Abstract: [1] There are several dozen papers that study the effects of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity on the retrievals of cloud optical thickness, but only a few of them deal with cloud droplet sizes. This paper is one of the first comprehensive attempts to fill this gap: It takes a close theoretical look at the radiative effects of cloud 3-D structure in retrievals of droplet effective radii. Under some general assumptions, it was found that ignoring subpixel (unresolved) variability produces a negative bias in the retrieved effective radius, while ignoring cloud inhomogeneity at scales larger than a pixel scale (resolved variability), on the contrary, leads to overestimation of the domain average droplet size. The theoretical results are illustrated with examples from Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of cumulus (Cu) and stratocumulus (Sc) cloud fields. The analysis of cloud drop size distributions retrieved from both LES fields confirms that ignoring shadowing in 1-D retrievals results in substantial overestimation of effective radii which is more pronounced for broken Cu than for Sc clouds. Collocated measurements of broken Cu clouds by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) are used to check simulations and theory with observations. The analysis of ASTER and MODIS data and associated derived products recommends against blindly using retrieved effective radii for broken cloud fields, especially if one wants to relate aerosol amounts to cloud droplet sizes.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate dynamically allocating resources (e.g., hardware, software, . . . ) supported by a third party service provider. The third party service provider can support any number of services that can be concurrently requested by several clients without user perception of degraded computing performance as compared to conventional systems/techniques due to improved connectivity and mitigated latencies. An interface component can receive a request from a client device. Further, a dynamic allocation component can apportion resources (e.g., hardware resources) supported by the third party service provider to process and respond to the request based at least in part upon subscription data. Moreover, a user state evaluator can determine a state associated with a user and/or the client device; the state can be utilized by the dynamic allocation component to tailor resource allocation.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate dynamically allocating resources (e.g., hardware, software, . . . ) supported by a third party service provider. The third party service provider can support any number of services that can be concurrently requested by several clients without user perception of degraded computing performance as compared to conventional systems/techniques due to improved connectivity and mitigated latencies. An interface component can receive a request from a client device. Further, a dynamic allocation component can apportion resources (e.g., hardware resources) supported by the third party service provider to process and respond to the request based at least in part upon subscription data. Moreover, a user state evaluator can determine a state associated with a user and/or the client device; the state can be utilized by the dynamic allocation component to tailor resource allocation.

Abstract: A system that enables a cloud-based data repository to function as a secure ‘drop-box’ for data that corresponds to a user is provided. The ‘drop box’ can be facilitated through the use of cryptographic keying technologies. For instance, data that is ‘dropped’ by or on behalf of a particular user can be encrypted using a public key that corresponds to a user-specific private key. Thus, although the data resides within the large pool of ‘cloud-based’ data, it is protected since it can only be decrypted by using the private key, which is kept secret. The innovation can further facilitate user-centric secure storage by partitioning the cloud-based repository into multiple partitions, each of which corresponds to specific indexing criteria.

Abstract: A user-centric or identity-centric resource licensing system that manages access to ‘cloud-based’ resources (e.g., applications and services) is provided. A ‘cloud’ refers to a collection of resources (e.g., hardware and/or software) provided and maintained by an off-site or off-premise party (e.g., third party), wherein the collection of resources can be accessed by an identified user via a network. In accordance with the user-centric licensing model, the resource license (and subscription) rights can migrate with a user without regard to physical location, device used, or other contextual factors (e.g., activity engaged). Effectively, the rights are mapped (and tracked) as a function of a user identity, which can be a core identity or an identity based upon activity engaged, role, capacity, etc.

Abstract: A computing paradigm where information can be aggregated from multiple services/programs within a ‘cloud-based’ environment is provided. Thus, the system can provide a uniform interface that can combine computational tasks across the multiple services/programs. Thus, the innovation takes advantage of the computing device being a ‘thin client’ which affords greater user comfort to a user without sacrificing data processing capabilities. Accordingly, the mechanisms are disclosed that standardize and/or normalize data across the resources within the cloud.

Abstract: A system that enables a cloud-based data repository to function as a secure ‘drop-box’ for data that corresponds to a user is provided. The ‘drop box’ can be facilitated through the use of cryptographic keying technologies. For instance, data that is ‘dropped’ by or on behalf of a particular user can be encrypted using a public key that corresponds to a user-specific private key. Thus, although the data resides within the large pool of ‘cloud-based’ data, it is protected since it can only be decrypted by using the private key, which is kept secret. The innovation can further facilitate user-centric secure storage by partitioning the cloud-based repository into multiple partitions, each of which corresponds to specific indexing criteria.

Abstract: The importance of accurately representing the role of clouds in climate change studies has become increasingly apparent in recent years, leading to a substantial increase in the number of satellite sensors and associated algorithms that are devoted to measuring the global distribution of cloud properties. The physics governing the radiative transfer through clouds is well understood, but the impact of uncertainties in algorithm assumptions and the true information content of the measurements in the inverse retrieval problem are generally not as clear, making it difficult to determine the best product to adopt for any particular application. This paper applies information theory to objectively analyze the problem of liquid cloud retrievals from an observing system modeled after the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument currently operating on the Aqua and Terra platforms. It is found that four diagnostics—the retrieval error covariance, the information content, the number of degrees of freedom for signal, and the effective rank of the problem—provide a rigorous test of an observing system. Based on these diagnostics, the combination of the 0.64- and 1.64-m channels during the daytime and the 3.75- and 11.0-m channels at night provides the most information for retrieving the properties of the wide variety of liquid clouds modeled. With an eye toward developing a coherent representation of the global distribution of cloud microphysical and radiative properties, these four channels may be integrated into a suitable multichannel inversion methodology such as the optimal estimation or Bayesian techniques to provide a common framework for cloud retrievals under varying conditions. The expected resolution of the observing system for such liquid cloud microphysical property retrievals over a wide variety of liquid cloud is also explored.

Abstract: A system that can assist users to manage a personal active directory for all of their information maintained within a cloud-based environment is provided. The identity of a client that accesses data is monitored and recorded in a log. In turn, this information can be made available to the owner of the information in order to develop a desired access control list (ACL). Additionally, the system can employ a heuristic component that can automatically establish the ACL on the owner's behalf. As well, the system can track how information is being accessed (or attempted to be accessed) by other people therefore, giving the owner of the information the opportunity to restrict or allow access based upon any number of recorded factors (e.g., identity, context).

Abstract: A method of social networking is disclosed. The method displays a user name on a web page. Further, the method receives an input that selects the user name. The method displays a display cloud, for the user name that is selected, that illustrates at least a subset of a personal cloud of the user associated with the user name. Furthermore, multi-level tagging for content can be used in order to generate tag clouds.

Abstract: Internet computing is emerging as an important new distributed computing paradigm in which resource intensive computing is integrated over Internet-scale networks. Over these large networks, different users and organizations share their computing resources, and computations take place in a distributed fashion. In such an environment, a framework is needed in which the resource providers are given incentives to share their resources. CompuP2P is a lightweight architecture for enabling Internet computing. It uses peer-to-peer networks for sharing of computing resources. CompuP2P create dynamic markets of network accessible computing resources, such as processing power, memory storage, disk space, etc., in a completely distributed, scalable, and fault-tolerant manner. This paper discusses the system architecture, functionality, and applications of the proposed CompuP2P architecture. We have implemented a Java-based prototype, and our results show that the system is light-weight and can provide almost a perfect speedup for applications that contain several independent compute-intensive tasks

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing cloud service applications are provided In particular, a security component can regulate such applications to prevent undesirable behavior In one instance, applications can be restricted to use of designated network resources to thereby contain application activities Additionally or alternatively, the applications can be monitored and prohibited from executing malicious code such as that associated with a virus, worm and/or Trojan horse, among other things

Abstract: The Earth’s radiative energy balance and hydrological cycle are fundamentally coupled with the distribution and properties of clouds. Therefore, the ability to remotely infer cloud properties and their variation in space and time is crucial for establishing climatologies as a reference for validation of present-day climate models and in assessing future climate change. Remote cloud observations also provide data sets useful for testing and improving cloud model physics, and for assimilation into numerical weather prediction models.

