Proactive resource allocation for asynchronous real-time distributed systems in the presence of processor failures

We present two proactive resource allocation algorithms, RBA^*-FT and OBA-FT, for fault-tolerant asynchronous real-time distributed systems. The algorithms consider an application model where task timeliness is specified by Jensen's benefit functions and the anticipated application workload during future time intervals is described by adaptation functions. In addition, we assume that reliability functions of processors are available a priori. Given these models, our objective is to maximize aggregate task benefit and minimize aggregate missed deadline ratio in the presence of processor failures. Since determining the optimal solution is computationally intractable, the algorithms heuristically compute sub-optimal resource allocations, but in polynomial time. Experimental results reveal that RBA^*-FT and OBA-FT outperform their non-fault-tolerant counterparts in the presence of processor failures. Furthermore, RBA^*-FT performs better than OBA-FT, although OBA-FT incurs better worst-case and amortized computational costs. Finally, we observe that both algorithms robustly withstand errors in the estimation of anticipated failures.     

Soft computing approach to fault diagnosis of centrifugal pump

Fault detection and isolation in rotating machinery is very important from an industrial viewpoint as it can help in maintenance activities and significantly reduce the down-time of the machine, resulting in major cost savings. Traditional methods have been found to be not very accurate. Soft computing based methods are now being increasingly employed for the purpose. The proposed method is based on a genetic programming technique which is known as gene expression programming (GEP). GEP is somewhat a new member of the genetic programming family. The main objective of this paper is to compare the classification accuracy of the proposed evolutionary computing based method with other pattern classification approaches such as support vector machine (SVM), Wavelet-GEP, and proximal support vector machine (PSVM). For this purpose, six states viz., normal, bearing fault, impeller fault, seal fault, impeller and bearing fault together, cavitation are simulated on centrifugal pump. Decision tree algorithm is used to select the features. The results obtained using GEP is compared with the performance of Wavelet-GEP, support vector machine (SVM) and proximal support vector machine (PSVM) based classifiers. It is observed that both GEP and SVM equally outperform the other two classifiers (PSVM and Wavelet-GEP) considered in the present study.     

A formally verified application-level framework for real-time scheduling on POSIX real-time operating systems

We present a framework, called meta scheduler, for implementing real-time scheduling algorithms. The meta scheduler is a portable middleware layer component designed for implementations over POSIX-compliant operating systems. It accommodates pluggable real-time scheduling algorithms while offering the flexibility of platform independence - the singular underlying OS requirement is the now nearly ubiquitous POSIX compliance. The versatility of pluggable schedulers positions the meta scheduler for deployment in an interoperable heterogeneous real-time environment. We present the design of the meta scheduler and outline its implementation. Furthermore, we present a mechanized correctness verification using the UPPAAL model checker. Prototype implementation of the meta scheduler over QNX Neutrino real-time operating system demonstrates high performance and a small footprint.     

Effect of the Cryogenic Treatment on Polyamide and Optimization of Its Parameters for the Enhancement of Wear Performance

Polyamide (PA) is generally used in automotive applications in which the extensive mechanistic situations lead the material to wear. To deal with this situation, attempts are made to treat this material cryogenically using liquid nitrogen. The material is treated at different temperatures (?80, ?140 and ?185?°C) for stipulated time period (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24?h) in the cryostat. Cryo-treated samples are then allowed to attain the ambient temperature and tested for studying the effect of cryogenic treatment. Selected material is also studied simultaneously for thermal ageing. The mechanical, thermal and structural properties of ??un-treated?? and ??cryo-treated?? PA are studied in a comparative manner. Mechanical properties like wear performance and tensile properties are evaluated. The morphological changes due to cryo-treatment are investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the change in % crystallinity, which is found to be the most important parameter responsible for enhancement of wear performance. In a similar way, thermal changes are also studied by using differential scanning calorimeter. Experimental data is evaluated for the polymer with improved structural, mechanical and thermal properties in order to get optimized parameters for the cryo-treatment.     

Comparative studies on the electrochemical and physicochemical behaviour of three different benzimidazole motifs as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid

This paper examines the anticorrosion characteristics of three different benzimidazole derivatives towards mild steel in 0.5?M hydrochloric acid at temperature ranges from 303 to 323?K. The benzimidazole derivatives used for the screening studies are 2-(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) acethydrazide (EMBAH), 2-(2-ethyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) acethydrazide (EEBAH) and 2-(2-propyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) acethydrazide (EPBAH). The corrosion inhibition was investigated by weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The adsorption interaction between metal and inhibitor followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Gibb’s free energy values clarify the spontaneous nature of adsorption process. The temperature dependence of inhibition efficiency was explained by considering thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and kinetic parameters of corrosion. These inhibitors showed good efficiency at lower as well as moderately higher temperatures. Quantum chemical calculations were done using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G¹ level to study the electronic properties of the molecules for correlating the inhibitive effect and molecular structure.     

