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Funding education to address the colonial imbalances in education provision in Zimbabwe has come at a considerable cost to the state. This paper explores the funding challenges experienced in Zimbabwe. It highlights the funding models used experienced in different parts of the world to determine possible solutions for funding secondary education in Zimbabwe. The human capital theory underpins this study. The theory suggests a close relationship between economic development and education expansion. A qualitative approach was followed to obtain data on the suitability of the Basic Assistance Education Model of funding. Participants in the study were purposively selected education officers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) drawn from all districts in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. The sample comprised of twenty education officers, six principals and five NGOs. These participants were targeted based on the wealth of information they possessed and were free to withdraw from the study at any time. Data collection strategies were in-person interviews with school principals and non-governmental organisations and focus group interviews with education officers. The results indicate that the Zimbabwean model failed to fund secondary education, given the huge number of learners who need financial assistance owing to the country's poor economic performance. This problem is compounded by mismanagement and corrupt officials distributing these ministry funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud computing provides a number of resources over the internet to the users based on their request. These resources need to be scheduled in an efficient manner so that not only the provider gets benefited out of it, but the user also can take its advantage to the full extent. Therefore, resource scheduling is a critical and demanding requirement in a cloud environment. In this paper, we are proposing a bio-inspired approach, in which we have modified the existing particle swarm optimization (PSO) Algorithm and have combined it with genetic algorithm (GA) which in turn has the features and advantages of both the approaches. The proposed inventive particle swarm optimization with genetic algorithm (IPSO-GA) not only schedules resources efficiently, but also effectively manage the resources. The proposed approach is compared with traditional approaches on CloudSim simulator, where the proposed algorithm outperforms the traditional algorithms in terms of makespan time, execution time and resource utilization. Our proposed approach IPSO-GA has given better results than the existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing electricity in off-grid island communities is a big challenge, exacerbated by the high cost of transporting fossil fuels and the non-viability of extending grid connections. Installing renewable energy systems in these areas is deemed a practical solution, especially supporting just energy transitions in these communities. However, the lack of information about resource availability and the most suitable locations hinders effective planning. This paper aims to determine the sufficiency of available renewable energy sources to meet the electricity demand of off-grid island communities. It is achieved through a three-phased approach: (1) an assessment stage; (2) geospatial analysis; and (3) technical potential estimation. The approach is applied in three island communities in Palawan, namely Araceli, Balabac, and Cuyo, where a diesel power plant currently provides electricity to its households and commercial/institutional establishments. The results indicate that the three islands can be powered by 3, 1.5, and 11 MW solar photovoltaic farms, respectively, which is sufficient to meet the projected demand until 2030. The approach can be helpful, especially for off-grid island communities, as they plan to provide universal electricity access using renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy/resource consumption in production processes can significantly improve the environmental performance of manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a sustainable manufacturing method and tool and describes its application in a mechanical engineering company which produces automotive components. The tool allows to map the processes/activities and the related resources consumed, assess the efficiency through specific key performance indicators, identify process criticalities and thus set mitigation or improvement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the role of qualitative system dynamics (SD) in evaluating the information presented in corporate accounting reports. Particularly, this study focuses on a recent corporate report called integrated reporting (), and analyses the information using a specific qualitative SD technique, resource mapping, in order to visualize the key resources and their connections responsible for the performance of the organization. The study'; contribution is twofold. First, it provides insights on how to apply qualitative SD in the field of management accounting and corporate reporting. Second, it verifies the benefits of combining qualitative SD and corporate reporting tools to develop new knowledge useful to represent and face the dynamic complexity implicit in a business domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mapping from sentence phrases to knowledge graph resources is an important step for applications such as search engines, automatic question answering systems based on acknowledge base and knowledge graphs. The existing solution maps a simple phrase to a knowledge graph resource strictly or approximately from the text. However, it is difficult to detect phrases and map the composite semantic resource. This paper proposes a longest matching resource mapping scheme to solve this problem, namely, to find the longest substring in a sentence that can match the knowledge base resource. Based on this scheme, we propose an optimization algorithm based on state compression dynamic programming. Furthermore, we improve the operating efficiency by removing invalid states. Experimental results show that our proposed optimization algorithm considerably improves the efficiency of the benchmark algorithm in terms of running time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article builds on the current debate on how accounting tools can assist top management