Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Achieving High Performance on Extremely Large Parallel Machines: Performance Prediction and Load Balancing

Parallel machines with an extremely large number of processors (at least tens of thousands processors) are now in operation. For example, the IBM BlueGene/L machine with 128K processors is currently being deployed. It is going to be a significant challenge for application developers to write parallel programs in order to exploit the enormous compute power available and manually scale their applications on such machines. Solving these problems involves finding suitable parallel programming models for such machines and addressing issues like load imbalance. In this thesis, we explore Charm++ programming model and its migratable objects for programming such machines and dynamic load balancing techniques to help parallel applications to easily scale on a large number of processors. We also present a parallel simulator that is capable of predicting parallel performance to help analysis and tuning of the parallel performance and facilitate the development of new load balancing techniques, even before such machines are built. We evaluate the idea of virtualization and its usefulness in helping a programmer to write applications with high degree of parallelism. We demonstrate it by developing several mini-applications with millionway parallelism. We show that Charm++ and AMPI (an extension to MPI) with migratable objects and support for load balancing are suitable programming model for programming very large machines. It is important to understand the performance of parallel applications on very large parallel machines. This thesis explores Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES) techniques with an optimistic synchronization protocol to simulate parallel applications running on a very large number of processors. We optimize the synchronization protocol by exploiting the inherent determinacy that is normally found in parallel applications to reduce the synchronization overhead significantly. Load balance problem presents significant challenges to applications to achieve scalability on very large machines. We study load balancing techniques and develop a spectrum of load balancing strategies based on studies of the characteristics of applications. These load balancing strategies are motivated by several real-world applications such as LeanMD, NAMD (both are classical molecular dynamics applications) and
The "Antidirector Rights Index" Revisited

The "antidirector rights index" has been used as a measure of shareholder protection in over a hundred articles since it was introduced by La Porta et al. ("Law and Finance." 1998, Journal of Political Economy 106:1113--55). A thorough reexamination of the legal data, however, leads to corrections for thirty-three of the forty-six countries analyzed. The correlation between corrected and original values is only 0.53. Consequently, many empirical results established using the original index may not be replicable with corrected values. In particular, the corrected index fails to support three widely influential claims: that shareholder protection is higher in common than in civil law countries; that shareholder protection predicts stock market size or ownership dispersion; and that weak corporate governance explains the extent of exchange rate depreciation during the Asian financial crisis of 1997--1998. The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies]. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org. , Oxford University Press.
Equilibrium Pricing and Optimal Hedging in Electricity Forward Markets

Spot power prices are volatile and since electricity cannot be economically stored, familiar arbitrage-based methods are not applicable for pricing power derivative contracts. This paper presents an equilibrium model implying that the forward power price is a downward biased predictor of the future spot price if expected power demand is low and demand risk is moderate. However, the equilibrium forward premium increases when either expected demand or demand variance is high, because of positive skewness in the spot power price distribution. Preliminary empirical evidence indicates that the premium in forward power prices is greatest during the summer months. Copyright The American Finance Association 2002.
A Lot-Sizing Algorithm for Reducing Nervousness in MRP Systems

Previous work dealt with the problems of nervousness in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Systems when production schedules were modified to include setups which previously had not been scheduled. In this work we further examine nervousness and its cost. By modifying the setup costs used in the Wagner-Whitin algorithm, we develop a generalized solution methodology for dealing with situations in which new setups are added to the production schedule and existing setups are cancelled.
The acute effects of four protein meals on insulin, glucose, appetite and energy intake in lean men

Different dietary proteins vary in their ability to influence satiety and reduce food intake. The present study compared the effects of four protein meals, whey, tuna, turkey and egg albumin, on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations as well as on appetite measures and energy intake in twenty-two lean, healthy men. This was a randomised, cross-over design study where participants consumed four liquid test meals on separate occasions followed by the collection of regular blood samples (fasting, +30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min). They were then offered a buffet meal 4 h later. The blood glucose response after the consumption of the test meal, as an incremental area under the curve (AUC), was significantly lower with the whey meal than with the turkey (P < 0·023) and egg (P < 0·001) meals, but it was not lower than with the tuna meal (P < 0·34). The AUC blood insulin after the consumption of the test meal was significantly higher with the whey meal than with the tuna, turkey and egg meals (all P < 0·001). The AUC rating of hunger was significantly lower with the whey meal than with the tuna (P < 0·033), turkey (P < 0·001) and egg (P < 0·001) meals. Mean energy intake at the ad libitum meal was significantly lower (P < 0·001) with the whey meal than with the tuna, egg and turkey meals. There was a strong relationship between self-rated appetite, postprandial insulin response and energy intake at lunch. Whey protein meal produced a greater insulin response, reduced appetite and decreased ad libitum energy intake at a subsequent meal compared with the other protein meals, indicating a potential for appetite suppression and weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.
MiR‐139‐5p inhibits the tumorigenesis and progression of oral squamous carcinoma cells by targeting HOXA9

