Total Time Consumption Research Articles

On the modelling of optimal coordinated checkpoint period in supercomputers

This work revises current assumptions adopted in the checkpointing modelling and evaluates their impact on the attained prediction of the optimal coordinated single-level checkpoint period. An accurate a priori assessment of the optimal checkpoint period for a given computing facility is necessary as it drives the incurred overhead due to frequent checkpointing and, as a result, implies a drop in the resource steady-state availability. The present study discusses the impact of the order of approximation used in the single-level coordinated checkpoint modelling and follows on extending previous results of the optimal checkpoint period to explore the effects of the checkpoint rate on the cluster performance under total execution time and energy consumption policies, and in terms of resource availability. A consequence of a prescribed checkpoint rate with current technology is a critical size of the cluster above which the attained availability is too poor to become a cost-effective platform. Thus, some guidelines for the cluster sizing are indicated.

Use of the Sorben-Tec system for rapid dosimetric evaluation of 222Rn level in drinking water

The Sorben-Tec system was tested for rapid dosimetric evaluation of 222Rn level in drinking water in domestic conditions using a dosimeter of beta radiometer as a measurement equipment. It was shown that the method is cheap, rapid and very simple, therefore it can be used by population for rapid radiation safety assessment of drinking water. The sorption-active Sorben-Tec system contains iron hexacyanoferrate allowing for separation of approximately 40% of both 214Pb and 214Bi, the short-lived decay products of 222Rn from 5 L water sample. It was assessed that the Sorben-Tec system provides detection limits of radon in 5 L water samples of 35–40 and 10 Bq L−1 for dosimetric and radiometric measurements respectively. The total time consumption of analysis does not exceed 1 h excluding the time for 214Pb and 214Bi ingrowth in the water sample (min. 3 h). Due to an insignificant sorption of radon, it is possible to reuse spent Sorben-Tec system again 3–4 h after previous analysis.

Effects of acetamiprid on life cycle development of predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) after contact exposure

Amblyseius cucumeris (Oudemans) is a beneficial non-target arthropod (NTA) and a key predator of pest mites in integrated pest management (IPM) programs across china. The toxic effects of insecticides have been extensively reported on predatory mites, but few studies devoted to the toxicity of compounds to A. cucumeris. In this study, the effects of a single application of acetamiprid against the A. cucumeris were investigated in a 48-h acute and a 30-d chronic test. In both tests the insecticide acetamiprid was applied once. In the acute test, the “open glass plate method” was used, with a 48-h LC50 value of 223.6 (149.8–336.9) mg a. i. L−1 for adult female. The LC50 was 1.49-fold the Maximum field recommended concentration. In the chronic test, exposure concentrations (1.12, 2.24, 4.47, 8.94, and 22.4 mg a. i. L−1) were designed based on a preliminary 48-h LC50 value for adult female. Above treatment levels of 2.24–4.47 mg a. i. L−1 reduce the total development time, survival rates and food consumption of A. cucumeris in different development stages. In addition, at acetamiprid concentrations higher than 2.24 mg a. i. L−1 serious effect on the capacity of oviposition of female adults were observed. However, even the highest treatment level of 22.4 mg a. i. L−1 did not affect egg hatching rates of exposed eggs. Acetamiprid had significant adverse effects on different development life stages of A. cucumeris. The results provide informative data for implementing biological and chemical control strategies in integrated pest management of spider mites.

A Kriging surrogate model of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) generating omnidirectional Lamb waves

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are non-contact ultrasonic transducers used to generate ultrasonic waves directly in the tested metal samples, suitable for special situations like testing moving or hot metal solids. EMATs rely on electromagnetic coupling, and the transduction efficienc y of EMATs is relatively low, so it’s crucial to improve their performance through building accurate models and implementing structural optimisations. Modern evolutionary optimization algorithms involve a number of evaluations of the objective function of the optimization problem, so it’s necessary to explore surrogate models to reduce the time consumption during evaluation of the computationally expensive objective function, especially when the function corresponds to complex numerical models, like the EMAT model. We focused on the application of Kriging surrogate model (DACE) in EMAT modeling in this work. The formulations of the DACE model were reviewed, then the model of an omnidirectional EMAT was introduced. Three methods to calculate the amplitudes of the displacement components were discussed and compared, including the time-domain method, the multifrequency method (with FFT/IFFT processing), and the single frequency method applying directly the phasors. The DACE model of the EMAT was then built to predict outputs on a discrete grid of the design variables. Finally the obtained DACE model was used as the surrogate model in the optimization of the EMAT driven by the simulated annealing algorithm. With the DACE model, the total time consumption of optimization of the EMAT was reduced greatly.

