A Novel Framework and the Application Mechanism with Cooperation of Control and Management in Multi-domain WSON

Multi-layer and multi-domain optical networks have drawn much attention in current research, and the wavelength switched optical network (WSON) is viewed as one of the best solutions in optical networks. In this paper, a novel Cooperative Control and Management Framework (CCMF) in multi-domain WSON is proposed to support the arising intelligent applications and optimize resource utilization with more scalability and robustness. In CCMF, we focus on the mechanism with the consideration of requirements of intelligent applications with complex flows, performance guarantees and traffic engineering in a traditional optical network. Thus, a combined provisioning approach, synergetic between the control plane (CP) and the management plane (MP), is presented with the policy based management system, in which a mobile agent is introduced to support the communication between MP and CP. Furthermore, one application, a novel multi-domain impairment aware routing and wavelength assignment (MIA-RWA) algorithm at the Bit Error Rate level, based on the proposed CCMF, is presented. It is proposed to improve the routing performance in multi-domain WSON. Finally, comprehensive simulations are conduced to verify the effectiveness of CCMF and the proposed mechanisms.     

Spectral element predictions of die-swell for Oldroyd-B fluids

This paper is concerned with two dimensional numerical simulations of plane extrusion of a viscoelastic fluid. The fluid is modelled using the Oldroyd-B and UCM constitutive equations. The problem is discretized using the spectral element method and the free surface is evolved using a Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) technique. Numerical simulations are performed over an wide range of parameters. The influence of Weissenberg number and viscosity ratio on the swelling ratio and exit pressure loss are investigated and comparisons with previous results in the literature are presented. The range of validity of Tanner’s theory is investigated.     

Sleeping on the Job: Energy-Efficient and Robust Broadcast for Radio Networks

We address the problem of minimizing power consumption when broadcasting a message from one node to all the other nodes in a radio network. To enable power savings for such a problem, we introduce a compelling new data streaming problem which we call the Bad Santa problem. Our results on this problem apply for any situation where: (1) a node can listen to a set of n nodes, out of which at least half are non-faulty and know the correct message; and (2) each of these n nodes sends according to some predetermined schedule which assigns each of them its own unique time slot. In this situation, we show that in order to receive the correct message with probability 1, it is necessary and sufficient for the listening node to listen to a \(\Theta(\sqrt{n})\) expected number of time slots. Moreover, if we allow for repetitions of transmissions so that each sending node sends the message O(log?^? n) times (i.e. in O(log?^? n) rounds each consisting of the n time slots), then listening to O(log?^? n) expected number of time slots suffices. We show that this is near optimal.We describe an application of our result to the popular grid model for a radio network. Each node in the network is located on a point in a two dimensional grid, and whenever a node sends a message m, all awake nodes within L _∞ distance r receive m. In this model, up to \(t<\frac{r}{2}(2r+1)\) nodes within any 2r+1 by 2r+1 square in the grid can suffer Byzantine faults. Moreover, we assume that the nodes that suffer Byzantine faults are chosen and controlled by an adversary that knows everything except for the random bits of each non-faulty node. This type of adversary models worst-case behavior due to malicious attacks on the network; mobile nodes moving around in the network; or static nodes losing power or ceasing to function. Let n=r(2r+1). We show how to solve the broadcast problem in this model with each node sending and receiving an expected \(O(n\log^{2}{|m|}+\sqrt{n}|m|)\) bits where |m| is the number of bits in m, and, after broadcasting a fingerprint of m, each node is awake only an expected \(O(\sqrt{n})\) time slots. Moreover, for t≤(1?ε)(r/2)(2r+1), for any constant ε>0, we can achieve an even better energy savings. In particular, if we allow each node to send O(log?^? n) times, we achieve reliable broadcast with each node sending O(nlog?²|m|+(log?^? n)|m|) bits and receiving an expected O(nlog?²|m|+(log?^? n)|m|) bits and, after broadcasting a fingerprint of m, each node is awake for only an expected O(log?^? n) time slots. Our results compare favorably with previous protocols that required each node to send Θ(|m|) bits, receive Θ(n|m|) bits and be awake for Θ(n) time slots.     

