bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Appropriate Sample Size of Lagged Fibonacci Pseudorandom Number Generators for Stochastic Simulations
Authors: Haramoto Hiroshi , Matsumoto Makoto , Nishimura Takuji
Published: December 2024

Pseudorandom number generators are essential for various stochastic simulations in physics, economics, engineering, etc. In this study, we propose a practical method for estimating appropriate sample sizes for lagged Fibonacci generators, one of the most traditional and widely used pseudorandom number generators. This estimation is based on an analogy with the theoretical one-dimensional random walk. The proposed method is formulated using a weight enumeration polynomial and the MacWilliams identity in coding theory. Generally, a weight enumeration polynomial requires an intractable exhaustive check of the seeds. However, under certain conditions, the MacWilliams identity allows for the direct derivation of the weight enumeration polynomial. To improve efficiency, we employ a heuristic technique to approximate the weight enumeration polynomial by truncating “non-essential” terms motivated by Fourier analysis in signal processing.
Overview of Interpolation Finite Difference Methods Enabling Unlimited High-Accuracy Numerical Calculations
Authors: Fukuchi Tsugio
Published: December 2024

There are many different types of numerical analysis for partial differential equations. Numerical methods that have been studied over a long period of time and have been used in engineering practice include the finite difference method (FDM), finite element method (FEM), and boundary element method (BEM). This paper focuses on the FDM. Conventionally, numerical calculations using the FDM have mostly been performed with second-order accuracy. It usually guarantees a calculation accuracy of 3 to 4 significant figures, which is considered to be sufficient accuracy from an engineering perspective. We generally recognize that numerical calculations are approximate calculations. However, when the FDM is generalized in a way that incorporates the conventional theory, it becomes possible to perform unlimitedly high-accuracy numerical calculations, and it becomes possible to easily perform calculations that converge to a theoretical numerical solution with a certain number of significant figures. This type of numerical calculation system is defined as the interpolation FDM (IFDM). The essential requirement for the establishment of IFDM is the algebraic polynomial approximation of the (real number) analytic function. This paper describes this concept and outlines the theoretical features and computational examples of IFDM, which has three characteristics: (i) the ability to handle arbitrary domains and arbitrary boundary conditions, (ii) unlimited high-accuracy calculations, and (iii) high-speed calculations.
The Impact of Firefly Algorithm (FA) Optimization on Gaussian Kernel-Based Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (GKFCM) Efficiency
Authors: Dungkratoke Narongdech , Simtrakankul Chantana , Laomala Janejira , Kaennakham Sayan
Published: December 2024

This study explores the effectiveness of the traditional Firefly algorithm (FA) in optimizing the Gaussian Kernel-based Fuzzy C-means clustering (GKFCM) algorithm by adjusting ‘sigma’ and ‘m’. We compare GKFCM with FA optimization (With FA) to without it (Without FA) using the Calinski Harabasz (CH) index and the number of iterations. For all four datasets analyzed in this study, the findings consistently indicate that the GKFCM algorithm optimized with the Firefly algorithm (FA) performs substantially better than its non-optimized counterpart, achieving higher Calinski Harabasz (CH) scores and requiring fewer iterations across various data types. Results from two initial particle distribution styles confirm FA’s robustness in refining clustering outcomes and emphasize its role in enhancing clustering quality and efficiency.
Knowledge Graph-Powered Question Answering System with Random Forest-Assisted Diagnosis for Elderly Healthcare
Authors: Meng Yunlei , Dai Rui
Published: December 2024

As a knowledge representation tool, knowledge graph (KG) has been widely used. In this study, a question answering (Q&A) system for geriatric diseases based on knowledge graph was constructed to help the elderly obtain medical information. Initially, a total of 6,376 disease data items were collected and analyzed in order to identify the characteristics of these diseases. Then, the KG is constructed by Neo4j graph database. The establishment of Q&A system starts from semantic recognition. The Aho-Corasick (AC) automaton is utilized to filter user input questions. The Cypher language is employed for querying graph databases, and the obtained results are then imported into predefined templates for output. The accuracy of our system for different categories of questions is 87% and 94%, respectively. Finally, the random forest model is introduced to solve the problem of disease diagnosis. The feature variables were vectorized using TF-IDF model and the target variables were vectorized using one-hot model. In general, we introduce a novel Knowledge graph-driven Q&A system. Provide a new tool for health management of the elderly population. And the construction of Q&A system will promote the development of smart medicine and solves the health confusion of the elderly.
Investigating the Performance of LSTM Models Optimized by Firefly Algorithms on Diverse Time-Series Data
Authors: Phukhronghin Krankamon , Dungkratoke Narongdech , Tantiwanichanon Papon , Kaennakham Sayan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the performance of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models optimized by three variants of the Firefly Algorithm (FA) for time-series forecasting across diverse datasets. The datasets include a multi-seasonal series, a non-stationary series, and a series with spikes and drops, each posing unique challenges for prediction. The optimization was conducted using the Traditional Firefly Algorithm (FA), Distance-Based Firefly Algorithm (DFA), and Logarithmic Weighted Firefly Algorithm (LWFA). Results show that DFA achieved the highest Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), reaching 0.9917 for non-stationary data and 0.9865 for data with spikes and drops, outperforming FA and LWFA. These findings highlight the effectiveness of swarm-based optimization in improving the accuracy of LSTM models, especially in handling complex time-series patterns.
Application of Hybrid Model Based on NeuralProphet Model and Error Correction in Wind Power Prediction
Authors: Hou Zai-hong , Bai Yu-long
Published: December 2024