Efficacy of group cognitive rehabilitation therapy in multiple sclerosis.

Cognitive impairment occurs in 40%-65% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Several techniques for cognitive rehabilitation (CR) in these patients have been evaluated; however, the results have been controversial. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of group compensatory CR in patients with MS-related cognitive impairment. Thirty-four female patients with diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS and evidence of impaired cognitive function were included and randomized to intervention (n=17) and control (n=17) groups. CR intervention consisted of eight 2-hour sessions of comprehensive group CR over a 4-week period that focused on improvement of memory, attention, and executive function. As placebo, the control group received the same number of non-therapeutic group sessions. Assessment of cognitive function was performed before intervention (pretest), at the end of intervention (post-test), and 3months later (follow-up). The study population included 34 patients with a mean age of 35.5years. Statistical comparison of memory assessments at 3-month follow-up showed significantly higher scores in the CR group than in the control group (93.33 vs 86.40 for Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination test and 16.58 vs 12.00 for visual memory, 19.32 vs 14.05 for verbal memory, and 51.28 vs 44.41 for general scores on the Memory Functioning Questionnaire test, respectively). Wisconsin card sorting test score comparison showed significantly lower total time consumption in the CR group than in the control group (308.1 vs 340.8seconds, respectively). Behavior rating inventory of executive function-adultscores in all four subtests were significantly higher in the CR group than in the control group (40.25 vs 55.4 for behavioral regulation index, 51.16 vs 68.6 for metacognition index, and 97.41 vs 124.00 for global executive composite, respectively). Attention was the only domain in which we did not observe any significant variation between groups in terms of post-test and follow-up scores. This study supports the efficacy of group CR in the improvement of cognitive function in patients with MS.

PACARD: A New Interface to Increase Mobile Learning App Engagement, Distributed Through App Stores

This study proposed to enhance mobile learning engagement with PACARD (Personalized Adaptive CARD-based interface) that combines several technologies including card-based interface, personalized adaptation, push notifications, and badges. To evaluate our proposal, we distributed a mobile learning application (app) called English Practice on the Google Play store, and 63,824 online users were recruited to join the experiment. Six metrics of app engagement (app retention, session length, session count, total time consumption, average duration per day, and uninstall rate) were logged and analyzed. Results are presented in three parts. First, PACARD increased the number of user sessions, duration of use, and retention of app. Second, investigating PACARD also provided detailed reports about users, including their habits and behaviors, thus providing greater understanding of PACARD use. Third, PACARD improved learning achievement. Because of the large number of participants, this study's findings are reliable and widely applicable. PACARD is easy to implement and tailor to most mobile devices and mobile learning apps on the market. Indeed, it benefits educators and mobile app developers as well as learners themselves.

Evaluation of total time consumption in harvester technology deployment in conditions of the forest sector of the Czech Republic

Cut-to-length technology represents a modern forest logging technology characterized by high performance, efficiency, productivity and work safety. At the same time it is friendly to forest ecosystems. Both acquisition and operating costs of harvester units are high, which requires their year-round utilization. The aim of this paper was to analyse shift time consumptions and thus analyse the common harvester and forwarder work shift. In 2015–2016 we collected time snapshots of harvesters and forwarders of various performance categories and from different production conditions throughout the Czech Republic. Consequently the analysis of work shift time with respect to unit, batch and shift times was conducted. The average duration of a harvester’s work shift was 623 min, out of which operational time amounted to 73.6%. In forwarders the average shift took 520 min, with operational time representing 71.2%. In the course of the analysis and statistical data processing, all the remaining shift times which constitute an average harvester and forwarder work shift were quantified in detail. Work shift utilization ranged from 86.1 to 95.3%.

Stationary statistical theory of two-surface multipactor regarding all impacts for efficient threshold analysis

Statistical multipactor theories are critical prediction approaches for multipactor breakdown determination. However, these approaches still require a negotiation between the calculation efficiency and accuracy. This paper presents an improved stationary statistical theory for efficient threshold analysis of two-surface multipactor. A general integral equation over the distribution function of the electron emission phase with both the single-sided and double-sided impacts considered is formulated. The modeling results indicate that the improved stationary statistical theory can not only obtain equally good accuracy of multipactor threshold calculation as the nonstationary statistical theory, but also achieve high calculation efficiency concurrently. By using this improved stationary statistical theory, the total time consumption in calculating full multipactor susceptibility zones of parallel plates can be decreased by as much as a factor of four relative to the nonstationary statistical theory. It also shows that the effect of single-sided impacts is indispensable for accurate multipactor prediction of coaxial lines and also more significant for the high order multipactor. Finally, the influence of secondary emission yield (SEY) properties on the multipactor threshold is further investigated. It is observed that the first cross energy and the energy range between the first cross and the SEY maximum both play a significant role in determining the multipactor threshold, which agrees with the numerical simulation results in the literature.

