Short Cuts Research Articles

Paul Baran, Network Theory, and the Past, Present, and Future of Internet

Paul Baran’s seminal 1964 article “On Distributed Communications Networks” that first proposed packet switching also advanced an underappreciated vision of network architecture: a lattice-like, distributed network, in which each node of the Internet would be homogeneous and equal in status to all other nodes. Scholars who have subsequently embraced the concept of a lattice-like network approach have largely overlooked the extent to which it is both inconsistent with network theory (associated with the work of Duncan Watts and Albert-Laszlo Barabasi), which emphasizes the importance of short cuts and hubs in enabling networks to scale, and the actual way, the Internet initially deployed, which relied on a three-tiered, hierarchical architecture that was actually what Baran called a decentralized network. However, empirical studies reveal that the Internet’s architecture is changing: it is in the process of becoming flatter and less hierarchical, as large content providers build extensive wide area networks and undersea cables to connect directly to last-mile networks. This change is making the network more centralized rather than becoming more distributed. As a result, this article suggests that the standard reference model that places backbones at the center of the architecture should be replaced with a radically different vision: a stack of centralized star networks, each centered on one of the leading content providers.

Simulation of different power methods for induction generator faults detection and diagnosis

This paper deals with a simulation of different power methods to detect and diagnose induction generator faults. Instantaneous partial and total power, active and reactive power, complex apparent power and transformed power from mechanic to electric nature are revisited, simulated and discussed in this paper for induction generator rotor broken bars and stator short cuts faults detection and diagnosis. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and PQ transform algorithms are used as comparison tools. Simulation results show that, on one hand, active, reactive and complex apparent power can only be used to detect evolution of rotor faults. On the other hand, partial, total and power transferred from mechanical to electrical nature are able to detect induction generator faults evolution with the advantage of eliminating electrical distortions and influence of low quality of supplying voltage. Furthermore, the implementation of the PQ transformation offers the possibility to isolate load influence from rotor faults and stator ones.

Simulation of Different Power Methods for Induction Generator Faults Detection and Diagnosis

This paper deals with a simulation of different power methods to detect and diagnose induction generator faults. Instantaneous partial and total power, active and reactive power, complex apparent power and transformed power from mechanic to electric nature are revisited, simulated and discussed in this paper for induction generator rotor broken bars and stator short cuts faults detection and diagnosis. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and PQ transform algorithms are used as comparison tools. Simulation results show that, on one hand, active, reactive and complex apparent power can only be used to detect evolution of rotor faults. On the other hand, partial, total and power transferred from mechanical to electrical nature are able to detect induction generator faults evolution with the advantage of eliminating electrical distortions and influence of low quality of supplying voltage. Furthermore, the implementation of the PQ transformation offers the possibility to isolate load influence from rotor faults and stator ones.

Distortion-controlled isotropic swelling: numerical study of free boundary swelling patterns.

Modern fabrication tools have now provided a number of platforms for designing flat sheets that, by virtue of their nonuniform growth, can buckle and fold into target three-dimensional structures. Theoretically, there is an infinitude of growth patterns that can produce the same shape, yet almost nothing is understood about which of these many growth patterns is optimal from the point of view of experiment, and few can even be realized at all. Here, we ask the question: what is the optimal way to design isotropic growth patterns for a given target shape? We propose a computational algorithm to produce optimal growth patterns by introducing cuts into the target surfaces. Within this framework, we propose that the patterns requiring the fewest or shortest cuts produce the best approximations to the target shape at finite thickness. The results are tested by simulation on spherical surfaces, and new challenges are highlighted for surfaces with both positive and negative Gaussian curvatures.

