Performance Of Rams Research Articles

RAM-Efficient External Memory Sorting

In recent years a large number of problems have been considered in external memory models of computation, where the complexity measure is the number of blocks of data that are moved between slow external memory and fast internal memory (also called I/Os). In practice, however, internal memory time often dominates the total running time once I/O-efficiency has been obtained. In this paper we initiate a study of algorithms for fundamental problems that are simultaneously I/O-efficient and internal memory efficient in the RAM model of computation. For sorting the conventional wisdom is to use merging base algorithms in external memory but we describe how this leads to suboptimal RAM performance. However, by using a splitting based algorithm in combination with existing RAM sorting techniques we obtain a sorting algorithm that is both I/O and RAM model efficient. Furthermore, we design an I/O- and RAM-efficient priority queue. Finally, we prove a sorting lower bound that shows that in most cases our results are optimal both in terms of I/O and internal computation.

Characterization of the productive performance of Highlander sheep in Southern Chile. II. Male reproductive traits

Basic information on the reproductive potential of animals is required to establish sound reproductive procedures including the application of assisted reproductive technology. The study aimed to characterize the reproductive performance of rams of the Highlander breed during the breeding season. With this purpose 53 rams were allocated to two experiments: in the first one, 8 Highlander rams were compared against 8 Suffolk rams used as reference in terms of scrotal circumference, ejaculate traits and service capacity test; and in the second experiment, 37 rams and 506 ewes in a male to female ratio ranging between 1:8–24, were used to assess male fertility in terms of conception and prolificacy rates of ewes exposed. Compared to Suffolk rams, results showed that Highlander rams exhibited larger scrotal circumference (P=0.003), tended to have both larger sperm concentration (P=0.08) and lower volume (P=0.098), and have similar sperm normal morphology (P=0.63) in their ejaculates; their spermatozoa moved at lower speed (VCL, P<0.001; VAP, P=0.02) but more linearly (LIN, P=0.006; ALH, P<0.001), and rams displayed less sexual activity (effective mounts, P=0.028; false mounts, P<0.001). When rams were exposed for natural breeding, their average reproductive performance was consistent with the conventional targets demanded for high productivity. Although significant differences in performances were found between rams, no correlation was found between conception rate neither with male to female ratio (P=0.82) nor with prolificacy (P=0.95) or between male to female ratio and prolificacy (P=0.58). Cumulative results suggest that Highlander rams exhibit an adequate potential for reproduction. However, for meeting high standards of productivity, Highlander rams need to be selected by potential fertility of their ejaculates and service capacity in addition to the conventional breeding soundness evaluation.

Описание тестирования памяти однокристальных систем на основе ARM

Мощность вычислений традиционно находится в фокусе при разработке крупномасштабных вычислительных систем, в большинстве случаев такие проекты остаются плохо оборудованными и не могут эффективно справляться с ориентированными на высокую производительность рабочими нагрузками. Кроме того, стоимость и вопросы энергопотребления для крупномасштабных вычислительных систем всё ещё остаются источником беспокойства. Потенциальное решение включает в себя использование низко затратных процессоров ARM с маленькой мощностью в больших массивах в манере, которая обеспечивает массивное распараллеливание и высокую пропускную способность, производительность (относительно существующих крупномасштабных вычислительных проектов). Предоставление большего приоритета производительности и стоимости повышает значимость производительности оперативной памяти и оптимизации проекта до высокой производительности всей системы. Используя несколько эталонных тестов производительности оперативной памяти для оценки различных аспектов производительности RAM и кэш-памяти, мы даем описание производительности четырех различных моделей однокристальной системы на основе ARM, а именно Cortex-A9, Cortex-A7, Cortex-A15 r3p2 и Cortex-A15 r3p3. Затем мы обсуждаем значимость этих результатов для вычислений большого объема и потенциала для ARM- процессоров.

Intake, digestibility, performance, and carcass traits of rams provided with dehydrated passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) peel, as a substitute of Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.)