teams to manage their resources, while communicating a variety of data and information about value creation to their stakeholders. Within this debate, the study focuses on a recent tool for corporate reporting, the Integrated Reporting (〈IR〉), and investigates its utility to support the development of a holistic model for managing strategic resources to create value. To operationalize the 〈IR〉 according to this perspective, the article combines 〈IR〉 with the Dynamic Resource-Based View (DRBV) of the firm on the basis of their common idea that strategic resources are interconnected and have to be managed with the collaboration of all stakeholders in order to inform governance actions and create value with a holistic perspective. For the two case studies analyzed, the information provided by the two organizations' 〈IR〉 is specifically organized and re-framed using "resource mapping", which is a DRBV-based visual and analytical technique representing the causal relationships between resources and governance actions. In this way, we not only aim to re-organize and visualize existing information into a new form, but we also expect to describe and communicate the dominant logic in the business and the leverage points where the value creation process lies, supporting the usefulness of Integrated Reporting as a management and governance tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, geographic information system (GIS)-based methods and their applications in solar power system planning and design were reviewed. Three types of GIS-based studies, including those on solar radiation mapping, site evaluation, and potential assessment, were considered to elucidate the role of GISs as problem-solving tools in relation to photovoltaic and concentrated solar power systems for the conversion of solar energy into electricity. The review was performed by classifying previous GIS-based studies into several subtopics according to the complexity of the employed GIS-based methods, the type of solar power conversion technology, or the scale of the study area. Because GISs are appropriate for handling geospatial data related to solar resource and site suitability conditions on various scales, the applications of GIS-based methods in solar power system planning and design could be expanded further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trawling operations, extended wide and far, have resulted in the emergence of many non-conventional fishery resources. Apart from regular commercial crustacean resources of shrimps, crabs and lobsters, crucifix crab, C. feriatus, C. smithii and C lucifera are forming bulk catch in regular trawl fishery recently. The south-west coast of India contributes onethird of country’s stomatopod production in which Oratosquilla nepa contributes the maximum. Extension of fishing grounds has resulted in exploitation of larger-sized stomatopods Harpiosquilla harpax, which is edible. Present study aims at understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of these non-conventional resources, through GIS-based resource mapping which is indicative of their distribution and abundance. The study showed that there is good potential for commercial exploitation of non-conventional resources which can form a part of the commercial fishery in coming years to enrich the seafood availability and to provide new avenues for fishermen for maximising their returns from the fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of food banks to the availability of accessible food, attention to the resilience of regional systems for bringing food from producers to distributors—including local food pantries—is of prime concern. By utilizing a partnership between Appalachian State University and Feeding America, through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, we gathered information regarding the capabilities of seven regional food pantries. This pilot study focused on the capabilities of the selected food pantries to provide food assistance, promote self-efficacy, and address root causes of hunger in their communities. We utilized a cross-sectional survey developed at the University of Oklahoma as well as descriptive statistics to create resource maps utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) software. This approach provided a model for an upcoming survey of three hundred food pantries located throughout the state of North Carolina to be implemented by Appalachian State University and research partners from the University of North Carolina. The larger study will expand knowledge regarding the best practices for food pantry operations, highlight opportunities to strengthen organizational capabilities including nutrition offerings and other wraparound services, support the development of resource maps to optimize the use of regional and self-efficacy-related resources for low-income clients and communities, and promote the expansion of opportunities for collaboration and funding. Ultimately, we plan to utilize statewide data to develop a Food Pantry Capability Index based on selected measures encompassing available food assets, financial resources, size of area served, population-specific demographics, and number and type of auxiliary services offered including economic development initiatives. Such an Index could be used nationwide to assess and improve overall food resiliency and self-efficacy for given communities, counties, regions, and states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Optical remote sensing is an important tool in the study of animal behavior providing ecologists with the means to understand species–environment interactions in combination with animal movement data. However, differences in spatial and temporal resolution between movement and remote sensing data limit their direct assimilation. In this context, we built a data‐driven framework to map resource suitability that addresses these differences as well as the limitations of satellite imagery. It combines seasonal composites of multiyear surface reflectances and optimized presence and absence samples acquired with animal movement data within a cross‐validation modeling scheme. Moreover, it responds to dynamic, site‐specific environmental conditions making it applicable to contrasting landscapes. We tested this framework using five populations of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) to model resource suitability related to foraging achieving accuracies from 0.40 to 0.94 for presences and 