Clusters of seemingly homogeneous compute nodes are increasingly heterogeneous within each node due to replication and distribution of node-level subsystems. This intra-node heterogeneity can adversely affect program execution performance by inflicting additional data-access performance penalties when accessing non-local data. In many modern NUMA architectures, both memory and I/O controllers are distributed within a node and CPU cores are logically divided into “local” and “remote” data-accesses within the system. In this thesis a method for analyzing main memory and PCIe data-access characteristics of modern AMD and Intel NUMA architectures is presented. Also presented here is the synthesis of data-access performance models designed to quantify the effects of these architectural characteristics on data-access bandwidth. Such performance models provide an analytical tool for determining the performance impact of remote data-accesses for a program or access pattern running in a given system. Data-access performance models also provide a means for comparing the data-access bandwidth and attributes of NUMA architectures, for improving application performance when running on these architectures, and for improving process/thread mapping onto CPU cores in these architectures. Preliminary examples of how programs respond to these data-access bandwidth characteristics are also presented as motivation for future work. / Master of Science

In this paper, I argue that the performance artist Orlan uses feminist tactics of subversion in her presentation of the body as art. I enter the feminist debate over Orlan's work to indicate that the critics who consider the history of performance art produce more fecund discourse. At the same time, I encourage more discussion over the racial dimensions of Orlan's art, which I describe as de-colonizing her body's representation. / Master of Arts

Improved prediction of forage quality and cow performance may enhance the nutritional management of beef cows. In two 12 mo trials, mature beef cows (n=136) grazing tall fescue pastures were used to compare estimates of forage quality and animal performance. Forage quality was estimated by proximate analysis of forage samples (FOR) or by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of fecal samples (FNIR). Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NutBal), NutBalPro and 1996 NRC Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (NRC) programs were used to predict animal performance. The objectives were to compare FOR and FNIR estimates of CP and TDN and to evaluate the accuracy of cow performance predicted by FNIR-NutBal, FNIR-NutBalPro and FOR-NRC systems. Initial BW, body condition score (BCS), hip height and breed were used to establish cow biotypes for prediction programs. Every 28 d, cow BW and BCS were measured and forage and fecal samples collected. Weather data, cow status and FOR or FNIR results were entered into NutBal, NutBalPro and NRC programs. Forage CP estimated by FNIR (CPFNIR) or FOR (CPFOR) were similar. In trials 1 and 2, correlation coefficients between CPFNIR and CPFOR were r = .24 and r = .43, respectively. Forage TDN estimated by FNIR was greater (P <.05) and lowly or moderately correlated to FOR estimates. Actual BW change between weigh periods (BWCHG) and ADG were similar to NRC predictions, but less (P<.0001) than predicted by NutBal or NutBalPro. The NutBal or NutBalPro mean BCS change between weigh periods (BCSCHG) were greater (P<.001) than NRC or Actual BCSCHG. Actual and NRC BCSCHG were similar (P>.2, trial 1) or tended (P<.1, trial 2) to be similar. Cow performance estimated by NRC was highly correlated to Actual. Absolute differences in animal performance were also investigated for each prediction program. In trials 1 and 2, NutBal and NutBalPro over-predicted BWCHG, ADG and BCSCHG by 40 kg, 1.25 kg/d and .75 BCS, respectively, compared to actual cow performance. It appears that FNIR is a promising predictor of forage CP but not TDN. Also, the FOR-NRC is a satisfactory predictor of cow performance. / Master of Science

Yes / After reading this chapter you will be able to: Examine the role of Performance Management in ensuring effective business performance; Consider how a culture of suitable measurement can be established and how sustainable performance can be embedded; Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the processes involved in the development and implementation of Performance Management systems; Devise and use performance measures to inform the performance management system; Assess the benefits and drawbacks inherent in the implementation of Performance Management Systems; Analyse and evaluate different Performance Management methodologies; and Synthesise and analyse data and information and evaluate its relevance and validity in the context of any given organisation.

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There are many theories on how to approach the creation of theatre and the training of the actor. My undergraduate training has focused heavily on acting techniques currently considered standard practice. Throughout this training I understood what these artists intended and how each process should work, but I felt that the process of getting from the head to the body was brushed aside. I didn't know how to move; therefore, I did not move at all. This project is intended to explore the possibilities and usefulness of theatrical movement techniques in the development of theatre productions. The movement techniques I have explored throughout my research include the work of Moni Yakim Jerzy Grotowski, Peter Brooks, Robert Wilson, Tadashi Suzuki and Vsevolod Meyerhold. The techniques presented in their texts should help to battle body tension as well as broaden and fine-tune an actor’s sense of awareness.