Wind power prediction is essential for the optimal operation of wind farms. Therefore, a novel combined model is proposed to improve the prediction performance for the short-term wind power forecasting. First, the wavelet threshold denoising (WTD) technique is used to preprocess the original wind power data. Second, the NeuralProphet (NP) model is used to predict the preprocessed wind power data. Then, the error sequence predicted by the NP model is subjected to ICEEMDAN-VMD quadratic decomposition to reduce its complexity. The sparrow search algorithm (SSA) optimization algorithm is used to optimize the library for support vector machines (LIBSVM) hyperparameters to predict the decomposed error subsequences. Finally, the predicted error sequence results and the NP prediction results are combined to obtain the final prediction results. A hybrid WTD-NP-ICEEMDAN-VMD-SSA-LIBSVM model is proposed for wind power prediction. To evaluate the model’s performance and reliability, we compared the prediction effects of 6 single models and 6 hybrid models through two sets of experiments. Four evaluation indices were used to assess the model. It is evident that the model demonstrates high accuracy and efficiency in wind power prediction.
Application of the YOLOv8x Model in Visual Stem Detection During Cigarette Production
Authors: Zhang Jiangtao , Li Baohua , Qin Ying , Yan Dan , Zhang Yali , Liu You
Published: December 2024

The rapid separation of tobacco shreds and stems is a critical stage in the cigarette production process. Compared to traditional mechanical separation devices, machine vision technology combined with deep learning models offers advantages in accuracy, adaptability, and flexibility for automated air separation equipment. However, intelligent separation mechanisms based on machine vision also face operational challenges, including imbalanced training sample distribution, motion artifacts in targets, difficulty in sample annotation, and the small size of tobacco shreds and stems, which makes feature extraction challenging. This study first collected actual images from the outlet of the ZJ17 cigarette making machine, constructing a dataset consisting of 105 annotated static images of tobacco shreds and stems, and 50 dynamic images, divided into training and testing sets in an 8:2 ratio. Next, this study used the YOLOv8 model to train and predict the tobacco shreds and stems dataset, achieving classification and detection of tobacco shreds and stems. Finally, the model’s performance was evaluated using mAP50, Precision, Recall, and Confidence metrics, achieving an overall mAP50 of 0.796, Precision of 0.81, and Recall of 0.8068. Specifically, the Precision was 0.855 for stems and 0.764 for shreds, with Recalls of 0.764 and 0.647, respectively. Visualization of the detection results showed high consistency between the model’s predictions and the original annotations, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy in practical applications. This study successfully solved the challenge of accurate small target multi-scale feature extraction and demonstrated the effectiveness of the model in real-world scenarios.
LLM-AS: A Self-Improve LLM Reasoning Framework Integrated with A* Heuristics Algorithm
Authors: Meng Xueqi , Niu Kun , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2024

To address the limitations of flexibility or efficiency of existing prompting paradigms in generating intermediate reasoning steps, this paper proposes an reasoning framework LLM-AS, which innovatively combines the A* search algorithm with the reasoning process of large language models(LLMs). LLM-AS utilizes the efficient exploration capability of the A* algorithm and avoids the redundant exploration of high-cost nodes, which significantly improves the search efficiency and reduces the cost of invoking LLM. Meanwhile, through the self-improve mechanism of LLMs, LLM-AS ensures the quality of the generated solutions while minimizing model interactions. In addition, the flexibility of the A* search algorithm enables LLM-AS to be applicable to diverse thought organization structures, providing more possibilities for handling various tasks. We conducted experiments on two complex tasks, game 24 and 8 puzzle, to compare the accuracy of the existing prompting paradigms and LLM-AS on both gpt-3.5-turbo and gpt-4.0. The experimental results show that LLM-AS effectively improves the ability of LLMs to solve complex tasks.
Equivalent bandwidth characterization for real‐time CAC in ATM networks
Authors: Ramaswamy S. , Ono‐Tesfaye T. , Armstrong W.W. , Gburzynski P.
Published: December 2024

