JOSTLE: multilevel graph partitioning software: an overview

In this chapter we look at JOSTLE, the multilevel graph-partitioning software package, and highlight some of the key research issues that it addresses. We first outline the core algorithms and place it in the context of the multilevel refinement paradigm. We then look at issues relating to its use as a tool for parallel processing and, in particular, partitioning in parallel. Since its first release in 1995, JOSTLE has been used for many mesh-based parallel scientific computing applications and so we also outline some enhancements such as multiphase mesh-partitioning, heterogeneous mapping and partitioning to optimise subdomain shape

Evaluation of a suitable learning style for iLearn: a personalised e-learning platform

Brusilovsky and Millan (2007) state that learning styles are typically defined as the way people prefer to learn. Learning styles and how we learn is a vast research area and many research projects (SMILE, INSPIRE, iWeaver amongst others) attempt to incorporate these learning styles into e-Learning systems. This paper describes commonly used learning styles and how they are currently being used within the area of adaptive e-Learning. This work also builds upon current research and evaluates learning styles using criteria proposed by Sampson and Karagiannidis (2004) in order to select a suitable learning methodology for the iLearn e-Learning platform. The Sampson and Karagiannidis (2004) criteria is adapted for the purpose of the research and describes the measurability, time effectiveness and descriptiveness and prescriptiveness of the specific learning style. A suitable learning style for the iLearn e-Learning platform is then proposed within the paper and finally the research briefly introduces how the chosen learning style will be used for the proposed e-Learning platform.

Risk mitigation framework for a robust design process

The increasing complexity of new manufacturing processes and the continuously growing range of fabrication options mean that critical decisions about the insertion of new technologies must be made as early as possible in the design process. Mitigating the technology risks under limited knowledge is a key factor and major requirement to secure a successful development of the new technologies. In order to address this challenge, a risk mitigation methodology that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative analysis is required. This paper outlines the methodology being developed under a major UK grand challenge project - 3D-Mintegration. The main focus is on identifying the risks through identification of the product key characteristics using a product breakdown approach. The assessment of the identified risks uses quantification and prioritisation techniques to evaluate and rank the risks. Traditional statistical process control based on process capability and six sigma concepts are applied to measure the process capability as a result of the risks that have been identified. This paper also details a numerical approach that can be used to undertake risk analysis. This methodology is based on computational framework where modelling and statistical techniques are integrated. Also, an example of modeling and simulation technique is given using focused ion beam which is among the investigated in the project manufacturing processes.

Uncertainty analysis to minimise risk in designing micro-electronics manufacturing processes

A design methodology based on numerical modelling, integrated with optimisation techniques and statistical methods, to aid the process control of micro and nano-electronics based manufacturing processes is presented in this paper. The design methodology is demonstrated for a micro-machining process called Focused Ion Beam (FIB). This process has been modelled to help understand how a pre-defined geometry of micro- and nano- structures can be achieved using this technology. The process performance is characterised on the basis of developed Reduced Order Models (ROM) and are generated using results from a mathematical model of the Focused Ion Beam and Design of Experiment (DoE) methods. Two ion beam sources, Argon and Gallium ions, have been used to compare and quantify the process variable uncertainties that can be observed during the milling process. The evaluations of the process performance takes into account the uncertainties and variations of the process variables and are used to identify their impact on the reliability and quality of the fabricated structure. An optimisation based design task is to identify the optimal process conditions, by varying the process variables, so that certain quality objectives and requirements are achieved and imposed constraints are satisfied. The software tools used and developed to demonstrate the design methodology are also presented.

Integrated reliability and prognostics prediction methodology for power electronic modules

The article consists of a PowerPoint presentation on integrated reliability and prognostics prediction methodology for power electronic modules. The areas discussed include: power electronics flagship; design for reliability; IGBT module; design for manufacture; power module components; reliability prediction techniques; failure based reliability; etc.

Measuring similarity of software designs using graph matching for CBR

This paper examines different ways of measuring similarity between software design models for Case Based Reasoning (CBR) to facilitate reuse of software design and code. The paper considers structural and behavioural aspects of similarity between software design models. Similarity metrics for comparing static class structures are defined and discussed. A Graph representation of UML class diagrams and corresponding similarity measures for UML class diagrams are defined. A full search graph matching algorithm for measuring structural similarity diagrams based on the identification of the Maximum Common Sub-graph (MCS) is presented. Finally, a simple evaluation of the approach is presented and discussed.

Concise introduction to image processing using C++

A Concise Intro to Image Processing using C++ presents state-of-the-art image processing methodology, including current industrial practices for image compression, image de-noising methods based on partial differential equations, and new image compression methods such as fractal image compression and wavelet compression. It includes elementary concepts of image processing and related fundamental tools with coding examples as well as exercises. With a particular emphasis on illustrating fractal and wavelet compression algorithms, the text covers image segmentation, object recognition, and morphology. An accompanying CD-ROM contains code for all algorithms.

