Showing papers by "Curtin University published in 2011"

Real-Time Coordination of Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging in Smart Grids to Minimize Power Losses and Improve Voltage Profile

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel load management solution for coordinating the charging of multiple plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in a smart grid system. Utilities are becoming concerned about the potential stresses, performance degradations and overloads that may occur in distribution systems with multiple domestic PEV charging activities. Uncontrolled and random PEV charging can cause increased power losses, overloads and voltage fluctuations, which are all detrimental to the reliability and security of newly developing smart grids. Therefore, a real-time smart load management (RT-SLM) control strategy is proposed and developed for the coordination of PEV charging based on real-time (e.g., every 5 min) minimization of total cost of generating the energy plus the associated grid energy losses. The approach reduces generation cost by incorporating time-varying market energy prices and PEV owner preferred charging time zones based on priority selection. The RT-SLM algorithm appropriately considers random plug-in of PEVs and utilizes the maximum sensitivities selection (MSS) optimization. This approach enables PEVs to begin charging as soon as possible considering priority-charging time zones while complying with network operation criteria (such as losses, generation limits, and voltage profile). Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of SLM for the modified IEEE 23 kV distribution system connected to several low voltage residential networks populated with PEVs.

A field guide to pandemic, epidemic and sporadic clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a truly global challenge. In addition to the long-known healthcare-associated clones, novel strains have also emerged outside of the hospital settings, in the community as well as in livestock. The emergence and spread of virulent clones expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an additional cause for concern. In order to provide an overview of pandemic, epidemic and sporadic strains, more than 3,000 clinical and veterinary isolates of MRSA mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago as well as some reference strains from the United States have been genotyped by DNA microarray analysis. This technique allowed the assignment of the MRSA isolates to 34 distinct lineages which can be clearly defined based on non-mobile genes. The results were in accordance with data from multilocus sequence typing. More than 100 different strains were distinguished based on affiliation to these lineages, SCCmec type and the presence or absence of PVL. These strains are described here mainly with regard to clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance- and virulence-associated markers, but also in relation to epidemiology and geographic distribution. The findings of the study show a high level of biodiversity among MRSA, especially among strains harbouring SCCmec IV and V elements. The data also indicate a high rate of genetic recombination in MRSA involving SCC elements, bacteriophages or other mobile genetic elements and large-scale chromosomal replacements.

Nitrogen-containing microporous carbon nanospheres with improved capacitive properties

Abstract: We report the largely improved electrochemical capacitance of polypyrrole-derived microporous carbon nanospheres (MCNs, 80–100 nm in diameter) containing nitrogen functional groups. We have investigated the electrochemical properties of precursor polypyrrole nanospheres (PNs, with a high N/C ratio and low surface area) and as-derived carbon nanospheres (CNs, with a moderate N/C ratio and low surface area) prepared by carbonizing PNs at different temperatures, and MCNs (with a low N/C ratio and high surface area) obtained by chemical activation of CNs. The samples are thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), nitrogen sorption, elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that MCNs with a high surface area and N-doping species exhibit much better capacitive performance compared to the PNs and CNs, and commercial carbon blacks (XC-72 and BP2000) as well. The MCN sample gives a reversible specific capacitance of ∼240 F g−1 for 3000 cycles in aqueous media as a result of combined advantages of high electrochemical activity of doped heteroatoms (N and O) and accessible well-developed porosity, demonstrating the promising use in high-energy-density supercapacitors.