Many call admission control schemes for ATM‐type networks are based on the concept of effective bandwidth ( $\mathit{EB}$ ). Most such schemes focus on the cell loss rate as the exclusive QoS metric and therefore base their $\mathit{EB}$ on cell‐loss rate approximations. We use simulation data to train an adaptive logic network (ALN) to estimate cell loss and delay; these estimates can then be used to compute effective bandwidths to satisfy both cell loss and delay. The simulation data is also used to develop regression models for cell loss and delay. We compare the accuracy of the ALN and regression models with that of the well‐known fluid‐flow model by Anick et al. Results indicate that the ALN and regression models are computationally simple and sufficiently accurate for practical use.
OPENET: an open and efficient control platform for ATM networks[1]This work was performed in and sponsored by Sun Microsystems Labs.
Authors: Cidon Israel , Hsiao Tony , Khamisy Asad , Parekh Abhay , Rom Raphael , Sidi Moshe
Published: December 2024

ATM networks are currently moving from the experimental stage of test‐beds to a commercial state where production networks are deployed and operated. The ATM Forum PNNI (Private Network to Network Interface) standard introduces an architecture suited for an internetwork which, in principle, can also be used as an intra‐network nodal interface. However, the current PNNI falls short in providing an acceptable solution due to severe performance limitations in intra‐network operation, limited functionality and the lack of open interfaces for functional extensions and services.

OPENET is a common, open and high‐performance network control platform based on performance and functional enhancements to the PNNI platform. It is designed to address the issues of interoperability (being vendor independent), scalability (in terms of network size and volume of calls), high performance (in terms of call processing latency and throughput) and functionality. OPENET is mainly an intra‐networking extension to current PNNI. It is compatible with PNNI in the internetwork environment where large networks must be partitioned according to natural topological or organizational boundaries.

The major novelty of the OPENET architecture (compared to the current PNNI) is its focus on network control performance. A particular emphasis is given to the increase of the overall rate of connection handling, to the reduction of the call establishment latency and to the efficient utilization of the network resources. These performance enhancements are achieved by the use of a native ATM distribution tree for the dissemination of utilization update, light‐weight call setup, take down and modification signaling, the use of fast setup and takedown with the future option to implement them in hardware, and extensive use of caching and pre‐calculation for route computation. OPENET also extends PNNI in terms of functionality. It utilizes a new signaling paradigm that better supports fast reservation and multicast services, a rich control communication infrastructure which enables the development of augmented services leveraging the existing functions, messaging system and information of the network control platform.
A study of a high speed packet scheduling method for achieving fairness among TCP connections
Authors: Hasegawa Go , Kurata Kenji , Murata Masayuki
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we first investigate the fairness between TCP Reno and TCP Vegas by focusing on the situation where Reno and Vegas connections share the bottleneck link. From the analysis and the simulation results, we find that the performance of TCP Vegas is much smaller than that of TCP Reno as opposed to an expectation on TCP Vegas. The RED algorithm improves the fairness to some degree, but there still be an inevitable trade‐off between fairness and throughput. Accordingly, we propose a ZL‐RED (Zombie Listed RED) algorithm, which enhances the RED algorithm to provide fair service for many flows at the bottleneck router. ZL‐RED uses the Zombie List, which has been originally proposed by SRED, to detect mis‐behaving flows which send packets at higher rate than others. Then, ZL‐RED sets higher packet discarding probabilities for those mis‐behaving flows. We evaluate an effectiveness of ZL‐RED by simulation experiments, and show that ZL‐RED can actually improve fairness among TCP connections.
Destination-driven shortest path tree algorithms
Authors: Zhang Baoxian , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: December 2024

Shortest Path Tree (SPT) is the most widely used type of tree for multicast provisioning due to its simplicity and low per-destination cost. An SPT minimizes the accumulated cost, individually, from the source of a group to each destination of the group. However, SPTs have not considered the overall resource utilization in their constructions. This work aims at building cost-effective SPTs by enhancing link sharing between destinations of a group. We achieve this goal by introducing destination-driven characteristic into SPT constructions. Specifically, each destination is connected with the source via a shortest path. When equal cost multiple paths are available, priority is given to the one biasing through a destination among all such routes. We accordingly present the design of an algorithm building destination-driven SPTs. To achieve further improved performance in resource utilization, we also present an algorithm, which is designed to further enhance link sharing among the destinations of a group while meeting a maximum path length constraint for each destination. Simulation results are used to demonstrate the high performance of the proposed algorithms.
High performance architectures for Chip-to-Chip Communications on Network Line Cards
Authors: Engel Jacob , Kocak Taskin
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose two hypercube-based, off-chip interconnect architectures, called 3D-interconnects, to communicate between processing elements and memory modules located on network linecards. Our main goal is to increase the throughput of the memory system since most currently deployed linecard designs reach their maximum transfer rate. Moreover, line rates are constantly increasing while at the same time more data and functionality are embedded in each packet. The 3D-interconnect architectures allow multiple packet processing elements on a linecard to access multiple memory modules. The novelty of the proposed interconnects is their application and implementation as off-chip interconnects on the linecard board. Our interconnects include multiple, highly efficient techniques to route, switch, and control packet flows in order to minimize congestion spots within the interconnects and packet loss. Performance results show that both 3D-interconnects, studied in this paper, achieve high throughput, low latency results surpassing other common interconnects currently deployed. Furthermore, the interconnects were able to sustain high traffic load while keeping low failure rates and high bandwidth utilization levels.
Analisis kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi teorema pythagoras menggunakan model collaborative problem solving
Authors: Rahman Farida , Zulfikar Ryan Nizar , Aba Maria Martini , Ralmugiz Uke
Published: December 2024