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the substitution of Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay by dehydrated passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) peel on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and carcass traits in Santa Inês×Dorper rams. In Experiment 1, 12 rams were penned in individual metabolic crates for 21 days to evaluate DMI, nitrogen balance, and digestibility. Four treatments were evaluated: (1) control, with no inclusion of passion fruit peel; (2) 20% substitution of Tifton 85 hay by passion fruit peel; (3) 40% substitution of Tifton 85 hay by passion fruit peel; and (4) 60% substitution of Tifton 85 hay by passion fruit peel (n=3 rams per treatment). In Experiment 2, 20 rams were randomly assigned into individual dry-lot pens for 63 days, and the same treatments from Experiment 1 were randomly assigned to pens (n=5 pens per treatment). Body weight was weekly determined, and at the end of the experimental period, rams were humanely slaughtered, for assessment of carcass traits. No effect (P>0.33) of passion fruit peel inclusion was observed for DM and CP apparent digestibility. However, NDF apparent digestibility had a quadratic effect (P=0.01). Quadratic regression (P=0.02) was observed for nitrogen intake, but no effect (P>0.16) was observed for fecal and urine nitrogen excretion, and nitrogen balance. Daily DMI, DMI as % of BW, and NDF and CP intake had quadratic effect (P<0.01) with level of inclusion of passion fruit peel in the diet. A quadratic regression (P<0.01) was found for thorax circumference, with peak at 38.6%. Commercial cuts and carcass traits were not affected (P>0.16) by substitution of Tifton-85 by passion fruit peel. In conclusion, these experiments indicate that providing passion fruit peel as a substitute of Tifton 85 in diets for Santa Inês×Dorper rams at approximately 30% can be a good option for producers willing to reduce feeding costs, without impairing performance and carcass traits.

Impact of TFET Unidirectionality and Ambipolarity on the Performance of 6T SRAM Cells

We use mixed device-circuit simulations to predict the performance of 6T static RAM (SRAM) cells implemented with tunnel-FETs (TFETs). Idealized template devices are used to assess the impact of device unidirectionality, which is inherent to TFETs and identify the most promising configuration for the access transistors. The same template devices are used to investigate the $\text{V}_{\rm DD}$ range, where TFETs may be advantageous compared to conventional CMOS. The impact of device ambipolarity on SRAM operation is also analyzed. Realistic device templates extracted from experimental data of fabricated state-of-the-art silicon pTFET are then used to estimate the performance gap between the simulation of idealized TFETs and the best experimental implementations.

Relationship between Serum Lipid Profile, Testicular Dimensions and Sperm Reserve in Yankasa Sheep

The relationship between serum lipid profile, testicular dimensions and sperm reserve in Yankasa rams was evaluated. Twenty seven (27) Yankasa rams of between 1.5 to 2 years of age were used for the study. Serum parameters evaluated include, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. Testicular parameters measured include, weight, volume, length and circumference. Pearson's coefficients of correlation among various parameters were estimated using SPSS (2010). The result indicate a significantly negative correlation between total cholesterol and sperm reserve (-0.90, P<0.01). Similarly, the relationship between sperm reserve and low density lipoprotein cholesterol is negative and significant (-0.92, P<0.01). Positive but non-significant correlation was observed between sperm reserve and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Findings of this research suggest that measures taken to decrease serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol can improve reproductive performance of Yankasa rams.

Thermal Aware Energy Efficient RAM Design On FPGA

In the project of low power processor design, we design both thermal aware and energy efficient RAM design on FPGA in this paper. This energy efficient and thermal aware RAM will be integrated in processor in order to make energy efficient and thermal aware processor. In order to test the compatibility of this design with the latest processor of i7 family, we operated this RAM with the highest frequencies supported by i7 processor. This RAM is thermal aware because it is able to operate without any fault or error with change in temperature from 50C to 80C. This RAM is energy efficient because it is able to operate with less power without any compromise with performance and functionality of RAM. There are 74.54% reduction in clock power, 75.36% reduction in I/O power, 0.42% reduction in leakage power and 11.74% reduction in leakage power in special case of no peak demand of high performance (4GHz). Keywords—Junction Temperature, Ambient Temperature, Leakage Power, Clock Power, I/O Power, RAM, Energy Efficient

