On the capacity of mobile ad hoc networks with delay constraints

Previous work on ad hoc network capacity has focused primarily on source-destination throughput requirements for different models and transmission scenarios, with an emphasis on delay tolerant applications. In such problems, network capacity enhancement is achieved as a tradeoff with transmission delay. In this paper, the capacity of ad hoc networks supporting delay sensitive traffic is studied. First, a general framework is . proposed for characterizing the interactions between the physical and the network layer in an ad hoc network. Then, CDMA ad hoc networks, in which advanced signal processing techniques such as multiuser detection are relied upon to enhance the user capacity, are analyzed. The network capacity is characterized using a combination of geometric arguments and large scale analysis, for several network scenarios employing matched filters, decorrelators and minimum-mean-square-error receivers. Insight into the network performance for finite systems is also provided by means of simulations. Both analysis and simulations show a significant network capacity gain for ad hoc networks employing multiuser detectors, compared with those using matched filter receivers, as well as very good performance even under tight delay and transmission power requirements.     

Effects of solid retention time on the performance of submerged anoxic/oxic membrane bioreactor.

In this study, four similar bench-scale submerged Anoxic/Oxic Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) were used simultaneously to investigate the effects of solids retention time (SRT) on organic and nitrogen removal in MBR for treating domestic wastewater. COD removal efficiencies in all reactors were consistently above 94% under steady state conditions. Complete conversion of NH(4+)-N to NO(3-)-N was readily achieved over a feed NH(4+)-N concentration range of 30 to 50 mg/L. It was also observed that SRT did not significantly affect the nitrification in the MBR systems investigated. The average denitrification efficiencies for the 3, 5, 10 and 20 days SRT operations were 43.9, 32.6, 47.5 and 66.5%, respectively. In general, the average effluent nitrogen concentrations, which were mainly nitrate, were about 22.2, 27.6, 21.7 and 13.9 mg/L for the 3, 5, 10 and 20 days SRT systems, respectively. The rate of membrane fouling at 3 days SRT operation was more rapid than that observed at 5 days SRT. No fouling was noted in the 10 days and 20 days SRT systems during the entire period of study.     

Discrete-time spare ordering policy with randomized lead times and discounting

The paper considers a generalized discrete‐time order‐replacement model for a single unit system, which is subject to random failure when in operation. Two types of discrete randomized lead times are considered for a spare unit; one is for regular (preventive) order and another is for expedited (emergency) order. The model is formulated based on the discounted cost criterion. The underlying two‐dimensional optimization problem is reduced to a simple one‐dimensional one and then the optimal ordering policy for the spare unit is characterized under two extreme conditions: (i) unlimited inventory time and (ii) zero inventory time for the spare unit. A numerical example is used to determine the optimal spare‐ordering policy numerically and to examine the sensitivity of the model parameters.     

Synthesis by sol-gel route and characterization of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia coatings for thermal barrier applications

This paper deals with the development of new synthesis techniques for functional materials such as Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) used in the field of thermal barriers coatings. Currently, Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) are manufactured by dry route technologies (EB-PVD or plasma spray) but such methods are directional and often require costly investments and complicated operations. We have carried out significant work aimed at developing sol-gel routes, which are nondirectional methods, to prepare, by suitable chemical modifications, nanocrystalline materials with a controlled morphology. The main advantage of this method is to decrease the crystallization temperature, much lower than the conventional processes, allowing the synthesis of reactive powders with nanometric particles size. In this paper, the formulation of an alkoxide sol has been optimized in order to obtain homogeneous YSZ films. Nature and quantity of binders have been studied. Superalloys have been then immersed in the sol and withdrawn at several controlled rates before being annealed at different temperatures. The films microstructures have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy. It appears that the combination of a slower withdrawal speed (17 cm/min) with a 3 wt.% content of DBP allows to obtain the most homogeneous and the thicker coatings. Moreover, SEM-FEG observations have shown that the deposit is present all over the rough surface of the substrate and is composed of two morphologies: a YSZ thin covering film and a thicker discontinuous layer duplicating the substrate topography.     

