A parallel algorithm with enhancements via partial objective value cuts for cluster-based wireless sensor network design

In this paper, we develop a parallel algorithm for the solution of an integrated topology control and routing problem in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). After presenting a mixed-integer linear optimization formulation for the problem, for its solution, we develop an effective parallel algorithm in a Master–Worker model that incorporates three parallelization strategies, namely low-level parallelism, domain decomposition, and multiple search (both cooperative and independent) in a single Master–Worker framework.     

Metamodeling live sequence charts for code generation

This article presents a metamodeling study for Live Sequence Charts (LSCs) and Message Sequence Charts (MSCs) with an emphasis on code generation. The article discusses specifically the following points: the approach to building a metamodel for MSCs and LSCs, a metamodel extension from MSC to LSC, support for model-based code generation, and finally action model and domain-specific data model integration. The metamodel is formulated in metaGME, the metamodel language for the Generic Modeling Environment.

Model‐based code generation for HLA federates

This paper addresses the problem of automated code generation for a High Level Architecture compliant federate application given its behavior model. The behavior model is a part of the architectural model of a federation that the federate can participate in. The federate behavior model is based on Live Sequence Charts, adopted as the behavioral specification formalism in the Federation Architecture Metamodel (FAMM). FAMM serves as a formal language for describing federation architectures. An objective is to help the testing of federation architecture by means of its prototype implementation early in the development lifecycle. A further objective is to help developers construct complete federate applications that are well modularized. The approach to achieve these objectives is aspect‐oriented in that the generated code, which handles the federate's interactions with a federation execution, serves as the base code, where the computation logic is to be weaved as an aspect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new perspective on data homogeneity in software cost estimation: a study in the embedded systems domain

Cost estimation and effort allocation are the key challenges for successful project planning and management in software development. Therefore, both industry and the research community have been working on various models and techniques to accurately predict the cost of projects. Recently, researchers have started debating whether the prediction performance depends on the structure of data rather than the models used. In this article, we focus on a new aspect of data homogeneity, “cross- versus within-application domain”, and investigate what kind of training data should be used for software cost estimation in the embedded systems domain. In addition, we try to find out the effect of training dataset size on the prediction performance. Based on our empirical results, we conclude that it is better to use cross-domain data for embedded software cost estimation and the optimum training data size depends on the method used.     

A comparative study for estimating software development effort intervals

Software cost/effort estimation is still an open challenge. Many researchers have proposed various methods that usually focus on point estimates. Until today, software cost estimation has been treated as a regression problem. However, in order to prevent overestimates and underestimates, it is more practical to predict the interval of estimations instead of the exact values. In this paper, we propose an approach that converts cost estimation into a classification problem and that classifies new software projects in one of the effort classes, each of which corresponds to an effort interval. Our approach integrates cluster analysis with classification methods. Cluster analysis is used to determine effort intervals while different classification algorithms are used to find corresponding effort classes. The proposed approach is applied to seven public datasets. Our experimental results show that the hit rate obtained for effort estimation are around 90–100%, which is much higher than that obtained by related studies. Furthermore, in terms of point estimation, our results are comparable to those in the literature although a simple mean/median is used for estimation. Finally, the dynamic generation of effort intervals is the most distinctive part of our study, and it results in time and effort gain for project managers through the removal of human intervention.     

From Autonomy to Cooperative Traded Control of Humanoid Manipulation Tasks with Unreliable Communication

In this paper, we present our system design, operational procedure, testing process, field results, and lessons learned for the valve-turning task of the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC). We present a software framework for cooperative traded control that enables a team of operators to control a remote humanoid robot over an unreliable communication link. Our system, composed of software modules running on-board the robot and on a remote workstation, allows the operators to specify the manipulation task in a straightforward manner. In addition, we have defined an operational procedure for the operators to manage the teleoperation task, designed to improve situation awareness and expedite task completion. Our testing process, consisting of hands-on intensive testing, remote testing, and remote practice runs , demonstrates that our framework is able to perform reliably and is resilient to unreliable network conditions. We analyze our approach, field tests, and experience at the DRC Trials and discuss lessons learned which may be useful for others when designing similar systems.     

The investigation of the effect of thermal barrier coating on the performance of Stirling engine

The shuttle heat transfer is one of the reasons reducing the performance of Stirling engines. This study is concerned with the reduction in shuttle heat transfer by coating the displacer. The displacer of a gamma type Stirling engine was coated with a layer of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and the effect of the coating on the engine performance was evaluated by comparing speed‐power and speed‐torque characteristics of the engine with coated and uncoated displacers. Characteristics were obtained for 700, 800 and 900°C heater temperatures. At each stage of the heater temperature, the charge pressure ranged from 1 to 3.5 bars with 0.5 bar increments. At 900°C heater temperature and 3 bars charge pressure, the shaft power before coating was 34.9 W, after coating the power increased to 43.8 W, which corresponds to a 25% increment. The temperature applied to the engine did not cause any damage on the coating layer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mobile Web services: a new agent-based framework

Mobile devices and server applications often run on different platforms, which can make integration problematic. Web services might offer a solution, but they typically include XML protocols that are too "heavy" for mobile devices. In this article, we describe agent-based mobile services framework. It uses wireless portal networks and eliminates XML processing on mobile clients. It also offers dynamic service selection and rapid application development and deployment for Web service providers.     

Optimization of deposition voltage of cataphoretic automotive primers assessed by EIS and AC/DC/AC

The dependence of the anticorrosive properties of a cataphoretic paint with the applied deposition voltage was studied by the so-called EIS tests; an accelerated cyclic test used in the automotive industry; and a rapid electrochemical test (AC/DC/AC) which combines EIS measurements with cathodic polarizations. DSC and TGA were employed for the coating characterisation. The traditional accelerated cyclic test was unable to distinguish the influence of the deposition voltage on the anticorrosive properties while electrochemical tests found an optimal range of deposition voltage between 270 and 320 V. The AC/DC/AC test obtained the same results as EIS tests but in only 24 h instead of months of evaluation. The technique AC/DC/AC is suggested as an accelerated technique able to determine the optimum range of deposition voltages to obtain the higher anticorrosive properties of an epoxy cataphoretic primer.