bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interview with Vaughan Merlyn on Management
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Vaughan Merlyn, who is a management consultant, researcher, and author, has had as his primary focus for more than three decades now has been the use of information and information technology for business value creation. He was interviewed about software consulting and management.
Technology based outsourcing K-12 mathematics and science teaching
Authors: Thirunarayanan M. O.
Published: October 2009

The author suggests that the teaching of mathematics and science in K-12 schools be outsourced to teachers in other countries whose students achieve better in mathematics and science. He outlines the advantages of using telecommunications technologies to outsource the teaching of mathematics and science.
Mathematics by Jannat
Authors: Jannat Jannat
Published: October 2009

Arrgh!!! Well! If this is your reaction upon hearing the word MATH, you are not alone. You too are part of that ever increasing family which loves to hate it.
A Farewell Message from Ubiquity Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Gehl John
Published: October 2009

As Ubiquity's editor-in-chief John Gehl leaves his post, he shares some parting words.
Can Learning Languages Help You Better Understand Science and Technology?
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: October 2009

"I was 24 years old when I first began thinking and speaking in a foreign language. It was like being released from prison. I saw my cell door swinging open and my mind flying free. That was over 40 years ago, but the picture is as fresh now as if it had just happened."
Professor Andy Clark on Natural-born Cyborgs
Authors: Clark Andy
Published: October 2009

Bio of Dr. Clark: Dr. Andy Clark is a professor of philosophy and chair in logic and metaphysics at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Previously, he taught at Washington University at St. Louis and the University of Sussex in England. Clark is one of the founding members of the Contact collaborative research project, whose aim is to investigate the role environment plays in shaping the nature of conscious experience. Dr. Andy Clark research interests include philosophy of mind, artificial intelligence, including robotics, artificial life, embodied cognition, and mind, technology and culture. Dr. Clark's papers and books deal with the philosophy of mind and he is considered a leading scientist in mind extension. He has also written extensively on connectionism, robotics, and the role and nature of mental representation.
Emergence of the Academic Computing Clouds
Authors: Delic Kemal A. , Walker Martin Anthony
Published: October 2009

Computational grids are very large-scale aggregates of communication and computation resources enabling new types of applications and bringing several benefits of economy-of-scale. The first computational grids were established in academic environments during the previous decade, and today are making inroads into the realm of corporate and enterprise computing.

Very recently, we observe the emergence of cloud computing as a new potential super structure for corporate, enterprise and academic computing. While cloud computing shares the same original vision of grid computing articulated in the 1990s by Foster, Kesselman and others, there are significant differences.

In this paper, we first briefly outline the architecture, technologies and standards of computational grids. We then point at some of notable examples of academic use of grids and sketch the future of research in grids. In the third section, we draw some architectural lines of cloud computing, hint at the design and technology choices and indicate some future challenges. In conclusion, we claim that academic computing clouds might appear soon, supporting the emergence of Science 2.0 activities, some of which we list shortly.
Content-Based Image Retrieval System
Authors: Sardar Murari Mohan , Basuli Krishnendu , Naskar Saptarshi
Published: October 2009

The term CBIR seems to have originated in 1992, when it was describe experiments into automatic retrieval of images from a database, based on the colors and shapes present. Since then, the term has been used to describe the process of retrieving desired images from a large collection on the basis of syntactical image features. The techniques, tools and algorithms that are used originate from fields such as statistics, pattern recognition, signal processing, and VLSI design [1].
The Power of Dispositions
Authors: Brown John Seely , Thomas Doug
Published: October 2009

Many people have been trying to come to grips with the new ways of learning that are supported by networked tools in recent years. These new ways feature distributed social networks at their core and are proving to be much more popular and often more effective than traditional schooling. Science communities such as faulkes-telescope.com and labrats.org, and massive multiplayer games such as World of Warcraft, are in the vanguard. John Seely Brown and Doug Thomas make an important contribution to understanding what makes these networks so powerful. They use the term disposition to refer to an attitude or stance toward the world that inclines the person toward effective practice. They find that a "questing disposition", which has always been important for inquiry and learning, is encouraged and supported in these vanguard social learning networks. Their work will reward your time and attention. --Peter Denning, Editor
The business of softwareContagious craziness, spreading sanity
Authors: Armour Phillip G.
Published: October 2009

Some examples of the upward or downward spiral of behaviors in the workplace.
Inside risksReflections on Conficker
Authors: Porras Phillip
Published: October 2009

An insider's view of the analysis and implications of the Conficker conundrum.
Probing biomolecular machines with graphics processors
Authors: Phillips James C. , Stone John E.
Published: October 2009

GPU acceleration and other computer performance increases will offer critical benefits to biomedical science.
A conversation with David E. Shaw
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: October 2009

