Maximum Cardinality Search for Computing Minimal Triangulations of Graphs

We present a new algorithm, called MCS-M, for computing minimal triangulations of graphs. Lex-BFS, a seminal algorithm for recognizing chordal graphs, was the genesis for two other classical algorithms: LEX M and MCS. LEX M extends the fundamental concept used in Lex-BFS, resulting in an algorithm that not only recognizes chordality, but also computes a minimal triangulation of an arbitrary graph. MCS simplifies the fundamental concept used in Lex-BFS, resulting in a simpler algorithm for recognizing chordal graphs. The new algorithm MCS-M combines the extension of LEX M with the simplification of MCS, achieving all the results of LEX M in the same time complexity.     

Eddy current measurements of electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability of porous metals

This paper presents a method, which simultaneously estimates the electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability of porous metals. Porous Cu and Fe manufactured by the lost carbonate sintering process have been tested. An air-cored solenoid coil was designed for the measurements of rod-shaped samples when inserted coaxially with the coil. It was theoretically found that the phase-frequency response of the normalised eddy current signal of the coil is virtually independent of the radius, electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability of the test samples. For non-magnetic, conductive porous Cu, the electrical conductivity was measured with a calibration curve of the coil relating the impedance change and the electrical conductivity of the sample. For magnetic porous Fe, the imaginary part of the signal at the lowest frequencies can be used to estimate the permeability. The measured conductivity values of the porous Cu are shown in the paper in comparison with that of bulk materials with known conductivity. The measured permeability values of the porous Fe are given and the sample-length effect on the measurements is also discussed.     

Moving from the Consortium to the Reference Desk: Keeping Chat and Improving Reference at the MSU Libraries

The experience of the Mississippi State University (MSU) Libraries illustrates the challenges presented by moving from consortial to local chat, as well as an evaluation of the advantages of chat reference in an academic setting. Countering the consortial, instant-messaging model prevalent in virtual reference today, the MSU Libraries have found chat offers advantages in an academic community. Moving to a local setting, it was possible for the MSU Libraries to maintain quality control over chat transactions while building relationships with faculty and students across campus.     

Business process management with the user requirements notation

A number of recent initiatives in both academia and industry have sought to achieve improvements in e-businesses through the utilization of Business Process Management (BPM) methodologies and tools. However there are still some inadequacies that need to be addressed when it comes to achieving alignment between business goals and business processes. The User Requirements Notation (URN), recently standardized by ITU-T, has some unique features and capabilities beyond what is available in other notations that can help address alignment issues. In this paper, a URN-based framework and its supporting toolset are introduced which provide business process monitoring and performance management capabilities integrated across the BPM lifecycle. The framework extends the URN notation with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other concepts to measure and align processes and goals. An example process for controlling access to a healthcare data warehouse is used to illustrate and evaluate the framework. Early results indicate the feasibility of the approach.     

Collaborative writing in multiple discourse contexts

Research in computer-supported writing has traditionally compared electronic communication with oral, face-to-face communication to identify the benefits and weaknesses of each, as if they entailed dichotomous choices. In this article, we challenge that view and argue instead that any form of communication and its educational usefulness is shaped by the situation in which it is used, the backgrounds and goals of the participants, the institutional and technological setup, and the intended purpose of the medium. Three modes of communication in one graduate course are examined — oral discussion, synchronous written discussion on a local area network, and asynchronous written postings on an email list set up for the class. It was found that patterns of participation, topic introduction, and topic development differed across the three communication modes, but that the three were interwoven with each other and embedded within the larger classroom context and forms of knowledge creation in the class. Thus, rather than examining different communication media separately, researchers interested in understanding computer-supported collaborative writing need to look at how different media are used to create a meta-medium, which is established by the discourse community involved.     

A three-dimensional inverse finite-element method applied to experimental eddy-current imaging data

Eddy-current techniques can be used to create electrical conductivity mapping of an object. The eddy-current imaging system in this paper is a magnetic induction tomography (MIT) system. MIT images the electrical conductivity of the target based on impedance measurements from pairs of excitation and detection coils. The inverse problem here is ill-posed and nonlinear. Current state-of-the-art image reconstruction methods in MIT are generally based on linear algorithms. In this paper, a regularized Gauss-Newton scheme has been implemented based on an edge finite-element forward solver and an efficient formula for the Jacobian matrix. Applications of Tikhonov and total variation regularization have been studied. Results are presented from experimental data collected from a newly developed MIT system. The paper also presents further progress in using an MIT system for molten metal flow visualization in continuous casting by applying the proposed algorithm in a real experiment in a continuous casting pilot plant of Corus RD&T, Teesside Technology Centre.     

Comparison of single and joint effects of Zn and Cu in continuous flow and batch reactors

BACKGROUND: Microbial behavior in batch reactors may be different from that in continuous flow reactors, which is expected to affect microbial response to heavy metal exposure. Four parallel continuous flow reactors and batch growth tests were used to investigate the single and joint toxicity of Zn and Cu to Artrobacter sp. JM018. RESULTS: The results indicated that Cu is more toxic than Zn under all conditions. In the batch reactors, all Zn concentrations showed a stimulatory effect on microbial growth. However in the continuous system, 125 µmol L^?1 Zn exposure produced inhibition. In the case of mixed Zn and Cu exposures in the batch system, the presence of Zn reduced the severity of Cu inhibition, with a net impact of reduced growth in all cases, whereas in the continuous system microbial growth and substrate utilization rates sharply decreased and ceased. CONCLUSION: The results clearly showed that growth in batch reactors underestimated significantly the heavy metal inhibition, compared with the continuous system. Therefore, the results of batch reactor tests should not be used directly when heavy metal inhibition is to be interpreted for continuous flow systems. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bioreduction of Hexavalent Chromium in Flow-Through Quartz Sand Columns

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination of soil and groundwater is a major environmental concern for some industrial sites and most of the U.S. Department of Energy sites. Cr(VI) is toxic and fairly mobile in groundwater. Bioreduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic and less mobile Cr(III) is considered to be a feasible option. Among the Cr(VI) reducing bacteria, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1) has been shown to be effective in metal reduction under anaerobic conditions. Data on bioreduction of Cr(VI) by MR-1 in a flow-through soil column that better approximates the subsurface condition are not available. The objective of this research project was to study the bioreduction of Cr(VI) by MR-1 in a continuous-flow quartz sand column system. MR-1 was found to be very effective in reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) for concentrations ranging from 0.055 mM (2.85?mg/L) to 0.006 mM (0.31?mg/L). The amount of Cr(VI) reduced prior to its breakthrough was found to be inversely proportional to its concentration in the feed due to increased inhibition of microbial activity and a residual reduction of 20–45% of Cr(VI) was observed even after its breakthrough.     

Multi-objective model-based control for an automotive catalyst

A model-based feedforward/feedback air fuel ratio controller that optimizes the oxygen storage capacity of the three-way catalyst in automotive emission control systems is presented. This work incorporates a simplified dynamic catalyst model that describes the physical behavior of oxygen chemisorption and reversible deactivation in the catalyst system. A novel aspect of this work is the use of the oxygen storage capability of the catalyst not only to minimize vehicle emissions but also to optimize engine performance and fuel economy during transient engine demand. The feedback/feedforward controller is a nonlinear model predictive controller that incorporates catalyst, engine air fuel ratio controller, and fuel system models to determine the optimal air fuel ratio target trajectory. Feedback is provided by a nonlinear moving horizon estimation strategy for the determination of the oxygen storage level of the catalyst based on air fuel ratio sensors.