Hierarchical strategies for efficient fault recovery on the reconfigurable PAnDA device

A novel hierarchical fault-tolerance methodology for reconfigurable devices is presented. A bespoke multi-reconfigurable FPGA architecture, the programmable analogue and digital array (PAnDA), is introduced allowing fine-grained reconfiguration beyond any other FPGA architecture currently in existence. Fault blind circuit repair strategies, which require no specific information of the nature or location of faults, are developed, exploiting architectural features of PAnDA. Two fault recovery techniques, stochastic and deterministic strategies, are proposed and results of each, as well as a comparison of the two, are presented. Both approaches are based on creating algorithms performing fine-grained hierarchical partial reconfiguration on faulty circuits in order to repair them. While the stochastic approach provides insights into feasibility of the method, the deterministic approach aims to generate optimal repair strategies for generic faults induced into a specific circuit. It is shown that both techniques successfully repair the benchmark circuits used after random faults are induced in random circuit locations, and the deterministic strategies are shown to operate efficiently and effectively after optimisation for a specific use case. The methods are shown to be generally applicable to any circuit on PAnDA, and to be straightforwardly customisable for any FPGA fabric providing some regularity and symmetry in its structure

A report on SHARP (Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype) and the Voyager Neptune encounter

The development and application of the Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype (SHARP) for the operations of the telecommunications systems and link analysis functions in Voyager mission operations are presented. An overview is provided of the design and functional description of the SHARP system as it was applied to Voyager. Some of the current problems and motivations for automation in real-time mission operations are discussed, as are the specific solutions that SHARP provides. The application of SHARP to Voyager telecommunications had the goal of being a proof-of-capability demonstration of artificial intelligence as applied to the problem of real-time monitoring functions in planetary mission operations. AS part of achieving this central goal, the SHARP application effort was also required to address the issue of the design of an appropriate software system architecture for a ground-based, highly automated spacecraft monitoring system for mission operations, including methods for: (1) embedding a knowledge-based expert system for fault detection, isolation, and recovery within this architecture; (2) acquiring, managing, and fusing the multiple sources of information used by operations personnel; and (3) providing information-rich displays to human operators who need to exercise the capabilities of the automated system. In this regard, SHARP has provided an excellent example of how advanced artificial intelligence techniques can be smoothly integrated with a variety of conventionally programmed software modules, as well as guidance and solutions for many questions about automation in mission operations

Detecting and Resolving ‘Dirty’ Data: Ten Steps to Better Business Insights

Although business’s increasing utilization of technology to drive operational decisions has meant a greater reliance on data, it is exceedingly rare that an entity possesses a perfectly clean set of data. Some of it is inevitably invalid, incomplete, or inaccurate—in other words, “dirty.” In order to address the issues caused by dirty data, the authors provide a 10-step program CPAs in any setting can use to help businesses make better decisions

Effect of Stressed-Skin Action on the Behaviour of Cold-Formed Steel Portal Frames

This paper describes six full-scale laboratory tests conducted on cold-formed steel portal frames buildings in order to investigate the effects of joint flexibility and stressed-skin diaphragm action. The frames used for the laboratory tests were of span of 6 m, height of 3 m and pitch of 10⁰; the frame spacing was 3 m. The laboratory test setup represented buildings of length of 9 m, having two gable frames and two internal frames. Tests were conducted on frames having two joint sizes, both with and without roof cladding. It was shown that as a result of stressed-skin diaphragm action, under horizontal load the bending moment at the eaves was reduced by approximately a factor of three, relative to the bare frame. It was also shown that as a result of stressed-skin action, the deflection of the internal frame reduced by 90%, and that the stiffness was independent of joint flexibility. On the other hand, owing to redistribution of bending moment from the eaves to the apex, the effect of joint flexibility was shown not to be significant on the overall failure load of the frame

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and beyond: modern advances in borylation chemistry

As main-group chemistry, in particular boron chemistry, has expanded and developed over the past 20 years, one reagent has risen to prominence as well. Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, B(C6F5)3 (commonly known as BCF), has demonstrated extensive applications in a wide variety of reactions, including borylation, hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry, Lewis acid catalysis, and more. The high Lewis acidity of B(C6F5)3 is derived from the electronic effects of its three C6F5 rings, rendering it a versatile reagent for a great number of reactions. In addition, the steric bulk of these rings also allows it to function as the Lewis acid in a FLP, granting this reagent yet another synthetically useful application. However, as main-group chemistry continues to evolve as a field, new reagents are required that go beyond BCF, increasing not only the range of reactions available but also the breadth of compounds attainable. Great strides have already been made in order to accomplish this task, and this review will highlight modern advances in boron chemistry relating to borylation reactions. Herein, we will show the recent uses of B(C6F5)3 in borylation reactions while also focusing on current advances in novel borane and borocation usage that eclipses that of the stalwart B(C6F5)3

