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    11Dec, 2023
    Nvidia to expand ties with Vietnam, support AI development

    HANOI, Dec 11 (Reuters) – U.S. chipmaker Nvidia’s (NVDA.O) chief executive said on Monday the company will expand its partnership with Vietnam’s top tech firms and support the country in training talent for developing artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

    Nvidia, which has already invested $250 million in Vietnam, has so far partnered with leading tech companies to deploy AI in the cloud, automotive and healthcare industries, a document published by the White House in September showed when Washington upgraded diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

    “Vietnam is already our partner as we have millions of clients here,” Jensen Huang, Nvdia’s CEO said at an event in Hanoi in his first visit to the country.

    “Vietnam and Nvidia will deepen our relations, with Viettel, FPT, Vingroup, VNG being the partners Nvidia looks to expand partnership with,” Huang said, adding Nvidia would support Vietnam’s artificial training and infrastructure.

    Reuters reported last week Nvidia was set to discuss cooperation deals on semiconductors with Vietnamese tech companies and authorities in a meeting on Monday.

    Huang’s visit comes at a time when Vietnam is trying to expand into chip designing and possibly chip-making as trade tensions between the United States and China create opportunities for Vietnam in the industry.

    At Monday’s event, Vietnam’s investment minister Nguyen Chi Dzung said the country had been preparing mechanisms and incentives to attract investment projects in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries.

    Dzung also asked Nvidia to considering setting up a research and development facility in the country following Huang’s proposal to set up a base in Vietnam, after his meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Sunday.

    Resource : https://www.reuters.com/technology/nvidia-ceo-plans-expand-partnership-with-vietnam-support-vietnam-ai-development-2023-12-11/

    16Nov, 2023
    A Milestone in Computing: 2D In-Memory Processor With Over 1000 Transistors

    EPFL researchers have created an energy-efficient in-memory processor using MoS2, combining over 1000 transistors. This processor, which efficiently performs vector-matrix multiplication, represents a shift away from traditional von Neumann architecture and could boost the European semiconductor industry.

    Developed by EPFL researchers, the first large-scale in-memory processor using 2D semiconductor materials could substantially cut the ICT sector’s energy footprint.

    As information and communication technologies (ICT) process data, they convert electricity into heat. Already today, the global ICT ecosystem’s CO2 footprint rivals that of aviation. It turns out, however, that a big part of the energy consumed by computer processors doesn’t go into performing calculations. Instead, the bulk of the energy used to process data is spent shuttling bytes between the memory to the processor.

    In a paper published on November 13 in the journal Nature Electronics, researchers from EPFL’s School of Engineering in the Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures (LANES) present a new processor that tackles this inefficiency by integrating data processing and storage onto a single device, a so-called in-memory processor. They broke new ground by creating the first in-memory processor based on a two-dimensional semiconductor material to comprise more than 1000 transistors, a key milestone on the path to industrial production.

    In a paper published in the journal Nature Electronics, researchers from EPFL’s School of Engineering in the Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures (LANES) present a new processor that tackles this inefficiency by integrating data processing and storage onto a single device, a so-called in-memory processor. They broke new ground by creating the first in-memory processor based on a two-dimensional semiconductor material to comprise more than 1000 transistors, a key milestone on the path to industrial production. Credit: 2023 EPFL / Alan Herzog

    Von Neuman’s Legacy

    According to Andras Kis, who led the study, the main culprit behind the inefficiency of today’s CPUs is the universally adopted von Neumann architecture. Specifically, the physical separation of the components used to perform calculations and to store data. Because of this separation, processors need to retrieve data from the memory to perform calculations, which involves moving electrical charges, charging and discharging capacitors, and transmitting currents along lines – all of which dissipate energy.

    Until around 20 years ago, this architecture made sense, as different types of devices were required for data storage and processing. But the von Neumann architecture is increasingly being challenged by more efficient alternatives. “Today, there are ongoing efforts to merge storage and processing into a more universal in-memory processors that contain elements which work both as a memory and as a transistor,” Kis explains. His lab has been exploring ways to achieve this goal using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a semiconductor material.

