Mapping Process Research Articles

Task-to-Thread Mapping in OpenMP Using FuzzyDecision Making

The performance of shared-resource multi-core hardware platforms in complex cyber-physical systems (CPSs), e.g., automotive industry, can be improved using task-based parallelism through OpenMP. However, most CPS require certain level of predictability, which challenges the efficient implementation of the task-to-thread mapping process. This exploratory work build on the fact that existing mapping methods mostly use elementary or heuristic algorithms, and the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can be used to enhance the efficiency of such processes. Accordingly, this paper (1) evaluates the suitability of AI-based techniques in improving the performance of task-to-thread mapping in the OpenMP framework, and (2) proposes a hypothesis to perform an intelligent mapping using fuzzy logic for multi-queue schedulers to improve the predictability of the system.

A hybrid approach: remote sensing, analytic hierarchy process and geographic information system for groundwater potential mapping in Dediapada, India.

In recent years, the overexploitation of groundwater accompanied by a significant climatic shift has placed a burden on the world's groundwater supply. This has generated a rising need for potential groundwater zones. In recent year the ever-increasing demand for potable water across the world for various groundwater exploration investigation. The present study explores the utility of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) to identify potential water zones in the dry deciduous forest area of Dediapada Taluka, Narmada District, Gujarat, India. Twelve thematic layers of different environmental variables including geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover (LULC), drainage density, lineament density, rainfall, soil, slope, roughness, topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic position index (TPI), and curvature were integrated. GIS mode was subjected to weight analysis using Saaty's 9-point scale. The result was normalized using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and five distinct groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) were identified namely very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. The area occupied by each category was 6.52%, 3.1%, 60.1%, 14.32%, and 15.99%. The output aids in validation assessment with the existing well data. The groundwater potential zones maps generated using AHP technique can prove beneficial for designing strategies for water management for the present taluka and can be extended to the different talukas also.

Real-Time Environmental Contour Construction Using 3D LiDAR and Image Recognition with Object Removal

In recent years, due to the significant advancements in hardware sensors and software technologies, 3D environmental point cloud modeling has gradually been applied in the automation industry, autonomous vehicles, and construction engineering. With the high-precision measurements of 3D LiDAR, its point clouds can clearly reflect the geometric structure and features of the environment, thus enabling the creation of high-density 3D environmental point cloud models. However, due to the enormous quantity of high-density 3D point clouds, storing and processing these 3D data requires a considerable amount of memory and computing time. In light of this, this paper proposes a real-time 3D point cloud environmental contour modeling technique. The study uses the point cloud distribution from the 3D LiDAR body frame point cloud to establish structured edge features, thereby creating a 3D environmental contour point cloud map. Additionally, unstable objects such as vehicles will appear during the mapping process; these specific objects will be regarded as not part of the stable environmental model in this study. To address this issue, the study will further remove these objects from the 3D point cloud through image recognition and LiDAR heterogeneous matching, resulting in a higher quality 3D environmental contour point cloud map. This 3D environmental contour point cloud not only retains the recognizability of the environmental structure but also solves the problems of massive data storage and processing. Moreover, the method proposed in this study can achieve real-time realization without requiring the 3D point cloud to be organized in a structured order, making it applicable to unorganized 3D point cloud LiDAR sensors. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method in practical applications is also verified through actual experimental data.

Effect of the flow behavior and dynamic recrystallization of EH420 marine steel on the morphology evolution of martensite substructures

The hot deformation behavior of EH420 marine steel was investigated by isothermal compression tests in the temperature range of 850~1050°C and the strain rate range of 0.01~10s−1. A high-temperature constitutive model and a hot processing map were developed. The results indicated that the microstructure of EH420 marine steel after hot deformation was mainly bainite and lath martensite. The martensite blocks gradually coarsened with the increase in temperature within the range of 950~1050°C/0.01s-1, and the average width increased from about 0.7 μm to 2.3 μm. At high strain rates, martensite blocks became coarse and disordered due to flow instability. The flow stress curve showed a single peak when the strain rate was low. There were more dynamic recrystallization (DRX) structures, resulting in fine and ordered martensite blocks. Under the deformation conditions of 0.1~10s-1/1000°C, the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) decreased from 53.5% to 40.7% as the strain rate increased. Meanwhile, the hot deformation mechanism shifted from discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) to the combined effect of DDRX and dynamic recovery (DRV) and finally transformed into DRV. The flow stress derived from the constitutive model was consistent with the experimental results. The activation energy of EH420 marine steel was 3.16×105J/mol. The optimal hot processing parameters were 950~1050°C and 0.01~0.1s-1.

