Homogeneous vortex model for liquid slosh in spinning spherical tanks

The problem of forced fluid sloshing in a partially filled spinning spherical tank is solved numerically using the finite element method. The governing equations include Coriolis acceleration, empirical fluid damping and spatially homogeneous vorticity first introduced by Pfeiffer. An exponential instability similar to flutter is detected in the present simulation for fill ratios below 50 percent. This instability appears in the model as a result of the homogeneous vortex assumption since the free slosh equations are neutrally stable in the Liapunov sense

Production Scheduling with Complex Precedence Constraints in Parallel Machines

Heuristic search is a core area of artificial intelligence and the employment of an efficient search algorithm is critical to the performance of an intelligent system. This paper addresses a production scheduling problem with complex precedence constraints in an identical parallel machines environment. Although this particular problem can be found in several production and other scheduling applications; it is considered to be NP-hard due to its high computational complexity. The solution approach we adopt is based on a comparison among several dispatching rules combined with a diagram analysis methodology. Computational results on large instances provide relatively high quality practical solutions in very short computational times, indicating the applicability of the methodology in real life production scheduling applications

Digital library reference model - in a nutshell

This work has been partially supported by DL.org (December 2008-February 2011), a Coordination and support action, received funding from the Commission of the European Union (EC) under the 7th Framework Programme ICT Thematic Area “Digital libraries and technology-enhanced learning” through the EC’s Cultural Heritage and Technology Enhanced Learning Unit

DL.org Digital Library Manifesto

This booklet is abstracted and abridged from “The Digital Library Reference Model”, D3.2b DL.org Project Deliverable, April 2011. This work has been partially supported by DL.org (December 2008-February 2011), a Coordination and support action, received funding from the Commission of the European Union (EC) under the 7th Framework Programme ICT Thematic Area “Digital libraries and technology-enhanced learning” through the EC’s Cultural Heritage and Technology Enhanced Learning Unit

Analysis, design, and optimization of structures with integral compliant mechanisms for mid-frequency response

A multi-scale paradigm is proposed that utilizes periodic, small-scale, integral compliant mechanisms within larger-scale structures for the attenuation of vibro-acoustic response. Amplification principles serve as the basis for the design of these mechanisms in achieving reduced energy transmission. The spectral finite element method is exploited for a force–velocity and energy flow analysis of the resultant truss-like structures. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize structure size for greatest effectiveness in the frequency range of interest. This study demonstrates that a significant decrease in structural vibration is achievable and suggests promising applications including the design of acoustic isolation panels for broadband vehicle noise reduction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/57905/1/2084_ftp.pd

WhoLoDancE: Towards a methodology for selecting Motion Capture Data across different Dance Learning Practice

<p>In this paper we present the objectives and preliminary work of WhoLoDancE a Research and Innovation Action funded under the European Union‘s Horizon 2020 programme, aiming at using new technologies for capturing and analyzing dance movement to facilitate whole-body interaction learning experiences for a variety of dance genres. Dance is a diverse and heterogeneous practice and WhoLoDancE will develop a protocol for the creation and/or selection of dance sequences drawn from different dance styles for different teaching and learning modalities. As dance learning practice lacks standardization beyond dance genres and specific schools and techniques, one of the first project challenges is to bring together a variety of dance genres and teaching practices and work towards a methodology for selecting the appropriate shots for motion capturing, to acquire kinetic material which will provide a satisfying proof of concept for Learning scenarios of particular genres. The four use cases we are investigating are 1) classical ballet, 2) contemporary dance, 3) flamenco and 4) Greek folk dance.</p

DL.org Digital Library Technology & Methodology Cookbook

The needs for ‘building by re-use’ and ‘sharing’ have grown out of the demand for powerful and rich Digital Libraries supporting a large variety of interdisciplinary activities coupled with the data deluge which the information society is now facing. Interoperability at a technical, semantic and organisational level is a central issue to satisfy these needs. Interoperable systems broaden choice and open up new perspectives for researchers, governments and citizens across a spectrum of disciplines and domains. Interoperability is key to improve Digital Libraries, enabling wider collaborations and ensuring that a broader spectrum of resources are available to a wider range of people whether for simple consumption or to enhance research activities. Although the importance of interoperability is well known and many attempts have been made in the past to give solutions to interoperability problems, there still is a lack of systematic approaches, and, on average, a scarce knowledge of existing solutions which remain confined to the systems they have been designed for. The need for interoperability goes actually well beyond the digital library domain. Interoperability is among the most critical issues to be faced when building systems as “collections” of independently developed constituents (systems on their own) that should co-operate and rely on each other to accomplish larger tasks. The “Digital Agenda for Europe” (European Commission, May 2010), one of the seven flagship initiatives of Europe’s 2020 Strategy, outlines seven priority areas for actions; the second one concerns “improving the framework conditions for interoperability between ICT products and services”. This key priority foresees that it is essential to enhance interoperability between devices, applications, data repositories, services and networks inside a framework where the conditions for interoperability can be improved in various ways. One important means to that end is to ensure that good ICT standards are available and used, notably in public procurement and legislation. Interoperability is actually a multi-layered and context-specific concept, which encompasses different levels along a multi-dimensional spectrum ranging from organisational to semantic and technological aspects. DL.org has investigated interoperability from multiple perspectives: content, user, functionality, policy, quality, and architecture. It has also examined interoperability at technical, semantic and organisational levels, all central to powerful Digital Libraries needed in today’s context. DL.org is the first initiative to examine interoperability from an all-encompassing perspective by harnessing leading figures in the Digital Library space globally. The output is an innovative Digital Library Technological and Methodological Cookbook with a portfolio of best practices and pattern solutions to common issues faced when developing interoperable digital library systems. A key facet of the Cookbook is the interoperability framework that can be used to systematically characterise diverse facets linked to the interoperability challenge as well as current and emerging solutions and approaches. The Cookbook is designed to facilitate the assessment and selection of the solutions presented, enabling professionals working towards interoperability to define and pursue the different steps involved. This publication presents the Interoperability Framework and discusses interoperability from the perspectives of the content, user, functionality, policy, quality and architecture domains