    A New Two-Dimensional Processor Architecture

    In their Nature Electronics paper, Guilherme Migliato Marega, doctoral assistant at LANES, and his co-authors present an MoS2-based in-memory processor dedicated to one of the fundamental operations in data processing: vector-matrix multiplication. This operation is ubiquitous in digital signal processing and the implementation of artificial intelligence models. Improvements in its efficiency could yield substantial energy savings throughout the entire ICT sector.

    Their processor combines 1024 elements onto a one-by-one-centimeter chip. Each element comprises a 2D MoS2 transistor as well as a floating gate, used to store a charge in its memory that controls the conductivity of each transistor. Coupling processing and memory in this way fundamentally changes how the processor carries out the calculation. “By setting the conductivity of each transistor, we can perform analog vector-matrix multiplication in a single step by applying voltages to our processor and measuring the output,” explains Kis.

    A Big Step Closer to Practical Applications

    The choice of material – MoS2 – played a vital role in the development of their in-memory processor. For one, MoS2 is a semiconductor – a requirement for the development of transistors. Unlike silicon, the most widely used semiconductor in today’s computer processors, MoS2 forms a stable monolayer, just three atoms thick, that only interacts weakly with its surroundings. Its thinness offers the potential to produce extremely compact devices. Finally, it’s a material that Kis’s lab knows well. In 2010, they created their first single MoS2 transistor using a monolayer of the material peeled off a crystal using Scotch tape.

    Over the past 13 years, their processes have matured substantially, with Migliato Marega’s contributions playing a key role. “The key advance in going from a single transistor to over 1000 was the quality of the material that we can deposit. After a lot of process optimization, we can now produce entire wafers covered with a homogenous layer of uniform MoS2. This lets us adopt industry standard tools to design integrated circuits on a computer and translate these designs into physical circuits, opening the door to mass production,” says Kis.

    Revitalizing European Chip Manufacturing

    Aside from its purely scientific value, Kis sees this result as a testament to the importance of close scientific collaboration between Switzerland and the EU, in particular in the context of the European Chips Act, which aims to bolster Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications. “EU funding was crucial for both this project and those that preceded it, including the one that financed the work on the first MoS2 transistor, showing just how important it is for Switzerland,” says Kis.

    “At the same time, it shows how work carried out in Switzerland can benefit the EU as it seeks to reinvigorate electronics fabrication. Rather than running the same race as everyone else, the EU could, for example, focus on developing non-von Neumann processing architectures for AI accelerators and other emerging applications. By defining its own race, the continent could get a head start to secure a strong position in the future,” he concludes.

    Reference: “A large-scale integrated vector–matrix multiplication processor based on monolayer molybdenum disulfide memories” by Guilherme Migliato Marega, Hyun Goo Ji, Zhenyu Wang, Gabriele Pasquale, Mukesh Tripathi, Aleksandra Radenovic and Andras Kis, 13 November 2023, Nature Electronics.

    Resource : https://scitechdaily.com/a-milestone-in-computing-2d-in-memory-processor-with-over-1000-transistors/

    3Nov, 2023
    Lendlease, Google end development deals for San Francisco Bay Area projects

    Nov 3 (Reuters) – Lendlease Group (LLC.AX) and Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google reached a mutual agreement to end development services deals for four master-planned districts in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Australian developer said on Friday.

    “The decision to end these agreements followed a comprehensive review by Google of its real estate investments, and a determination by both organisations that the existing agreements are no longer mutually beneficial given current market conditions,” Lendlease said.

    Google did not immediately reply to Reuters’ request for comment.

    Lendlease in 2019 bagged the contract from Google to develop $15 billion worth of residential and retail space in Sunnyvale, San Jose and Mountain View.

    Under the project, Leandlease was to develop up to 15 million square feet of residential, retail and hospitality space and associated amenities, and Google would develop office space.

    California’s commercial real estate market is one of the hardest hit globally as remote working has reduced the demand for office space amid declining property values and higher debt servicing costs on the back of rising rates.

    In June, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW.PA), owner of one of the biggest shopping centers in the city decided to walk away after 20 years, hurt by declining sales, occupancy and foot traffic.

