A Parallel Rendering Algorithm for MIMD Architectures

Applications such as animation and scientific visualization demand high performance rendering of complex three dimensional scenes. To deliver the necessary rendering rates, highly parallel hardware architectures are required. The challenge is then to design algorithms and software which effectively use the hardware parallelism. A rendering algorithm targeted to distributed memory MIMD architectures is described. For maximum performance, the algorithm exploits both object-level and pixel-level parallelism. The behavior of the algorithm is examined both analytically and experimentally. Its performance for large numbers of processors is found to be limited primarily by communication overheads. An experimental implementation for the Intel iPSC/860 shows increasing performance from 1 to 128 processors across a wide range of scene complexities. It is shown that minimal modifications to the algorithm will adapt it for use on shared memory architectures as well

African Head and Neck Society Clinical Practice guidelines for thyroid nodules and cancer in developing countries and limited resource settings

Background International thyroid nodule and cancer management guidelines generally fail to take into account potential limitations in diagnostic and treatment resources. Methods Thyroid cancer specialists from the African Head and Neck Society and American Head & Neck Society Endocrine Section developed guidelines for diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules and cancer in low resource settings. Recommendations were based on literature review and expert opinion, with level of evidence defined. Results Using the ADAPTE process, diagnostic and treatment algorithms were adapted from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Low resource settings were simulated by systematically removing elements such as availability of laboratory testing, hormone replacement, imaging, and cytopathology from NCCN guidelines. Conclusions Successful management of thyroid nodules and cancer in low resource settings requires adaptation of treatment methodologies. These guidelines define specific scenarios where either more or less aggressive intervention for thyroid pathology may be advisable based on limited available resources

A Parallel Rendering Algorithm for MIMD Architectures

Applications such as animation and scientific visualization demand high performance ren-dering of complex three dimensional scenes. To deliver the necessary rendering rates, highly parallel hardware architectures are required. The challenge is then to design algorithms and software which effectively use the hardware parallelism. This paper describes a rendering al-gorithm targeted to distributed memory MIMD architectures. For maximum performance, the algorithm exploits both object-level and pixel-level parallelism. The behavior of the algorithm is examined both analytically and experimentally. Its performance for large numbers of processors is found to be limited primarily by communication overheads. An experimental implementation for the Intel iPSC/860 shows increasing performance from 1 to 128 processors across a wide range of scene complexities. It is shown that minimal modifications to the algorithm will adapt it for use on shared memory architectures as well