster Members (CMs). This process repeats iteratively until there are no unclustered nodes left. Moreover, the node, which can hear two CHs or more, will act as Cluster Gateway (CG). Furthermore, DCA-DS algorithm takes care of the maintenance phase to keep clusters stability and structure. The proposed approach is implemented in NS-2 network simulator and VanetMobiSim mobility simulator to evaluate its performance.

     

Security analysis and improvement of an active watermarking system for image tampering detection using a self-recovery scheme

Multimedia Tools and Applications - This paper analyses the security of an effective SVD-based image tampering detection and self-recovery scheme that has been recently proposed by S. Dadkhah et...     

A lightweight efficient chaos‐based cryptosystem for constrained‐node networks

Interconnected sensor and actuator objects creating Constrained‐Node Networks (CNN) are among the most prominent technologies of the Internet of things. Deployed to monitor our lives, surroundings, and critical infrastructure, CNN communications must be strongly secured in order to prevent devastating unauthorized access to critical information. This, however, faces severe challenges imposed by CNN constraints in terms of energy, memory, and computational power. To address such conflicting requirements, this paper presents a chaos‐based efficient lightweight secure communication system for CNNs. The proposed cryptosystem performs optimized confusion‐diffusion operations at the byte level allowing it to be fully implemented on an 8‐bit microcontroller. Obtained results from extensive experiments at both statistical and implementation levels confirm the robustness of the proposed cryptosystem against a multitude of attacks. Additionally, the evaluated encryption/decryption speeds along with the low memory and energy consumption grant the proposed cryptosystem attractive lightweight aspects enabling its deployment in very constrained CNN applications having soft real‐time requirements.     

Asymmetric Thioethers as Building Blocks for Chiral Monolayers

There is a growing interest in chirality at surfaces from both a fundamental and an enantioselective reactions/separations viewpoint. We report on the homochiral self-assembly of asymmetric thioethers that become chiral upon binding to a surface. We focus on the adsorption of butyl methyl sulfide and a fluorinated analogue on Au(111) surfaces.     

Simulating the task-level control of human motion: a methodology and framework for implementation

A task-level control framework is proposed for providing feedback control in the simulation of goal-directed human motion. An operational space approach, adapted from the field of robotics, is used for this purpose. This approach is augmented by a significant new extension directed at addressing the control of muscle-driven systems. Task/posture decomposition is intrinsically exploited, allowing human musculoskeletal properties to direct postural behavior during the performance of a task. This paper also describes a simulation architecture for generating musculoskeletal simulations of human characters. The evolving capabilities of the collective environment are directed toward autonomously generating realistic motion control for virtual actors in interactive computer graphics applications, as well as synthesizing the control of human-like motion in robotic systems.     

Prototyping Multiprocessor System-on-Chip Applications: A Platform-Based Approach

Multiprocessor system-on-chip designers face challenges during prototyping, when there is a real need for methods and tools that can easily map applications onto different architectures without tedious redesigning. Such methods and tools must also ensure rapid validation. A new MPSoC prototyping and validation approach uses the Posix 1003 1.C API standard and a reconfigurable multiprocessor hardware platform for fast prototyping of Posix-based applications.