Investors’ Behavior and Perceptions Towards Stock Market: Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Investors’ behavior and perception towards stock indices performances of the stock market was taken into account for this study. Relevant data was collected from 416 equity investors indulged in the stock market situated in diverse parts of southern Tamil Nadu, India. This research focuses on how the investors’ perceptions regarding stock indices movements of stock markets are affected by their irrational behavior, rational behavior and decision making behavior. In this study SEM approach was applied to analyze the data. The observations from the study disclosed that, the hypothesized model has a good fit and indicates that the anticipated model has the adequate fit, by way of satiating the suggested values. The finding indicates that investors are partly rational and partly irrational because they collect complete financial information and use this information for investment decision making and also use short cuts for decision making.Â

English

Scientific confirmation of the traditionally known health benefits of pomegranates caused a tremendous increase in the consumption and production of this highly valuable fruit tree. Reproduction of pomegranate plants with seeds shows great variability in tree vigour and fruit quality. Cuttings is one of the most successful and preferred methods for the propagation of pomegranates. It is easy, quick, economic and most the convenient method of obtaining true-to-type trees in considerably less time; however, it has a high rate of mortality. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of cutting length, collection time of cuttings and rooting media on the sprouting of dormant semi-hardwood cuttings collected from pomegranate cv. Wonderful. Studies conducted with the completely randomized block design with four replications, each replication containing 25 individual cuttings. According to the results, the highest sprouting percentage obtained from the 10 cm cuttings collected 43±3 days before sprouting (DBS) and grown in soil with 98%. Results showed that the sprouting percentage is higher at the shorter cuttings. It was also concluded from the results that, as time pass, the sprouting percentage of the cuttings decrease, and is important to collect cuttings about 40 days before sprouting. The growing media was found to significantly affect the sprouting percentage and soil was found to be better than perlite media. Key words: Perlite, rooting, soil, sprouting, transplant. &nbsp

Decision Science: A New Hope

Decision science is an area of enquiry that crosses many disciplines, from psychology to economics, each with their own perspective of decision-making. Traditionally, mathematicians have envisaged decision-making as a purely rational endeavor, whereas psychologists and behavioral economists have critiqued this narrative and suggested that cognitive short cuts are the real mechanisms behind how decisions are made. However, contemporary dual process theorists argue that two systems of the mind exist: system 1 (intuitive decision-making) and system 2 (rational decision-making). The current review will present a relatively new metaphor for decision-making: the unified threshold model. This model is a global approach to decision-making which allows both intuitive and rational decision-making processes to be explained in a more flexible manner than the dual process model. This review will introduce the reader to different types of threshold models (counter and diffusion), their assumptions, and their ability to explain decision-making behavior. Implications and future research will also be discussed. In summary, the aim of this review is to highlight that a rather than the unified threshold model of decision-making may give a more adequate explanation of decision-making data in comparison to previous models and theories.

An investigation of the effect of a new tool treatment technique on the machinability of Inconel 718 during the turning process

Though Inconel 718 alloy possesses excellent material properties and has various key applications in different industries, it still suffers from severe machinability issues and is considered one of the most difficult-to-cut materials. In this paper, a new and simple method is proposed to improve the machinability of Inconel 718 by forming different ductile and lubricious layers at the tool tip prior to its application for machining. Previous research showed that this method is very successful at improving the tool performance. In the current study, an enhancement of the proposed method is presented. Prior to the actual machining of Inconel, very short cuts of around two seconds were performed on an Al-Si and/or cast iron workpiece to form very thin layers of these materials on the tool rake face. During the subsequent machining of Inconel, the built-up material on the tool face has melted and the excess material was pushed out of the contact zone, with just a thin film remaining on the tool. This thin film protected the tool from chipping and considerably improved the tool life and the integrity of the machined surface. Results indicate that the tool treated with both cast iron and aluminum possessed a maximum tool life increase of 204%, a 45% lesser cutting force, and a 59% reduction in machining-induced work-hardening compared to the uncoated tool. All of the treatments displayed significantly reduced chipping. The following mechanisms contributed to these improvements: filling of the tool microcracks and prevention of their propagation, friction reduction enabling greater control over adhesion, seizure and built-up edge formation, improvement of the running-in stage of tool wear by preconditioning the tool surface prior to its main application, formation of various lubricious and thermal barrier tribofilms on the tool tip, control of different tool wear mechanisms such as adhesion, abrasion, and oxidation. All these mechanisms are discussed in details using various characterization techniques.