    Earlier this year, Lendlease also paused its 47-storey Hayes Point project in central San Francisco, its largest investment in the Americas, looking to line up tenants or find a co-investor.

    Lendlease said it will remove the San Francisco Bay project, which was expected to commence construction in fiscal 2026, from its development pipeline.

    “While market expectations for the project had deflated over the past ~12-18 months, the change is negative for medium term (FY26-28) earnings,” analysts at UBS said.

    Lendlease retained its forecast for fiscal 2024, with core operating return on equity at the lower end of its 8%-10% range.

    Resource : https://www.reuters.com/world/us/lendlease-google-end-development-agreements-san-francisco-bay-area-projects-2023-11-03/

    16Feb, 2023
    Why E-Learning: Insights into Online Learning and Development for 2023

    The world today is rapidly progressing on the road to utilization, with the ever increasing number of technical applications that are used to communicate and pass on knowledge. In a traditional classroom, knowledge acquisition is limited to the information the instructor has and that which they can access. However, connecting students to the outside world enhances their ability to construct new knowledge.

    E-learning is an umbrella term that is used to describe a wide variety of electronic ways that enable access to education, and the process in itself. These include: virtual classrooms, web-based learning, computer-based learning, digital collaboration, video and audio recordings, interactive TV and many more. Thus, e-learning is suited to flexible learning methods and distance learning. E-learning can however be coupled with face to face instruction, which is called blended learning.

    History of E-learning 

    E-learning has come a long way since its introduction in the 1990s.The history of the concept can be traced back to the days of distant learning on radio programs in the 1920s. PLATO, the first computer-based education tool, introduced by Professor Don Bitzer in 1960, became an important milestone in the world of e-learning. Its fundamental purpose was to amplify and enhance student literacy. 

    Features of E-Learning 

    1. Association of Diverse Learning Tools 

    Mixed learning tools enable the students to widen their horizons. E-learning platforms typically use combined online assets to their advantage. It comprises a number of instruments that are made accessible to the students and teachers. 

    2. Online Course Listings

    A Learning Management System (LMS) constitutes proper schedules and lists of the courses that they have to offer. The users can easily jump to the course, get a glimpse and enlist just by scrolling through the lists or catalogs. 

    3. User Friendly Interface 

    To kill the monotony of the usual learning, e-learning apps and website have the opportunity to make learning more inclusive and interactive through appealing design, bold aesthetics and engaging interfaces. 

    Evolution of E-Learning

    The last decade transformed e-learning radically. In the early days, courses offered for e-learning were typically custom created, by groups of programmers who were aided by software creating tools. Advancement in technology led to the creation of worldwide web, making the creation of e-learning courses a simpler task, that anyone without programming knowledge could complete.

    Changes in technology brought new hardware like portable computers, which made it very easy for learners to access course material online. Today, many people are using tablets and smart-phones for online classes and web seminars or webinars.

    Types of E-Learning

    E-Learning can be classified by the ways in which it is shared from the instructor, to the student. An informal distribution form of e-learning is one in which the students are trusted to view the available course material, and are not tracked or tested, for completion.

    In the formal distribution form of e-learning, instructors usually keep track and make recordings of learner progress and results. Most educational institutions that offer certifications for students have specific systems and standards for gauging the scores for students.

    Learning Management Systems or LMS is used for tracking scores and to ensure that the students’ standards for each course are maintained. They are platforms that enable users to create good online courses; and also the students to be able to access these courses. These platforms are of different types and they have different capabilities. Some are free while others are offered at a fee.

    Elements of E-Learning

    When creating an online course, there are a number of criterion to be met. Setting a list of criterion ensures that students benefit fully from the course they signed up for.
    Some common elements of e-Learning are as follows:

    1. The role played by the teacher/instructor is vital. He/she is necessary to offer necessary feedback to students. He/she is also sometimes responsible for keeping students’ progress or scores.
    2. A well-organized Learning Management System is necessary. It should be easily navigable by both the student and the instructor.
    3. The learning material is the key feature in e-learning. Usually, course material is formatted in a way that is simple and easily accessible for students.
    4. Communication is important for learning. To be able to access online coursework from the instructor, students have to use one or more of the many modes of communication or delivery methods.