Effect of dignity therapy on distress and end-of-life experience in terminally ill patients: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Summary Background Dignity therapy is a unique, individualised, short-term psychotherapy that was developed for patients (and their families) living with life-threatening or life-limiting illness. We investigated whether dignity therapy could mitigate distress or bolster the experience in patients nearing the end of their lives. Methods Patients (aged ≥18 years) with a terminal prognosis (life expectancy ≤6 months) who were receiving palliative care in a hospital or community setting (hospice or home) in Canada, USA, and Australia were randomly assigned to dignity therapy, client-centred care, or standard palliative care in a 1:1:1 ratio. Randomisation was by use of a computer-generated table of random numbers in blocks of 30. Allocation concealment was by use of opaque sealed envelopes. The primary outcomes—reductions in various dimensions of distress before and after completion of the study—were measured with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Patient Dignity Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, items from the Structured Interview for Symptoms and Concerns, Quality of Life Scale, and modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Secondary outcomes of self-reported end-of-life experiences were assessed in a survey that was undertaken after the completion of the study. Outcomes were assessed by research staff with whom the participant had no previous contact to avoid any possible response bias or contamination. Analyses were done on all patients with available data at baseline and at the end of the study intervention. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00133965. Findings 165 of 441 patients were assigned to dignity therapy, 140 standard palliative care, and 136 client-centred care. 108, 111, and 107 patients, respectively, were analysed. No significant differences were noted in the distress levels before and after completion of the study in the three groups. For the secondary outcomes, patients reported that dignity therapy was significantly more likely than the other two interventions to have been helpful (χ 2 =35·50, df=2; p 2 =14·52; p=0·001), increase sense of dignity (χ 2 =12·66; p=0·002), change how their family saw and appreciated them (χ 2 =33·81; p 2 =33·86; p 2 =10·35; p=0·006), and was significantly better than standard palliative care in terms of lessening sadness or depression (χ 2 =9·38; p=0·009); significantly more patients who had received dignity therapy reported that the study group had been satisfactory, compared with those who received standard palliative care (χ 2 =29·58; p Interpretation Although the ability of dignity therapy to mitigate outright distress, such as depression, desire for death or suicidality, has yet to be proven, its benefits in terms of self-reported end-of-life experiences support its clinical application for patients nearing death. Funding National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Finished Genome of the Fungal Wheat Pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola Reveals Dispensome Structure, Chromosome Plasticity, and Stealth Pathogenesis

Abstract: The plant-pathogenic fungus Mycosphaerella graminicola (asexual stage: Septoria tritici) causes septoria tritici blotch, a disease that greatly reduces the yield and quality of wheat. This disease is economically important in most wheat-growing areas worldwide and threatens global food production. Control of the disease has been hampered by a limited understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of pathogenicity, including mechanisms of infection and of resistance in the host. Unlike most other plant pathogens, M. graminicola has a long latent period during which it evades host defenses. Although this type of stealth pathogenicity occurs commonly in Mycosphaerella and other Dothideomycetes, the largest class of plant-pathogenic fungi, its genetic basis is not known. To address this problem, the genome of M. graminicola was sequenced completely. The finished genome contains 21 chromosomes, eight of which could be lost with no visible effect on the fungus and thus are dispensable. This eight-chromosome dispensome is dynamic in field and progeny isolates, is different from the core genome in gene and repeat content, and appears to have originated by ancient horizontal transfer from an unknown donor. Synteny plots of the M. graminicola chromosomes versus those of the only other sequenced Dothideomycete, Stagonospora nodorum, revealed conservation of gene content but not order or orientation, suggesting a high rate of intra-chromosomal rearrangement in one or both species. This observed “mesosynteny” is very different from synteny seen between other organisms. A surprising feature of the M. graminicola genome compared to other sequenced plant pathogens was that it contained very few genes for enzymes that break down plant cell walls, which was more similar to endophytes than to pathogens. The stealth pathogenesis of M. graminicola probably involves degradation of proteins rather than carbohydrates to evade host defenses during the biotrophic stage of infection and may have evolved from endophytic ancestors.

Effector diversification within compartments of the Leptosphaeria maculans genome affected by Repeat-Induced Point mutations

Abstract: Fungi are of primary ecological, biotechnological and economic importance. Many fundamental biological processes that are shared by animals and fungi are studied in fungi due to their experimental tractability. Many fungi are pathogens or mutualists and are model systems to analyse effector genes and their mechanisms of diversification. In this study, we report the genome sequence of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Leptosphaeria maculans and characterize its repertoire of protein effectors. The L. maculans genome has an unusual bipartite structure with alternating distinct guanine and cytosine-equilibrated and adenine and thymine (AT)-rich blocks of homogenous nucleotide composition. The AT-rich blocks comprise one-third of the genome and contain effector genes and families of transposable elements, both of which are affected by repeat-induced point mutation, a fungal-specific genome defence mechanism. This genomic environment for effectors promotes rapid sequence diversification and underpins the evolutionary potential of the fungus to adapt rapidly to novel host-derived constraints.

