This paper presents a new OpenFlow controller: the Distributed Active Information Model (DAIM). The DAIM controller was developed to explore the viability of a logically distributed control plane. It is implemented in a distributed way throughout a software-defined network, at the level of the switches. The method enables local process flows, by way of local packet switching, to be controlled by the distributed DAIM controller (as opposed to a centralised OpenFlow controller). The DAIM ecosystem is discussed with some sample code, together with flowcharts of the implemented algorithms. We present implementation details, a testing methodology, and an experimental evaluation. A performance analysis was conducted using the Cbench open benchmarking tool. Comparisons were drawn with respect to throughput and latency. It is concluded that the DAIM controller can handle a high throughput, while keeping the latency relatively low. We believe the results to date are potentially very interesting, especially in light of the fact that a key feature of the DAIM controller is that it is designed to enable the future development of autonomous local flow process and management strategies.

The river system of the Bengal delta encompasses a huge amount of fluvial sand; however, no comprehensive studies were available on using this river sand in foundry industries. Hence, the present research evaluates the foundry properties of trans-boundary Brahmaputra River sand and its prospects for use in foundries. Several laboratory analyses have been performed to elicit the foundry properties using standard methods of foundry analysis, including XRD, XRF, TG-DSC, and FESEM. From the study, the sand contains mainly quartz with small amounts of feldspar, amphibole, chlorite, and mica, and exhibits a subangular to subrounded shape. The sand is dominated by SiO2 (67.81–69.97%) and lesser amounts of other oxides, and it is thermally stable within 1000 °C temperature. The grain fineness number (64–79), mineralogical, chemical, thermal, and foundry properties are suitable for non-ferrous metal casting without distortion. Further, the aluminum and zinc alloy casting with trials demonstrate their potential for use in the foundry industries. The outcomes of this study thus offer valuable information about utilizing Brahmaputra River sand for foundry applications.