Trust-Assisted Handover Approach in Hybrid Wireless Networks

In Next-Generation (NG) hybrid wireless networks, Mobile-Controlled Handover (MCHO) is expected to be employed as the handover control mechanism, in contrast to Network-Controlled Handover (NCHO) used in homogeneous wireless networks. As more independent network operators get involved in providing Internet access, roaming mobile users would have to deal with complex trust relationships between heterogeneous network domains. The state-of-the-art handover approaches just take into account Quality of Service (QoS), but ignore the complexities arising from the coexistence of multiple network operators in the NG networks. The existence of a complex trust relationship between networks may lead to unnecessary handover attempts in service roaming. In this regard, this paper introduces a novel approach of dynamically retrieving network trust information, and using it in MCHO. We show how network trust information can be utilised to obtain a 35% reduction in handover delay, meanwhile retain QoS in a handover. The proposed scheme does not need bulk storage in mobile handsets, and can react to changes to network topology and trust relationships dynamically. Analytical results are provided to demonstrate how roaming mobile users make more intelligent and reliable handover if implementing the proposed handover approach in a multi-operator and multi-technology environment.     

Value‐added products from underutilized fish species

Fish is a rich source of easily digestible protein that also provides polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for human nutrition. Nonetheless, a large proportion of total landed fish remains unused due to inherent problems related to unattractive color, flavor, texture, small size, and high fat content. Most of these underutilized fish belong to the abundantly available pelagic species, which are landed as bycatch, and some are unconventional species such as krill. Although some species are used industrially for fish meal manufacture, a need for their conservation and utilization for human consumption has been recognized in order to prevent post‐harvest fishery losses. Recovery of flesh by mechanical deboning and development of value‐added products are probably the most promising approaches. This article discusses various possibilities for product development using mince from low‐cost fishery resources. These include surimi and surimi‐based products, sausages, fermented products, protein concentrates and hydrolysates, extruded products, and biotechnological possibilities. The dual advantages of this approach, namely, finding ways for better utilization of low‐value fish species and providing protein‐rich convenience foods, have been pointed out. However, the key to the success of this approach depends largely on the market strategies utilized.     

An Anticipative Recursively Adjusting Mechanism for parallel file transfer in data grids

Data Grids enable the sharing, selection, and connection of a wide variety of geographically distributed computational and storage resources for content needed by large‐scale data‐intensive applications such as high‐energy physics, bioinformatics, and virtual astrophysical observatories. In Data Grids, co‐allocation architectures were developed to enable parallel downloads of data sets from selected replica servers. As Internet is usually the underlying network of a grid, network bandwidth plays as the main factor affecting file transfers between clients and servers. In this paradigm, there are still some challenges that need to be solved, such as to reduce differences in finish times between selected replica servers, to avoid traffic congestion resulting from transferring the same blocks in different links among servers and clients, and to manage network performance variations among parallel transfers. In this paper, we propose the Anticipative Recursively Adjusting Mechanism (ARAM) scheme to adjust the workloads on selected replica servers and handle unpredictable variations in network performance by those servers. Our algorithm is based on using the finish rates for previously assigned transfers to anticipate the bandwidth status for the next section to adjust workloads, and to reduce file transfer times in grid environments. Our approach is useful in grid environments with unstable network link. It not only reduces idle time wasted waiting for the slowest server, but also decreases file transfer completion times. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Creep and shrinkage analysis of reinforced concrete frames by history‐adjusted and shrinkage‐adjusted elasticity moduli

Consideration of the time‐dependent deformations due to creep and shrinkage is often necessary to ensure satisfactory behavior of complex concrete structures. The stresses and deformations of a reinforced concrete frame can be analyzed by the finite element method using time integration. However, as the full stress history prior to each time interval considered is necessary, with the increase in the number of time intervals used, the amount of computations increases dramatically. The concept of age‐adjusted elasticity modulus is further explored to develop new functions for efficient evaluation of time‐dependent behavior of concrete frames. The history‐adjusted elasticity modulus is devised so that stage construction can be modeled more accurately. Likewise, the shrinkage‐adjusted elasticity modulus is introduced to enable shrinkage analysis to be carried out using one single step. The methods can cope with frame structures built and loaded in several stages. Accurate results can be obtained by considering just a few large time intervals instead of those fine time steps used in time integration. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the new methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A no-tension elastic–plastic model and optimized back-analysis technique for modeling nonlinear mechanical behavior of rock mass in tunneling

In this paper, we present a no-tension elastic–plastic model and an optimized back-analysis technique for stability analysis of underground tunnels. A set of constitutive equations is presented to simulate the no-tension behavior and plastic yielding of jointed rock masses which yield according to the Drucker–Prager yield criterion and permits no-tension. A nonlinear 2-D finite element model is consequently formulated for the prediction of the behavior of the excavated rock mass. As for the model parameters, the genetic algorithm technique is employed to find the optimal rock mass properties by minimizing the discrepancy between the predicted results and field measurement. The nonlinear finite element model coupling with the genetic algorithm optimized back-analysis technique is then applied to a synthetic example of a deep tunnel in yielding rock. The results show that the forward and back-analysis system is capable of estimating the model parameters with stable and good convergence and give reasonable predictions. Numerical experiments are also carried out to check the influences of position and numbers of measurements to the reliability of the back-analysis results. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the genetic algorithms optimization procedure is discussed in terms of identification of geo-material properties.     

