Using clusters of computers for large QU-GENE simulation experiments

The QU-GENE Computing Cluster (QCC) is a hardware and software solution to the automation and speedup of large QU-GENE (QUantitative GENEtics) simulation experiments that are designed to examine the properties of genetic models, particularly those that involve factorial combinations of treatment levels. QCC automates the management of the distribution of components of the simulation experiments among the networked single-processor computers to achieve the speedup.

Development of a short-term model using petrophysical logging at Century Mine, North Queensland

Pasminco Century Mine has developed a geophysical logging system to provide new data for ore mining/grade control and the generation of Short Term Models for mine planning. Previous work indicated the applicability of petrophysical logging for lithology prediction, however, the automation of the method was not considered reliable enough for the development of a mining model. A test survey was undertaken using two diamond drilled control holes and eight percussion holes. All holes were logged with natural gamma, magnetic susceptibility and density. Calibration of the LogTrans auto-interpretation software using only natural gamma and magnetic susceptibility indicated that both lithology and stratigraphy could be predicted. Development of a capability to enforce stratigraphic order within LogTrans increased the reliability and accuracy of interpretations. After the completion of a feasibility program, Century Mine has invested in a dedicated logging vehicle to log blast holes as well as for use in in-fill drilling programs. Future refinement of the system may lead to the development of GPS controlled excavators for mining ore.

Rapid diagnosis in pediatric infectious diseases: The past, the present and the future

The focus of rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases of children in the last decade has shifted from variations of the conventional laboratory techniques of antigen detection, microscopy and culture to that of molecular diagnosis of infectious agents. Pediatricians will need to be able to interpret the use, limitations and results of molecular diagnostic techniques as they are increasingly integrated into routine clinical microbiology laboratory protocols. PCR is the best known and most successfully implemented diagnostic molecular technology to date. It can detect specific infectious agents and determine their virulence and antimicrobial genotypes with greater speed, sensitivity and specificity than conventional microbiology methods. Inherent technical limitations of PCR are present, although they are reduced in laboratories that follow suitable validation and quality control procedures. Variations of PCR together with advances in nucleic acid amplification technology have broadened its diagnostic capabilities in clinical infectious disease to now rival and even surpass traditional methods in some situations. Automation of all components of PCR is now possible. The completion of the genome sequencing projects for significant microbial pathogens, in combination with PCR and DNA chip technology, will revolutionize the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.

Work domain analysis and sensors I: principles and simple example

In this paper we establish a foundation for understanding the instrumentation needs of complex dynamic systems if ecological interface design (EID)-based interfaces are to be robust in the face of instrumentation failures. EID-based interfaces often include configural displays which reveal the higher-order properties of complex systems. However, concerns have been expressed that such displays might be misleading when instrumentation is unreliable or unavailable. Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy (AH) formalism can be extended to include representations of sensors near the functions or properties about which they provide information, resulting in what we call a sensor-annotated abstraction hierarchy. Sensor-annotated AHs help the analyst determine the impact of different instrumentation engineering policies on higher-order system information by showing how the data provided from individual sensors propagates within and across levels of abstraction in the AH. The use of sensor-annotated AHs with a configural display is illustrated with a simple water reservoir example. We argue that if EID is to be effectively employed in the design of interfaces for complex systems, then the information needs of the human operator need to be considered at the earliest stages of system development while instrumentation requirements are being formulated. In this way, Rasmussen's AH promotes a formative approach to instrumentation engineering. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linguistic evaluation method for the environmental assessment of infrastructure projects

A soft linguistic evaluation method is proposed for the environmental assessment of physical infrastructure projects based on fuzzy relations. Infrastructure projects are characterized in terms of linguistic expressions of 'performance' with respect to factors or impacts and the 'importance' of those factors/impacts. A simple example is developed to illustrate the method in the context of three road infrastructure projects assessed against five factors/impacts. In addition, a means to include hard or crisp factors is presented and illustrated with respect to a sixth factor.

A uniform white-noise model for fixed-point roundoff errors in digital systems

Fixed-point roundoff noise in digital implementation of linear systems arises due to overflow, quantization of coefficients and input signals, and arithmetical errors. In uniform white-noise models, the last two types of roundoff errors are regarded as uniformly distributed independent random vectors on cubes of suitable size. For input signal quantization errors, the heuristic model is justified by a quantization theorem, which cannot be directly applied to arithmetical errors due to the complicated input-dependence of errors. The complete uniform white-noise model is shown to be valid in the sense of weak convergence of probabilistic measures as the lattice step tends to zero if the matrices of realization of the system in the state space satisfy certain nonresonance conditions and the finite-dimensional distributions of the input signal are absolutely continuous.

