Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A MICROARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS OF MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS ON SPARK

A Microarchitectural Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms on Spark José Antonio Muñoz Cepillo Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2017 Analysis of large data sets utilizing Machine Learning Algorithms (MLAs) is an important research and application area. This thesis presents a comprehensive performance analysis of MLAs on the ApacheTM Spark platform, identifying bottlenecks at the microarchitectural level, and associating them to higher-level code constructs. In addition, we propose solutions to address the discovered performance issues. Our results indicate that: 1) The majority of MLAs are backend-bound, in particular memory-bound. 2) The dot product is the main bottleneck in a considerable number of MLAs. 3) Garbage collection and high-level abstractions are a major source of overhead in Spark. 4) Enabling Hyper-Threading is a recommended feature that improves performance up to 52%. 5) The improved data representation of the Dataset API results in performance improvements of up to 64% over the RDD API. 6) Enabling software caching in the right place improves the performance between 6%-23%.
Capital Structure and EPS: A study on Selected Financial Institutions Listed on Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in Sri Lanka

The main objective of this study is to find out the impact of capital structure on earnings per share (EPS) in selected financial institutions listed on Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka during 2006 to 2010. To attain this objective, distinctive methodologies consistent with the previous research studies have been used. The study employs correlation and regression model to test the operational hypotheses. The results revealed that Equity and debt ratio have a negative association with EPS, whereas leverage ratio has a positive association according to correlation analysis (r = -.244, -.326 and .389 respectively). In addition, capital structure ratios have an impact which is approximately (R 2 ) 22.6 % on EPS at 0.05 significant levels. This study would hopefully benefit to the academicians, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners of Sri Lanka as well as other similar countries. Keywords: Capital structure, Colombo Stock Exchange, Capital Structure Ratios, Financial Institutions, EPS.
Conducting Research with young people and developing the MTW Approach: - a methodology that grasps young people’s perspectives

In this article we present our qualitative mixed-methods methodology that we name the MapTalk-Walk Approach (MTW Approach). We developed the approach to better grasp young people’s understandings of youth, normality and belonging, which make up the thematic framework of our current youth research. The MTW Approach is based on three phases, 1) Researcher-initiated workshops, 2) Focus group interviews, and 3) Walk-and-talks in the young people’s local environments. In the article, we discuss the ethical complications related to doing research with young people and positioning them as experts in their lifeworlds. Our ambition is to create a democratized research process that allows the participants ownership, and we find this to be a challenging task. In the closing section, after a thorough presentation of the three phases, we discuss some of the pitfalls we experienced during the process, in which approximately 70 students from 8th grade in three different lower secondary schools in a Danish Provincial Town (in this article called Lomby) participated.
Sampled-Data Control of Spacecraft Rendezvous with Discontinuous Lyapunov Approach

This paper investigates the sampled-data stabilization problem of spacecraft relative positional holding with improved Lyapunov function approach. The classical Clohessy-Wiltshire equation is adopted to describe the relative dynamic model. The relative position holding problem is converted into an output tracking control problem using sampling signals. A time-dependent discontinuous Lyapunov functionals approach is developed, which will lead to essentially less conservative results for the stability analysis and controller design of the corresponding closed-loop system. Sufficient conditions for the exponential stability analysis and the existence of the proposed controller are provided, respectively. Finally, a simulation result is established to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
An extension of the Koziol–Green model under dependent censoring

In survival analysis, the classical Koziol–Green model under random censorship is commonly used for informative censoring. We propose in this paper an extension of this model in which we derive a nonparametric estimator for the distribution function of a survival time under two types of informative censoring. For the first type of informative censoring, we assume that the censoring time depends on the survival time through the expression of their joint distribution by an Archimedean copula. For the second type of informative censoring, we assume that the marginal distribution of the censoring time is a function of the marginal distribution of the survival time where this function is found through a section of a known copula function on the observed lifetime and the censoring indicator. We prove in this paper the uniform consistency of the new estimator and show the weak convergence of the associated process. Afterwards, we give some finite sample simulation results and illustrate this estimator on a real-life data set.
An Empirical Examination of the Ohlson (1995) Valuation Model in South Africa

6 Chapter I : Introduction 7 1.1 Background 7 1.2 The South African context 9 1.3 Statement of the problem 11 1.3. 1 Research questions 11 1.4 Rationale of the study 11 1.5 Organization of the study 12 Chapter II : Literature Review 13 2.
Bosonic Channel Capacity of a Nonlinear Dispersive Optical Fiber

Bosonic channel capacity of some important nonlinear optical channels is studied. In particular, the bosonic channel capacity of a nonlinear dispersive (silica) optical fiber interacting with an intense laser beam has been studied in detail and it has been shown that the channel capacity can be enhanced/tuned by tuning coupling constant, temperature, frequency of the radiations, etc. Further it is shown that channel capacity is not proportional to nonclassicality.
Different zinc levels on growth, yield and nutrient content of BRRI dhan 33

