Components and Interfaces of a Process Management System for Parallel Programs

Parallel jobs are different from sequential jobs and require a different type of process management. We present here a process management system for parallel programs such as those written using MPI. A primary goal of the system, which we call MPD (for multipurpose daemon), is to be scalable. By this we mean that startup of interactive parallel jobs comprising thousands of processes is quick, that signals can be quickly delivered to processes, and that stdin, stdout, and stderr are managed intuitively. Our primary target is parallel machines made up of clusters of SMPs, but the system is also useful in more tightly integrated environments. We describe how MPD enables much faster startup and better runtime management of parallel jobs. We show how close control of stdio can support the easy implementation of a number of convenient system utilities, even a parallel debugger. We describe a simple but general interface that can be used to separate any process manager from a parallel library, which we use to keep MPD separate from MPICH.Comment: 12 pages, Workshop on Clusters and Computational Grids for Scientific Computing, Sept. 24-27, 2000, Le Chateau de Faverges de la Tour, Franc

A quasi-analytical model for energy-delay-reliability tradeoff studies during write operations in perpendicular STT-RAM cell

One of the biggest challenges the current STT-RAM industry faces is maintaining a high thermal stability while trying to switch within a given voltage pulse and energy cost. In this paper, we present a physics based analytical model that uses a modified Simmons' tunneling expression to capture the spin dependent tunneling in a magnetic tunnel junction(MTJ). Coupled with an analytical derivation of the critical switching current based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, and the write error rate derived from a solution to the Fokker-Planck equation, this model provides us a quick estimate of the energydelay- reliability tradeoffs in perpendicular STTRAMs due to thermal fluctuations. In other words, the model provides a simple way to calculate the energy consumed during a write operation that ensures a certain error rate and delay time, while being numerically far less intensive than a full-fledged stochastic calculation. We calculate the worst case energy consumption during anti-parallel (AP) to parallel (P) and P to AP switchings and quantify how increasing the anisotropy field HK and lowering the saturation magnetization MS, can significantly reduce the energy consumption. A case study on how manufacturing variations of the MTJ cell can affect the energy consumption and delay is also reported.Comment: 6 pages, 9 figure

The Effects of OTC Derivative Clearing on Macroeconomic Stability

A derivative in its simplest terms is a contract between two parties about the value of an underlying asset. The parties can initiate these contracts in two ways, on large, standardized exchanges, or privately between two parties in the Over the Counter (OTC) market. Over the Counter derivatives have been identified as a contributing factor to the financial crisis in 2008. This is partially because the OTC derivatives market is exposed to a large amount of counterparty risk, or the risk that the other party involved in the contract will default on payment of the derivative contract. While counterparty risk in the OTC market might sound like it is simply the same type of default risk in other financial markets, the concentration of contracts around relatively few key financial institutions and size of the market make the economy increasingly subject to the risk of a default in this market (Shinasi, 2001)

An Irish Catholic Amateur Military Tradition in the British Army? The Irish Militia, 1793-1908

Both an Irish military tradition and an amateur military tradition have been explored in the historiography involving the study of British Army as they relate to forces recruited and serving in Ireland over two centuries. This article will take this exploration further by arguing that it is possible to demonstrate that an Irish Catholic amateur military tradition existed in the Irish Militia, as established in 1793, and existing until the turn of the twentieth century. This Irish Catholic tradition fed into these two broader traditions, becoming integral parts of them, while also exerting Irish identity in its own ways

Mathematical Modeling in Law and Political Science: Learning from Public Health

This paper provides an overview of mathematical modeling in public health policy and recommends the teaching of mathematical models in other fields, like law and undergraduate political science studies. First, I describe various facets of public health in terms of their scope and goals. The complex nature of public health lends way to a description of mathematical modeling and the role it can serve. Various mathematical solution concepts are also provided, including the SIR model, reproductive number, and game theory. Finally, I explain why knowledge of simple models is beneficial for students in pre-professional programs in law and political science. While these models are a cornerstone for public policy and health, their analogies are not as common within undergraduate studies in law and political science. This research aims to support extensions of these models

Frequent Top Leadership Transitions and Their Effect on Followers: The Moderating Roles of Followership Characteristics and Organizational Culture

Modern for-profit, large businesses are often organized as a collection of business units, with each unit having a top leader responsible for the unit’s results. While there is much literature about CEO transitions, there is scant literature about leadership transitions at an individual business unit level. Moreover, there is no literature concerning frequent leadership transitions at this level. This study developed and validated a new measure to assess employee perceptions of top leadership transition frequency. To measure employee reactions to perceived top leadership transition frequency, the EVLN scale was utilized. This study identified that employee Exit or Neglect are likely to increase in response to leadership transitions perceived as occurring frequently. In addition, organizational culture and followership were explored for their potential moderating effects on perceived frequent leadership transitions. Using Denison et al.’s organizational culture consistency scale, organizational culture was measured to assess firm outcomes; followership was measured using Kelley’s scales for active engagement and independent critical thinking. Organizational culture was found to have a moderating effect upon Exit, whereas followership was not. Contributions to research include the development of a new measure for top leadership transition frequency, identifying the relationship it has with employee reactions, and expanding the organizational culture and organizational change nomological networks. Finally, specific actions that managers can take to minimize the effects of perceived frequent top leadership transitions were also identified

Pathways to Economic Mobility: Key Indicators

Outlines how indicators of social, human, and financial capital affect an individual's chances of moving up or down the economic ladder. Analyzes data on family structure, community, education, race/ethnicity, health, home ownership, and other factors