Quantifying the Effect of Matrix Structure on Multithreaded Performance of the SpMV Kernel

Sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) is the core operation in many common network and graph analytics, but poor performance of the SpMV kernel handicaps these applications. This work quantifies the effect of matrix structure on SpMV performance, using Intel's VTune tool for the Sandy Bridge architecture. Two types of sparse matrices are considered: finite difference (FD) matrices, which are structured, and R-MAT matrices, which are unstructured. Analysis of cache behavior and prefetcher activity reveals that the SpMV kernel performs far worse with R-MAT matrices than with FD matrices, due to the difference in matrix structure. To address the problems caused by unstructured matrices, novel architecture improvements are proposed.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures. IEEE HPEC 201

Distal Corporoplasty Using an Autologous Tunica in the Management of Penile Prosthesis Pseudo Aneurysm

Inflatable penile prosthesis placement is an effective and safe treatment option for erectile dysfunction. The 5-year revision rate is low (7%) and revisions are most likely due to infection or mechanical problems with the device. Penile prosthesis aneurysm is a rare complication that is managed surgically. The choice of graft used during tunical reinforcement is critical to avoid subsequent complications. The use of autologous grafts from distant tissue often leads to deformations of penile tissue in addition to the increase in operative time, morbidity, and cost of the operation. The use of synthetics increases the susceptibility to infection and decreases long-term pliability of the penile tissue. More recently, a publication in plastics reconstructive literature suggests the use of an acellular porcine graft. We believe using the patient\u27s own tunica as an autologous graft should be more closely investigated

Case 5 : Investigating Suspected Outbreaks of Rare Infectious Disease Using Surveillance Data: The CJDSS Perspective

A suspected cluster of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) cases (a fatal neurodegenerative disease) has been identified in Toronto. Renée Dubois, a public health nurse, must utilize epidemiological data to recognize the outbreak, and mobilize resources to support patients and health care providers. The assembled epidemiological information gathered by the CJD surveillance system must be used to further support data analysis, public health decision-making, and public messaging. This case may be used to supplement lectures covering relevant public health events or epidemic analysis

Development and trialling of a tool to support a systems approach to improve social determinants of health in rural and remote Australian communities: the healthy community assessment tool

IntroductionThe residents of many Australian rural and remote communities do not have the essential infrastructure and services required to support healthy living conditions and community members choosing healthy lifestyle options. Improving these social determinants of health is seen to offer real opportunities to improve health among such disadvantaged populations. In this paper, we describe the development and trialling of a tool to measure, monitor and evaluate key social determinants of health at community level. MethodsThe tool was developed and piloted through a multi-phase and iterative process that involved a series of consultations with community members and key stakeholders and trialling the tool in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory of Australia. ResultsThe indicators were found to be robust, and by testing the tool on a number of different levels, face validity was confirmed. The scoring system was well understood and easily followed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous study participants. A facilitated small group process was found to reduce bias in scoring of indicators. ConclusionThe Healthy Community Assessment Tool offers a useful vehicle and process to help those involved in planning, service provision and more generally promoting improvements in community social determinants of health. The tool offers many potential uses and benefits for those seeking to address inequities in the social determinants of health in remote communities. Maximum benefits in using the tool are likely to be gained with cross-sector involvement and when assessments are part of a continuous quality improvement program

A case study of a plant-animal relationship: Cola lizae and lowland gorillas in the Lope Reserve, Gabon

The fruits of Cola lizae, an endemic tree with a limited geographical distribution, have been a major food source for lowland gorillas in the Lope Reserve during part of each year over a six-year period. Faecal analysis indicated that 11,000- 18,000 Cola seeds km-2 were deposited by gorillas during the 4- month season in 1989. Gorillas are the only important dispersers of this species: other primates consume the succulent mesocarp, but do not swallow the large seed; elephants do not eat Cola fruits. Observations of Cola seeds in gorilla faeces showed a very high germination rate and, despite initial high mortality, 18% of seedlings still survived six months after deposition. Survival of seedlings was significantly better in faeces left at nest-sites than in other areas of the forest: 40% of seedlings were viable at nest- sites six months after deposition. This suggests that the open areas of forest, preferred by gorillas as nest-sites, are advantageous to the propagation of this species

Abriendo la conciencia de reino: Cádiz y las independencias americanas

International audienceWe test the assumption that the new concept of liberty proclaimed in Cadiz and embodied in its Constitution was the root from which stemmed the indenpendent nations of Spanish America. We base our analysis on four cases: Spain, Chile, Peru and Mexico. We conclude that independences derived not from a direct influence from Spain but from four similar developments the likeness of which stemmed from the fact that actors equipped from the start with the same political tools managed four similar situations.Pone a prueba la hipótesis que sostiene que el origen de las naciones americanas independientes estaba en la nueva libertad proclamada en Cádiz y su Constitución. Se analizan cuatro casos: España, México, Perú y Chile. Se concluye que más que de una influencia directa se trata de cuatro respuestas paralelas a condiciones similares por parte de actores equipados con las mismas herramientas mentales

Bostonia: v. 63, no. 3

Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University's main alumni publication, which covers alumni and student life, as well as university activities, events, and programs

Desarrollo de un Sistema de Información, con Arquitectura Orientada a Servicios, que permita la gestión de los Procesos de la Biblioteca “Alejandro Sequeira Hernández” de la UNAN FAREM–Chontales en el año 2015

El presente trabajo investigativo tiene por objeto desarrollar un sistema de Información con Arquitectura Orientada a Servicios para la Gestión de los Procesos de la Biblioteca “Alejandro Sequeira Hernández” de la UNAN FAREM – Chontales. En la Actualidad la Biblioteca cuenta con un Sistema de Información llamado ABCD / Isis, la información de este Sistema está ubicada físicamente en el área TIC de la UNAN con sede en Managua y es accedido a través de Internet. Es una actualización del Sistema ISIS que fue creado por la Organización Internacional de Trabajo en la década de los 60. El cuál es el precursor de los Sistemas Bibliotecarios. La problemática en cuestión está en que el ABCD/ISIS no cubre las necesidades de la institución, este solo permite automatizar el proceso de Catalogación y con una técnica no muy agradable para el usuario. La Gestión de préstamos de bibliografía y equipos de la sala de internet es una necesidad; además de generar reportes con esa información. En la dirección concuerdan en la relevancia de un Sistema que sea ágil para el Usuario, que genere informes de toma de decisiones y que sea capaz de integrarse con otras tecnologías. Razón por la cual los Dirigentes dieron orden de desarrollar un nuevo Sistema de Información. Los objetivos consisten en desglosar cada una de las etapas del Sistema, este aborda el Análisis de Requerimientos, el Diseño de la Arquitectura, la Programación de los Módulos y las Pruebas del Sistema. Todos los objetivos son escalones para cumplir el objetivo general que es el desarrollo del Sistema de Informació