British Standard 7666 as a framework for geocoding land and property information the UK

Abstract: The article examines the role of British Standard 7666 in the development of a national framework for geocoding land and property information in the United Kingdom. The author assesses how local authorities, and other agencies concerned with property and address datasets, are coping with the introduction of British Standard 7666, and examines the prospects and limitations of this development. British Standard 7666 has four parts, comprising specifications for street gazetteer; land and property gazetteer; addresses; and public rights of way. The organisation coordinating the introduction of British Standard 7666, Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), is also overseeing the development and maintenance of a National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) based on British Standard 7666. The introduction of the new addressing standard has mainly been prompted by Britain's effort to set up a national cadastral service to replace the obsolescent property registration system currently in place

British Standard 7666
geocoding
property information
land information
UK
national framework
United Kingdom
local authorities
address datasets
property datasets
street gazetteer
property gazetteer
land gazetteer
addresses
public rights of way
Improvement and Development Agency
IDeA
National Land and Property Gazetteer
NLPG
addressing standard
national cadastral service
property registration system
land information systems


The development of CASC [automated theorem proving]

Abstract: Researchers who make theoretical advances also need some way to demonstrate that an advance really does have general, overall positive consequences for system performance. For this it is necessary to evaluate the system on a set of problems that is sufficiently large and diverse to be somehow representative of the intended application area as a whole. It is only a small step from system evaluation to a communal system competition. The CADE ATP System Competition (CASC) has been run annually since 1996. Any competition is difficult to design and organize in the first instance, and to then run over the years. In order to obtain the full benefits of a competition, a thoroughly organized event, with an unambiguous and motivated design, is necessary. For some issues relevant to the CASC design, inevitable constraints have emerged. For other issues there have been several choices, and decisions have had to be made. This paper describes the evolution of CASC, paying particular attention to its design, design changes, and organization

CASC
system performance
system evaluation
automated deduction
CADE ATP System Competition
automated theorem proving
AI
artificial intelligence
classical first order logic


A GRASP heuristic for the mixed Chinese postman problem

Abstract: Arc routing problems (ARPs) consist of finding a traversal on a graph satisfying some conditions related to the links of the graph. In the Chinese postman problem (CPP) the aim is to find a minimum cost tour (closed walk) traversing all the links of the graph at least once. Both the Undirected CPP, where all the links are edges that can be traversed in both ways, and the Directed CPP, where all the links are arcs that must be traversed in a specified way, are known to be polynomially solvable. However, if we deal with a mixed graph (having edges and arcs), the problem turns out to be NP-hard. In this paper, we present a heuristic algorithm for this problem, the so-called Mixed CPP (MCPP), based on greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) techniques. The algorithm has been tested and compared with other known and recent methods from the literature on a wide collection of randomly generated instances, with up to 200 nodes and 600 links, producing encouraging computational results. As far as we know, this is the best heuristic algorithm for the MCPP, with respect to solution quality, published up to now


Integration is LIMS inspiration

Abstract: For software manufacturers, blessings come in the form of fast-moving application areas. In the case of LIMS, biotechnology is still in the driving seat, inspiring developers to maintain consistently rapid and creative levels of innovation. Current advancements are no exception. Integration and linking initiatives are still popular and much of the activity appears to be coming from a very productive minority

software manufacturers
LIMS
biotechnology


Extending CTL with actions and real time

Abstract: In this paper, we present the logic ATCTL, which is intended to be used for model checking models that have been specified in a lightweight version of the Unified Modelling Language (UML). Elsewhere, we have defined a formal semantics for LUML to describe the models. This paper's goal is to give a specification language for properties that fits LUML; LUML includes states, actions and real time. ATCTL extends CTL with concurrent actions and real time. It is based on earlier extensions of CTL by R. De Nicola and F. Vaandrager (ACTL) (1990) and R. Alur et aL (TCTL) (1993). This makes it easier to adapt existing model checkers to ATCTL. To show that we can check properties specified in ATCTL in models specified in LUML, we give a small example using the Kronos model checker

actions
real time logic
logic ATCTL
model checking models
Unified Modelling Language
formal semantics
specification language
Kronos model checker
computation tree logic


Designing human-centered distributed information systems

Abstract: Many computer systems are designed according to engineering and technology principles and are typically difficult to learn and use. The fields of human-computer interaction, interface design, and human factors have made significant contributions to ease of use and are primarily concerned with the interfaces between systems and users, not with the structures that are often more fundamental for designing truly human-centered systems. The emerging paradigm of human-centered computing (HCC)-which has taken many forms-offers a new look at system design. HCC requires more than merely designing an artificial agent to supplement a human agent. The dynamic interactions in a distributed system composed of human and artificial agents-and the context in which the system is situated-are indispensable factors. While we have successfully applied our methodology in designing a prototype of a human-centered intelligent flight-surgeon console at NASA Johnson Space Center, this article presents a methodology for designing human-centered computing systems using electronic medical records (EMR) systems

human-centered distributed information systems design

human-centered intelligent flight surgeon console


The AT89C51/52 flash memory programmers

Abstract: When faced with a plethora of applications to design, it's essential to have a versatile microcontroller in hand. The author describes the AT89C51/52 microcontrollers. To get you started, he'll describe his inexpensive microcontroller programmer

AT89C51/52
flash memory programmers
microcontrollers
device programmer
microcontroller programmer


Minimizing weighted number of early and tardy jobs with a common due window involving location penalty

Abstract: Studies a single machine scheduling problem to minimize the weighted number of early and tardy jobs with a common due window. There are n non-preemptive and simultaneously available jobs. Each job will incur an early (tardy) penalty if it is early (tardy) with respect to the common due window under a given schedule. The window size is a given parameter but the window location is a decision variable. The objective of the problem is to find a schedule that minimizes the weighted number of early and tardy jobs and the location penalty. We show that the problem is NP-complete in the ordinary sense and develop a dynamic programming based pseudo-polynomial algorithm. We conduct computational experiments, the results of which show that the performance of the dynamic algorithm is very good in terms of memory requirement and CPU time. We also provide polynomial time algorithms for two special cases

early jobs
tardy jobs
common due window
single machine scheduling problem
decision variable
location penalty
NP-complete problem
dynamic programming
pseudo-polynomial algorithm


Comments on some recent methods for the simultaneous determination of polynomial zeros

Abstract: In this note we give some comments on the recent results concerning a simultaneous method of the fourth-order for finding complex zeros in circular interval arithmetic. The main discussion is directed to a rediscovered iterative formula and its modification, presented recently in Sun and Kosmol, (2001). The presented comments include some critical parts of the papers Petkovic, Trickovic, Herceg, (1998) and Sun and Kosmol, (2001) which treat the same subject

polynomial
zeros
complex zeros
circular interval arithmetic
iterative formula


A six-degree-of-freedom precision motion stage

Abstract: This article presents the design and performance evaluation of a six-degree-of-freedom piezoelectrically actuated fine motion stage that will be used for three dimensional error compensation of a long-range translation mechanism. Development of a single element, piezoelectric linear displacement actuator capable of translations of 1.67 mu m with 900 V potential across the electrodes and under a 27.4 N axial load and 0.5 mm lateral distortion is presented. Finite element methods have been developed and used to evaluate resonant frequencies of the stage platform and the complete assembly with and without a platform payload. In general, an error of approximately 10.0% between the finite element results and the experimentally measured values were observed. The complete fine motion stage provided approximately +or-0.93 mu m of translation and +or-38.0 mu rad of rotation in all three planes of motion using an excitation range of 1000 V. An impulse response indicating a fundamental mode resonance at 162 Hz was measured with a 0.650 kg payload rigidly mounted to the top of the stage

single element piezoelectric linear displacement actuator


Linear, parameter-varying control and its application to a turbofan engine

Abstract: This paper describes application of parameter-dependent control design methods to a turbofan engine. Parameter-dependent systems are linear systems, whose state-space descriptions are known functions of time-varying parameters. The time variation of each of the parameters is not known in advance, but is assumed to be measurable in real-time. Three linear, parameter-varying (LPV) approaches to control design are discussed. The first method is based on linear fractional transformations which relies on the small gain theorem for bounds on performance and robustness. The other methods make use of either a single (SQLF) or parameter-dependent (PDQLF) quadratic Lyapunov function to bound the achievable level of performance. The latter two techniques are used to synthesize controllers for a high-performance turbofan engine. A LPV model of the turbofan engine is constructed from Jacobian linearizations at fixed power codes for control design. The control problem is formulated as a model matching problem in the H/sub infinity / and LPV framework. The objective is decoupled command response of the closed-loop system to pressure and rotor speed requests. The performance of linear, H/sub infinity / point designs are compared with the SQLF and PDQLF controllers. Nonlinear simulations indicate that the controller synthesized using the SQLF approach is slightly more conservative than the PDQLF controller. Nonlinear simulations with the SQLF and PDQLF controllers show very robust designs that achieve all desired performance objectives

parameter-dependent quadratic Lyapunov function


The chemical brotherhood

Abstract: It has always been more difficult for chemistry to keep up in the Internet age but a new language could herald a new era for the discipline. The paper discusses CML, or chemical mark-up language. The eXtensible Mark-up Language provides a universal format for structured documents and data on the Web and so offers a way for scientists and others to carry a wide range of information types across the net in a transparent way. All that is needed is an XML browser

chemistry
Internet
CML
chemical mark-up language
eXtensible Mark-up Language
structured document format
World Wide Web
XML browser


