A comparison of graphical design techniques for parallel, distributed software

We have compared three graphical design techniques, OMT, ADL, and PARSE, on their suitability for the development of parallel/distributed applications. Our method has been to use all three of them in modeling one, existing, application: a backup facility running within the Andrew File System. We compare and analyze the outcomes on a number of important design aspects. Based on this, we draw conclusions on each individual technique and on graphical design techniques for parallel/distributed software in general

Complexity dimensions and learnability

A stochastic model of learning from examples has been introduced by Valiant [1984]. This PAC-learning model (PAC = probably approximately correct) reflects differences in complexity of concept classes, i.e. very complex classes are not efficiently PAC-learnable. Blumer et al. [1989] found, that efficient PAC-learnability depends on the size of the Vapnik Chervonenkis dimension [Vapnik & Chervonenkis, 1971] of a class. We will first discuss this dimension and give an algorithm to compute it, in order to provide the reader with the intuitive idea behind it. Natarajan [1987] defines a new, equivalent dimension is defined for well-ordered classes. These well-ordered classes happen to satisfy a general condition, that is sufficient for the possible construction of a number of equivalent dimensions. We will give this condition, as well as a generalized notion of an equivalent dimension. Also, a relatively efficient algorithm for the calculation of one such dimension for well-ordered classes is given

A structured design technique for distributed programs

This report contains a non-formal motivation and description of ADL-d, a graphical design technique for parallel and distributed software. ADL-d allows a developer to construct an application in terms of communicating processes. The technique distinguishes itself from others by its use of highly orthogonal concepts, and support for automated code generation. Without being committed to one particular design method, ADL-d as a technique can be used from the early phases of application design through phases that concentrate on algorithmic design, and final implementation on some target platform. In this report, we discuss and motivate all ADL-d components, including recently incorporated features such as support for connection-oriented communication, support for modeling dynamically changing communication structures, and a formal semantical basis for each ADL-d component. Also, we discuss our ADL-d implementation, and place ADL-d in context by discussing some related work

Arrival processes in port modeling: insights from a case study

This paper investigates the impact of arrival processes on the ship handling process. Two types of arrival processes are considered: controlled and uncontrolled. Simulation results show that uncontrolled arrivals of ships perform worst in terms of both ship delays and required storage capacity. Stock-controlled arrivals perform best with regard to large vessel delays and storage capacity. The combination of stock-controlled arrivals for large vessels and equidistant arrivals for barges also performs better than the uncontrolled process. Careful allocation of ships to the mooring points of a jetty further improves the efficiency

On the effect of ship arrival processes on jetty and storage capacity

Ports provide jetty facilities for ships to load and unload their cargo. Jetty capacity is costly and therefore limited, causing delays for arriving ships. However, ship delays are also costly, so terminal operators attempt to minimize their number and duration. Here, simulation has proved to be a very suitable tool. However, in port simulation models, the impact of the arrival process of ships on the model outcomes tends to be underestimated. This report considers three arrival processes: stock-controlled, equidistant, and uncontrolled. We assess how their deployment in a port simulation model,based on data from a real case study, affects the efficiency of the loading and unloading process, making a case for careful modeling of arrival processes in port simulations. Uncontrolled, which is an assumed arrival process property in many client-oriented simulations, actually performs worst in terms of both ship delays and required storage capacity. Stock-controlled arrivals perform best with regard to large vessel delays and storage capacity. Additional control of the arrival process through the application of a priority scheme in processing ships further impacts efficiency in all three cases

Arrival Processes for Vessels in a Port Simulation

Ports provide jetty facilities for ships to load and unload their cargo. Jetty capacity is costly and therefore limited, causing delays for arriving ships. However, ship delays are also costly, so terminal operators attempt to min imize their number and duration. Here, simulation has proved to be a very suitable tool. However, in port simulation models, the impact of the arrival process of ships on the model outcomes tends to be underestimated. This report considers three arrival processes: stock-controlled, equidistant, and uncontrolled. We assess how their deployment in a port simulation model, based on data from a real case study, affects the efficiency of the loading and unloading process, making a case for careful modeling of arrival processes in port simulations. Uncontrolled, which is an assumed arrival process property in many client-oriented simulations, actually performs worst in terms of both ship delays and required storage capacity. Stock-controlled arrivals perform best with regard to large vessel delays and storage capacity. Additional control of the arrival process through the application of a priority scheme in processing ships further impacts efficiency in all three cases.Ports provide jetty facilities for ships to load and unload their cargo. Jetty capacity is costly and therefore limited, causing delays for arriving ships. However, ship delays are also costly, so terminal operators attempt to min imize their number and duration. Here, simulation has proved to be a very suitable tool. However, in port simulation models, the impact of the arrival process of ships on the model outcomes tends to be underestimated. This report considers three arrival processes: stock-controlled, equidistant, and uncontrolled. We assess how their deployment in a port simulation model, based on data from a real case study, affects the efficiency of the loading and unloading process, making a case for careful modeling of arrival processes in port simulations. Uncontrolled, which is an assumed arrival process property in many client-oriented simulations, actually performs worst in terms of both ship delays and required storage capacity. Stock-controlled arrivals perform best with regard to large vessel delays and storage capacity. Additional control of the arrival process through the application of a priority scheme in processing ships further impacts efficiency in all three cases

Broadband enhancement of light emission in silicon slot waveguides

We investigate the light emission properties of electrical dipole emitters inside 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) silicon slot waveguides and evaluate the spontaneous emission enhancement (F_p) and waveguide coupling ratio (β). Under realistic conditions, we find that greater than 10-fold enhancement in F_p can be achieved, together with a β as large as 0.95. In contrast to the case of high Q optical resonators, such performance enhancements are obtained over a broad wavelength region, which can cover the entire emission spectrum of popular optical dopants such as Er. The enhanced luminescence efficiency and the strong coupling into a limited set of well-defined waveguide modes enables a new class of power-efficient, CMOS-compatible, waveguide-based light sources

MRI characteristics are predictive for CDMS in monofocal, but not in multifocal patients with a clinically isolated syndrome

BACKGROUND: To diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), evidence for dissemination in space and time is required. There is no clear definition on how symptoms and signs of a patient indicate clinical dissemination in space. To provide a uniform approach on this subject, a clinical classification system was described recently differentiating patients with mono- and multifocal clinical presentation. Here we assess the predictive value of clinically defined dissemination in space at first presentation for time to clinically definite MS (CDMS). METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-eight patients with a first episode suggestive of MS were classified as clinically mono- or multifocal by two neurologists blinded to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. These patients were part of the BENEFIT study in which 292 patients were randomized to interferon beta-1b (IFNB-1b) and 176 to placebo. By using Kaplan-Meier statistics the risk for CDMS was studied in mono- and multifocal patients of the placebo group, both with and without taking into account MRI measures of potential prognostic relevance. RESULTS: Time to CDMS was similar in monofocal and multifocal patients. In monofocal patients, the risk for CDMS over 2 years was significantly higher when <or= 9 T2 lesions or at least one Gd-enhancing lesion were present at the first event or 3 or 6 months after the first event. In patients with multifocal presentation, these MRI measures had no significant added value in predicting time to CDMS. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that a carefully performed neurological assessment of symptoms and signs, combined with lesions on MRI, is important for defining the risk of conversion to CDMS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Benefit trial has been registered under NCT00185211 http://www.clinicaltrials.gov