Evaluation of performance and architectural efficiency of FPGAs and GPUs in the 40 and 28 nm generations for algorithms in 3D ultrasound computer tomography

In heterogeneous computing, application developers have to identify the best-suited target platform from a variety of alternatives. In this work, we compare performance and architectural efficiency of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for two algorithms taken from a novel medical imaging method named 3D ultrasound computer tomography. From the 40 nm and 28 nm generations, we use top-notch devices and those with similar power consumption values. For our two benchmark algorithms from the signal processing and imaging domain, the results show that if power consumption is not considered, the GPU and FPGA from the 40nm generation give both, a similar performance and efficiency per transistor. In the 28 nm process, in contrast, the FPGA is superior to its GPU counterpart by 86% and 39%, depending on the algorithm. If power is limited, FPGAs outperform GPUs in each investigated case by at least a factor of four.     

Controller synthesis for dynamic hierarchical real-time plants using timed automata

We use timed I/O automata based timed games to synthesize task-level reconfiguration services for cost-effective fault tolerance in a case study. The case study shows that state-space explosion is a severe problem for timed games. By applying suitable abstractions, we dramatically improve the scalability. However, timed I/O automata do not facilitate algorithmic abstraction generation techniques. The case study motivates the development of timed process automata to improve modeling and analysis for controller synthesis of time-critical plants which can be hierarchical and dynamic. The model offers two essential features for industrial systems: (i) compositional modeling with reusable designs for different contexts, and (ii) state-space reduction technique. Timed process automata model dynamic networks of continuous-time communicating plant processes which can activate other plant processes. We show how to establish safety and reachability properties of timed process automata by reduction to solving timed games. To mitigate the state-space explosion problem, an algorithmic state-space reduction technique using compositional reasoning and aggressive abstractions is also proposed. In this article, we demonstrate the theoretical framework of timed process automata and the effectiveness of the proposed state-space reduction technique by extending the case study.     

IBMSan Francisco

This article presents the architecture of the IBM San Francisco frameworks and provides additional information on the San Francisco layers and extension mechanisms. San Francisco leverages the power of Java and distributed object computing to provide a solid foundation for robust, Internet-enabled, cross-platform, scalable software solutions for specific industry domains. San Francisco components are designed as frameworks that provide an object-oriented infrastructure, a consistent application programming model and default business logic.     

Replication of sub-100 nm structures using h- and s-PDMS composite stamps

Soft-UV-NIL as replication technique was used to replicate sub-100 nm structures. The aim of this work is the stamp production and the replication of structures with dimensions smaller than 100 nm in a simple manner. Composite stamps composed of two layers, a thin hard PDMS layer supported by a thick soft PDMS (s-PDMS) layer are compared to common s-PDMS stamps regarding the resolution by using a Siemens star (star burst pattern) as test structure. The master is fabricated by electron beam lithography in a 140 nm thick PMMA resist layer. The stamp is molded directly from the structured resist, without any additional anti sticking treatment. Therefore the resist thickness determines the aspect ratio, which is 1.5 at the resolution limit. The replication is done in a UV-curing cycloaliphatic epoxy material. The employed test structure provides good comparability, the resolution limit at a glance, and it integrates a smooth transition from micro- to nanostructures. Therefore it is a capable structure to characterize the UV-NIL.     

Field-test of a solar low delta-T Stirling engine

The ultimate aim of a Moroccan–German study is to develop a simple solar pumping system, using the concept of low delta-T Stirling engines. This paper describes the main parts of the engine and presents several experimental measurements made under laboratory and field-test conditions in Morocco. Measurements with flat plate cooler and discontinuous motion of the displacer were conducted to verify two essential recommendations of Kolin in expectation of power-output improvements of the gamma-type engine.     

Ability of naturally occurring parasitoids to suppress the introduced pest Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) in traditional maize stores in Togo

Beneficial parasitoids associated with traditional maize stores in southern Togo were collected during three storage seasons (1988–1990) at different sites to investigate their relationship to the introduced pest, Prostephanus truncatus. Two parasitoids, Anisopteromalus calandrae and Theocolax elegans were observed regularly and in higher numbers in the samples and were therefore studied for their relationship with P. truncatus. Correlation analysis of population densities observed in stores showed that correlation coefficients for numbers of both parasitoids and P. truncatus were mainly negative and very close to zero, but positive and greater in value for the parasitoids and Sitophilus zeamais. Glass jar trials were carried out with A. calandrae and T. elegans on loose maize. A. calandrae reduced numbers of P. truncatus by 70.1% in the single species culture after 8 weeks, whereas T. elegans had no impact. In double species culture A. calandrae had an effect on both populations; P. truncatus was reduced by 61.3% and S. zeamais by 22.5%. T. elegans only had an influence on S. zeamais.