We show by simulating the execution of SPEC 95 benchmarks on a detailed register–level, cycle by cycle simulator for a superscalar CPU that about half of the bytes of operands flowing on the datapath, particularly the leading bytes, are all zeros. Furthermore, a significant number of the bits within the non–zero part of the data flowing on the various paths within the processor do not change fr...

A neglected challenge in existing e-Learning (eL) systems is providing access to multimedia to all users regardless of environmental conditions such as diverse device capabilities, the heterogeneity of the underlying IP network, and user modality preference. This paper proposes a novel two-tier transcoding framework capable of adapting eL multimedia to meet the end-user environmental challenges...

In recent years, innovative applications exploiting Linked Open Data (LOD) and the Semantic Web have opened up, combined and cross referenced high volumes of high-quality data and created tremendous new opportunities for data users as well as data providers. However, in order to serve the broadest community of users, technologies need to be developed that can manage large, constantly updated da...

Abstract Intermittent streams that periodically cease surface flow have long been understudied in ecology and underrepresented conservation policy. However, they currently account for 30–50% of the global river network, number is rising due to anthropogenic water extraction, land-use change, climate change. We explored Coleoptera biodiversity south Pacific coast region British Columbia, Canada,...

Often simple metrics are used to summarise complex patterns in stream benthic ecology, thus it is important to understand how well these metrics can explain the finer-scale underlying environmental variation often hidden by coarser-scale influences. I sampled 47 relatively pristine streams in the central North Island of New Zealand in 2007 and (1) evaluated the local-scale drivers of macroinver...

Unchanging physicochemical conditions and nutrient sources over long periods of time in cave and karst subsurface habitats, particularly aquifers, can support stable ecosystems, termed autochthonous microbial endokarst communities (AMEC). AMEC existence is unknown for other karst settings, such as epigenic cave streams. Conceptually, AMEC should not form in streams due to faster turnover rates ...

In this work the reliability of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) microphone is studied through two accelerated life tests, mixed flowing gas (MFG) testing and shock impact testing. The objective is to identify the associated failure mechanisms and improve the reliability of MEMS devices. Failure analyses are carried out by using various tools, such as optical microscopy, scanning elect...