bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptual photometric seamlessness in projection-based tiled displays
Authors: Majumder Aditi , Stevens Rick 
Published: January 2005

Arguably, the most vexing problem remaining for multi-projector displays is that of photometric (brightness) seamlessness within and across different projectors. Researchers have strived for <i>strict photometric uniformity</i> that achieves identical response at every pixel of the display. However, this goal typically results in displays with severely compressed dynamic range and poor image quality.
In this article, we show that strict photometric uniformity is not a requirement for achieving photometric seamlessness. We introduce a general goal for photometric seamlessness by defining it as an optimization problem, balancing <i>perceptual uniformity</i> with <i>display quality</i>. Based on this goal, we present a new method to achieve <i>perceptually seamless high quality displays</i>. We first derive a model that describes the photometric response of projection-based displays. Then we estimate the model parameters and modify them using perception-driven criteria. Finally, we use the graphics hardware to reproject the image computed using the modified model parameters by manipulating only the projector inputs at interactive rates.
Our method has been successfully demonstrated on three different practical display systems at Argonne National Laboratory, made of 2 × 2 array of four projectors, 2 × 3 array of six, projectors, and 3 × 5 array of fifteen projectors. Our approach is efficient, automatic and scalable---requiring only a digital camera and a photometer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach and system that addresses the photometric variation problem from a perceptual stand point and generates truly seamless displays with high dynamic range.
War of the benchmark means
Authors: Mashey John R. 
Published: January 2005

For decades, computer benchmarkers have fought a War of Means. Although many have raised concerns with the geometric mean (GM), it continues to be used by SPEC and others. This war is an unnecessarymisunderstanding due to inadequately articulated implicit assumptions, plus confusio namong populations, their parameters, sampling methods, and sample statistics. In fact, all the Means have their uses, sometimes in combination. Metrics may be
algebraically
correct, but
statistically
irrelevant or misleading if applied to population distributions for which they are inappropriate. Normal (Gaussian) distributions are so useful that they are often assumed without question,but many important distributions are not normal.They require different analyses, most commonly by finding a mathematical transformations that yields a normal distribution,computing the metrics, and then back-transforming to the original scale. Consider the distribution of relative performance ratios of programs on two computers. The normal distribution is a good fit
only
when variance and skew are small, but otherwise generates logical impossibilities and misleading statistical measures. A much better choice is the lognormal (or log-normal) distribution, not just on theoretical grounds, but through the (necessary) validation with real data. Normal and lognormal distributions are similar for low variance and skew, but the lognormal handles skewed distributions reasonably, unlike the normal. Lognormal distributions occur frequently elsewhere are well-understood, and have standard methods of analysis.Everyone agrees that "Performance is not a single number," ... and then argues about which number is better. It is more important to understanding populations, appropriate methods, and proper ways to convey uncertainty. When population parameters are estimated via samples,
statistically
correct methods must be used to produce the appropriate means, measures of dispersion, Skew, confidence levels, and perhaps goodness-of-fit estimators. If the wrong Mean is chosen, it is difficult to achieve much. The GM predicts the mean relative performance of
programs
, not of workloads. The usual GM formula is rather unintuitive, and is often claimed to have no physical meaning. However,
it is the back-transformed average of a lognormal distribution
, as can be seen by the mathematical identity below. Its use is not onlystatistically appropriate in some cases, but enables straightforward computation of other useful statistics.<display equation>"If a man will begin in certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end with certainties." — Francis Bacon, in Savage.
Is security engineering really just good software engineering?
Authors: Wolf Alexander L. 
Published: January 2005

These days, if you say that you are doing research in the area of computer security you instantly receive attention. Sadly, the same cannot be said of software engineering. But are the two areas really so different? Both seem to be concerned with issues that range from the finely technical to the broadly social and that force us to make difficult tradeoffs among cost, performance, quality, and usability. Both seem to require that we conduct our research in an interdisciplinary context. In the end we realize that fully solving the security problem for ever larger and more complex systems is as intractable as fully solving the traditional software engineering problem.
In this talk I will attempt to relate the challenges of security engineering and software engineering, and will argue that security engineering is more of a software engineering problem than many people would like to admit.
Explaining abstract counterexamples
Authors: Chaki Sagar , Groce Alex , Strichman Ofer 
Published: January 2005