Microwave-Assisted Reaction Sintering of Bismuth Titanate-Based Ceramics

Bismuth titanate-based ceramics, pure and doped with 5 mol% WO₃, were prepared by reaction-sintering using a microwave oven. High densities, ≥96% of theoretical density were achieved with very short thermal treatments, with soaking time ranging from 5 to 15 min. Relatively small platelet-like grains were formed, and microstructure seemed not to be strongly affected by doping nor soaking time. Electrical measurements were performed and, as expected, a decrease of electrical conductivity was observed in WO₃-doped materials. The results of reaction-sintered samples, both conventional as well as microwave sintered, are compared with those of samples prepared with previously calcined powders and sintered using microwaves as well as a conventional electric furnace.     

Maintenance strategy based on a multicriterion classification of equipments

In an industrial plant, the level of maintenance provided to individual equipment is directly related to the availability that is expected from it. Thus, it is hoped that the most critical equipments will not fail or, at least, that any failure will be rapidly detected and corrected in the minimum time possible. Since resources are limited, it is necessary to determine how they should be distributed, so that no important equipment remains neglected while more resources are concentrated on the most critical items. Therefore, it is necessary to classify equipment in an objective way according to its importance. The method of multicriterion classification of critical equipments (MCCE)², which is described in the present work, allows systematic and detailed quantification of the criticality of all equipment, that is to say, it provides an evaluation of the importance that its correct operation has for the plant. To provide this information, the consequences for a company of any failure in the equipment concerned are analysed. Finally, a real case example of an urban wastewater treatment plant is described, in which the MCCE method is applied.     

Impact of dams on point bar habitat: a case for the extirpation of the Sacramento Valley Tiger Beetle,C. hirticollis abrupta

Quantitative analyses of flow and stage data, remote sensing and geographic information systems analysis, and field studies were used to assess the impact of dams and diversions on the point bar habitat of the Sacramento Valley Tiger Beetle (Cicindela hirticollis abrupta). The reaches of interest include sites of known historic populations of C. h. abrupta along the Sacramento River from approximately 8 km north of Colusa southward to the confluence with the Feather River and along the Feather River between Yuba City and its confluence with the Sacramento River. The results from this study show that construction of two major dams has altered flows such that prolonged and increased flows during summer, fall, and early winter have most likely disrupted life cycles, flooded larvae, drowned overwintering adults and led to high mortality. Additionally, habitat availability has decreased over time because point bars have decreased in number and area causing increased distances between populations and isolation of populations. Moreover, point bar armouring, channel scouring, altered flows, redirected flows through weirs, and lithologic controls have produced a bimodal distribution of mean grain sizes in the Sacramento River in which the more northern bars contain gravel deposits and more southern bars possess fine sands. These conditions negatively alter moisture retention and sediment compaction and, consequently, burrowing conditions needed by this tiger beetle. Additionally, more stabilized flows (reduced variability) and increased fine‐grained deposition have enabled development and encroachment of vegetation onto the sand bars. Finally, human stresses, such as foot traffic and vehicular traffic may have interfered with burrowing, ovipositing, and foraging. The combination of these stress factors has most likely led to a reduction in source populations and, ultimately, the apparent extirpation of the entire metapopulation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Model Driven Architecture

Bei der Model Driven Architecture (MDA) bilden Modelle die zentralen Elemente des Softwareentwicklungsprozesses. Ziel ist es, plattformspezifische Modelle möglichst automatisiert aus plattformunabhängigen Modellen abzuleiten. Dadurch soll der Aufwand der Softwareentwicklung verringert und die Adaptierung an neue Technologien erleichtert werden.*Vorschläge an Prof. Dr. Frank Puppe oder Dieter Steinbauer Alle „Aktuellen Schlagwörter“ seit 1988 finden Sie unter: www.ai-wuerzburg.de/as     

An Investigation on Noisy Environments in Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

In addition to satisfying several competing objectives, many real-world applications are also characterized by a certain degree of noise, manifesting itself in the form of signal distortion or uncertain information. In this paper, extensive studies are carried out to examine the impact of noisy environments in evolutionary multiobjective optimization. Three noise-handling features are then proposed based upon the analysis of empirical results, including an experiential learning directed perturbation operator that adapts the magnitude and direction of variation according to past experiences for fast convergence, a gene adaptation selection strategy that helps the evolutionary search in escaping from local optima or premature convergence, and a possibilistic archiving model based on the concept of possibility and necessity measures to deal with problem of uncertainties. In addition, the performances of various multiobjective evolutionary algorithms in noisy environments, as well as the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed features are examined based upon five benchmark problems characterized by different difficulties in local optimality, nonuniformity, discontinuity, and nonconvexity