Stanford professor Pat Hanrahan sits down with the noted hedge fund founder, computational biochemist, and (above all) computer scientist.
A view of the parallel computing landscape
Authors: Asanovic Krste , Bodik Rastislav , Demmel James , Keaveny Tony , Keutzer Kurt , Kubiatowicz John , Morgan Nelson , Patterson David , Sen Koushik , Wawrzynek John , Wessel David , Yelick Katherine
Published: October 2009

Writing programs that scale with increasing numbers of cores should be as easy as writing programs for sequential computers.
Balancing four factors in system development projects
Authors: Subramanian Girish H. , Klein Gary , Jiang James J. , Chan Chien-Lung
Published: October 2009

Introduction

The success of system development is most often gauged by three primary indicators: the number of days of deviation from scheduled delivery date, the percentage of deviation from the proposed budget, and meeting the needs of the client users. Tools and techniques to help perform well along these dimensions abound in practice and research. However, the project view of systems development should be broader than any particular development tool or methodology.

Any given development philosophy or approach can be inserted into a systems development project to best fit the conditions, product, talent, and goals of the markets and organization. In order to best satisfy the three criteria, system development project managers must focus on the process of task completion and look to apply controls that ensure success, promote learning within the team and organization, and end up with a software product that not only meets the requirements of the client but operates efficiently and is flexible enough to be modified to meet changing needs of the organization. In this fashion, the project view must examine both process and product.

Often, tasks required for project completion seem contradictory to organizational goals. Within the process, managerial controls are applied in order to retain alignment of the product to the initial, and changing, requirements of the organization. However, freedom from tight controls promotes learning. The product also has contradictions among desired outcomes. Designers must consider tradeoffs between product efficiency and flexibility, with the trend in processing power leading us ever more toward the flexibility side. Still, we rage between conflicting criteria, with the advocates of a waterfall system development lifecycle (SDLC) usually pushing more for control aspects and efficient operations while agile proponents seek more of a learning process and flexible product.

Regardless of the development methodology followed, project managers must strive to deliver the system on time, within budget, and to meet the requirements of the user. Thus, both product and process are crucial in the determination of success. To compound the difficulties, those in control of choosing an appropriate methodology view success criteria from a different perspective than other stakeholders. Understanding how different stakeholders perceive these factors impacting eventual project success can be valuable in adjusting appropriate methodologies. Our study looks at these relationships using well established instruments in a survey of IS development professionals to better clarify the importance of these variables in system project success and any perceived differences among different players in IS development (see the sidebar on "How the Study Was Conducted").
Overcoming the J-shaped distribution of product reviews
Authors: Hu Nan , Zhang Jie , Pavlou Paul A.
Published: October 2009

Introduction

While product review systems that collect and disseminate opinions about products from recent buyers (Table 1) are valuable forms of word-of-mouth communication, evidence suggests that they are overwhelmingly positive. Kadet notes that most products receive almost five stars. Chevalier and Mayzlin also show that book reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble are overwhelmingly positive. Is this because all products are simply outstanding? However, a graphical representation of product reviews reveals a J-shaped distribution (Figure 1) with mostly 5-star ratings, some 1-star ratings, and hardly any ratings in between. What explains this J-shaped distribution? If products are indeed outstanding, why do we also see many 1-star ratings? Why aren't there any product ratings in between? Is it because there are no "average" products? Or, is it because there are biases in product review systems? If so, how can we overcome them?

The J-shaped distribution also creates some fundamental statistical problems. Conventional wisdom assumes that the average of the product ratings is a sufficient proxy of product quality and product sales. Many studies used the average of product ratings to predict sales. However, these studies showed inconsistent results: some found product reviews to influence product sales, while others did not. The average is statistically meaningful only when it is based on a unimodal distribution, or when it is based on a symmetric bimodal distribution. However, since product review systems have an asymmetric bimodal (J-shaped) distribution, the average is a poor proxy of product quality.

This report aims to first demonstrate the existence of a J-shaped distribution, second to identify the sources of bias that cause the J-shaped distribution, third to propose ways to overcome these biases, and finally to show that overcoming these biases helps product review systems better predict future product sales.

We tested the distribution of product ratings for three product categories (books, DVDs, videos) with data from Amazon collected between February--July 2005: 78%, 73%, and 72% of the product ratings for books, DVDs, and videos are greater or equal to four stars (Figure 1), confirming our proposition that product reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Figure 1 (left graph) shows a J-shaped distribution of all products. This contradicts the law of "large numbers" that would imply a normal distribution. Figure 1 (middle graph) shows the distribution of three randomly-selected products in each category with over 2,000 reviews. The results show that these reviews still have a J-shaped distribution, implying that the J-shaped distribution is not due to a "small number" problem. Figure 1 (right graph) shows that even products with a median average review (around 3-stars) follow the same pattern.
An Interview with Peter Huber
Authors: Gehl John
Published: October 2009