0.66 to 0.93 for absences. These results were influenced by the temporal composition of the seasonal reflectances indicated by the lower accuracies associated with higher day differences in relation to the target dates. Additionally, population differences in resource selection influenced our results marked by the negative relationship between the model accuracies and the variability of the surface reflectances associated with the presence samples. Our modeling approach spatially splits presences between training and validation. As a result, when these represent different and unique resources, we face a negative bias during validation. Despite these inaccuracies, our framework offers an important basis to analyze species–environment interactions. As it standardizes site‐dependent behavioral and environmental characteristics, it can be used in the comparison of intra‐ and interspecies environmental requirements and improves the analysis of resource selection along migratory paths. Moreover, due to its sensitivity to differences in resource selection, our approach can contribute toward a better understanding of species requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtualization technology boosts up traditional computing concept to cloud computing by introducing Virtual Machines (VMs) over the Physical Machines (PMs), which enables the cloud service providers to share the limited computing and network resources among multiple users. Virtual resource mapping can be defined as the process of embedding multiple VMs and their network resource demand onto multiple inter-connected PMs. The existing mechanisms of resource mapping need to be efficient enough to minimize the number of PMs without compromising the deadline of the tasks assigned to the VMs, which is NP-hard. To deal with this problem, a Link based Virtual Resource Management (LVRM) algorithm is designed to map the VMs onto PMs based on the available and required resources of the PMs and VMs, respectively. The designed algorithm exploits the fact that the demanded network bandwidth among VMs should be given higher priority while allocating the physical resources to the inter-connected virtual machines as insufficient network bandwidth may detain the task execution. The proposed algorithm is evaluated by a discrete event simulator and is compared with similar virtual network embedded algorithms. Simulation results show that LVRM can outperform over other network embedded algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the impression of decreasing ore grades and increasing production costs in conventional mining, seafloor minerals came into focus. Having gained a basic understanding of geological settings, there is still a lack of tools to assess and plan future mining projects in the deep-sea. This paper contributes to a mining concept which is inspired by the high-tech farming industry: strip mining. Potential mining fields are identified using image filters in conjunction with hydroacoustic backscatter data and slope angles and are portioned into long, narrow strips. In the framework of the EU-funded Blue Mining project, these methods were applied to a part of the eastern German exploration area, located in the manganese nodule belt of the Clarion Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean. Both, the mapping technique and the mining concept presented in this paper can be used in early-stage feasibility studies to derive estimates on production key figures for seafloor manganese nodule mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mapping of resources helps us in identifying those resources which can be used more pragmatically, for interventions and programs related to human health especially during emergency conditions. Resource mapping identifies the resources that can realistically be used for health related interventions, programs and during an emergency. Aim and Objectives: The primary objective was to locate the basic healthcare related resources available in that area. Secondary objectives were to Understand and compare these resources along certain important dimensions using qualitative research methods and to identify possible existing gaps, share the results with the local stakeholders and suggest effective interventions. Material & Methods: Manual mapping method was used to locate the available healthcare related services in urban slum area. FGDs were held to compare utilization of resources along eight dimensions. In depth interviews were held with existing healthcare service providers, stakeholders and local residents to assess their utilization and needs. Results Existing health services used by community were local herbal clinic, district hospital, Anganwadi Centre, mobile clinic, wellness clinic and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur. Conclusions The manual mapping and qualitative techniques used showed that existing resources lacked in (a) providing in situ primary care (b) clinical services by a female gynecologist (c) health education services to address existing drug addiction and substance abuse. This exercise helped in rapid need assessment and prioritizing of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) are usually resource constrained, and where the sensor nodes have limited bandwidth, energy, processing power, and memory. Hence, resource mapping is required in a WMSN, which is based on user linguistic quality of service (QoS) requirements and available resources to offer better communication services. This paper proposes an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based resource mapping for video communications in WMSNs. Each sensor node is equipped with ANFIS, which employs three inputs (user QoS request, available node energy, and available node bandwidth) to predict the quality of the video output in terms of varying number of frames/second with either fixed or varying resolution. The sensor nodes periodically measure the available node energy and also the bandwidth. The spatial query processing in the proposed resource mapping works as follows. (i) The sink node receives the user query for some event. (ii) The sink node sends the query through an intermediate sensor node(s) and cluster head(s) in the path to an event node. A cluster head-based tree routing algorithm is used for routing. (iii) The query passes through ANFIS of intermediate sensor nodes and cluster heads, where each node predicts the quality of the video output. (iv) The event node chooses the minimum quality among all cluster heads and intermediate nodes in the path and transmits the video output. The work is simulated in different network scenarios to test the performance in terms of predicted frames/second and frame format. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed resource mapping is the first work in the area of sensor networks. The trained ANFIS predicts the output video quality in terms of number of frames/second (or H.264 video format) accurately for the given input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is facing serious energy crises. Presently the energy supplies are primarily fulfilled by natural gas and imported oil. The energy deficit is a major constraint to economic growth. However, Pakistan is blessed with natural resources, which can be utilized to tackle the energy deficit. Compared to other renewable energy technologies, tidal energy is still not capitalized in Pakistan. It was estimated that around 900 MW power can be generated from tidal currents in the Indus Delta Creek areas. Among all creeks Chan Waddo, Korangi, Paitiani, Kajhar and Khai creeks have the highest power potentials. In this study, a GIS based approach was used to analysee the sustainable use of the estimated tidal current power potential. The proximity of power potential sites to power grid, urban area, built up land and road network for easy access demonstrate the sustainable use of this energy. Results showed that energy generated at these potential sites can be utilized in many ways as Korangi creek, Chann Waddo creek and Phitti are close to Karachi, while there are several towns in the vicinity of Pitiani creek and Khai creek. Other potential sites are close to the planned city Zulfikarabad. As the tidal current potential of the Indus delta creek system is encouraging, it can be considered in future energy policies and sustainable development strategies for a green and sustainable Pakistan. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further research and pilot projects should be commenced on priority basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing demand for high performance computing and data storage, distributed computing systems have attracted a lot of attention. To have a cost efficient usage of comput ing resources, resource scalability and on demand services are required through virtualization and distributed computing. Service charges and business costs both should known by the service provider for the profit maximization. These are determined by the multi server system configuration and the applications. Optimizations of computing and networking resources need to be jointly performed. The problem of optimal multi server configuration for profit maximization in cloud computing takes such factors as the service provider's margin and profit, the quality of service(QoS), the cost of renting, the cost of energy consumption, the workload of an application, the service level agreement(SLA), the configuration of multi server system, the amount of service. Optimization problem can be formulated and solved analytically by using M/M/m queuing model in multi server system configuration. As a framework to virtual resource mapping , a mixed integer programming(MIP) problem is formulated which relates to cost efficiency of resource mapping procedure. The link mapping can be achieved by multi commodity flow allocation problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud computing builds upon advances on virtualization and distributed computing to support cost-efficient usage of computing resources, emphasizing on resource scalability and on demand services. Moving away from traditional data-center oriented models, distributed clouds extend over a loosely coupled federated substrate, offering enhanced communication and computational services to target end-users with quality of service (QoS) requirements, as dictated by the future Internet vision. Toward facilitating the efficient realization of such networked computing environments, computing and networking resources need to be jointly treated and optimized. This requires delivery of user-driven sets of virtual resources, dynamically allocated to actual substrate resources within networked clouds, creating the need to revisit resource mapping algorithms and tailor them to a composite virtual resource mapping problem. In this paper, toward providing a unified resource allocation framework for networked clouds, we first formulate the optimal networked cloud mapping problem as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem, indicating objectives related to cost efficiency of the resource mapping procedure, while abiding by user requests for QoS-aware virtual resources. We subsequently propose a method for the efficient mapping of resource requests onto a shared substrate interconnecting various islands of computing resources, and adopt a heuristic methodology to address the problem. The efficiency of the proposed approach is illustrated in a simulation/emulation environment, that allows for a flexible, structured, and comparative performance evaluation. We conclude by outlining a proof-of-concept realization of our proposed schema, mounted over the European future Internet test-bed FEDERICA, a resource virtualization platform augmented with network and computing facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cloud represents a computing paradigm where shared configurable resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Adding intra- or intercloud communication resources to the resource mix leads to a networked cloud computing environment. Following the cloud infrastructure as a Service paradigm and in order to create a flexible management framework, it is of paramount importance to address efficiently the resource mapping problem within this context. To deal with the inherent complexity and scalability issue of the resource mapping problem across different administrative domains, in this paper a hierarchical framework is described. First, a novel request partitioning approach based on Iterated Local Search is introduced that facilitates the cost-efficient and online splitting of user requests among eligible cloud service providers (CPs) within a networked cloud environment. Following and capitalizing on the outcome of the request partitioning phase, the embedding phase—where the actual mapping of requested virtual to physical resources is performed can be realized through the use of a distributed intracloud resource