Robust model-order reduction of complex biological processes

This paper addresses robust model-order reduction of a high dimensional nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) model of a complex biological process. Based on a nonlinear, distributed parameter model of the same process which was validated against experimental data of an existing, pilot-scale BNR activated sludge plant, we developed a state-space model with 154 state variables in this work. A general algorithm for robustly reducing the nonlinear PDE model is presented and based on an investigation of five state-of-the-art model-order reduction techniques, we are able to reduce the original model to a model with only 30 states without incurring pronounced modelling errors. The Singular perturbation approximation balanced truncating technique is found to give the lowest modelling errors in low frequency ranges and hence is deemed most suitable for controller design and other real-time applications. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Instrumentation used to measure residential magnetic fields and currents

The equipment used to measure magnetic fields and, electric currents in residences is described. The instrumentation consisted of current transformers, magnetic field probes and locally designed and, built signal conditioning modules. The data acquisition system was capable of unattended recording for extended time periods. The complete system was calibrated to verify its response to known physical inputs. (C) 2003 ISA-The Instrumentation Automation Society.

Gobernaciones y nueva gesti??n p??blica en Venezuela

A fines de los ???80, el Estado venezolano inici?? una descentralizaci??n pol??tico-territorial produciendo cambios en las gobernaciones, instancias receptoras de competencias en este proceso, las cuales realizan reformas a trav??s de la estrategia selectiva, incorporando algunas de la propuestas de la nueva gesti??n p??blica. Este trabajo explora estas reformas. Se observan: diferencias entre los servicios sociales y los relacionados directamente con la econom??a; privatizaci??n de ??stos; traspaso a la sociedad civil de algunos servicios sociales, creaci??n de entes descentralizados; automatizaci??n de procesos; flexibilizaci??n laboral; iniciativas con lento avance en rendici??n de cuentas por resultados y capacitaci??n para una nueva cultura administrativa. En conclusi??n: la tendencia es a la conformaci??n de una gesti??n p??blica eficiente sobre la base de la reducci??n del aparato estatal, de costos sociales, as?? como de costos y conflictos laborales y escasa incorporaci??n de las propuestas de participaci??n que permiten profundizar la democracia y promover el bienestar social.

A Methodology for GUI Layer Redefinition Through Virtualization and Computer Vision

Nowadays despite improvements in usability and intuitiveness users have to adapt to the proposed systems to satisfy their needs. For instance, they must learn how to achieve tasks, how to interact with the system, and fulfill system's specifications. This paper proposes an approach to improve this situation enabling graphical user interface redefinition through virtualization and computer vision with the aim of increasing the system's usability. To achieve this goal the approach is based on enriched task models, virtualization and picture-driven computing.

Building intelligence open systems (BIOS)

Os edif��cios est��o a ser constru��dos com um n��mero crescente de sistemas de automa����o e controlo n��o integrados entre si. Esta falta de integra����o resulta num caos tecnol��gico, o que cria dificuldades nas tr��s fases da vida de um edif��cio, a fase de estudo, a de implementa����o e a de explora����o. O desenvolvimento de Building Automation System (BAS) tem como objectivo assegurar condi����es de conforto, seguran��a e economia de energia. Em edif��cios de grandes dimens��es a energia pode representar uma percentagem significativa da factura energ��tica anual. Um BAS integrado dever�� contribuir para uma diminui����o significativa dos custos de desenvolvimento, instala����o e gest��o do edif��cio, o que pode tamb��m contribuir para a redu����o de CO2. O objectivo da arquitectura proposta �� contribuir para uma estrat��gia de integra����o que permita a gest��o integrada dos diversos subsistemas do edif��cio (e.g. aquecimento, ventila����o e ar condicionado (AVAC), ilumina����o, seguran��a, etc.). Para realizar este controlo integrado �� necess��rio estabelecer uma estrat��gia de coopera����o entre os subsistemas envolvidos. Um dos desafios para desenvolver um BAS com estas caracter��sticas consistir�� em estabelecer a interoperabilidade entre os subsistemas como um dos principais objectivos a alcan��ar, dado que o fornecimento dos referidos subsistemas assenta normalmente numa filosofia multi-fornecedor, sendo desenvolvidos usando tecnologias heterog��neas. Desta forma, o presente trabalho consistiu no desenvolvimento de uma plataforma que se designou por Building Intelligence Open System (BIOS). Na implementa����o desta plataforma adoptou-se uma arquitectura orientada a servi��os ou Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) constitu��da por quatro elementos fundamentais: um bus cooperativo, denominado BIOSbus, implementado usando Jini e JavaSpaces, onde todos os servi��os ser��o ligados, disponibilizando um mecanismo de descoberta e um mecanismo que notificada as entidades interessadas sobre altera����es do estado de determinado componente; servi��os de comunica����o que asseguram a abstrac����o do Hardware utilizado da automatiza����o das diversas funcionalidades do edif��cio; servi��os de abstrac����o de subsistemas no acesso ao bus; clientes, este podem ser nomeadamente uma interface gr��fica onde �� poss��vel fazer a gest��o integrada do edif��cio, cliente de coordena����o que oferece a interoperabilidade entre subsistemas e os servi��os de gest��o energ��tica que possibilita a activa����o de algoritmos de gest��o racional de energia el��ctrica.