Dihedral congruence primes and class fields of real quadratic fields

Abstract: We show that for a real quadratic field F the dihedral congruence primes with respect to F for cusp forms of weight k and quadratic nebentypus are essentially the primes dividing expressions of the form epsilon /sub +//sup k-1/+or-1 where epsilon /sub +/ is a totally positive fundamental unit of F. This extends work of Hida. Our results allow us to identify a family of (ray) class fields of F which are generated by torsion points on modular abelian varieties

dihedral congruence primes
class fields
real quadratic fields
quadratic nebentypus
torsion points
modular abelian varieties
class field theory


Cutting the cord [wireless health care]

Abstract: More and more healthcare executives are electing to cut the cord to their existing computer systems by implementing mobile technology. The allure of information anywhere, anytime is intoxicating, demonstrated by the cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) that adorn today's professionals. The utility and convenience of these devices is undeniable. But what is the best strategy for implementing a mobile solution within a healthcare enterprise, be it large or small-and under what circumstances? What types of healthcare workers benefit most from mobile technology? And how state-of-the-art is security for wireless applications and devices? These are the questions that healthcare executives are asking-and should be asking-as they evaluate mobile solutions

healthcare
mobile computing
wireless computing
security


Adaptive multiresolution approach for solution of hyperbolic PDEs

Abstract: This paper establishes an innovative and efficient multiresolution adaptive approach combined with high-resolution methods, for the numerical solution of a single or a system of partial differential equations. The proposed methodology is unconditionally bounded (even for hyperbolic equations) and dynamically adapts the grid so that higher spatial resolution is automatically allocated to domain regions where strong gradients are observed, thus possessing the two desired properties of a numerical approach: stability and accuracy. Numerical results for five test problems are presented which clearly show the robustness and cost effectiveness of the proposed method

hyperbolic partial differential equations


Mobile commerce: transforming the vision into reality

Abstract: This editorial preface investigates current developments in mobile commerce (M-commerce) and proposes an integrated architecture that supports business and consumer needs in an optimal way to successfully implement M-commerce business processes. The key line of thought is based on the heuristic observation that customers will not want to receive M-commerce offerings to their mobile telephones. As a result, a pull as opposed to a push approach becomes a necessary requirement to conduct M-commerce. In addition, M-commerce has to rely on local, regional, demographic and many other variables to be truly effective. Both observations necessitate an M-commerce architecture that allows the coherent integration of enterprise-level systems as well as the aggregation of product and service offerings from many different and partially competing parties into a collaborative M-commerce platform. The key software component within this integrated architecture is an event management engine to monitor, detect, store, process and measure information about outside events that are relevant to all participants in M-commerce

M-commerce
mobile commerce
integrated architecture
consumer needs
business needs
mobile telephones
pull approach
collaborative platform
event management engine


Axioms for branching time

Abstract: Logics of general branching time, or historical necessity, have long been studied but important axiomatization questions remain open. Here the difficulties of finding axioms for such logics are considered and ideas for solving some of the main open problems are presented. A new, more expressive logical account is also given to support Peirce's prohibition on truth values being attached to the contingent future

axioms
branching time
truth values
temporal logic


Orthogonality of the Jacobi polynomials with negative integer parameters

Abstract: It is well known that the Jacobi polynomials P/sub n//sup ( alpha , beta )/(x) are orthogonal with respect to a quasi-definite linear functional whenever alpha , beta , and alpha + beta + 1 are not negative integer numbers. Recently, Sobolev orthogonality for these polynomials has been obtained for alpha a negative integer and beta not a negative integer and also for the case alpha = beta negative integer numbers. In this paper, we give a Sobolev orthogonality for the Jacobi polynomials in the remainder cases

orthogonality
quasi-definite linear functional
Sobolev orthogonality
Jacobi polynomials
negative integer parameters


Closed-loop persistent identification of linear systems with unmodeled dynamics and stochastic disturbances

Abstract: The essential issues of time complexity and probing signal selection are studied for persistent identification of linear time-invariant systems in a closed-loop setting. By establishing both upper and lower bounds on identification accuracy as functions of the length of observation, size of unmodeled dynamics, and stochastic disturbances, we demonstrate the inherent impact of unmodeled dynamics on identification accuracy, reduction of time complexity by stochastic averaging on disturbances, and probing capability of full rank periodic signals for closed-loop persistent identification. These findings indicate that the mixed formulation, in which deterministic uncertainty of system dynamics is blended with random disturbances, is beneficial to reduction of identification complexity

closed-loop persistent identification
unmodeled dynamics
linear time-invariant systems
upper bounds
lower bounds
identification accuracy
full rank periodic signals
stochastic disturbances
time complexity
probing signal selection


Convergence of Toland's critical points for sequences of DC functions and application to the resolution of semilinear elliptic problems

Abstract: We prove that if a sequence (f/sub n/)/sub n/ of DC functions (difference of two convex functions) converges to a DC function f in some appropriate way and if u/sub n/ is a critical point of f/sub n/, in the sense described by Toland (1978, 1979), and is such that (u/sub n/)/sub n/ converges to u, then u is a critical point of f, still in Toland's sense. We also build a new algorithm which searches for this critical point u and then apply it in order to compute the solution of a semilinear elliptic equation

critical point convergence
DC function sequences
semilinear elliptic problems
convex function difference
semilinear elliptic equation


Estimation of 3-D left ventricular deformation from medical images using biomechanical models

Abstract: The quantitative estimation of regional cardiac deformation from three-dimensional (3-D) image sequences has important clinical implications for the assessment of viability in the heart wall. We present here a generic methodology for estimating soft tissue deformation which integrates image-derived information with biomechanical models, and apply it to the problem of cardiac deformation estimation. The method is image modality independent. The images are segmented interactively and then initial correspondence is established using a shape-tracking approach. A dense motion field is then estimated using a transversely isotropic, linear-elastic model, which accounts for the muscle fiber directions in the left ventricle. The dense motion field is in turn used to calculate the deformation of the heart wall in terms of strain in cardiac specific directions. The strains obtained using this approach in open-chest dogs before and after coronary occlusion, exhibit a high correlation with strains produced in the same animals using implanted markers. Further, they show good agreement with previously published results in the literature. This proposed method provides quantitative regional 3-D estimates of heart deformation

3-D left ventricular deformation estimation

transversely isotropic linear-elastic model


Maybe it's not too late to join the circus: books for midlife career management

Abstract: Midcareer librarians looking for career management help on the bookshelf face thousands of choices. This article reviews thirteen popular career self-help books. The reviewed books cover various aspects of career management and provide information on which might be best suited for particular goals, including career change, career tune-up, and personal and professional self-evaluation. The comments reflect issues of interest to midcareer professionals

midlife career management
librarians
career self-help books
career change
professional self-evaluation
personal self-evaluation
libraries


Nonlinear adaptive control via sliding-mode state and perturbation observer

Abstract: The paper presents a nonlinear adaptive controller (NAC) for single-input single-output feedback linearisable nonlinear systems. A sliding-mode state and perturbation observer is designed to estimate the system states and perturbation which includes the combined effect of system nonlinearities, uncertainties and external disturbances. The NAC design does not require the details of the nonlinear system model and full system states. It possesses an adaptation capability to deal with system parameter uncertainties, unmodelled system dynamics and external disturbances. The convergence of the observer and the stability analysis of the controller/observer system are given. The proposed control scheme is applied for control of a synchronous generator, in comparison with a state-feedback linearising controller (FLC). Simulation study is carried out based on a single-generator infinite-bus power system to show the performance of the controller/observer system

SISO feedback linearisable nonlinear systems


Telemedicine in the management of a cervical dislocation by a mobile neurosurgeon

Abstract: Neurosurgical teams, who are normally located in specialist centres, frequently use teleradiology to make a decision about the transfer of a patient to the nearest neurosurgical department. This decision depends on the type of pathology, the clinical status of the patient and the prognosis. If the transfer of the patient is not possible, for example because of an unstable clinical status, a mobile neurosurgical team may be used. We report a case which was dealt with in a remote French military airborne surgical unit, in the Republic of Chad. The unit, which provides health-care to the French military personnel stationed there, also provides free medical care for the local population. It conducts about 100 operations each month. The unit comprises two surgeons (an orthopaedic and a general surgeon), one anaesthetist, two anaesthetic nurses, one operating room nurse, two nurses, three paramedics and a secretary. The civilian patient presented with unstable cervical trauma. A mobile neurosurgeon operated on her, and used telemedicine before, during and after surgery


The design and performance evaluation of alternative XML storage strategies

Abstract: This paper studies five strategies for storing XML documents including one that leaves documents in the file system, three that use a relational database system, and one that uses an object manager. We implement and evaluate each approach using a number of XQuery queries. A number of interesting insights are gained from these experiments and a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches is presented

XML document storage
file system
relational database system
object manager
performance evaluation
XQuery queries


The effects of work pace on within-participant and between-participant keying force, electromyography, and fatigue