Stable prenucleation mineral clusters are liquid-like ionic polymers

Abstract: Calcium carbonate is an abundant substance that can be created in several mineral forms by the reaction of dissolved carbon dioxide in water with calcium ions. Through biomineralization, organisms can harness and control this process to form various functional materials that can act as anything from shells through to lenses. The early stages of calcium carbonate formation have recently attracted attention as stable prenucleation clusters have been observed, contrary to classical models. Here we show, using computer simulations combined with the analysis of experimental data, that these mineral clusters are made of an ionic polymer, composed of alternating calcium and carbonate ions, with a dynamic topology consisting of chains, branches and rings. The existence of a disordered, flexible and strongly hydrated precursor provides a basis for explaining the formation of other liquid-like amorphous states of calcium carbonate, in addition to the non-classical behaviour during growth of amorphous calcium carbonate.

DiFX-2: A More Flexible, Efficient, Robust, and Powerful Software Correlator

Abstract: Software correlation, where a correlation algorithm written in a high-level language such as C++ is run on commodity computer hardware, has become increasingly attractive for small- to medium-sized and/or bandwidth-constrained radio interferometers. In particular, many long-baseline arrays (which typically have fewer than 20 elements and are restricted in observing bandwidth by costly recording hardware and media) have utilized software correlators for rapid, cost-effective, correlator upgrades to allow compatibility with new, wider-bandwidth, recording systems and to improve correlator flexibility. The DiFX correlator, made publicly available in 2007, has been a popular choice in such upgrades and is now used for production correlation by a number of observatories and research groups worldwide. Here, we describe the evolution in the capabilities of the DiFX correlator over the past three years, including a number of new capabilities, substantial performance improvements, and a large amount of supporting infrastructure to ease use of the code. New capabilities include the ability to correlate a large number of phase centers in a single correlation pass, the extraction of phase-calibration tones, correlation of disparate but overlapping sub-bands, the production of rapidly sampled filter-bank and kurtosis data at minimal cost, and many more. The latest version of the code is at least 15% faster than the original (and in certain situations, many times this value). Finally, we also present detailed test results validating the correctness of the new code.

Smart load management of plug-in electric vehicles in distribution and residential networks with charging stations for peak shaving and loss minimisation considering voltage regulation

Abstract: New smart load management (SLM) approach for the coordination of multiple plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) chargers in distribution feeders is proposed. PEVs are growing in popularity as a low emission and efficient mode of transport against petroleum-based vehicles. PEV chargers represent sizeable and unpredictable loads, which can detrimentally impact the performance of distribution grids. Utilities are concerned about the potential overloads, stresses, voltage deviations and power losses that may occur in distribution systems from domestic PEV charging activity as well as from newly emerging charging stations. Therefore this study proposes a new SLM control strategy for coordinating PEV charging based on peak demand shaving, improving voltage profile and minimising power losses. Furthermore, the developed SLM approach takes into consideration the PEV owner preferred charging time zones based on a priority selection scheme. The impact of PEV charging stations and typical daily residential loading patterns are also considered. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the significant performance improvement offered by SLM for a 1200 node test system topology consisting of several low-voltage residential networks populated with PEVs.

Equilibrium, Kinetics and Mechanism of Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution by Adsorption onto Pine Cone Biomass of Pinus radiata

Abstract: The kinetics and mechanism of methylene blue adsorption onto raw pine cone biomass (Pinus radiata) was investigated under various physicochemical parameters. The extent of the methylene blue dye adsorption increased with increases in initial dye concentration, contact time and solution pH but decreases with the amount of adsorbent, salt concentration and temperature of the system. Overall the kinetic studies showed that the methylene blue adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics among various kinetic models tested. The different kinetic parameters including rate constant, half-adsorption time and diffusion coefficient are determined at different physicochemical conditions. Equilibrium data were best represented by Langmuir isotherm among Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of pine cone biomass was 109.89 mg/g at 30°C. The value of separation factor, R L, from Langmuir equation and Freundlich constant, n, both give an indication of favourable adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibbs free energy (∆G 0), standard enthalpy (∆H 0), standard entropy (∆S 0) and the activation energy (A) were calculated. A single-stage batch absorber design for the methylene blue adsorption onto pine cone biomass has been presented based on the Langmuir isotherm model equation.

