GridFTP: Protocol Extensions to FTP for the Grid

GridFTP: Protocol Extensions to FTP for the Gri

BlogForever D3.2: Interoperability Prospects

This report evaluates the interoperability prospects of the BlogForever platform. Therefore, existing interoperability models are reviewed, a Delphi study to identify crucial aspects for the interoperability of web archives and digital libraries is conducted, technical interoperability standards and protocols are reviewed regarding their relevance for BlogForever, a simple approach to consider interoperability in specific usage scenarios is proposed, and a tangible approach to develop a succession plan that would allow a reliable transfer of content from the current digital archive to other digital repositories is presented

A Taxonomy of Data Grids for Distributed Data Sharing, Management and Processing

Data Grids have been adopted as the platform for scientific communities that need to share, access, transport, process and manage large data collections distributed worldwide. They combine high-end computing technologies with high-performance networking and wide-area storage management techniques. In this paper, we discuss the key concepts behind Data Grids and compare them with other data sharing and distribution paradigms such as content delivery networks, peer-to-peer networks and distributed databases. We then provide comprehensive taxonomies that cover various aspects of architecture, data transportation, data replication and resource allocation and scheduling. Finally, we map the proposed taxonomy to various Data Grid systems not only to validate the taxonomy but also to identify areas for future exploration. Through this taxonomy, we aim to categorise existing systems to better understand their goals and their methodology. This would help evaluate their applicability for solving similar problems. This taxonomy also provides a "gap analysis" of this area through which researchers can potentially identify new issues for investigation. Finally, we hope that the proposed taxonomy and mapping also helps to provide an easy way for new practitioners to understand this complex area of research.Comment: 46 pages, 16 figures, Technical Repor

Numerical analysis of a fin-tube plate heat exchanger with winglets

In this presented work, numerical analysis of heat transfer and flow characteristic using longitudinal vortex generators (LVGS) in fin and flat tube heat exchanger has been presented. Conjugate heat transfer 3D numerical model has been developed and successfully carried out. Rectangular winglets were set in pairs, with downstream orientation. The effects of impact angles of (20⁰ , 30⁰, and 40⁰ ) as well as tubes and winglets were placed in one row lined arrangement and air flow by forward arrangement and backward arrangement. Reynolds number is ranged from 500 to 5000. The numerical results showed that in the range of the present study, the variation of these parameters can result in the increase of heat transfer. The study focuses on the Influence of the different parameters of VGs on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of one row lined circular-tube banks. The characteristics of average Nu number and skin friction coefficient are studied numerically by the aid of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) commercial code of FLUENT ANSYS 14. The results showed increasing in the heat transfer and skin friction coefficient with the increasing of Re number. It has been observed that the overall Nuav number of one circular tubes increases by 23-31% ,by 23-43% and by 23-47% with angles of (20⁰, 30°, and 40⁰) respectively, in forward arrangement and the overall Nuav number of one circular tubes increases by 23-42%, by 23-46% and 23-52%with angles of (20⁰, 30°, and 40⁰) respectively, in backward arrangement, with increasing in the overall average of skin friction coefficient. Also the results showed that the rectangular winglet pairs (RWPs) can significantly improve the heat transfer performance of the fin and-tube heat exchangers with a moderate pressure loss penalty

NorthStar, a support tool for the design and evaluation of quality improvement interventions in healthcare

Background: The Research-Based Education and Quality Improvement (ReBEQI) European partnership aims to establish a framework and provide practical tools for the selection, implementation, and evaluation of quality improvement (QI) interventions. We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of the software tool NorthStar, a major product of the ReBEQI project. Methods: We focused the content of NorthStar on the design and evaluation of QI interventions. A lead individual from the ReBEQI group drafted each section, and at least two other group members reviewed it. The content is based on published literature, as well as material developed by the ReBEQI group. We developed the software in both a Microsoft Windows HTML help system version and a web-based version. In a preliminary evaluation, we surveyed 33 potential users about the acceptability and perceived utility of NorthStar. Results: NorthStar consists of 18 sections covering the design and evaluation of QI interventions. The major focus of the intervention design sections is on how to identify determinants of practice (factors affecting practice patterns), while the major focus of the intervention evaluation sections is on how to design a cluster randomised trial. The two versions of the software can be transferred by email or CD, and are available for download from the internet. The software offers easy navigation and various functions to access the content. Potential users (55% response rate) reported above-moderate levels of confidence in carrying out QI research related tasks if using NorthStar, particularly when developing a protocol for a cluster randomised trial Conclusion: NorthStar is an integrated, accessible, practical, and acceptable tool to assist developers and evaluators of QI interventions