Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Efficient Code Generation for Streaming Applications

Contemporary mobile devices such as a smart-phone often need to run multiple applications with high performance demand, for example, wireless communication and high-definition video codecs. However, such devices often run on limited power sources like batteries. As a result, energy efficiency has always been important in embedded system design. To achieve high efficiency in these systems, significant efforts at different levels are required. As a lot of applications on embedded systems fall into the category of streaming application, which perform the same or similar operations on regular sequences of data. Therefore optimizing for streaming applications is of great importance. In this thesis, we propose processor architecture and code generation techniques to tackle part of the challenges in designing energy efficient processing systems for streaming applications. Firstly, we attempt to reduce the energy consumption of the register file (RF), which is typically one of the most power-hungry components in a processor. Analysis reveals that in many applications, most variables are used locally only for a few times, resulting in a lot of RF accesses that can be eliminated. In this work, we introduce an explicit datapath architecture that allows software to directly control the bypassing network. As the software has fine-grained control over the datapath, efficient code generation is a key to achieve high energy efficiency. We propose compiler back-end for the proposed explicit bypassing architecture. The compiler includes algorithms to schedule instructions such that most of the unnecessary RF accesses are eliminated, while the performance is unaffected. Experimental results show that the total energy consumption is reduced by 9.19% compared to the RISC baseline, and is more efficient than TTA-based processors with similar amount of resources. Secondly, a method to support flexible operation-pair pattern, which consists of two simple operations, in a RISC-like processor with compact 24-bit instruction set architecture (ISA) is presented. Two problems are tackled: i) encoding large number of special operation opcodes; ii) supplying sufficient data to the special function unit (SFU). Application analysis shows that operation-pair patterns have good locality in many applications. Therefore we propose a partially re-configurable instruction decoder that supports flexible operation pairs with only ten opcodes. Explicit bypassing is used to reduce the overhead of supplying more operands to the SFU. The efficiency of proposed solution relies on the compiler. We propose a compiler back-end that selects operation pattern and generates efficient code. Comprehensive experi-
Capture by Accelerated Carbonation of Alkaline Wastes : A Review on Its Principles and Applications

CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a promising technology wherein CO2 is captured and stored in solid form for further utilization instead of being released into the atmosphere in high concentrations. Under this framework, a new process called accelerated carbonation has been widely researched and developed. In this process, alkaline materials are reacted with high-purity CO2 in the presence of moisture to accelerate the reaction to a timescale of a few minutes or hours. The feedstock for accelerated carbonation includes natural silicate-minerals (e.g., wollastonite, serpentine, and olivine) and industrial residues (e.g., steelmaking slag, municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash, and air pollution control (APC) residues). This research article focuses on carbonation technologies that use industrial alkaline wastes, such as steelmaking slags and metalworking wastewater. The carbonation of alkaline solid waste has been shown to be an effective way to capture CO2 and to eliminate the contents of Ca(OH)2 in solid residues, thus improving the durability of concrete blended with the carbonated residues. However, the operating conditions must be further studied for both the economic viability of the technology and the optimal conditions for CO2 reaction.
Conference on International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development Evaluation of protein-rich feed ingredients for the organic production of freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii by smallholders in the inlands of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, there are many freshwater bodies appropriate for aquaculture purposes, but remaining unused so far. They are particularly suitable for the cultivation of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Such cultivation has the potential to raise the income of smallholders, especially in the case of organically produced prawns that are high-value-products. The aim of this study was to test protein-rich feed ingredients for organic production of freshwater prawns. These ingredients were fish meals of the spotted flounder, Hippoglossina bollmani, the Peruvian mora, Physiculus talarae, and the speckled scorpionfish, Pontinus cf sierra from regional by-catch and shrimp head meal of the northern nylon shrimp, Heterocarpus vicarius, which is a locally occurring processing waste.
Does Ownership Structure Affect Firm Performance in an Emerging Market? The Case of India

Manuscript type: Research paper Research aim: This study aims to examine the impact of ownership structure (ownership concentration and identities) on the financial and market performance of Indian listed firms, post the US financial crisis 2008. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is based on a six-year financial dataset of 100 Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) listed firms, from FY 2009-10 to FY 2014-15. The study applies the static panel data model (pooled OLS, fixed effect and random effect) and the dynamic panel data model (two-step generalised method of moments) for the hypotheses testing. Research findings: This study finds that in the case of ownership concentration, large owners have no link with the financial performance. However, they have an adverse impact on the market performance. The presence of promoters, domestic institutions and foreign institutions appears to boost the financial performance, whereas the foreign institutional investment seems to enhance the market performance.Theoretical contribution/Originality: The major contributions of this study are the two dimensions of ownership concentration (large owners) and identity (types of owners) being considered as ownership structure, the use of the dynamic panel models to check for the endogeneity issue and the post US financial crisis analysis derived from this study. All of these contribute to the impact of ownership volatility and performance variation in the context of India, thereby making this study a novel one. Policy implications: Policymakers should consider developing more lucrative policies so as to encourage institutional investors to invest in the Indian market. This is because domestic and foreign institutional owners are central to the enhancement of both the corporate financial and market performance. Further, corporate executives should aim to prevent inefficiencies so as to safeguard the interest of large owners. Research implications/Limitations: This study has used ownership structure as one of the essential governance mechanisms. Future research may consider other mechanisms like board structure or CEO duality. Keywords: Ownership Structure, Performance, Panel Data, GMM, Emerging Market JEL Classification: G32, L25, C33
Understanding Customers’ Continuance Intentions Toward In-Lobby Self-Service Technologies

Drawing on service climate theory and insights from the literature on self-service technologies (SSTs) and customer participation, this study investigates the antecedents of customers’ continuance intentions toward in-lobby SSTs. Using data collected from 257 actual customers in the context of retail banks, this experimental study examines the proposed relationship between customer perceived service climate, customer readiness factors (i.e., perceived ability, role clarity, and perceived benefit), customer satisfaction and customer continuance intention toward in-lobby SSTs. The results show that customers’ perceived service climate positively influences customers’ continuance intentions toward in-lobby SSTs. Moreover, two customer readiness factors (i.e., perceived ability, perceived benefit) and customer satisfaction mediate this relationship. The findings demonstrate the importance of customers’ perceived service climate in driving their continuance intention and provide managerial implications for service firms employing in-lobby SSTs.
The Effects of Liquidity Risk and Interest-Rate Risk on Profitability and Firm Value among Banks in ASEAN-5 Countries

This study explores the issues relating to liquidity risk and interest-rate risk, recognizing that existing studies are mostly vague in emerging and developing markets. Panel data estimation technique is employed in the study based on data extracted from 63 commercial banks in ASEAN-5 countries over the period 2009 to 2017 making up to 567 observations. The empirical results reveal that loan to deposit ratio have a positive significant effect on firm value while liquid asset ratio, interest rate risk (net interest margin and asset interest yield) have a negative significant effect on firm value for ASEAN. The loan to deposit ratio have a positive significant impact on return on asset, interest rate risk and banks size have a significant negative effect on return on asset for ASEAN banks while GDP and inflation have a positive significant effect on return on asset. Also, the liquidity risk have a negative significant effect on return on equity while the interest rate risk have a positive significant effect, bank size have a significant negative effect on return on equity while inflation rate have a positive significant impact on return on equity. Hence, this empirical study provides implications that emphasizes on the need for banks to adhere to prudential and regulatory guidelines and ensure corporate management with respect to liquidity exposure that is capable of critically affecting banks profitability and firm value. The dynamics of interest rate volatility in banks operating environment necessitates that financial institutions use sound risk management practices in order to obtain higher valuations, achieve better financial performance and experience diminished costs of financial distress thatâ€™s useful for policy implementations in ASEAN economies and suggest that further study can explore the interaction between abnormal loan growth and non-performing loans with a robust econometrics model.
Stock Market Exposure and Anxiety in a Turbulent Market: Evidence From China

The stock market in China has experienced significant turbulence since July 2014, including a bull market. In this paper, we propose that exposure to stock (defined as the condition of being exposed to both stock and stock-related information) can induce anxiety disorder when the market is in a turbulent period. To examine this prediction, we designed two studies in which we operationalized exposure to stock in two different ways. In Study 1, a panel analysis of a longitudinal data set for the Chinese stock market from January 2014 to July 2015 demonstrated that exposure to stock had a significant positive impact on individuals’ anxiety disorder, even in a bull market. Study 2, employing priming experiments, further supported that a temporarily primed “stock mindset” subconsciously increased participants’ anxiety. In addition, Study 2 revealed that physical exercise helped attenuate the detrimental impact of exposure to stock on mental well-being. This research demonstrates the detrimental impact of exposure to a turbulent stock market – even a rising market – on individuals’ mental health. Furthermore, it identifies an effective way to buffer such impact, and suggests ways for social scientists to employ search engines and the related data sets to obtain psychological or behavioral information (especially emotions and emotion disorders) by examining longitudinal “Big Data. ”
iPad Integration in an Elementary Classroom: Lesson Ideas, Successes, and Challenges

