Sequential architecture models for Prolog: A performance comparison

In this paper we investigate the relation between architectural support for Prolog and performance. We will show that partial support for tags does perform as well as full support, but it only reduces the execution time by approximately 10%. With respect to special addressing modes, auto address modification (post/pre increment, decrement on loads and stores) only yields a cycle reduction of approximately 6% and the introduction of a single shadow register set yields around 8%. Combining these optimizations, a performance gain of 20 to 25% can be achieved, depending on the memory system. Usingvliw techniques, which exploit instruction-level parallelism, the performance can be doubled, using three processing elements. Two processing elements already provide a significant speedup, but the use of four processing elements is not justified if we compare the gain in performance with the cost of the extra hardware. In general we observe only a small performance improvement (around 20%) when moving fromrisc to special-purposerisc architectures, an improvement which can also be achieved by applying advanced compiler technology, such as compiler optimization, optimizations forwam, and optimal scheduling techniques forvliw architectures. Unfortunately these hardware and software effects do not add up, as a better compiler reduces the effect of hardware support. Finally, the cycle time is essential for comparing the performance of different (micro)-architectures, but it is not always clear what the effects of the different tradeoffs are on the maximum achievable cycle time.     

Worm algorithms for the 3-state Potts model with magnetic field and chemical potential

We discuss worm algorithms for the 3-state Potts model with external field and chemical potential. The complex phase problem of this system can be overcome by using a flux representation where the new degrees of freedom are dimer and monomer variables. Working with this representation we discuss two different generalizations of the conventional Prokof’ev–Svistunov algorithm suitable for Monte Carlo simulations of the model at arbitrary chemical potential and evaluate their performance.     

Analysing quadratic effects of formative constructs by means of variance-based structural equation modelling

Together with the development of information systems research, there has also been increased interest in non-linear relationships between focal constructs. This article presents six Partial Least Squares-based approaches for estimating formative constructs’ quadratic effects. In addition, these approaches’ performance is tested by means of a complex Monte Carlo experiment. The experiment reveals significant and substantial differences between the approaches. In general, the performance of the hybrid approach as suggested by Wold (1982) is most convincing in terms of point estimate accuracy, statistical power, and prediction accuracy. The two-stage approach suggested by Chin et al (1996) showed almost the same performance; differences between it and the hybrid approach – although statistically significant – were unsubstantial. Based on these results, the article provides guidelines for the analysis of non-linear effects by means of variance-based structural equation modelling.     

Intelligent product search with soft-boundary preference relaxation

This paper proposes a novel method for preference relaxation in online product search, which enables consumers to make quality choices without suffering from the commonly experienced information overload. In online shopping scenarios that involve multi-attribute choice tasks, it can be difficult for consumers to process the vast amounts of information available and to make satisfactory buying decisions. In such situations consumers are likely to eliminate potentially good choices early on, using hard-constraint filtering tools. Our approach uses edge sets to identify the alternatives on the soft boundary and the principle of alternative domination to suppress the alternatives on this boundary that are irrelevant. We demonstrate how our approach outperforms existing methods for product search in a set of simulations using two sets of 2650 car advertisements and 1813 digital cameras gathered from a popular online store.     

A Model for Studying Velocity Variations in Unmyelinated Axons

A simple electrical model of the nerve axon is presented. The only non-linear element in the model is the sodium conductance, which is assumed to vary in a step-like way. This allows the propagation velocity for action potentials to be expressed analytically. The aftereffects from an action potential are generally slow. By considering them quasi-stationary, the velocity of a subsequent action potential can be calculated and compared with that of the first one. Considering the effects of afterpotential and afterconductance, it is shown that the theory adequately describes the variations in propagation velocity in the squid giant axon for action potentials separated by 3 ms to 14 ms.     

Impact wear of a tool steel

Results from wear studies in repetitive impact sliding are described in this paper. The material pair studied consisted of steel CPM-10V (specimen) (where CPM denotes crucible particle metallurgy) and 17-4 precipitationhardened (PH) steel (counterface) with transverse sliding velocities of 4 and 8 m s^?1. By means of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays and X-ray diffraction methods it is shown that the wear is due to a material transport of the counterface 17-4 PH steel to the CPM-10V surface. In the wear process, a change in microhardness of the counterface substrate is apparent, and X-ray diffraction of debris confirms the presence of transformed metal. These products include γ-Fe together with trace amounts of α-Fe₂O₃; however, virtually no carbide from the CPM-10V steel was detected.     

Nanometer edge and surface imaging using optical scatter

Imaging of edges to nanometer resolution using a novel non-contact technique is presented. This technique relies on positioning an optical beam to the edge, and simultaneously scanning, and measuring differential changes in off-specular scatter. Data may be used to calculate the radius at the edge to high accuracy. The experimental apparatus is capable of producing diffraction images of features on surfaces arising from processes used in sample preparation. Images of the cleaved edge of an optical fiber, an Au pad on Si, and cleaved quartz measured on this apparatus are presented. This technique could also be utilized to analyze cleaved laser diodes, micro-optics, MEMS devices, and diamond cutting tools.     

Very high temperature design criteria for nuclear heat exchangers in advanced high temperature reactors

This review summarizes the results obtained in a research programme sponsored by the Ministry of Interior of the FRG on fundamental principles of a structural design code for heat exchanging components in nuclear process heat plants. Materials selection and design data, methods for dimensioning and the limitation of stress, strain, creep fatigue and buckling as well as environmental effects are discussed.     

Metal‐containing Polymers via Electropolymerization

Electropolymerization represents a suitable and well‐established approach for the assembly of polymer structures, in particular with regard to the formation of thin, insoluble films. Utilization of monomers that are functionalized with metal complex units allows the combination of structural and functional benefits of polymers and metal moieties. Since a broad range of both electropolymerizable monomers and metal complexes are available, various structures and, thus, applications are possible. Recent developments in the field of synthesis and potential applications of metal‐functionalized polymers obtained via electropolymerization are presented, highlighting the significant advances in this field of research.