Salah satu topik yang penting dalam pembelajaran matematika adalah Teorema Pythagoras, yang memerlukan kemampuan representasi matematis yang baik agar siswa dapat memecahkan masalah dengan tepat. Model pembelajaran Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) telah diakui sebagai pendekatan yang dapat meningkatkan pemahaman konseptual dan kemampuan berpikir kritis melalui kerja sama dan interaksi antar siswa. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi Teorema Pythagoras menggunakan model pembelajaran collaborative problem solving. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII MTs Plus Nurul Iman. Instrumen yang digunakan meliputi tes kemampuan representasi matematis dan lembar observasi proses pembelajaran. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif untuk menggambarkan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa, serta menganalisis efektivitas model pembelajaran CPS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan model CPS mampu meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi Teorema Pythagoras, terutama dalam aspek representasi gambar, simbol dan verbal. Siswa yang belajar dengan model CPS cenderung lebih aktif dalam berdiskusi dan bekerja sama dalam menyelesaikan masalah, sehingga lebih mampu mengintegrasikan berbagai bentuk representasi matematis. Meskipun demikian, representasi verbal masih menjadi tantangan bagi beberapa siswa.
Pengaruh model problem-based learning terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan kecemasan matematika siswa
Authors: Nurofah Amalia , Dwirahayu Gelar , Satriawati Gusni
Published: December 2024

Rendahnya kemampuan pemecahan masalah dikarenakan proses pembelajaran yang masih menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional dan rasa cemas yang berlebih saat menyelesaikan masalah matematika. Model Problem Based Learning adalah pembelajaran yang mampu melibatkan siswa untuk berperan aktif dalam pembelajaran sehingga mampu meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan mengatasi kecemasan matematika siswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis pengaruh model Problem Based Learning terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan kecemasan matematika. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 29 Jakarta pada tahun ajaran 2023/2024. Metode yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini adalah kuasi eksperimen. Sampel terdiri dari 36 siswa kelas eksperimen dan 36 siswa kelas kontrol yang dilakukan dengan teknik cluster random sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan terdiri dari tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah berupa soal uraian dan angket kecemasan matematika. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 1) model Problem Based Learning berpengaruh terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah 2) model Problem Based Learning berpengaruh terhadap kecemasan matematika siswa. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning berpengaruh terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan kecemasan matematika sebesar 19,8%.
DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL COMIC LEARNING MEDIA (KOMAT) BASED ON STUDENT’S MATHEMATICAL CONNECTION ABILITIES
Authors: Pratiwi Aprilia Sukma , Wulantina Endah
Published: December 2024

The aims of this study were 1) to develop mathematical comics based on mathematical connection skills, 2) to find out student’s responses to mathematical comics based on mathematical connection abilities. This research uses research and development procedures (Research and Development) or R&D. The model used in this study is the 4-D development model which consist of four stages of development, namely the define stage, the design stage, the develop stage, and the disseminate stage. The product trial subjects in this study were 29 students of grade VIII junior high school. The result of the study showed that the developed Mathematical Comics (KOMAT) met the criteria for being used as learning media. This can be seen based on the validation result of material experts of 3,35 with very suitable criteria for use, and media expert validation  of 2,95 with appropriate criteria for use. On the result of product trials on students, based on the result of the questionnaire responses of students to the attractiveness of math comic learning media (KOMAT) it was obtained an average of 3,19 with attractive criteria. So it can be concluded that the mathematics comic learning media (KOMAT) based on students’ mathematical connection abilities is feasible and interesting to use in school learning.
Hubungan Antara Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Matematis Dan Disposisi Berpikir Kritis Matematis
Authors: Sulistiowati Dwi Laila
Published: December 2024

