Estimating and reducing the memory requirements of signal processing codes for embedded systems

Most embedded systems have limited amount of memory. In contrast, the memory requirements of the digital signal processing (DSP) and video processing codes (in nested loops, in particular) running on embedded systems is significant. This paper addresses the problem of estimating and reducing the amount of memory needed for transfers of data in embedded systems. First, the problem of estimating the region associated with a statement or the set of elements referenced by a statement during the execution of nested loops is analyzed. For a fixed execution ordering, a quantitative analysis of the number of elements referenced is presented; exact expressions for uniformly generated references and a close upper and lower bound for nonuniformly generated references are derived. Second, in addition to presenting an algorithm that computes the total memory required, this paper also discusses the effect of transformations (that change the execution ordering) on the lifetimes of array variables, i.e., the time between the first and last accesses to a given array location. The term maximum window size is introduced, and quantitative expressions are derived to compute the maximum window size. A detailed analysis of the effect of unimodular transformations on data locality, including the calculation of the maximum window size, is presented.     

Graft copolymerization onto rubber. VII. Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto rubber using potassium peroxydisulfate catalyzed by silver ion

The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto natural rubber (NR) was carried out varying the concentration of monomer, initiator, thiourea, and silver nitrate over a wide range. The grafting reaction was temperature-dependent. From the Arrhenius plot, the overall energy of activation was computed. A suitable reaction scheme and rate expression for the rate of polymerization was suggested.     

Production Equations for Unsteady-State Construction Processes

The production equation called Little’s law has been applied to construction data recently. However, Little’s law was derived for steady-state conditions assuming constant input and output rates and long production runs. Production in construction is inherently temporary, and learning curves and environmental influences often render input and output rates unequal and nonlinear. Starting with a conservation of mass formulation, general equations for work-in-process and cycle time for unsteady-state conditions and limited run production are developed. The motivation behind these equations is to explain common trends in production variables seen on construction projects. Previous studies have shown that when output from a construction production system is drastically increased, a significant upward impact is also seen on cycle time and work-in-process, and this work provides underlying theory and equations to explain these trends. Cycle time and work-in-process equations are presented as functions of time and on average. Data from construction activities are used to show that unsteady-state conditions commonly occur. Reasonable simplifications of the general equations provide guidelines for buffer sizing and resource allocation decisions.     

Fuzzy Multiobjective and Linear Programming Based Management Models for Optimal Land-Water-Crop System Planning

In this article, linear programming and fuzzy optimization models are developed for planning and management of available land-water-crop system of Mahanadi-Kathajodi delta in eastern India. The models are used to optimize the economic return, production and labour utilization, and to search the related cropping patterns and intensities with specified land, water, fertilizer and labour availability, and water use pattern constraints. Due to extreme backwardness of the study area, it has been decided to keep all the three objectives of the linear programming models at the same priority level to obtain the compromised solution in a fuzzy environment that incorporates the imprecision in fuzzy goals and fuzzy constraints. These non-structural models facilitate the conjunctive use of available surface water and groundwater resources. A comparative evaluation along with the benefit-cost ratios of the existing and proposed farming systems is also presented.     

Effect of n-3 fatty acids on VLDL production by hepatocytes is mediated through prostaglandins

The mechanism of the hypolipidemic effect of n-3 fatty acids was studied using isolated rat hepatocytes maintained in culture. EPA and DHA caused a significant reduction in the incorporation of 3[H]-leucine into apoB associated with the VLDL produced by hepatocytes in culture when compared to that in presence of palmitic acid. Presence of indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase reversed the effect of EPA on VLDL synthesis while diethyl carbamazine an inhibitor of lipoxygenase did not show any effect suggesting that the effect of EPA may be mediated through prostaglandins. This was further tested by invivo experiments where animals were fed fish oil containing diet with and without aspirin, which inhibits formation of prostaglandins. The incorporation of 3[H]-leucine into apo B and 14[C]-acetate into cholesterol of VLDL produced by hepatocytes from aspirin treated animals were significantly high. The reversal of the effect of n-3 fatty acids by agents which inhibit the formation of prostaglandin suggests that the n-3 fatty acids may exert their effect on VLDL production by liver cells through prostaglandins.     

Modification of mechanical properties of Kevlar fibre by polymer infiltration

While high-performance organic fibres such as poly (para phenylene benzobisthiazole) and Kevlar possess excellent mechanical properties under axial tension, their strength under compression is generally poor. This study focuses on a polymer infiltration approach to modify the mechanical properties of the Kevlar 49 fibre in tension as well as compression, in which various polymeric resins are infiltrated in an opened fibrillar network of Kevlar single filaments. Opening was achieved using concentrated sulfuric acid, which resulted in a strength loss at high acid concentrations. However, compared to the acid-treated fibre, both the tensile strength and strain-to-failure of the fibres were found to increase after infiltration with epoxy resins and bismaleimide polymers. Polymer infiltration also resulted in a significant improvement in the compressive strength of the Kevlar fibre, with the bismaleimide performing better than the epoxy resins. Plasma modification using ammonia was also used to enhance interfibrillar adhesion by incorporating reactive amine groups on the fibril surface