The distributed ASCI supercomputer project

The Distributed ASCI Supercomputer (DAS) is a homogeneous wide-area distributed system consisting of four cluster computers at different locations. DAS has been used for research on communication software, parallel languages and programming systems, schedulers, parallel applications, and distributed applications. The paper gives a preview of the most interesting research results obtained so far in the DAS project

A Preemption-Based Meta-Scheduling System for Distributed Computing

This research aims at designing and building a scheduling framework for distributed computing systems with the primary objectives of providing fast response times to the users, delivering high system throughput and accommodating maximum number of applications into the systems. The author claims that the above mentioned objectives are the most important objectives for scheduling in recent distributed computing systems, especially Grid computing environments. In order to achieve the objectives of the scheduling framework, the scheduler employs arbitration of application-level schedules and preemption of executing jobs under certain conditions. In application-level scheduling, the user develops a schedule for his application using an execution model that simulates the execution behavior of the application. Since application-level scheduling can seriously impede the performance of the system, the scheduling framework developed in this research arbitrates between different application-level schedules corresponding to different applications to provide fair system usage for all applications and balance the interests of different applications. In this sense, the scheduling framework is not a classical scheduling system, but a meta-scheduling system that interacts with the application-level schedulers. Due to the large system dynamics involved in Grid computing systems, the ability to preempt executing jobs becomes a necessity. The meta-scheduler described in this dissertation employs well defined scheduling policies to preempt and migrate executing applications. In order to provide the users with the capability to make their applications preemptible, a user-level check-pointing library called SRS (Stop-Restart Software) was also developed by this research. The SRS library is different from many user-level check-pointing libraries since it allows reconfiguration of applications between migrations. This reconfiguration can be achieved by changing the processor configuration and/or data distribution. The experimental results provided in this dissertation demonstrates the utility of the metascheduling framework for distributed computing systems. And lastly, the metascheduling framework was put to practical use by building a Grid computing system called GradSolve. GradSolve is a flexible system and it allows the application library writers to upload applications with different capabilities into the system. GradSolve is also unique with respect to maintaining traces of the execution of the applications and using the traces for subsequent executions of the application

Empirical and mechanistic approaches to understanding and projecting change in coastal marine communities

This work details the effects of disturbance events on tropical coral reefs and highlights emerging techniques for improved monitoring and assessment of benthic change. The first chapter is in the form of a literature review, which aims to give a broad introduction to reef ecology, the impacts experienced by this system, and the methods used to monitor and assess change. The second chapter highlights a recently developed photogrammetric methodology which can be used to assess change in the marine environment. The methodology is then assessed for accuracy and comparability to standard benthic monitoring techniques. // The proceeding four chapters aim to address a number of ecological and management questions relating to reef community ecology, focussing on physical structure and demonstrating the utility of ‘Structure from Motion’ (SfM) photogrammetry as a monitoring and assessment tool. Chapters three and four more specifically use community managed small-scale Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Philippines as a case study applying SfM, and assess the effectiveness of these MPAs. These chapters further highlight how physical changes can affect the function of the reefs and their associated fisheries. Chapters five and six then investigate how extreme climatic events can affect the structure and growth of reefs in the Indian Ocean, away from the array of confounding anthropogenic factors seen in the Philippines. // The final section looks to bring together these chapters to discuss the benefits of new technology, and the future of reefs under a changing climate

