We present SMURPH|a software package for modeling communication protocols at the medium access control (MAC) level. SMURPH can be viewed as a combination of a protocol speciication language and an event-driven, discrete-time simulator that provides a virtual (but realistic) and controlled environment for protocol execution. This combination yields a protocol prototyping system which can be used...

This paper proposes a model for the integration of a formal ontology and a folksonomy within a knowledge-based system. We evaluated such a model by designing ARNEIS 2.0, an “intelligent” and social web-based repository of software solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). ARNEIS 2.0 is a work in progress and aims at exploiting the integration of Semantic Web (ontologies and reason...

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach based on the principles of constructivism, in which students learn by addressing authentic problems reflecting on their experiences. Virtual Worlds (VWs) are a promising educational medium that has the affordances to support constructivist learning and may be used to extend PBL activities in a more experiential way. In this paper we propos...

The workflow of enterprises usually involves the integration of multiple applications from various systems. To lower the difficulty of integration, Enterprise Integration Patterns could be helpful. Each pattern poses a specific design problem, discusses the considerations surrounding the problem, and presents an elegant solution that balances the various forces. The BPEL language is used to mod...

If battery packs for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are to operate effectively in all climates, thermal management of the packs is essential. In this paper, we will review a systematic approach for designing and evaluating battery pack thermal management systems. A thermal management system using air as the heat transfer medium is less complicated than a system usin...

We propose a new scheme for efficient demand side management for the Smart Grid. Specifically, we envisage and promote the formation of cooperatives of medium-large consumers and equip them (via our proposed mechanisms) with the capability of regularly participating in the existing electricity markets by providing electricity demand reduction services to the Grid. Based on mechanism design prin...

Working with ‘real-world’ problems is at the centre of the RAMESES research project which focuses on Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In designing the study care had to be taken to ensure the relevance of the research techniques to be used.. This paper outlines the benefits of using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods within the bounds of a multi-disciplinary research...

Optical rotation sensors based on some highly dispersive resonating structures are expected to be highly sensitive. An example is the coupled-resonator-induced transparency based rotation sensor, which is analyzed to be highly sensitive and promising to be made in a compact size. We also propose an idea of combining highly dispersive medium and resonator structure together to further increase t...

Network structures can be found in almost any kind of natural or artificial systems as transport medium for communication between the respective nodes. In this paper we study certain key topological features of brain functional networks obtained from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements. We compare complex network measures of the extracted topologies with those from Interne...

From the fundamental requirement of causality, we derive a rigorous criterion of negative refraction (left handedness). This criterion imposes the lower limits on the electric and magnetic losses in the region of the negative refraction. If these losses are eliminated or significantly reduced by any means, including the compensation by active (gain) media, then the negative refraction will disa...