In the opening days of 2009, people are looking for the new President Obama to restore domestic and international confidence and help us find our way out of a dark recession. Electric power generation and distribution is a key part of a new direction. Can we produce enough of it to reduce our oil usage? Can electric cars become reliable and cover enough distance on a single charge? Can its availability be increased, especially since critical services in transportation, banking, computing and many other sectors can be shut down by power grid failures? In April 2000, Ubiquity Editor John Gehl spoke with energy expert Peter Huber about these issues. Huber's comments about the needs of the power grid were prophetic. We gladly bring them to you now in the hope that they will help you understand the power challenges ahead. --Peter Denning, Ubiquity Editor
An FPGA Logic Cell and Carry Chain Configurable as a 6:2 or 7:2 Compressor
Authors: Parandeh-Afshar Hadi , Brisk Philip , Ienne Paolo
Published: October 2009

To improve FPGA performance for arithmetic circuits that are dominated by multi-input addition operations, an FPGA logic block is proposed that can be configured as a
6:2
or
7:2
compressor. Compressors have been used successfully in the past to realize parallel multipliers in VLSI technology; however, the peculiar structure of FPGA logic blocks, coupled with the high cost of the routing network relative to ASIC technology, renders compressors ineffective when mapped onto the general logic of an FPGA. On the other hand, current FPGA logic cells have already been enhanced with carry chains to improve arithmetic functionality, for example, to realize fast ternary carry-propagate addition. The contribution of this article is a new FPGA logic cell that is specialized to help realize efficient compressor trees on FPGAs. The new FPGA logic cell has two variants that can respectively be configured as a
6:2
or a
7:2
compressor using additional carry chains that, coupled with lookup tables, provide the necessary functionality. Experiments show that the use of these modified logic cells significantly reduces the delay of compressor trees synthesized on FPGAs compared to state-of-the-art synthesis techniques, with a moderate increase in area and power consumption.
Exploring Reconfigurable Architectures for Tree-Based Option Pricing Models
Authors: Jin Qiwei , Thomas David B. , Luk Wayne , Cope Benjamin
Published: October 2009

This article explores the application of reconfigurable hardware to the acceleration of financial computation using tree-based pricing models. Two parallel pipelined architectures have been developed for option valuation using binomial trees and trinomial trees, with support for concurrent evaluation of independent options to achieve high pricing throughput. Our results show that the tree-based models executing on a Virtex 4 field programmable gate array (FPGA) at 82.7 MHz with fixed-point arithmetic can run over 160 times faster than a Core2 Duo processor at 2.2 GHz. The FPGA implementation is two times faster than the nVidia Geforce 7900GTX processor with 24 pipelines at 650 MHz, and 27%--35% slower than the nVidia Geforce 8600GTS processor with 32 Pipelines at 1450 MHz. Our preliminary experiments also indicate that while an FPGA implementation can be slower than a GPU, it could be more efficient when power consumption is taken into account.
Checkpoint allocation and release
Authors: Golander Amit , Weiss Shlomo
Published: October 2009

Out-of-order speculative processors need a bookkeeping method to recover from incorrect speculation. In recent years, several microarchitectures that employ checkpoints have been proposed, either extending the reorder buffer or entirely replacing it. This work presents an in-dept-study of checkpointing in checkpoint-based microarchitectures, from the desired content of a checkpoint, via implementation trade-offs, and to checkpoint allocation and release policies. A major contribution of the article is a novel adaptive checkpoint allocation policy that outperforms known policies. The adaptive policy controls checkpoint allocation according to dynamic events, such as second-level cache misses and rollback history. It achieves 6.8% and 2.2% speedup for the integer and floating point benchmarks, respectively, and does not require a branch confidence estimator. The results show that the proposed adaptive policy achieves most of the potential of an oracle policy whose performance improvement is 9.8% and 3.9% for the integer and floating point benchmarks, respectively. We exploit known techniques for saving leakage power by adapting and applying them to checkpoint-based microarchitectures. The proposed applications combine to reduce the leakage power of the register file to about one half of its original value.
Interactive stories and the audience
Authors: Hand Stacey , Varan Duane
Published: October 2009

Interactive narratives have long been advocated as having the potential to create more immersive and transformative experiences for audiences by adding the pleasure of agency. In practice, however, finding the balance between sufficient interactivity for agency and narrative structure has been difficult. This article proposed a model of interactive narrative, which encased interactivity within a strong narrative structure, as the best model to increase audience entertainment. In order to test the hypothesis that such a model would out perform its linear counterpart in terms of audience entertainment, two separate audience studies were conducted. The first study tested an interactive drama for television and the second tested two interactive narrative-based advertisements. When analyzing the two studies, there was a surprising result: in each case audience empathy was consistently and significantly increased by the addition of interactivity. This discovery suggests links between empathy and interactivity, and has exciting implications on the role of empathic stress and structure in the creation of future models of interactive narratives.
Relax or study? A qualitative user study on the usage of live mobile TV and mobile video
Authors: Miyauchi Koji , Sugahara Taro , Oda Hiromi
Published: October 2009