mapping approach that allows for efficient and balanced allocation of cloud resources. Finally, a thorough evaluation of the proposed overall framework on a simulated networked cloud environment is provided and critically compared against an exact request partitioning solution as well as another common intradomain virtual resource embedding solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human influenza infection poses a serious public health threat in Cambodia, a country at risk for the emergence and spread of novel influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Prior pandemics demonstrated the adverse impact of influenza on poor communities in developing countries. Investigation of healthcare resource distribution can inform decisions regarding resource mobilization and investment for pandemic mitigation. Methods: A health facility survey performed across Cambodia obtained data on availability of healthcare resources important for pandemic influenza response. Focusing on five key resources considered most necessary for treating severe influenza (inpatient beds, doctors, nurses, oseltamivir, and ventilators), resource distributions were analyzed at the Operational District (OD) and Province levels, refining data analysis from earlier studies. Resources were stratified by respondent type (hospital vs. District Health Office [DHO]). A summary index of distribution inequality was calculated using the Gini coefficient. Indices for local spatial autocorrelation were measured at the OD level using geographical information system (GIS) analysis. Finally, a potential link between socioeconomic status and resource distribution was explored by mapping resource densities against poverty rates. Results: Gini coefficient calculation revealed variable inequality in distribution of the five key resources at the Province and OD levels. A greater percentage of the population resides in areas of relative under-supply (28.5%) than over-supply (21.3%). Areas with more resources per capita showed significant clustering in central Cambodia while areas with fewer resources clustered in the northern and western provinces. Hospital-based inpatient beds, doctors, and nurses were most heavily concentrated in areas of the country with the lowest poverty rates; however, beds and nurses in Non-Hospital Medical Facilities (NHMF) showed increasing concentrations at higher levels of poverty. Conclusions: There is considerable heterogeneity in healthcare resource distribution across Cambodia. Distribution mapping at the local level can inform policy decisions on where to stockpile resources in advance of and for reallocation in the event of a pandemic. These findings will be useful in determining future health resource investment, both for pandemic preparedness and for general health system strengthening, and provide a foundation for future analyses of equity in health services provision for pandemic mitigation planning in Cambodia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: There is increasing perception that countries cannot work in isolation to militate against the threat of pandemic influenza. In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Asia, high socio-economic diversity and fertile conditions for the emergence and spread of infectious diseases underscore the importance of transnational cooperation. Investigation of healthcare resource distribution and inequalities can help determine the need for, and inform decisions regarding, resource sharing and mobilisation. Methods: We collected data on healthcare resources deemed important for responding to pandemic influenza through surveys of hospitals and district health offices across four countries of the GMS (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam). Focusing on four key resource types (oseltamivir, hospital beds, ventilators, and health workers), we mapped and analysed resource distributions at province level to identify relative shortages, mismatches, and clustering of resources. We analysed inequalities in resource distribution using the Gini coefficient and Theil index. Results: Three quarters of the Cambodian population and two thirds of the Laotian population live in relatively underserved provinces (those with resource densities in the lowest quintile across the region) in relation to health workers, ventilators, and hospital beds. More than a quarter of the Thai population is relatively underserved for health workers and oseltamivir. Approximately one fifth of the Vietnamese population is underserved for beds and ventilators. All Cambodian provinces are underserved for at least one resource. In Lao PDR, 11 percent of the population is underserved by all four resource items. Of the four resources, ventilators and oseltamivir were most unequally distributed. Cambodia generally showed higher levels of inequalities in resource distribution compared to other countries. Decomposition of the Theil index suggests that inequalities result principally from differences within, rather than between, countries. Conclusions: There is considerable heterogeneity in healthcare resource distribution within and across countries of the GMS. Most inequalities result from within countries. Given the inequalities, mismatches, and clustering of resources observed here, resource sharing and mobilization in a pandemic scenario could be crucial for more effective and equitable use of the resources that are available in the GMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of programming many-core architectures efficiently and effectively requires models and methods to co-design chip architectures and their software tool chain, using an approach that is both vertical and general. In this paper, we present compilation schemes for a general model of concurrency captured in a parallel language designed for system-level programming and as a target for higher level compilers. We also expose the challenges of integrating these transformation rules into a sequential-oriented compiler. Moreover, we discuss resource mapping inherent to those challenges. Our aim has been to reuse as much of the existing sequential compiler technology as possible in order to harness decades of prior research in compiling sequential languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined approach utilizing GIS, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) has been developed for resource mapping in a rural poverty-prone area of Bangladesh. This model integrated GIS and participatory