Abstract: The innovation enables generation of an index of cloud-based resources (e.g., data, services, applications). The index can be used to retrieve a subset of the cloud-based resources by analyzing a user-generated or standing query. ‘Identity’ and contextual factors can be incorporated to enable rich indexing as well as subsequent retrieval of meaningful resources. The cloud-based resources can be indexed and/or searched in accordance with diverse criteria including, but not limited to, type, size, data created, date modified, author core identity, object size, etc. As well, the innovation can provide for dynamically indexing and/or searching resources in accordance with current contextual factors including, but not limited to, author current acting capacity (e.g., current identity), current engaged activity of a user, location, time, date, etc. All of these criteria can facilitate indexing and categorizing of the resources for later retrieval and rendering via a rich index view.

Abstract: The capability to retrieve cloud base heights was developed under the US National Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) programme as one of 27 data products to be created from data collected by the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). First launch of the VIIRS sensor, which is the high‐resolution Earth imager of the NPOESS programme, comes on National Aeronautics & Space Administration's (NASA) NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP). In preparation for this launch, extensive testing of the VIIRS cloud algorithms was completed to verify that product performance will satisfy system requirements before the cloud algorithms were hosted in the NPOESS ground processing centre. The approach taken to retrieve cloud base height converts cloud optical properties into a geometric thickness which is then subtracted from the cloud top height. Performance of the cloud base height algorithms has been verified recently using MODIS data, together with temporarily and spatial coincident ...

Abstract: A simple scheme to represent the marine stratocumulus clouds off the west coast of continents is implemented in the Global Spectral Model (GSM) at Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The parameterization is based on diagnostic cloud schemes where cloud fraction is diagnosed mainly as a function of inversion strength considering other parameters. The global distribution of marine stratocumulus clouds off the west coast of continents is improved remarkably with this new scheme. Low-level cloud amount shows reasonable agreement with the International Satellite Cloud Climatology (ISCCP). With the improved cloud amount, the radiation fields are also improved in comparison with the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE). Seasonal and diurnal variations of marine stratocumulus cloud amount off the west coast of continents also show reasonable agreement with surface-based cloud amount data from Klein and Hartmann (1993) and other observations.

Abstract: Information about clouds, in particular the accurate identification of cloud free pixels, is crucial for the retrieval of tropospheric vertical column densities from space. The Heidelberg Iterative Cloud Retrieval Utilities (HICRU) retrieve effective cloud fraction using spectra of two instruments designed for trace gas retrievals from space: The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) on the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-2) and the SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) on ENVISAT. HICRU applies the widely used threshold method to the so-called Polarization Monitoring Devices (PMDs) with higher spatial resolution compared to the channels used for trace gas retrievals. Cloud retrieval and in particular the identification of cloud free pixels is improved by HICRU through a sophisticated, iterative retrieval of the thresholds which takes their dependency on different instrumental and geometrical parameters into account. The lower thresholds, which represent the surface albedo and strongly affect the results of the algorithm, are retrieved accurately through a four stage classification scheme using image sequence analysis. The design and the results of the algorithm applied to GOME data are described and compared to several other cloud algorithms for GOME. The differences to other cloud algorithms are discussed with respect to the particular characteristics of the algorithms.

