Using a multifrontal sparse solver in a high performance, finite element code

We consider the performance of the finite element method on a vector supercomputer. The computationally intensive parts of the finite element method are typically the individual element forms and the solution of the global stiffness matrix both of which are vectorized in high performance codes. To further increase throughput, new algorithms are needed. We compare a multifrontal sparse solver to a traditional skyline solver in a finite element code on a vector supercomputer. The multifrontal solver uses the Multiple-Minimum Degree reordering heuristic to reduce the number of operations required to factor a sparse matrix and full matrix computational kernels (e.g., BLAS3) to enhance vector performance. The net result in an order-of-magnitude reduction in run time for a finite element application on one processor of a Cray X-MP

Conceptualising 'quality of a tourism destination': an investigation of the attributes and dimensions of quality of a tourism destination

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of BedfordshireTourism destinations need to continuously improve in quality to succeed, if not to survive. To improve quality, current levels need to be measured to identify areas requiring improvement. However, no adequate technique for measuring the quality of a tourism destination has yet been developed. More importantly, tourists' understanding of the meaning of the term 'quality of a tourism destination' has not been investigated; a pre-requisite step for developing a technique for measuring the quality of a tourism destination. This thesis aims to ascertain the attributes and dimensions of quality of a tourism destination and to specify implications for the development of a technique for measuring its quality. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research approach is employed in the first stage of the thesis. The findings from this stage are used to inform the ensuing, mainly quantitative phase. The main results are summarised here. Firstly, seventy-five attributes and twelve dimensions of quality of a tourism destination were revealed in the qualitative phase of the study. Secondly, in the quantitative stage, an analysis of mean score values revealed that tourists strongly associated all seventy-five attributes and twelve dimensions with the quality of a tourism destination. Thirdly, it was established that the twelve dimensions of quality of a tourism destination differ in either breadth or scope from both service quality dimensions widely used in tourism and product quality dimensions from the quality management field. This thesis suggests that the quality of a tourism destination can best be defined as 'conformance to tourist requirements'. The main hypothesis; that there are significant differences in interpretations of the meaning of 'quality of a tourism destination' within groups oftourists, is rejected. Finally, the thesis ascertains that a tool for measuring the quality of a tourism destination can be developed based on the findings of the thesis. Such a tool, though predominantly quantitative, should include open-ended questions. This would allow changing tourist needs to be captured periodically and the results used to update the tool for measuring the quality of a tourism destination

Are Transition Economy Workers Underpaid?

We examine the extent to which workers in transition and developed market economies are able to obtain wages that fully reflect their skills and labor force characteristics. We find that workers in two transition economies, the Czech Republic and Poland, are able to better attain the maximum wage available than are workers in a sample of developed market economies. This greater wage-setting efficiency in the transition economies appears to be more the result of social and demographic characteristics of the labor force than of the mechanisms for setting wages or of labor market policies.labor markets, wage inefficiency, job search, stochastic frontier, economic transition

Inflation bias and productivity shocks in transition economies: The case of the Czech Republic

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Study Spaces and Environments: Recognizing the Needs of Students in Africa

This study looks at the satisfaction of tertiary students with their institution’s library services with the aim of identifying study and learning related impediments and challenges faced by students from poor backgrounds.  A study of this type is important because educators need to understand that information technology adoption and implementation must first address learning needs and situations facing emerging communities.  The purpose of the study was to ascertain the reasons for visiting the library, frequency of visits, reasons that may have prevented visits, and to determine satisfaction and experience of users.  This was purely quantitative study, based on a survey of students. Satisfaction levels were measured across 20 indicators adapted from similar studies and sought information on the rate of library usage, the main reason for the most recent library visit and reasons that had ever prevented them from visiting the library. Post survey, three focus group sessions were conducted to discuss issues relating to home study environments and the preliminary findings of the survey.  Based on the item groupings, five service dimensions were identified. These were student services/facilities, staff, collection, study spaces, and availability (access). The study found that there was some disconnect between student needs and library services available. A large number of students (47%) indicated that they prefer to conduct their study in the library, despite indicating a high level of dissatisfaction with some aspects of the services, because home environments are not conducive to study and learning.  The implementation of many of the virtual characteristics of university libraries should be based on a clear understanding of the local information needs, searching behaviours as well as being cognizant of how and why libraries are accessed. Keywords: Library, satisfaction, low socio-economic, student needs, internet, study spaces, e-resources, higher education, Africa