Integrated multilateration for machine tool automatic verification

Multilateration based approaches are widely accepted as the most adequate solution for geometric characterisation of medium and large machine tools. However, its application, either in a sequential mode or in a simultaneous approach, leads to industrial limitations such as total time consumption or thermal drift that prevent an automatic calibration. This work presents an integrated multilateration verification procedure where a tracking interferometer is directly attached to the manufacturing system spindle as a tool, which tackles several of the mentioned limitations. Results of both simulations and experimental tests show that levels of uncertainty in the range of micrometres can be guaranteed.

Optimization of Two-Phase Queuing System and Its Application to the Control of Data Transmission between Two Robotic Agents

A tandem queuing system that contains two single-channel stations with finite buffers and allows blocking of the first server is considered. The first station receives nonstationary Poisson packet flow that is processed at a controlled rate. In the case of the queue overflow in the first system, the input packet is lost. The second station does not allow overflow due to control of the acceptance probability (a decrease in such a probability leads to slowing of packet sending from the first station). The queuing system is described with the aid of the controlled Markov process. The optimal control problem is considered over a finite time horizon using the criterion of minimum average losses under the constraints on the total service time and energy consumption of the first station. Optimization algorithms are proposed for synthesis of the control law for nonstationary data flow in two-agent robotic system.

Accelerated optimizations of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer with artificial neural networks as metamodels

Abstract. Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are noncontact transducers generating ultrasonic waves directly in the conductive sample. Despite the advantages, their transduction efficiencies are relatively low, so it is imperative to build accurate multiphysics models of EMATs and optimize the structural parameters accordingly, using a suitable optimization algorithm. The optimizing process often involves a large number of runs of the computationally expensive numerical models, so metamodels as substitutes for the real numerical models are helpful for the optimizations. In this work the focus is on the artificial neural networks as the metamodels of an omnidirectional EMAT, including the multilayer feedforward networks trained with the basic and improved back propagation algorithms and the radial basis function networks with exact and nonexact interpolations. The developed neural-network programs are tested on an example problem. Then the model of an omnidirectional EMAT generating Lamb waves in a linearized steel plate is introduced, and various approaches to calculate the amplitudes of the displacement component waveforms are discussed. The neural-network metamodels are then built for the EMAT model and compared to the displacement component amplitude (or ratio of amplitudes) surface data on a discrete grid of the design variables as the reference, applying a multifrequency model with FFT (fast Fourier transform)/IFFT (inverse FFT) processing. Finally the two-objective optimization problem is formulated with one objective function minimizing the ratio of the amplitude of the S0-mode Lamb wave to that of the A0 mode, and the other objective function minimizing as the negative amplitude of the A0 mode. Pareto fronts in the criterion space are solved with the neural-network models and the total time consumption is greatly decreased. From the study it could be observed that the radial basis function network with exact interpolation has the best performance considering its accuracy of approximation and the time required to build the metamodel.

Joint train scheduling optimization with service quality and energy efficiency in urban rail transit networks

Focusing on service quality improvement and energy consumption reduction in an urban rail transit network, this paper proposes a multi-objective programming model to jointly optimize timetables through considering total passenger trip time and operational energy consumption. The time-variant quantities are adopted to represent the dynamic passenger demands, with which passenger boarding, alighting and transferring process are taken into consideration for calculating total travel time and variation of in-service train mass. To effectively measure the total energy consumption, three parts of energy consumption are specified, including traction energy consumption, auxiliary energy consumption and usage of regenerative energy. In particular, the regenerative energy is allowable to simultaneously reuse by traction trains on the same line or in supply regions of different lines nearby the same transfer station. A compromise for service quality and energy consumption from the viewpoint of system optimization is especially proposed through adjusting headways in different lines. To effectively solve the proposed model, a tabu search algorithm is designed to obtain near-optimal timetables of the whole transit network. With the practical data of Line 5, Line 10 and Yizhuang Line in Beijing rail transit network, the effectiveness of this model and solution method is demonstrated by a series of numerical experiments.

