Model-driven approach for supporting the mapping of parallel algorithms to parallel computing platforms

The trend from single processor to parallel computer architectures has increased the importance of parallel computing. To support parallel computing it is important to map parallel algorithms to a computing platform that consists of multiple parallel processing nodes. In general different alternative mappings can be defined that perform differently with respect to the quality requirements for power consumption, efficiency and memory usage. The mapping process can be carried out manually for platforms with a limited number of processing nodes. However, for exascale computing in which hundreds of thousands of processing nodes are applied, the mapping process soon becomes intractable. To assist the parallel computing engineer we provide a model-driven approach to analyze, model, and select feasible mappings. We describe the developed toolset that implements the corresponding approach together with the required metamodels and model transformations. We illustrate our approach for the well-known complete exchange algorithm in parallel computing. © 2013 Springer-Verlag

A Comparison of the Economic Well-Being of Farm and Nonfarm Households

This study compares the economic well-being of farm and nonfarm households using data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey and the Survey of Consumer Finances. Comparisons are made in terms of income and wealth using parametric and nonparametric tests, regression analyses, and inequality measures. The results show that the economic well-being of households differs based on their degree of involvement in business activities and their life-cycle stages. The main conclusion is that the income of rural residence and intermediate farms is comparable to that of wage-earning nonfarm households, while commercial farms are similar in well-being to nonfarm households with businesses. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.