On the Easy Use of Scientific Computing Services for Large Scale Linear Algebra and Parallel Decision Making with the P-Grade Portal

Scientific research is becoming increasingly dependent on the large-scale analysis of data using distributed computing infrastructures (Grid, cloud, GPU, etc.). Scientific computing (Petitet et al. 1999) aims at constructing mathematical models and numerical solution techniques for solving problems arising in science and engineering. In this paper, we describe the services of an integrated portal based on the P-Grade (Parallel Grid Run-time and Application Development Environment) portal (http://www.p-grade.hu) that enables the solution of large-scale linear systems of equations using direct solvers, makes easier the use of parallel block iterative algorithm and provides an interface for parallel decision making algorithms. The ultimate goal is to develop a single sign on integrated multi-service environment providing an easy access to different kind of mathematical calculations and algorithms to be performed on hybrid distributed computing infrastructures combining the benefits of large clusters, Grid or cloud, when needed.     

Characterization of magnetic materials using a scanning microwave microprobe

We investigated the electromagnetic properties of metals of iron, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, gold, copper, silver, and permalloy thin films on SiO(2) substrates using a near-field microwave microprobe. The electromagnetic properties of metal sheets were estimated by measuring the microwave reflection coefficient S(11) and compared with the theoretical values. We observed the hysteresis behavior of permalloy thin films on SiO(2) substrates using a near-field scanning microwave microprobes (NSMM) system. Experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical model of transmission theory. In order to better characterize the electromagnetic properties of metals and magnetic metals instead of the usual method, we take advantage of the noncontact microprobing evaluation capabilities using a near-field microwave.     

Simulating the effects of climate change,economic and urban planning scenarios on urban runoff patterns of a metropolitan region

Urban development and climate change are expected to have significant effects on urban stormwater runoff. In this study, the Dynamic Urban Water Simulation Model (DUWSiM) is applied to Dublin, Ireland, to explore urban runoff patterns under varying urban growth and climate scenarios. Results show that annual urban runoff could decrease by 3.0% from climate change and monthly runoff could increase by 30% in winter and decrease by 28% in summer. Results also indicate that urban growth could increase annual runoff by up to 15%. The combined effect of climatic and land-use change generated runoff may potentially increase annual totals from between 2.9% to 21%. Monthly changes in runoff totals could increase by up to 57%. Accommodating these variations in runoff between the scenarios, flexible decentralised systems such as green roofs and pervious pavements, have a vital role in increasing the adaptability and long term sustainability of water infrastructure.     

Characterization of the field-effect conductivity distribution in pentacene thin-film transistors by a near-field scanning microwave microscope

Direct probing of the conductivity distribution in organic materials is motivated by the need to obtain a deeper understanding of carrier behavior in organic thin-film transistors (OTFT), organic electro-luminescent devices, organic photoconductors, and organic biosensors. Here we used a near-field scanning microwave microscope to visualize conductivity profiles in OTFT channel. Applying this technique to pentacene field-effect transistors has revealed changes of the conductivity distribution in the channel arising from the development and exhaustion of an accumulated charge region. The electric field profiles, the complementary image of conductivity profiles, which are visualized by using an optical second harmonic generation method, support the results. We anticipate that direct observation by this microwave method will find wide application in measurement of carrier conductivity in organic and nonorganic materials.     

