ATP: a Datacenter Approximate Transmission Protocol

Many datacenter applications such as machine learning and streaming systems do not need the complete set of data to perform their computation. Current approximate applications in datacenters run on a reliable network layer like TCP. To improve performance, they either let sender select a subset of data and transmit them to the receiver or transmit all the data and let receiver drop some of them. These approaches are network oblivious and unnecessarily transmit more data, affecting both application runtime and network bandwidth usage. On the other hand, running approximate application on a lossy network with UDP cannot guarantee the accuracy of application computation. We propose to run approximate applications on a lossy network and to allow packet loss in a controlled manner. Specifically, we designed a new network protocol called Approximate Transmission Protocol, or ATP, for datacenter approximate applications. ATP opportunistically exploits available network bandwidth as much as possible, while performing a loss-based rate control algorithm to avoid bandwidth waste and re-transmission. It also ensures bandwidth fair sharing across flows and improves accurate applications' performance by leaving more switch buffer space to accurate flows. We evaluated ATP with both simulation and real implementation using two macro-benchmarks and two real applications, Apache Kafka and Flink. Our evaluation results show that ATP reduces application runtime by 13.9% to 74.6% compared to a TCP-based solution that drops packets at sender, and it improves accuracy by up to 94.0% compared to UDP

On the Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Foreign Language Listening Anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a set of treatments that focus on altering thoughts, sensations, emotions and behaviors by addressing identified maintenance mechanisms such as distorted thinking or avoidance. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of CBT techniques in reducing foreign language listening anxiety is an acceptable intervention, and provide a description of many of the basic techniques used in CBT. These included: psychoeducation, relaxation exercises, exposure and cognitive restructuring. A feasibility study of a brief CBT intervention following training was conducted. Qualitative analysis was carried out on participant feedback from semi-structured interviews. The current article provided an interdisciplinary way for foreign language teachers to help college students reduce foreign language listening anxiety and improve learning achievements.

Project-Based Learning in Chinese College English Listening and Speaking Course: From Theory to Practice

One of the most critical problems in EFL teaching is students’ lack of authentic English environment. This paper explored the necessity and implementation of project-based learning (PBL) in Chinese college English listening and speaking class. The course included a ten-week semi-structured project consisting of five stages. In this course, the students had opportunities to practice English skills while applying English to do research and complete authentic tasks. Results showed that their motivation and autonomy of learning English were enhanced, and their ability of using their knowledge to acquire, analyze, and synthesize information was improved dramatically. Therefore, PBL is a viable and flexible alternative to traditional English teaching and learning. However, problems may occur such as group management, student participation, assessment and criteria, and time distribution, which needs further research

Avoiding Chinglish on the Lexical Level by Acquiring Lexical Phrases

Chinglish is a kind of abnormal English with Chinese characteristics which hinders cross-cultural communication. In this paper, Chinglish on the lexical level is divided into three categories and the sources of this problem are explored. Using lexical phrases to avoid Chinglish on the lexical level is suggested and specific suggestions and measures are offered from the pedagogical point of view

Lab-on-a-Tip (LOT): Where Nanotechnology can Revolutionize Fibre Optics

Recently developed lab-on-a-chip technologies integrate multiple traditional assays on a single chip with higher sensitivity, faster assay time, and more streamlined sample operation. We discuss the prospects of the lab-on-a-tip platform, where assays can be integrated on a miniaturized tip for in situ and in vivo analysis. It will resolve some of the limitations of available lab-on-a-chip platforms and enable next generation multifunctional in vivo sensors, as well as analytical techniques at the single cell or even sub-cellular levels

Effects of Seller Certificates on Buyer’s Order Cancellation in the E-marketplace

E-marketplaces are implementing various policies to reduce the information asymmetry between sellers and buyers. One popular way is to issue different kinds of certificates (or seals) for sellers, e.g., a quality certificate for sellers who have a lower product return rate than others or a quick certificate for sellers who dispatch products faster than others. Despite a plethora of previous studies on the role of certificates in the e-marketplace, we have a limited understanding of certificate effects in the post-order stage, where buyers can reverse their purchase decision. Based on the psychological contract violation theory and other related literature, we first explain why seller certificates can take a role in buyers’ order cancellation decision. Then, we empirically examine the effects of seller certificates using the large transaction data from a leading e-marketplace in Korea. Our findings are as follows. Given the time elapsed from the order, buyers are less likely to cancel the order when the seller has a quality certificate (for sellers who have lower product return rate than others) or a quantity certificate (for experienced sellers who sold a larger amount of products than others). When the seller has a quick certificate (for sellers who dispatch products faster than others), on the other hand, buyers are more likely to cancel the order. Further, the effects of seller certificates on order cancellation are largely varying across purchase channels (Smartphone vs. PC) and product types (convenience goods, shopping goods, vs. specialty goods)