Abstract: A laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of work pace on typing force, electromyographic (EMG) activity, and subjective discomfort. We found that as participants typed faster, their typing force and finger flexor and extensor EMG activity increased linearly. There was also an increase in subjective discomfort, with a sharp threshold between participants' self-selected pace and their maximum typing speed. The results suggest that participants self-select a typing pace that maximizes typing speed and minimizes discomfort. The fastest typists did not produce significantly more finger flexor EMG activity but did produce proportionately less finger extensor EMG activity compared with the slower typists. We hypothesize that fast typists may use different muscle recruitment patterns that allow them to be more efficient than slower typists at striking the keys. In addition, faster typists do not experience more discomfort than slow typists. These findings show that the relative pace of typing is more important than actual typing speed with regard to discomfort and muscle activity. These results suggest that typists may benefit from skill training to increase maximum typing speed. Potential applications of this research includes skill training for typists

work pace effect
EMG activity
subjective discomfort
finger flexor
typing speed
discomfort
typists
muscle recruitment patterns
keying force
skill training


CyberEthics bibliography 2002: a select list of recent works

Abstract: Included in the 2002 annual bibliography update is a select list of recent books and conference proceedings that have been published since 2000. Also included is a select list of special issues of journals and periodicals that were recently published. For additional lists of recently published books and articles, see ibid. (June 2000, June 2001)

CyberEthics bibliography
2002 annual bibliography
recent books
conference proceedings
special issues
journals
periodicals


Diagnostic expert system using non-monotonic reasoning

Abstract: The objective of this work is to develop an expert system for cucumber disorder diagnosis using non-monotonic reasoning to handle the situation when the system cannot reach a conclusion. One reason for this situation is when the information is incomplete. Another reason is when the domain knowledge itself is incomplete. Another reason is when the information is inconsistent. This method maintains the truth of the system in case of changing a piece of information. The proposed method uses two types of non-monotonic reasoning namely: default reasoning and reasoning in the presence of inconsistent information to achieve its goal

diagnostic expert system
nonmonotonic reasoning
cucumber disorder diagnosis
incomplete information
inconsistent information
truth maintenance
default reasoning
agriculture


Uniform hyperbolic polynomial B-spline curves

Abstract: This paper presents a new kind of uniform splines, called hyperbolic polynomial B-splines, generated over the space Omega =span{sinh t, cosh t, t/sup k-3/, t/sup k-3/, t/sup k-4/, ..., t 1} in which k is an arbitrary integer larger than or equal to 3. Hyperbolic polynomial B-splines share most of the properties of B-splines in polynomial space. We give subdivision formulae for this new kind of curve and then prove that they have variation diminishing properties and the control polygons of the subdivisions converge. Hyperbolic polynomial B-splines can handle freeform curves as well as remarkable curves such as the hyperbola and the catenary. The generation of tensor product surfaces using these new splines is straightforward. Examples of such tensor product surfaces: the saddle surface, the catenary cylinder, and a certain kind of ruled surface are given

uniform hyperbolic polynomial B-spline curves


On lag windows connected with Jacobi polynomials

Abstract: Lag windows whose corresponding spectral windows are Jacobi polynomials or sums of Jacobi polynomials are introduced. The bias and variance of their spectral density estimators are investigated and their window bandwidth and characteristic exponent are determined

lag windows
Jacobi polynomials
spectral windows
spectral density estimators
window bandwidth
characteristic exponent


Time-domain reconstruction for thermoacoustic tomography in a spherical geometry

Abstract: Reconstruction-based microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography in a spherical configuration is presented. Thermoacoustic waves from biological tissue samples excited by microwave pulses are measured by a wide-band unfocused ultrasonic transducer, which is set on a spherical surface enclosing the sample. Sufficient data are acquired from different directions to reconstruct the microwave absorption distribution. An exact reconstruction solution is derived and approximated to a modified backprojection algorithm. Experiments demonstrate that the reconstructed images agree well with the original samples. The spatial resolution of the system reaches 0.5 mm


Current-mode fully-programmable piece-wise-linear block for neuro-fuzzy applications

Abstract: A new method to implement an arbitrary piece-wise-linear characteristic in current mode is presented. Each of the breaking points and each slope is separately controllable. As an example a block that implements an N-shaped piece-wise-linearity has been designed. The N-shaped block operates in the subthreshold region and uses only ten transistors. These characteristics make it especially suitable for large arrays of neuro-fuzzy systems where the number of transistors and power consumption per cell is an important concern. A prototype of this block has been fabricated in a 0.35 mu m CMOS technology. The functionality and programmability of this circuit has been verified through experimental results


Disappointment reigns [retail IT]

Abstract: CPFR remains at the forefront of CIOs' minds, but a number of barriers, such as secretive corporate cultures and spotty data integrity, stand between retail organizations and true supply-chain collaboration. CIOs remain vexed at these obstacles, as was evidenced at a roundtable discussion by retail and consumer-goods IT leaders at the Retail Systems 2002 conference, held in Chicago by the consultancy MoonWatch Media Inc., Newton Upper Falls, Mass. Other annoyances discussed by retail CIOs include poorly designed business processes and retail's poor image with the IT talent emerging from school into the job market

collaborative planning forecasting and replenishment


A decision support model for selecting product/service benefit positionings

Abstract: The art (and science) of successful product/service positioning generally hinges on the firm's ability to select a set of attractively priced consumer benefits that are: valued by the buyer, distinctive in one or more respects, believable, deliverable, and sustainable (under actual or potential competitive abilities to imitate, neutralize, or overcome) in the target markets that the firm selects. For many years, the ubiquitous quadrant chart has been used to provide a simple graph of product/service benefits (usually called product/service attributes) described in terms of consumers' perceptions of the importance of attributes (to brand/supplier choice) and the performance of competing firms on these attributes. This paper describes a model that extends the quadrant chart concept to a decision support system that optimizes a firm's market share for a specified product/service. In particular, we describe a decision support model that utilizes relatively simple marketing research data on consumers' judged benefit importances, and supplier performances on these benefits to develop message components for specified target buyers. A case study is used to illustrate the model. The study deals with developing advertising message components for a relatively new entrant in the US air shipping market. We also discuss, more briefly, management reactions to application of the model to date, and areas for further research and model extension

product/service benefit positionings
decision support model
attractively priced consumer benefits
quadrant chart
simple graph
product/service attributes
brand/supplier choice
market share optimization
marketing research data
consumer judged benefit importances
message components
advertising message components
US air shipping market
management reactions
advertising
greedy heuristic
optimal message design


Sampled-data implementation of a gain scheduled controller

Abstract: A continuous-time gain-scheduled controller must be transformed to a corresponding discrete-time controller for sampled-data implementation. We show that certain linearization properties of a continuous-time gain scheduled controller are inherited by its sampled-data implementation. We also show that a similar relationship exists for multi-rate gain scheduled controllers arising in flight control applications


A humane tool for aiding computer science advisors, computer science students, and parents

Abstract: Over the past few years, the computer science department faculty at Baylor has observed that some students who perform adequately during the freshman and sophomore years have substantial difficulty during the junior and senior years of study. Baylor University is an institution committed to being caring of its students. The objective for this study grew out of these two realities. There are three objectives of this research. One objective is to identify students, no later than the sophomore year, who are less likely to succeed as computer science majors. A second objective is to accomplish this identification by using data from seniors majoring in computer science. A third objective is to begin to use this information at the end of their sophomore year when meeting with a computer science faculty advisor. A regression study is conducted on the data from all students classified as seniors, majoring in computer science in May 2001, showing grades in six freshman and sophomore courses, and showing grades for at least five junior or senior level computer science courses. These students and their course performance data constituted the study sample

humane tool
computer science advisors
computer science students
parents
Baylor University
student care
sophomore year
computer science majors
regression study
course performance data


Control of integral processes with dead-time. 1. Disturbance observer-based 2 DOF control scheme

Abstract: A disturbance observer-based control scheme (a version of 2 DOF internal model control) which is very effective in controlling integral processes with dead time is presented. The controller can be designed to reject ramp disturbances as well as step disturbances and even arbitrary disturbances. When the plant model is available only two parameters are left to tune. One is the time constant of the set-point response and the other is the time constant of the disturbance response. The latter is tuned according to the compromise between disturbance response and robustness. This control scheme has a simple, clear, easy-to-design, easy-to-implement structure and good performance. It is compared to the best results (so far) using some simulation examples

disturbance observer-based 2 DOF control scheme


Assessment of prehospital chest pain using telecardiology

Abstract: Two hundred general practitioners were equipped with a portable electrocardiograph which could transmit a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) via a telephone line. A cardiologist was available 24 h a day for an interactive teleconsultation. In a 13 month period there were 5073 calls to the telecardiology service and 952 subjects with chest pain were identified. The telecardiology service allowed the general practitioners to manage 700 cases (74%) themselves; further diagnostic tests were requested for 162 patients (17%) and 83 patients (9%) were sent to the hospital emergency department. In the last group a cardiological diagnosis was confirmed in 60 patients and refuted in 23. Seven patients in whom the telecardiology service failed to detect a cardiac problem were hospitalized in the subsequent 48 h. The telecardiology service showed a sensitivity of 97.4%, a specificity of 89.5% and a diagnostic accuracy of 86.9% for chest pain. Telemedicine could be a useful tool in the diagnosis of chest pain in primary care

prehospital chest pain assessment
telecardiology
general practitioners
portable electrocardiograph
electrocardiogram transmission
telephone line
interactive teleconsultation
patients
diagnostic tests
hospital emergency department
sensitivity
specificity
diagnostic accuracy
primary care
13 month


