22,405 research outputs found
Micro-macro transition and simplified contact models for wet granular materials
Wet granular materials in a quasi-static steady state shear flow have been
studied with discrete particle simulations. Macroscopic quantities, consistent
with the conservation laws of continuum theory, are obtained by time averaging
and spatial coarse-graining. Initial studies involve understanding the effect
of liquid content and liquid properties like the surface tension on the
macroscopic quantities. Two parameters of the liquid bridge contact model have
been studied as the constitutive parameters that define the structure of this
model (i) the rupture distance of the liquid bridge model, which is
proportional to the liquid content, and (ii) the maximum adhesive force, as
controlled by the surface tension of the liquid. Subsequently a correlation is
developed between these micro parameters and the steady state cohesion in the
limit of zero confining pressure. Furthermore, as second result, the
macroscopic torque measured at the walls, which is an experimentally accessible
parameter, is predicted from our simulation results as a dependence on the
micro-parameters. Finally, the steady state cohesion of a realistic non-linear
liquid bridge contact model scales well with the steady state cohesion for a
simpler linearized irreversible contact model with the same maximum adhesive
force and equal energy dissipated per contact
An Economic policy and legal analysis of the Micro Finance Institutions (Development & Regulation) Bill, 2011
In response to the Second Micro Finance Crisis in Andhra Pradesh, which took place in October 2010, the Ministry of Finance has pro- posed a new Micro Finance Institutions (Development & Regulation) Bill. This paper undertakes a detailed analysis of the draft Bill in terms of both economic policy and law. This analysis reveals many weak links, including: a lack of clarity on the objectives of the Bill; an insufficient focus on protection of the rights of the micro-borrower; lack of clarity about the definition of thrift; the loss of accountability that comes with multiple regulatory agencies; concerns about the rule of law; and constitutional issues about powers of the Centre versus the State Government.microfinance, regulation, crisis resolution, consumer credit, consumer protection, regulatory objectives
Dynamic Resource Management in Clouds: A Probabilistic Approach
Dynamic resource management has become an active area of research in the
Cloud Computing paradigm. Cost of resources varies significantly depending on
configuration for using them. Hence efficient management of resources is of
prime interest to both Cloud Providers and Cloud Users. In this work we suggest
a probabilistic resource provisioning approach that can be exploited as the
input of a dynamic resource management scheme. Using a Video on Demand use case
to justify our claims, we propose an analytical model inspired from standard
models developed for epidemiology spreading, to represent sudden and intense
workload variations. We show that the resulting model verifies a Large
Deviation Principle that statistically characterizes extreme rare events, such
as the ones produced by "buzz/flash crowd effects" that may cause workload
overflow in the VoD context. This analysis provides valuable insight on
expectable abnormal behaviors of systems. We exploit the information obtained
using the Large Deviation Principle for the proposed Video on Demand use-case
for defining policies (Service Level Agreements). We believe these policies for
elastic resource provisioning and usage may be of some interest to all
stakeholders in the emerging context of cloud networkingComment: IEICE Transactions on Communications (2012). arXiv admin note:
substantial text overlap with arXiv:1209.515
StrathSat-R : Deploying inflatable CubeSat structures in micro gravity
This paper presents the concepts, objectives and design of a student-led sounding rocket experiment which shall test novel inflatable devices in space conditions. This experiment is envisaged as the first step towards developing a CubeSat programme at the University of Strathclyde, which can exploit the novel concepts developed and the technical skills gained. The experiment itself aims to test novel, student developed, inflatable space structures in micro gravity and reduced pressure conditions. It consists of three distinct sections, the ejection housing on the rocket and the two ejectable modules that are based on CubeSat architecture. Shortly before reaching apogee, the two modules are ejected from the rocket and will deploy their own inflating structure during free flight. After landing, the ejectable modules recovery will rely upon a GPS position relayed to the team from the module by Globalstar transmission and a RF beacon for tracking with the recovery helicopter. The two modules carry two different structures resulting in distinct mission objectives: The aim of FRODO is to deploy an experimental passive de-orbiting system for high altitude spacecraft which will in the future utilise solar radiation pressure for orbit removal. The aim of SAM is to serve as a technology demonstrator for the residual air deployment method of a smart bio-inspired space structure. This paper contains details about the science objectives of the mission and how they will be achieved, its experimental design and the management of the student-led project
- …