The goal of a parallel program is to reduce the execution time, compared to the fastest sequential program solving the same problem. Parallel programming is growing due to the widespread use of network of workstations (NOWs) or powerful PCs in high-performance computing. Because the hardware components are all commodity devices, NOWs are much more cost-effective than custom machines with simila...

OBJECTIVE Delphi technique is a structured process commonly used to developed healthcare quality indicators, but there is a little recommendation for researchers who wish to use it. This study aimed 1) to describe reporting of the Delphi method to develop quality indicators, 2) to discuss specific methodological skills for quality indicators selection 3) to give guidance about this practice. ...

Article history: Received 17 January 2011 Received in revised form 3 June 2011 Accepted 6 June 2011 Available online 8 July 2011 We investigate the relative impact of internal Delphi process factors – including panelists' degree of confidence, expertise, majority/minority positioning – and an external factor, richness of feedback – on opinion change and subsequent accuracy of judgmental forecas...

In this paper we describe CHIC (Correspondence & HIerarchical Cluster) Analysis, a specialized software package for Correspondence Analysis-CA (Simple and Multiple) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (Benzécri’s chi-square distance, Ward’s linkage criterion). The implementation of CA is in line with both the French approach and the Gifi System of data analysis. CHIC Analysis combines the graphic...

Software quality processes can be assessed with the Orthogonal Defect Classification COnstructive QUALity MOdel (ODC COQUALMO) that predicts defects introduced and removed, classified by ODC types. Using parametric cost and defect removal inputs, static and dynamic versions of the model help one determine the impacts of quality strategies on defect profiles, cost and risk. The dynamic version p...

SNUFER is a software for the automatic localization and generation of tables used for the presentation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After input of a fasta file containing the sequences to be analyzed, a multiple sequence alignment is generated using ClustalW ran inside SNUFER. The ClustalW output file is then used to generate a table which displays the SNPs detected in the aligned...

The migration issue raises lots of questions regarding the resilience of the EU in front of such large-scale migration. This paper is the introductory part of larger research project that has in view to analyze the EU and some of the national strategic documents in order to detect when and how the migration as a security risk showed up and to clarify if it is a objective risk for EU security or...

Background The last decade has seen a drive towards non-medical prescribing in the United Kingdom (UK). However, there is a dearth of any published literature on applying the principles of service redesign to support pharmacist prescribing in any sphere of practice. Objective To develop consensus guidance to facilitate service redesign around pharmacist prescribing. Setting UK hospital practice...

Blended learning is a combination of any form of technology enhanced learning with face-to-face instructor-led training. So called guidebooks describe how self-paced learning activities can be blended with collaborative activities. This paper describes the requirements for such a guidebook based on results from a Delphi study. A draft of a possible structure for such a guidebook is suggested.