The n-tier hub technology

Abstract: During 2001, the Enterprise Engineering Laboratory at George Mason University was contracted by the Boeing Company to develop an eHub capability for aerospace suppliers in Taiwan. In a laboratory environment, the core technology was designed, developed, and tested, and now a large first-tier aerospace supplier in Taiwan is commercializing the technology. The project objective was to provide layered network and application services for transporting XML-based business transaction flows across multi-tier, heterogeneous data processing environments. This paper documents the business scenario, the eHub application, and the network transport mechanisms that were used to build the n-tier hub. In contrast to most eHubs, this solution takes the point of view of suppliers, pushing data in accordance with supplier requirements; hence, enhancing the probability of supplier adoption. The unique contribution of this project is the development of an eHub that meets the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and first-tier suppliers

multi-tier heterogeneous data processing environments


Explicit solutions for transcendental equations

Abstract: A simple method to formulate an explicit expression for the roots of any analytic transcendental function is presented. The method is based on Cauchy's integral theorem and uses only basic concepts of complex integration. A convenient method for numerically evaluating the exact expression is presented. The application of both the formulation and evaluation of the exact expression is illustrated for several classical root finding problems

analytic functions
transcendental equations
Cauchy integral theorem
complex integration
root finding
singularity
polynomial
Fourier transform


Transmission of real-time video over IP differentiated services

Abstract: Multimedia applications require high bandwidth and guaranteed quality of service (QoS). The current Internet, which provides 'best effort' services, cannot meet the stringent QoS requirements for delivering MPEG videos. It is proposed that MPEG frames are transported through various service models of DiffServ. Performance analysis and simulation results show that the proposed approach can not only guarantee QoS but can also achieve high bandwidth utilisation

IP differentiated services
real-time video transmission
multimedia applications
quality of service
QoS guarantees
Internet
MPEG video
DiffServ
high bandwidth utilisation


Airline base schedule optimisation by flight network annealing

Abstract: A system for rigorous airline base schedule optimisation is described. The architecture of the system reflects the underlying problem structure. The architecture is hierarchical consisting of a master problem for logical aircraft schedule optimisation and a sub-problem for schedule evaluation. The sub-problem is made up of a number of component sub-problems including connection generation, passenger choice modelling, passenger traffic allocation by simulation and revenue and cost determination. Schedule optimisation is carried out by means of simulated annealing of flight networks. The operators for the simulated annealing process are feasibility preserving and form a complete set of operators

airline base schedule optimisation
flight network annealing
system architecture
hierarchical architecture
master problem
logical aircraft schedule optimisation
schedule evaluation
connection generation
passenger choice modelling
passenger traffic allocation
cost determination
simulated annealing
operators
time complexity


Turning telecommunications call details to churn prediction: a data mining approach

Abstract: As deregulation, new technologies, and new competitors open up the mobile telecommunications industry, churn prediction and management has become of great concern to mobile service providers. A mobile service provider wishing to retain its subscribers needs to be able to predict which of them may be at-risk of changing services and will make those subscribers the focus of customer retention efforts. In response to the limitations of existing churn-prediction systems and the unavailability of customer demographics in the mobile telecommunications provider investigated, we propose, design, and experimentally evaluate a churn-prediction technique that predicts churning from subscriber contractual information and call pattern changes extracted from call details. This proposed technique is capable of identifying potential churners at the contract level for a specific prediction time-period. In addition, the proposed technique incorporates the multi-classifier class-combiner approach to address the challenge of a highly skewed class distribution between churners and non-churners. The empirical evaluation results suggest that the proposed call-behavior-based churn-prediction technique exhibits satisfactory predictive effectiveness when more recent call details are employed for the churn prediction model construction. Furthermore, the proposed technique is able to demonstrate satisfactory or reasonable predictive power within the one-month interval between model construction and churn prediction. Using a previous demographics-based churn-prediction system as a reference, the lift factors attained by our proposed technique appear largely satisfactory


Waltzing through Port 80 [Web security]

Abstract: Web services follow the trusting model of the Internet, but allow ever more powerful payloads to travel between businesses and consumers. Before you leap online, the author advises to scan the security concerns and the available fixes. He looks at how we define and store Web services and incorporate them into business processes

Web services
Internet
trust
data security
business processes


Asymptotic expansions for the zeros of certain special functions

Abstract: We derive asymptotic expansions for the zeros of the cosine-integral Ci(x) and the Struve function H/sub 0/(x), and extend the available formulae for the zeros of Kelvin functions. Numerical evidence is provided to illustrate the accuracy of the expansions

asymptotic expansions
zeros
cosine-integral
Struve function
Kelvin functions
accuracy


Differential and integral calculus on discrete time series data

Abstract: It has been found that discontinuity plays a crucial role in natural evolutions (Lin 1998). In this presentation, we will generalize the idea of integration and differentiation, we developed in calculus, to the study of time series in the hope that the problem of outliers and discontinuities can be resolved more successfully than simply deleting the outliers and avoiding discontinuities from the overall data analysis. In general, appearances of outliers tend to mean existence of discontinuities, explosive growth or decline in the evolution. At the same time, our approach can be employed to partially overcome the problem of not having enough data values in any available time series. At the end, we will look at some real-life problems of prediction in order to see the power of this new approach

natural evolutions
integration
differentiation
time series
outliers
prediction


Exploiting structure in quantified formulas

Abstract: We study the computational problem "find the value of the quantified formula obtained by quantifying the variables in a sum of terms." The "sum" can be based on any commutative monoid, the "quantifiers" need only satisfy two simple conditions, and the variables can have any finite domain. This problem is a generalization of the problem "given a sum-of-products of terms, find the value of the sum" studied by R.E. Stearns and H.B. Hunt III (1996). A data structure called a "structure tree" is defined which displays information about "subproblems" that can be solved independently during the process of evaluating the formula. Some formulas have "good" structure trees which enable certain generic algorithms to evaluate the formulas in significantly less time than by brute force evaluation. By "generic algorithm," we mean an algorithm constructed from uninterpreted function symbols, quantifier symbols, and monoid operations. The algebraic nature of the model facilitates a formal treatment of "local reductions" based on the "local replacement" of terms. Such local reductions "preserve formula structure" in the sense that structure trees with nice properties transform into structure trees with similar properties. These local reductions can also be used to transform hierarchical specified problems with useful structure into hierarchically specified problems having similar structure

quantified formulas
structure exploitation
commutative monoid
data structure
structure tree
satisfiability problems
constraint satisfaction problems
dynamic programming
computational complexity
generic algorithms
function symbols
quantifier symbols
monoid operations
hierarchically specified problems


The exact solution of coupled thermoelectroelastic behavior of piezoelectric laminates

Abstract: Exact solutions for static analysis of thermoelectroelastic laminated plates are presented. In this analysis, a new concise procedure for the analytical solution of composite laminated plates with piezoelectric layers is developed. A simple eigenvalue formula in real number form is directly developed from the basic coupled piezoelectric differential equations and the difficulty of treating imaginary eigenvalues is avoided. The solution is defined in the trigonometric series and can be applied to thin and thick plates. Numerical studies are conducted on a five-layer piezoelectric plate and the complexity of stresses and deformations under combined loading is illustrated. The results could be used as a benchmark for assessing any numerical solution by approximate approaches such as the finite element method while also providing useful physical insight into the behavior of piezoelectric plates in a thermal environment


Statistical analysis of nonlinearly reconstructed near-infrared tomographic images. II. Experimental interpretation

Abstract: For pt. I see ibid., vol. 21, no. 7, p. 755-63 (2002). Image error analysis of a diffuse near-infrared tomography (NIR) system has been carried out on simulated data using a statistical approach described in pt. I of this paper (Pogue et al., 2002). The methodology is used here with experimental data acquired on phantoms with a prototype imaging system intended for characterizing breast tissue. Results show that imaging performance is not limited by random measurement error, but rather by calibration issues. The image error over the entire field of view is generally not minimized when an accurate homogeneous estimate of the phantom properties is available; however, local image error over a target region of interest (ROI) is reduced. The image reconstruction process which includes a Levenberg-Marquardt style regularization provides good minimization of the objective function, yet its reduction is not always correlated with an overall image error decrease. Minimization of the bias in an ROI which contains localized changes in the optical properties can be achieved through five to nine iterations of the algorithm. Precalibration of the algorithm through statistical evaluation of phantom studies may provide a better measure of the image accuracy than that implied by minimization of the standard objective function


Robustness of trajectories with finite time extent

Abstract: The problem of estimating perturbation bounds of finite trajectories is considered. The trajectory is assumed to be generated by a linear system with uncertainty characterized in terms of integral quadratic constraints. It is shown that such perturbation bounds can be obtained as the solution to a nonconvex quadratic optimization problem, which can be addressed using Lagrange relaxation. The result can be used in robustness analysis of hybrid systems and switched dynamical systems