The experiment was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from June to November 2012 to study the effect of zinc on growth, yield and nutrient content on BRRI dhan-33. The experiment consisted 4 levels of zinc viz. Z0: 0 kg Zn ha-1 (control), Z1: 2.0 kg Zn ha-1, Z2: 3.0 kg Zn ha-1, Z3: 4.0 kg Zn ha-1 following randomized complete block design with three replications. Tallest plant (88.3 cm at harvest), maximum number of effective tillers hill-1 (13.3), grain yield ha-1 (5.1 ton) were found from Z3 treatment which was statistically similar with Z2 treatment whereas minimum from the control Z0. While on the other hand, Zn content in grain was found 0.028% in Z3 treatment while found 0.018% in Z0.
Tribal Politics, Tribal Press, Plural Contexts? Pragmatic Analysis of News Discourse on Kenya’s Crisis

This paper studies from a linguistic-pragmatic perspective the construction of potentially ideological meanings related to journalistic choice-making practices in the contexts of local and foreign news reporting against the background of the globalization of news. In particular, it examines the discourse of hard news reports about Kenya’s post-election crisis in the national newspapers Daily Nation and The Standard as compared to thematically-related foreign correspondence from The Independent and The Times, The New York Times and The Washington Post. By means of a combined methodology, comprising a quantitative content analysis, a qualitative discourse analysis and ethnographic fieldwork, two frames of meaning are identified: a tribal and a socio-political frame. From an international perspective, American and British newspapers primarily ethnicized the events, while they tended to be politicized in the local Kenyan press. The differences in language use can be partly explained by contextual (political, social and pragmatic) factors. Thus the interpretive results can be supported, refined or nuanced by information from ethnographic fieldwork, which also allows us to take both global and local journalistic voices into account.
STEGANOGRAPHY FOR TWO AND THREE LSBs USING EXTENDED SUBSTITUTION ALGORITHM

The Security of data on internet has become a prior thing. Though any message is encrypted using a stronger cryptography algorithm, it cannot avoid the suspicion of intruder. This paper proposes an approach in such way that, data is encrypted using Extended Substitution Algorithm and then this cipher text is concealed at two or three LSB positions of the carrier image. This algorithm covers almost all type of symbols and alphabets. The encrypted text is concealed variably into the LSBs. Therefore, it is a stronger approach. The visible characteristics of the carrier image before and after concealment remained almost the same. The algorithm has been implemented using Matlab.
Examining the enhancement drink NeuroBliss®: Lack of effect on mood and memory in late adolescents"

NeuroDrinks® are beverages designed to enhance certain aspects of consumers’ lives, such as sleep, attention, or mood. The NeuroBliss® beverage is marketed as a product that helps reduce stress, enhance mood, provide focus and concentration, and promote a positive outlook (drinkneuro.com/bliss). NeuroBliss® contains some anxiolytic and memory boosting ingredients, such as L-theanine, chamomile, Alpha GPC and Vitamin D. We tested the impact of NeuroBliss® consumption on measures of mood, memory, and anxiety in undergraduate students. After a mood pre-assessment test, undergraduate students consumed either one bottle of the original NeuroBliss® blend (n=14) or a placebo (n=16). Participants then attended a college level biology class and took a mood post-assessment test and a memory test approximately three hours later. Statistical analysis using both paired and unpaired t-tests indicated that NeuroBliss® had no significant effects on anxiety levels, mood, or memory. The results indicate that NeuroBliss® did not provide the advertised effects in an undergraduate population. Future studies could determine the effects of the other NeuroDrink® line of beverages. Abbreviations: FDA-Food and Drug Administration; VDD-Vitamin D deficient; GABAgamma-aminobutyric acid; VAS - Visual Analogue Scale; HADS - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
PRAGMATICS AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: A DIALOGUE ON THE CONCEPT OF APHORIZATION IN MEDIA TEXTS

In this article, which is part of a larger postdoctoral research, we examine, in the light of the dialogue between Pragmatics and French Discourse Analysis, the notion of aphorization, as proposed by Dominique Maingueneau (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012). We have tried to observe its use in Brazilian and French magazines, as a resource to manipulate the readers, especially through the changes that this kind of utterance undergoes in the process of highlighting.
China-Concept Factor and Stock Returns in Taiwan

