Cluster operating system support for parallel autonomic computing

The aim of this paper is to show a general design of autonomic elements and initial implementation of a cluster operating system that moves parallel processing on clusters to the computing mainstream using the autonomic computing vision. The significance of this solution is as follows. Autonomic Computing was identified by IBM as one of computing's Grand Challenges. The human body was used to illustrate an Autonomic Computing system that possesses self-knowledge, self-configuration, self optimization, self-healing, and self-protection, knowledge of its environment and user friendliness properties. One of the areas that could benefit from the comprehensive approach created by the autonomic computing vision is parallel processing on non-dedicated clusters. Many researchers and research groups have responded positively to the challenge by initiating research around one or two of the characteristics identified by IBM as the requirements for autonomic computing. We demonstrate here that it is possible to satisfy all Autonomic Computing characteristics.

The profit-driven action sport industry working within the not-for-profit Australian sport system : the case of freestyle BMX Australia and the Australian sports commission

When not-for-profit organisations and for-profit organisations are forced to work together, conflict can arise. This paper explores the tensions that have resulted in the Australian sport setting when the Australian Sport Commission (ASC), with its emphasis predominantly directed at not for profit sport, sought to embrace the traditionally for profit sport of Freestyle BMX into the mainstream sport system. This case study traces the development and implementation of the ASC's Street Active program through Freestyle BMX. It was found that Freestyle BMX experienced mission drift and did not provide a product or service relevant to its consumers by adhering to the guidelines required by the ASC. Further, in the development of the program, the ASC did not expect the rivalry between suppliers in the free market action sport industry when it engaged three management groups to deliver the Street Active program. As a result the action sport industry is further fragmented into for-profit agencies, and farther removed from the Australia's federal governing agency, the ASC.

A defense system against DDoS attacks by large-scale IP traceback

In this paper, we present a new approach, called Flexible Deterministic Packet Marking (FDPM), to perform a large-scale IP traceback to defend against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In a DDoS attack the victim host or network is usually attacked by a large number of spoofed IP packets coming from multiple sources. IP traceback is the ability to trace the IP packets to their sources without relying on the source address field of the IP header. FDPM provides many flexible features to trace the IP packets and can obtain better tracing capability than current IP traceback mechanisms, such as Probabilistic Packet Marking (PPM), and Deterministic Packet Marking (DPM). The flexibilities of FDPM are in two ways, one is that it can adjust the length of marking field according to the network protocols deployed; the other is that it can adjust the marking rate according to the load of participating routers. The implementation and evaluation demonstrates that the FDPM needs moderately only a small number of packets to complete the traceback process; and can successfully perform a large-scale IP traceback, for example, trace up to 110,000 sources in a single incident response. It has a built-in overload prevention mechanism, therefore this scheme can perform a good traceback process even it is heavily loaded.

Implementation of novel methods of global and nonsmooth optimization : GANSO programming library

We discuss the implementation of a number of modern methods of global and nonsmooth continuous optimization, based on the ideas of Rubinov, in a programming library GANSO. GANSO implements the derivative-free bundle method, the extended cutting angle method, dynamical system-based optimization and their various combinations and heuristics. We outline the main ideas behind each method, and report on the interfacing with Matlab and Maple packages.

Analytical communication networks model for enterprise grid computing

This paper addresses the problem of performance analysis based on the communication modeling of large-scale heterogeneous distributed systems, with an emphasis on enterprise Grid computing systems. The study of communication layers is important, as the overall performance of a distributed system often critically hinges on the effectiveness of this part. We propose an analytical model that is based on probabilistic analysis and queuing networks. The proposed model considers the processor as well as network heterogeneity of the enterprise Grid system. The model is validated through comprehensive simulations, which demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits a good degree of accuracy for various system sizes, and under different working conditions.

Communication network analysis of the enterprise grid systems

This paper addresses the problem of performance analysis based on communication modelling of largescale heterogeneous distributed systems with emphases on enterprise grid computing systems. The study of communication layers is important because the overall performance of a distributed system is often critically hinged on the effectiveness of this part. This model considers processor as well as network heterogeneity of target system. The model is validated through comprehensive simulation, which demonstrates that the proposed model exhibits a good degree of accuracy for various system sizes and under different working conditions. The proposed model is then used to investigate the performance analysis of typical systems.

The development of a mobile decision support system

The emergence of mobile computing environments brings out various changes in the requirements and applications involving distributed data and has made the traditional Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) architectures based on the client/server model ineffective in mobile computing environments. This paper discusses the deficiencies of the current IDSS architectures based on data warehouse, on-line analysis processing (OLAP), model base (MB) and knowledge based (KB) technologies. By adopting the agent technology, the paper extends the IDSS system architecture to the Mobile Decision Support System (MDSS) architecture. The logical structure and the application architecture of the MDSS and the mechanisms and implementation strategies of the User Access Agent System, a major component of the MDSS, are described in this paper.

The design and implementation of an active replication scheme for distributing services in a cluster of workstations

Replication is the key to providing high availability, fault tolerance, and enhanced performance in a cluster of workstations (COWs). However, building such a system remains as a difficult and challenging task, mainly due to the difficulty of maintaining data consistency among replicas and the lack of easy and efficient tools supporting the development procedure. In this paper we propose an active replication scheme in which data consistency can be maintained. Based on the active replication scheme, we present an object-oriented design pattern and a constructing tool to simplify the design and implementation of service replications in COWs.

