SQL extension for spatio-temporal data

An SQL extension is formalized for the management of spatio-temporal data, i.e. of spatial data that evolves with respect to time. The extension is dedicated to applications such as topography, cartography, and cadastral systems, hence it considers discrete changes both in space and in time. It is based on the rigid formalization of data types and of SQL constructs. Data types are defined in terms of time and spatial quanta. The SQL constructs are defined in terms of a kernel of few relational algebra operations, composed of the well-known operations of the 1NF model and of two more, Unfold and Fold. In conjunction with previous work, it enables the uniform management of 1NF structures that may contain not only spatio-temporal but also either purely temporal or purely spatial or conventional data. The syntax and semantics of the extension is fully consistent with the {SQL:2003} standard.     

One-shot methods in function space for PDE-constrained optimal control problems

We state and analyse one-shot methods in function space for the optimal control of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) that can be formulated in terms of a fixed-point operator. A general convergence theorem is proved by generalizing the previously obtained results in finite dimensions. As application examples we consider two nonlinear elliptic model problems: the stationary solid fuel ignition model and the stationary viscous Burgers equation. For these problems we present a more detailed convergence analysis of the method. The resulting algorithms are computationally implemented in combination with an adaptive mesh refinement strategy, which leads to an improvement in the performance of the one-shot approach.     

A functional approach for the formalization of the fixture design process

The design of machining fixtures is a highly complex process that relies on designer experience and his/her implicit knowledge to achieve a good design. In order to facilitate its automation by the development of a knowledge-based application, the explicit definition of the fixture design process and the knowledge involved is a prior and a fundamental task to undertake. Additionally, a fundamental and well-known engineering principle should be considered: the functional requirements and their associated constraints should be the first input to any design process. Considering these two main ideas, this paper presents the development undertaken to facilitate the automation of the fixture design process based on a functional approach.In this context, the MOKA methodology has been used to elicit fixtures knowledge. IDEF0 and UML have been used to represent the fixture design process. A methodology based on the function concept and aiming to formalize such design process is proposed. Fixture functional requirements have been defined and formalized. Functional fixtures elements have been used to create a functional design solution, the link of these elements with the functional requirements and with typical commercial fixture components has been defined via tables and rules mapping. And finally, a prototype knowledge-based application has been developed in order to make an initial validation of the proposed methodology.     

RF/wireless-interconnect: The next wave of connectivity

In the era of the nanometer CMOS technology, due to stringent system requirements in power, performance and other fundamental physical limitations (such as mechanical reliability, thermal constraints, overall system form factor, etc.), future VLSI systems are relying more on ultra-high data rates (up to 100 Gbps/pin or 20 Tbps aggregate), scalable, re-configurable, highly compact and reliable interconnect fabric. To overcome such challenges, we first explore the use of multiband RF/wireless-interconnects wh...     

Methodology for capturing and formalizing DFM Knowledge

Design for manufacturing (DFM) practices lead to more competitive products from the point of view of cost, development time and quality. However, the success of considering manufacturing issues during design process would be higher if manufacturing information was more readily available and designers needed less experience to select information relevant to DFM.     

The Early Bird Gets the Worm,But the Second Mouse Gets the Cheese: Non‐Technological Innovation in Creative Industries

In the context of economic turmoil, firms in the creative industries (CIs) must make fast decisions as to when to break through with innovations. This paper discusses non‐technological, organizational innovation of early‐adopters, first movers and early followers in order to overcome persistent economic decline, and the implication of different strategies for innovation success. The strategic principle of the pioneer's advantage rests on pre‐emption – the premise that ‘the early bird gets the worm’ and this often applies to business model innovation (BMI). ‘But the second mouse gets the cheese’ points at early followers who may have a more systematic, strategic approach towards innovation. Greater understanding of the advantages of each strategic approach and their significance for innovation performance is critical for CIs where unpredictability and the accelerating pace of change pervade the decisions concerning innovation. Drawing on five exemplary cases of archaeological firms in Spain, this paper explores different innovation process dynamics. The study develops a contingency model where pioneers who challenge their current business model, may be outperformed by early followers who incorporate complementary management innovation (MI) initiatives into the BMI.     

A high-field adiabatic fast passage ultracold neutron spin flipper for the UCNA experiment

The UCNA collaboration is making a precision measurement of the β asymmetry (A) in free neutron decay using polarized ultracold neutrons (UCN). A critical component of this experiment is an adiabatic fast passage neutron spin flipper capable of efficient operation in ambient magnetic fields on the order of 1 T. The requirement that it operate in a high field necessitated the construction of a free neutron spin flipper based, for the first time, on a birdcage resonator. The design, construction, and initial testing of this spin flipper prior to its use in the first measurement of A with UCN during the 2007 run cycle of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's 800 MeV proton accelerator is detailed. These studies determined the flipping efficiency of the device, averaged over the UCN spectrum present at the location of the spin flipper, to be ε=0.9985(4).