Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GPGPU as a Service: Providing GPU-Acceleration Services to Federated Cloud Systems

Current data centers leverage virtual machines (VMs) in order to efficiently use hardware resources. VMs allow reducing equipment acquisition costs as well as decreasing overall energy consumption. However, although VMs have noticeably evolved to make a smart use of the underlying hardware, the use of GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) for General Purpose computing (GPGPU) is still not efficiently supported. This concern might be addressed by remote GPU virtualization solutions, which may provide VMs with GPUs located in a remote node, detached from the host where the VMs are being executed. This chapter presents an in-depth analysis about how to provide GPU access to applications running inside VMs. This analysis is complemented with experimental results which show that the use of remote GPU virtualization is an effective mechanism to provide GPU access to applications with negligible overheads. Finally, the approach is presented in the context of cloud federations for providing GPGPU as a Service.
Optimal Debt Policy Under Asymmetric Risk

In the paper we show that, most of the time, smooth reduction in the debt ratio is optimal for tax-smoothing purposes when fiscal risks are asymmetric, with large debt-augmenting shocks more likely than commensurate debt reducing shocks. Asymmetric risks are a feature of 200 years of data for the U.S. and the U.K.: rare but recurrent large surges of the debt-to-GDP ratio, followed by very gradual but persistent declines over long periods. More informal evidence from many other countries suggests that asymmetry is a general feature of fiscal shocks. The gradual smooth reduction in the public debt to GDP ratio is not a response to past developments. Instead it is optimal given recurrent fiscal risks and the empirical characteristics of fiscal shocks. The behavior of the debt-to-GDP ratio in the U.K. and the U.S. seems roughly compatible with the prescriptions of the tax-smoothing model.
Personality testing and the Americans With Disabilities Act: Cause for concern as normal and abnormal personality models are integrated

Abstract Applied psychologists commonly use personality tests in employee selection systems because of their advantages regarding incremental criterion-related validity and less adverse impact relative to cognitive ability tests. Although personality tests have seen limited legal challenges in the past, we posit that the use of personality tests might see increased challenges under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) due to emerging evidence that normative personality and personality disorders belong to common continua. This article aims to begin a discussion and offer initial insight regarding the possible implications of this research for personality testing under the ADA. We review past case law, scholarship in employment law, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance regarding “medical examinations,” and recent literature from various psychology disciplines—including clinical, neuropsychology, and applied personality psychology—regarding the relationship between normative personality and personality disorders. More importantly, we review suggestions proposing the five-factor model (FFM) be used to diagnose personality disorders (PDs) and recent changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Our review suggests that as scientific understanding of personality progresses, practitioners will need to exercise evermore caution when choosing personality measures for use in selection systems. We conclude with six recommendations for applied psychologists when developing or choosing personality measures.
The Low-Skill, Bad-Job Trap

The paper explains how a country can fall into a “low-skill, bad-job trap,” in which workers acquire insufficient training and firms provide insufficient skilled vacancies. In particular, the paper argues that in countries where a large proportion of the workforce is unskilled, firms have little incentive to provide good jobs (requiring high skills and providing high wages), and if few good jobs are available, workers have little incentive to acquire skills. In this context, the paper examines the need and effectiveness of training policy, and provides a possible explanation for why western countries have responded so differently to the broad-based shift in labor demand from unskilled to skilled labor.
Attitude towards research of university students, A Multivariate analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the student’s attitude towards research. The sample of students is selected from University of the Punjab. Methods: Factor analysis applied to extract important research factors. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis is applied to have a better understanding of the students’ attitude towards research. Responses were analyzed by applying mean, Man Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test. Results: Overall the students have a positive attitude towards research. The male students are more positive compared to their female counterparts. As predicted those with a high degree display a high positive attitude towards research. Conclusion: Participants of PhD and MPhil were significantly better than participants of Masters and BS (hons) on factor 1 “positive attitude towards research”, and factor 2 “research usefulness for profession”.
The Method of PWM Rectifier Code Generation Based on Matlab

According to the three-phase voltage source rectifier(VSR) space vector pulse width modulation(SVPWM)control strategy,algorithm model in Matlab/Simulink is built and it is used to generate digital signal processor(DSP) code directly,through the optimization of the code,the compiler generates a DSP executable file.Finally,the correctness of the generated code is verified by comparing the simulation and experimental results.This DSP code generation methods shorten the product development cycle,allowing researchers to focus more energy on control algorithm innovation.
Colegios invisibles y patrones de colaboración en el Sistema de Investigación Agropecuaria en Colombia