Kemampuan berpikir kritis dan disposisi berpikir kritis merupakan dua komponen penting dari berpikir kritis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan disposisi berpikir kritis siswa. Penelitian ini tergolong penelitian korelasional. Enam puluh dua siswa SMA Kelas X berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah instrumen tes kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan angket disposisi berpikir kritis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang positif dan signifikan antara kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan disposisi berpikir kritis siswa dengan koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,646. Kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan disposisi berpikir kritis siswa saling menguatkan satu sama lain. Siswa dengan kemampuan berpikir kritis yang tinggi juga memiliki disposisi berpikir kritis yang tinggi. Sebaliknya, siswa dengan kemampuan berpikir kritis yang rendah cenderung memiliki disposisi berpikir kritis yang juga rendah. Dengan kata lain, kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan disposisi berpikir kritis adalah dua hal yang saling menguatkan. Kemampuan dan disposisi berpikir kritis, keduanya penting untuk dilatih dan dikembangkan dalam proses pembelajaran matematika.
VALIDITAS DAN PRAKTIKALITAS LEMBAR KERJA ELEKTRONIK MATERI BENTUK ALJABAR KELAS VII SMP
Authors: Sumargiyani Sumargiyani , Tsani Shafwa
Published: December 2024

One of the learning objectives is to obtain optimal student learning outcomes. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to carry out learning activities that are supported by adequate learning tools. The aim of this research is to develop student worksheets in electronic form that are valid and practical. Carrying out research in class VII of SMP Muhammaduyah 6 Yogyakarta in the odd semester 2023/2024. Research using the ADDIE stage (analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation). The electronic LKPD that was developed involved two material experts and media experts as validators, as well as one class of students to test the practicality of the instrument. The data obtained was analyzed based on valid and practical categories by calculating based on a percentage formula. Based on the assessment of material validity, it is categorized as very valid with an average score of 82.89%, media validity is categorized as very valid with an average score of 94.48% and the practicality of electronic LKPD is categorized as very practical with an average score of 83.91%. So that the electronic LKPD created is suitable for use in learning algebra material for class VII middle school.
Pioneering Renewable Energy Solutions: Insights from ICARGET 2023
Authors: T V Arjunan , Sopian Kamaruzzaman Bin , Gupta Pankaj Kumar
Published: December 2024

Arjunan et al., Guest Editors, proudly present the selected papers from ICARGET 2023, showcasing cutting-edge advancements and diverse perspectives in this special issue of the Transactions on Energy Systems and Engineering Applications (TESEA). This collection covers a broad array of topics including solar, wind, bioenergy, and energy storage solutions, each offering significant insights, methodologies, and practical applications. The research underscores the critical need for sustainable energy solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the socio-economic and environmental impacts of renewable energy deployment. The editorial team extends sincere gratitude to TESEA, the authors, reviewers, and readers for their invaluable contributions to advancing renewable and green energy technologies.
Breve historia de la evolución del sistema de pagos en Colombia 1923-2023
Authors: Bernal-Ramírez Joaquín , Arango-Arango Carlos A. , Castellanos-Rodríguez Luis-Eduardo
Published: December 2024

En este documento se analiza la evolución del sistema de pagos en Colombia en los cien años transcurridos desde la creación del Banco de la República. El análisis recorre los desarrollos institucionales y hechos estilizados de las tendencias de largo plazo en la adopción, uso y declive relativo del efectivo y el cheque, los cuales dominaron el panorama de pagos durante prácticamente todo el siglo XX, y explora los factores macroeconómicos que han determinado su demanda. Alrededor de esta última se ilustran hitos relevantes del avance del sistema financiero en estos cien años desde una óptica novedosa y poco explorada en nuestro país y en América Latina, y se contextualiza la emergencia de innovaciones en instrumentos y medios de pago electrónicos en busca de reducir costos transaccionales, en un mercado de gran dinamismo desde finales de los años noventa del siglo pasado y las primeras décadas del siglo XXI.
Diatom communities of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Authors:   , Pamperl M. Anne
Published: December 2024

"Research on Lake of the Ozarks in the past has been concerned primarily with its management and fisheries. Weyer (1939) was the first to study the reservoir and propose a tentative management plan. Since then other studies have looked at the bottom fauna (Barhickol 1941), age and growth of the common fishes (Witt 1952 and Hoffman 1955), fish distribution (Borges 1950 and McVey 1955), and creel censuses (Hanson 1975, 1977). Also, the chemical and physical parameters of the reservoir have been studied by Jones and Novak (in press). The recent completion of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir, which is at the headwaters of Lake of the Ozarks, is expected to cause changes in the water quality of the older reservoir. The need for baseline information on conditions in Lake of the Ozarks led to Jones and Novak's (in press) study of its limnological characteristics and to this study of its diatom communities, which might be used as water quality indicators (Patrick 1948 and Cairns et al. 1972). The objectives of this study of diatom communities of Lake of the Ozarks were: 1) to identify the common diatoms in the reservoir 2) to determine community structure in various regions of the reservoir 3) to determine if any differences found in community structure were related to differences in water quality 4) to determine if the use of artificial substrates was a valid tool in studying diatom communities in the reservoir. The information gathered in this study will be presented in three chapters. The first is a report of which diatoms were found in Lake of the Ozarks and the similarity of its diatom composition to that of other reservoirs in Missouri and bordering states. The second chapter examines the similarities and differences among diatom communities in various regions and their relationships to water quality differences. The final chapter addresses the use of artificial and natural substrates for sampling diatom communities. These chapters will be submitted to appropriate journals for publication."--Introduction.
Residual stress and stress relaxation in cemented carbide composites
Authors:   , Roberts Rosemary
Published: December 2024

