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.     

Algorithm for converting a forest of quadtrees to a binary array

An algorithm for reconstructing a binary array of size N sx N from its forest of quadtree representation is presented. The algorithm traverses each tree of the forest in preorder and maps each ‘black’ node into the spatial domain. The time complexity in mapping is O(log N × B_n + B_p), where B_n is the number of black nodes in the forest and B_p is the number of black pixels in the N × N array. The algorithm has been implemented on an Apple II.     

A bi-criteria model for the inventory aggregation problem under risk pooling

Inventory aggregation, also called Risk Pooling, is one of the most efficient ways to reduce the level of safety stocks thereby reducing inventory across the supply chain. Determining the best level of aggregation is a difficult problem and needs extensive study of all the possible scenarios that can affect this decision. Minimizing costs in a supply chain is no longer the sole priority of businesses. Maintaining a high level of responsiveness is also considered equally important. The conflicting nature of these two criteria makes the solution of the problem difficult. In this paper, we develop a bi-criteria nonlinear stochastic integer programming model to determine the best supply chain distribution network to meet customer demands, where minimizing costs while maintaining high levels of responsiveness is important. We develop a two-stage optimization algorithm to solve this problem.     

Triple Metal Surrounding Gate Junctionless Tunnel FET Based 6T SRAM Design for Low Leakage Memory System

Silicon - The promising capability of Triple Material Surrounding Gate Junctionless Tunnel FET (TMSG – JL – TFET) based 6 T SRAM structure is demonstrated by employing...     

Utilization of flyash as filler for polybutyleneterepthalate‐toughened epoxy resin

Flyash, a waste product generated in large quantities in thermal power plants, has been posing problems of disposal. The purpose of the present work was to make a meaningful utilization of flyash as filler in neat epoxy resin matrix and 2% Polybutyleneterepthalate (PBT)/epoxy blend matrix. For this purpose, the tensile, flexural, compression, impact, chemical resistance, and water absorption properties were studied. Composites were made with varying proportion of flyash in epoxy resin and 2% PBT/epoxy blend matrix. Tensile, flexural, and compression properties were measured on a computerized universal testing machine, according to ASTM procedures. Impact strength was determined using izod impact tester for un‐notched specimens. PBT (2%)/epoxy blend matrix composites showed improved mechanical properties over neat epoxy flyash composites. All the composites were found to have good chemical resistance toward acids, solvents, and alkalies. These composites showed better water resistance over neat epoxy flyash composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:946–953, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Positional distribution of CLA in TAG of lamb tissues

The content and positional distribution of CLA in TAG fractions of lamb tissues was examined with either preformed CLA or the linoleic acid precursor of CLA in the diet as experimental treatments. The CLA content of phospholipid (PL) from these tissues was also examined. Thirteen lambs were randomized to the following dietary treatments: (i) control diet (no supplement); (ii) CLA supplementation (0.33 g d⁻¹ for 21 d prior to weaning) to milk-replacer of pre-ruminating lambs, or (iii) feeding linoleic acid-rich oil (6% safflower oil on a dry matter basis) to weaned ruminating lambs. At slaughter, tissue samples were procured from diaphragm, rib muscle, and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue. Safflower oil supplementation in the diet resulted in an increase in CLA content of the TAG from diaphragm, rib muscle, and SC adipose tissue by about threefold (P<0.05) on a mol% basis. CLA was localized to the sn-1/3 positions of TAG. Animals that received pre-formed CLA, however, had increased proportions of CLA at the sn-2 position of TAG from SC adipose tissue, suggesting that there were tissue-specific dietary effects and possible age-related effects on the mode of FA incorporation into TAG. Safflower oil supplementation in the diet had no effect on the CLA content of PL from diaphragm, rib muscle, and SC adipose tissue, suggesting that CLA was preferentially incorporated into the TAG of these tissues.     

Performance evaluation of saponin over other organic acid and tap water for removal of chromium in tannery sludge by electrokinetic enhancement

The performance of Saponin over different electrolyte-mediated electrokinetic (EK) process for removal of Cr(III) from tannery sludge was assessed. Saponin exhibited maximum Cr(III) removal efficiency, i.e. 67.6–80.75% as compared to other groups of processing fluids. The possible mechanistic approach for the highest removal efficiency of saponin over other electrolytes may be attributed to synchronized effect of micelle formation and subsequent complexation and sorption of chromium ions. The highest electroosmotic flow rate of saponin indicated low electroosmotic resistance during EK process, which validates the observed trend. Therefore, saponin can be considered as a promising electrolyte for EK treatment of tannery sludge.

Abbreviation: CA: Citric acid; LA: lactic acid; OA: oxalic acid; BOD: biochemical oxygen demand; COD: chemical oxygen demand; EK: electokinetic.     

Durability of glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites in an alkaline environment

This study was conducted to determine the effect of clay content in GFRP (glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer) composite samples as they were aged in an alkaline solution. Two kinds of GFRP composite samples were prepared. One was E‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced vinyl ester polymer, and the other was nano‐GFRP composites prepared with the addition of 1 and 2 wt% of montmorillonite clay to the polymer matrix. These samples were aged in alkaline solution of pH 13.2 with and without sustained load. The load was 1335 N or 18.7% of the tensile strength of the composite samples. The aging was evaluated by measuring the reduction in tensile strength after 6 months. Also, absorption of alkaline solution into the plain and nano‐GFRP samples was investigated so as to elucidate the diffusion behaviors. It was found that for a short exposure time (e.g. 1 month) and without sustained load, dispersing 2 wt% of the nanoclay in the polymer matrix of the GFRP samples reduces the diffusivity by 39%. However, with the application of sustained load, the glass fiber composite samples deteriorate more with increasing clay content. The reduction in tensile strength was 7.1%, 12.1%, and 18.1% for the samples containing 0, 1, and 2 wt% of clay, respectively. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:25–32, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers