Hybrid ant colony system algorithm for static and dynamic job scheduling in grid computing

Grid computing is a distributed system with heterogeneous infrastructures. Resource management system (RMS) is one of the most important components which has great influence on the grid computing performance. The main part of RMS is the scheduler algorithm which has the responsibility to map submitted tasks to available resources. The complexity of scheduling problem is considered as a nondeterministic polynomial complete (NP-complete) problem and therefore, an intelligent algorithm is required to achieve better scheduling solution. One of the prominent intelligent algorithms is ant colony system (ACS) which is implemented widely to solve various types of scheduling problems. However, ACS suffers from stagnation problem in medium and large size grid computing system. ACS is based on exploitation and exploration mechanisms where the exploitation is sufficient but the exploration has a deficiency. The exploration in ACS is based on a random approach without any strategy. This study proposed four hybrid algorithms between ACS, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Tabu Search (TS) algorithms to enhance the ACS performance. The algorithms are ACS(GA), ACS+GA, ACS(TS), and ACS+TS. These proposed hybrid algorithms will enhance ACS in terms of exploration mechanism and solution refinement by implementing low and high levels hybridization of ACS, GA, and TS algorithms. The proposed algorithms were evaluated against twelve metaheuristic algorithms in static (expected time to compute model) and dynamic (distribution pattern) grid computing environments. A simulator called ExSim was developed to mimic the static and dynamic nature of the grid computing. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms outperform ACS in terms of best makespan values. Performance of ACS(GA), ACS+GA, ACS(TS), and ACS+TS are better than ACS by 0.35%, 2.03%, 4.65% and 6.99% respectively for static environment. For dynamic environment, performance of ACS(GA), ACS+GA, ACS+TS, and ACS(TS) are better than ACS by 0.01%, 0.56%, 1.16%, and 1.26% respectively. The proposed algorithms can be used to schedule tasks in grid computing with better performance in terms of makespan

An IxD-Based Model for Digital Graphic Novels (S/O 13797)

One of the many problems in teaching and learning is due to the unavailability of a well-formalised and tested model that can instill positive identity in young learners. Local content is extremely limited, especially in the form of digital graphic novel (DGN) with a proper interaction design (IxD) theory. Due to its benefits, DGN has gained reputation whereby today, 19 December 2016, Google query on “graphic novels for children” yields 18 million hits (see Appendix A). However, local content in the form of DGN especially the one focusing on development and infusion of Malay, Muslim identity has not yet been reported thus far. To support the program on infusing identity in young learners, this research aims at designing an IxD-based DGN model. Using Visual Narratives (VN) and IxD theory, the model will be used to design DGN Container and Player. The content narratives and themes are derived from pattern matrix of data collection phase in this research. IxD-based DGN model can then be developed by incorporating relevant and important patterns obtained. The model will be translated into an archetype of DGN. Methods used are (1) interview and observation for pattern matrix; (2) synthesize IxD theory and VN; (3) develop and evaluate IxD-based DGN model; (4) design DGN container and player by adopting pattern matrix, visual narratives, and scripts; (5) embed the DGN components into container; (6) propose the players (interactive type); and (7) evaluate the archetype to prove the concept laid in the DGN model. The deliverables expected from this study include an IxD-based DGN model, DGN archetype, and actual narratives that can be used to mediate the development of nationhood and positive values in young learners. By completing this project, the model can be used as one of the viable tools to instill other values/identity, as an evidence for its generalizability