Improving database performance with a mixed fragmentation design

The performance of database operations can be enhanced with an efficient storage structure design using attribute partitioning and/or tuple clustering. Previous research deals mostly with attribute partitioning. We address here the combined problem of attribute partitioning and tuple clustering. We propose a novel approach for this mixed fragmentation problem by applying a genetic algorithm iteratively to attribute partitioning and tuple clustering sub-problems. We compared our results to attribute-only partitioning and random search solution, resulting in a database access cost reduction of upto 70% and 67% respectively. We analyzed the effect of varying genetic parameters on the optimal solution through experimentation.     

Fault diagnosis based on adaptive observer for a class of non-linear systems with unknown parameters

In this paper, the fault diagnosis problem for a class of non-linear systems with uncertainty which depends on states, inputs and unknown constant parameters is discussed. Under some geometric conditions, the system is transformed into two different subsystems. One is not affected by actuator faults, so a non-linear adaptive observer can be designed based on the assumption of the strictly positive realness (SPR). The other whose states can be measured is affected by the faults. Actuator fault diagnosis is based on estimations of both the state and the unknown parameters with good accuracy. Discussions on release of SPR requirement and extension to the sensor fault case are also made. Finally, two examples are given in order to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methods for actuator fault diagnosis and sensor fault diagnosis respectively.     

Optimal utilisation level for lean product development in a multitasking context

Flow of information is of utmost importance during product development (PD) endeavours with timely feedback supporting the resolution of higher risk elements. PD task size, multitasking and resource utilisation levels of the PD system influence information flow and the value ultimately realised from the investment in PD. In this paper, a model incorporating a methodology developed using queuing theory, and in particular, results obtained for Jackson networks are extended to help engineering management to improve PD task flow and consequently become more ‘lean’. Considered factors include: optimal PD task size and multitasking (focus) level as well as the utilisation level of PD resources. Empirical data were collected from a case study company and compared to optimal values. The benefits of the proposed model and approaches are discussed.     

未来十年风景园林的四个挑战

<正>欧洲和法国所经历的缓慢增长期,已经导致了市政工程费用的削减;在这种惨淡的背景下,人们可能会担心风景园林的未来。但这种担忧似乎并不合理,因为我们将面临的挑战将持久地使这门专业和从事它的人被完全认可。我们为自己和未来几代人所创建的空间品质问题比以往任何时候更加突出。自然资源是有限的,应予以保护。如果我们要养活不断增长的人口,那么农业用地的保护也至关重要。气候变化是必然的,我们也应为其做准备。而且,在持续不断的危机下我们的社会已经变得脆弱,我们应该与社会分化抗争,它实质上也是空间分化。在未来10年,风景园林设计师将面对4     

Chemical reactivity of mineral aggregates in aqueous solution: relationship with bitumen emulsion breaking

This paper reports a study on chemical reactivity of gneiss, diorite and limestone aggregates in aqueous solution. The originality of this study is that it extended to very short times (less than 1440 min). Rise in pH tests was implemented and dissolution kinetics was analysed. The results showed that calcium was the major element released by the aggregates. It has also been found that dissolution had an influence on the final morphology of aggregates. Polyamine emulsifier adsorption onto aggregates has been assessed using electrophoresis. Finally, the rise in pH and electrophoretic tests were compared to the breaking test traditionally performed to characterise bitumen emulsions. It was found that breaking values were controlled by both the surface area and the surface charge of the particles. Results may be correlated to polyamine adsorption on aggregates. Adsorption seemed to be efficient for gneiss and diorite: at pH 2, their charge turned from slightly negative to highly positive. At this pH value, limestone particles were dissolved and polyamine adsorption must be less efficient than with gneiss and diorite, for which the emulsion breaking was facilitated by the high attraction of particles for the emulsifier, due to their negative surface charge.     

Validation of a new self-report measure of parental attributions.

Attributional theory and empirical evidence suggest that a tendency to make stable, global self-causal attributions for undesirable events is associated with negative outcomes. However, existing self-report measures of parental attributions do not account for the possibility that dysfunctional parent-causal attributions for child misbehavior might be important predictors of poor family functioning. To address these concerns, the authors developed and tested a new measure of both parent-causal and child-responsible attributions for child misbehavior in a sample of 453 community couples. Structural validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and temporal stability of the new measure were examined. As expected, confirmatory factor analysis resulted in 2 factors, Child-Responsible (9 items) and Parent-Causal (7 items); the final model was cross-validated in a holdout sample. The final scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency (αs = .81–.90), test–retest reliability (rs = .55–.76), and convergent and discriminant validity. Dysfunctional parent-causal and child-responsible attributions significantly predicted parental emotional problems, ineffective discipline, parent–child physical aggression, and low parenting satisfaction. Associations with parent–child aggression and parenting satisfaction were generally larger than with partner aggression and relationship satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)