Efecto de los implantes de melatonina y la presencia de compañeros sobre los rendimientos de los moruecos durante la monta

Effect of melatonin implants and flock mates on mating performance of rams To evaluate the effect of melatonin implants on mounting capacity of the rams in spring, both in group and individually, 6 males received three implants on February (M), while another 6 males remained as control (C). In late March, 60 ewes were synchronized in estrus and divided into 3 groups (n = 20), introducing 4 males in each group (2M+2C). During six hours a sexual test was performed, recording the number of services and mounts, and the interval between services. Four days later, 60 ewes were divided into 12 groups (n = 5), introducing one male in each group to run single tests. Treated males showed a greater sexual activity than control ones (C: 24.5 ± 3.0; M: 25.9 ± 2.3 mounts+services; P < 0.05) and

철도 시스템 기능 안전(Functional Safety) 및 인증

Nowadays, railroads are considered the most efficient form of mass transportation. Furthermore, it is necessary that railroads be paired with state-of-the-art safety equipment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent 100% of accidents that may be caused by system or human errors. In order to prevent future accidents, RAMS activity and Functional Safety Certification are required for new systems that are under development. In this paper we evaluate the necessity of the application of RAMS and the performance of RAMS in the system development process. We also explore the Safety Evaluation Procedure required for RAMS certification.

Performance, Carcass and Meat Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Given Water Contaminated With Used Engine Oil

&lt;p&gt;This study was conducted to determine the effect of giving water contaminated with used engine oil on performance, carcass and meat characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. 15 WAD rams about 10 months old were used. They were grouped into 5 balanced for weight. Used engine oil was collected from an Auto mechanic workshop in Ayetoro Yewa Ogun state and mixed to 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20ml with one litre of clean water at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% designated T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The rams were assigned to these treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment and were given the contaminated water for 13 weeks. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p=0.05. The results showed that nutrient intake was higher, while water intake decreased (p&amp;lt;0.05) as the level of used engine oil in water increased, nitrogen intakes and urinary nitrogen decreased (p&amp;lt;0.05) as well as nitrogen retention. Although weight gain increased (p&amp;lt;0.05) feed efficiency decreased (p&amp;lt;0.05). Carcass primal cuts and meat characteristics decreased except cooking yield and water holding capacity as used engine oil increased in the given water. It was therefore, recommended that used engine oil should not be allowed to flow freely into the surrounding water bodies where grazing animals may consume it as this may lead to reduction in their water intake which can affect the health of the animals and increased feed intake can affect profit margin of the farmers.&lt;/p&gt;

Functional failure modes cause-consequence logic suited for mobile robots used at scientific facilities

The scientific facilities emitting ionizing radiation may have some significant failures and hazard issues, in and around their infrastructure. Significantly, this will also cause risks to workers and environment, which has led engineers to explore the use and implementation of mobile robots (MR), in order to reduce or eliminate such risks concerned with safety issues. Safe functioning of MR and the systems working at hazardous facilities is essential and therefore all the systems, structures and components (SSC) of a hazardous facility have to correspond to high reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (=RAMS) demands.RAMS characteristics have a causal relationship with the risks related to the facility systems availability, safety and life cycle costs. They also form the basis for the operating systems and MR performance, to carry out the desired functions. In this paper we have developed and presented a method for how to consider and model a SSC with respect to its desired functions and also the computer-supported modeling and analysis of functional failure modes cause-consequence logic of a complex system, to ensure its RAMS characteristics during design and development phase, with an application approach to MR power outage. On the basis of experience and assisted by the modeled cause consequence logic it becomes possible to identify the problem areas, which during the design and development phase may reduce the RAMS performance and delay its design and development time.