The usage of live mobile TV and mobile video devices is increasing in Japan as well as in other countries. In the summer of 2007, in the Tokyo area, we conducted a user study by means of qualitative interviews with 11 participants in order to understand when, how, and why people use such devices. In contrast to previous work, our user study compared the usage of live mobile TV with that of mobile video. In this article, our findings reveal a sharp contrast in (1) the usage of live mobile TV and mobile video on commuter buses or trains, at home, and for sharing experiences; and (2) the interest that live mobile TV users have in mobile video, and vice versa. In this article we present (1) findings that reveal the different attitudes concerning usage of live mobile TV compared with that of mobile video; and (2) hypotheses on user motivations, intentions, and desires derived from the observed attitudes.
Productivity improvement in software projects using 2-dimensional probabilistic software stability model (PSSM)
Authors: Xavier P. Eugene , Naganathan E. R.
Published: October 2009

A 2-dimensional probabilistic model has been developed utilizing the properties of the Random Processes to enhance the stability of enterprise computing applications and hence the productivity factor of software projects. This innovative model would prove to be better than other estimation methods including various heuristic as well parametric approaches. A mapping of the "design domain" to the "development domain" and arriving at the correlation between the parameters of the two domains form the subject of this research. The probabilistic model developed is applied to enterprise computing applications for enhancing the productivity of software developers by minimizing the production time of the software application. The basic criteria being made use of here is to make use of the inverse relationship that exists between complexity of a software application and stability of the software. The probabilistic random process model is used to derive and utilize the correlation that exists between function points (used in Estimation Techniques) to the prime components defined in the Software Stability Model (viz., EBTs, BOs and IOs).
A report on the XP workshop on agile product line engineering
Authors: Ghanam Yaser , Maurer Frank , Abrahamsson Pekka , Cooper Kendra
Published: October 2009

Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) promises to lower the costs of developing individual applications as they heavily reuse existing artifacts. Besides decreasing costs, software reuse achieves faster development and higher quality. Traditionally, SPLE favors big design upfront and employs traditional, heavy weight processes. On the other hand, agile methods have been proposed to rapidly develop high quality software by focusing on producing working code while reducing upfront analysis and design. Combining both paradigms, although is challenging, can yield significant improvements. In this workshop, we discussed the challenges, the research questions and the tradeoffs that need to be addressed for such an integration to enjoy success.
Recent advances in model-based methodologies for pervasive and embedded software
Authors: Fernandes João M. , Lamb Luis C. , Machado Ricardo J. , Wagner Flávio R.
Published: October 2009

We report on recent advances in Model-based Methodologies for Pervasive and Embedded Software. This paper describes the research presented at MOMPES 2009, the 6th edition of a workshop series. The MOMPES workshops focus on the theoretical and practical aspects related to the adoption of model-based development methodologies for supporting the construction of software for pervasive and embedded systems. The workshops usually gather researchers from both industry and academia. In 2009, the workshop included papers tackling both foundational and application research themes related to embedded systems. We describe the main contributions of these papers, and point out further results on recent advances in this area.
Report on the working conference on requirements engineering
Authors: Glinz Martin , Heymans Patrick , Persson Anne , Sindre Guttorm , Aurum Aybüke , Madhavji Nazim , Paech Barbara , Regev Gil , Wieringa Roel
Published: October 2009

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at REFSQ'09, the 15th International Working Conference on Requirements Engineering: Foundation for Software Quality which was held on June 8-9, 2009 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Report of the workshop on software engineering foundations for end-user programming
Authors: Lewis Grace , Smith Dennis , Bass Len , Myers Brad
Published: October 2009

The Workshop on Software Engineering Foundations for End-User Programming (SEEUP) was held at the 33rd International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 23, 2009. This workshop discussed end-user programming with a specific focus on the software engineering that is required to make it a more disciplined process, while still hiding the complexities of greater discipline from the end user. Speakers covered how to understand the problems and needs of the real end users of end-user programming. The discussion focused on the software engineering and supporting technology that would have to be in place to address these problems and needs.
Reality of botnet cyberwarfare
Authors: Zeichick Alan
Published: October 2009

Whoever knows isn't talking.
Defense against the cyber dark arts
Authors: Campbell Scott
Published: October 2009

The perpetrator's intent is often perfectly rational, legal, and, depending how you look at it, good.
Gem #51
Authors: Barnes John
Published: October 2009

Gem #51 is the eleventh chapter of John Barnes' new booklet: Safe and Secure Software: An Introduction to Ada 2005.
Gem #55
Authors: Ochem Quentin
Published: October 2009