Magnetic and FTIR studies of BixY3−xFe5O12 (x = 0, 1, 2) powders prepared by the metal organic decomposition method

The crystallization process of bismuth substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi_xY_3−xFe₅O₁₂; x = 0, 1, 2) powder prepared by the metal-organic decomposition method has been studied with various sintering temperatures. The pure garnet phase was observed for the x = 1 powder at 900 °C sintering temperature, whereas the x = 0, 2 powder showed secondary phases. The x = 0 powder showed a similar crystallization process to that of the solid state reaction method. For the x =1, 2 powders, it is proposed that the lowering of the crystallization temperature is due to the lowered stability of the intermediate phase. The infrared spectroscopy and magnetic properties were also investigated. The pure garnet phase showed three absorption bands located at 563, 598, 655 cm⁻¹ that shifted to 555, 588, 639 cm⁻¹ along with an increase of bismuth concentration. The maximum values of saturation and remanence magnetization and the minimum value of coercivity were observed for the x = 1 powder sintered at 900 °C, which were 20.8 emu/g, 2.67 emu/g, and 31.9 Oe, respectively.     

Investigation of CdS thin films by a near-field microwave microprobe

Cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin films with different microstructures and morphologies were measured by using a near-field microwave microprobe (NFMM). The NFMM system was coupled to a dielectric resonator with a distance regulation system at an operating frequency f=4.1GHz. The changes in dielectric permittivity of CdS thin films due to different annealing temperatures were investigated by measuring the reflection coefficient S(11). CdS thin films with different microstructures and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and NFMM.     

Proteorhodopsin characterization based on metal-insulator-metal structure technique

We investigated the light-induced conductivity changes of dry green light absorbing proteorhodopsin (GPR) using a metal-insulator-metal system (MIM). The steady-state and time-dependent current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were measured as a function of GPR concentration for different illumination conditions. As the photoconductivity of GPR in the dry film was varied due to the incident light intensity and the wavelength, we could directly observe the photoconductivity changes inside the GPR by measuring the I-V of the MIM system. In addition to these steady-state measurements, applied bias-dependent properties were studied. The optical absorption spectrum of the GPR film between 450 nm and 650 nm correlates with the action spectrum of the MIM system. The GPR maintained higher photoactivity under green light illumination, which is correlated with the formation of an M-like intermediate.     

Detection of DNA-hybridization using a near-field scanning microwave microscope

A near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) is used to detect sequence-specific hybridization between surface-immobilized and free DNA single strands. Hybridization between target (free) and capture (immobilized) sequences leads to changes in the reflection coefficient (S11) which are measured by the NSMM. These changes are caused by hybridization-induced modification of the dielectric constant profile of the DNA film. NSMM instrumentation does not require labeling of target sequences with fluorophores or other tagging groups. The physical basis of reflection coefficient changes underpinning the NSMM approach is discussed.     

Characterization of magnetoresistance hysteresis of Permalloy thin-film using near-field microwave microscope

A near-field scanning microwave microprobe (NSMM) technique has been used to investigate the magnetic properties of the Permalloy (Ni₈₁Fe₁₉) thin film. To characterize the hysteresis behavior of the magnetoresistance (MR) of Permalloy (Py) thin films, the microwave reflection coefficient, S₁₁ was measured. The change of the estimated MR was observed under in-plane external magnetic fields, and was confirmed with variation of MR measured by the 4-probe method. The magnetic properties of the Py thin film were examined by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The observed MR was correlated with the changes of the relative magnetic permeability, Δμ of the Py. We also directly imaged the Py thin film changes by NSMM. MR of Py was determined from the visualized microwave reflection coefficient changes ΔS₁₁ at the thin film interface with high sensitivity. The present methodology can be extended to investigations of other magnetic thin films or magnetic materials using the NSMM system.     

Reducing Item Exposure in Computerized Adaptive Testing Systems Using Automatic Item Generation

This paper studies the technics of reducing item exposure by utilizing automatic item generation methods. Known test item calibration method uses item parameter estimation with the statistical data, collected during examinees prior testing. Disadvantage of the mentioned item calibration method is the item exposure; when test items become familiar to the examinees. To reduce the item exposure, automatic item generation method is used, where item models are being constructed based on already calibrated test items without losing already estimated item parameters. A technic of item model extraction method from the already calibrated and therefore exposed test items described, which can be used by the test item development specialists to integrate automatic item generation principles with the existing testing applications.