The availability of engaging apps on the iPad and its portability have encouraged many educators to adopt it as a teaching and learning tool in the classroom. However, because iPad integration is new, neither practical guidance nor best practices are yet available. Consequently, the authors integrated 13 iPads into a third grade classroom for a year to facilitate learning while examining how to unlock their full potential. The purpose of this chapter is to present specific elementary-level subject learning lesson ideas for iPads, identifying the advantages and challenges of such integration. They also provide practical tips for mobile technology integration in elementary classrooms. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2985-1.ch003
Analysis of Print Purchase on Demand Titles Ordered via Interlibrary Loan: A Collection Development Perspective

ABSTRACT This article examines data from five years of titles ordered as part of an academic research library's purchase on demand program (POD-ILL) for print titles originally requested through interlibrary loan. The study evaluates a variety of factors: patron departments, campus location, and status; the subject areas of the books acquired; cost; and publishers. Assessment of POD-ILL data may assist a collection management librarian to determine the value of having patrons contribute to collection development decisions. In addition, subject librarians can use the data to evaluate approval and demand-driven acquisition profiles.
Customer Churn Prediction in Mobile Communication Enterprises based on CART and Boosting Algorithm

Customer churn problems have been taking seriously by Enterprises,and how to predict churning customers effectively has been becoming an important subject.Firstly the original data of a mobile communication enterprise is preprocessed strictly,and the histogram test and the chi-square test are employed for choosing variables for the prediction model.Then a sampling method is applied to extract data for training and testing,and a strong classifier model based on Classification and Regression Tree and adaptive boosting algorithm is constructed by using training samples.At last,a simulation experiment is adopted and the results of the experiment show that the integrated model used in this paper had high prediction precision.The ROC curve presented in the paper also illustrates the model is an ideal classification model.Meanwhile,the model has been proved to have better prediction performance by comparison with the other two models.
An Examination of Active Learning Environments: A Non-parametric Analysis on Student Learning Assessments

Flipped learning has an almost 20-year history. However, the research is as ambiguous as it has been since its inception. This pedagogical model lacks consistent results. One key component that does have an impact, but not the only factor, has been an active or dynamic component included into the learning environment. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of active learning environments compared to traditional learning environments on student learning assessments. Using non-parametric analyses, the findings in this study did demonstrate that an active learning environment increased scores on student learning assessments. This, like previous studies, demonstrated inconsistent results in that not each assessment was statistically significant. Because this model keeps appearing in the research, further studies need to address the issues to hone the model to be consistent across the research.
Stabilizing explicit dynamic finite element simulations

Interactive simulation of deformable objects is one of the most important topics in visual computing today. While explicit time integration offers an inexpensive way to numerically integrate the evolution of deformable objects, they are of limited use, for traditional explicit finite element method integration depends on shape and size of the body’s tetrahedral elements. Small or ill-shaped elements containing large or small dihedral angles require very small time steps in order for the simulation to be stable. This thesis explores a novel way of looking at the integration stability of the linear finite element method using explicit time integration. The focus lies on trying to maintain as many of the advantages of explicit integration and relaxing the constraint of the element’s size and shape on the integration time step. This allows us to simplify the simulation pipeline by relaxing the necessity to run expensive meshing algorithms. In case of topological changes we allow to maintain the initial time step by integrating ill-shaped elements separately. We discuss the derivation and implementation of the finite element method and the methods we developed to judge the stability of single elements. Hereby, we focus on the corotational linear finite element method, which allows for non-linear deformations of a linear material similar to the non-linear Saint Venant-Kirchhoff material model. We give an overview over integration stability for explicit integration in the context of the simulation of deformable bodies. Based on the analysis of the stiffness matrix, we develop numerical schemes able to determine whether an individual element of an entire simulation mesh is violating the criterion for stable explicit simulation. Extensive numerical tests show the performance and accuracy of the develop methods. In the second part of the thesis, we use the traditional corotational finite element method to solve the dynamics equations to compute deformable body motions. By combining it with various methods to handle ill-shaped elements we are able to use explicit integration while still having a stable integration. We present four methods decoupling time step and element quality; each of them is designed as a two pass process. Wherein the first pass the tetrahedral elements are checked whether they can be stably simulated given the simulation time step. In the second pass, during runtime, the determined ill-shaped elements are handled separately such that they do not disturb the stability of the simulation. As a consequence, larger integration time steps than in purely explicit methods are possible. During topological modifications such as cutting, only newly created or modified
Fuzzy layered physical cell identities assignment in heterogeneous and small cell networks