A run-time configurable software architecture for self-managing systems

This paper describes a highly flexible component architecture, primarily designed for automotive control systems, that supports distributed dynamically- configurable context-aware behaviour. The architecture enforces a separation of design-time and run-time concerns, enabling almost all decisions concerning runtime composition and adaptation to be deferred beyond deployment. Dynamic context management contributes to flexibility. The architecture is extensible, and can embed potentially many different self-management decision technologies simultaneously. The mechanism that implements the run-time configuration has been designed to be very robust, automatically and silently handling problems arising from the evaluation of self- management logic and ensuring that in the worst case the dynamic aspects of the system collapse down to static behavior in totally predictable ways.

Assessing the suitability of ship design for human factors issues associated with evacuation and normal operations

Evaluating ship layout for human factors (HF) issues using simulation software such as maritimeEXODUS can be a long and complex process. The analysis requires the identification of relevant evaluation scenarios; encompassing evacuation and normal operations; the development of appropriate measures which can be used to gauge the performance of crew and vessel and finally; the interpretation of considerable simulation data. In this paper we present a systematic and transparent methodology for assessing the HF performance of ship design which is both discriminating and diagnostic. The methodology is demonstrated using two variants of a hypothetical naval ship.

Knowledge networks change during radical and incremental innovation episodes: a case study on software developmen

The role intra-organizational knowledge exchanges play in innovation processes has been widely acknowledged in the organizational literature. This paper contributes to the understanding of which specific configurations knowledge networks assume during different phases of radical and incremental innovation processes. The case study we selected is a FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) community consisting of 233 developers committed to the development of a web browser application since November 2002. By harvesting the mailing list, official blog and code repository of a FLOSS community, we investigate the patterns of knowledge exchange and individual contributions of its developers. We measure structural cohesion and compare global and local network properties at different points in time. Preliminary results show that phases of radical and incremental innovation are associated with specific configurations of the knowledge network as a whole as well as with different network positions of the core developers of the software.

Optimising vessel layout using human factors simulation

Evaluating ship layout for human factors (HF) issues using simulation software such as maritimeEXODUS can be a long and complex process. The analysis requires the identification of relevant evaluation scenarios; encompassing evacuation and normal operations; the development of appropriate measures which can be used to gauge the performance of crew and vessel and finally; the interpretation of considerable simulation data. In this paper we present a systematic and transparent methodology for assessing the HF performance of ship design which is both discriminating and diagnostic.

An industrial implementation of a methodology for the optimisation of product design tolerances

Today, the key to commercial success in manufacturing is the timely development of new products that are not only functionally fit for purpose but offer high performance and quality throughout their entire lifecycle. In principle, this demands the introduction of a fully developed and optimised product from the outset. To accomplish this, manufacturing companies must leverage existing knowledge in their current technical, manufacturing and service capabilities. This is especially true in the field of tolerance selection and application, the subject area of this research. Tolerance knowledge must be readily available and deployed as an integral part of the product development process. This paper describes a methodology and framework,currently under development in a UK manufacturer, to achieve this objective.

A methodology for characterising new lead-free solder paste formulations used for flip-chip assembly applications

The paper reports on the investigation of the rheological behaviour new lead-free solder pastes formulations for use in flip-chip assembly applications. The study is made up of three parts; namely the evaluation of the effect of plate geometry, the effect of temperature and processing environment and the effect of torsional frequencies on the rheological measurements. Different plate geometries and rheological tests were used to evaluate new formulations in terms of wall slip characteristics, linear viscoelastic region and shear thinning behaviour. A technique which combines the use of the creep-recovery and dynamic frequency sweep tests was used to further characterise the paste structure, rheological behaviour and the processing performance of the new paste formulations. The technique demonstrated in this study has wide utility for R & D personnel involved in new paste formulation, for implementing quality control procedures used in paste manufacture and packaging and for qualifying new flip-chip assembly lines

A critical evaluation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software sourcing and provision using theoretical constructs

Deliberating on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software sourcing and provision, this paper contrasts the corporate environment with the small business environment. The paper is about Enterprise Resource Planning client (ERPc) expectations and Enterprise Resource Planning vendor (ERPv) value propositions as a mutually compatible process for achieving acceptable standards of ERP software performance. It is suggested that a less-than-equitable vendor–client relationship would not contribute to the implementation of the optimum solution. Adapting selected theoretical concepts and models, the researchers analyse ERPv to ERPc relationship. This analysis is designed to discover if the provision of the very large ERP vendors who market systems such as SAP, and the provision of the smaller ERP vendors (in this instance Eshbel Technologies Ltd who market an ERP software solution called Priority) when framed as a value proposition (Walters, D. (2002) Operations Strategy. Hampshire, UK: Palgrave), is at all comparable or distinctive.