Weak Localization of Electrons on a Helium Surface

Weak localization by vapor-atom scattering is studied for electrons on a helium surface. Dephasing times are measured as a function of electron density. The electron-electron collision time is determined. The dephasing mechanism is due to the motion of helium atoms.     

Simulating peer-to-peer cloud resource scheduling

Resource scheduling in large-scale distributed systems, such as grids and clouds, is difficult due to the size, dynamism, and volatility of resources. These resources are eclectic and autonomous, and may exhibit different usage policies, levels of participation, capabilities, local load, and reliability. Moreover, applications are likely to exhibit various patterns and levels, and distributed resources may organize into various different overlay topologies for information and query dissemination. Researchers have proposed a wide variety of approaches and policies for mapping offered load onto resources and for solving the various component parts of the scheduling problem. However, production clouds and grids may be underutilized, and may not exhibit the load to effectively characterize all of the scheduling system inputs. The composition of large-scale systems is also changing, potentially to include more individual and peer-to-peer resources. These factors will influence the effectiveness of proposed scheduling solutions. Therefore, a simulation environment is necessary to study different approaches under different scenarios, especially those that are expected, but that are not currently characteristic of existing systems. This article describes a general-purpose peer-to-peer simulation environment that allows a wide variety of parameters, protocols, strategies and policies to be varied and studied. To provide a proof of concept, utilization of the simulation environment is presented in a large-scale distributed system problem that includes a core model and related mechanisms. In particular, this article presents a definition and possible peer-to-peer solutions for the large-scale scheduling problem. Moreover, this article describes a general simulation model, some policies that can be varied, an implementation, and some sample results.     

Specific energy optimization in sawing of rocks using Taguchi approah简

This work aims at selecting optimal operating variables to obtain the minimum specific energy （SE） in sawing of rocks. A particular granite was sampled and sawn by a fully automated circular diamond sawblades. The peripheral speed, the traverse speed, the cut depth and the flow rate of cooling fluid were selected as the operating variables. Taguchi approach was adopted as a statistical design of experimental technique for optimization studies. The results were evaluated based on the analysis of variance and signal-to-noise ratio （S/N ratio）. Statistically significant operating variables and their percentage contribution to the process were also determined. Additionally, a statistical model was developed to demonstrate the relationship between SE and operating variables using regression analysis and the model was then verified. It was found that the optimal combination of operating variables for minimum SE is the peripheral speed of 25 m/s, the traverse speed of 70 cm/min, the cut depth of 2 cm and the flow rate of cooling fluid of 100 mL/s. The cut depth and traverse speed were statistically determined as the significant operating variables affecting the SE, respectively. Furthermore, the regression model results reveal that the predictive model has a high applicability for practical applications.     

Design of a framework for modeling, integration and simulation of physiological models

Multiscale modeling and integration of physiological models carry challenges due to the complex nature of physiological processes. High coupling within and among scales present a significant challenge in constructing and integrating multiscale physiological models. In order to deal with such challenges in a systematic way, there is a significant need for an information technology framework together with related analytical and computational tools that will facilitate integration of models and simulations of complex biological systems. Physiological Model Simulation, Integration and Modeling Framework (Phy-SIM) is an information technology framework providing the tools to facilitate development, integration and simulation of integrated models of human physiology. Phy-SIM brings software level solutions to the challenges raised by the complex nature of physiological systems. The aim of Phy-SIM, and this paper is to lay some foundation with the new approaches such as information flow and modular representation of the physiological models. The ultimate goal is to enhance the development of both the models and the integration approaches of multiscale physiological processes and thus this paper focuses on the design approaches that would achieve such a goal.     

iConAwa - An intelligent context-aware system

Context-awareness becomes an increasingly important concept in the development of mobile and ubiquitous systems. Applications and services, which run in these kinds of highly dynamic environments, should be aware of and adapt to their contexts. Context-aware applications improve and enrich people’s interactions with devices, computers and other people.In this paper, design and development of iConAwa, which is an intelligent context-aware multi-agent system proactively providing mobile users with context-aware information and services, is described. In iConAwa, mobile users can get information and services about nearby resources (attraction points) according to their context and also communicate with each other by exchanging messages. Context and point of interest ontologies are developed in OWL. Context and points of interest are modelled in a flexible and extensible way by the developed ontology models. Knowledge sharing and knowledge reuse are also provided by using these ontology models. iConAwa makes use of rule-based context reasoning which provides derivation of high level implicit context from low level explicit context. With this approach context reasoning is decoupled from the source code of the system. JADE agent development framework is used to develop the agents and Jena semantic web framework is used to manipulate ontologies and for rule based reasoning.     

Micro- and nanostructured Al2O3 surfaces for controlled vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell adhesion and proliferation

The effect of the micro- and nanotopography on vascular cell-surface interaction is investigated using nano- and microstructured Al₂O₃ as model substrate. Two different nanostructured Al₂O₃ surfaces composed of low density (LD) and high density (HD) nanowires (NWs) were synthesized by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and commercially available microstructured Al₂O₃ plates were used for comparison. A clear diverging response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMC) was observed on these nano- and microstructured surfaces. LD Al₂O₃ NWs seem to enhance the proliferation of HUVECs selectively. This selective control of the cell-surface interaction by topography may represent a key issue for the future stent material design.     

Artificial neural network and regression models for performance prediction of abrasive waterjet in rock cutting

An experimental study is carried out for modeling the rock cutting performance of abrasive waterjet. Kerf angle (KA) is considered as a performance criteria and modeled using artificial neural network (ANN) and regression analysis based on operating variables. Three operating variables, including traverse speed, standoff distance, and abrasive mass flow rate, are studied for obtaining different results for the KA. Data belonging to the trials are used for construction of ANN and regression models. The developed models are then tested using a test data set which is not utilized during construction of models. Additionally, the regression model is validated using various statistical approaches. The results of regression analysis are also used to determine the significant operating variables affecting the KA. Furthermore, the performances of derived models are compared for showing the accuracy levels in prediction of the KA. As a result, it is concluded that both ANN and regression models can give adequate prediction for the KA with an acceptable accuracy level. The compared results reveal also that the corresponding ANN model is more reliable than the regression model. On the other hand, the standoff distance and traverse speed are statistically determined as dominant operating variables on the KA, respectively.     

Characterization of Properties in Friction Welded Stainless Steel and Copper Materials

The aim of this study is to investigate the metallurgical and mechanical properties of friction welded stainless steel-copper joints. One of the manufacturing methods used to produce parts made from different materials is the friction welding method. Application of classical welding techniques to such materials is difficult because of they have different thermal properties. Stainless steel-copper joints are inevitable for certain applications due to unique performances such as higher electric conductivity, heat conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. In the present study, austenitic stainless steel and copper parts were joined by friction welding. Tensile, fatigue, and notch-impact tests were applied to friction welded specimens, and the results were compared with those for the original materials. Microstructure, energy dispersive x-ray, and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and hardness variations were conducted on the joints. Results showed that various intermetallic phases such as FeCu₄ and Cu₂NiZn occurred at the interface. It was found from the microstructure and XRD analysis that intermetallic phases formed in the interface which further caused a decrease in the strength of the joints. However, hardness of the copper increased slightly, whereas the hardness of steel decreases slightly on the horizontal distance from the center.