Massive irregular deployments of small cells require corresponding physical cell identities (PCIs) in heterogeneous cellular networks. The number of PCIs is restricted by the synchronisation sequence result in PCI reuse at an appropriate distance among base stations. Some methods of PCI assignment are given either globally optimal or completely preferential. Accordingly, the former cannot guarantee handover performance, and the latter may lead to low efficiency of allocations. A layered allocation algorithm based on fuzzy clustering is proposed. Simulation results show that it can improve the efficiency of the PCI assignment, while maintaining handover performance.
Some factors which may affect the attainment of implicit and explicit knowledge in learning English as a second or foreign language

This article is an attempt to shed some more light on certain factors, related to individual differences in the process of second/foreign language acquisition/learning, proven by previous research in the field of second language acquisition (SLA). These are factors which may affect the final attainment of adult learners’ implicit and explicit knowledge of English as a second/foreign language and their proficiency. A study based on empirical data collected from a sample of 103 participants, through a battery of tests, aimed at tapping into the attainment of implicit or explicit knowledge of ESL/EFL, was conducted to explore certain factors such as: starting age of learning; length of exposure to English as a second/foreign language in a target language country; length of learning and type of input received, which have a statistically significant impact on attainment and on ESL/EFL proficiency. The results were analysed using SPSS software.
Irreparable rotator cuff tears: challenges and solutions

Irreparable rotator cuff tears are common conditions seen by shoulder surgeons, characterized by a torn and retracted tendon associated with muscle atrophy and impaired mobility. Direct fixation of the torn tendon is not possible due to the retracted tendon and lack of healing potential which result in poor outcome. Several treatment options are viable but correct indication is mandatory for a good result, pain improvement, and restoration of shoulder function. Patient can be treated either with a conservative program or surgically when necessary, by different available modalities like arthroscopic debridement, partial reconstruction, subacromial spacer, tendon transfer, and shoulder replacement with reverse prosthesis. The aim of this study was to review literature to give an overview of the available possible solutions, with indications and expected outcomes.
Methods of investigating vowel interferences of French learners of German

The French and German vowel inventories [Fougeron & Fougeron, 1999, Kohler, 1999] show many similarities, for instance, both have a series of front rounded vowels. Contrary to German, French has no vowel length contrast. Although specialized teaching materials for German consider the problem of vowel length/tenseness (e.g. [Hirschfeld, 2014; Hirschfeld et al., 2007]), it is still unclear how frequently vowel errors occur in L2 speech and which pairs of long-tense and short-lax vowels create the most serious difficulties for French learners of German. We present three methods to analyze the interference processes occurring in read speech of French learners of German (60 sentences, 50 subjects). First, we analyzed phone confusion matrices based on hand-labeled data. The most frequent confusions appear for two long-tense/short-lax distinctions. Second, in a perception study, German native speakers listened to words belonging to minimal pairs like Miete - Mitte ('rent-middle') differing in length/tenseness. Results indicate that, overall, short vowels were identified correctly less often (64\%) than long vowels (77\%), but with great inter-individual differences. Although most problems occur in the beginner group, every second advanced learner shows for short vowels an identification rate lower than chance, which means they were perceived as long by German native listeners. Finally, acoustic measurements of the minimal pair words revealed very different strategies: some speakers show a general tendency to lengthen and other speakers to shorten vowels. The results of these three investigations help to create a more detailed account of the transfer of vowel contrasts, extending prior research on vowel perception [Kingston, 2003; Flege & MacKay, 2004], with orthography as a possible source of interference. Furthermore, the results of the studies can be used to create individualized training and feedback for foreign language learners.