Se analizan los patrones de colaboracion del sistema de investigacion agropecuario en Colombia que surgen de la conformacion de colegios invisibles. El analisis se hace en tres niveles: macro, referido a los patrones generales que organizan la colaboracion en colegios invisibles, meso, que describe la capacidad de enlace de las distintas organizaciones en el sistema y micro, la conformacion de colegios invisibles que permiten observar la diversidad tematica. La combinacion de los tres niveles, reflejan un sistema de investigacion en proceso de consolidacion, pero aun fragil. Para este estudio se consideraron las publicaciones realizadas en revistas Web of Science por autores adscritos al Programa Nacional de CTI en Ciencias Agropecuarias y aquellos relacionados con la emergencia de comunidades tematicas derivadas el acoplamiento bibliografico. Metodologicamente se aplica un analisis multinivel de redes de co-citacion y colaboracion empleando coeficientes de correlacion, identificando conectores del sistema y detectando las comunidades semanticas que se constituyen en colegios invisibles.
Disorientation and loss of wayfinding in individuals with congenital blindness and other affecting comorbidities

Orientation and navigation skills are considered as crucial prerequisites for efficient wayfinding in the surrounding environment and in community both for sighted and blind individuals of all ages. In case of partial or total loss of vision, navigation and wayfinding become more challenging. The acquisition of proficient orientation and navigation by visually deprived individuals is possible when accurate guidance and training are available, and the central nervous system is intact. In cases of head trauma, neurological lesions (specifically, right hemispheric lesions), or genetic factors, the acquisition of orientation and navigation becomes a disturbed process. In some severe cases, the individuals become, literally, “space-less. ” This profound disorientation leads to inefficient functional outcomes, especially when the environment is unfamiliar. These spatially disoriented individuals with loss of independence in both indoor and outdoor wayfinding skills need a long-term, persistent individual guidance by caregivers to prevent risks, a reality that limits daily functions and participation in life roles. Alternative and differential strategies for individual training methods of teaching orientation and navigation are needed. This article discusses this issue on the basis of the theoretical level and proposes practical methods and strategies for enhancing the very initial foundations of orientation and navigation for this specific “space-less” group. Functional impacts and practical implications are further discussed.
The Application of Configurable Shift Register in High-speed Data Acquisition System and Implementation of FPGA-Based Trigger and Control Unit

In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and dead band time(dead-time) of high-speed data acquisition system,the method which a configurable shift register applies in the high speed data acquisition system is put forward and the FPGA implementation scheme is given.The simulation results show that the scheme improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the high speed data acquisition system,reduces the dead zone of the system time.
NON-ACCOUNTING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDY SKILLS USING IN-CLASS SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION

Challenges such as different background and abilities of universities’ students, reluctance of academic staff in understanding students’ learning style and lack of study skills knowledge among students and lecturers are to be resolved by public universities. Resolving these challenges will provide better learning environment in public universities. Thus, the objectives of this study are to identify the reflective measures of study skills and to examine the students’ perception on the development of study skills by using In-Class Supplemental Instruction (ICSI). Using the questionnaires survey, this study found 10 reflective measures of study skills with Cronbach Alpha of 0.930 which indicates all reflective measures have good internal consistency reliability. The respondents are satisfied with the ICSI sessions in helping them to develop their study skills with an average mean of 4.09. It is concurred that ICSI approach assists in developing study skills such as deeper understanding, discussing and solving problem, teamwork and academic skills. Challenges such as different background and abilities of universities’ students, reluctance of academic staff in understanding students’ learning style and lack of study skills knowledge among students and lecturers are to be resolved by public universities. Resolving these challenges will provide better learning environment in public universities. Thus, the objectives of this study are to identify the reflective measures of study skills and to examine the students’ perception on the development of study skills by using In-Class Supplemental Instruction (ICSI). Using the questionnaires survey, this study found 10 reflective measures of study skills with Cronbach Alpha of 0.930 which indicates all reflective measures have good internal consistency reliability. The respondents are satisfied with the ICSI sessions in helping them to develop their study skills with an average mean of 4.09. It is concurred that ICSI approach assists in developing study skills such as deeper understanding, discussing and solving problem, teamwork and academic skills. Keywords: In-class supplemental instruction, Accounting course, Study skills, Learning and teaching approach
Revisiting the Link between Finance and Macroeconomic Volatility