Automa����o e controlo de um sistema de armazenamento de bicicletas

A crescente procura da bicicleta como meio de transporte alternativo torna relevante a cria����o e desenvolvimento de infra-estruturas de apoio, tais como ciclovias e parques para bicicletas. Os sistemas tradicionais de parqueamento de bicicletas com recurso a correntes e cadeados n��o fornecem seguran��a nem comodidade. No entanto, come��am a surgir, em v��rias cidades do mundo, parque autom��ticos onde �� poss��vel guardar uma bicicleta em seguran��a, protegendo-a quer das intemp��ries quer de actos de vandalismo. Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta para um parque autom��tico de armazenamento de bicicletas, com recurso a caixas individualizadas que garantem a sua seguran��a, e tamb��m de outros bens que podem ser guardados junto da mesma, como por exemplo um capacete ou uma mochila. O sistema proposto no ��mbito deste trabalho �� um complemento ��s alternativas existentes. As vantagens apresentadas pelo sistema proposto s��o: a sua constru����o modular e personalizada; e a possibilidade de instala����o num terreno plano, sem recurso a obras de constru����o civil. O objectivo foi criar um projecto de automa����o e controlo de um prot��tipo, com base na proposta apresentada. O projecto de automa����o e controlo engloba a escolha dos sensores e dos actuadores. Para o dimensionamento dos motores foi necess��rio recorrer a um c��lculo simplificado da estrutura do rob�� manipulador. Foi feita a escolha dos sensores, actuadores e do controlador com base nos requisitos funcionais. A programa����o foi desenvolvida numa linguagem normalizada. O modelo desenvolvido poder�� servir de base para um projecto multidisciplinar entre v��rios departamentos do Instituto e dessa coopera����o poder�� surgir um novo projecto optimizado para produ����o e de menor custo.

Protec����o contra descargas atmosf��ricas: aplica����o inform��tica de identifica����o das vulnerabilidades das edifica����es e de apoio �� concep����o da protec����o

A concep����o de instala����es el��ctricas deve garantir condi����es de seguran��a para as pessoas e equipamentos. Para tal �� exigida, quer por for��a de regulamenta����o ou de normaliza����o, a instala����o de dispositivos que garantam a detec����o e a protec����o contra os defeitos mais comuns nas instala����es el��ctricas como, por exemplo, as sobreintensidades e as sobretens��es. Suscept��veis de criar sobretens��es perigosas nas instala����es el��ctricas, as descargas atmosf��ricas podem ainda causar danos estruturais elevados, o que, em algumas actividades econ��micas, torna fundamental a implementa����o de medidas de protec����o contra este fen��meno natural. A protec����o contra descargas atmosf��ricas directas consiste em identificar as vulnerabilidades das estruturas e, nesses locais, implementar dispositivos de captura, direccionamento e escoamento da descarga atmosf��rica �� terra, em condi����es de seguran��a. O presente trabalho, desenvolvido no ��mbito da disserta����o de Mestrado em Engenharia Electrot��cnica, visa desenvolver e implementar uma ferramenta computacional, baseada em programas de desenho assistido por computador (CAD) de utiliza����o corrente na ��rea de projecto de arquitectura e de engenharia, que permita, no ��mbito de normas internacionais, a an��lise e implementa����o de sistemas de protec����o em edif��cios contra descargas atmosf��ricas de uma forma r��pida e expedita. Baseado num programa CAD 3D, que permite a modeliza����o tridimensional das estruturas a proteger, a ferramenta desenvolvida tentar�� identificar as suas vulnerabilidades das estruturas ��s descargas atmosf��ricas directas, com o intuito de implementar as medidas de protec����o mais adequadas do ponto de vista t��cnico econ��mico. Prev��-se que a ferramenta resultante deste estudo, o Simulador do Modelo Electrogeom��trico (SIMODEL), possibilite aos projectistas e particularmente aos alunos das unidades curriculares na ��rea do projecto de instala����es el��ctricas da ��rea Departamental de Engenharia de Sistemas e Potencia e Automa����o (ADESPA) do ISEL, estudar e implementar sistemas de protec����o contra descargas atmosf��ricas (SPDA) baseados na normaliza����o internacional do CENELEC e da IEC, nomeadamente as normas da s��rie 62305.

