Automatisierte VHDL-Code-Generierung eines Delta-Sigma Modulators

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird eine automatische Generierung des VHDL-Codes eines Delta-Sigma Modulators präsentiert. Die Koeffizientenmultiplikation wird hierbei durch Bit-Serielle-Addition durchgeführt. Mit Hilfe zweier neuer Matlab Funktionen wird der Systementwurf durch die bekannte Delta-Sigma Toolbox von R. Schreier erweitert und direkt synthesefähiger VHDL Code erzeugt

Fostering energy-awareness in simulations behind scientific workflow management systems

© 2014 IEEE.Scientific workflow management systems face a new challenge in the era of cloud computing. The past availability of rich information regarding the state of the used infrastructures is gone. Thus, organising virtual infrastructures so that they not only support the workflow being executed, but also optimise for several service level objectives (e.g., Maximum energy consumption limit, cost, reliability, availability) become dependent on good infrastructure modelling and prediction techniques. While simulators have been successfully used in the past to aid research on such workflow management systems, the currently available cloud related simulation toolkits suffer form several issues (e.g., Scalability, narrow scope) that hinder their applicability. To address this need, this paper introduces techniques for unifying two existing simulation toolkits by first analysing the problems with the current simulators, and then by illustrating the problems faced by workflow systems through the example of the ASKALON environment. Finally, we show how the unification of the selected simulators improve on the the discussed problems

Fostering energy-awareness in scientific cloud users

© 2014 IEEE.Academic cloud infrastructures are constructed and maintained so they minimally constrain their users. Since they are free and do not limit usage patterns, academics developed such behavior that jeopardizes fair and flexible resource provisioning. For efficiency, related work either explicitly limits user access to resources, or introduces automatic rationing techniques. Surprisingly, the root cause (i.e., the user behavior) is disregarded by these approaches. This paper compares academic cloud user behavior to its commercial equivalent. We deduce, that academics should behave like commercial cloud users to relieve resource provisioning. To encourage this behavior, we propose an architectural extension to academic infrastructure clouds. We evaluate our extension via a simulation using real life academic resource request traces. We show a potential resource usage reduction while maintaining the unlimited nature of academic clouds

Impact of Robotic Dispensing Machines in German Pharmacies on Business Performance Indicators

Aims and objectives: To assess the impact of robotic dispensing machines in community pharmacies on staff efficiency and sales of over-the-counter drugs. Setting: The study was done on 253 community pharmacies in Germany that use a robotic dispensing machine manufactured by ROWA during 2008. Method: Data concerning the financial and economic impact of using a robotic dispensing machine in community pharmacies was gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed in terms of its financial implications. Key findings: The response rate was 29%. In most pharmacies (79%) the robotic dispensing machine was retrofitted. In 59% of the pharmacies additional space was gained for self-service and behind-the-counter display. As a result of using a robotic dispensing machine, personnel costs were reduced by an average of 4.6% during the first 12 months after start-up. Over-the-counter sales increased in the same period by an average of 6.8%. Despite average initial costs of 118,000 euros, total costs within the first 12 months fell in 50% of cases and at least remained the same in 44%. Conclusions: On average, robotic dispensing machines lead to modest savings in personnel costs and slight increases in sales of over-the-counter drugs. Substantial savings can be achieved only if the staffing level is adapted to the changed personnel requirements

An architecture to stimulate behavioral development of academic cloud users

Academic cloud infrastructures are constructed and maintained so they minimally constrain their users. Since they are free and do not limit usage patterns, academics developed such behavior that jeopardizes fair and flexible resource provisioning. For efficiency, related work either explicitly limits user access to resources, or introduce automatic rationing techniques. Surprisingly, the root cause (i.e., the user behavior) is disregarded by these approaches. This article compares academic cloud user behavior to its commercial equivalent. We deduce, that academics should behave like commercial cloud users to relieve resource provisioning. To encourage commercial like behavior, we propose an architectural extension to existing academic infrastructure clouds. First, every user's energy consumption and efficiency is monitored. Then, energy efficiency based leader boards are used to ignite competition between academics and reveal their worst practices. Leader boards are not sufficient to completely change user behavior. Thus, we introduce engaging options that encourage academics to delay resource requests and prefer resources more suitable for the infrastructure's internal provisioning. Finally, we evaluate our extensions via a simulation using real life academic resource request traces. We show a potential resource utilization reduction (by the factor of at most 2.6) while maintaining the unlimited nature of academic clouds. © 2014 Elsevier Inc

Automated system to measure the carbonate concentration of sediments

We have developd a computer controlled system to measure the calcium carbonate content of sediment samples. A menu driven program controls the analysis of each sample. The system first communicates with a Mettler digital balance to record the weights of the 40 samples which must be loaded into each run. The sample boats are next loaded into the sample carousel which is then sealed from the atmosphere. The system is first pumped down to a vacuum of 0.04 torr. The valve to the pump closes and the stepping motor turns the carousel, moving a sample boat over the delivery slot and dropping the sample into 80°C 100% phosphoric acid under vigorous spinning action. During the reaction, carbonate is evolved into H2O and CO2 and the resulting pressure change within the closed system is measured by a pressure transducer and recorded into memory next to the sample identification and sample weight. The system is pumped once again to 0.04 torr and the process continues until all 40 samples have been analyzed. The data can then be uploaded and converted to percent carbonate values using a regression line produced from multiple analyses of varying weights of a 100% carbonate standard. Precision of the system, based upon 120 replicate analysis ranges from 0.49% to 0.88%.Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation through Grant Nos. OCE 85-11014 and OCE 88-13307