Estratégias de fragmentação no cinema contemporâneo: Short Cuts: Cenas da Vida, de Robert Altman, e Elefante, de Gus Van Sant

O cinema contemporâneo tem exibido, com considerável frequência, obras cuja estrutura narrativa se revela quebrada, descontínua e dispersa. Observa-se, nesse tipo de cinema, a subtração ou a desativação do fluxo narrativo, da linearidade narrativa, o que vem a promover novas formas de experiência fílmica. Nesse sentido, apresentamos uma breve análise de duas produções norte-americanas – Short Cuts: cenas da vida (Robert Altman, 1993) e Elefante (Gus Van Sant, 2003) – a fim de apontar, na escritura desses filmes, exemplos de estratégias de fragmentação e os diferentes sentidos que tal iniciativa possibilita construir.

Steering Your First Year as a Structural Heart Interventionalist

“I’ve learned it all, I’m a structural heart ninja. I’m ready for anything.” You may have these thoughts as you transition from your eighth or ninth year of postgraduate training into your first st...

Influence of physical activity on behavioral distinctiveness among young children

The present paper intends to illuminate some of the very sensitive issues of the present day scenario of children who are not interested in physical activity but rather prefer to stay indoors in order to play games on mobiles, laptops or watch televisions. The basic problem is sedentary lifestyle which creates havoc with the health of growing children and as result restricts their psychological and social development. Several critical elements that are necessary to develop and maintain a healthy mind and body have been put forth. The paper suggests that sports and physical activity should be encouraged. It is essential for parents to recognize that sports in the form of physical activity is important in structuring the psyche and personality of children who are the future of a nation. An attempt has been made to show that when a child perfects a skill he has been working at he learns to push himself self in a healthy manner. Instead of taking short cuts, the child learns to take the baseline skill, practices it, and achieves the level of success he is striving for. This cycle is one that can later help in taking their careers and to help manage stress and all the things life can throw at them.

Short-cut and high-efficiency process to recycle copper from spent lithium-ion battery

The booming flourish of information communication technology and electric vehicle industry has resulted in plenty of spent lithium-ion battery (LiB). Its recycling is recognized as the vital approach for resource sustainability and environmental improvement. However, the conventional recycling process was much complicated with a low recycling efficiency. We chose ionic liquid as heat medium to melt the binder and separate copper foil and anode material. Theoretical analysis based on Fourier’s law was adopted to determine the heat transfer mechanism of cathode material and to examine the relationship between heating temperature and retention time. All the experimental and theoretic results show that peel-off rate of copper foil from anode materials could reach 95% when major process parameters were controlled at 180°C heating temperature, 350 r/min agitator rotation, and 30 min retention time. The obtained results further imply that the application of ionic liquid for recycling copper and anode materials from spent LiBs is short cut and highly efficient, regardless of the application source of the LiBs or the types of anode material. The proposed process will smooth the high recycling rate for copper and aluminum, and enable the closed-loop supply chain for spent lithium-ion battery.

A novel real-space navigation paradigm reveals age- and gender-dependent changes of navigational strategies and hippocampal activation.

To establish a novel multimodal real-space navigation paradigm and define age- and gender-related normative values for navigation performance and visual exploration strategies in space. A group of 30 healthy subjects (mean age 45.9 ± 16.5years, 16 men) performed a real-space navigation paradigm, requiring allo- and egocentric spatial orientation abilities. Visual exploration behaviour and navigation strategy were documented by a gaze-controlled, head-fixed camera. Allo- and egocentric spatial orientation performance were compared in younger and older subjects (age threshold 50years) as well as men and women. Navigation-induced changes of regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCGM) were measured by [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in a subgroup of 15 subjects (8 men) and compared across age and gender. The majority of healthy subjects (73.3%) completed the navigation task without errors. There was no gender difference in navigation performance. Normalized total error rates increased slightly, but significantly with age (r = 0.36, p = 0.05). Analysis of navigation path indicated a significantly reduced use of short cuts in older age (r = 0.44, p = 0.015). Visual exploration analysis revealed that older subjects made significantly more total saccades (r = 0.49, p = 0.006) and search saccades (r = 0.54, p = 0.002) during navigation. All visual exploration parameters were similar in men and women. Navigation-induced rCGM decreased with age in the hippocampus and precuneus and increased in the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Women showed an increase of rCGM in the left hippocampus and right middle temporal gyrus, men in the superior vermis. Real-space navigation testing was a feasible and sensitive method to depict age-related changes in navigation performance and strategy. Normalized error rates, total mean durations per item and total number of saccades were the most sensitive and practical parameters to indicate deterioration of allocentric navigation strategies and right hippocampal function in age irrespective of gender.