Interfacing Ada and Java is a very tricky problem. As opposed to C, C++, or Fortran, the two languages execute on two different environments, Java on the JVM and Ada directly on the underlying OS. For this reason, it is not possible to directly bind Java functions to natively compiled Ada through a pragma Import. Two solutions are offered to the developer: either compiling the code directly to Java bytecode, using GNAT for the JVM, or using the Java Native Interface (JNI), allowing communication between the native and JVM environments. In this Gem we will take a look at the latter. Using this JNI layer manually is very error-prone and tedious. Fortunately, AdaCore provides a set of tools for automating the interface generation, through GNAT-AJIS. This Gem is the first of a series showing how this toolset can be used to create a mixed Ada /Java application.
Gem #62
Authors: Miranda Javier , Charlet Arnaud
Published: October 2009

In the previous Gem, we explored how to interface and make simple use of C++ constructors on the Ada side.

In this Gem, we detail more advanced constructs related to Ada 2005 and C++ constructors.
Channel capacity maximization in cooperative cognitive radio networks using game theory
Authors: Ghosh Chittabrata , Agrawal Dharma P. , Rao Marepalli B.
Published: October 2009

Cognitive radio network (CRN) has created a significant research interest due to the unique opportunistic spectrum sharing of the channels when not used by the licensed users (known as white spaces). In this paper, we make a unique endeavor in developing a Game theoretic spectrum sharing strategy to compute maximum channel capacity under the following constraints: (i) quality of an available channel with respect to its neighboring channels and (ii) transmission power limitation so as not to interfere with licensed users. Such maximization is achieved by allocating multiple available channels to each unlicensed user. The availability of channels differs from one user to another depending upon its location with respect to the transmission range of the licensed user. We discuss allocation strategies of unused white spaces among the cognitive users to maximize the channel capacity. We introduce a cooperative N-person Game among N unlicensed users in a CRN to identify strategies that help achieve Nash equilibria. In addition, the knowledge of idle durations and transmission rate of available channels can also be utilized for designing an efficient spectrum allocation technique. Hence, with this information, we develop another Game theoretic strategy to allocate a single channel to each unlicensed user and identify the strategy which achieves Nash equilibrium. Extensive experimental results of the strategies proposed are also presented.
Learning from failures in evolutionary computation @ GECCO-2009
Authors: Preuss Mike , Beume Nicola
Published: October 2009

Why should one do a workshop on failures when the primary goal of each scientific investigation is success? Looking at former and recent publications in evolutionary computation, the general impression is indeed that only success stories are told. As everybody who is experienced in experimental or theoretical research knows that failures happen, and are sometimes even necessary steps to success, the question shall be raised if reporting failures does have a positive impact on further research on a similar topic. Most researchers who gave feedback to our call agreed that it does. However, there is currently no methodology or silent consent on which failures to report and how. Furthermore, it is even unclear how much different frequently occurring failures are. As this was to our knowledge the first workshop on this topic in evolutionary computation, the most important task was thus to collect a number of cases and get an overview of the predominant types of failures.
Probing Biomolecular Machines with Graphics Processors
Authors: Phillips James C , Stone John E.
Published: October 2009

Computer simulation has become an integral part of the study of the structure and function of biological molecules. For years, parallel computers have been used to conduct these computationally demanding simulations and to analyze their results. These simulations function as a "computational microscope," allowing the scientist to observe details of molecular processes too small, fast, or delicate to capture with traditional instruments. Over time, commodity GPUs (graphics processing units) have evolved into massively parallel computing devices, and more recently it has become possible to program them in dialects of the popular C/C++ programming languages.
Tomorrow's news
Authors: Northrup Kerry
Published: October 2009

What will the news be like in the continuing evolving age of information? Ifra, an international association of newspaper organizations, has created a 10-minute video to provide a peek into the future of the newsroom while highlighting issues that present-day newsrooms must face in making the transition to the new publishing industry. Although early prototypes of the
Daily Me
have proven disappointing, "it cannot be ignored that the news industry, like most industries, is moving from a product-based business model to a service model under pressure of the Information Economy," writes Ifra's Kerry Northrup. "And good service requires some degree of personalization. The publisher of
Tomorrow's News
has profiled its readers, listeners, viewers and users sufficiently that it knows their collective interests and even individually where they work." Northrup, who plays a prominent role in Ifra's work as a worldwide leader in publishing strategies and technology, here provides
Ubiquity
a summary description of what lies ahead for the newspaper industry in the 21st Century.
Think globally, act strategically
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

John Parkinson relays the challenges for a global financial services firm including anticipating technologies, winning the war for talent, and finding innovative ways to maintain a corporate presence in a worldwide market.
Product language in electronic media design
Authors: Klein Steffen
Published: October 2009