Distributed online constrained nonconvex optimization in dynamic environments over directed graphs

This paper is concerned with distributed online constrained nonconvex optimization problems of minimizing a global cost function decomposed by a sum of local smooth (possibly nonconvex) cost functions. This type of problems occupy a significant component of online learning in dynamic environments which are commonly involved in time-varying (TV) digraphs. Moreover, the network topology of TV digraphs is considered to be more general where related weight matrices are permitted to be row stochastic. Aiming at tackling these intricate challenges effectively, we adopt a valid primal–dual framework decomposing the multiple coupled constraints into individual node-related constraints. Additionally, by integrating a compensation error scheme, a novel primal dual mirror descent (PDMD) algorithm is proposed which employs two sequence of variables respectively serving as compensation error terms for bidirectional mirror mapping processes between primal space and dual space. Under some wild conditions, we theoretically prove that the proposed method can sublinearly reach the stationary point. In numerical simulations, four numerical examples are used to illustrate the validity and superiority of the proposed algorithm with contrast algorithms.

The hot deformation behavior of a L12 precipitation strengthened face centered cubic high entropy alloy

In this work, the hot compressive deformation behavior of a homogenized Ni45Co15Cr15Fe15Al8Ti2 high entropy alloy was investigated at deformation temperatures of 900–1200°C and strain rates of 10−3-1 s−1. Initially, combined the true stress-strain curves and hyperbolic sine function model, the constitutive equation for the flow stress of the alloy during the hot deformation process was established. Additionally, the hot processing map of the alloy at a true strain of ε = 0.5 was plotted based on the DMM model. Coupled with microstructural observations, the optimal hot processing parameters for the alloy were determined to be T = 1070–1200 °C and ε̇= 0.001–0.05 s−1. Finally, the deformed microstructure of the alloy under different temperatures and strain rates was characterized using EBSD, and the dynamic recrystallization mechanisms was revealed. The flow stress decreases with the increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate. As the deformation temperature increases from 900°C to 1200°C, the dynamic recrystallization mechanism transitions from continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) to discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). The findings of this study will provide valuable guidance for the development of hot forging parameters of the L12 strengthened FCC high-entropy alloys.

Enhancing LiDAR Mapping with YOLO-Based Potential Dynamic Object Removal in Autonomous Driving

In this study, we propose an enhanced LiDAR-based mapping and localization system that utilizes a camera-based YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm to detect and remove dynamic objects, such as vehicles, from the mapping process. GPS, while commonly used for localization, often fails in urban environments due to signal blockages. To address this limitation, our system integrates YOLOv4 with LiDAR, enabling the removal of dynamic objects to improve map accuracy and localization in high-traffic areas. Existing methods using LiDAR segmentation for map matching often suffer from missed detections and false positives, degrading performance. Our approach leverages YOLOv4’s robust object detection capabilities to eliminate potentially dynamic objects while retaining static environmental features, such as buildings, to enhance map accuracy and reliability. The proposed system was validated using a mid-size SUV equipped with LiDAR and camera sensors. The experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in map-matching and localization performance, particularly in urban environments. The system achieved RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) reductions compared to conventional methods, with RMSE values decreasing from 0.9870 to 0.9724 in open areas and from 1.3874 to 1.1217 in urban areas. These findings highlight the ability of the Vision + LiDAR + NDT method to enhance localization performance in both simple and complex environments. By addressing the challenges of dynamic obstacles, the proposed system effectively improves the accuracy and robustness of autonomous navigation in high-traffic settings without relying on GPS.

More is sometimes less: verb learning by school-aged l2 learners

ABSTRACT This study examines how two aspects of linguistic context, semantic richness and object novelty, impact verb-action mapping. Third-grade Mandarin-speaking children (N = 222) heard exemplars of novel English verbs while observing action scenes under four conditions: a rich semantic context with or without a novel object (e.g. “The cat is terjecking the pig/the doron.”); a sparse semantic context with or without a novel object (e.g. “He is terjecking her.”). The results of a verb extension test indicated that L2 verb learning was inferior in the rich semantic context involving a novel object label, in comparison to the other three contexts. A second experiment revealed that pre-exposure to the novel object’s label did not facilitate subsequent verb learning in the rich semantic context; instead, it impaired performance in the sparse context. Learners’ digit span was related to verb learning performance in the rich semantic context but not in the sparse semantic context. These findings suggest that L2 children can abstract a verb’s meaning regardless of semantic richness and the presence of a novel object. However, verb learning can be disrupted when L2 children are required to process an additional novel word either during or before the verb-action mapping process.