When a program violates its specification a model checker produces a counterexample that shows an example of undesirable behavior. It is up to the user to understand the error, locate it, and fix the problem. Previous work introduced a technique for explaining and localizing errors based on finding the closest execution to a counterexample, with respect to a distance metric. That approach was applied only to concrete executions of programs. This paper extends and generalizes the approach by combining it with predicate abstraction. Using an abstract state-space increases scalability and makes explanations more informative. Differences between executions are presented in terms of predicates derived from the specification and program, rather than specific changes to variable values. Reasoning to the cause of an error from the factthat in the failing run x < y, but in the successful execution x = y is easier than reasoning from the information that in the failing run y = 239, but in the successful execution y = 232. An abstract explanation is <i>automatically generalized</i>
Predicate abstraction has previously been used in model checking purely as a state-space reduction technique. However, an abstraction good enough to enable a model checking tool to find an error is also likely to be useful as an <i>automatically generated high-level description of a state space</i> --- suitable for use by programmers. Results demonstrating the effectiveness of abstract explanations support this claim.
A classification system and analysis for aspect-oriented programs
Authors: Rinard Martin , Salcianu Alexandru , Bugrara Suhabe 
Published: January 2005

We present a new classification system for aspect-oriented programs. This system characterizes the interactions between aspects and methods and identifies classes of interactions that enable modular reasoning about the crosscut program. We argue that this system can help developers structure their understanding of aspect-oriented programs and promotes their ability to reason productively about the consequences of crosscutting a program with a given aspect.
We have designed and implemented a program analysis system that automatically classifies interactions between aspects and methods and have applied this analysis to a set of benchmark programs. We found that our analysis is able to 1) identify interactions with desirable properties (such as lack of interference), 2) identify potentially problematic interactions (such as interference caused by the aspect and the method both writing the same field), and 3) direct the developer's attention to the causes of such interactions.
A syntactic approach to fixed point computation on finite domains
Authors: Chuang Tyng-Ruey , Goldberg Benjamin 
Published: January 2005

We propose a syntactic approach to performing fixed point computation on finite domains. Finding fixed points in finite domains for monotonic fuctions is an essential task when calculating abstract semantics of functional programs. Previous methods for fixed point finding have been mainly based on semantic approaches which may be very inefficient even for simple programs.
We outline the development of a syntactic approach, and show that the syntactic approach is sound and complete with respect to semantics. A few examples are provided to illustrate this syntactic approach.
A randomized implementation of multiple functional arrays
Authors: Chuang Tyng-Ruey 
Published: January 2005

The array update problem in the implementation of a purely functional language is the following: once an array is updated, both the original array and the newly updated one must be preserved to maintain referential transparency. Previous approaches have mainly based on the detection or enforcement of single-threaded accesses to an aggregate, by means of compiler-time analyses or language restrictions. These approaches cannot deal with aggregates which are updated in a multi-threaded manner.
Baker's shallow binding scheme can be used to implement multi-threaded functional arrays. His scheme, however, can be very expensive if there are repeated alternations between long binding paths. We design a scheme that fragments binding paths randomly. The randomization scheme is on-line, simple to implement, and its expected performance comparable to that of the optimal off-line solutions. All this is achieved without using compiler-time analyses, and without restricting the languages.
The expected performance of the randomization scheme is analyzed in details, and some preliminary results are shown. Applications of the randomization technique to other functional aggregates, as well as its implications, are briefly outlined.
Using the run-time sizes of data structures to guide parallel-thread creation
Authors: Huelsbergen Lorenz , Larus James R. , Aiken Alexander 
Published: January 2005

Dynamic granularity estimation is a new technique for automatically identifying expressions in functional languages for parallel evaluation. Expressions with little computation relative to thread-creation costs should evaluate sequentially for maximum performance. Static identification of such threads is however difficult. Therefore, dynamic granularity estimation has compile-time and run-time components: Abstract interpretation statically identifies functions whose complexity depends on data structure sizes; the run-time system maintains approximations to these sizes. Compiler-inserted checks consult this size information to make thread creation decisions dynamically.
We describe dynamic granularity estimation for a list-based functional language. Extension to general recursive data structures and imperative operations is possible. Performance measurements of dynamic granularity estimation in a parallel ML implementation on a shared-memory machine demonstrate the possibility of large reductions (>20%) in execution time.
Locality, causality and continuations
Authors: Queinnec Christian 
Published: January 2005

