The DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) is a sound formal Modeling and Simulation framework based on generic dynamic systems concepts. DEVS is a mathematical formalism with well defined concepts of coupling of components, hierarchical, modular construction, support for discrete event approximation of continuous systems and an object-oriented substrate supporting repository reuse. Despite...

RCOS.java (Ron Chernich's Operating System) is a Java-based, simulated operating system designed to address student difficulties in understanding operating systems concepts. This paper describes the rationale, design, features and planned use of RCOS.java. The intent with RCOS.java is to emphasise active, student-based learning and the development of the higher level learning skills of analysis...

To assist ontology developers modeling complex domain concepts, a comparative analysis of two Ontology Design Patterns (ODPs) has been carried out. As a result, terminology is introduced to characterize certain role and reusability scenarios of class hierarchies in ODPs. An example that benefits from this study is provided.

Presented is a paradigm of how a design concept can be converted into a system of production rules to generate designs. The rules are expressed by the means of shape grammar formalism. The paradigm demonstrates how porosity a concept transferred from biology, medicine and organic chemistry was implemented by architect Steven Holl and his team in designing the 350-unit student residence Simmons ...

Protocols are complex, distributed pieces of software. Abstraction and modular design are standard techniques used by software engineers to deal with complexity. By abstraction, we mean that a subset of functions is carefully chosen and setup as a “blackbox” or module (see Figure 1). The module has an interface describing its input/output behavior. The interface outlives the implementation the ...

Increasing competition in the global marketplace demands products with better functionality, higher quality, lower cost, shorter delivery lead time, and increased environmental friendliness. Although advanced manufacturing technologies can partially address these challenges, advanced design technologies are considered critical, since most design and manufacturing properties of a product are inf...

Online virtual exhibitions (VEs) are acknowledged as important complimentary counterparts to physical exhibitions. It overcomes space, time and location restrictions and allows global visitors to access these priceless and exciting treasures that are stored in museums, archives and other institutions on a 24/7/365 basis. Well constructed VEs can offer alternative experiences to the “real thing”...

The unprecedented challenges of developing effective vaccines against intracellular pathogens such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis have resulted in more rational approaches to vaccine development. Apart from the recent advances in the design and selection of improved epitopes and adjuvants, there are also ongoing efforts to optimize delivery platforms. Viral vectors are the best-characterized...

Robots capable of providing physical assistance to a human partner face a wide area of application scenarios ranging from manufacturing assistance, physical rehabilitation to mobility aids for the elderly. Yet, the physical nature of the coupling present in cooperative manipulation tasks and the uncertain contribution of the human partner make physical robotic assistance a challenging topic of ...