Seeing rivers otherwise: Critical cartography as a form of critical pedagogy

Counter-maps have become an increasingly important practice for social movements to claim their rights and to articulate emancipatory actions against extractive intervention plans and dominant territorial reconfiguration projects, especially in the contested field of water governance. Yet the emancipatory nature of these counter-maps should not be taken for granted: much depends on the way in which power relations and different knowledges are negotiated in the critical process of map-making. In this article we therefore investigate how counter cartography, and in particular counter-mapping processes by water justice movements, may benefit from insights from the field and praxis of critical pedagogy. We argue that there is great potential to be unlocked in exploring critical cartography from that perspective. Rather than dissecting the outcomes produced by a critical cartographic practice, we turn our attention to unveiling the transformative and actionable potential that can be found in the mapping process itself. We explore this topic within the context of the grassroots movements that have water as one of their central issues given its relevance and potential for the promotion of more just and sustainable river practices. To this end, we analyse two social arenas in Ecuador where local collectives are engaged in river struggles: the Amazonian Napo province and the Andean district of Licto, Chimborazo province.

An Integrated Lean and Six Sigma Framework for Improving Productivity Performance: A Case Study in a Spanish Chemicals Manufacturer

In the pursuit of operational excellence and enhanced competitiveness, a wide range of industries have turned to methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma; however, in the chemical sector, their application is very limited. This paper presents a Lean Six Sigma framework to identify and reduce sources of variability occurring in the final product composition of a Spanish SME fertilizer manufacturer. The company faced important challenges related to product variability, adversely affecting overall productivity. A real-life case of the Lean Six Sigma implementation was conducted over two years, and its applicability and ability to improve productivity performance were thoroughly assessed. The proposed framework successfully integrated Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, i.e., process mapping (value stream mapping), root cause analysis (Ishikawa cause–effect diagram), project management (SIPOC and DMAIC), and statistical process control, and demonstrated practical benefits for the case company by identifying the key variables affecting product variability and determining their optimal levels. A substantial 50% reduction in the variability of several products and a 42% reduction in material preparation time were achieved. These reductions resulted in a 40% reduction in costs associated with product losses and a 54% reduction in costs from raw material losses.

Deformation Behaviors and Microstructure Evolution of Mg-Zn-Y-Zr Alloys During Hot Compression Process

This study investigated the thermal compression deformability of the low-alloyed Mg-Zn-Y-Zr magnesium alloy temperatures ranging from 300 to 450 °C, and strain rates between 0.01 s−1 and 1 s−1. A hot processing map was established using a novel constitutive model. The results demonstrate that the flow stress of the low-alloyed Mg-Zn-Y-Zr alloy is markedly affected by the deformation temperature and strain rate, predominantly manifesting characteristics of work hardening (WH) and dynamic recrystallization-induced softening. The high-temperature rheological behavior of the alloy is accurately portrayed with a constitutive model, with an activation energy measured at 287 kJ/mol. The mechanism of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) gradually shifts from twinning dynamic recrystallization (TDRX) to continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). At 400 °C, as the strain rate decreases, the I-phase in the microstructure gradually transforms into the W-phase, weakening the inhibitory effect on DRX grain growth.

Hot deformation behavior and dynamic recrystallization of Ti−3Mo−6Cr−3Al−3Sn titanium alloy

AbstractThe hot compression experiments were performed at a deformation temperature of 720 °C to 870 °C and a strain rate of 0.0005 s−1 to 5 s−1. The strain‐compensated Arrhenius constitutive equation and the hot processing map at a strain of 0.6 were established, and the dynamic recrystallization behaviors of the alloy in different power dissipation (η) regions were studied. The results show that the correlation coefficient (R) and average relative errors (AARE) of the established constitutive equations are 0.999 % and 2.523 % in the β phase region, and 0.988 % and 7.709 % in the α+β phase region, respectively. The hot processing map shows that the deformation parameters in the high power dissipation regions range from 810 °C to 870 °C/0.0005 s−1 to 0.005 s−1, accompanied by a power dissipation factor of 0.41 to 0.55. These regions result from a combination of continuous and discontinuous recrystallization mechanisms. With the decrease in the power dissipation value, the appearance of deformation bands (DBs) and localized flow (FL) in the microstructure increased.