English

In the tropics, ruminants are raised on natural pastures which decline rapidly in quality and quantity during the dry season. This study assessed the reproductive performance of rams fed with cassava&ndash;peel&ndash;silage (CPS) blended with pineapple-waste (PW) on: scrotal circumference, testicular size and semen volume. Randomized complete block design with four treatments of PW at 0, 20, 40 and 60% w/w in Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were used. Each treatment had three replicates while semen was collected once from all replicates in the treatments. Rams were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Cassava-peel was substituted with PW at 0, 20, 40 and 60% w/w in Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Fresh PW were ensiled in plastic mini silos. Samples of freshly processed pineapple waste were taken on the day of ensiling and ensiled products were opened after 21 days to determine their nutritive value. All silage blends had colours from brown to yellow with pH values from 4.0 to 6.8. The scrotal diameter from 16.00cm to 21.40cm and scrotal length from 8.83cm and 12.75cm but did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05). The sperm motility of rams fed diets 4 and 1 was similar to rams fed other diets. Mean sperm volume, percentage livability and percentage sperm morphology were similar across treatments (P&gt;0.05). It can be concluded that CPS blended with PW up to 60% showed no adverse effect on semen characteristics and fertility of the rams. &nbsp; Key words: Semen characteristics, pineapple waste, Brewer&rsquo;s dried grain, corn cob, silage.

Subsequent influences of feeding intact green seaweed Ulva lactuca to growing lambs on the seminal and testicular characteristics in rams1

The present experiment was designed to investigate the subsequent influences of supplementing different levels of intact green seaweed Ulva lactuca (0%, 3%, and 5% DM) to growing sexually immature lambs during the growth period (74 d) on the seminal and testicular characteristics of sexually mature rams. Ulva lactuca was manually collected, adequately prepared, and then incorporated into lambs' diets. Eighteen male 3-mo-old lambs of the Awassi breed with a mean BW of 22.57 kg (SD = 1.08) were randomly assigned into treatments. The obtained results indicate that offering Ulva lactuca at the level of 3% or 5% DM to lambs during the growth period had no subsequent impacts (P > 0.05) on liver and kidney functions as well as blood water balance in rams, thereby suggesting that Ulva lactuca can be safely supplemented to lambs during growing. However, our findings point out that feeding a lamb diet supplemented with intact Ulva lactuca failed to demonstrate any subsequent benefit (P > 0.05) on the growth performance, thermoregulatory responses, and plasma oxidative status in rams. Above all, it was clearly evident that supplementing intact Ulva lactuca to lambs had demonstrated subsequent negative influences (P < 0.05) on seminal and testicular characteristics of rams, more noticeably observed at the 5% DM inclusion rate than at 3%. These results were manifested by the inferior (P < 0.05) seminal quality, reduced (P < 0.05) testicular morphometry, changes (P < 0.05) in testicular histopathology, defective (P < 0.05) endocrine signaling, and increased (P < 0.05) seminal oxidative stress in rams fed diets supplemented with Ulva lactuca during the growth period compared to control rams. The deleterious impacts of feeding intact Ulva lactuca on spermatogenesis and germ cell loss were proven to be attributed to the dysfunction of Sertoli cells. Collectively, these results provide novel insights on the subsequent influences of dietary supplementation of intact Ulva lactuca to lambs. The consistent evidence of profound negative impacts on seminal and testicular characteristics as well as the resulting data of no improvement of subsequent growth, thermoregulation, and plasma oxidative status in rams prompts us to tentatively recommend the avoidance of feeding intact Ulva lactuca to lambs.