Parametric polymorphism and operational improvement

Parametricity, in both operational and denotational forms, has long been a useful tool for reasoning about program correctness. However, there is as yet no comparable technique for reasoning about program improvement , that is, when one program uses fewer resources than another. Existing theories of parametricity cannot be used to address this problem as they are agnostic with regard to resource usage. This article addresses this problem by presenting a new operational theory of parametricity that is sensitive to time costs, which can be used to reason about time improvement properties. We demonstrate the applicability of our theory by showing how it can be used to prove that a number of well-known program fusion techniques are time improvements, including fixed point fusion, map fusion and short cut fusion.

Electrochemical Arylation Reaction.

Arylated products are found in various fields of chemistry and represent essential entities for many applications. Therefore, the formation of this structural feature represents a central issue of contemporary organic synthesis. By the action of electricity the necessity of leaving groups, metal catalysts, stoichiometric oxidizers, or reducing agents can be omitted in part or even completely. The replacement of conventional reagents by sustainable electricity not only will be environmentally benign but also allows significant short cuts in electrochemical synthesis. In addition, this methodology can be considered as inherently safe. The current survey is organized in cathodic and anodic conversions as well as by the number of leaving groups being involved. In some electroconversions the reagents used are regenerated at the electrode, whereas in other electrotransformations free radical sequences are exploited to afford a highly sustainable process. The electrochemical formation of the aryl-substrate bond is discussed for aromatic substrates, heterocycles, other multiple bond systems, and even at saturated carbon substrates. This survey covers most of the seminal work and the advances of the past two decades in this area.