Communication follows function: How products communicate to users and why designers should care.
Freedom to think and speak
Authors: Johnson Seth
Published: October 2009

Under Microsoft's Digital Rights Management operating system, the ability to use information freely will be policed at the most intricate level.
A conversation with Ruby Lee
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Innovative computer scientist Ruby Lee talks about secure information processing, efficient permutations, fair use in the digital age, and more.
Computer science meets economics
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Yale's Joan Feigenbaum talks about the possibilities for interdisciplinary research, the new field of algorithmic mechanism design, and her radical views on security.
Mastering leadership
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Richard Strozzi-Heckler on moving to the next level.
Review of 'Highly parallel computations: Algorithms and applications,' by M.P. Bekakos
Authors: Hutchins Ron
Published: October 2009

How scientists will use "metacomputational" facilities to solve complex problems.
Inside PARC
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Johan de Kleer talks about knowledge tracking, smart matter and other new developments in AI.
The future of internet security
Authors: Shoniregun Charles Adetokunbo
Published: October 2009

Should common security technologies be blended with biometrics for accuracy and reliability?
E-commerce security measures
Authors: Rushinek Avi , Rushinek Sara
Published: October 2009

Cost benefits of the security and systems management of electronic publishing Internet Web server subscription services and e-commerce.
Robert Aiken on the future of learning
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

In the hands of skilled teachers, technology will provide students with the best possible education -- both face-to-face and distant, collaborative and individualized, and entertaining and instructional.
Persuasive technology
Authors: Fogg B. J.
Published: October 2009

Mother Nature knows best--How engineered organizations of the future will resemble natural-born systems.
At the crossroads of technology and policy
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Lorrie Cranor on privacy, online voting and Internet censorship.
Hacking primes
Authors: Amato Patrick
Published: October 2009

Visualization of prime numbers may further the understanding and safeguarding of encryption techniques.
Review of "Bell labs: Life in the Crown Jewel" by Narain Gehani, Silicon Press
Authors: Siegmann Robert M.
Published: October 2009

Competition in the telecommunications industry has come at a tremendous cost
Review of 'The power of events: An introduction to complex event processing in distributed enterprise systems,' by David Luckham, Addison Wesley Professional, May 2002
Authors: Coyle Frank P.
Published: October 2009

An overview of more than a decade of work on event systems, formal specification and temporal reasoning
The institutionalization of hacking practices
Authors: Lin Yuwei
Published: October 2009

Diverse choices and practices shape innovation patterns in software development
Do you know what's in your project portfolio?
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Cathleen Benko and Warren McFarlan, authors of "Connecting the Dots: Aligning Projects with Objectives in Unpredictable Times" discuss the dangers of ignoring your IT portfolio.
The art and business of speech recognition
Authors: Kotelly Blade
Published: October 2009

Writing Effective Prompts
The Virtues of Virtual
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Abbe Mowshowitz talks about virtual organization as way of managing activities and describes the rise of virtual feudalism.
From thinkers to clickers
Authors: Thirunarayanan M. O.
Published: October 2009

Tick-tock, time clicking away
Staffing the data center
Authors: Kabay M. E.
Published: October 2009

Good staff can make a success of IS operations. Choose wisely.
Lowering the cost of computation
Authors: Pallickara Shrideep , Fox Geoffrey
Published: October 2009

Efficient support for sophisticated interactions between entities in distributed brokering systems
Talking with security expert M. E. Kabay
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

Adaptive attackers, novice computer users, indifferent management - it's no wonder our defensive mechanisms need continuous refinement.
The digital aid framework
Authors: Sargent Jason
Published: October 2009

Technology enables humanitarian relief organizations to come closer to achieving Dunant's dream. The Digital Aid Framework shows organizations how to use technology during complex humanitarian relief operations.
The more things change, the more (and less) they stay the same
Authors: Chakravorti Bhaskar
Published: October 2009

Bhaskar Chakravorti tells how the network hinders, then helps market innovation
Review of "Spinning the semantic web: Bringing the world wide web to its full potential" edited by Dieter Fensel, James Hendler, Henry Lieberman, and Wolfgang Wahlster, The MIT press
Authors: Bedingfield Carl
Published: October 2009

Are you looking for a method for managing Web data in a useful and orderly format? Your search is over. This handbook is both a good introduction for the metadata neophyte and a useful reference for the semantically hip.
An Interview with Stuart Russell
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: October 2009

AI may not take over the world but it will provide new and powerful tools. Smart microwave ovens? No big deal. Full-size humanoid robots that walk, climb stairs, open and close doors, and pick things up? Now that gets our attention.
Review of "What is web design?" by Nico Macdonald, Rotovision, August 2003
Authors: Evenson Shelley
Published: October 2009