This study investigates whether there is a "China-concept factor", a common variation of stock returns, for firms that are listed in Taiwan stock markets and have real investments in China. We employ a methodology similar to that used by Lamont et al. (2001) in examining whether there is a financial-constraints factor. Listed firms in Taiwan stock markets for the period 1990–2004 are used to form portfolios of firms based on observable characteristics related to their real investments in China. We find that firms investing heavily in China have stock returns moving together over time, which suggests that firms investing in China are subject to common shocks. Firms investing heavily in China are found to exhibit higher average stock returns. There exists a China-concept factor for firms listed in Taiwan stock market and have real investments in China.
The Assessment of Greece's Image as a Tourism Destination

The importance of tourism is universally acknowledged, since it is one of the growing sectors of a country’s economy and is widely recognized for its contribution to regional and national economic development. As more and more areas of the world are developed for tourism, the destination choices available to consumers continue to expand. Furthermore, today’s consumers, facilitated by increased leisure time, rising levels of income and more efficient transportation networks, have the means to choose from among this much larger variety of destinations. Thus, dynamic structure and intense competition in tourism industry increase the need to understand consumer segments and their perceptions. Greece is a favourite tourism destination in Europe. As Turkey’s advantageous geographical location and its huge population, Turkish consumers are always a good opportunity for Greece’s tourism industry. This study aims to determine sub-groups of Turkish consumers according to their intentions to visit Greece and also to examine their differentiating perceptions about Greece’s image as a tourism destination. The data was collected from 1023 Turkish consumers. Multiple Discriminant analysis was used in order to find whether sub-groups of consumers’ evaluations vary among destination image of Greece. In the study, it was found that Turkish consumers can be grouped into four groups that have different perceptions of Greece’s destination image. It is believed that the study provides valuable insights for both academics and practitioners.
Diversity and species composition of fungal endophytes in Avenella flexuosa under different sheep grazing regimes. Anders Bjørnsgaard Aas Master of Science Thesis Department of Biology MERG

3 Introduction. 4 Materials and methods. 8 Study site. 8 Sampling plant material. 9 Cultivation of fungal endophytes. 9 Molecular identification of fungal cultures. 10 454 sequence analysis. 11 1. DNA isolation. 12 2. Real-time PCR. 13 3. Initial PCR. 13 4. Nested PCR. 14 454 sequence quality control and clustering. 15 Statistical analyses. 15 1. Ordination.15 2. Species richness estimates. 16 3. Vectorized General Linear Models . 16 4. Neighbour-joining analyses. 17 Results. 18 Sequence data. 18 1. Culture data. 18 2. 454 sequence data. 18 Taxonomic affiliation and key species. 20 Diversity and sheep grazing. 24 Community composition . 29 Discussion. 32 What can be observed from culturing versus 454 sequencing? 32 2 454 sequencing consistency. 33 Taxonomic coverage. 34 Effects of grazing OTU diversity. 35 Effects of grazing on OTU composition. 36 Methodological aspects and concluding remarks. 37 References. 39 Supplementary material. 45
On the phytoplankton bloom in coastal waters of southern King George Island (Antarctica) in January 2010: An exceptional feature?

Since the early 1990s, phytoplankton has been studied and monitored in Potter Cove (PC) and Admiralty Bay (AB), King George/25 de Mayo Island (KGI), South Shetlands. Phytoplankton biomass is typically low compared to other Antarctic shelf environments, with average spring—summer values below 1 mg chlorophyll a (Chl a) m−3. The physical conditions in the area (reduced irradiance induced by particles originated from the land, intense winds) limit the coastal productivity at KGI, as a result of shallow Sverdrup's critical depths (Zc) and large turbulent mixing depths (Zt). In January 2010 a large phytoplankton bloom with a maximum of around 20 mg Chl a m−3, and monthly averages of 4 (PC) and 6 (AB) mg Chl a m−3, was observed in the area, making it by far the largest recorded bloom over the last 20 yr. Dominant phytoplankton species were the typical bloom‐forming diatoms that are usually found in the western Antarctic Peninsula area. Anomalously cold air temperature and dominant winds from the eastern sector seem to explain adequate light : mixing environment. Local physical conditions were analyzed by means of the relationship between Zc and Zt, and conditions were found adequate for allowing phytoplankton development. However, a multiyear analysis indicates that these conditions may be necessary but not sufficient to guarantee phytoplankton accumulation. The relation between maximum Chl a values and air temperature suggests that bottom‐up control would render such large blooms even less frequent in KGI under the warmer climate expected in the area during the second half of the present century.
The Cubic Form Hypothesis and the Flying Geese Pattern Hypothesis of Income Distribution: The Case of Korea