A Visitor Value Management Model: Focusing on the Actual Experience in Managing ‘Visitor Value’ Delivery

This is a conceptual paper on the need for tourism sector businesses to better understand the needs, desires and perceptions of visitors so that they can better manage the exchanged value from both the perspective of the visitor and the organisation.  Many of the traditional models of services provision are often too general and not precisely applicable to the tourism situation, where people are “outside their normal zone of existence”, more relaxed, happy and seeking enjoyment. Therefore, the exchange process in holiday situations should not be treated in the same way as normal exchange transactions.  This paper proposes a model for managing “visit value”, which focuses on the service design and development which tempers the product and service offerings to evoke the value adding attributes and the affective offer such as enjoyment, surprise, delight, excitement and pleasure.  Furthermore, the paper suggests that to achieve the “affect” characteristics in service design and delivery, there is a need for visitor feedback and continuous improvement to the exchanged value. Keywords: Tourism, Value management, Satisfaction, Performance monitoring, Model

Affirmative Action in the US and the Black Community

Affirmative action in the United States is the political principle behind legislation meant to improve the educational and employment opportunities of historically“disadvantaged groups, especially African Americans. However, though well“intended, it has been subject to criticism and judgment, even on the level of the Supreme Court

The Ursinus Weekly, June 10, 1957

Class of 1957 receives degrees, June 10: Mr. Robert Titus gives graduation address • Dr. M. W. Armstrong speaks at Baccalaureate • Seventeen annual prizes awarded at Commencement • Dr. Sturgis elected to science honorary June 3 • Three Ursinus graduates added to the faculty • Alumni Day, June 8, brings old grads to Ursinus campus • Junior advisors picked for 1957-58 • Editorial: It\u27s only the beginning • Seniors give thoughts at Commencement time • Women\u27s sports reviewed at the end of year 1956-57 • Bears\u27 sports record for the year 1956-57 reviewed • Letters and certificates awarded to Ursinus men • Alpha Psi Omega accepts, entertains new members • Dean\u27s Office holds lost and found articles • Rosicrucians picnic • 1955 Ursinus graduate completes US Army course • First Chi Alpha meeting for Fall to be Oct. 21 • U.C. grad assigned • Plans given for room assignments in women\u27s dorms • Scholarships awarded to thirteen incoming frosh • Twelve Ursinians named in Who\u27s who in college • Franchises given by MSGA at last meeting of year • St. Andrew\u27s Society award given to U.C. sophomorehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1432/thumbnail.jp

Curbing The Dog of War:The War Powers Resolution

This Article develops a theory of the constitutional allocation of the war power and applies it to the provisions of the War Powers Resolution. It examines the constitutional text and analysis of the respective powers of the President and Congres and suggests the division of all United States military activity into three categories: peacetime deployments, war threatening actions, and acts of war. The Authors argue that military actions in the first category are controlled exclusively by the President, in the second controlled both by the President and by Congress through political interaction, and in the third are implemented by the President but require congressional authorization to be constitutionally valid. It argues that those uses of force requiring congressional authorization are three types of authorization -- express, implied, and presumed -- each of which in specified circumstances satisfy the constitutional requirement that Congress authorize acts of war. Finally, this constitutional theory is applied to the provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The Article demonstrates that the Resolution suffers from a number of constitutional infirmities, and that certain aspects of the Resolution legitimately enhance Congress\u27 ability to control war