Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast and reliable solutions for numerical linear algebra solvers in high-performance computing.

In this "Habilitation a Diriger des Recherches" (HDR), we present our research in high-performance scientific computing over the recent years. Our work has been mainly related to parallel algorithms for numerical linear algebra solvers and their parallel implementation in public domain software libraries. We illustrate in this manuscript how these calculations can be accelerated using innovative algorithms and be made reliable using specific quantities in error analysis. First we explain how numerical linear algebra solvers can be designed to exploit the capabilities of current heterogeneous multicore+GPU systems. We consider dense factorization algorithms for which we describe the work splitting between the architectural components and its influence in terms of communication cost. These computations can also be significantly enhanced thanks to mixed precision algorithms that use lower precision for the most expensive tasks while achieving higher precision accuracy for the results. Then we present our research in developing fast linear algebra solvers using randomized algorithms. Randomization represents a very promising approach to accelerate linear algebra computations and the class of algorithms that we developed has the advantage of reducing the amount of communication in dense factorizations by removing completely the pivoting phase in linear system solutions. The resulting software has been developed for multicore machines possibly accelerated by GPUs. Finally we propose numerical tools that enable us to assess the quality of the computed solution of overdetermined linear least squares, including the total least squares approach. Our method is based on deriving exact values or estimates for the condition number of these problems. We describe algorithms and software to compute these quantities using standard parallel libraries. Research tracks for the coming years are given in a concluding chapter.
The contradictory role of humor in international competitiveness and innovativeness

This study explores the relationships among the use of different types of humor (affiliative, aggressive, reframing, and coping humor)—both among immediate co-workers (“ingroup”), and with actors external to the firm (“outgroup”), international competitiveness, as well as innovativeness. An exploratory study based on survey data suggests that humor, when connections exist, is negatively related to international competitive potential and performance. Whether or not these negative effects emerge, depends on with whom and which type of humor is used. However, the situation is not straightforward: innovativeness is positively related to international competitiveness, and to innovativeness, humor types relate in different ways, some positive, some negative. Overall, humor seems to play a relevant, but challenging-to-manage role especially in settings where borders—organizational or national—are crossed: Humor that works as a lubricant for innovation processes, does not necessarily work directly in advancing international competitiveness.
Fiscal Policy Sustainability in SADC Countries

A cross-country analysis of fiscal sustainability was conducted using both the cointegration and model-based approaches. The results revealed evidence of fiscal policy sustainability in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with the existence of cointegration between government revenue and expenditure ratios and a pronounced conditional response of government revenues following a change in government expenditures.
Understanding online interaction in language MOOCs through learning analytics

ABSTRACT Data mining is increasing its popularity in the research of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning and Applied Linguistics in general. It enables a better understanding of progress, performance and possible pitfalls, which would be useful for language learners, teachers and researchers. Until recently it was an unexplored field, but it is expected to grow exponentially in the following years. This article attempts to be a relevant contribution as an instance of empirical research, showing the application of Learning Analytics to the Language MOOC (LMOOC) ‘How to succeed in the English B1 Level Exam. ’ The focus or the research was threefold, trying to find out: (1) what types of learning objects students engage with most, (2) what aspects of online interaction relate more strongly to course completion and success, and (3) which are the most prominent student profiles in an LMOOC. Results show that short video-pills are the most powerful learning objects in this type of online courses, the regular submission of automated grading activities is a robust indicator towards course success, and the most prominent student profile in LMOOCs is ‘viewers’, those who access the learning materials but do not submit tasks or engage in online interaction actively, which would explain why the completion rate in LMOOCs is so low. This novel perspective into students’ language learning, which big data has assisted us in, should guide course creators to re-design the LMOOC for the enhancement of the audio-visual content. LMOOC instructors and facilitators should also encourage participants to increase the submission of activities –acknowledging these small achievements through micro-credentialing and badges-, and special attention ought to be paid to the most prominent LMOOC profile, those ‘viewers’ who should be lured into becoming ‘solvers’ or, even better, ‘all-rounders’.
Security implications of oil exploration on social activities in South Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, Kenya