Pulmonary perfusion patterns and pulmonary arterial pressure

Abstract: Uses artificial intelligence methods to determine whether quantitative parameters describing the perfusion image can be synthesized to make a reasonable estimate of the pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure measured at angiography. Radionuclide perfusion images were obtained in 120 patients with normal chest radiographs who also underwent angiographic PA pressure measurement within 3 days of the radionuclide study. An artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed from several image parameters describing statistical and boundary characteristics of the perfusion images. With use of a leave-one-out cross-validation technique, this method was used to predict the PA systolic pressure in cases on which the ANN had not been trained. A Pearson correlation coefficient was determined between the predicted and measured PA systolic pressures. ANN predictions correlated with measured pulmonary systolic pressures (r=0.846, P<.001). The accuracy of the predictions was not influenced by the presence of pulmonary embolism. None of the 51 patients with predicted PA pressures of less than 29 mm Hg had pulmonary hypertension at angiography. All 13 patients with predicted PA pressures greater than 48 mm Hg had pulmonary hypertension at angiography. Meaningful information regarding PA pressure can be derived from noninvasive radionuclide perfusion scanning. The use of image analysis in concert with artificial intelligence methods helps to reveal physiologic information not readily apparent at visual image inspection

angiographic pulmonary arterial pressure measurement


Cutting through the confusion [workflow & content management]

Abstract: Information management vendors are rushing to re-position themselves and put a portal spin on their products, says ITNET's Graham Urquhart. The result is confusion, with a range of different definitions and claims clouding the true picture


Data mining efforts increase business productivity and efficiency

Abstract: The use and acquisition of information is a key part of the way any business makes money. Data mining technologies provide greater insight into how this information can be better used and more effectively acquired. Steven Kudyba, an expert in the field of data mining technologies, shares his expertise in an interview


Computational complexity of probabilistic disambiguation

Abstract: Recent models of natural language processing employ statistical reasoning for dealing with the ambiguity of formal grammars. In this approach, statistics, concerning the various linguistic phenomena of interest, are gathered from actual linguistic data and used to estimate the probabilities of the various entities that are generated by a given grammar, e.g., derivations, parse-trees and sentences. The extension of grammars with probabilities makes it possible to state ambiguity resolution as a constrained optimization formula, which aims at maximizing the probability of some entity that the grammar generates given the input (e.g., maximum probability parse-tree given some input sentence). The implementation of these optimization formulae in efficient algorithms, however, does not always proceed smoothly. In this paper, we address the computational complexity of ambiguity resolution under various kinds of probabilistic models. We provide proofs that some, frequently occurring problems of ambiguity resolution are NP-complete. These problems are encountered in various applications, e.g., language understanding for textand speech-based applications. Assuming the common model of computation, this result implies that, for many existing probabilistic models it is not possible to devise tractable algorithms for solving these optimization problems

natural language processing
statistical reasoning
formal grammars
statistics
computational complexity
probabilistic disambiguation
NP-completeness results
parsing problems
speech processing
state ambiguity resolution
constrained optimization formula
probabilistic models
language understanding


Laguerre pseudospectral method for nonlinear partial differential equations

Abstract: The Laguerre Gauss-Radau interpolation is investigated. Some approximation results are obtained. As an example, the Laguerre pseudospectral scheme is constructed for the BBM equation. The stability and the convergence of proposed scheme are proved. The numerical results show the high accuracy of this approach


Linguistic knowledge and new technologies

Abstract: Modern language studies are characterized by a variety of forms, ways, and methods of their development. In this connection, it is necessary to specify the problem of the development of their internal differentiation and classification, which lead to the formation of specific areas knowledge. An example of such an area is speechology-a field of science belonging to fundamental, theoretical, and applied linguistics

modern language studies
internal differentiation
internal classification
speechology
applied linguistics
theoretical linguistics
fundamental linguistics
linguistic knowledge


An active functionality service for e-business applications

Abstract: Service based architectures are a powerful approach to meet the fast evolution of business rules and the corresponding software. An active functionality service that detects events and involves the appropriate business rules is a critical component of such a service-based middleware architecture. In this paper we present an active functionality service that is capable of detecting events in heterogeneous environments, it uses an integral ontology-based approach for the semantic interpretation of heterogeneous events and data, and provides notifications through a publish/subscribe notification mechanism. The power of this approach is illustrated with the help of an auction application and through the personalization of car and driver portals in Internet-enabled vehicles


Fast broadcasting and gossiping in radio networks

Abstract: We establish an O(n log/sup 2/ n) upper bound on the time for deterministic distributed broadcasting in multi-hop radio networks with unknown topology. This nearly matches the known lower bound of Omega (n log n). The fastest previously known algorithm for this problem works in time O(n/sup 3/2/). Using our broadcasting algorithm, we develop an O(n/sup 3/2/ log/sup 2/ n) algorithm for gossiping in the same network model

fast broadcasting
upper bound
deterministic distributed broadcasting
gossiping
radio networks


E - a brainiac theorem prover

Abstract: We describe the superposition-based theorem prover E. E is a sound and complete prover for clausal first order logic with equality. Important properties of the prover include strong redundancy elimination criteria, the DISCOUNT loop proof procedure, a very flexible interface for specifying search control heuristics, and an efficient inference engine. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the system

brainiac theorem prover
CASC
superposition-based theorem prover
E automatic theorem prover
rewriting
completeness
soundness
clausal first order logic
equality
strong redundancy elimination criteria
DISCOUNT
CADE ATP System Competitions
loop proof procedure
search control heuristics
inference engine


Sliding mode dynamics in continuous feedback control for distributed discrete-event scheduling

Abstract: A continuous feedback control approach for real-time scheduling of discrete events is presented motivated by the need for control theoretic techniques to analyze and design such systems in distributed manufacturing applications. These continuous feedback control systems exhibit highly nonlinear and discontinuous dynamics. Specifically, when the production demand in the manufacturing system exceeds the available resource capacity then the control system "chatters" and exhibits sliding modes. This sliding mode behavior is advantageously used in the scheduling application by allowing the system to visit different schedules within an infinitesimal region near the sliding surface. In the paper, an analytical model is developed to characterize the sliding mode dynamics. This model is then used to design controllers in the sliding mode domain to improve the effectiveness of the control system to "search" for schedules with good performance. Computational results indicate that the continuous feedback control approach can provide near-optimal schedules and that it is computationally efficient compared to existing scheduling techniques

sliding mode dynamics
continuous feedback control
distributed discrete-event scheduling
real-time scheduling
control theoretic techniques
distributed manufacturing applications
highly nonlinear discontinuous dynamics
production demand
resource capacity


On the relationship between omega -automata and temporal logic normal forms

Abstract: We consider the relationship between omega -automata and a specific logical formulation based on a normal form for temporal logic formulae. While this normal form was developed for use with execution and clausal resolution in temporal logics, we show how it can represent, syntactically, omega -automata in a high-level way. Technical proofs of the correctness of this representation are given

omega -automata
temporal logic normal forms
logical formulation
clausal resolution
program correctness


Intelligent control of life support for space missions

Abstract: Future manned space operations will include a greater use of automation than we currently see. For example, semiautonomous robots and software agents will perform difficult tasks while operating unattended most of the time. As these automated agents become more prevalent, human contact with them will occur more often and become more routine, so designing these automated agents according to the principles of human-centered computing is important. We describe two cases of semiautonomous control software developed and fielded in test environments at the NASA Johnson Space Center. This software operated continuously at the JSC and interacted closely with humans for months at a time

life support
software agents
semiautonomous robots
space missions
intelligent control
manned space operations
automation
automated agents
semiautonomous control software
NASA Johnson Space Center
crew air regeneration
crew water recovery
human intervention


RISCy business. Part 1: RISC projects by Cornell students

Abstract: The author looks at several projects that Cornell University students entered in the Atmel Design 2001 contest. Those covered include a vertical plotter; BiLines, an electronic game; a wireless Internet pager; Cooking Coach; Barbie's zip drive; and a model train controller

Atmel's Design Logic 2001 contest
RISC projects
Cornell students
vertical plotter
BiLines
electronic game
wireless Internet pager
Cooking Coach
Barbie's zip drive
model train controller


A solvable queueing network model for railway networks and its validation and applications for the Netherlands

Abstract: The performance of new railway networks cannot be measured or simulated, as no detailed train schedules are available. Railway infrastructure and capacities are to be determined long before the actual traffic is known. This paper therefore proposes a solvable queueing network model to compute performance measures of interest without requiring train schedules (timetables). Closed form expressions for mean delays are obtained. New network designs, traffic scenarios, and capacity expansions can so be evaluated. A comparison with real delay data for the Netherlands supports the practical value of the model. A special Dutch cargo-line application is included

railway networks
solvable queueing network model
Netherlands
railway infrastructure
railway capacities
performance measures
closed form expressions
mean delays
network designs
traffic scenarios
capacity expansions
Dutch cargo-line application


Development and validation of user-adaptive navigation and information retrieval tools for an intranet portal organizational memory information system

Abstract: Based on previous research and properties of organizational memory, a conceptual model for navigation and retrieval functions in an intranet portal organizational memory information system was proposed, and two human-centred features (memory structure map and history-based tool) were developed to support user's navigation and retrieval in a well-known organizational memory. To test two hypotheses concerning the validity of the conceptual model and two human-centred features, an experiment was conducted with 30 subjects. Testing of the two hypotheses indicated the following: (1) the memory structure map's users showed 29% better performance in navigation, and (2) the history-based tool's users outperformed by 34% in identifying information. The results of the study suggest that a conceptual model and two human-centred features could be used in a user-adaptive interface design to improve user's performance in an intranet portal organizational memory information system