Stressed Skin Design of Steel Sheeting Panels – Part 1: Shear Resistance and Flexibility of Screw Lapped Joists

The shear resistance and flexibility of a steel roof diaphragm depend largely on shear resistance and slip flexibility of the single screw lap joint. In this paper, screw connections relevant to modern roof construction are investigated. The tests provided experimental values of shear/tearing resistance and joint flexibility of seam connections, cladding/purlin connections and purlin/rafter connections. The novel aspects of the experimental research include investigation of the behaviour of shear connections in 0.5mm thick sheeting and thick-to-thin connections in S550 high tensile steel. Overall, six series of tests were conducted and each test was repeated five times in order to demonstrate a scatter of test results. Test results were examined against existing semi-empirical formulas for predicting the shear resistance of screw joints. It was demonstrated that the design equation presented by Toma et al. (1993), without the additional condition included in Eurocode 3, offers the closest prediction in terms of joint shear resistance. In terms of joint flexibility, it was demonstrated that existing formulas developed for bolted connection (Zadanfarrokh and Bryan (1992) and Dubina and Zaharia (2006)) can be successfully used for screw connections. The flexibility reduction factor npf=0.4 was also proposed to take account of perfect fit screw connections

Stressed Skin Design of Steel Sheeting Panels – Part 2: Shear Panels with Sheeting Fixed on all 4 Sides

In this paper, the strength and stiffness of different roof panels were investigated, in order to establish their ability to act as in-plane diaphragms for stressed skin design of cold-formed steel portal frames. A total of 6 roof panels, approximately 3 x 3m, were examined by testing with sheeting profiles fixed on 4 sides. A variety of sheeting profiles in two industry standard thicknesses of 0.5 and 0.7mm were tested, all using top-hat shaped purlins fixed with self-drilling, self-tapping screws. The experimental strength and stiffness of each panel were then compared against existing design methods. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modelling techniques were also presented and validated against series of full-scale tests. The FEA results have shown that the ‘true’ level of loading transferred via shear connector screws was on average 13% lower than that assumed by standard design methods. On the contrary, seam connections failure, according to FEA results, have governed a design in all of the analysed cases and the analytical method overestimated shear resistances of the panels by 45% and 35% in case of 0.5mm and 0.7mm thick sheeting profiles respectively. It was demonstrated that FEA results have represented the upper bound of experimental shear stiffness, with a very close prediction for 0.5mm thick sheeting profiles. Overall all, the tested panels demonstrated an average 41% greater flexibility then this predicted using FEA models

Evaluating research impact: The development of a research for impact tool

© 2016 Tsey, Lawson, Kinchin, Bainbridge, McCalman, Watkin, Cadet-James and Rossetto. Introduction: This paper examines the process of developing a Research for Impact Tool in the contexts of general fiscal constraint, increased competition for funding, perennial concerns about the over-researching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues without demonstrable benefits as well as conceptual and methodological difficulties of evaluating research impact. The aim is to highlight the challenges and opportunities involved in evaluating research impact to serve as resource for potential users of the research for impact tool and others interested in assessing the impact of research. Materials and methods: A combination of literature reviews, workshops with researchers, and reflections by project team members and partners using participatory snowball techniques. Results: Assessing research impact is perceived to be difficult, akin to the so-called "wicked problem," but not impossible. Heuristic and collaborative approach to research that takes the expectations of research users, research participants and the funders of research offers a pragmatic solution to evaluating research impact. The logic of the proposed Research for Impact Tool is based on the understanding that the value of research is to create evidence and/or products to support smarter decisions so as to improve the human condition. Research is, therefore, of limited value unless the evidence created is used to make smarter decisions for the betterment of society. A practical way of approaching research impact is, therefore, to start with the decisions confronting decision makers whether they are government policymakers, industry, professional practitioners, or households and the extent to which the research supports them to make smarter policy and practice decisions and the knock-on consequences of doing so. Embedded at each step in the impact planning and tracking process is the need for appropriate mix of expertise, capacity enhancement, and collaborative participatory learning-by-doing approaches. Discussion: The tool was developed in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research but the basic idea that the way to assess research impact is to start upfront with the information needs of decisions makers is equally applicable to research in other settings, both applied (horizontal) and basic (vertical) research. The tool will be further tested and evaluated with researchers over the next 2 years (2016/17). The decision by the Australian Government to include 'industry engagement' and 'impact' as additions to the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) quality measures from 2018 makes the Research for Impact Tool a timely development. The wider challenge is to engage with major Australian research funding agencies to ensure consistent alignment and approaches across research users, communities, and funders in evaluating impact