Handbook for the Alaskan Prospector

It is hoped that this book will be of value to many different classes of men engaged in the search for mineral deposits. These classes might include the experienced practical prospector who would like to learn something of geology; the young geologist who needs information on practical prospecting; the novice who needs a comprehensive reference; and the all around experienced exploration engineer or geologist who might need to refer to some specialized technique, look up a reference in the bibliography, or read a resume of the geology of a particular area, Because this book is aimed at so many different classes, different chapters are written assuming different levels of learning and experience. This, no doubt, will prove troublesome at times, but it is believed to be the best way to insure that the information contained in each chapter will reach with maximum effectiveness the group for whom it is intended.[Part 1. Geology] Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction to Geology; Structure of the Earth: The Study of Geology; the Constitution of the Earth; Earth Movements -- Mineralogy: Introduction; Properties of Minerals; Identification of Minerals by Chemical methods; Blowpipe and Qualitative Tests for Individual Elements; Descriptions of Minerals; Commercial materials and their chief Mineral Sources; Determinative Mineralogy -- The Study of Rocks: Introduction; Igneous Rocks; Sedimentary Rocks; Metamorphic Rocks; Conclusion -- Structural Geology: Original structures; Imposed Structures -- Historical Geology: Introduction; the Cryptozoic (Precambrion) Eon; The Phonerozoic Eon -- Surface Features of the Land, Geomorphology: Introduction; The Fluvial or "Normal" Cycle; The Fluvial Cycle Modified by a Cold Climate; Glaciated Regions; Arid Lands; The Marine Cycle; Underground Solution Processes; Features due to Construct!anal Forces; Physiographic Provinces -- Mineral Deposits: Introduction; Brief Summary of Events in Formation; Metallogenetic Epochs; Metallogenetic Provinces; Classification of Mineral deposits; Controls of Mineralization -- [Part II. Prospecting] Background: The Prospector; Analysis of Present Status of Mining and Prospecting in Alaska; Brief History -- General Prospecting: Definitions; Preliminary to Field Work; Reconnaissance -- Prospecting and Exploration of Lodes: Prospecting; Exploration; Summary of Surface Methods; Underground Openings; Development and Exploitation; Sampling Procedures and Calculating Results; Prospecting and Exploring with Bore Holes -- Diamond Drilling: The Diamond Drill; Casing the Diamond Drill Hole; Core Drilling -- Prospecting and Exploration of Placer Deposits: General; Opencutting; Crosscutting the Creek -- Sinking Placer Prospect Shafts: Sinking shafts in Frozen Ground; Sinking shafts in Thawed Ground -- Drilling Placer Deposits: Introduction; Equipment; Process of Drilling; Keeping Records and Handling Samples; Calculating Drill Holes; Evaluating the Ground -- Geophysical, Geochemical, and Mineralogical Prospecting: Geophysical Methods; GeochemicaiMethods; Mineralogical Prospecting -- Auxiliary Techniques: Surveying and Mapping; Reading Geologic Maps and Aerial Photogrof>hs; Drilling Rock for Blasting; Use of Explosives; Blacksmithing; Use of the Pan and Rocker; Handling Gold; How to Build Various Appliances Used in Prospecting -- Transportation; Clothing; Shelter; Food; Techniques and Equipment Used in Camp Life: Transportation; Communications; Shelter; Food; Clothing -- Elements of Mining Law; Staking Claims: Introduction; History; laws Pertaining to both Lode and Placer; Lodes; Placers; Tunnel Sites; Prospecting Sites; MiIIsites; Water Rights; Liens; Grubstake Agreements; Patenting; Leasing; Licenses and Taxes; Forms; Conclusions -- Geography of Alaska: legal Subdivisions: Subdivisions Based on Geology and Geography; Broad Geographical Features; United States Geological Survey Subdivisions; Chief Transportation and Communication Routes -- Appendix: Sources of Information and Aid to Prospectors; Weights, Measure Sizes; Short Glossary of Alaskan Terms -- Bibliography: Arrangement and Scope of Bibliography; Publications of the United States Geological Survey; United States Bureau of Mines; Bureau of land Management; University of Alaska; Territorial and State; General -- Addendum: Introduction; Notes on Chapters 1, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 -- Additions to Bibliography -- Inde

Laser Scanner Technology

Laser scanning technology plays an important role in the science and engineering arena. The aim of the scanning is usually to create a digital version of the object surface. Multiple scanning is sometimes performed via multiple cameras to obtain all slides of the scene under study. Usually, optical tests are used to elucidate the power of laser scanning technology in the modern industry and in the research laboratories. This book describes the recent contributions reported by laser scanning technology in different areas around the world. The main topics of laser scanning described in this volume include full body scanning, traffic management, 3D survey process, bridge monitoring, tracking of scanning, human sensing, three-dimensional modelling, glacier monitoring and digitizing heritage monuments

Elastic wave measurement in rock engineering

Imperial Users onl

Reef fisheries and livelihoods in coastal villages of southern Tanzania : Lessons for adaptation to environmental change?