Selective drug inhibition of rho kinase II (ROCK2) reduces beta-amyloid production in the brain

worse than apoE4-TR mice. Ab12-28P treatment of APP SW/PS1 dE9/ apoE4-TR mice normalized OR behavior and improved RAM performance to the level of apoE4-TR mice. Levels of soluble and insoluble Ab x-40 and Ab x-42 measured by ELISA in the whole brain extract and the burden of Thioflavin-S positive plaques were significantly higher in APP SW/PS1 dE9/apoE4-TR than in APP SW/PS1 dE9/apoE2-TR mice. Ab12-28P treatment was associated with significant reduction in soluble and insoluble Ab x-40 and Ab x-42 levels and lower Thioflavin-S plaque burden in the neocortex and in the hippocampus in both APP SW/PS1 dE9/apoE2-TR and APP SW/PS1 dE9/apoE4-TR lines. Conclusions: Our results indicate that future therapies targeting the apoE/Ab interaction could produce favorable outcome in both APOE2 and APOE4 carriers.

Effect of combination of vitamin E and selenium injections on reproductive performance and blood parameters of Ossimi rams

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) injection on semen quality, testes measures and some blood parameters of Ossimi rams. Fourteen mature healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (7 rams in each). The first group served as control (CG), while 2nd group served as treatment group (TG). Rams of the TG were treated twice weekly with 5mg sodium selenite and 450mg Vit E for 1 month. Semen quantity (semen volume, and concentration of the semen ejaculated) and quality (mass motility and percentage of live and dead cells) were recorded twice weekly. Blood samples collection, testes measurements (testis length (TL), breadth (TB); and scrotal circumference (SC)) using measuring tape and caliper were recorded. Sonar examination of the testes (mediastinum testes and tunica albugenia) and all accessory gland measurements were performed every 2 weeks. Semen quality and quantity were significantly affected by treatments: the ejaculate volume, mass activity and sperm concentration increased (p<0.01) in treated rams in comparison with control ones. The percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were reduced in the treated groups. Also ordinary testes measurements and sonar examination were mostly improved though the differences were not statistically significant. Pen libido test showed reduced reaction time for the first mount in treated rams. Serum testosterone, glutathione peroxidase and other blood parameters were elevated (p<0.05) in treated group in comparison with the control one. The results of this experiment confirm that injections of the combination of Vit E and Se during the breeding season improved semen characteristics and the overall reproductive performance of Ossimi rams.

Reproductive performance of rams in three producer range flocks: Evidence of poor sexual behavior in the field

Poor mating behavior increases ram costs and extends the lambing season while decreasing genetic progress. Producers recognize the importance of ram libido; however, time, labor, and facility constraints limit routine evaluation of males for libido. The current experiment determined the incidence of low- and high-sexually performing rams based on the number of lambs sired by each ram in three range flocks. Rams were evaluated for breeding soundness prior to joining with females. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from all rams, and approximately one-third of the lambs and their dams. Microsatellite markers were used to determine parentage. Number of lambs expected to be sired by each ram was established by calculating 99% confidence intervals, based on the expectation that each ram would have equal number of lambs. Rams siring more or less lambs than expected were categorized as high or low sexually performing rams, respectively. Paternity was established for >80% of the lambs sampled. Rams which had higher than expected numbers of lambs made up 23–29% of the ram population but sired from 39.4% to 70% of the lamb crop. Low performing rams (23–43% of the ram population) sired from 3.2% to 16.2% of the lamb crop. Since fertility was evaluated prior to mating, differences in ram fecundity may reflect the expression of sexual behavior in a multi-sire range flock setting. Rams are generally selected for breed characteristics and potential influence on flock genetics will be greater for high- than low-sexually performing rams.

Condition Based Monitoring in Railway

AbstractThis paper presents the railway applications of Condition Based Monitoring (CBM), which have been developed and implemented in the metro system of Hong Kong since 1989. In this paper, the limitations of traditional preventive and reactive maintenance approach in railway operations environment will be explained. CBM has been a proven technology to effectively enhance the RAMS performance of equipment and optimize the maintenance resources, thus reducing the overall life cycle cost. As an example, the technology of Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag with temperature sensor is used to capture and transmit the main transformer temperature back to maintenance centre via a fixed trackside TCP/IP network. A user-friendly monitoring and analysis software was also developed to provide real-time alarm and trend prediction on transformer temperature. The system is capable of providing early alarm before equipment failure and mitigating incidents which are critical to safety and service performa...