This paper examines the impact of financial depth on macroeconomic volatility using a dynamic panel analysis for 110 advanced and developing countries. We find that financial depth plays a significant role in dampening the volatility of output, consumption, and investment growth, but only up to a certain point. At very high levels, such as those observed in many advanced economies, financial depth amplifies consumption and investment volatility. We also find strong evidence that deeper financial systems serve as shock absorbers, mitigating the negative effects of real external shocks on macroeconomic volatility. This smoothing effect is particularly pronounced for consumption volatility in environments of high exposure - when trade and financial openness are high - suggesting significant gains from further financial deepening in developing countries.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of ICTs for Development in Ethiopia (A case of the SchoolNet Project)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been expected as a powerful tool for development. However, there is a high rate of project failures of ICTs for Development (ICT4D) projects. This research attempts to discover the reason of ICT4D project failures and solutions to avoid and overcome the failures through analysing a distance education project called ‘SchoolNet’ in Ethiopia. The analysis of the SchoolNet project with the ‘design-reality gap’ (Heeks 1999a; 2002a) shows the techno-centric and the top-down approach without considering the local reality is the cause of several challenges that the project faced. As a gateway to a solution to lessen the design-reality gaps, teachers’ participation is chosen since the participative approach is supported by both scholars in Information Systems (IS) and development studies. After discussing serious constraints to realise user participation, two suggestions, which are to have a long term strategy with flexibility and to upgrade teachers from consumer to producer of their educational contexts, are proposed as solutions. As a conclusion, three suggestions are insisted as solutions to lead future ICT4D projects to success. (1) The socio-technical approach is essential to avoid misleading ICT4D projects as the technology-centred projects. (2) User participation is crucial to minimise the design-reality gaps. (3) Longer term strategy with flexibility and the shift of users’ status from consumer to producer of information are important to encourage real user participation as well as to motivate users to participate in ICT4D projects more willingly and actively.
Image-Based Mobile Mapping for 3D Urban Data Capture

Abstract Ongoing innovations in dense multi-view stereo image matching meanwhile allow for 3D data collection using image sequences captured from mobile mapping platforms even in complex and densely built-up areas. However, the extraction of dense and precise 3D point clouds from such street-level imagery presumes high quality georeferencing as a first processing step. While standard direct georeferencing solves this task in open areas, poor GNSS coverage in densely built-up areas and urban canyons frequently prevents sufficient accuracy and reliability. Thus, we use bundle block adjustment, which additionally integrates tie and control point information for precise georeferencing of our multi-camera mobile mapping system. Subsequently, this allows the adaption of a state-of-the-art dense image matching pipeline to provide a suitable 3D representation of the captured urban structures. In addition to the presentation of different processing steps, this paper also provides an evaluation of the achieved image-based 3D capture in a dense urban environment.
Purchasing in the public sector : skills leading to success

The thesis sheds light on which skills procurement professionals need to be successful in the public sector. This thesis provides an answer to which skills public procurement professionals need to identify and acquire innovation in the market, to change from a traditional buyer to a strategic business partner for the internal client and to be successful in the future. World Cafes with public procurement professionals form the basis of this research. Beside identifying which skills public procurement professionals need to be successful, this study also aims to identify if the World Cafe method is a reliable method for data gathering.
Effectiveness of DOPS “direct observation of procedural skills” as a method of formative assessment for improving the clinical skills of post-graduate students in the department of obstetrics and gynecology

Introduction: Traditional procedural training with heavier focus on factu­al knowledge and lower attentions to skill train­ing can lead to graduates with poor procedural competence. DOPS –Direct observation of procedural skills is one of the means of assessing clinical performance by direct observation by the assessor. Performance using DOPS is structured and continuous. Materials and Methods: Study design – Prospective interventional study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at JNMC Wardha. Sample size- 12 first year postgraduate students, were assessed with the help of 3 DOPS encounters and 2 procedures were observed for each student. The assessment of the post-graduate students was taken during the normal course of the student’s work. Results: The scores of 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd DOPS was compared to see if there is an improvement of the students. Two DOPS assessments were taken. First was on suturing techniques (skill 1) and second on urinary catheterization (skill 2). The mean DOPS scores in ‘skill 1’ group were 3.91 in first encounter A1, 6.50 in second encounter A2, and 7.25 in third encounter A3. In the ‘skill 2’ group the mean DOPS scores were 4.50 in first encounter B1, 6.75 in second encounter B2 and 7.33 in third encounter B3. There was a gross improvement in scores in the third encounter as compared to the first encounter. Conclusion: Observing, assessing and providing feedback to students enhanced the quality of the skills. The DOPS assessments done repeatedly helped to improve the clinical skills of post graduate students. Keywords: Medical education, Direct observation, Postgraduate, Training, Evaluation.
Rola pielęgniarki w poprawie jakości i bezpieczeństwie pacjenta