The crucial importance of the reef fisheries to the livelihoods of communities associated with coastal areas in developing countries cannot be overemphasised. However, these important resources are increasingly threatened by destructive human activities and continued overexploitation. Therefore, understanding how the degradation of fisheries resources increases the vulnerability of the livelihoods of coastal households, and the coping strategies employed by them, is critical for planning sustainable livelihoods. This thesis looks at how households currently residing in coastal villages of the Mtwara district in southern Tanzaniaâ an area with a history involving dynamite-fishing activitiesâ sustain their livelihoods. In particular, it examines the existing livelihoods strategies, the ways these strategies are developed in response to changing socio-ecological conditions, and how livelihood trajectories of the households can be conceptualised and interpreted in that context. Further, through scenario planning, it examines whether current coping strategies predispose the community to adapt more easily to unprecedented threats of environmental change, more specifically the effects of climate change to their livelihoods. Drawing on perspectives of sustainable livelihoods, and the ideas of political ecology and scenario planning, the study examines the changing nature of livelihood strategies in coastal areas. By combining insights from political ecology and the thinking around sustainable livelihoods, it links a critical review of the degradation of natural resource discourse and policy with micro-level studies, and thus provides an enhanced understanding of the processes of humanâ environment interactions. The fieldwork was carried out in two phases: phase one from February to July 2012, and phase two from November 2012 to January 2013. A mixed-method approach, involving qualitative and quantitative methodology for data collection, was adopted. The main techniques for primary data collection were household survey, key informant interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions and life history interviews. A sample of 297 household heads and 46 key informants were interviewed, and 58 people participated in focus-group discussions. Secondary data were obtained through documentary review. Data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings demonstrate that the majority of study respondents are driven to the trajectory of livelihood diversification for subsistence where gradual improvements in the livelihoods are interspersed with more abrupt declines. It is clear that, despite significant constraints linked to destructive fishing activities, coastal households seem to retain a very high level of agency, which allows them to pursue their own, sometimes contested, economic and political objectives. Different social networks and local village groups appear to play a key role in facilitating this process, however, they offer less evidence in understanding the opportunities that households and individuals have to cope and transform their livelihoods. By presenting scenarios for the future of livelihoods, the thesis argues that although households constantly adjust their adaptive strategies to survive, their coping strategies in their current form are weak in terms of being able to transit to climate-resilient livelihoods. This situation calls for efforts that take more determined approaches towards sustainable livelihoods with particular focus on the role and viability of a natural-resource base to manage risk and build resilience in a changing social, environmental, institutional and political conditions. The results contribute to our understanding of how households negotiate livelihoods under conditions of rapid socio-environmental change and increased vulnerability

The management of coral reef resource systems

Coral reefs, Resource management, Conferences

Respawn

In Respawn Colin Milburn examines the connections between video games, hacking, and science fiction that galvanize technological activism and technological communities. Discussing a wide range of games, from Portal and Final Fantasy VII to Super Mario Sunshine and Shadow of the Colossus, Milburn illustrates how they impact the lives of gamers and non-gamers alike. They also serve as resources for critique, resistance, and insurgency, offering a space for players and hacktivist groups such as Anonymous to challenge obstinate systems and experiment with alternative futures. Providing an essential walkthrough guide to our digital culture and its high-tech controversies, Milburn shows how games and playable media spawn new modes of engagement in a computerized world