This study explored the security implications of oil exploration on the social activities in South Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, Kenya. It was motivated by the disagreements between the county government and national government on the exploration, extraction, production and sharing of oil benefits. Oil discovery and revenues fuel ethnic and political tension in any country, result in war and political instability. Nigeria’s Biafran war was due to oil discovery between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Such tensions are due to unfulfilled expectations of the host communities, corruption, environmental degradation, socio-economic disruptions and exploitation. In a region of extant and prevalent insecurity over scarce resources, there is the likelihood of violent disagreements over ownership and utilization of a newly discovered resource. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 382 respondents was drawn; 8,493 were adults from Turkana County. Whereas most studies relating to oil discovery in Kenya have centred on the economic implications; this study filled the gap from the security perspective. Oil exploration had security implications on social activities as confirmed by 70% of the respondents. 65% also confirmed it, while 60% confirmed that oil exploration led to increased insecurity. 65% of the respondents felt that the security measures were insufficient to deal with security threats as a result of oil exploration while 60% of the respondents did not feel entitled to the benefits of oil exploration and production. The study concluded that oil exploration had both positive and negative security implications on socio-economic activities in South Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, Kenya. Key words: Security, implications, oil exploration, social activities, indigenous communities, community participation.
Cultural differences in attitudes towards interactive messages for digital addiction: A UK-China comparison

The excessive and obsessive use of the internet and digital technologies, known as Digital Addiction (DA), is becoming a social issue. Given that it inherently involves the use of technological devices this provides the opportunity to deliver interactive, intelligent prevention and intervention strategies in real time. However, for any large-scale, multi-national prevention campaign to be optimised cultural differences within the target population must be considered. This study aimed to contribute towards this literature by exploring cultural differences in the acceptance of DA prevention messages in the UK vs China. An initial series of exploratory interviews were conducted with a sample within the UK to determine what strategies may be used to address overuse of digital devices. These interviews were subjected to content analysis, which was then used as the basis for an online survey that was disseminated throughout the UK and China. A total of 373 useable surveys were returned. There were several statistically significant differences in preferences over how an intervention system should operate. UK participants wished for the system to be easily under their control, whilst behaving largely autonomously when needed, and to also be transparent as to why a message had been triggered. Chinese participants on the other hand were less likely to state a preference for such a high degree of control over any such system. Overall, the preferred implementation of such systems does appear to vary between the UK and China, suggesting that any future prevention and intervention strategies take cultural dimensions into consideration.
Lessons from five decades of experimental and behavioral research on accountability: A systematic literature review

The study of accountability in public administration has developed largely in parallel to the study of accountability in the behavioral sciences. In an effort to bridge this divide, we present a systematic review of the experimental literature on accountability in the behavioral sciences and draw lessons for public administration. We summarize the findings of 266 experiments exploring the effects of accountability mechanisms, presented in 211 articles published between 1970 and 2016. These findings are organized in four broad themes: effects of accountability on decision-making, behavior, and outcomes; and effects of the specific characteristics of accountability mechanisms. The review shows numerous desirable effects of accountability on individual decision-making and behaviors. This is of high relevance to public administration studies on accountability as it sheds light on causal mechanisms and allows for a balanced perspective on positive and negative effects of various types of accountability mechanisms. It is however not always possible to translate findings from behavioral research directly to public administration settings. We discuss the meaning and value of our findings for public administration studies and develop an agenda for future behavioral research on public sector accountability.
The Effect of Working Capital Management on the Export Performance of Small and Medium Export Enterprises: Evidence from Export Manufacturing Sector in Sri Lanka