The New Frontier of Smart Grids

Abstract: The power grid is a massive interconnected network used to deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers and has been a vital energy supply. To minimize the impact of climate change while at the same time maintaining social prosperity, smart energy must be embraced to ensure a balanced economical growth and environmental sustainability. There fore, in the last few years, the new concept of a smart grid (SG) became a critical enabler in the contempo rary world and has attracted increas ing attention of policy makers and engineers. This article introduces the main concepts and technological challenges of SGs and presents the authors' views on some required challenges and opportunities pre sented to the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) in this new and exciting frontier.

The Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD): a new resource for vegetation science

Abstract: Question: How many vegetation plot observations (releves) are available in electronic databases, how are they geographically distributed, what are their properties and how might they be discovered and located for research and application? Location: Global. Methods: We compiled the Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD; http://www.givd.info), an Internet resource aimed at registering metadata on existing vegetation databases. For inclusion, databases need to (i) contain temporally and spatially explicit species co-occurrence data and (ii) be accessible to the scientific public. This paper summarizes structure and data quality of databases registered in GIVD as of 30 December 2010. Results: On the given date, 132 databases containing more than 2.4 million non-overlapping plots had been registered in GIVD. The majority of these data were in European databases (83 databases, 1.6 million plots), whereas other continents were represented by substantially less (North America 15, Asia 13, Africa nine, South America seven, Australasia two, multi-continental three). The oldest plot observation was 1864, but most plots were recorded after 1970. Most plots reported vegetation on areas of 1 to 1000 m2; some also stored time-series and nested-plot data. Apart from geographic reference (required for inclusion), most frequent information was on altitude (71%), slope aspect and inclination (58%) and land use (38%), but rarely soil properties (<7%). Conclusions: The vegetation plot data in GIVD constitute a major resource for biodiversity research, both through the large number of species occurrence records and storage of species co-occurrence information at a small scale, combined with structural and plot-based environmental data. We identify shortcomings in available data that need to be addressed through sampling under-represented geographic regions, providing better incentives for data collection and sharing, developing user-friendly database exchange standards, as well as tools to analyse and remove confounding effects of sampling biases. The increased availability of data sets conferred by registration in GIVD offers significant opportunities for large-scale studies in community ecology, macroecology and global change research.

Dye Adsorption on Layered Graphite Oxide

Abstract: Graphite oxide (GO) was prepared by a modified Hummers−Offeman method and was tested as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes in aqueous solution. The structure of GO was characterized by N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It is found that GO does not show a significant change in surface area, but the layered graphene structure was expanded, and several surface oxygen functional groups were formed, which play a significant role in adsorption. The amount of the dyes, methylene blue and malachite green, adsorbed on the GO was much higher than that on graphite, and the adsorption capacity based on the Langmuir isotherm is (351 and 248) mg·g−1, respectively, much higher than activated carbon. The adsorption mechanism was proposed as electrostatic attraction.

Residual CO2 imaged with X‐ray micro‐tomography

Abstract: [1] Carbon capture and storage (CCS), where CO2 is injected into geological formations, has been identified as an important way to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. While there are several aquifers worldwide into which CO2 has been injected, there is still uncertainty in terms of the long-term fate of the CO2. Simulation studies have proposed capillary trapping – where the CO2 is stranded as pore-space droplets surrounded by water – as a rapid way to secure safe storage. However, there has been no direct evidence of pore-scale trapping. We imaged trapped super-critical CO2 clusters in a sandstone at elevated temperatures and pressures, representative of storage conditions using computed micro-tomography (μ-CT) and measured the distribution of trapped cluster size. The clusters occupy 25% of the pore space. This work suggests that locally capillary trapping is an effective, safe storage mechanism in quartz-rich sandstones.