Abstract: Some popular computing technologies, such as ubiquitous computing, grid computing and thin-client computing, bring people to a much more distributed and pervasive computing environment. Based on these innovative technologies, a distributed virtual personal computing (DVPC) paradigm is coming into being. One of the fundamental challenges in the DVPC design is the virtually integrated but physically distributed desktop system. We proposed Redar, a remote desktop architecture for the DVPC. Redar integrates various user interfaces from diverse service nodes into one virtual desktop, and present the virtual desktop to the ultra-thin user client. The user interfaces currently supported by Redar include the application GUIs as well as the mobile storage interfaces. The key components in Redar are the GUI merger, the virtual desktop manager, the ultra-thin-client and the transport protocols. We have implemented Redar in a DVPC prototype system. According to our evaluation, Redar shows perfect display latency, storage I/O, overhead, scalability and robustness.

Abstract: With the explosive growth of the Internet over the last 10 years, a lot of work has been dedicated to understanding the underlying mechanisms of wired IP traffic Recently, the rapid deployment of large-scale wireless infrastructures in various environments and the interesting mixture of traffic carried coupled with the large diversity of devices accessing the medium (Cell-phones, Laptops, PDAs) have triggered the attention and curiosity of the research community This paper analyzes in depth the properties of several large traces of packet data collected between the wireless access point and the IP cloud from an operational wireless service provider We determine unambiguously the influence of network variables such as the arrival patterns of packet and flows, flow durations and flow interactions, on the aggregate statistics of TCP traffic In doing so, we highlight the main differences and similarities between wireless and wired IP traffic, and between the two directions (from wireless devices to IP cloud and vice-versa), and show how they can be distinguished The resulting insights provide a foundation for models of such traffic, necessary for improved resource allocation schemes as well as for the effectiveness of future services and applications

Abstract: The innovation enables generation of an index of cloud-based resources (e.g., data, services, applications). The index can be used to retrieve a subset of the cloud-based resources by analyzing a user-generated or standing query. ‘Identity’ and contextual factors can be incorporated to enable rich indexing as well as subsequent retrieval of meaningful resources. The cloud-based resources can be indexed and/or searched in accordance with diverse criteria including, but not limited to, type, size, data created, date modified, author core identity, object size, etc. As well, the innovation can provide for dynamically indexing and/or searching resources in accordance with current contextual factors including, but not limited to, author current acting capacity (e.g., current identity), current engaged activity of a user, location, time, date, etc. All of these criteria can facilitate indexing and categorizing of the resources for later retrieval and rendering via a rich index view.

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the use of erasure resilient code (ERC) in a peer-to-peer storage cloud. We compare the random linear code (RLC, network coding) and the Reed-Solomon (RS) code, and study the proper ERC parameters in term of data reliability, computational efficiency and security concerns. We conclude that the use of ERC in P2P storage may greatly improve data reliability and reduce backup server cost. Because of the lack of efficient homomorphic hashing, RLC can not be implemented efficiently and yet be effective against the malicious attack. As a result, we believe that the RS code is most suited for use in the P2P storage cloud.

Abstract: We have been working on research and development of advanced network and applications called "flexible computing". We are now in the next stage of this research, strongly pressing forward the concept of flexible computing, namely, "symbiotic computing", towards next generation computing model based on co-existence of real space and digital space. In this paper, we explain basic concepts, architecture and enabling technologies of symbiotic computing that we are aiming to develop.

Abstract: A method for managing access to a computing environment by a computing device includes providing at least one credential that identifies both the computing device and a user of the computing device, storing data at the computing environment relating to the computing device and the user in association with the credential, and selectively granting an access request received from the computing device using the credential in accordance with the data stored at the computing environment.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols have proven efficient to provide scalable support to many large-scale distributed applications, successfully coping with unreliability and dynamics. However, to exploit them in a wider range of environments, such as very large-scale networks of smartphones or set-top boxes, it is imperative to make P2P protocols manageable: we need to be able to start, bootstrap and stop protocols, and assign resources dynamically. In this paper we present a general-purpose framework aimed to support several fully distributed applications running independently over a very large scale and dynamic pool of resources. We call this resource pool a cloud. The basic idea of the framework is a declarative application suit description, that describes what applications should be running on what resources, and a middleware that makes sure the currently available and dynamic cloud self-organizes into the configuration represented by the description, creating the subclouds that are assigned to applications. The middleware also provides additional functionality, such as bootstrapping overlay networks, to support the applications. Our preliminary ideas on the implementation rely on various gossip-based protocols, that are applied to form the subclouds and to implement bootstrapping, monitoring and control services. Most of all, this position paper sets an exciting research agenda to fully exploit the possibilities offered by very large scale dynamic networks.