A compilation of issues, process and practice in design for connected interactive experiences.
2004, The turning point
Authors: Downes Stephen
Published: October 2009

An overview of some of the issues that will change the way we use the Internet
The case for open source software in the library market
Authors: Dorman David
Published: October 2009

Solutions based on freely distributed software will give libraries another choice for obtaining the support services that best meet the needs of their users.
An Interview with Peter Denning
Authors: staff Ubiquity
Published: October 2009

Peter Denning teaches students at the Naval Postgraduate School how to develop strategic, big-picture thinking about the field of computing. Denning, a past president of ACM (1980-82), has been involved with communicating our discipline, computing, to outsiders since 1970. Along the way he invented the working set model for memory management, developed the theory of virtual memory, promulgated operating systems theory, co-invented operational analysis of system performance, co-founded CSNET, and led the ACM Publications Board while it developed the Digital Library. He is an ACM Fellow and holds five major ACM awards. He just completed a five-year term as chair of the ACM Education Board.
Esther Dyson ... In focus
Authors: staff Ubiquity
Published: October 2009

Venture capitalist Esther Dyson is the chairman of EDventure Holdings, which publishes the influential monthly computer-industry newsletter Release 1.0 as well as the blog Release 4.0. The company also organizes the high-profile technology conference PC (Platforms for Communications) Forum, March 21-23, 2004. In this interview, she discusses her current interests, many to be covered at PC Forum. They include her investments, how to stop spam, outsourcing, and the overall high-tech industry environment.
Epistemologically multiple actor-centered systems
Authors: Lin Yuwei
Published: October 2009

History shows how communal sharing and problem-solving strengthen software functionality and innovation
Calm technologies in a multimedia world
Authors: Tugui Alexandru
Published: October 2009

In an ideal world, computers will blend into the landscape, will inform but not overburden you with information, and make you aware of them only when you need them.
On writing in a graduate program
Authors: Kabay M. E.
Published: October 2009

Say what you mean, mean what you say, and always respect your interlocutors
The neural approach to pattern recognition
Authors: Jesan John Peter
Published: October 2009

Artificial neural networks could surpass the capabilities of conventional computer-based pattern recognition systems.
From Progenitors to Differentiated Cells in the Vertebrate Retina
Authors: Agathocleous Michalis , Harris William A.
Published: October 2009

Multipotent retinal progenitors undergo a varied number of divisions to produce clones of heterogeneous sizes and cell types. We describe the transition from a proliferating progenitor to a differentiated postmitotic cell and discuss how controls of proliferation operate within individual cells as well as in the whole tissue. We discuss how extracellular and intracellular signaling, transcriptional regulation, cell cycle kinetics, interkinetic nuclear migration, orientation of cell division, and epigenetic modifications all interact to regulate a progenitor's transition from division to differentiation. We also propose some directions for future research.
Small RNAs and Their Roles in Plant Development
Authors: Chen Xuemei
Published: October 2009

Small RNAs of 20–30 nucleotides guide regulatory processes at the DNA or RNA level in a wide range of eukaryotic organisms. Many, although not all, small RNAs are processed from double-stranded RNAs or single-stranded RNAs with local hairpin structures by RNase III enzymes and are loaded into argonaute-protein-containing effector complexes. Many eukaryotic organisms have evolved multiple members of RNase III and the argonaute family of proteins to accommodate different classes of small RNAs with specialized molecular functions. Some small RNAs cause transcriptional gene silencing by guiding heterochromatin formation at homologous loci, whereas others lead to posttranscriptional gene silencing through mRNA degradation or translational inhibition. Small RNAs are not only made from and target foreign nucleic acids such as viruses and transgenes, but are also derived from endogenous loci and regulate a multitude of developmental and physiological processes. Here I review the biogenesis and function of three major classes of endogenous small RNAs in plants: microRNAs, trans-acting siRNAs, and heterochromatic siRNAs, with an emphasis on the roles of these small RNAs in developmental regulation.
Gonad Morphogenesis in Vertebrates: Divergent Means to a Convergent End
Authors: DeFalco Tony , Capel Blanche
Published: October 2009

A critical element of successful sexual reproduction is the generation of sexually dimorphic adult reproductive organs, the testis and ovary, which produce functional gametes. Examination of different vertebrate species shows that the adult gonad is remarkably similar in its morphology across different phylogenetic classes. Surprisingly, however, the cellular and molecular programs employed to create similar organs are not evolutionarily conserved. We highlight the mechanisms used by different vertebrate model systems to generate the somatic architecture necessary to support gametogenesis. In addition, we examine the different vertebrate patterns of germ cell migration from their site of origin to colonize the gonad and highlight their roles in sex-specific morphogenesis. We also discuss the plasticity of the adult gonad and consider how different genetic and environmental conditions can induce transitions between testis and ovary morphology.
Asymmetric Cell Divisions and Asymmetric Cell Fates
Authors: Tajbakhsh Shahragim , Rocheteau Pierre , Le Roux Isabelle
Published: October 2009