Designing a Remote Navigation System

This project involves the design and implementation of a global electronic tracking system intended for use by trans-oceanic vessels, using the technology of the U.S. Government's Global Positioning System (GPS) and a wireless connection to a networked computer. Traditional navigation skills are being replaced with highly accurate electronics. GPS receivers, computers, and mobile communication are becoming common among both recreational and commercial boaters. With computers and advanced communication available throughout the maritime world, information can be shared instantaneously around the globe. This ability to monitor one's whereabouts from afar can provide an increased level of safety and efficiency. Current navigation software seldom includes the capability of providing upto-the-minute navigation information for remote display. Remote access to this data will allow boat owners to track the progress of their boats, land-based organizations to monitor weather patterns and suggest course changes, and school groups to track the progress of a vessel and learn about navigation and science. The software developed in this project allows navigation information from a vessel to be remotely transmitted to a land-based server, for interpretation and deployment to remote users over the Internet. This differs from current software in that it allows the tracking of one vessel by multiple users and provides a means for two-way text messaging between users and the vesseI. Beyond the coastal coverage provided by cellular telephones, mobile communication is advancing rapidly. Current tools such as satellite telephones and single-sideband radio enable worldwide communications, including the ability to connect to the Internet. If current trends continue, portable global communication will be available at a reasonable price and Internet connections on boats will become more common.

A proposed hybrid evaluation methodology for intelligent transport system deployment

The rapid deployment of intelligent transport systems in practice requires serious evaluation of new construction projects. Traditional transportation evaluation methods are insufficient to capture the new features of intelligent transport systems, particularly the applications of recently developed information technologies. This research aims to develop a new conceptual framework to evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of intelligent transport systems deployment, with explicit consideration of impacts of information technologies on variant travel behaviours. The research would provide a systematic evaluation methodology to enable decision makers and publics better evaluating and understanding the social, economic and environmental benefits of implementation of intelligent transport systems.

Analytical performance modeling of the enterprise grid computing

This paper addresses the problem of performance modeling of large-scale heterogeneous distributed systems with emphases on enterprise grid computing systems. To this end, we present an analytical model that can be employed to explore the effectiveness of different design approaches so that one can have an intelligent choice during design and evaluation a cost-effective large-scale heterogeneous distributed computing system. The model is validated through comprehensive simulation.

Toward pervasive computing in restaurant

In this paper, an example of pervasive computing in restaurant, a wireless web-based ordering system is presented. By using mobile devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and WebPad, customers can get many benefits when making orders in restaurants. With this system, customers get faster and better services, restaurant staff cooperate more efficiently with less working mistakes, and enterprise owners thus receive more business profits. This system has multi-tiered web-based system architecture with good integration and scalability features, and is client device operating system fully independent. Details of design and implementation of this system are presented.

Environmental management system and electronic communication : Is it the need of the hour?

Implementation and certification of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is a reality for many businesses. Communication with an organisation’s stakeholders is a required element of any EMS. In the last five years companies have steadily moved towards integrating their different management systems, such as quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety, in an attempt to reduce their costs and increase efficiency. Legislation requires extensive reporting in each of these areas, so compliance is another important driver. During this period, communication by digital technology, or electronic communication, has gained prominence and acceptance amongst all groups of people including businesses primarily as a means to disseminate crucial EMS information to geographically diverse employees in a cost effective and instantaneous manner. Some perspectives have emerged to suggest that change processes in organisations may be hindered or helped in various ways through the application of digital technology in EMS. There are, however, gaps in the literature that document the impact and effectiveness of electronic communication amongst EMS stakeholders. In this paper we will discuss employees as one of the major stakeholders and whether the move to electronic communication has been assisting or hindering transformations in awareness and understanding of issues amongst employees. We highlight opportunities and challenges presented by an increased use of electronic communication in light of the environmental and climate change debates, which underpin EMS.

Challenges relating to RFID implementation within the electronic supply chain management - a practical approach

The use of RHFID (Radio Frequency ldentification) technology can be employed for not only reducing companies management costs but also to track uniquely each shipping container, pallet, case, and product being manufactured, shipped and sold, to increase visibility and accountability in the supply chain. RFID technology connects the supply chain players (i.e., suppliers, manifacturers, distributors, retailers and customers) and allows them to exchange data and product information. Despite these potential benefits, there are challenges and obstacles with the deployment of a RFID-enabled system in the global supply chain. The paper outlines the major RFID issues faced by supply chain management. In this paper, we also present a case study on pharmaceutical supply chain management (SCM) applications by addressing and examining the issues of RFID implementation in a SCM system.

Environmental management system adoption by government departments/agencies

Purpose: – This paper seeks to examine the adoption of an environmental management system (EMS) in government departments involved in one Australian state and identify the key factors that contribute to successful adoption.

Design/methodology/approach: – Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with environmental coordinators involved in the EMS adoption. The external consultant appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority who provided the training on behalf of the government departments was also interviewed.

Findings: – The results from the analysis shows that environmental coordinators valued the training as it enhanced their knowledge and skills. They experienced a combination of both tangible and intangible benefits. The lack of contribution and support from top management; difficulty in accessing resources; and resistance from employees were the main challenges experienced during EMS implementation. Recommendations made by the interviewees included: providing training to top management to increase their understanding of the EMS process and its benefits; selection of the right champion; provision of adequate resources; and, training of employees.

Research limitations/implications: – The findings are based on interviews conducted in only one Australian state and no follow up interviews could be undertaken to track the progress made by various departments.

Originality/value: – The findings of this paper are original as no other similar study has been undertaken in this Australian state documenting the experiences of environmental coordinators when implementing an EMS. Our findings have practical implications for public sector organisations and government departments implementing EMS.