    There is a myriad of devices today that allow teachers and learners to share knowledge. The trainer connects to viewers or listeners interactively, using multimedia, voice communications, videos (live or prerecorded), presentations, product demonstrations and text chats, mostly over the internet.

    Importance of E-Learning 

    E-learning was introduced to promote student literacy. With the development of technology and advent of a variety of websites and apps that support e-learning, the users have been empowered to get basic education and skills. 

    E-learning has aggregated all the  tutors, experts, learners and practitioners into a single place. The audio visual technologies have deducted the monotonous methods of teaching. 

    How Does Online Learning Work? 

    Online learning can be practiced through various platforms such as Skillshare and Google Classroom. A compact course catalog is available for the users to choose whatever course they would prefer. A pre-determined learning module is laid out by the tutors for each course. The user simply has to sign up and complete the course. 

    Advantages of E-Learning

    E-learning platforms possess tech-savvy and smart tools for the users to gain access to top notch content and knowledge. 

    1. Multimedia Tools

    From graphics to engrossing video clips, the e-learning process makes studying compelling. Instead of going through mundane lessons, the e-learning platforms have high-tech multimedia tools to engage with the users. 

    2. Sensory Engagement 

    E-learning tools and features increase the sensory engagement of the users. The learning methods require the learners to actively use their ears, eyes and hands while taking a lesson. This engagement makes the user involved in the particular assignment. 

    3. More Customization

    Each individual has a different set of skills. The pace and the power of retention is contrasting in every user. E-learning platforms acknowledge this fact and thus offer an individual experience for every user. 

    4. Course Correction 

    The e-learning platforms provide immediate feedback to the students. The users are corrected at once and are directed towards the right answer. The first hand feedback clears the queries of the users. 

    5. Speed 

    Instead of wasting time,the e-learning users can speed up the learning process.If the users already have the required knowledge of the subject, they can test their knowledge through mock tests and thus save time and resources. 

    6. Learner Satisfaction 

    Result boards, certificates and metrics provided by e-learning to its users boosts up the confidence of the users. It satisfies the users as they get to see the fruit of their labor. 

    7. Data and Analytics 

    With the help of data and analytics, the user responses can be checked. The Learning Management system can learn from the responses of the users and carry out the necessary changes.

    8. Standardization 

    The e-learning system makes its content and material user friendly to engage the user. Shaping learning methods as per the user’s need makes it easier for the user to absorb and retain better. 

    9. Frequent Assignments 

    There are plenty of mock tests, quizzes and assignments on each e-learning platform for the users to put their knowledge to test. These assignments not only help the user to use their knowledge but it also boosts their confidence. 

    10. Eco friendly and Maintainable 

    E-learning tools do not waste resources and instead are good for the environment. These tools use less energy and carry out better results. 

    11. Scalability 

    The e-learning system reflects the ability to allow a number of users to connect from all over the globe. It manages and organizes the users into various branches without delays. 

    Disadvantages of E-Learning 

    While there is always another side to the coin, e-learning too has some disadvantages to itself. 

    1. Social Isolation 

    The users of the e-learning platforms often learn to shy away from the real world. Sitting in their personal space, the users resist going out in outer spaces. They isolate themselves from society and thus find themselves alone.

    2. Lack of Technological Literacy 

    Not everyone has access to technology and resources. For those who have access may not know how to operate. A large section of the society is still unable to afford or gain access to the resources and devices required for the e-learning process.

    3. Lack of Time Management Skills 

    The users of the e-learning platforms are often observed to procrastinate. The users toss aside their lessons for the next day because they have the alternative to access the learning material at any time they prefer. The users hence develop poor time management skills. 

    In a fast-pacing, technology-oriented world of today, people are adopting technology and finding new ways to integrate it in support of education. E-learning is leading the way, redefining ways in which knowledge is acquired.

    Resource : https://www.simplilearn.com/why-e-learning-article