Our study sought to clarify the effects of microRNA‐139‐5p (miR‐139‐5p) in the tumorigenesis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by regulating HOXA9. MiR‐139‐5p and HOXA9 expression in OSCC tissues, tumour adjacent tissues, OSCC cells and normal cells were tested by qRT‐PCR. SAS and CAL‐27 cell lines were selected in among four OSCC cell lines and then transfected with miR‐139‐5p mimics, pEGFP‐HOXA9 and cotransfected with miR‐139‐5p mimics + pEGFP‐HOXA9. We used MTT, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays to analyse cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration. The target relationship between miR‐139‐5p and HOXA9 was verified by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot, respectively. MiR‐139‐5p was down‐regulated, whereas HOXA9 was up‐regulated in OSCC tissues and cells. The proliferation, invasion and migration ability of SAS and CAL‐27 cells in miR‐139‐5p mimics group were significantly weaker than those in the control group and the miR‐NC group (P < 0.01). MiR‐139‐5p can negatively regulate HOXA9. The proliferation, invasion and migration of SAS and CAL‐27 cells in the miR‐139‐5p mimics + pEGFP‐HOXA9 group were not significantly different from those in the blank control and negative control groups (P > 0.05). Our results indicated that miR‐139‐5p could directly inhibit HOXA9, which might be a potential mechanism in inhibiting the proliferation, invasiveness and migration of OSCC cells.
Genetic and clinical heterogeneity of ferroportin disease

Ferroportin is encoded by the SLC40A1 gene and mediates iron export from cells by interacting with hepcidin. SLC40A1 gene mutations are associated with an autosomal type of genetic iron overload described as haemochromatosis type 4, or HFE4 (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man number 606069), or ferroportin disease. We report three families with this condition caused by novel SLC40A1 mutations. Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography was employed to scan for the SLC40A1 gene. A D181V (A846T) mutation in exon 6 of the ferroportin gene was detected in the affected members of an Italian family and shown to have a de novo origin in a maternal germinal line. This mutation was associated with both parenchymal and reticuloendothelial iron overload in the liver, and with reduced urinary hepcidin excretion. A G80V (G543T) mutation in exon 3 was found in the affected members of an Italian family with autosomal hyperferritinaemia,. Finally, a G267D (G1104A) mutation was identified in exon 7 in a family of Chinese descent whose members presented with isolated hyperferritinaemia. Ferroportin disease represents a protean genetic condition in which the different SLC40A1 mutations appear to be responsible for phenotypic variability. This condition should be considered not only in families with autosomal iron overload or hyperferritinaemia, but also in cases of unexplained hyperferritinaemia.
‘It Didn't Always Work’: Low-Income Children's Experiences of Changes in Mothers’ Working Patterns in the UK

Underpinning Labour's welfare-to-work policies is an assumption that employment will benefit disadvantaged children and their families. However, the effect of low-income and unstable employment on lone mothers and their children is uncertain. This article draws on interviews with children drawn from a qualitative, longitudinal study of low-income working family life, to explore the accounts of those children whose mother's entry into the labour market was unsuccessful. The article examines how children experienced their mother's employment and the impact of ‘failed’ work transitions on their well-being and their perceptions of the value of work for them and their families.
A call for more elaborate and transparent pension data to inform policy-making: A critical examination of World Bank data for Eastern Europe