Total sleep time, alcohol consumption, and the duration and severity of alcohol hangover.

IntroductionAn evening of alcohol consumption often occurs at the expense of sleep time. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between total sleep time and the duration and severity of the alcohol hangover.MethodsA survey was conducted among Dutch University students to collect data on their latest alcohol hangover. Data on alcohol consumption, total sleep time, hangover severity, and duration were collected. Alcohol consumption and hangover severity and duration were compared for participants who (a) slept <5 hours, (b) slept between 5 and 7 hours, or (c) slept >7 hours.ResultsData from N=578 students (40.1% men and 59.9% women) were included in the statistical analyses. Significant correlations were found between total sleep time and alcohol consumption (r=0.117, p=0.005), hangover severity (r= −0.178, p=0.0001) and hangover duration (r=0.168, p=0.0001). In contrast, total alcohol consumption did not correlate significantly with overall hangover severity or duration. Those who slept longer than 7 hours consumed significantly more alcohol (p=0.016) and reported extended hangover duration (p=0.004). However, they also reported significantly less severe hangovers (p=0.001) than students who slept <7 hours.ConclusionReduced total sleep time is associated with more severe alcohol hangovers.

Harmonized memory system for object-based cloud storage

A new storage system that integrates non-volatile with conventional memory, a harmonized memory system (HMS) for object-based cloud storage, is proposed. The system overcomes IO bottlenecks when managing large amounts of metadata and transaction logs and is composed of five modules. The first, the harmonized memory supervisor, is a translation layer for accessing the harmonized array module. It manages address translation, address mapping by page linking, and wear leveling. The second, the harmonized array module, is divided into dynamic and static areas composed of DRAM, and PCM together with NAND flash memory, respectively. The harmonized memory migration engine and data pattern predictor, which anticipates future data flow, are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the PCM array area. The harmonized logging conductor processes the log between the PCM array and NAND flash areas. Experimental results show the total execution time and energy consumption of HMS is 5.77 faster and 4.27 times lower, respectively, than the conventional DRAM-HDD model for object-based storage workloads.

A new process control method for microwave curing of carbon fibre reinforced composites in aerospace applications

Abstract For the fabrication of carbon fibre reinforced composites used in aerospace industry, microwave curing technologies are more effective than traditional thermal curing technologies. However, the manufacturer's recommended cure cycles used in traditional autoclave curing are directly adopted into current microwave curing technologies without thorough validation. Here, a new cyclic heating and cooling methodology for microwave curing process control of composite is proposed by analyzing mechanisms of heat conduction, stress generation and curing kinetics. The results of the experiment carried out show significant reductions in residual strain, warpage, total curing time and energy consumption, compared with both traditional thermal curing and current microwave curing technologies. The mechanical properties of samples cured by the new process are compared with the autoclave cured ones.

A MicroRNA-124 Polymorphism is Associated with Fracture Healing via Modulating BMP6 Expression

Background: miR-124-3p has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases by modulating a variety of signaling pathways. In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of miR-124-3p expression level on the fracture healing in the patients of metaphyseal fracture of distal tibia, who received minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis. Methods: We firstly collected 195 patients of metaphyseal fracture of distal tibia, and the genotype of rs531564 was determined: GG (n=124) and GC+CC (n=71). We collected information of the participants including age, gender, total in-hospital time, smoking and alcohol consumption. Subsequently, we searched the miRNA database online to identify the possible binding sequence of miR-124-3p located within the 3’-UTR of the target gene. We did correlation analysis and luciferase to understand the regulatory relationship between miR-124-3p and BMP6. Meanwhile, we also conducted real time PCR and western blotting analysis to study the mRNA and protein expression level of BMP6 in different genotype groups. We then treated the cells with scramble control, miR-124-3p mimics, BMP6 siRNA and miR-124-3p inhibitors to investigate the influence of miR-124-3p on the expression of BMP6, viability and apoptosis of cells. Results: Total in-hospital time was significantly longer in GC+CC group than GG group. MiR-124-3p was up-regulated in GG group than GC and CC groups. BMP6 was virtual target of miR-124-3p. There existed negative regulatory relationship betweenmiR-124-3p and BMP6. The mRNA and protein expression level of BMP6 decreased in GG group. MiR-124-3p decreased the expression of BMP6. MiR-124-3p negatively interfered with the viability of cells and BMP6 positively interfered with the viability of cells. MiR-124-3p reduced apoptosis and BMP6 promoted apoptosis. Conclusion: These data proved the expression of miR-124-3p was associated with the healing of metaphyseal fracture of distal tibia, and could be recognized as a biomarker to predict the healing of metaphyseal fracture of distal tibia.