"Cemented carbides (cermets or hardmetals) are a class of materials consisting of large fractions of transition metal carbide surrounded by a small fraction of iron-group metal or alloy. These composites possess the wear resistance of carbides combined with the toughness of a ductile metal binder. They are employed where high stationary and fatigue loadings are encountered - such as in the oil drilling industry as drill bit inserts - thus exploiting their dual composite nature. Actual mechanical properties arise from the relative sizes, amounts, and distributions of carbide and binder as well as from the carbide-binder interactions [1]. Grain sizes of carbide particles are typically on the order of 0.5 to 5.0 pm. Cemented carbides for technical applications normally contain from 5 to 25 weight percent binder (usually cobalt). Theories on carbide distribution include in the extremes both the existence of a rigid carbide skeleton [2] and the immersion of carbide particles in a binder matrix [3], It is now generally accepted that a continuous carbide phase exists and that the grain boundaries between carbide crystals are binder rich. This compromise view recognizes the strength contribution of the carbide while acknowledging the importance of binder deformation and carbide-binder interactions on composite behavior. Central to the description of material behavior is an understanding of bulk residual stresses in the cermet. Studies have shown that residual stresses first arise in the manufacture of the composite."--Introduction.
Evaluating relationships among performance traits and body measurements in bulls from different preweaning management systems
Authors:   , Sloan Jeri Lynn
Published: December 2024

"Use of performance testing programs in developing sound breeding and selection programs is well established. However, the shift of the 70's to larger framed, later maturing cattle has raised questions as to proper testing procedures. Still, emphasis on visual appraisal to define these maturity patterns has been less than objective and far from concrete in its persuasiveness. Economic belt tightening has necessitated identification and use of only those animals which can optimize growth and efficiency. Animal breeding and selection programs have never before had the opportunity to be so effective. The need for reliable bull evaluation is clear. Past genetic studies confining appraisal to only a few select measurements over constant chronological time periods have neglected many aspects of growth and development. Research indicates a more justifiable evaluation would occur at the same physiological age or the same maturity point. With efficiency of production as an utmost concern to the commercial producer performance evaluation procedures should be given careful consideration. Also of concern to the commercial producer and feeder is marketing animals that have been fed to a choice grade. This also indicates testing programs should be evaluating bulls at a maturity endpoint rather than a constant age. Researchers have used linear body measurements to study interrelationships among weights and other measures of growth. Their results indicate body measurements can be useful in indentifying larger bulls with the potential for high gains. High testing costs as well as problems arising from a too-high concentrate ration are concerns of producers entering bulls on 140- or 160-day feed tests. Recent work (Brown et al., 1979; Johnson et al., 1980) advocates a partial or 84-day testing program. Opponents argue partial test figures would be biased by preweaning management. Further investigations are needed to determine if body measurements would be useful in defining maturity patterns that would remove the bias of pre-weaning management effects. This research was undertaken with the following objectives in mind: (1) to study how preweaning management affects growth during performance test, (2) to investigate relationships among performance traits and actual body measurements, (3) to determine if performance testing bulls for 84 days can be used to evaluate bulls as they would be ranked after 140 days on test."--Introduction.
Study of the orientation of DNA in filamentous bacteriophage
Authors:   , Bauer Margaret E.
Published: December 2024

The single-stranded DNA of filamentous phage is oriented in the mature virion with a hairpin loop called mos at its leading end. mos has been shown to initiate morpohogenesis and to enhance phage yield. To better understand how and when the phage imposes this orientation on its DNA, I used a novel electron microscopic method to investigate the orientation of several mutant strains of the virus, as well as the pV/ssDNA complex--an intermediate protein/DNA structure formed during the phage life cycle. I found that the pV/ssDNA complex has mos at one end, as does the mature phage. This same orientation was evident in mutants that do not form a pV/ssDNA complex, and also in polyphages, that package many copies of the DNA molecule, with all but the first being packaged without going through initiation. Further, I found no dominant orientation in the absence of mos, but there was orientation imposed by the complement of mos. From my results, we postulate that orientation is mediated by mos in two stages: it imposes the axis of the DNA during formation of the complex, and it imposes the direction at initiation of virion assembly. The second step is where mos acts to enhance phage yield, according to my theory. Evidently, the two functions of mos are directed by two different properties of mos.
A quarterly econometric model of the United States pork subsector
Authors:   , Blanton Bruce J.
Published: December 2024