Abstract: The solar chimney power facility has the potential to become a valuable technology for renewable energy production. Its financial viability depends on a thorough understanding of the processes affecting its performance, particularly because of the large startup costs associated with facility design and construction. This paper describes the potential impacts on plant capacity resulting from cloud formation within or downwind of the solar chimney. Several proposed modifications to the basic concept of the solar chimney power facility have the potential to cause significant additions of water vapor to the air passing through the collector. As the air continues up through and out of the chimney, this excess water can condense to form cloud. This possibility is explored using a cloud parcel model initialized to simulate the range of expected operating conditions for a proposed solar chimney facility in southwestern Australia. A range of temperatures and updraft velocities is simulated for each of four seasonal representations and three levels of water vapor enhancement. Both adiabatic environments and the effects of entrainment are considered. The results indicate that for very high levels of water vapor, enhancement cloud formation within the chimney is likely; at more moderate levels of water vapor enhancement, the likelihood of plume formation is difficult to fully assess as the results depend strongly on the choice of entrainment rate. Finally, the impacts of these outcomes on facility capacity are estimated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 3D ink and wash effect rendering method based on graphic processor. Graphic processor is utilized to provide programmable streamline for classifying common objects in Chinese landscape painting. The ink and wash effect rendering method for multipeaked mountain, cloud sea, waterfall and trees is proposed to realize the motion of dynamic objects, such as cloud sea and waterfall, in scene and the treatment of the boundary between dynamic object and static object. The method of the present invention maintains the ink and wash style characteristic of the said objects in 3D environment effectively, expresses the motion of dynamic objects and reaches real-time rendering effect.

Abstract: The fuzzy logic method is a useful way in spatial load forecasting (SLF) simulation. However, the randomness is not fully considered in its key step. This paper proposes a new SLF model for distribution network, which brings in Cloud theory. The knowledge representation based on cloud model is adopted to integrate fuzziness and randomness of qualitative concept. The uncertainty reasoning based on it is used to calculate the preference score of the partitioned small area. The randomness of land–use decision is indicated by hyper-entropy obtained from each rule confidence and the digital characters of each cloud model. The small area redevelopment criteria based on this model are provided. Furthermore, the linear multi-objective programming is introduced and improved for the whole-optimal land distribution in which the economic effect and redevelopment are considered. Finally, this model is implemented and the analysis for a real instance is described.

Abstract: Grid-free Euler solver using Entropy (q) variables based Least Squares Kinetic Upwind Method (q-LSKUM) has been successfully applied to a store-separation dynamics problem. Grid-free methods require just a cloud of points distributed over the computational domain and a set of neighbours (called connectivity) around each point. In the present study, the clouds of points are generated around wing and store separately and overlapped to get a cloud of points (called chimera cloud) around the configuration. The store cloud is moved relative to the wing cloud and the connectivity is updated at every time step. Dynamic blanking and connectivity generation for the chimera cloud of points are carried out using the background octtree search method. The aerodynamic forces and moments are obtained using the q-LSKUM Euler code. Then, the forces and moments have been used to solve the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) equations for obtaining the new position of the store. The procedure has been used in the simulation of a store separating from the wing-pylon configuration. The trajectory of the store and pressure distributions on the store surface are compared with the experimental data.