PERFORMANCE OF FAT-TAILED RAMS FED COMPLETE FEED BASED OIL PALM FRONDS

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of fat-tailed rams fed complete feedbased oil palm fronds (OPF). This experiment was arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD)with 5 treatments and 4 replications i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of OPF substituting fields grass incomplete feed for A, B, C, D and E treatments, respectively. Twenty fat-tailed rams were fed twice at08.00 and 14.00 with pellet of complete feed for 4 months. The result of this experiment showed thatOPF significantly influenced nutrient consumption, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency ratio(FER). Oil palm fronds significantly affected (P<0.05) fat-tailed rams’s dry matter intake (DMI), organicmatter intake (OMI), crude protein intake (CPI), ADG and FER. The highest DMI, OMI, CPI, ADG, andFER of fat-tailed rams was in C treatment and significantly different from the others. It was concludedthat C treatment was the best treatment which can give the best fat-tailed rams performance. The OPFcan be used to replace the field grass as feed up to 75% proportion in complete feed and could increasethe performance and productivity of fat-tailed rams.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on growth performance and puberty incidence of male and female lambs born from rbST treated ewes.

ABSTRACTThis experiment was a continuation for the study on crossbred ewes treated by injection with 160 mg/ewe rbST at 14-day interval during pre- and post-partum period, where lambs were injected after weaning (2 months old) by 80 mg rbST/ lamb at 14- days interval till puberty. Growth performance and puberty of male and female lambs were studied.Live body weight (LBW) of treated male and female lambs was significantly heavier (P<0.05) than untreated lambs in the control group.Results showed early signs of puberty in treated male lambs, where injection of 80 mg rbST/ ram lamb reduced age (P<0.05) at the three stages of puberty (I, II and III) comparing to control. Moreover, average LBW was significantly higher (P<0.05) in treated ram lambs than those in control group at II and III stages of puberty. Scrotal circumference was not affected by rbST treatment at all stages of puberty. However, puberty characteristics were more pronounced during the II and III stages, where ram lambs in treated group had significantly (P<0.05) younger age and heavier weights compared with control. Ejaculate volume, percentages of initial gross motility, sperm livability and abnormality percentage improved (P<0.05) by injection of rbST, while sperm cell concentration was not affected. Moreover, the overall plasma testosterone concentration was higher (P<0.05) in treated ram lambs (3.03± 0.4 ng/ml) compared to control group (1.85± 0.4 ng/ml).In ewe lambs, injection of rbST reduced age (P<0.05) at puberty by 60 days, while LBW at puberty in both treated and control group was almost the same. The plasma progesterone concentration during the pre- pubertal period was not affected by rbST treatment. In conclusion, administration of 80 mg rbST/ lamb at 14-day interval starting at 2 month of age improved growth performance, puberty characteristics and semen physical characteristics of male rams. Meanwhile, slight improvement was noticed on female lambs.

Schemed Power-augmented Flow for Wing-in-ground Effect Craft in Cruise

To provide detailed insight into schemed power-augmented flow for wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft in view of the concept of cruising with power assistance, this paper presents a numerical study. The engine installed before the wing for power-augmented flow is replaced by a simplified engine model in the simulations, and is considered to be equipped with a thrust vector nozzle. Flow features with different deflected nozzle angles are studied. Comparisons are made on aerodynamics to evaluate performance of power-augmented ram (PAR) modes in cruise. Considerable schemes of power-augmented flow in cruise are described. The air blown from the PAR engine accelerates the flow around wing and a high-speed attached flow near the trailing edge is recorded for certain deflected nozzle angles. This effect takes place and therefore the separation is prevented not only at the trailing edge but also on the whole upper side. The realization of suction varies with PAR modes. It is also found that scheme of blowing air under the wing for PAR engine is aerodynamically not efficient in cruise. The power-augmented flow is extremely complicated. The numerical results give clear depiction of the flow. Optimal scheme of power-augmented flow with respect to the craft in cruise depends on the specific engines and the flight regimes.