Accelerating SPARQL queries by exploiting hash-based locality and adaptive partitioning

State-of-the-art distributed RDF systems partition data across multiple computer nodes (workers). Some systems perform cheap hash partitioning, which may result in expensive query evaluation. Others try to minimize inter-node communication, which requires an expensive data preprocessing phase, leading to a high startup cost. Apriori knowledge of the query workload has also been used to create partitions, which, however, are static and do not adapt to workload changes. In this paper, we propose AdPart, a distributed RDF system, which addresses the shortcomings of previous work. First, AdPart applies lightweight partitioning on the initial data, which distributes triples by hashing on their subjects; this renders its startup overhead low. At the same time, the locality-aware query optimizer of AdPart takes full advantage of the partitioning to (1) support the fully parallel processing of join patterns on subjects and (2) minimize data communication for general queries by applying hash distribution of intermediate results instead of broadcasting, wherever possible. Second, AdPart monitors the data access patterns and dynamically redistributes and replicates the instances of the most frequent ones among workers. As a result, the communication cost for future queries is drastically reduced or even eliminated. To control replication, AdPart implements an eviction policy for the redistributed patterns. Our experiments with synthetic and real data verify that AdPart: (1) starts faster than all existing systems; (2) processes thousands of queries before other systems become online; and (3) gracefully adapts to the query load, being able to evaluate queries on billion-scale RDF data in subseconds.     

Simulating pavement structural condition using artificial neural networks

This article aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating of an artificial neural network (ANN) as an innovative technique for modelling the pavement structural condition, into pavement management systems. For the development of the ANN, strain assessment criteria are set in order to characterise the structural condition of flexible asphalt pavements with regards to fatigue failure. This initial task is directly followed with the development of an ANN model for the prediction of strains primarily based on in situ field gathered data and not through the usage of synthetic databases. For this purpose, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements were systematically conducted on a highway network, with ground-penetrating radar providing the required pavement thickness data. The FWD data (i.e. deflections) were back-analysed in order to assess strains that would be utilised as output data in the process of developing the ANN model. A paper exercise demonstrates how the developed ANN model combined with the suggested conceptual approach for characterising pavement structural condition with regard to strain assessment could make provisions for pavement management activities, categorising network pavement sections according to the need for maintenance or rehabilitation. Preliminary results indicate that the ANN technique could help assist policy decision makers in deriving optimum strategies for the planning of pavement infrastructure maintenance.     

Simultaneous Lot Sizing and Sequencing for Multistage Production Systems

Inventory and scheduling theory have, in general, been developed independently. This paper presents a model which integrates these two traditionally different aspects of production planning in a multi-stage environment by transforming a lot-sizing problem to an equivalent job-shop scheduling program. The proposed model may improve the effectiveness of existing decision making processes.     

The influence of plasticity in hydraulic fracturing

This paper examines the influence of plasticity in hydraulic fracturing. Fluid flow in the fracture is modelled by lubrication theory. Rock deformation is modelled by the Mohr–Coulomb flow theory of plasticity and the propagation criterion is based on the softening behaviour of rocks. The coupled, nonlinear problem is solved by a combined finite difference–finite element scheme. The results show that plastic yielding near the tip of a propagating fracture provides an effective shielding, resulting in an increase of the rock effective fracture toughness by more than an order of magnitude. Higher pressure is needed to propogate an elasto-plastic fracture than an elastic fracture, and the created elasto-plastic fracture is shorter and wider than the elastic fracture of the same volume.     

A mathematical programming model for global plant location problems: Analysis and insights

In this paper, we study the design of global facility networks. We present a mixed integer programming model that captures essential design trade-offs for such networks and explicitly incorporates government subsidies, trade tariffs and taxation issues. The resulting formulation can be solved for reasonable size problems with commercially available mathematical programming software. Focusing on special cases of the problem enables us to provide useful insights on preferable international facility networks for various environments. We demonstrate the pervasive, and often dominating, effects of subsidized financing, tariffs, regional trade rules and taxation in shaping the manufacturing and distribution network of global firms.     

Delamination Cracking in a Laminated Ceramic-Matrix Composite

Delamination crack propagation has been investigated in a laminated fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composite. The crack growth initiation resistance has been shown to be dominated by the critical strain energy release rate for the matrix. However, the resistance increases with crack extension because of bridging effects associated with intact fibers and, in some cases, intact segments of matrix. The delamination cracks also assume a steady-state trajectory within a 0° layer close to the 0°/90° interface.     

Wellbore Stability Analysis: From Linear Elasticity to Postbifurcation Modeling

This paper reviews some of the progress made on wellbore stability modeling during the last two decades. First we demonstrate the improvement made on mud-pressure predictions by moving from analytic elastic solutions to finite element elastoplastic modeling. We show this progress, presenting a finite element model based on a generalized plane strain formulation for analyzing efficiently the three-dimensional problem of stability in deviated wellbores. On a more research oriented work, we present results from two advanced theories capable of modeling localization of deformation in shear bands, which causes borehole breakouts. The first theory is based on a more established approach, the Cosserat continuum. The second theory, called gradient elastoplasticity, is being developed to resolve some of the drawbacks of gradient plasticity theories. Gradient elastoplasticity is a unified theory where both elastic and plastic parts are of gradient type. We demonstrate that both theories, in addition to localization, can also model the scale effect observed in thick-walled cylinder tests.