Concurrency and distribution are topics exacerbated by the omnipresence of Internet. Although many languages address these topics, few offer a real opportunity to control and coordinate widely spread dynamic computations. This paper presents such a language and its prominent features. Besides explaining the software architecture of the implementation (based on objects and generic functions), it also presents an original coherency protocol for shared mutable variables.
We first recall, in Section 1, the main features of our Scheme-based, concurrent, distributed and computation-oriented language already presented in more details and examples in [QD93].
Section 2 explains how to systematically implement a concurrent and distributed interpreter for that language, using a set of program transformations combining Abstract Continuation Passing Style (ACPS) and Object-Oriented Lifting. The originality of this implementation is that it chiefly uses objects and generic functions in a style that allows to concentrate the problems related to concurrency and migration of computations into the sole discriminating behavior of generic functions. ACPS is not only used to reify continuations but also to enforce locality of computations in presence of distal objects.
In Section 3, we propose a new (to our knowledge) protocol to manage shared mutable variables. This protocol enhances [MSRN92], does not require atomic broadcast, tolerates short communication breakdowns and uses bounded circular clocks. This result comes from the use of a distributed GC (which allows us to maintain an approximation of Global Virtual Time) and from the exploitation of causality as stated by continuations. To give a continuation a value (and a store) clearly expresses that the computations that are present in the continuation causally depend on the invoker of the continuation.
Finally the computation-orientation of our language and mainly the ability to control groups of threads, concurrently running on multiple sites for the completion of the evaluation of a single expression, is shortly sketched in Section 4.
As usual, related works and conclusions end this paper.
Analyzing stores and references in a parallel symbolic language
Authors: Jagannathan Suresh , Weeks Stephen 
Published: January 2005

We describe an analysis of a parallel language in which processes communicate via first-class mutable shared locations. The sequential core of the language defines a higher-order strict functional language with list data structures. The parallel extensions permit processes and shared locations to be dynamically created; synchronization among processes occurs exclusively via shared locations.
The analysis is defined by an abstract interpretation on this language. The interpretation is efficient and useful, facilitating a number of important optimizations related to synchronization, processor/thread mapping, and storage management.
Of 'Sour Grapes' and 'Children's Teeth': Inherited Guilt, Human Rights and Processes of Restoration in Ghanaian Pentecostalism
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe rise of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement in African countries like Ghana has inspired new ways of dealing with the challenges of life. A critical area of operation for the movement is the 'healing and deliverance' ministry. One of its main aims is to help people deal with inherited guilt through rituals for healing the past. The worldview of mystical causality that underlies a system of shrine slavery among the Ewe of Ghana called Trokosi, offer one example from traditional religions, of how such traditional institutions may stigmatise victims and generations after them, sometimes perpetually. Vestiges of such stigmatisation still remain even in places where shrine slavery has been abolished by law. In keeping with the prophetic declaration by Ezekiel that the sins of the fathers shall no more be visited on their children (Ezekiel 18), the Pentecostal/Charismatic ministry of 'healing and deliverance' provides a Christian ritual context in which the enslaving effects of generational curses resulting from the sins of one's ancestry may be broken. Pentecostals believe that it is through the 'deliverance' that the born again Christian may experience fullness of life in Christ.
Christianity in Northern Nigeria, 1975-2000
Authors: Gaiya Musa 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper discusses growth of Christianity in northern Nigeria since 1975. It shows Christianity has grown in northern Nigeria making it more pluralistic than it was at independence in 1960. The paper argues that Christianity has not only solidified its base in what is now called the Middle Belt but it has made inroads into core Muslims states. This is why the maintenance of the plurality of the twelve states that implemented the Shari'ah law in northern Nigeria from 1999 has become a major issue of contention in the Shari'ah debates.
Strategic theming in theme park marketing
Authors: Wong Kevin K. F. , Cheung Phoebe W. Y. 
Published: January 2005

Theme parks aim to create the atmosphere of another world and it is essentially the theme which becomes the main part of a theme park experience. Thematic tourism had become increasingly popular where travel is motivated by an interest in a particular subject or area rather than by the more traditional motivations such as idyllic scenery and climate. The drawing power of theming is evident in the fact that it has, in recent years, become a catalyst for the growth of new destinations based mainly on thematic leisure. This study attempts to identify and describe a distinct and representative set of theme types and attributes in a theme park and examines the relationship between visitors’ motivation for visiting theme parks and theme preferences. Weak to moderately strong relationships were found between motivation for theme park visits by visitors and their demographics and lifestyle patterns. Given the fact the theme park industry is still relatively young in Asia, the findings of this study reinforce the need for Asian theme parks to focus strategically on satisfying lower-level needs, such as stimulation, by developing and marketing an adventure theme comparable with Western theme parks.
British Airways’ inbound leisure market to Machester, England: Is direct marketing the answer?
Authors: Ali-Knight Jane , Wild Sue 
Published: January 2005