The role of nurses as health professionals var-greatly throughout the world. What is constant for all nurses is that the nursing profession is expected and committed to serve society and provide high quality and safe health care to all recipients of health care. To that end, safety and quality initiatives are underway across the globe to achieve the best health care outcomes possible based on the implementation of scientific evidence and best evidence-based clinical practices available. The purpose of this paper is to explain how safety and quality improvement (QI) initiatives achieve high quality outcomes for patients and how an understanding of the relationships among research, evidence-based practice, and QI and the role of the professional nurse in QI helps nursing meet its commitment to achieve the best possible care and outcomes for patients. The Model for Improvement is provided as a scientific methodology for QI initiatives in health care. Nurses understand the processes of care including what works well and what does not, and they have the clinical experience and scientific knowledge needed to improving processes of care that lead to more effective patient outcomes. (JNNN 2019;8(1):30–36)
Visual Analysis of Reservoir Simulation Ensembles

Hydrocarbon reservoir simulation models produce large amounts of heterogeneous data, combining multiple variables of different dimensionality, such as two or three-dimensional geospatial estimates with abstract estimates simulated for the complete field or different wells. In addition these simulations are nowadays often run as so-called ensemble simulations, to capture uncertainty of the model, as well as boundary conditions as variation in the output. The (visual) analysis of such data is a challenging process, due to the size and complexity of the data. In this paper we present an integrated system for the visual analysis of ensemble reservoir simulation data. We provide tools to inspect forecasts for multiple variables of complete fields, as well as different wells. Finally, we present a case study highlighting the effectiveness of the presented system.
The effectiveness of direct vocabulary instruction strategies to increase the comprehension of fifth grade students during social studies lessons

The direct vocabulary instruction method is one of many different approaches to teaching vocabulary. The direct instruction method helps students move from the familiar to the unfamiliar. The teacher chooses the words and builds lessons to help students learn the new words and how to use them. The words are selected from a reading text. The lessons involve studying the words and their interconnectedness and not on merely the definitions. This study focused on the effectiveness of direct instruction strategies that teachers might be able to use in their classrooms. Strategies used in the lessons for this study included the use of a vocabulary note guide, using explanations and sample sentences instead of definitions, using pictures to illustrate the words, having students use questioning exercises that fostered critical word analysis, and using semantic mapping and semantic feature analysis. The lessons followed a specific lesson design outline. The study was implemented in three fifth grade classrooms. Two groups were the experimental group and the other was a control group. The students received lessons in the social studies content area for about two weeks.
Cool and Hot Executive Functions in Relation to Aggression and Testosterone/Cortisol Ratios in Male Prisoners

‘Cool’ executive functions (EF) refer to logical and strategic cognitive processes such as planning and reasoning, whereas ‘hot’ EF include affect-driven cognitive processes, such as risk-taking in decision making. In the present crosssectional study was investigated whether prisoners perform worse than non-prisoners on measures of hot and cool EF. Subsequent objectives were to determine if performance on tasks of executive functioning was related to measures of (reactive and proactive) aggression within the offender group, and whether testosterone and cortisol influenced the latter relationship. Male prisoners (n = 125) and a non-offender control group (n = 32) completed frequently applied measures of hot and cool EF (assessed with the Iowa Gambling task and Wisconsin Card Sorting Task respectively). Aggression characteristics in prisoners were assessed through self-report questionnaires, behavioural observations, and conviction histories. Endogenous testosterone and cortisol levels were obtained through saliva samples, while prenatal testosterone exposure was determined using the finger length of the index and ring fingers (the ‘2D:4D ratio’). The results indicated that prisoners performed significantly worse than non-prisoners on cool EF, and to a lesser extent on hot EF, but no meaningful relationship could be proven between measures of EF and aggression in the offender group. Weak to moderate significant correlations were found between testosterone/cortisol ratios (not prenatal testosterone exposure) and hot EF as well as self-reported aggression. These results lead to the conclusion that prisoners show significant problems in cool and hot EF compared to non-prisoners. These problems are not clearly associated with characteristics of aggression, but preliminary results indicate that these may be related to having high endogenous testosterone levels relative to cortisol levels.