A note on vector cascade algorithm

Abstract: The focus of this paper is on the relationship between accuracy of multivariate refinable vector and vector cascade algorithm. We show that, if the vector cascade algorithm (1.5) with isotropic dilation converges to a vector-valued function with regularity, then the initial function must satisfy the Strang-Fix conditions

vector cascade algorithm
multivariate refinable vector
matrix algebra
isotropic dilation
vector-valued function
Strang-fix conditions


Positive productivity, better billing [health care]

Abstract: Workflow software provides the right communication solution for hospital specialists, and delivers an unexpected financial boost too

health care
San Francisco General Hospital
ProVation MD
workflow software


Nonlinearities in NARX polynomial models: representation and estimation

Abstract: It is shown how nonlinearities are mapped in NARX polynomial models. General expressions are derived for the gain and eigenvalue functions in terms of the regressors and coefficients of NARX models. Such relationships are useful in grey-box identification problems. The results are illustrated using simulated and real data

nonlinear autoregressive exogenous-input polynomial model


Utilizing Web-based case studies for cutting-edge information services issues

Abstract: This article reports on a pilot study conducted by the Academic Libraries of the 21st Century project team to determine whether the benefits of the case study method as a training framework for change initiatives could successfully transfer from the traditional face-to-face format to a virtual format. Methods of developing the training framework, as well as the benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future strategies gained from participant feedback are outlined. The results of a survey administered to chat session registrants are presented in three sections: (1) evaluation of the training framework; (2) evaluation of participants' experiences in the virtual environment; and (3) a comparison of participants' preference of format. The overall participant feedback regarding the utilization of the case study method in a virtual environment for professional development and collaborative problem solving is very positive

Web-based case studies
cutting-edge information services
academic libraries
training
change initiatives
survey
virtual environment
professional development
Internet
collaborative problem solving


Internet infrastructure and the emerging information society: an appraisal of the Internet backbone industry

Abstract: This paper examines the real constraints to the expansion of all encumbering and all pervasive information technology in our contemporary society. Perhaps the U.S. Internet infrastructure is the most appropriate to examine since it is U.S. technology that has led the world into the Internet age. In this context, this paper reviews the state of the U.S. Internet backbone that will lead us into information society of the future by facilitating massive data transmission

Internet infrastructure
Internet service providers
users
backbone companies
local telephone companies


Multichannel scaler for general statistical analysis of dynamic light scattering

Abstract: A four channel scaler for counting applications has been designed and built using a standard high transfer rate parallel computer interface bus parallel data card. The counter section is based on standard complex programmable logic device integrated circuits. With a 200 MHz Pentium based host PC a sustained counting and data transfer with channel widths as short as 200 ns for a single channel is realized. The use of the multichannel scaler is demonstrated in dynamic light scattering experiments. The recorded traces are analyzed with wavelet and other statistical techniques to obtain transient changes in the properties of the scattered light


Exploiting structure in adaptive dynamic programming algorithms for a stochastic batch service problem

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the importance of using structural results in dynamic programming algorithms. We consider the problem of approximating optimal strategies for the batch service of customers at a service station. Customers stochastically arrive at the station and wait to be served, incurring a waiting cost and a service cost. Service of customers is performed in groups of a fixed service capacity. We investigate the structure of cost functions and establish some theoretical results including monotonicity of the value functions. Then, we use our adaptive dynamic programming monotone algorithm that uses structure to preserve monotonicity of the estimates at each iterations to approximate the value functions. Since the problem with homogeneous customers can be solved optimally, we have a means of comparison to evaluate our heuristic. Finally, we compare our algorithm to classical forward dynamic programming methods

stochastic batch service problem
adaptive dynamic programming algorithms
structural results
optimal strategy approximation
service station
waiting cost
service cost
fixed service capacity
cost function structure
value function monotonicity
inventory theory


The limits of shape constancy: point-to-point mapping of perspective projections of flat figures

Abstract: The present experiments investigate point-to-point mapping of perspective transformations of 2D outline figures under diverse viewing conditions: binocular free viewing, monocular perspective with 2D cues masked by an optic tunnel, and stereoptic viewing through an optic tunnel. The first experiment involved upright figures, and served to determine baseline point-to-point mapping accuracy, which was found to be very good. Three shapes were used: square, circle and irregularly round. The main experiment, with slanted figures, involved only two shapes-square and irregularly shaped-showed at several slant degrees. Despite the accumulated evidence for shape constancy when the outline of perspective projections is considered, metric perception of the inner structure of such projections was quite limited. Systematic distortions were found, especially with more extreme slants, and attributed to the joint effect of several factors: anchors, 3D information, and slant underestimation. Contradictory flatness cues did not detract from performance, while stereoptic information improved it

shape constancy
point-to-point mapping
flat figure perspective projections
experiments
2D outline figures
diverse viewing conditions
binocular free viewing
monocular perspective
2D cues
optic tunnel
stereoptic viewing
3D shape perception
human factors
3D information displays
anchors
3D information
slant underestimation


Solution of a Euclidean combinatorial optimization problem by the dynamic-programming method

Abstract: A class of Euclidean combinatorial optimization problems is selected that can be solved by the dynamic programming method. The problem of allocation of servicing enterprises is solved as an example


Automatic extraction of eye and mouth fields from a face image using eigenfeatures and ensemble networks

Abstract: This paper presents a novel algorithm for the extraction of the eye and mouth (facial features) fields from 2D gray level images. Eigenfeatures are derived from the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the binary edge data set constructed from eye and mouth fields. Such eigenfeatures are ideal features for finely locating fields efficiently. The eigenfeatures are extracted from a set of the positive and negative training samples for facial features and are used to train a multilayer perceptron (MLP) whose output indicates the degree to which a particular image window contains the eyes or the mouth within itself. An ensemble network consisting of a multitude of independent MLPs was used to enhance the generalization performance of a single MLP. It was experimentally verified that the proposed algorithm is robust against facial size and even slight variations of the pose

eye field extraction
mouth field extraction
face feature extraction
2D gray level images
eigenvalues
eigenvectors
binary edge data set
training samples
multilayer perceptron
generalization
experiment
eigenfeatures
ensemble neural networks


Mining open answers in questionnaire data

Abstract: Surveys are important tools for marketing and for managing customer relationships; the answers to open-ended questions, in particular, often contain valuable information and provide an important basis for business decisions. The summaries that human analysts make of these open answers, however, tend to rely too much on intuition and so aren't satisfactorily reliable. Moreover, because the Web makes it so easy to take surveys and solicit comments, companies are finding themselves inundated with data from questionnaires and other sources. Handling it all manually would be not only cumbersome but also costly. Thus, devising a computer system that can automatically mine useful information from open answers has become an important issue. We have developed a survey analysis system that works on these principles. The system mines open answers through two statistical learning techniques: rule learning (which we call rule analysis) and correspondence analysis

natural language response analysis
survey analysis
text mining system
questionnaire data
statistical learning techniques
rule analysis
correspondence analysis
open answer mining


New projection-type methods for monotone LCP with finite termination

Abstract: In this paper we establish two new projection-type methods for the solution of the monotone linear complementarity problem (LCP). The methods are a combination of the extragradient method and the Newton method, in which the active set strategy is used and only one linear system of equations with lower dimension is solved at each iteration. It is shown that under the assumption of monotonicity, these two methods are globally and linearly convergent. Furthermore, under a nondegeneracy condition they have a finite termination property. Finally, the methods are extended to solving the monotone affine variational inequality problem


Establishing an urban digital cadastre: analytical reconstruction of parcel boundaries

Abstract: A new method for generating a spatially accurate, legally supportive and operationally efficient cadastral database of the urban cadastral reality is described. The definition and compilation of an accurate cadastral database (achieving a standard deviation smaller than 0.1 m) is based on an analytical reconstruction of cadastral boundaries rather than on the conventional field reconstruction process. The new method is based on GPS control points and traverse networks for providing the framework; the old field books for defining the links between the various original ground features; and a geometrical and cadastral adjustment process as the conceptual basis. A pilot project that was carried out in order to examine and evaluate the new method is described

urban digital cadastre
analytical reconstruction
parcel boundaries
spatially accurate cadastral database
urban cadastral reality
standard deviation
field reconstruction process
GPS control points
traverse networks
old field books
ground features
cadastral adjustment process
land information systems
LIS
geographic information systems


Robust control of nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainty

Abstract: Probabilistic robustness analysis and synthesis for nonlinear systems with uncertain parameters are presented. Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the likelihood of system instability and violation of performance requirements subject to variations of the probabilistic system parameters. Stochastic robust control synthesis searches the controller design parameter space to minimize a cost that is a function of the probabilities that design criteria will not be satisfied. The robust control design approach is illustrated by a simple nonlinear example. A modified feedback linearization control is chosen as controller structure, and the design parameters are searched by a genetic algorithm to achieve the tradeoff between stability and performance robustness

robust control
nonlinear systems
parametric uncertainty
probabilistic robustness analysis
probabilistic robustness synthesis
uncertain parameters
Monte Carlo simulation
system instability
performance requirements violation
stochastic control synthesis
modified feedback linearization control
genetic algorithm
input-to-state stability


