Shortest path algorithms: A computational study with the C programming language

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the computational efficiency of algorithms for calculating shortest paths when they are correctly coded by using the C programming language. The eight algorithms that we selected for this experiment are the most efficient, either measured in terms of worst-case bounds or marked as such from previous computational studies; they include the redistributive heap algorithm. We suggest computer implementations that use the full power of C. In particular, the network representation and the various data structures used to keep the scan eligible list may be managed by using only additions and no multiplications, while it is not possible with FORTRAN. These capabilities, unique to C, yield several interesting conclusions: one may expect to speed up a shortest path algorithm by a factor of 20%; in some cases, this factor may reach 30%. Interestingly, the level of programming difficulty required to achieve these benefits is not greater than that required by implementations using arrays.     

Augmented reality in education: a meta-review and cross-media analysis

Augmented reality (AR) is an educational medium increasingly accessible to young users such as elementary school and high school students. Although previous research has shown that AR systems have the potential to improve student learning, the educational community remains unclear regarding the educational usefulness of AR and regarding contexts in which this technology is more effective than other educational mediums. This paper addresses these topics by analyzing 26 publications that have previously compared student learning in AR versus non-AR applications. It identifies a list of positive and negative impacts of AR experiences on student learning and highlights factors that are potentially underlying these effects. This set of factors is argued to cause differences in educational effectiveness between AR and other media. Furthermore, based on the analysis, the paper presents a heuristic questionnaire generated for judging the educational potential of AR experiences.     

Robustness assessment via stability radii in delay parameters

This paper focuses on the robust stability analysis of a class of linear systems including multiple delays subjected to constant or time‐varying perturbations. The approach considered makes use of appropriate stability radius concepts (dynamic, static) and relies on a feedback interconnection interpretation of the uncertain system. Various computable bounds on stability radii are obtained that exploit the structure of the problem. Systems including perturbations on both system matrices and delays are also dealt with. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lower and upper bounds for the two-echelon capacitated location-routing problem

In this paper, we introduce two algorithms to address the two-echelon capacitated location-routing problem (2E-CLRP). We introduce a branch-and-cut algorithm based on the solution of a new two-index vehicle-flow formulation, which is strengthened with several families of valid inequalities. We also propose an adaptive large-neighbourhood search (ALNS) meta-heuristic with the objective of finding good-quality solutions quickly. The computational results on a large set of instances from the literature show that the ALNS outperforms existing heuristics. Furthermore, the branch-and-cut method provides tight lower bounds and is able to solve small- and medium-size instances to optimality within reasonable computing times.     

A study on helical surface generated by the primary peripheral surfaces of ring tool

Often in the engineering practice, cutting tools bounded by primary peripheral surfaces of revolution are used because of their effectiveness. Among these, ring and tangential tools can be used for the generation of constant pitch cylindrical helical surfaces. In this paper, we present an algorithm for the profiling of these types of tools. The algorithm is based on the topological representation of the tool’s primary peripheral surface. The main goal is to devise a methodology for the profiling of tools whose surfaces are reciprocally enveloping with cylindrical helical surfaces. We present a numerical example for the numerical determination of the axial section form for this type of tools. The application method for this algorithm was developed in the CATIA graphical design environment within which the procedure is developed as a vertical application. In addition, we present a solution for the shape correction of the tool’s axial cross-section by considering the existence of singular points on the profile of the helical surface to be generated where multiple normals to the surface exist.     

First results with the upgraded TLK tritium calorimeter IGC-V0.5

At Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK) calorimetry has been used for almost 20 years as the main accountancy method for tritium inventory. An extensive work has been carried out in order to improve the existing calorimeters. This paper covers the efforts made for the upgrade of the IGC-V0.5 calorimeter. We replaced the hardware interface – including the obsolete PC – and developed a new control and data acquisition software. The new software applies a smart automatic process control during measurements, significantly reducing measurement time and possible user errors. The three PID control loops have been re-tuned using the standard closed loop Ziegler–Nichols procedure to find the optimal PID parameters. Five calibration runs have been performed between 0.5 μW and 1 W, and their results are being presented and discussed.     

Experiences in building a Grid-based platform to serve Earth observation training activities

Earth observation data processing and storing can be done nowadays only using distributed systems. Experiments dealing with a large amount of data are possible within the timeframe of a lesson and can give trainees the freedom to innovate. Following these trends and ideas, we have built a proof-of-the-concept platform, named GiSHEO, for Earth observation educational tasks. It uses Grid computing technologies to analyze and store remote sensing data, and combines them with eLearning facilities. This paper provides an overview of the GiSHEO's platform architecture and of its technical and innovative solutions.     

Cast Iron Inoculation Enhanced by Supplementary Oxy-sulfides Forming Elements

Inoculation is one of the most important metallurgical treatments applied to the molten cast iron immediately prior to casting, to promote solidification without excessive eutectic undercooling, which favors carbides formation usually with undesirable graphite morphologies. The paper focused on the separate addition of an inoculant enhancer alloy [S, O, oxy-sulfides forming elements] with a conventional Ca-FeSi alloy, in the production of gray and ductile cast irons. Carbides formation tendency decreased with improved graphite characteristics as an effect of the [Ca-FeSi + Enhancer] inoculation combination, when compared to other Ca/Ca, Ba/Ca, RE-FeSi alloy treatments. Adding an inoculant enhancer greatly enhances inoculation, lowers inoculant consumption up to 50% or more and avoids the need to use more costly inoculants, such as a rare earth bearing alloy. The Inoculation Specific Factor [ISF] was developed as a means to more realistically measure inoculant treatment efficiency. It compares the ratio between the improved characteristic level and total inoculant consumption for this effect. Addition of any of the commercial inoculants plus the inoculant enhancer offered outstanding inoculation power [increased ISF] even at higher solidification cooling rates, even though the total enhancer addition was at a small fraction of the amount of commercial inoculant used.     

3D graphical method for profiling gear hob tools

This paper approaches the issue of profiling gear hob bounded by a cylindrical helical surface with constant pitch, reciprocally enveloping with an ordered surfaces curl. The process kinematics of generation reproduces the 3D gear between the worm and the wheel. This gear has crossing axes and it is used for the profiling of the primary peripheral surface of the gear hub in the intermediary surface method (the common rack-gear of the surfaces curl to be generated and the primary peripheral surface of the gear hob). An algorithm in the CATIA design environment is presented, based onto an original method for the determination of the reference rack-gear form—the rack-gear reciprocally enveloping with the surfaces curl, using the principle of the cylindrical helical motion decomposition in translation and rotation motions. Graphical and analytical profiling examples are presented for the gear hob for generation of a parallel spline shaft and for the generation of a toothed wheel with involute teeth. Solutions for the interference problems, problems due to the singular points onto the profiles, are presented.