This article offers a critical analysis of the methods by means of which data relating to the performance of second pillar pension schemes are collated, compared and reported. This is done with regard to the performance of mandatory private second pillar pension funds in Eastern Europe. By critically examining data published in a number of World Bank studies, and through the identification of data problems and irregularities, the article argues that a much more elaborate and transparent approach to the collation, comparative analysis and reporting of data is needed. Required is the establishment of a consensus regarding what should represent a robust basis for making credible policy recommendations, not least with regard to pension re-reforms in the countries of Eastern Europe and elsewhere. In the absence of such a consensus, unresolved data problems and irregularities may potentially continue to influence the formulation of incomplete national policy conclusions regarding the performance of second pillar pension funds and, in turn, the ability of policymakers to evaluate appropriately the need for, and assess the Address for correspondence: Nikola Altiparmakov, Fiscal Council, Nemanjina 17, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Email: nikola.altiparmakov@fiskalnisavet.rs. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and should not be attributed to the Fiscal Council. The author thanks Professor Rob Brown, University of Waterloo, Canada, and Professor Bernard Casey, University of Warwick, England, and two anonymous referees for providing most helpful comments on an earlier draft. bs_bs_banner
The configuration of long‐term executive directors incentive schemes

Purpose – The Article seeks to identify the configuration of executive directors conditional option and LTIP arrangements used to align the interest of the company’s directors and shareholders.Design/methodology/approach – The article presents an empirical study of the option and LTIP arrangements (current and previous) of 51 major UK companies. The article focuses on the configuration of option schemes and LTIPs in respect of three critical elements: the performance target selected, the comparator used to benchmark performance and the quantitative performance target level requirement to be achieved to trigger rewards. The period 1989‐2002, covered by the research indicates a substantial degree of “experimentation” with many companies amending their original option schemes and LTIPs and a larger number of other companies introducing new arrangements. A substantial number of schemes can be characterised as being “undemanding” rewarding average rather than excellent performance.Research limitations/implicat.
Electro-induced orientational ordering of anisotropic pigment nanoparticles

The response of anisotropic pigment particle suspensions to externally applied electric fields has been explored for possible application in reflective display technologies. Three different types of pigment particle were suspended in dodecane, using a polymeric stabilizer, and showed Schlieren textures between crossed polarizers at high concentrations (greater than 25–30 wt%), indicating the formation of colloidal nematic phases. Orientational order parameters were determined by X-ray scattering, and the influence of polydispersity on the values is discussed. X-ray scattering measurements also demonstrated a change in the structure factor consistent with the onset of a colloidal nematic phase. In addition, the pigment particles were dispersed into various liquid crystal hosts at low concentrations (less than 5 wt%) with and without the presence of mesogenic mimic stabilizers. However, the influence of these stabilizers on orientational ordering could not be confirmed. The electro-induced ordering determined via scattering was related to the electro-optical response of each suspension using a simple model. The particles in nematic hosts not only showed a high degree of orientational ordering at lower electric field strengths, but also showed a reduction in stability. Although these systems have shown strong orientational ordering, the optical response has been limited by the intrinsic shape of the pigment particles and the distribution of the transition dipoles moments within them. Nevertheless, the feasibility of developing materials for display applications has been demonstrated.
Attitudes and intentions to support biopharming

This study measures public intentions in New Zealand to support the biopharming of plants and animals. A model is developed of intentions to support biopharming in a referendum using attitudes, social pressure and self-identity as determinants of intention. Data were collected using a national postal survey (N = 565). Key findings were that self-identity, attitude and perceived social pressure were significant in determining intention and beliefs about biopharming were strongly linked to attitude. Changes in intention given the nature of its determinants are discussed. These changes hinge upon changes in positive and negative beliefs about biopharming that are shown to affect attitude and subsequently upon the intention to support biopharming.
DISCLOSURE QUALITY ON GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN ANNUAL REPORTS OF MALAYSIAN PLCs

This paper investigates the disclosure quality of governance issues in annual reports of Malaysian PLCs. In recent years, the issue of corporate governance (CG) has received more attention than it would ordinarily have as a result of a series of corporate failures. Corporate collapses like Enron Corporation (US), Barings Empire (UK) and in Malaysia cases such as Perwaja and Pan Electric Inc. are all rooted in the lack of a proper governance system. As a result, the Finance Committee on Corporate Governance was established in 1998 to undertake a review of the legal and regulatory infrastructure, specifically to evaluate its effectiveness in promoting sound CG standards in Malaysia. Following this development, a few guidelines on CG have been released, particularly addressing the principles and best practices such as the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (the Code), the Capital Market Master Plan, and the Financial Sector Master Plan. The main purpose of these guidelines is to strengthen CG standards and practices in Malaysia by focusing on the role and responsibilities of various CG participants, mainly the management, board of directors, audit committee (AC), external and internal auditors. Secondary data is used in this study. A disclosure index is established following the Bursa Malaysia Governance Model, the Code’s guidelines and Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) guidelines. This study also aims to examine factors that possibly affect both the quality and quantity of disclosure. In general, it may be concluded that Malaysian companies have complied with the standards requirements. Only three factors under observation namely leverage, size and type of industry were found to have relationship with the quality of disclosure relates to governance issues.
Three‐dimensional gait biomechanics in Parkinson's disease: Evidence for a centrally mediated amplitude regulation disorder