Research was undertaken to explore British Airways’ (BA) inbbound leisure market from Europe to Manchester and evaluate their use of direct marketing activity to increase leisure traffic on European routes. BA currently has direct sales offices based all over Europe, promoting leisure travel to the UK. It was decided to focus on the marketing activity on four core routes originating from France, Germany and Spain. To achieve the objectives of the research both qualitative and quantitative methods of primary data collection were used. Focus groups were conducted at the BA overseas sales offices with sales managers and members of their sales teams. An in-flight survey was undertaken with BA leisure passengers from Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf to gain insights into their travel patterns, trends and motivations. This paper reports on findings from both the qualitative and quantitative stages of the research process. Research findings showed that none of the overseas offices had a leisure marketing strategy in place or had undergone market segmentation studies to identify visitors’ patterns. Despite a move towards and recognition of the importance of direct selling, the main distribution channel used was still shown to bbe tour operators. Significant differences in approach towards distribution methods were also identified between the three countries.
Influence of metal cation order on magnetic order in manganogrunerite, (Fe,Mg,Mn)7Si8O22(OH)2, a quasi-one-dimensional chain antiferromagnet
Authors: Reece J. J. , Redfern S. A. T. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe magnetic susceptibility of ordered and partially disordered manganogrunerites (composition and ) has been measured between room temperature and 5 K. The influence of disordering of metal cations over the M(1,2,3) sites of the octahedral ribbon in these amphiboles is to dilute Fe2+ within the ribbon. We observe a reduction in both θp and TN as a function of both increased Mg/(Mg+Fe) and metal cation disorder, linked to a reduction in the strength of magnetic coupling between and within the one-dimensional chains of the structure.
Serpentine and brucite of ultramafic clasts from the South Chamorro Seamount (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 195, Site 1200): inferences for the serpentinization of the Mariana forearc mantle
Authors: D'Antonio M. , Kristensen M. B. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractSerpentine minerals and brucite in ultramafic rocks from the South Chamorro Seamount were characterized chemically to investigate the serpentinization of the Mariana forearc mantle. Relict primary minerals of the serpentinites are olivine, enstatite and minor Cr-spinel and diopside. The secondary minerals are mostly serpentine and brucite with minor magnetite. The serpentine minerals, mostly lizardite and chrysotile, display large compositional variations. Al2O3 and Cr2O3 contents depend generally upon the nature of the primary mineral from which the serpentine was derived. Both serpentine minerals and brucite exhibit wide Mg, Fe and Mn substitution: the Mg# ranges are 95.1–77.2 and 88.9–60.8, respectively. These mineralogical and chemical features allowed us to estimate an upper temperature limit for serpentinization of ∼200–300°C, in agreement with recent thermal models which suggest that the serpentinized mantle wedge of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone is cold. The high degree of serpentinization (40–100%, average >75%), and the serpentine + brucite paragenesis of these ultramafics imply that the Mariana forearc mantle has a significantly reduced density and strength down to ∼30 km, which provides a driving mechanism for serpentinite diapirism. Pervasive serpentinization of the forearc by fluids released from the décollement zone also explains the low seismicity of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.
The treatment of migraines and tension-type headaches with intravenous and oral niacin (nicotinic acid): systematic review of the literature
Authors: Prousky Jonathan , Seely Dugald 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background
Migraine and tension-type headaches impose a tremendous economic drain upon the healthcare system. Intravenous and oral niacin has been employed in the treatment of acute and chronic migraine and tension-type headaches, but its use has not become part of contemporary medicine, nor have there been randomized controlled trials further assessing this novel treatment. We aimed to systematically review the evidence of using intravenous and/or oral niacin as a treatment for migraine headaches, tension-type headaches, and for headaches of other etiologic types.

Methods
We searched English and non-English language articles in the following databases: MEDLINE (1966–February 2004), AMED (1995–February 2004) and Alt HealthWatch (1990–February 2004).

Results
Nine articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Hypothetical reasons for niacin's effectiveness include its vasodilatory properties, and its ability to improve mitochondrial energy metabolism. Important side effects of niacin include flushing, nausea and fainting.

Conclusion
Although niacin's mechanisms of action have not been substantiated from controlled clinical trials, this agent may have beneficial effects upon migraine and tension-type headaches. Adequately designed randomized trials are required to determine its clinical implications.