Role of carrier material in encapsulation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) by spray drying

ABSTRACT

Yeast was encapsulated using different carrier materials and their combinations to explore the possible synergistic effect of carrier material during encapsulation using spray drying. Freeze-drying was performed for comparison. The dried cell powders were analyzed for the quality aspects (morphology, flowability, and storage stability). The best results were observed, with a combination of whey protein and corn starch (cell survival: 82.37% and yield: 56%, w/w) with a shelf life of 6 months (with only 10% reduction in cell survival). The survival was found to be 40% without any carrier material, which decreased to less than 25% within 4 weeks.     

Viscoelastic properties of borax loaded CMC‐g‐cl‐poly(AAm) hydrogel composites and their boron nutrient release behavior

Borax (Na₂B₄O₇, 10.5% Boron) loaded CMC‐g‐cl‐poly(AAm) hydrogel composites were prepared by in situ grafting of acrylamide on to sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in the presence of borax by free radical polymerization technique to develop slow boron (B) delivery device. The composition, morphology, and mechanical properties of synthesized composites were studied by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, texture analyser, and dynamic shear rheometer. Characterization revealed formation of borate ion ( ) from borax during polymerization reaction leading to extensive crosslinking of cellulosic chains and generation of mechanically strong composite hydrogels. Dynamic release of from the synthesized composites hydrogels followed Fickian diffusion mechanism and composites with high mechanical strength resulted in slow release of B. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43969.     

pH‐sensitive crosslinked guar gum‐based superabsorbent hydrogels: Swelling response in simulated environments and water retention behavior in plant growth media

Crosslinked guar gum‐g‐polyacrylate (cl‐GG‐g‐PA) superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared to explore their potential as soil conditioners and carriers. The hydrogels were prepared by in situ grafting polymerization and crosslinking of acrylamide onto a natural GG followed by hydrolysis. Microwave‐initiated synthesis under the chosen experimental conditions did not exhibit any significant improvement over the conventional technique. The optimization studies of various synthesis parameters, namely, monomer concentration, crosslinker concentration, initiator concentration, quantity of water per unit reaction mass, particle size of backbone, and concentration of alkali were performed. The hydrogels were characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid‐state ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. Swelling behavior of a candidate hydrogel [GG‐superabsorbent polymer (SAP)] in response to external stimuli, namely, salt solutions, fertilizer solutions, temperature, and pH, was studied. The GG‐SAP exhibited significant swelling in various environments. The effect of GG‐SAP on water absorption and the retention characteristics of sandy loam soil and soil‐less medium were also studied as a function of temperature and moisture tensions. The addition of GG‐SAP significantly improved the moisture characteristics of plant growth media (both soil and soil‐less), showing that it has tremendous potential for diverse applications in moisture stress agriculture. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41060.     

Preparation and Application of Perovskite Catalysts for Diesel Soot Emissions Control: An Overview

The diesel engines are energy efficient (1), but their particulate matter (soot) emissions are still a matter of concern even though major advances in their control are being made. For soot abatement, catalytic diesel particulate filter (DPF) technique is widely employed to trap and burn the soot. Many types of catalysts have been investigated for the soot combustion i.e. platinum group metal (PGM) based, perovskite-type oxides, spinel-type oxides, rare earth metal oxides, and mixed transient metal oxides etc. The cost of PGM catalysts is high and their availability is questionable. Further they are susceptible to poisoning and have low thermal stability. On the other hand perovskite catalysts show potential as effective soot oxidation catalyst for the DPF because of their low cost, high thermal stability and tailoring flexibility. Many papers related to soot oxidation over perovskite catalysts have been published but no review paper appears in the literature that is dedicated to soot oxidation. Thus, this article provides a summary of published information regarding pure and substituted perovskite catalyst, preparation methods, properties, and their application for diesel soot emission control.     

Utility accrual real-time scheduling for multiprocessor embedded systems

We present the first Utility Accrual (or UA) real-time scheduling algorithm for multiprocessors, called the global Multiprocessor Utility Accrual scheduling algorithm (or gMUA). The algorithm considers an application model where real-time activities are subject to time/utility function time constraints, variable execution time demands, and resource overloads where the total activity utilization demand exceeds the total capacity of all processors. We consider the scheduling objective of (1) probabilistically satisfying lower bounds on each activity’s maximum utility, and (2) maximizing the system-wide, total accrued utility. We establish several properties of gMUA including optimal total utility (for a special case), conditions under which individual activity utility lower bounds are satisfied, a lower bound on system-wide total accrued utility, and bounded sensitivity for assurances to variations in execution time demand estimates. Finally, our simulation experiments validate our analytical results and confirm the algorithm’s effectiveness.