To see a theatrical show onstage is a nightly thrill for thousands of audience members worldwide. Unfortunately many of these audience members do not know or understand the journey a show. the cast; and crew take from the first concept to the final curtain call. The journey of a show, ·brand new or a revival, is unique to each production but the desired goal is a shared one - reaching the hearts and minds of its audience members. Having only seen the growth and progress of a production as a cast member, I had no idea of the lessons to be learned· working on the production team. As a research component of this thesis, I served as part of the creative team to mount a fully staged musical. In doing so, I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for my art form and the creative process as a whole. My thesis consists of researching famous choreographers of the American Musical Theatre and their significant advances that shaped the nature of dance on the Broadway stage. In an effort to fully understand the process of staging a musical I also served as Assistant Choreographer for the Fall 2007 University of Central Florida Conservatory Theater's Main Stage Production of The Most Happy Fella. As Assistant Choreographer. I learned how to construct and realize a concept of choreography that enhances the plot and score of the piece. These lessons will guide me in defining my own choreographic and directorial style as I progress into the world post graduation

In an era where web applications are pivotal for global information dissemination and user engagement, ensuring the performance and accessibility of static web content is paramount. This need is particularly significant given the diverse accessibility requirements worldwide, influenced by varying network generations and the real-time rendering of static elements such as text, images, and videos on devices ranging from laptops to cell phones. This thesis embarks on a comparative study of client-side rendering (CSR) and server-side rendering (SSR), two fundamental techniques determining how various platforms present static content. Through detailed examination, the study aims to shed light on the nuances of web performance optimization, particularly how CSR and SSR affect content loading times, interactivity, and overall user experience. This investigation covers popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Brave Browser, and Microsoft Edge while considering network generations from 2G Good to 4G/LTE Regular. The analysis will utilize performance metrics such as First Contentful Paint (FCP), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and Finish Time to provide a comprehensive evaluation. These metrics are essential for assessing the performance impact of CSR and SSR under different network conditions, offering a tangible measurement of user experience. By exploring the interplay between rendering techniques, device capabilities, and network environments, the research seeks to demystify the complexities of web performance optimization, ultimately offering strategies to enhance web application performance across different digital ecosystems.

Problem-solving ability is now the most sought-after trait in up-and-coming executives, according to a survey of 1 000 executives conducted by Caliper Associates, reported in the Wall Street Journal by Hal Lancaster (Hoenig, 2002:338). This trait would include the ability to solve human performance problems, something many people tend to steer clear of. According to Piskurich (2002:57-58) and Rothwell, Hohne and King (2000:67-71), the most common problem-solving tools that are used when solving human performance problems are brainstorming, cause-and-effect analysis, and the five why’s technique. Although techniques such as these have proven to be robust and useful, what is required to solve human performance problems is a logical and verifiable process that can establish a data point about which relevant information can be recognized and gathered, and against which the conclusion can be evaluated, to have confirmed knowledge of the root cause of the problems. Unfortunately, existing root cause analysis processes tend to focus on processes and systems, rather than on individual performance (Bowling, 2003). The main objective of this study was to develop a root cause analysis process that would uncover the root cause(s) of uncontrolled variation(s) in human performance and prevent the recurrence of events causing the variation. In addition to addressing individual human performance incidents, it is also necessary continually to manage people’s performance to detect and address any occurrences (or recurrences) of performance variations. Therefore, in addition to the main objective, the study also aimed to develop a Human Performance Management Model that incorporated the root cause analysis process as a problem-solving tool. Action research was used in this study, because of the cyclical iterative nature of this type of research, and because it is a rigorous, responsive and flexible process. The study consisted of three cycles. The end result was a structured root cause analysis process – the Human Performance Variation Analysis (HPVA) process – that enables the systematic collection of valid and reliable information, as is required to solve variation in human performance. The HPVA process is a three-part process that consists of 11 steps. The process is in turn a tool that forms part of a ten-step Human Performance Management Model. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on human performance management by presenting the following: • a systematic root cause analysis process that uncovers the root causes of human performance problems effectively and consistently and that controls these causes of problems in a way that prevents the problems from recurring; and • a Human Performance Management Model that will help to sustain the new, improved performance; prevent the same or similar performance problem(s) in other areas of the organisation; and ultimately, create an environment and culture of continuous human performance improvement. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to determine which specific resources contribute to the strategy-to-performance gap of small businesses trading in the Pietermaritzburg metropolitan area, from a resource-based perspective of strategic management. The research was prompted by a study conducted by Marakon Associates, the purpose of which was to investigate how successfully companies translate their strategies into performance and what steps they take to close the resulting strategy-to-performance gaps. The main reasons advanced for poor strategy-to-performance results are inadequate or unavailable resources. The research design in the study is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The data was collected from a structured questionnaire comprising of 18 questions emailed to the owners using LimeSurvey. The findings of the survey show that the businesses surveyed lack resources, which leads directly to strategy-to-performance gaps. The most important resources they lack are financial and human resources. / Business Management / M. Tech. (Business Administration)