Energy consumption and travel time analysis for metro lines with express/local mode

In recent years, some innovations have appeared in the operation of metro system to save energy consumption and speed up trains. Compared with the standard stop mode, in which a train stops at every station, express/local stop mode can lead to lower energy consumption and less travel time. This paper aims to find the relationship among energy consumption, travel time and timetables, and then obtain a more optimized solution via adjusting timetables. After analyzing the characteristics of express/local stop mode, we linearly formulate energy consumption and passenger travel time, and propose a bi-objective programming model to better understand the relationship between lowering energy consumption and reducing travel time. Taking Beijing Metro Line 6 as a numerical example, we compare the express/local mode and standard stop mode both in total travel time and energy consumption, illustrating the applicability of express/local mode.

Policy implications of incorporating distance constrained electric vehicles into the traffic network design problem

To exploit the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable form of transport, the technology must be integrated into the traditional transport planning process. EV energy consumption will also become an essential issue for regional energy providers who will need to adapt to the additional electricity demand created by EVs. This study presents research to facilitate planning for EVs by incorporating travelers' behavior and energy consumption into the evaluation process by introducing a novel framework for the network design problem (NDP) which employs a previously introduced constrained shortest path algorithm that accounts for the distance limitations imposed on EV drivers. For certain design scenarios, the total travel time and total energy consumption are shown to be conflicting objectives. In addition, a new equity issue that arises in networks comprised of mixed classes of vehicles is explored. Results illustrate that a given design scenario can impact vehicle user groups differently.

Sociodemographic, health-related and lifestyle correlates of physical activity in adults with current asthma

ABSTRACTObjective: Regular physical activity is associated with better asthma control; however, little is known of the determinants of physical activity in a population of adults with asthma. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify important sociodemographic, health and lifestyle correlates of physical activity among adults with asthma. Methods: Data from adults with asthma aged 18–44 years (n = 2740) from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 2011–2012 annual component were used for analysis. The main outcome was Daily Energy Expenditure (DEE). This variable was based on frequency and duration of leisure activities in the past 3 months. Self-reported sociodemographic (age, sex, total household income, highest education level, and ethnicity), health-related (body mass index (BMI), self-perceived health, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and asthma symptoms/attacks, past year) and lifestyle (type of smoker, sedentary time, fruit and vegetable consumption) variables were assessed as correlates for DEE. Data were analysed using linear regressions. Results: In the final model, sociodemographic correlates accounted for 4.2% of the variation in DEE. Adding health correlates increased the R2 to 12.1%. Finally, adding lifestyle correlates increased the R2 to 17.6%. Conclusions: In adults with current asthma, the main correlates of physical activity are age, total household income, BMI, self-perceived health, anxiety disorder, sedentary time, and fruit and vegetable consumption. These data are important for informing education and exercise interventions for adults with asthma. Future research is needed to determine asthma-specific correlates of physical activity.

A Dual-Linear Kalman Filter for Real-Time Orientation Determination System Using Low-Cost MEMS Sensors.

To provide a long-time reliable orientation, sensor fusion technologies are widely used to integrate available inertial sensors for the low-cost orientation estimation. In this paper, a novel dual-linear Kalman filter was designed for a multi-sensor system integrating MEMS gyros, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer. The proposed filter precludes the impacts of magnetic disturbances on the pitch and roll which the heading is subjected to. The filter can achieve robust orientation estimation for different statistical models of the sensors. The root mean square errors (RMSE) of the estimated attitude angles are reduced by 30.6% under magnetic disturbances. Owing to the reduction of system complexity achieved by smaller matrix operations, the mean total time consumption is reduced by 23.8%. Meanwhile, the separated filter offers greater flexibility for the system configuration, as it is possible to switch on or off the second stage filter to include or exclude the magnetometer compensation for the heading. Online experiments were performed on the homemade miniature orientation determination system (MODS) with the turntable. The average RMSE of estimated orientation are less than 0.4° and 1° during the static and low-dynamic tests, respectively. More realistic tests on two-wheel self-balancing vehicle driving and indoor pedestrian walking were carried out to evaluate the performance of the designed MODS when high accelerations and angular rates were introduced. Test results demonstrate that the MODS is applicable for the orientation estimation under various dynamic conditions. This paper provides a feasible alternative for low-cost orientation determination.