This paper examines the cubic form hypothesis and the flying geese pattern hypothesis of income distribution. We use time series data for the Gini coefficients of Korea for 1961-2006 and panel data calculated based on a household income survey for the period 1998-2003. We show; (1) The Korean economy has a cubic form inequality as shown in many advanced countries such as the U.S, U.K and Japan, and (2) Different relationships between income inequality and income level are observed among regions since less developed rural areas lagged behind more developed urban ones. Thus the pattern of the change of inequality by region in Korea has similarities to the flying geese pattern and the multiple catching up pattern that are processes of the industrialization of manufacturing.
Extreme Wave Groups in Storm Seas Near Coastal Water

We discuss statistics of wave groups containing the maximal wave height over wave records of 20 minutes. These wave groups are called extreme wave groups (EWGs). The concept of the EWG combines the two previously separately considered design factors of extreme waves and wave groups into a more severe storm seas wave action. The wave data used in this investigation consists of near 540 records of wave staff measurements in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, we shall present (a) the dependence of EWG properties on the bandwidth of wave spectra, (b) the mean envelope shape of EWGs, exhibiting distinct differences from the envelope shape of regular basis.
Buccal Tablets of Lisinopril by Direct Compression Method for Buccal Drug Delivery

Buccal tablets of lisinopril were prepared by direc t compression method using different hydrophilic po lymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodiumcarboxy methylcellulose and Carbopol. All the prepared formulatio ns showed satisfactory mass uniformity, thickness and favoura ble drug content. The friability of all the formula tion was below 1%, which is an indication of good mechanical resistanc e of tablets. Among all the formulations, F4 showed maximum swelling index and in vitro release. Drug release mechanism was determined by plotting release data to Higuchi and KorsmeyerPeppas model. All the formulations are best fitted to Higuchi model and according to this model the dr ug releases from theses tablets may be controlled by diffusion. The surface pH of all formulations was found to be almo st in neutral pH and no mucosal irritation was expected. The accelerated stability studies indicated that, the selected for mulation (F4) showed almost same drug content, mass uniformity and resid ence time. No colour change or no any changes in te xture were observed when tablets were tested in simulated sali va solution (pH 6.8).
THE INFLUENCE OF HIV/AIDS ON COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is the method of choice for delivering services for people living with disabilities in many countries. HIV/AIDS is changing the daily lives of many women by adding to their responsibilities. How realistically can such women participate actively in community development activities like CBR? This paper examines the impact of HIV/AIDS on CBR in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Observational sessions and individual interviews were conducted with caregivers of children with disabilities, CBR workers and managers over a three month period. Among the findings was a significant decrease in CBR activities in families affected by HIV/AIDS. This change in family priorities was due to better knowledge of acute diseases and increased stigma of HIV/AIDS in comparison to disability. Older CBR workers were more likely to incorporate elements of HIV/AIDS care with CBR, while younger CBR workers were more likely to avoid HIV/AIDS support. The ability of CBR workers to adapt their working habits to an environment with high HIV/AIDS prevalence is linked to their sense of skill competence and their knowledge/beliefs about risk of infection. Further integration of CBR work with general health development initiatives may improve this situation.
GENETIC DISTANCE AND HETEROSIS IN CASSAVA

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) believes that open access contributes to its mission of reducing hunger and poverty, and improving human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is committed to creating and sharing knowledge and information openly and globally. We do this through collaborative research as well as through the open sharing of our data, tools, and publications.
With a Body Like Mine: Relationship Between Body Esteem, Perceived Rivals, and Jealousy

The current study sought to examine the relation of body dissatisfaction to jealousy and the role of perceived rivals in that relationship. Specifically, it examined whether, in women, the perceived number of rivals to a romantic relationship mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and jealousy in a romantic relationship. Results indicated that there was a significant relation of body dissatisfaction to jealousy in a romantic relationship through perceived rivals to that romantic relationship. Subsequent regression analyses indicated that when all variables are placed in the model, only the variables of self-esteem and narcissism were predictors of overall jealousy in the romantic relationships. Contrary to the hypothesis, with all variables placed in the model, body dissatisfaction was not a predictor of jealousy; however, results did support the hypothesis that women with higher body dissatisfaction would report more perceived rivals.
Chiral Current in a Graphene Battery

We review the formulation of graphene’s massless Dirac equation, under the chiral electromagnetism approach, hopefully demystifying the material’s unusual chiral, relativistic, effective theory. In Dirac’s theory, many authors replace the speed of light by the Fermi velocity, in this paper we deduce that in graphene the Fermi velocity is obtained from the connection between the electromagnetic chirality and the fine structure constant when the electric wave E is quasi parallel to the magnetic wave H. With this approach we can consider the properties of electric circuits involving graphene or Weyl semimetals. The existence of the induced chiral magnetic current in a graphene subjected to magnetic field causes an interesting and unusual behavior of such circuits. We discuss an explicit example of a circuit involving the current generation in a “chiral battery”. The special properties of this circuit may be utilized for creating “chiral electronic” devices.