The regulation of self-renewal, cell diversity, and differentiation can occur by modulating symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Remarkably, asymmetric cell divisions can arise through multiple processes in which molecules in the cytoplasm and nucleus, as well as template “immortal” DNA strands, can segregate to one daughter cell during cell division. Explaining how these events direct distinct daughter cell fates is a major challenge to understanding how the organism is assembled and maintained for a lifetime. Numerous technical issues that are associated with assessing how distinct cell fates are executed in vivo have resulted in divergent interpretations of experimental findings. This review addresses some of these points and considers different developmental model systems that attempt to investigate how cell fate decisions are determined, as well as the molecules that guide these choices.
EDHF function in the ductus arteriosus: evidence against involvement of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and 12S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
Authors: Baragatti Barbara , Schwartzman Michal Laniado , Angeloni Debora , Scebba Francesca , Ciofini Enrica , Sodini Daria , Ottaviano Virginia , Nencioni Simona , Paolicchi Aldo , Graves Joan P. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Gotlinger Katherine , Luin Stefano , Coceani Flavio
Published: October 2009

We have previously shown (Ref. 2 ) that endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) becomes functional in the fetal ductus arteriosus on removal of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. From this, it was proposed that EDHF originates from a cytochrome P-450 (CYP450)-catalyzed reaction being inhibited by the two agents. Here, we have examined in the mouse ductus whether EDHF can be identified as an arachidonic acid product of a CYP450 epoxygenase and allied pathways. We did not detect transcripts of the mouse CYP2C subfamily in vessel, while CYP2J subfamily transcripts were expressed with CYP2J6 and CYP2J9. These CYP2J hemoproteins were also detected in the ductus by immunofluorescence microscopy, being colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum in both endothelial and muscle cells. Distinct CYP450 transcripts were also detected and were responsible for ω-hydroxylation (CYP4A31) and 12R-hydroxylation (CYP4B1). Mass spectrometric analysis showed formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in the intact ductus, with 11,12- and 14,15-EETs being more prominent than 5,6- and 8,9-EETs. However, their yield did not increase with nitric oxide/carbon monoxide suppression, nor did it abate with endothelium removal. No evidence was obtained for formation of 12R-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid and ω-hydroxylation products. 2S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was instead detected, and, contrary to data implicating this compound as an alternative EDHF, its suppression with baicalein did not modify the EDHF-mediated relaxation to bradykinin. We conclude that none of the more common CYP450-linked arachidonic acid metabolites appears to qualify as EDHF in mouse ductus. We speculate that some novel eicosanoid or a totally unrelated compound requiring CYP450 for its synthesis accounts for EDHF in this vessel.
RC time constant of single lung equals that of both lungs together: a study in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Saouti N. , Westerhof N. , Helderman F. , Marcus J. T. , Stergiopulos N. , Westerhof B. E. , Boonstra A. , Postmus P. E. , Vonk-Noordegraaf A.
Published: October 2009

The product of resistance, R, and compliance, C ( RC time), of the entire pulmonary circulation is constant. It is unknown if this constancy holds for individual lungs. We determined R and C in individual lungs in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients where resistances differ between both lungs. Also, the contribution of the proximal pulmonary arteries (PA) to total lung compliance was assessed. Patients ( n = 23) were referred for the evaluation of CTEPH. Pressure was measured by right heart catheterization and flows in the main, left, and right PA by magnetic resonance imaging. Total, left, and right lung resistances were calculated as mean pressure divided by mean flow. Total, left, and right lung compliances were assessed by the pulse pressure method. Proximal compliances were derived from cross-sectional area change Δ A and systolic-diastolic pressure difference ΔP (Δ A/ΔP) in main, left, and right PA, multiplied by vessel length. The lung with the lowest blood flow was defined “low flow” (LF), the contralateral lung “high flow” (HF). Total resistance was 0.57 ± 0.28 mmHg·s−1·ml−1, and resistances of LF and HF lungs were 1.57 ± 0.2 vs. 1.00 ± 0.1 mmHg·s−1·ml−1, respectively, P < 0.0001. Total compliance was 1.22 ± 1.1 ml/mmHg, and compliances of LF and HF lung were 0.47 ± 0.11 and 0.62 ± 0.12 ml/mmHg, respectively, P = 0.01. Total RC time was 0.49 ± 0.2 s, and RC times for the LF and HF lung were 0.45 ± 0.2 and 0.45 ± 0.1 s, respectively, not different. Proximal arterial compliance, given by the sum of main, right, and left PA compliances, was only 19% of total lung compliance. The RC time of a single lung equals that of both lungs together, and pulmonary arterial compliance comes largely from the distal vasculature.