"Purpose: The model to be developed is concerned with a subsector of the United States livestock economy. Specifically, a quarterly model of the U.S. pork industry is developed. The first objective is to clearly identify and characterize behavioral and technical interrelationships that exist among the various variables that are available for characterizing price determination in this subsector. That is, to develop an accurate structural representation for the United States pork industry. This objective is accomplished using information on the technical and institutional settings for production and marketing and the incorporation of observed biologically determined relationships. The second objective of this research is to develop accurate forecasts of the major quarterly prices and quantities that are commonly used in agricultural policy analysis. Accurate forecasts require a systematic representation of supply and demand response relations for the subsector. The quarterly pork model is designed to deal explicitly with impacts of exogenous factors and enduring biological cycles and relationships on price determination. Emphasis is placed on specifying a model that will identify the major biological factors that influence supply response and on understanding the market structure that generates pricing behavior. The model is designed for better forecasts and policy prescriptions and a more thorough understanding of market forces in the pork subsector. Ultimately this research aspires to improve the functioning of the hog industry and to improve the efficiency and resource allocation within the subsector."--Page 2.
HTSP : a knowledge based teaching/solving tool for heat transfer
Authors:   , Mahoney James F. Jr.
Published: December 2024

A computer program has been developed for the teaching and solving of heat transfer problems. The comprehensive Heat Transfer Simulation Program (HTSP) has been created to determine the feasibility of using computers for both teaching and design applications. The program, written in Fortran language and driven interactively by color graphics, is broken up into two modes. The first mode is called TEACH. It includes an instruction book for the investigator and example problems. The second mode, called EXPERT, is available for the fluent user in solving heat transfer applications. EXPERT includes a utility module suitable for material database extraction, unit conversion, and general plotting and a solver module (currently a conduction Finite Element Method (FEM) solver). In its current state the program will assist beginner and intermediate students in the TEACH mode. The EXPERT mode can be used by anyone despite their heat transfer background.
Cogeneration as related to phosphorus incineration
Authors:   , Andrews Michael Eugene
Published: December 2024

This thesis was completed with two goals in mind. First, a method or technique was used for deducing the optimum cogeneration potential of a typical chemical plant, which may be paralleled to for any given medium to large multiprocess plant. The optimum cogeneration process was weighed against process risks and economics with respect to return on dividends. Second, the optimum cogeneration process was defined for the phosphorus/phosphate chemical plant at which the author is employed. The author is employed by the Lawrence, Kansas, division of FMC Corporation as a chemical process engineer. Results of this study will be useful to the corporation as a possible project for three other sister plants involved with the same phosphorus/phosphate process. These three plants are in Carteret, New Jersey; Newark, California; and Green River, Wyoming. Heat recovery projects are currently being investigated and intensely evaluated on a corporate level. In the early seventies, the American public first became aware of a potential energy crisis, i.e., energy supply not meeting demand on a national scale. At this time, FMC Corporation initiated energy conservation projects for their chemical processing plants. Most of these efforts were typically re lie d to steam conservation and generation, improved energy metering, and increased insulation of chemical process equipment. In the mid-seventies, funds were approved for the installation of a more efficient water tube boiler with economizer as replacement for the older and more inefficient boiler. This is recognized as the first major step in energy conservation for the FMC, Lawrence, Kansas, plant. Only recently has the corporation come to realize that the cost of energy utilities is increasing at such a rate that the large capital expenditure for a cogeneration system may be justified. Such a justified project would not only serve the corporation on an economic basis, but may improve the image of the chemical plant in the public view. Chemical plants are increasingly becoming an issue with the public, as most produce not only chemicals, but chemical waste products, i.e., pollutants. It would be a positive note for the local community, near a chemical plant, to know that the plant is generating a significant amount of its own energy through a cogeneration process. In extreme cases, a plant may not only fulfill its own power requirements through a cogeneration process, but put electric power back into the local power grid and gain additional revenue.
Analyzing the economic cost of swine disease using slaughter check information
Authors:   , Boessen Christian Robert
Published: December 2024

"The general direction of this research is toward the investigation of the reality and realization of the above possibilities. Specific objectives of this research are as follows: 1. to determine the overall morbidity levels in swine produced by a sample of twenty-one Missouri producers as well as in a random sample of hogs for comparison, 2. to investigate the behavior of morbidity levels with respect to production season, as well as the farrowing and finishing facilities employed, 3. to evaluate the economic effects of pneumonia and rhinitis in batch and continuous production scenarios, 4. to estimate the economic impact of the pneumonia and rhinitis levels actually observed in the herds of cooperating producers, 5. to determine what producers can afford to pay to reduce pneumonia or rhinitis levels, and 6. to evaluate the benefits of slaughter check information to the swine producers receiving it."--Introduction.
Free convection in a heat generating porous media in a short cylinder
Authors:   , Dona Carol Lee Graham
Published: December 2024