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical for the development of the economy in any country and known as the backbone of industrial development in both developing and developed countries. SMEs play a key role in the economy in terms of their contribution to the national output, employment, and the number of firms operating in the country. Effective management of working capital management is necessary for a firm’s survival as well as the success of a business. It is essential to maintain a healthy working capital of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to keep the solvency and liquidity of SMEs. The problem identified in the research was that, in Sri Lanka, 82% of SMEs are export enterprises which are expected to provide a substantial contribution to the total exports of the country, however, at present, it only contributes approximately 5% of total exports. Therefore, the main objective of the study, was to identify whether there is an effect of working capital management (WCM) practices towards the export performance of the SMEs. The respondents were chosen through a systematic sampling technique, and the responses were analyzed using SPSS version 21 to discover impact of WCM on export performance of the company. The results of the study showed that Receivable management, Inventory management, and Payable management significantly affect export performance while cash management does not have a significant effect. Findings concluded that there is a positive relationship between WCM practices and export performance of SMEs. Hence, in order to enhance the export performance, SMEs should also consider their working capital practices among other requirements.
Pengaruh Kompetensi, Kompleksitas Tugas dan Skeptisme Profesional Terhadap Kualitas Audit pada Kantor Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan pembangunan Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Audit quality is not easy to define because there are many factors that affect quality. This study aims to determine the effect of competence, task complexity, and Auditor Professional Skepticism, on Audit Quality. The data used in this study is primary data by distributing questionnaires to all auditors at the BPKP Representative Office in North Sumatra Province. The population in this study were all auditors at the BPKP Representative Office in North Sumatra Province. The collection of data and information needed in this study was carried out with field research. The data used are primary data collected directly from the research subjects with a questionnaire form. Testing the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable is done by using multiple regression models. The results of this study indicate that both partially and simultaneously, competence, task complexity, and Auditor Professional Skepticism, have an effect on Audit Quality in the BPKP Representative office in North Sumatra Province
CER-ETH – Center of Economic Research at ETH Zurich Malthus in the Light of Climate Change

To reconsider the Malthusian predictions of natural limits to economic development, the paper develops a multi-sector growth model with exhaustible resource extraction, investments in physical and knowledge capital, climate change, and endogenous fertility. Economic growth is driven by endogenous innovations which increase in the availability and productivity of research labour. Poor substitution of natural resources triggers sectoral change. Climate change is the result of polluting resource use which is, like consumption and investments, based on the intertemporal optimization of the households. Highlighting the importance of bounded resource supply and of rational extraction decisions I show that climate change is independent of population growth in steady state and there is no causal relationship between climate and population during transition to steady state. The consumption per capita growth rate rises in the innovation rate and the output elasticities of labour and capital in the different sectors. Unlike climate policy, population policy is not warranted; it may be counterproductive because labour is crucial for the research sector.
PENGARUH EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN DAN MINAT BELI ULANG DI WARUNG KOPI KLOTOK, KALIURANG, YOGYAKARTA

This research is about analyzing the influence of Experiential Marketing on consumer satisfaction and repurchase intention at Warung Kopi Klotok, Kaliurang, Yogyakarta. It is a marketing element for the repurchase intention who obtain customer satisfaction through elements of experiential marketing, namely sense, feel, think, act, and relate. Obtaining data directly through a distribution questionnaire, with the number of samples meeting the requirements of a purposive sample of 247 respondents. The data analysis technique used in this study is Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the Moment Structure Analysis (AMOS) program version 22. The results of the study show four conclusions namely experiential marketing has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, experiential marketing has a positive and significant effect on repurchase intention, customer satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on repurchase intention, and customer satisfaction is able to mediate marketing experience to repurchase intention.
The Effectiveness of Games in Enhancing Vocabulary Learning among Iranian Third Grade High School Students

Games provide an opportunity for students to collaborate and cooperate with each other, create a fun, interesting, and effective learning environment, and promote an enjoyable learning experience and teach students vocabulary. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of games on Iranian high school students’ vocabulary learning. The researchers used vocabulary Bingo game for this objective. The researchers adopted the experimental research design for this study. 80 students were randomly selected for this study. The researchers chose 40 students with respect to their scores in Oxford Placement Test (OPT) as the participants of this study. They were divided into control and experimental groups, each group consisted of 20 students. Vocabulary Bingo game was used for teaching experimental group, while traditional teaching method was used for control group. The experimental group learnt vocabulary through using vocabulary Bingo game in 10 sessions. The gathered data were statistically analyzed by utilizing the statistical package for social science (SPSS). The researchers used independent sample t-test to measure the effect of vocabulary Bingo game on the experimental group. The findings showed that there were statistically significant differences in the mean scores of pre- test and post-test. The findings indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group and the statistical results were considerable in post-test. Such findings were attributed to the use of vocabulary Bingo game in teaching vocabulary. The findings also revealed that using games is effective in improving learners’ vocabulary knowledge.
Competitive accumulation, the geographical transfer of value, and global environmental change