tools to include the voices of the stakeholders in assessing available resources and needs. The resource mapping framework, developed using PRA with local community people and community gatekeepers, was aimed at sustainable resource management, and ArcView GIS was used to digitize the resource maps as a Decision Support System (DSS). A detailed assessment and analysis of the quality, quantity and physical status of resources was first mapped in the field and then digitized using GIS. FGD-based interaction with community people at each union in a subdistrict of Bangladesh revealed stakeholders’ opinions on land and water body management. The present paper demonstrates the power of this model as a policy-making tool for sustainable development and poverty eradication. It also recognized the need for collaboration between interdisciplinary policy planners and researchers to develop and implement a policy on agricultural resource management for poverty-prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study digital image processing for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping of Solani watershed was carried out using satellite remote sensing data and GIS. Digital image processing of satellite data facilitated in accurately delineating and identifying various soil mapping units. The physiography of the study area is mainly influenced by denudational and colluvial processes in the upper part and by sedimentation processes in the lower part. Topography of the land and nature of parent material along with the time factor seemed to have played a vital role in the genesis of soils. Majority of the mapping units are Typic Haplustepts with Entisols and Inceptisols being the major soil orders. The soils of the Siwalik hills experiences severe erosion, which prevents the maturation of soil profile. The present study demonstrated that satellite remote sensing and GIS is a valuable tool for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Grid information system should rely upon two basic features: the replication and dissemination of information about Grid services and resources, and the distribution of such information among Grid hosts. This paper examines an approach based on ant systems to replicate and map Grid services information on Grid hosts according to the semantic classification of such services. The Ant-based Replication and MApping Protocol (ARMAP) is used to disseminate resource information by a decentralized mechanism, and its effectiveness is evaluated by means of an entropy index. Information is disseminated by agents – ants – that traverse the Grid by exploiting P2P interconnections among Grid hosts. A mechanism inspired by real ants’ pheromone is used by each agent to autonomously drive its behavior on the basis of its interaction with the environment. “Swarm Intelligence” emerges from the activity of a high number of ants. The ARMAP protocol enables the use of a semi-informed search algorithm which can drive query messages towards a cluster of peers having information about resources belonging to the requested class. A simulation analysis has been performed to evaluate the performance of ARMAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a graph-based Grid workflow language that is based on the formalism of Petri nets and the corresponding workflow enactment machine, developed by the author within the Fraunhofer Resource Grid in Germany. The workflow enactment machine supports dynamic refinement of workflows during runtime and automatic mapping of abstract jobs onto concrete Grid resources, which are accessed by means of the Globus Toolkit. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main objectives of human society in the present century is to achieve clean and sustainable energy through utilization of renewable energy sources (RESs). In this paper, the main purpose is to identify the locations that are suitable for solar energy in the Kurdistan province of Iran. Initially, solar-related data are collected, and suitable criterion and assessment methods are chosen according to the available data. Then, the theoretical potential of solar energy is assessed and the solar radiation map is prepared. Moreover, the technical potential of various solar technologies is evaluated in that study area. These technologies include concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) in power plant applications, and rooftop PV panels and solar water heaters in general applications. The results show that the Kurdistan province has the potential capacity for 691 MW of solar photovoltaic power plants and 645 MW of CSP plants. In the case of using solar water heaters, 283 million cubic meters of natural gas and 1.2 million liters of gasoline could be saved in fuel consumption. The savings in the application of domestic PV will be 10.2 MW in power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of the ultimate mechanisms driving bat fatalities at wind turbines (i.e., the reason why bats are coming in close proximity to wind turbines) could inform more effective impact reduction strategies. One hypothesis is that bats come into close proximity to turbines due to existing resources (e.g., roosting sites) in the immediate area. Thus, if resource hotspots for bats could be identified in areas proposed for wind energy development, then fatalities could be reduced by siting turbines away from such hotspots. To explore this, we conducted a resource mapping exercise at a 48 km2 wind energy facility in north-central Texas. We mapped known resources (such as water sources, roosting sites, foraging sites, and commuting routes) for the 6 bat species present and compared resource availability with observed fatalities and acoustic activity. Although resource mapping identified concentrations of known resources for all species, it did not predict bat activity or fatalities. For example, Lasiurus cinereus and Lasiurus borealis comprised >90% of the fatalities, yet we found no positive relationship between resource availability and fatalities or acoustic activity for either species. Furthermore, up to 33% of these fatalities occurred at turbines without known resources within 200 m of the turbines, demonstrating that the fine-scale distribution of resources may not effectively inform turbine siting for these two migratory species. The challenge, therefore, remains to determine why bats during the migratory season are coming in close proximity with wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]