Increasing the Visibility of Older People in Medical Education – A Process of Mapping and Adapting to the British Geriatrics Society Recommended Curriculum

Introduction: Medical education may not fully prepare graduates for managing an ageing population with an increasing frequency of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). Ongoing curriculum evaluation and adaptation is essential to ensure that medical education meets the needs of this group of patients. We present a case study of practical curriculum adaptation in response to changing patient demographics. Methods: We mapped the University of Sunderland’s (UoS) medical curriculum against the British Geriatric Society (BGS) Recommended Curriculum to identify gaps. Collaborating with faculty, we adapted the curriculum to enhance the coverage of BGS learning outcomes. Results: The UoS curriculum fully covered 40.6% of BGS learning outcomes. However, 27.8% were not addressed, and only 19.4% of patient case studies featured patients aged over 65. Adaptations included updated patient case studies, new assessments, and specialised sessions on interprofessional learning and geriatric medical ethics. Conclusion: This project demonstrates the potential for curriculum mapping to integrate essential learning outcomes for treating older and multimorbid patient populations. Our approach also offers a model for other medical schools aiming to improve the representation of other diverse patient groups in undergraduate education.

Evaluation of impact of lean management practices on dairy business performance

Purpose This research was initiated by motivation from a real business problem that delves into lean management practices in dairy farm operations. It investigates how lean management practices can be applied as an improvement strategy in the dairy business to evaluate its impact on performance, where profitability is a decisive factor. Design/methodology/approach Based on the qualitative design, a 5-phase action research methodology was used in this study, where multiple data collection sources were used, including focus group discussions, on-site observation or Gemba walks and process mapping. The impact is evaluated by comparing the key performance measures with the same period before and after research. Findings The research revealed that lean management practices can significantly improve dairy business performance. It explained vital aspects of lean management practices and their sequence with examples of first-hand applications. It explained, how lean management practices were applied in dairy farm operations. Furthermore, the research resulted in significant benefits, in terms of quality, cost and profitability. Practical implications This research was conducted in a real business setting in the field environment, to improve dairy business performance. It was a distinctive application of lean management practices to solve a national problem. This could be used as a road map to bring continuous improvement at the national level to improve the performance of food value chains. Originality/value This research is unique because it addresses the methodological, population and empirical gaps in dairy farm operations. It adds value to the existing knowledge base by sharing best practices, developed and implemented for the first time to the best of our knowledge, like high-level process mapping and performance measures at different levels. Furthermore, the solutions can be simulated in related farm operations to bring breakthrough improvements in dairy business performance.

Extracurricular activities as a pedagogy for the 2030 Agenda integration in an architectural engineering curriculum: a case study

Purpose Considering the lack of integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) within architectural engineering education, the purpose of this study is to develop a framework that incorporates the SDGs into a programme through extracurricular research activities. Design/methodology/approach A framework based on case studies was examined. The framework uses extracurricular activities, including an integrated design process and analytical mapping tool. These were accompanied by a comprehensive list of the 17 SDGs and their interpretations. Findings The framework enabled students to develop a systematic understanding of sustainability early on in their design process, leading to a more comprehensive consideration of architectural design issues and increased motivation to prioritise sustainability in architecture. Research limitations/implications The focus was on extracurricular activities rather than integrating the framework into the main programme. Therefore, further research is needed to explore this integration within the core curriculum. Practical implications The implications of research initiatives and extracurricular activities in promoting understanding of the SDGs among undergraduates were highlighted. The recommendations may be valuable for academic institutions aiming to align their planning in higher education with the necessary skills and global requirements as outlined in Agenda 2030. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its contribution from the field of architectural engineering and its endeavour to incorporate the SDGs into a programme in the Middle East through a research-based approach.

