Parallel Sorting Algorithms explains how to use parallel algorithms to sort a sequence of items on a variety of parallel computers. The book reviews the sorting problem, the parallel models of computation, parallel algorithms, and the lower bounds on the parallel sorting problems. The text also presents twenty different algorithms, such as linear arrays, mesh-connected computers, cube-connected computers. Another example where algorithm can be applied is on the shared-memory SIMD (single instruction stream multiple data stream) computers in which the whole sequence to be sorted can fit in the respective primary memories of the computers (random access memory), or in a single shared memory. SIMD processors communicate through an interconnection network or the processors communicate through a common and shared memory. The text also investigates the case of external sorting in which the sequence to be sorted is bigger than the available primary memory. In this case, the algorithms used in external sorting is very similar to those used to describe internal sorting, that is, when the sequence can fit in the primary memory, The book explains that an algorithm can reach its optimum possible operating time for sorting when it is running on a particular set of architecture, depending on a constant multiplicative factor. The text is suitable for computer engineers and scientists interested in parallel algorithms.

A major technological trend for large database systems has been the introduction of ever-larger mass storage systems. This allows computing centers and business data processing installations to maintain on line their program libraries, less frequently used data files, transaction logs and backup copies under unified system control. Tapes, disks and drums are classical examples of mass storage media. The more recent IBM 3851 Mass Storage Facility, part of the IBM 3850 Mass Storage System, represents a new direction in mass storage development, namely, it is two-dimensional. With the maturity of magnetic bubble technology, more sophisticated, massive, multi-trillion-bit storage systems are not far in the future. While large in capacity, mass storage systems have in general relatively long access times. Since record access probabilities are usually not uniform, various algorithms have been devised to position the records to decrease the average access time. The first two chapters of this book are devoted mainly to such algorithmic studies in linear and two-dimensional mass storage systems. In the third chapter, we view the bubble memory as more than a storage medium. In fact, we discuss different structures where routine operations, such as data rearrangement, sorting, searching, etc., can be done in the memory itself, freeing the CPU for more complicated tasks. The problems discussed in this book are combinatorial in nature.

In past twenty years or so, information technology has influenced and changed every aspect of our lives and our cultures. Without various IT-based applications, we would find it difficult to keep information stored securely, to process information and business efficiently, and to communicate information conveniently. In the future world, ITs and information engineering will play a very important role in convergence of computing, communication, business and all other computational sciences and application and it also will influence the future world's various areas, including science, engineering, industry, business, law, politics, culture and medicine. The International Conference on Information Engineering and Applications (IEA) 2011 is intended to foster the dissemination of state-of-the-art research in information and business areas, including their models, services, and novel applications associated with their utilization. International Conference on Information Engineering and Applications (IEA) 2011 is organized by Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanyang Technological University, University of Michigan and the Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, and is sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). The objective of IEA 2011 is to will provide a forum for engineers and scientists in academia, industry, and government to address the most innovative research and development . Information Engineering and Applications provides a summary of this conference including contributions for key speakers on subjects such as technical challenges, social and economic issues, and ideas, results and current work on all aspects of advanced information and business intelligence.