Data parallel algorithm in finding 2-D site percolation backbones

Proceedings of: First International Workshop on Sustainable Ultrascale Computing Systems (NESUS 2014). Porto (Portugal), August 27-28, 2014.A data parallel solution approach formulated with cellular automata is proposed with a potential to become a part of future sustainable computers. It offers extreme parallelism on data-flow principles. If a problem can be formulated with a local and iterative methodology, so that data cell results always depend on neighbouring data items only, the cellular automata could be an efficient solution framework. We have demonstrated experimentally, on a graph-theoretical problem, that the performance of the proposed methodology has a potential to be for two orders of magnitude faster from known solutions

On the convergence of stresses in fretting fatigue

Fretting is a phenomenon that occurs at the contacts of surfaces that are subjected to oscillatory relative movement of small amplitudes. Depending on service conditions, fretting may significantly reduce the service life of a component due to fretting fatigue. In this regard, the analysis of stresses at contact is of great importance for predicting the lifetime of components. However, due to the complexity of the fretting phenomenon, analytical solutions are available for very selective situations and finite element (FE) analysis has become an attractive tool to evaluate stresses and to study fretting problems. Recent laboratory studies in fretting fatigue suggested the presence of stress singularities in the stick-slip zone. In this paper, we constructed finite element models, with different element sizes, in order to verify the existence of stress singularity under fretting conditions. Based on our results, we did not find any singularity for the considered loading conditions and coefficients of friction. Since no singularity was found, the present paper also provides some comments regarding the convergence rate. Our analyses showed that the convergence rate in stress components depends on coefficient of friction, implying that this rate also depends on the loading condition. It was also observed that errors can be relatively high for cases with a high coefficient of friction, suggesting the importance of mesh refinement in these situations. Although the accuracy of the FE analysis is very important for satisfactory predictions, most of the studies in the literature rarely provide information regarding the level of error in simulations. Thus, some recommendations of mesh sizes for those who wish to perform FE analysis of fretting problems are provided for different levels of accuracy

A comparative evaluation of E-learning and traditional pedagogical process elements

A comparative evaluation of E-learning and traditional pedagogical process element

Hydrologic Design of a Wetland Impoundment: Kingsbury County, SD.

An embankment is proposed to create a wetland, as classified by the Army Corps of Engineers (1987), in southeastern South Dakota as part of a geological engineering senior design project. The wetland will lie within the Prairie Pothole Region of the Upper Midwest. It is within this region that the presence of wetlands has been declining over recent decades. The wetland will provide habitat supportive of waterfowl which make bi-annual flights over the area during migration. The embankment will incorporate a sharp-crested weir capable of passing a 25-yr, 24-hr rainfall event. Stop logs will be incorporated into the weir to allow periodic drainage of the wetland. This will promote plant growth within the wetland, making the wetland more attractive to waterfowl. The purpose of this report is to provide a design proposal for an environmentally sound and economically feasible embankment and associated wetland. The report includes information on the following features pertinent to the proposed site: soils present, climate, topography, and presence of farmsteads. Also included are embankment design criteria as defined by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (R. Smith, Personal Communication 2009). This document will propose design methodologies associated with the proposed embankment, in order to analyze and optimize wetland dimensions and sustainability. Lastly, an economic evaluation of various design options will be completed to attain a preferred design

Efficacy of kinesio taping in reducing low back pain: a comprehensive review

Introduction: Kinesio taping is rehabilitative technique used to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints, without restricting their range of motion. We conducted a thorough literature search and evaluation to clarify whether kinesio taping is effective in reducing lower back pain. Methods: Cochrane Library, CINAHL, COBIB.SI, PubMed and Science Direct were searched using Boolean operators search strings of different keywords such as: adult, low back pain, Kinesio tape, Kinesio taping, kinesiotaping, effects. The search was limited to full-text articles published from 2011 to 2016. Results: A total of 137 records were identified, 123 abstracts screened, and 14 full-text articles assessed for eligibility. Finally, nine publications were selected using CASP tool: eight randomized clinical studies and one literature review. The key variables from collected data were the subject characteristics, taping technique, control interventions, instrument, and outcome. Conclusions: The effect of Kinesio taping in reducing low back pain is positive, but was not statistically significant in analyzed studies. Taping therapy may therefore be used as a supplementary method to conventional physical therapy procedures, and may be important for patients because of its easy accessibility and safe

Audit fees and the salience of financial crisis: evidence from Slovenia

The financial crisis that has recently affected the EU economies created a research setting that enabled the examination of the effect of the financial crisis outbreak on audit fees by studying the deviation of audit fees in the post-crisis period as compared to the pre-crisis period. Financial crisis represents a setting that is tightly related to the concepts of audit risk and liability, where higher audit fees can be expected to account for increased audit engagement. The article identifies the characteristics of audit fees in Slovenia, a country with a relatively short auditing tradition. Since the establishment of the first audit firms in Slovenia in 1992, the number has consistently increased and reached 50 in 2007. This trend resulted in decreasing concentration and increasing price competition in the audit market for the large segment of non-listed companies. The aim of the article is to investigate the effect of the financial crisis on audit fees in Slovenia. Using the fixed effects panel model, our study provides evidence that financial crisis negatively affected audit fees in Slovenia. It seems that the negative effects on audit fees (reduced demand, increased competition and cost reduction measures) outweigh the opposing positive effect on audit fees resulting from increased audit engagement