Development of a City-Wide Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Toolkit for People Newly Diagnosed with HIV in the Southern United States

Abstract Background Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, where individuals with HIV start treatment within days of diagnosis, is a key component of the United States Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. The Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area ranks second in the US for HIV incidence, yet only ∼60% of individuals link to treatment within one month of diagnosis. This study aimed to identify barriers and strategies for implementing rapid ART initiation in Memphis. Methods From August to December 2022, we conducted process mapping guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to outline the steps from three HIV testing sites to ART prescription at three Ryan White-funded clinics in Memphis, Tennessee. We then used modified conjoint analyses to prioritize barriers and identify strategies for improving rapid ART implementation, focusing on the importance and feasibility of changes. Findings Prioritized barriers included intersectional stigma and a lack of access to centralized information about the rapid ART program, branding and logo development, inter- and intra-organizational networking and communication, testing and treatment resources (such as testing kits and ART starter packs), rapid ART knowledge, and organizational champions. Strategies to address these barriers were compiled into a local rapid ART toolkit. Conclusions We identified modifiable systemic barriers to rapid ART initiation in Memphis, Tennessee, a community disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. The strategies developed to address these barriers informed the creation of a locally relevant rapid ART toolkit for future evaluation. These methods could be applied in other high-burden areas seeking to develop local rapid ART models.

Understanding the nature of landslides through detailed geomorphological mapping on the Sumbing Volcanic Landscape, Java Island, Indonesia

ABSTRACT A 1:2,500-scale geomorphological map was created to illustrate the landslide characteristics on the southern flank of the Sumbing Volcanic Landscape (SVL), Java Island, Indonesia. High-resolution LiDAR Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based aerial photographs, and field surveys were integrated to enable detailed landform interpretation of post-volcanic mass wasting processes. Landslides were classified by type, activity level, and origin. Additionally, morphometric analysis, including slope and area measurements, was conducted. Through this detailed geomorphological mapping process, it reveals that most recent landslides have developed within relict landslides, which were previously overlooked. It also detects smaller, more hazardous landslides caused by human activities, in addition to those triggered by natural forces. This study represents the first large-scale geomorphological mapping effort integrating high-resolution datasets in Indonesia’s dormant volcanic landscapes. It will enhance understanding of landslide characteristics and will support disaster management strategies.

Investigating Optimum Hot Working Window of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Using Modified Dynamic Material Modeling

AbstractThis paper uses a modified dynamic material modeling (MDMM) suggested by Murty and Rao to develop processing maps (PM) of 2205 duplex stainless steels (DSS). Gleeble 1500D, a thermo-mechanical simulator was used to conduct single hit compression tests at a temperature between 850 and 1050 °C and strain rates of 0.001-5 s−1. Additionally hot compression tests at a strain rate of 15 s−1 and same temperature range were also conducted on a Bahr 805 dilatometer. As per general procedure acquired stress-strain data were corrected for friction and adiabatic heating, before constructing PMs at true strains of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8. Microstructures to validate the PM were prepared from safe domains and instability regimes belonging to PM of 0.8 true strain. Results showed that hot processing at intermediate to high strain rates and temperature leads to formation of flow instabilities such as mechanical twins and adiabatic shear bands. Safe domain located within the temperature range of (850-925) °C, strain rates of (2.6-15) s−1 and peak η = 35% gave an inhomogeneous microstructure with presumably non-uniform mechanical properties. This region was considered ideal for hot processing of 2205 DSS provided that deformation conditions are carefully controlled to optimise DRX. Low Z conditions also provided an optimum hot working for hot processing.

Application of the Process Mapping for Identification of Waste for Sustainable Performance Improvement in the Service Processes

This paper examines the pivotal role of high-quality aftersales service in maintaining global automotive industry competitiveness and sustainability. It presents the methodology for utilizing lean principles in sustainable performance improvement by identifying and eliminating waste in aftersales processes. The approach is exemplified through a case study in road freight vehicle service and maintenance using process mapping. The methodology involves developing a comprehensive process map, analyzing current inefficiencies, and proposing improvement measures. The methodology enhances operational efficiency and contributes to sustainable performance in terms of economic, environmental, and social factors. The methodology is generalized and outlines successful improvement phases and sub-steps.

Implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in pediatric oncology: barriers and facilitators assessment at eight Canadian academic health centres.

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing can enhance drug safety, improve efficacy, and reduce the risk of toxicity. However, the implementation of PGx testing in Canadian pediatric oncology centers has been limited. To address this gap, the aim of this study was to assess the barriers and facilitators to implementing PGx testing for three oncology drugs in eight Canadian pediatric oncology centers and identify strategies that could be used to support PGx testing implementation. We used semi-structured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to PGx testing and identified evidence-based strategies for PGx testing implementation through a mapping process that utilized the Theoretical Domains Framework, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Behavior Change Wheel. We identified 38 facilitators and 26 barriers to implementation of PGx testing and mapped these to6 implementation strategies.