Razmnožavanje paulovnije korijenskim reznicama

U rod Paulownia, porodica Paulowniaceae, ubraja se od devet vrsta i nekoliko prirodnih hibrida koji od prirode rastu u Kini. Važne vrste u ovom rodu su: P. albiflora, P. australis, P. catalpifolia, P. elongata, P. fargesii, P. fortunei, P. kawakamii i P. tomentosa. U novije vrijeme hibridizacijom su dobiveni brojni hibridi s ciljem povećanja brzine rasta i prirasta te otpornosti na niske temperature. U Hrvatskoj se najčešće razmnožavaju hibridi paulovnije Shan Tong i 9501 iako postoje i drugi dobiveni vlastitim selekcijama. Cilj ovoga članka je objasniti načine razmnožavanja paulovnije u prirodi i problematiku njezine invazivnosti te razmnožavanje u rasadniku pomoću autovegetativne metode makropropagacije korjenovim reznicama. Postoje tri faze zakorjenjivanja reznica: inicijacija, indukcija i ekspresija. Postoji direktna i indirektna indukcija. Najosjetljiviji trenutak je povezivanje provodnih elemenata korjenčića i dijela stanice. Uspješnost pojave korjenčića na reznici ovisi o: fiziološkom stanju matične biljke, količini šećera, metabolizmu auxina, mineralnoj ishrani, metabolizmu fenola i dr. Postoje četiri faze razmnožavanja paulovnije iz korijenskih reznica: uzimanje i dorada korijenskih reznica s matične biljke u matičnjaku, pikiranje reznica u pvc lončiće ispunjene supstratom za zakorjenjivanje, zakorjenjivanje korjenskih reznica i osnivanje novog matičnjaka. Korijenske reznice paulovnije Shang Tong i 9501 uzimane su s obzirom na polaritet na način da se donji (distalni) dio korijena rezao pod kutom od 45 stupnjeva a gornji (proksimalni) pod kutom od 90 stupnjeva. Reznice su podijeljene su na kratke (8 cm) i dugačke (15 cm). Svaka skupina reznica dodatno je podijeljena na tanke i debele na način da razlika bude na oko vidljiva. Iz svake skupine u istraživanje je uzeto po 15 reznica. Napravljen je pokus na način da jedan dio reznica bude pikiran u grijanom stakleniku 7 dana od vađenja korijena a drugi dio nakon sušenja na sobnoj temperaturi u komori rasta. Prva skupina od 60 reznica uzeta je 14. prosinca i pikirana u perforirane pvc vrećice volumena 5,0 l i u gotovi supstrat za zakorjenjivanje Klasman Steckmedium. U supstrat za zakorijenjivanje dodano je 3g/l gnojiva s produženim djelovanjem treće generacije Osomocote Exact Standard 5-6M formulacije 15-9-12+2MgO+TE. Reznice nisu tretirane fitohormonom niti fungicidima protiv truleži. Pikiranje reznica je obavljeno na način da je gornja površina reza od 90 stupnjeva bila u razini supstrata. Duga skupina od 60 reznica stavljena je na sušenje u komoru rasta Kambič RK-980 CH. Temperatura u komori iznosila je 21 °C i relativna vlaga zraka od 40 % što predstavlja čuvanje reznica u konstantnim sobnim uvjetima. Reznice su čuvane u komori rasta 5 dana. Pikiranje je obavljeno na isti način kao i u slučaju prve skupine reznica 21.12.2017. godine. Prvo registriranje zakorjenjivanja obavljeno je 19.02.2018. godine što znači za prvu skupinu 67 dana od pikiranja a za drugu skupinu 60 dana od pikiranja. Sušenje reznica hibrida paulovnije Shan Tong dovelo do povećanja zakorjenjivanja u svim varijantama, a posebno je izraženo kod debelih reznica duljine 8 cm i debelih reznica duljine 15 cm. Može se preporučiti uzimanje debljih reznica i njihovo sušenje na sobnoj temperaturi u trajanju od 5 dana jer se dobiva značajnije veći postotak zakorjenjivanja. Pretjerana vlaga u supstratu za zakorjenjivanje korijenskim reznicama paulovnije negativno utječe na razvoj korijenskog sustava. Kod hibrida paulovnije 9501 također je utvrđeno kako sušenje reznica dovodi do povećanja zakorjenjivanja u svim varijantama, osim kod tankih reznica duljine 8 cm kod kojih je dobiven isti postotak zakorjenjivanja (33%). Posebno je zanimljiva situacija kod debelih reznica duljine 8 cm kod kojih se bez sušenja nije zakorjenila niti jedna reznica a sa sušenjem čak 80 %. Može se preporučiti uzimanje debljih reznica hibrida paulovnije 9501 i njihovo sušenje na sobnoj temperaturi u trajanju od 5 dana jer se dobiva značajnije veći postotak zakorjenjivanja. Postotak zakorjenjivanja reznica bez sušenja bio bi sigurno veći da su se uzele odmah nakon vađenja korijenskog sustava bagerom što se preporuča u praksi. U ovom slučaju minimalne temperature zraka od -4 °C i -5,6 °C dovele su do smrzavanja korijenskog sustava. Prosječna minimalna temperatura zraka u razdoblju od 8. do 14. prosinca. iznosila je svega 0,8 °C. Kod smrznutog korijena kora se odvaja rukom od drva a takve reznice ili propadaju ili tjeraju iz nižih adventivnih pupova. Korijenske reznice hibrida paulovnije Shan Tong i 9501 trebale bi se uzimati odmah nakon vađenja korijenskog sustava matične biljke a prosječne temperature zraka trebale bi biti iznad 0 °C. U ovim istraživanjima dokazana je štetnost temperatura od -4 °C i -5,6 °C na korijenske reznice jer su one dovele do njihovog smrzavanja. Najbolje kalendarsko vrijeme za vađenje korijenskih reznica, ovisno o godini, bilo bi u mjesecu ožujku. Utvrđena je mogućnost zakorjenjivanja korijenskih reznica hibrida paulovnije 9501 u običnoj vodi u kontroliranim uvjetima (bez svjetla, konstantna temperatura od 20 °C). Reznice su stavljene u „in vitro“ klijalicu Snijders Scientific B.V., ECD01E dana 21.12.2017. a fotografirane 21.02.2018. odnosno 62 dana od stavljanja u vodu.