Observing pulsars and fast transients with LOFAR

Abstract: Low frequency radio waves, while challenging to observe, are a rich source of information about pulsars. The LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) is a new radio interferometer operating in the lowest 4 octaves of the ionospheric "radio window": 10-240 MHz, that will greatly facilitate observing pulsars at low radio frequencies. Through the huge collecting area, long baselines, and flexible digital hardware, it is expected that LOFAR will revolutionize radio astronomy at the lowest frequencies visible from Earth. LOFAR is a next-generation radio telescope and a pathfinder to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), in that it incorporates advanced multi-beaming techniques between thousands of individual elements. We discuss the motivation for low-frequency pulsar observations in general and the potential of LOFAR in addressing these science goals. We present LOFAR as it is designed to perform high-time-resolution observations of pulsars and other fast transients, and outline the various relevant observing modes and data reduction pipelines that are already or will soon be implemented to facilitate these observations. A number of results obtained from commissioning observations are presented to demonstrate the exciting potential of the telescope. This paper outlines the case for low frequency pulsar observations and is also intended to serve as a reference for upcoming pulsar/fast transient science papers with LOFAR.

Attitudes towards environmentally friendly products: the influence of ecoliteracy, interpersonal influence and value orientation

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify the key antecedents and moderators that influence consumers' willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.Design/methodology/approach – A convenience sampling method was employed. A total of 600 self‐administered questionnaires were distributed during lectures in a large Australian university. In total, 256 useable Australian consumer responses were collected and used for analysis.Findings – The results show that the three antecedents of ecoliteracy, interpersonal influence and value orientation have strong correlations with attitudes towards environmentally friendly products. Consumers with favourable attitudes towards environmentally friendly products are more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products. Perceived product necessity moderates the relationship between attitudes toward environmentally friendly products and the willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.Research limitations/implications – Longitudinal studies can be ...

Assembly, accretion, and break-up of the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent: record in the North China Craton revisited

Abstract: Columbia is a Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent that was assembled during global 2.0–1.8 Ga collisional events, underwent long-lived, subduction-related accretion at key continental margins in the period 1.8–1.3 Ga, commenced to fragment ∼1.6 Ga ago, and finally broke up at ∼1.3 Ga. Similar to most other cratonic blocks (Laurentia, Baltica, Siberia, Amazonia, West African, South Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica), the North China Craton records the history of assembly, accretion, and break-up of the Columbia supercontinent. New data indicate that the Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic basement of the North China Craton was assembled by microcontinental blocks along three Palaeoproterozoic collisional belts: the Khondalite Belt, the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, and the Trans-North China Orogen. The Khondalite Belt was formed by collision between the Yinshan and Ordos blocks and was amalgamated to form the Western Block at ∼1.95 Ga. The Eastern Block underwent Palaeoproterozoic rifting at 2.2–1.9 Ga to break-up...

ARE THERE GENDER-RELATED INFLUENCEs ON CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY? A STUDY OF WOMEN ON BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

Abstract: This study sought to investigate if there is a link between women on boards of directors and corporate sustainability. Using a sample of publicly listed firms from Australia, the results suggest some level of support that a link does exist. Boards that have a strong complement of gender diversity are expected to offer more effective monitoring of agents, as well as offer more stringent enforcement of ethical conduct, thereby minimizing affects of subversion of shareholder funds that can be detrimental to their returns. Accordingly, findings confirm a positive link between women on boards and economic growth. Because of their relational abilities, women on boards are more likely able to engage with multiple stakeholders and respond to their needs, resulting in an avenue for demonstrating social responsiveness, which is confirmed by the results. However, due to their backgrounds and work experiences, sex-based biases and stereotyping might exist in boardrooms with men directors discounting input from women directors on issues relating to environmental quality. The results of this study find that women directors are not significantly associated with environmental quality. Discussion is given to these findings along with paths for future research.