RFID together with multi-agent systems to control global value chains

Nowadays, the cooperative intelligent transport systems are part of a largest system. Transportations are modal operations integrated in logistics and, logistics is the main process of the supply chain management. The supply chain strategic management as a simultaneous local and global value chain is a collaborative/cooperative organization of stakeholders, many times in co-opetition, to perform a service to the customers respecting the time, place, price and quality levels. The transportation, like other logistics operations must add value, which is achieved in this case through compression lead times and order fulfillments. The complex supplier's network and the distribution channels must be efficient and the integral visibility (monitoring and tracing) of supply chain is a significant source of competitive advantage. Nowadays, the competition is not discussed between companies but among supply chains. This paper aims to evidence the current and emerging manufacturing and logistics system challenges as a new field of opportunities for the automation and control systems research community. Furthermore, the paper forecasts the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies integrated into an information and communication technologies (ICT) framework based on distributed artificial intelligence (DAI) supported by a multi-agent system (MAS), as the most value advantage of supply chain management (SCM) in a cooperative intelligent logistics systems. Logistical platforms (production or distribution) as nodes of added value of supplying and distribution networks are proposed as critical points of the visibility of the inventory, where these technological needs are more evident.

Estudo e desenvolvimento da adapta����o duma viatura ligeira para transporte de deficientes motores

Na sociedade atual existe uma necessidade crescente, por parte de pessoas com incapacidades motoras, de utilizarem meios adaptados que lhes permita serem mais aut��nomos e menos limitados. Para isso, t��m sido desenvolvidos constantemente melhores acessibilidades aos transportes, oferecendo a esta popula����o melhores condi����es. Neste sentido, e em colabora����o com a C��mara Municipal de Lisboa (C.M.L.), a realiza����o deste trabalho de projeto teve como fundamento a necessidade de desenvolver uma nova viatura adaptada para transporte de deficientes motores, com o objetivo de acompanhar o mercado e de renovar a frota j�� existente. Al��m disso, algumas das viaturas em funcionamento nos servi��os da C.M.L. j�� se encontravam obsoletas, n��o oferecendo totais condi����es de seguran��a aos passageiros, pois eram utilizados bancos corridos para dois passageiros; os degraus de acesso da porta lateral n��o ofereciam a m��xima seguran��a; e algumas plataformas n��o apresentavam capacidade para eleva����o de cadeiras de rodas el��tricas. As solu����es encontradas para a nova viatura foram: aplica����o de uma plataforma eletrohidr��ulica do tipo ���gaveta���, para que ficasse perfeitamente arrumada; sobreleva����o do piso interior da viatura para permitir arruma����o da plataforma; instala����o de bancos unit��rios, com rota����o de 90 graus, para facilitar a entrada de cadeiras de rodas e oferecer mais espa��o ao habit��culo; e realiza����o do dimensionamento do circuito ��leo-hidr��ulico da estrutura de eleva����o traseira (plataforma) para permitir a eleva����o de cadeiras de rodas el��tricas. Neste trabalho foram utilizados v��rios programas inform��ticos de engenharia como o SolidWorks�� e ANSYS�� para o c��lculo estrutural e o Automation Studio�� para simula����o do funcionamento do circuito ��leo-hidr��ulico. A nova viatura desenvolvida serviu para substituir uma das mais antigas, tendo a C.M.L. neste momento uma adapta����o inovadora, que respeita todas as necessidades e especifica����es requeridas.