| 1. |
- Brasil, M. A. B., et al.
(author)
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Performance Comparison of Multi-Agent Middleware Platforms for Wireless Sensor Networks
- 2018
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In: IEEE Sensors Journal. - Piscataway, N.J. : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 1530-437X .- 1558-1748. ; 18:7, s. 3039-3049
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Despite the numerous possible applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), there is a key disadvantage related to the high complexity in programming WSNs, which is a result of their distributed and built-in features. To overcome this shortcoming, software agents have been identified as a suitable programming paradigm. The agent-based approach commonly uses a middleware for the execution of the software agents. In this regard, the present paper aims at comparing Java-based agent middleware platforms in their performance for the WSN application domain. Experiments were performed to analyze two versions of tracking applications, based on different agent models implemented for a given set of middleware platforms that support programming at a high-level of abstraction. The results highlight the differences in the resource consumption (CPU, memory, and energy) and in the communication overhead, providing an indication of suitability for each type of analyzed middleware, considering specific concerns while developing WSN applications. © 2001-2012 IEEE.
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| 2. |
- Charalampakis, Georgios, et al.
(author)
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Rationale for treatment of oral infectious diseases based on a micro-ecological concept
- 2014
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In: Current Trends in Microbiology. - 0972-7736. ; 9
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The most common oral infectious diseases are caries, endodontic infections, periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Early diagnosis and total control of these conditions remain a major challenge for clinicians. In this review, we describe infectious oral diseases and evaluate critically the current treatment strategies using a holistic aetiological approach. We draw attention to the local environment, the micro-ecology, where opportunistic pathogens may survive and thrive. We explain why elimination of bacteria from the disease site is probably not feasible and may not be critical; acceptance of this idea would represent a paradigm shift in understanding these conditions. We demonstrate that a crucial step for long-term success of treatment interventions and shift from disease to health involves a change in the local environment to create conditions in which pathogenic bacteria cannot survive and grow. We argue that measures that do not entail local micro-ecological change at affected sites will fail to prevent the recurrence of infectious oral diseases. Our further hope is that the idea of micro-ecology in dentistry will provide a model and pedagogical tool that will help clinicians, in their quest to counter oral diseases of infectious origin, to evaluate treatment approaches in dental care.
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| 3. |
- Gohardani, Navid, et al.
(author)
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Sustainable building renovation and refurbishment with applications of Vacuum Insulation Panels
- 2011
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In: SB11 World Sustainable Building Conference.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A large part of the available energy in the European Union is used for space heating of houses. This utilized energy presents an economical challenge as well as an environmental problem that ultimately must be dealt with by reducing the thermal losses through the climatic envelope. This reduction however, is intricate due to the spatial constraints in designated living areas and complexities arising from retrofitting of historical and cultural façades of the existing building stock. In light of the aforementioned problems, Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) may provide attractive solutions as they employ a thickness about one tenth of the required thickness, when using conventional insulation materials. This study contains a comparative analysis of VIP and traditional insulation materials and several other means of retrofitting in terms of life cycle energy and costs. Particular attention is given to the comparison of exterior and interior applications of VIP and the effects on the thermal bridges at the joints between the external wall and the adjacent floor slabs and balconies.
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| 4. |
- Gohari, A., et al.
(author)
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Adaptation of surface water supply to climate change in central Iran
- 2014
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In: Journal of Water and Climate Change. - : IWA Publishing. - 2040-2244 .- 2408-9354. ; 5:3, s. 391-407
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Optimal reservoir operation changes and adaptation strategies for the Zayandeh-Rud River Basin's surface water supply system are examined for a changing climate during the 2015–2044 period. On average, the monthly temperature in the basin is expected to increase by 0.46–0.76 °C and annual precipitation is expected to decrease by 14–38% with climate change, resulting in a reduction of the Zayandeh-Rud's peak stream flow and the amplitude of its seasonal range. Snowfall decrease in winter months will generally lead to an 8–43% reduction in annual stream flow under climate change. A reservoir operation model is developed and optimal reservoir operation strategies are identified for adaptation of the basin's surface water supply to climate change in the face of the increasing water demand. Results indicate that the reservoir drawdown season starts 2 months earlier under climate change. Smaller storage levels and greater water releases must occur to meet the increasing water demand. The optimized water release can provide sufficient water for non-agricultural water demand, but agriculture will experience more severe water shortage under a changing climate. Having the highest vulnerability, the agricultural sector should be the main focus of regional management plans to address the current water challenge and more severe water shortages under climate change.
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