Optimization of Discrete-parameter Multiprocessor Systems using a Novel Ergodic Interpolation Technique

Modern multi-core systems have a large number of design parameters, most of which are discrete-valued, and this number is likely to keep increasing as chip complexity rises. Further, the accurate evaluation of a potential design choice is computationally expensive because it requires detailed cycle-accurate system simulation. If the discrete parameter space can be embedded into a larger continuous parameter space, then continuous space techniques can, in principle, be applied to the system optimization problem. Such continuous space techniques often scale well with the number of parameters. We propose a novel technique for embedding the discrete parameter space into an extended continuous space so that continuous space techniques can be applied to the embedded problem using cycle accurate simulation for evaluating the objective function. This embedding is implemented using simulation-based ergodic interpolation, which, unlike spatial interpolation, produces the interpolated value within a single simulation run irrespective of the number of parameters. We have implemented this interpolation scheme in a cycle-based system simulator. In a characterization study, we observe that the interpolated performance curves are continuous, piece-wise smooth, and have low statistical error. We use the ergodic interpolation-based approach to solve a large multi-core design optimization problem with 31 design parameters. Our results indicate that continuous space optimization using ergodic interpolation-based embedding can be a viable approach for large multi-core design optimization problems.Comment: A short version of this paper will be published in the proceedings of IEEE MASCOTS 2015 conferenc

Drones as a Technology-Based Key Aid for the Development of Rural India

In rural development, the sole objective is to create a quality of life. In India, the majority of the population resides in rural areas. Several resource-limited countries suffered from underdeveloped infrastructures that prevented equal access to various development opportunities. Initially perceived as a toy, the drone has become one of the most essential, leading-edge, and radical inventions of the modern era. The paper reveals the necessity for drone use in the country's rural areas and presents a methodical approach to adopting drones. In addition, we discuss the newly developed uses for drones in rural areas, including their specific characteristics. This report summarises all of the essential elements of drone technology to provide a framework for utilising this technology for the development of rural areas in India

A Python-based Mixed Discrete-Continuous Simulation Framework for Digital Twins

The use of Digital Twins is set to transform the manufacturing sector by aiding monitoring and real-time decision making. For several applications in this sector, the system to be modeled consists of a mix of discrete-event and continuous processes interacting with each other. Building simulation-based Digital Twins of such systems necessitates an open, flexible simulation framework which can support easy modeling and fast simulation of both continuous and discrete-event components, and their interactions. In this paper, we present an outline and key design aspects of a Python-based framework for performing mixed discrete-continuous simulations. The continuous processes in the system are assumed to be loosely coupled to other components via pre-defined events. For example, a continuous state variable crossing a threshold may trigger an external event. Similarly, external events may lead to a sudden change in the trajectory, state value or boundary conditions in a continuous process. We first present a systematic events-based interface using which such interactions can be modeled and simulated. We then discuss implementation details of the framework along with a detailed example. In our implementation, the advancement of time is controlled and performed using the event-stepped engine of SimPy (a popular discrete-event simulation library in Python). The continuous processes are modelled using existing frameworks with a Python wrapper providing the events interface. We discuss possible improvements to the time advancement scheme, a roadmap and use cases for the framework.Comment: Under review for publication in Springer Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (LNNS

Design of transdermal patch of ketoprofen by full factorial design for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Oral therapy of NSAIDs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis causes gastric irritation and ulceration. In the present study transdermal patch of ketoprofen was developed using hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose E5 and Eudragit S100. Patches were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Optimization was carried out by 32 factorial design with polymer concentration (HPMC E5) and plasticizer concentration (propylene glycol) as independent variables. Patches were evaluated for folding endurance, surface pH, drug content, percent moisture content, water uptake and swelling studies. Ex vivo permeation studies of optimized patch was performed using Franz diffusion cell while bioadhesion force and tensile strength were measured by using texture analyzer. Hydrophilic nature, swelling ability and wettability of polymer and plasticizer were responsible for increase in flux and bioadhesion with increase in their concentrations in the factorial batches. Swelling index of all formulations was in the range of 17.3 ±1.2 to 65.29 ±4.78 up to 3h. Flux obtained from all batches was in the range of 3.37±0.23 to 5.43±0.13µg/h/cm2. Anti-inflammatory studies using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema showed greater paw swelling reduction in case of ketoprofen patch. Cumulative percent drug permeation of optimized patch through nylon 66, Wistar rat skin and cadaver skin was found to be 92.3% >86.28 %>63.42% in 8h, while flux order was 6.073> 5.442 > 2.219 µg/h/cm2 respectively. The study concludes that transdermal patch of ketoprofen will be more efficacious with absence of gastric irritation observed in oral formulations. Keywords: Ketoprofen, Bioadhesion, HPMC E5, Flux, Backing membran

Oxidation kinetics of a Ni-Cu based cermet at high temperature

The oxidation kinetics of a cermet composed of Ni–Cu alloy and nickel ferrite was studied by thermogravimetry at 960 °C under oxygen in the range 0.5–77 kPa. After an initial mass increase up to 15 g/m2 due to oxidation of surface metallic particles, the mass change was attributed to both outwards NiO growth and internal oxidation. Above 40 g/m2, the NiO scale thickness remained constant and the oxidation kinetics followed a complete parabolic law. The variations of the kinetic rate with oxygen partial pressure allowed to propose mechanisms, rate-controlling steps and kinetic laws in both transient and long term oxidation periods

Outbreak of Phytophthora Blight of Pigeonpea in the Deccan Plateau of India, 2005

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra are the major pigeonpea-growing states in the Deccan Plateau (DP) of India. The area under pigeonpea in Andhra Pradesh is estimated to be around 0.42 million ha with a production of about 0.19 million tonnes, while in Karnataka it is grown on 0.49 million ha with a production of 0.26 million tonnes (Dharamraj et al. 2004). Of these three states, Maharashtra has the maximum area (1.02 million ha) with a production of about 0.77 million tonnes (http//:agricoop.nic.in/). Diseases such as wilt (Fusarium udum Butler) and sterility mosaic (SM Virus) are the important biotic factors limiting its production in the DP

Prevalence of phytophthora blight of pigeonpea in the Deccan Plateau of India

Phytophthora blight (PB), caused by Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani is the third potentially important disease of pigeonpea in the Deccan Plateau (DP) of India after wilt and sterility mosaic. In the rainy-season of 2005, an outbreak of PB was seen throughout DP. To quantify the incidence and spread of the disease, a systematic survey was conducted in the major pigeonpea growing regions of DP during the crop season 2005. Attempts were made to determine the effect of cropping systems on the PB development and identify resistant cultivars, if any, grown by farmers and on research farms. Widespread incidence of PB was recorded on improved, and or local cultivars grown in different intercropping systems. Majority of improved cultivars grown at research farms were found susceptible to PB (>10% disease incidence). Pigeonpea intercropped with groundnut, black gram and coriander had less disease incidence (≤10%). Three wilt and SM resistant pigeonpea cultivars KPL 96053, ICPL 99044, and ICPL 93179 were found resistant (<10%) to PB as well. However, their resistance to PB needs confirmation under optimum disease development environments