We examined whether people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a central amplitude regulation disorder using three‐dimensional (3‐D) gait analyses to compare the effects of medication and attentional strategies on gait in 12 PD subjects and 12 matched comparison subjects. Subjects with PD first performed several 10‐m gait trials at preferred speed while off levodopa. They then walked at preferred speed on levodopa; off levodopa with cues; and on levodopa with cues. Control subjects walked at preferred speed and then with visual cues to match their stride length to PD values. As well as spatiotemporal footstep data, pelvic and lower limb kinematic profiles and angle–angle diagrams were produced for sagittal, coronal, and transverse plane movements using a 3‐D motion analysis system. In people with PD, decreased step length was accompanied by reduced movement amplitude across all lower limb joints, in all movement planes. When control subjects were required to walk with short steps matched to the size of PD comparisons, they displayed a similar multijoint reduction in amplitude. For PD subjects, both levodopa and visual cues increased movement amplitude across all lower limb joints. Amplitude increased further when levodopa and visual cues were combined, resulting in normalization of step length. This finding suggested that reduced step length is due to a mismatch between cortically selected movement amplitude and basal ganglia maintenance mechanisms. Levodopa and cues normalized amplitude across all joints by altering motor set and bypassing defective basal ganglia mechanisms. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
A Comparative Study of Online User Communities Involvement In Product Innovation and Development

Customer’s involvement in product development process, especially in idea generation, product conceptualization and the prototyping, has been examined in several literatures. It is well-known that “online user communities” have provided a firm to leverage the creativity of its customers in all stages of the product development process. Nevertheless, the literature lacks a conceptual understanding on how different types of online user communities can influence the product innovation and development. In this study, “online user communities” are classified, by their characteristic of community members and interaction level, into five types: virtual customer community, beta testing volunteer corps, user content collaboration innovation community, user development community and user product collaboration innovation community. Within these online user communities, we find that (1) different online user communities can be used at different stage of product development. It is more noteworthy that “user product collaboration innovation community” can be used at all stages of the product development process, especially in design & engineer phase that less explored in literatures. (2) firms play a supporting /complementary role within “user collaboration innovation community” in contrast to the rest online user communities. (3) there is a significant difference between the five type communities in knowledge creation, sharing and diffusion. (4) there are some implications of “user product collaboration innovation community” which pushes the firms to justify their organizational governing mechanism, in contrast to the rest online user communities. Finally, we conclude that all these ways of investigation would naturally lead into very interesting issues of innovation management and organizational innovation.
KICKING T HE H ABIT: M OVING F ROM P EGGED R ATES TO G REATER E XCHANGE R ATE F LEXIBILITY

Why do governments find it so difficult to move from pegged exchange rates to greater exchange rate flexibility? I first establish that there is a problem to be solved: that there are powerful incentives for greater flexibility deriving from changes in the international economic and financial environment but that policymakers find it difficult to engineer a smooth transition. I offer practical suggestions and a framework under which the probability of a smooth transition can be maximised. Drawing examples from recent economic history, I then attempt to understand the experience of selected countries which have undertaken this transition.
Relationship Between Implied and Realized Volatility of S&P CNX Index in India

Measures of volatility implied in option prices are widely believed to be the best available volatility forecasts. According to the efficient market hypothesis, since implied volatilities are calculated based upon today’s pricing information, they contain the best information about the market. Therefore, implied volatilities are considered as the best representation of market expectations. Recently, Christensen and Prabhala (1998) found that implied volatility in “at-the-money” one month OEX call options on S&P 100 index is an unbiased and efficient forecast of ex-post realized index volatility after the 1987 stock market crash. In this paper, we examine the information content of call and put options on the S&P CNX Nifty index. We examine one month at-the-money call option from 4-June-2001 to 28-oct-2004. We find that implied volatility contains more information than past realized volatility. In other words the predictability of implied volatility is more than that of past realized volatility. In fact, implied volatility remains significant even in the multiple regressions where historical volatility is included. Thus, we find that it is an efficient albeit slightly biased estimator of realized return volatility.