Stock market trading rule discovery using technical charting heuristics

Abstract: In this case study in knowledge engineering and data mining, we implement a recognizer for two variations of the 'bull flag' technical charting heuristic and use this recognizer to discover trading rules on the NYSE Composite Index. Out-of-sample results indicate that these rules are effective

stock market trading
rule discovery
technical charting heuristics
financial expert system
case study
knowledge engineering
data mining
NYSE Composite Index
out-of-sample results


GK-DEVS: Geometric and kinematic DEVS formalism for simulation modeling of 3-dimensional multi-component systems

Abstract: A combined discrete/continuous simulation methodology based on the DEVS (discrete event system specification) formalism is presented in this paper that satisfies the simulation requirements of 3-dimensional and dynamic systems with multi-components. We propose a geometric and kinematic DEVS (GK-DEVS) formalism that is able to describe the geometric and kinematic structure of a system and its continuous state dynamics as well as the interaction among the multi-components. To establish one model having dynamic behavior and a particular hierarchical structure, the atomic and the coupled model of the conventional DEVS are merged into one model in the proposed formalism. For simulation of the continuous motion of 3-D components, the sequential state set is partitioned into the discrete and the continuous state set and the rate of change function over the continuous state set is employed. Although modified from the conventional DEVS formalism, the GK-DEVS formalism preserves a hierarchical, modular modeling fashion and a coupling scheme. Furthermore, for the GK-DEVS model simulation, we propose an abstract simulation algorithm, called a GK-Simulator, in which data and control are separated and events are scheduled not globally but hierarchically so that an object-oriented principle is satisfied. The proposed GK-DEVS formalism and the GK-Simulator algorithm have been applied to the simulation of a flexible manufacturing system consisting of a 2-axis lathe, a 3-axis milling machine, and a vehicle-mounted robot


A distance between elliptical distributions based in an embedding into the Siegel group

Abstract: This paper describes two different embeddings of the manifolds corresponding to many elliptical probability distributions with the informative geometry into the manifold of positive-definite matrices with the Siegel metric, generalizing a result published previously elsewhere. These new general embeddings are applicable to a wide class of elliptical probability distributions, in which the normal, t-Student and Cauchy are specific examples. A lower bound for the Rao distance is obtained, which is itself a distance, and, through these embeddings, a number of statistical tests of hypothesis are derived

elliptical distributions
Siegel group
manifolds embeddings
informative geometry
positive-definite matrices
elliptical probability distributions
lower bound


Blind identification of non-stationary MA systems

Abstract: A new adaptive algorithm for blind identification of time-varying MA channels is derived. This algorithm proposes the use of a novel system of equations derived by combining the third- and fourth-order statistics of the output signals of MA models. This overdetermined system of equations has the important property that it can be solved adaptively because of their symmetries via an overdetermined recursive instrumental variable-type algorithm. This algorithm shows good behaviour in arbitrary noisy environments and good performance in tracking time-varying systems

recursive instrumental variable algorithm


Adaptive tracking controller design for robotic systems using Gaussian wavelet networks

Abstract: An adaptive tracking control design for robotic systems using Gaussian wavelet networks is proposed. A Gaussian wavelet network with accurate approximation capability is employed to approximate the unknown dynamics of robotic systems by using an adaptive learning algorithm that can learn the parameters of the dilation and translation of Gaussian wavelet functions. Depending on the finite number of wavelet basis functions which result in inevitable approximation errors, a robust control law is provided to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop robotic system that can be proved by Lyapunov theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the Gaussian wavelet network-based control approach is illustrated through comparative simulations on a six-link robot manipulator

adaptive tracking controller design
robotic systems
Gaussian wavelet networks
accurate approximation capability
unknown dynamics
adaptive learning algorithm
approximation errors
robust control law
closed-loop system
Lyapunov theory
six-link robot manipulator


Hypothesis-based concept assignment in software maintenance

Abstract: Software maintenance accounts for a significant proportion of the lifetime cost of a software system. Software comprehension is required in many parts of the maintenance process and is one of the most expensive activities. Many tools have been developed to help the maintainer reduce the time and cost of this task, but of the numerous tools and methods available one group has received relatively little attention: those using plausible reasoning to address the concept assignment problem. We present a concept assignment method for COBOL II: hypothesis-based concept assignment (HB-CA). An implementation of a prototype tool is described, and results from a comprehensive evaluation using commercial COBOL II sources are summarised. In particular, we identify areas of a standard maintenance process where such methods would be appropriate, and discuss the potential cost savings that may result

hypothesis-based concept assignment
software maintenance
lifetime cost
COBOL II
scalability


Software Technology: looking for quality accountants

Abstract: Software Technology wants to turn 23 years of reselling experience in the legal business into an asset in the accounting market

Software Technology
reselling
accounting market


Exploring the sabbatical or other leave as a means of energizing a career

Abstract: This article challenges librarians to create leaves that will not only inspire professional growth but also renewal. It presents a framework for developing a successful leave, incorporating useful advice from librarians at Concordia University (Montreal). As food for thought, the article offers examples of specific options meant to encourage professionals to explore their own creative ideas. Finally, a central theme of this article is that a midlife leave provides one with the perfect opportunity to take stock of oneself in order to define future career directions. Midlife is a time when rebel forces, feisty protestors from within, often insist on being heard. It is a time, in other words, when professionals often long to break loose from the stress "to do far more, in less time" (Barner, 1994). Escaping from current job constraints into a world of creative endeavor, when well-executed, is a superb means of invigorating a career stuck in gear and discovering a fresh perspective from which to view one's profession. To ignite renewal, midcareer is the perfect time to grant one's imagination free reign

sabbatical leave
career
librarians
professional growth
library staff
midlife leave


Switching controller design via convex polyhedral Lyapunov functions

Abstract: We propose a systematic switching control design method for a class of nonlinear discrete time hybrid systems. The novelty of the adopted approach is in the fact that unlike conventional control the control burden is shifted to a logical level thus creating the need for the development of new analysis/design methods

switching controller design
convex polyhedral Lyapunov functions
nonlinear discrete time hybrid systems
systematic design method


Stability and L/sub 2/ gain properties of LPV systems

Abstract: Stability and L/sub 2/ gain properties of linear parameter-varying systems are obtained under assumed bounds on either the maximum or average value of the parameter rate

stability
L/sub 2/ gain properties
linear parameter-varying systems
parameter rate
Gromwall-Bellman inequality
gain scheduled control


A sufficient condition for optimality in nondifferentiable invex programming

Abstract: A sufficient optimality condition is established for a nonlinear programming problem without differentiability assumption on the data wherein Clarke's (1975) generalized gradient is used to define invexity

nondifferentiable invex programming
sufficient optimality condition
nonlinear programming problem
generalized gradient
invexity
locally Lipschitz function
semiconvex function


Tactical airborne reconnaissance goes dual-band and beyond

Abstract: Multispectral imaging technologies are satisfying the need for a "persistent" look at the battlefield. We highlight the need to persistently monitor a battlefield to determine exactly who and what is there. For example, infrared imaging can be used to expose the fuel status of an aircraft on the runway. A daytime, visible-spectrum image of the same aircraft would offer information about external details, such as the plane's markings and paint scheme. A dual-band camera enables precision image registration by fusion and frequently yields more information than is possible by evaluating the images separately

tactical airborne reconnaissance
multispectral imaging technologies
battlefield
infrared imaging
fuel status
aircraft
daytime visible-spectrum image
dual-band camera
precision image registration
sensor fusion


Verification of ideological classifications-a statistical approach

Abstract: The paper presents a statistical method of verifying ideological classifications of votes. Parliamentary votes, preclassified by an expert (on a chosen subset), are verified at an assumed significance level by seeking the most likely match with the actual vote results. Classifications that do not meet the requirements defined are rejected. The results obtained can be applied in the ideological dimensioning algorithms, enabling ideological identification of dimensions obtained

ideological classifications
statistical approach
parliamentary votes
significance level
ideological dimensioning algorithms
ideological space
bootstrap


The use of visual search for knowledge gathering in image decision support

Abstract: This paper presents a new method of knowledge gathering for decision support in image understanding based on information extracted from the dynamics of saccadic eye movements. The framework involves the construction of a generic image feature extraction library, from which the feature extractors that are most relevant to the visual assessment by domain experts are determined automatically through factor analysis. The dynamics of the visual search are analyzed by using the Markov model for providing training information to novices on how and where to look for image features. The validity of the framework has been evaluated in a clinical scenario whereby the pulmonary vascular distribution on Computed Tomography images was assessed by experienced radiologists as a potential indicator of heart failure. The performance of the system has been demonstrated by training four novices to follow the visual assessment behavior of two experienced observers. In all cases, the accuracy of the students improved from near random decision making (33%) to accuracies ranging from 50% to 68%

pulmonary vascular distribution
experienced radiologists
heart failure indicator
visual assessment behavior
experienced observers
student accuracy
Markov model
training information
image features
domain experts
saccadic eye movements dynamics
near random decision making
medical diagnostic imaging