A numerical analysis has been performed for the steady-state temperature and stream function distributions in a finite vertical cylinder, having an isothermal side and top and an insulated bottom, for a uniform heat generating porous medium. The analysis uses the stream function formulation of Darcy's equation in cylindrical coordinates and the Boussinesq approximation. A single energy equation was used for the fluid and solid. The non-dimensionalized momentum and energy equations were solved for a wide range of Rayleigh numbers (10 to 10 x 10^6) and solutions for the streamlines and isotherms were obtained using a transient explicit finite-difference approximation. The isotherms and streamlines were followed while varying the heat generation rate, bulk thermal conductivity, permeability, boundary temperature and cylinder size. Conduction was prominent at low Rayleigh numbers and convection predominated at high Rayleigh numbers. Within the convective heat transfer realm, several different flow patterns were observed.
Simulation and optimization of a hydrogen plant with ASPEN PLUS
Authors:   , Huang Yeu-ming
Published: December 2024

"The production of hydrogen gases by reacting hydrocarbons with steam in the presence of catalyst has been an established process since the 1930s. Much of the early development work was done by ICI. The first ICI reforming plant was commissioned in 1936. It operated at atmospheric pressure with feedstock of saturated hydrocarbons ranging from methane to butane. Before the discovery of natural gas in Northern Europe, however, the supply of low molecular weight hydrocarbon feedstock was very limited. The reforming process was extended in 1954 to include high pressure hydrogenation of heavy hydrocarbons, coal and cresote. The synthetic petrol product from the new sources was called hydropetrol. The next development was a process to reform light naphtha, a distillate similar in many ways to hydropetrol. Naphtha became available as a raw material for making hydrogen for an increasing number of petroleum refineries in the world. Technical problems of removing of sulfur from the feedstocks and development of new catalysts able to reform these higher hydrocarbons without forming carbon, were solved. In 1959 ICI started the first naphtha-steam reforming plant. Each stage of the development of the reforming process represented an increase in severity of operating conditions for the catalyst, i.e. higher pressure, higher temperature, and higher molecular weight feedstocks. So, in fact, each stage also represented some improvement in the catalyst."--Introduction.
An adaptive control strategy for industrial robotic systems
Authors:   , King Michael S.
Published: December 2024

Industrial robots in use today lack the ability to perceive and interact with their environment. This limitation is a major obstacle confronting robotic systems developers. This work outlines an adaptive control strategy which allows a robot to work within a time-varying environment. After developing the kinematic model of the robot and its relationship to its environment, the adaptive control strategy is simulated. The performance of the system is measured by using an index of performance and comparing the simulation results against a series of non-adaptive models. The results indicate that an adaptive control strategy significantly increases the performance of a robotic system operating in a time-varying environment.
Portable circular saw kickback data base and evaluation
Authors:   , Ludwig Robert W. Jr.
Published: December 2024

"OBJECTIVES AND PHASES: Portable circular saw kickback is the phenomenon which occurs when the kerf closes on the rear portion of the blade thus causing forces on the blade that tend to propel the saw up and out of the kerf and back towards the operator. At their meeting of 27 July, 1977 the PTI (Power Tool Institute) Portable Saw Committee (J.S. Bennett, Chairman) requested that W. L. Carson, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia prepare a proposal to investigate portable circular saw kickback. PTI subsequently funded the proposal which contained two general objectives: 1) to develop a kickback evaluation system acceptable to the portable saw industry which will quantitatively and reproducibly create and measure saw kickback, and 2) to generate an empirical data base for defining conditions creating the "worst" saw kickback. The results of the investigation were to provide the portable saw industry with the needed information: 1) to develop voluntary safety standards, and 2) for conducting standardized kickback tests to evaluate and compare the performance of anti-kickback devices. The encompassing objective of particular interest to the consumer was the potential for improvement in portable saw safety which should result from this cooperative industrial-university project."--Page 1.
A comparative analysis of capital accumulation in two Peruvian sheep associative enterprises : factors enhancing and restricting their development
Authors:   , Valdivia Corinne B.
Published: December 2024

Objectives: The general objective of the thesis is to determine which of these two types of associative enterprises, confronting similar conditions such as market, production, and government policies, is in better position to undertake the process of capitalist development(3), meeting at the same time the social goals characteristic of each form of production. A comparative analysis of these two forms of production will be made to determine which factors enhance or restrict 1) their process of capital accumulation and 2) the accomplishment of their specific social goals. The principal objective of this thesis is to determine the variables that affect the capitalist development of associative forms of production. In this sense four hypothesized variables will be analyzed: 1. Capital accumulation, 2. Income generation, 3. Participation, 4. Identification. Other objectives are to determine the conflicts that exist within each form of production and how they affect the levels of capital accumulation and incane generation. The final objective is to establish which factor are important in the development of cooperative forms of production, and which type of cooperative is most capable of capital accumulation and accanplishment of social goals simultaneously.