Intercomparison of shallow water bathymetry, hydro‐optics, and benthos mapping techniques in Australian and Caribbean coastal environments

Abstract: Science, resource management, and defense need algorithms capable of using airborne or satellite imagery to accu rately map bathymetry, water quality, and substrate composition in optically shallow waters. Although a variety of inver sion algorithms are available, there has been limited assessment of performance and no work has been published com paring their accuracy and efficiency. This paper compares the absolute and relative accuracies and computational effi ciencies of one empirical and five radiative-transfer-based published approaches applied to coastal sites at Lee Stocking Island in the Bahamas and Moreton Bay in eastern Australia. These sites have published airborne hyperspectral data and field data. The assessment showed that (1) radiative-transfer‐based methods were more accurate than the empirical approach for bathymetric retrieval, and the accuracies and processing times were inversely related to the complexity of the models used; (2) all inversion methods provided moder ately accurate retrievals of bathymetry, water column inher ent optical properties, and benthic reflectance in waters less than 13 m deep with homogeneous to heterogeneous benth ic/substrate covers; (3) slightly higher accuracy retrievals were obtained from locally parameterized methods; and (4) no method compared here can be considered optimal for all situ ations. The results provide a guide to the conditions where each approach may be used (available image and field data and processing capability). A re-analysis of these same or addi tional sites with satellite hyperspectral data with lower spatial and radiometric resolution, but higher temporal resolution would be instructive to establish guidelines for repeatable regional to global scale shallow water mapping approaches. Optically shallow waters, those where the bottom is visible from the water surface and measurably influences the waterleaving radiance, include inland waters through to estuarine and tropical coral reef and temperate coastal ecosystems. Over

How Does the Continental Crust Get Really Hot

Abstract: There is widespread evidence that ultrahigh temperatures of 900–1000 °C have been generated in the Earth's crust repeatedly in time and space. These temperatures were associated with thickened crust in collisional mountain belts and the production of large volumes of magma. Numerical modelling indicates that a long-lived mountain plateau with high internal concentrations of heat-producing elements and low erosion rates is the most likely setting for such extreme conditions. Preferential thickening of already-hot back-arc basins and mechanical heating by deformation in ductile shear zones might also contribute to elevated temperatures.

Effects of socially responsible human resource management on employee organizational commitment

Abstract: In this paper, we introduced the concept of socially responsible human resource management (SR-HRM) and examined the effects of perceived SR-HRM on employee organizational commitment (OC) in the Chinese context. After examining the psychometric properties of the scales, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilised to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that, in general, SR-HRM is positively related to OC. After demographic variables were controlled, labour-related legal compliance HRM and general corporate social responsibility facilitation HRMs have a significant positive relationship with affirmative commitment (AC), continuance commitment (CC) and normative commitment (NC). Employee-oriented HRM has a significant positive relationship with AC and NC, but not CC. The relationship between SR-HRM and AC is stronger than those between SR-HRM and CC and NC.

Bond strength of reinforcing steel embedded in fly ash-based geopolymer concrete

Abstract: Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is an emerging construction material that uses a by-product material such as fly ash as a complete substitute for cement. This paper evaluates the bond strength of fly ash based geopolymer concrete with reinforcing steel. Pull-out test in accordance with the ASTM A944 Standard was carried out on 24 geopolymer concrete and 24 ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete beam-end specimens, and the bond strengths of the two types of concrete were compared. The compressive strength of geopolymer concrete varied from 25 to 39 MPa. The other test parameters were concrete cover and bar diameter. The reinforcing steel was 20 mm and 24 mm diameter 500 MPa steel deformed bars. The concrete cover to bar diameter ratio varied from 1.71 to 3.62. Failure occurred with the splitting of concrete in the region bonded with the steel bar, in both geopolymer and OPC concrete specimens. Comparison of the test results shows that geopolymer concrete has higher bond strength than OPC concrete. This is because of the higher splitting tensile strength of geopolymer concrete than of OPC concrete of the same compressive strength. A comparison between the splitting tensile strengths of OPC and geopolymer concrete of compressive strengths ranging from 25 to 89 MPa shows that geopolymer concrete has higher splitting tensile strength than OPC concrete. This suggests that the existing analytical expressions for bond strength of OPC concrete can be conservatively used for calculation of bond strength of geopolymer concrete with reinforcing steel.