Pack hike test finishing time for Australian firefighters: pass rates and correlates of performance

The pack hike test (PHT, 4.83 km hike wearing a 20.4-kg load) was devised to determine the job readiness of USA wildland firefighters. This study measured PHT performance in a sample of Australian firefighters who currently perform the PHT (career land management firefighters, LMFF) and those who do not (suburban/regional volunteer firefighters, VFF). The study also investigated the relationships between firefighters' PHT performance and their performance across a range of fitness tests for both groups. Twenty LMFF and eighteen age-, body mass-, and height-matched VFF attempted the PHT, and a series of muscular endurance, power, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Bivariate correlations between the participants’ PHT finishing time and their performance in a suite of different fitness tests were determined using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. The mean PHT finishing time for LMFF (42.2 ± 2.8 min) was 9 ± 14% faster (p = 0.001) than for VFF (46.1 ± 3.6 min). The pass rate (the percentage of participants who completed the PHT in under 45 min) for LMFF (90%) was greater than that of VFF (39%, p = 0.001). For LMFF, VO_2peak in L min⁻¹(r = −0.66, p = 0.001) and the duration they could sustain a grip ‘force’ of 25 kg (r = −0.69, p = 0.001) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. For VFF, VO_2peak in mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹(r = −0.75, p = 0.002) and the duration they could hold a 1.2-m bar attached to 45.5 kg in a ‘hose spray position’ (r = −0.69, p = 0.004) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. This study shows that PHT fitness-screening could severely limit the number of VFF eligible for duty, compromising workforce numbers and highlights the need for specific and valid firefighter fitness standards. The results also demonstrate the strong relationships between PHT performance and firefighters’ cardiorespiratory fitness and local muscular endurance. Those preparing for the PHT should focus their training on these fitness components in the weeks and months prior to undertaking the PHT.     

Versatile four-probe ac conductivity measurement system

The design of a four-probe ac conductivity measurement system is described. The system is capable of making precision conductance measurements from 10(-8) to 10(-5) S at 20 to 200 Hz. Driven coaxial shields and a controlled current source are utilized to eliminate phase shift/attenuation errors, and make the measurement of conductances on a variety of materials a routine procedure requiring a minimum of operator intervention.     

Decoding unstable FSK modulated signals

When a phase locked loop (PLL) is used for decoding FSK (frequency shift keying) modulated signals its output is very sensitive to even slight changes of the 'mark' and 'space' frequencies which-by international convention-are rather close together. The use of a nonstandard circuit around the PLL can improve greatly its ability to properly decode distorted or poorly modulated FSK signals.     

Handheld use condition-based bend test development

For handheld electronic applications such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), repeated key strokes could result in considerable flexure of the printed circuit board (PCB) mounted inside the housing. In this study, a standardized four-point bend test, including test board design, test setup, and test input level, has been developed. The S-N curve has been obtained by plotting the reliability at all deflection levels as a function of solder joint strain energy density. The effect of test frequency has also been evaluated. The reliability model prediction of three-point bend reliability matches the experimental data extremely well. The transfer function between reliability stressing and field condition is a strain-energy-density-based power law relationship. Finite-element simulation has been conducted for the worst case cell phone subjected to key presses. The use condition data including strain profiles and frequency have been incorporated in the field life prediction. The four-point bend performance can be converted into the component reliability during cell phone field use conditions. This study establishes the correlation between the use conditions and reliability tests. The cyclic four-point bend test will be implemented in the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) bend test standard for handheld components.     

The viscosity of dilute solutions of x-carrageenan and sodium carboxymethylcellulose

The apparent viscosities of dilute solutions of _K-carrageenan and sodium carboxymethylcellulose have been measured and the intrinsic viscosities calculated. Added glucose, sucrose and glucose syrup increase the apparent viscosities of the solutions but give lower values for the intrinsic viscosity. In the presence of glucose syrup the macromolecules exhibit the behaviour associated with neutral macromolecules. This is attributed to the presence of inorganic cations in the glucose syrup which, by interaction with the polyanion, prevent dissociation of the ionic groups in the polysaccharides.