Quality Testing of Short Rotation Coppice Willow Cuttings

The production and feasibility of Short Rotation Coppice depend on cutting early performance. The shoot and root biomass production of Salix cuttings in hydroponic conditions was studied. The amount of sprouted biomass after four weeks of growth depended on cutting the diameter, but the original position of the cutting along the rod or number of visible buds was not in correlation with biomass produced. Application of mineral fertilizer or soil originating from the willow plantation did not increase the total production. On the contrary, the addition of soil tended to decrease biomass production and we assumed this was a result of a shortage of light. Under the influence of fertilization, plants allocated greater biomass to roots. Comparison of different clones revealed that those with S. dasyclados genes tended to allocate less biomass to roots and the poorest-performing clone in our experiment, also had the lowest wood production in the plantation. The number of visible buds on the cutting was also clone-specific.

Establishment strategies for poplars, including mulch and plant types, on agricultural land in Sweden

Biomass from forestry is one of the largest components of Sweden’s renewable resources. Poplars are currently the highest producing tree species available and are therefore natural choices for biomass-oriented production. Growing poplars has been of most interest on agricultural land, but the knowledge and experience about their cultivation is still limited. Factors that have a large impact on the regeneration results are plant material, competing vegetation, browsing and damage caused by voles or climatic factors. Due to large establishment costs, there is a need to find methods to secure the establishment both biologically and economically. In this study the effect of plastic mulch in combination with three different plant types (short cuttings, long cuttings and rooted plants) were tested at three different sites. Five years after planting, the overall effect of mulch was an improved plant survival and growth. In most cases, long cuttings outperformed short cuttings and rooted plants. Clonal differences were present, indicating the importance of using plant material adapted to site conditions. All sites were heavily affected by browsing and during the experimental period 100% of the plants were damaged at some point. Planting poplars without fencing is therefore doubtful. Results from this study conclude that poplars can be established with success on agricultural land if proper measures are used depending on the site to be planted.

A Compact Fusion–Fission Hybrid Reactor

Up today, two hyper research projects to achieve nuclear fusion energy exist; inertial confinement fusion (ICF) driven by laser, called national ignition facility (NIF) and magnetic confinement fusion the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) project. In reaching the required temperature and pressure, to ignite nuclear fusion reactor, is technologically complex and economically expensive. Thus, a breakthrough and a short cut, other alternative methods should be considered. Pulsed power ICF driver with repetitive pulse operation, mainly dense plasma focus (DPF) machines for high yield fusion neutrons could be taken as drivers for the fission blanket operation. The setup can be a cost-effective and efficient. In this article, we consider a set of two medium energy sizes DPF to produce simultaneously dense plasma columns, operating as thermonuclear plasma driver, to pierce the pellet target for external nuclear fusion reactions. These DPFs produce sufficient fast neutrons for the fission process in the neutral uranium or thorium and/or weak enriched uranium blanket. The drive systems and the concept for delivering thermonuclear plasma to pellets target in the magnetic free zone of central region will be presented. The feasibility of such fusion–fission hybrid reactor will be discussed.

A New Facet of Azatriene Reactivity: A Short Cut to 5‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐4‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)thiophene‐2‐carboxylates and 5‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐4‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)thiophene‐2‐carbonitriles

An simple and expedient approach to highly functionalized tetrasubstituted thiophenes from readily accessible starting materials [(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)allene, isothiocyanates, and alkyl 2‐bromoacetates or 2‐bromoacetonitrile] has been developed. The method is based on the one‐pot synthesis and fast in‐situ cyclization of alkyl 2‐{[2‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)buta‐2,3‐dienimidoyl]sulfanyl}acetates or cyanomethyl 2‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)buta‐2,3‐dienimidothioates (1‐aza‐1,3,4‐trienes) to give previously unknown thiophene‐2‐carboxylates and thiophene‐2‐carbonitriles, respectively, both bearing pyrrole substituents.