The dynamics of a railway freight wagon wheelset with dry friction damping

Abstract: We investigate the dynamics of a simple model of a wheelset that supports one end of a railway freight wagon by springs with linear characteristics and dry friction dampers. The wagon runs on an ideal, straight and level track with constant speed. The lateral dynamics in dependence on the speed is examined. We have included stick-slip and hysteresis in our model of the dry friction and assume that Coulomb's law holds during the slip phase. It is found that the action of dry friction completely changes the bifurcation diagram, and that the longitudinal component of the dry friction damping forces destabilizes the wagon

dynamics
railway freight wagon wheelset
dry friction damping
linear characteristics
lateral dynamics
stick-slip
hysteresis
Coulomb law
bifurcation diagram
longitudinal component


Structural invariance of spatial Pythagorean hodographs

Abstract: The structural invariance of the four-polynomial characterization for three-dimensional Pythagorean hodographs introduced by Dietz et al. (1993), under arbitrary spatial rotations, is demonstrated. The proof relies on a factored-quaternion representation for Pythagorean hodographs in three-dimensional Euclidean space-a particular instance of the "PH representation map" proposed by Choi et al. (2002)-and the unit quaternion description of spatial rotations. This approach furnishes a remarkably simple derivation for the polynomials u(t), upsilon (t), p(t), q(t) that specify the canonical form of a rotated Pythagorean hodograph, in terms of the original polynomials u(t), upsilon (t), p(t), q(t) and the angle theta and axis n of the spatial rotation. The preservation of the canonical form of PH space curves under arbitrary spatial rotations is essential to their incorporation into computer-aided design and manufacturing applications, such as the contour machining of free-form surfaces using a ball-end mill and realtime PH curve CNC interpolators

structural invariance
four-polynomial characterization
spatial Pythagorean hodographs
3D Pythagorean hodographs
arbitrary spatial rotations
factored quaternion representation
3D Euclidean space
PH representation map
unit quaternion description
spatial rotations
CAD/CAM
contour machining
free-form surfaces
ball-end mill
real-time PH curve CNC interpolators


Optimal learning for patterns classification in RBF networks

Abstract: The proposed modifying of the structure of the radial basis function (RBF) network by introducing the weight matrix to the input layer (in contrast to the direct connection of the input to the hidden layer of a conventional RBF) so that the training space in the RBF network is adaptively separated by the resultant decision boundaries and class regions is reported. The training of this weight matrix is carried out as for a single-layer perceptron together with the clustering process. In this way the network is capable of dealing with complicated problems, which have a high degree of interference in the training data, and achieves a higher classification rate over the current classifiers using RBF

pattern classification
optimal learning
RBF networks
radial basis function network
weight matrix training
input layer
training space
decision boundaries
class regions
single-layer perceptron
clustering process
classification rate improvement


Use of fuzzy weighted autocorrelation function for pitch extraction from noisy speech

Abstract: An investigation is presented into the feasibility of incorporating a fuzzy weighting scheme into the calculation of an autocorrelation function for pitch extraction. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method provides better robustness against background noise than the conventional approaches for extracting pitch period in a noisy environment

pitch extraction
noisy speech
fuzzy weighting scheme
autocorrelation function
simulation results
background noise
speech analysis-synthesis system
average magnitude difference function
cepstrum method


A regularized conjugate gradient method for symmetric positive definite system of linear equations

Abstract: A class of regularized conjugate gradient methods is presented for solving the large sparse system of linear equations of which the coefficient matrix is an ill-conditioned symmetric positive definite matrix. The convergence properties of these methods are discussed in depth, and the best possible choices of the parameters involved in the new methods are investigated in detail. Numerical computations show that the new methods are more efficient and robust than both classical relaxation methods and classical conjugate direction methods

regularized conjugate gradient method
symmetric positive definite system
linear equations
large sparse system
coefficient matrix
convergence properties
classical relaxation methods
classical conjugate direction methods
ill-conditioned linear system


Education, training and development policies and practices in medium-sized companies in the UK: do they really influence firm performance?

Abstract: This paper sets out to examine the relationship between training and firm performance in middle-sized UK companies. It recognises that there is evidence that "high performance work practices" appear to be associated with better performance in large US companies, but argues that this relationship is less likely to be present in middle-sized companies. The paper's key contribution is to justify the wider concept of education, training and development (ETD) as applicable to such companies. It then finds that clusters of some ETD variables do appear to be associated with better middle-sized company performance

medium-sized UK companies
training
firm performance
education
development policies
high performance work practices
ETD variable clusters
human resources


Organizational design, information transfer, and the acquisition of rent-producing resources

Abstract: Within the resource-based view of the firm, a dynamic story has emerged in which the knowledge accumulated over the history of a firm and embedded in organizational routines and structures influences the firm's ability to recognize the value of new resources and capabilities. This paper explores the possibility of firms to select organizational designs that increase the likelihood that they will recognize and value rent-producing resources and capabilities. A computational model is developed to study the tension between an organization's desire to explore its environment for new capabilities and the organization's need to exploit existing capabilities. Support is provided for the proposition that integration, both externally and internally, is an important source of dynamic capability. The model provides greater insight into the tradeoffs between these two forms of integration and suggests when one form may be preferred over another. In particular, evidence is provided that in uncertain environments, the ability to explore possible alternatives is critical while in more certain environments, the ability to transfer information internally is paramount

organizational design
information transfer
rent-producing resources
computational model
uncertain environments
probability
certain environments
social networks
business strategy
investments


Self-validating integration and approximation of piecewise analytic functions

Abstract: Let an analytic or a piecewise analytic function on a compact interval be given. We present algorithms that produce enclosures for the integral or the function itself. Under certain conditions on the representation of the function, this is done with the minimal order of numbers of operations. The integration algorithm is implemented and numerical comparisons to non-validating integration software are presented

self-validating integration
self-validating approximation
compact interval
enclosures
minimal order
integration algorithm
complex interval arithmetic
piecewise analytic functions


Migrating to public librarianship: depart on time to ensure a smooth flight

Abstract: Career change can be a difficult, time-consuming, and anxiety-laden process for anyone contemplating this important decision. The challenges faced by librarians considering the move from academic to public librarianship can be equally and significantly demanding. To most outsiders, at least on the surface, it may appear to be a quick and easy transition to make, but some professional librarians recognize the distinct differences between these areas of librarianship. Although the ubiquitous nature of technology has brought the various work responsibilities of academic and public librarians closer together during the last decade, there remain key differences in job-related duties and the work environments. These dissimilarities pose meaningful hurdles to leap for academic librarians wishing to migrate to the public sector. The paper considers the variations between academic and public librarianship

public librarianship
career change
academic library
public library
professional librarians
library technology
work responsibilities
job-related duties
work environments


Nurture the geek in you [accounting on the Internet]

Abstract: When chartered accountants focus on IT, it's not simply because we think technology is neat. We keep on top of tech trends and issues because it helps us do our jobs well. We need to know how to best manage and implement the wealth of technology systems within out client base or employer, as well as to determine on an ongoing basis how evolving technologies might affect business strategies, threats and opportunities. One way to stay current with technology is by monitoring the online drumbeat. Imagine the Internet as an endless conversation of millions of chattering voices, each focusing on a multitude of topics and issues. It's not surprising that a great deal of the information relates to technology itself, and if you learn how to tune in to the drumbeat, you can keep yourself informed

chartered accountants
Internet
information technology
Slashdot
Techdirt
The Register
Dan Gillmor's Wournal
Daypop Top 40
RISKS
SecurityFocus
TechWeb


LMI approach to digital redesign of linear time-invariant systems

Abstract: A simple design methodology for the digital redesign of static state feedback controllers by using linear matrix inequalities is presented. The proposed method provides close matching of the states between the original continuous-time system and those of the digitally redesigned system with a guaranteed stability. Specifically, the digital redesign problem is reformulated as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and solved by a numerical optimisation technique. The main feature of the proposed method is that the closed-loop stability of the digitally redesigned system is explicitly guaranteed within the design procedure using the LMI-based approach. A numerical example of the position control of a simple crane system is presented

LMI approach
digital redesign
linear time-invariant systems
design methodology
linear matrix inequalities
continuous-time system
guaranteed stability
numerical optimisation technique
closed-loop stability
position control
crane system


Impact of aviation highway-in-the-sky displays on pilot situation awareness

Abstract: Thirty-six pilots (31 men, 5 women) were tested in a flight simulator on their ability to intercept a pathway depicted on a highway-in-the-sky (HITS) display. While intercepting and flying the pathway, pilots were required to watch for traffic outside the cockpit. Additionally, pilots were tested on their awareness of speed, altitude, and heading during the flight. Results indicated that the presence of a flight guidance cue significantly improved flight path awareness while intercepting the pathway, but significant practice effects suggest that a guidance cue might be unnecessary if pilots are given proper training. The amount of time spent looking outside the cockpit while using the HITS display was significantly less than when using conventional aircraft instruments. Additionally, awareness of flight information present on the HITS display was poor. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance for the development of perspective flight display standards and as a basis for flight training requirements

flight simulator
pilots
highway-in-the-sky display
cockpit
flight guidance
human factors
situation awareness
flight path awareness
aircraft display


Tax forms: CD or not CD?

Abstract: The move from CD to the Web looks unstoppable. Besides counting how many thousands of electronic tax forms they offer, vendors are rapidly moving those documents to the Web

electronic tax forms
Web
ATX Forms Zillion Forms
CCH Perform Plus H
Kleinrock Forms Library Plus
Nelco LaserLibrarian II
RIA eForm
STF Services Superform
Universal Tax Systems Forms Complete