This commentary on Chapter 6 on Markets, Finance, and Corporations of the International Panel for Social Progress (IPSP 2018) report makes four points. The first suggests that proposals for legal reform of the corporation require consideration of the underlying processes of capital accumulation. Second, thinking about the articulations of global value chains and the law could help better appreciate their combined role in the geographical transfer of value. The third notes the potential for the greater analytical integration of financial and corporate dynamics through the study of the financialisation of production. Finally, it argues that future work by the IPSP should examine the articulations of political economy and global environmental change, and the spaces for ‘social progress’ therein.
Private Sector Investments and Unemployment in Nigeria (1986-2016)

This research work examined private sector investments and unemployment in Nigeria. The period covered by the study is from 1986 -2016. The study aimed at identifying the impact of private sector investments on unemployment level in Nigeria. Times series data on Private Domestic Investment (PDI), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and Unemployment rate were collected from secondary sources via the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and World Bank Development Indicators. The Johansen co-integration, analysis, Vector Error Correction (VECM) and Pairwise Granger causality analysis were employed in the data analysis. The Johansen cointegration result indicated the existence of long-run relationship between private sector investment variables and unemployment rate in Nigeria. In the same vein, the Vector Error Correction Model (ECM) estimate equation is properly signed with a negative coefficient of -0.006644 but with an insignificant t-statistic probability value of 0.7376 at 5% significance level. The insignificant t-statistic implies that private sector investments do not granger cause unemployment rate in the long-run. However, a significant but negative relationship was found between past unemployment rate and private domestic investment lagged one period and unemployment rate in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that sustainable policies that will ensure and encourage growth of private sector investments should be vigorously pursued by stakeholders in the industry. These policies could come in form of access to cheap funds (through reduced interest rates or cost of funds), subsidization of inputs in the production process, tax waivers or newly established firms among other policy initiatives. Keywords: Private Sector, Investments, unemployment rate. DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-14-07 Publication date :July 31 st 2019
Distant or Close Cousins: Connectedness Between Cryptocurrencies and Traditional Currencies Volatilities

This paper examines the volatility interconnection between the main cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies during the period of February 2014-September 2018 using both a framework proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2014) and the modified approach of Antonakakis and Gabauer (2017). Our results suggest that a 34.43%, of the total variance of the forecast errors is explained by shocks across the eight examined cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies, indicating that the remainder 65.57% of the variation is due to idiosyncratic shocks. Furthermore, we find that volatility connectedness varies over time, with a surge during periods of increasing economic and financial instability. When we aggregate both markets by blocks, we find that the block of traditional currencies and the block of cryptocurrencies are mostly disconnected with periods of mild net volatility spill over between both blocks. Finally, our findings suggest that financial market variables are the main drivers of total connectedness within the traditional currencies, while the cryptocurrency-specific variables are identified as the key determinant for the total connectedness within the traditional currencies and a combination of business cycles and cryptocurrency-specific variables explain the directional volatility connectedness between both blocks.
Think Fast: The Role of Thin Slices of Behavior in Employee Selection Decisions

This study integrates past research addressing decision&#8208;making, employee selection, and influence processes in an attempt to provide both a theoretical and empirical foundation for future research addressing initial impressions throughout the interview process. Using data from a simulated hiring situation comprised of 28 recruiters and 229 applicants, the results suggest that initial impressions formed at the beginning of the interview make a substantive impact on final impressions. However, impressions formed at the career fair do not appear to impact final impressions without considering the interactive effects of decision confidence. Hypotheses proposing that decision confidence would moderate linkages between initial impressions formed at the beginning of the interview and both interview scores and final impressions were not supported. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for selection.
How Does Transparency Complement Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in the Restaurant Business?

Abstract The study is an attempt to identify the preferred transparency components from customers’ viewpoint which complements customer satisfaction and loyalty through assurance and reliability in the Indian restaurant business. The study focused on the traditional restaurant settings in Madhya Pradesh (MP), India. A total of 477 usable responses were gathered from customers who dine out frequently in the traditional restaurants. The study disclosed the relative importance of transparency dimensions to improve service-quality dimensions (assurance and reliability) that in turn complement customer satisfaction and loyalty towards the restaurant business.