Performance of hashed cache data migration schemes on multicomputers

Many researchers approach the problem of programming distributed memory machines by assuming a global shared name space. Thus the user views the distributed memory of the machine as though it were shared. A major issue that arises at this point is how to manage the memory. When a processor accesses data stored on another processor's memory, data must be moved between the two processors. Once these data are retrieved from another processor's memory, several interesting issues are raised. Where should these data be stored locally? What transformations must be performed to the code to guarantee that the nonlocal accesses reference the correct memory location? What optimizations can be performed to reduce the time spent in accessing the nonlocal data? In this paper we examine various data migration mechanisms that allow an explicit and controlled mapping of data to memory. We describe, experimentally evaluate, and model a set of schemes for storing and retrieving off-processor array elements. The schemes are all based on using hash tables for efficient access of nonlocal data. The three different techniques evaluated are the basic hashed cache, partial enumeration, and full enumeration, the details of which are described in the paper. In all three schemes, nonlocal data are stored in hash tables—the difference is in the amount of memory used by the schemes and the retrieval mechanisms for nonlocal data.     

Completeness for nondeterministic complexity classes

We demonstrate differences between reducibilities and corresponding completeness notions for nondeterministic time and space classes. For time classes the studied completeness notions under polynomial-time bounded (even logarithmic-space bounded) reducibilities turn out to be different for any class containingNE. For space classes the completeness notions under logspace reducibilities can be separated for any class properly containingLOGSPACE. Key observation in obtaining the separations is the honesty property of reductions, which was recently observed to hold for the time classes and can be shown to hold for space classes.The work of S. Homer was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grants MIP-8608137 and CCR-8814339 and a Fulbright-Hays Research Fellowship. Some of this research was done while he was a Guest Professor at the Mathematics Institute of Heidelberg University.     

The Implementation of Best Practices: Process and Performance Effects

Much has been written about best practices and world class manufacturing in recent years. Various practices and improvement programmes have been suggested as best practices, assuming that their adoption would to lead to higher performance. The implementation process of these practices is, however, often neglected in the literature and, hence, relatively poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into that process and how different implementation approaches influence performance. An analysis of the implementation of a range of manufacturing action programmes in two companies showed that a broad and incremental implementation approach initially leads to reduced performance followed by a gradual improvement as larger parts of the programmes are institutionalized. A ‘big bang’ implementation approach does not seem to lead to deterioration in performance.     

A suggested method of estimation for spatial interdependent models with autocorrelated errors,and an application to a county expenditure model

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, we describe an estimation procedure that should be useful for spatial models which contain interactions between the dependent variables and autocorrelated error terms. Second, we apply that procedure to a spatial model relating to county police expenditures. Our estimation procedure does not require the specification of the error distribution, and its computational burden is modest. Large sample results are given.     

Definition of a multimaterials design method

Although methods of product design and materials selection have been developed, the recent rise of multimaterials (composites, hybrids, etc.) has shown a lack of tools for engineering in this domain. The present contribution aims at the development of a multimaterials design method based on the adaptation of existing methods and on the conclusions of a case study. In comparison with materials selection, the originality of multimaterials design relates to searching materials coupling mechanisms to satisfy a set of requirements. More, it appears that manufacturing process and validation tests are very important points that must be integrated early in the design process.     

Hypothermic vocalizations of rat pups (Rattus norvegicus) and direct maternal search behavior.

Emissions of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) by rat pups (Rattus norvegicus) during hypothermia have consequences for recovery and warming. The effects on dam behavior of USVs emitted by 3- to 11-day-old pups during hypothermia at rectal temperatures between 18 and 22°C was investigated Rat dams were tested in a Y maze with the home cage as a start box. Dams were given, in one condition, a choice between a hypothermic pup emitting USVs or a hypothermic, silent (anesthetized) pup and, in the other, a choice between 2 hypothermic, silent pups. Although differing in some acoustic properties from normal isolation calls, USVs emitted by hypothermic pups both elicited maternal search behavior and acted as directional cues for dams, in comparisons with control dams exposed only to silent pups. Thus USVs of pups recovering from extreme hypothermia have communicative as well as physiological significance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Trimethylpentanediol dibenzoate: New plasticizer for plastisol screen ink

Trimethylpentane diol (TMPD) dibenzoate use in vinyl as a plasticizer is not well recognized, and little has been published on vinyl performance characteristics. To assess new applications for vinyl, a basic evaluation was conducted. Based on the results of the screen and other considerations an evaluation for utility in plastisol silk screen ink was conducted. The results indicated that the TMPD dibenzoate performed very well in white ink, requiring good fabric dye bleed resistance compared to polymeric and phthalates currently being used for non-bleed ink. Non-bleed characteristics are important for colored tee shirt printing. The benzoate is a good solvator and has excellent extraction resistance.     

The effects of harvest maturity,ripeness and storage on kiwifruit aroma

Quantitative gas chromatographic analysis of the volatile aroma components has been used as an objective measure of the effects of maturity at harvest, ripeness and storage on the aroma volatiles of kiwifruit. Increasing ripeness is associated with a rapid increase in the levels of aroma volatiles, especially esters, while increasing storage time prior to ripening is accompanied by a decrease in the amount of aroma volatiles.