Biomonitoring using accessible human cells for exposure and health risk assessment

We describe a nonradioactive preembedding in situ hybridization protocol using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes and tyramide signal amplification to increase the sensitivity of detection. The protocol is sensitive enough for electron microscopic localization of endogenous messenger RNAs encoding beta-actin and amphoterin. Three visualization methods were compared: diaminobenzidine enhanced by nickel, Nanogold enhanced by silver and gold toning, and fluorescently labeled tyramides. Diaminobenzidine and Nanogold can be used in both light and electron microscopy. The nickel-enhanced diaminobenzidine was the most sensitive visualization method. It is easy to accomplish but a drawback is poor spatial resolution, which restricts its use at high magnifications. Nanogold visualization has considerably better spatial resolution and is therefore recommended for electron microscopy. Fluorescent tyramides, especially TRITC-tyramide, offer a good detection method for fluorescence and confocal microscopy. The methods were used to localize amphoterin and beta-actin mRNAs in motile cells. Both mRNAs were found in the soma and cell processes. In double labeling experiments, beta-actin mRNA localized to filamentous structures that also contained ribosomal proteins. Especially in the cortical cytoplasm, beta-actin mRNA was associated with actin filaments. Direct localization to microtubules was only rarely seen. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:99-112, 1999)     

A NUMERICAL SCHEME FOR NON-FOURIER HEAT CONDUCTION,PART II: TWO-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEM FORMULATION AND VERIFICATION

A flux-splitting algorithm based on the Godunov numerical scheme developed for the solution of the one-dimensional non-Fourier heat conduction equation by Yeung and Lam [1] is extended for the investigation of thermal wave propagation in rectangular media. The derivation of the solution method and the stability criteria are presented in detail. Physical problems subjected to various boundary conditions (e.g., first, second, and third kinds) can be studied with the numerical scheme. A comparison of the exact solution with the one calculated by the proposed procedure is presented to confirm the validity of the numerical procedure. The numerical scheme is applicable for the study of short-pulse heating in advanced materials, microstructures, thin films, semiconductor devices, and superconductors.     

Distance learning in advanced military education: Analysis of joint operations course in the Taiwan military

High-ranking officers require advanced military education in war tactics for future combat. However, line officers rarely have time to take such courses on campus. The conventional solution to this problem used to take the inefficient correspondence courses. Whereas Internet technologies progress, online course is the current trend for military training. However, the question is what distance learning methodology best suits such a proprietary learning purpose.This study presents a sequential process of developing distance learning courses in advanced military education. Further, the Petri-Net analytical approach is adopted to discover the essential interaction requirements of advanced military education delivered via Internet. This study developed a systematic method for designing e-learning systems according to specific requirements of target courses. The proposed approach starts by comparing on-campus programs with the existing e-learning systems to identify the steps required to transform the program into an e-learning system. After first outlining the pedagogy of the on-campus program, its proposed teaching flow through the Internet is then sketched. Finally, the Petri-Net model was used for in-depth analysis of the stages affecting the learning curve of the line office taking e-learning courses. The example of a “Joint Operations” AME course elaborated the presented approach. An e-learning system prototype was also designed accordingly. Lastly, an experiment was conducted to verify the efficiency of the presented approach.     

Theoretical studies of CO hydrogenation to methanol over Cu, Pd, and Pt metals

Theoretical studies of CO hydrogenation to methanol over Cu, Pd, and Pt metals have been carried out using a quasi‐relativistic density‐functional method. The metal surface is simulated by a M₁₀ cluster model. Reaction energies for the elementary steps involved are determined. The activation energies are estimated by the analytic BOC‐MP formula. The results support that these metals are active in CO hydrogenation to methanol. The rate‐determining steps are shown to be different for the metals. The highest activation energies of reaction on the metals fall in the order Cu < Pd < Pt, which corresponds to the order of the catalytic activities of the metals in CO hydrogenation. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Process Capability Improvement for Multistage Processes

While the quality control procedures for multistage has been considerably studied, multistage process capability analysis has not been explored much at all. Fostering on the recent development of the multistage process variation transmission model, a multistage process capability analysis algorithm is developed to prioritize process improvement efforts. The application of algorithm is demonstrated with two 2-stage industrial process examples and a 4-stage process example for its expandability.