Non-linear image processing in hardware A new ASIC capable of computing rank order filters, weighted rank order filters, standard erosion and dilation, soft erosion and dilation, order statistic soft erosion and dilation, fuzzy erosion and dilation and fuzzy soft erosion and dilation is presented in this paper. Its function is based on local histogram and a successive approximation technique and performs on 33-pixel image windows. The hardware complexity of the proposed structure is linearly related to both image data window size and pixel resolution. The dimensions of the core of the proposed ASIC are 2.88mm2.8mm=8.06mm2 and its die size dimensions are 3.72mm3.64mm=13.54mm2. It executes 3.5106 non-linear filter operations per second.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

machine vision
non-linear filters
mathematical morphology
fuzzy image processing
vlsi


Addressing health disparities in Hispanic breast cancer: accurate and inexpensive sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for 2025% of inherited breast cancers and about 10% of all breast cancer cases. Detection of BRCA mutation carriers can lead to therapeutic interventions such as mastectomy, oophorectomy, hormonal prevention therapy, improved screening, and targeted therapies such as PARP-inhibition. We estimate that African Americans and Hispanics are 45 times less likely to receive BRCA screening, despite having similar mutation frequencies as non-Jewish Caucasians, who have higher breast cancer mortality. To begin addressing this health disparity, we initiated a nationwide trial of BRCA testing of Latin American women with breast cancer. Patients were recruited through community organizations, clinics, public events, and by mail and Internet. Subjects completed the consent process and questionnaire, and provided a saliva sample by mail or in person. DNA from 120 subjects was used to sequence the entirety of BRCA1 and BRCA2 coding regions and splice sites, and validate pathogenic mutations, with a total material cost of $85/subject. Subjects ranged in age from 23 to 81 years (mean age, 51years), 6% had bilateral disease, 57% were ER/PR+, 23% HER2+, and 17% had triple-negative disease.

O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

hispanic populations
genetic testing
underserved populations


A note on density model size testing Let (F-k) (kgreater than or equal to1). be a nested family of parametric classes of densities with finite Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension. Let f be a probability density belonging to F-k*, where k* is the unknown smallest integer such that f is an element of F-k. Given a random sample X-1,..., X-n drawn from f, an integer k(o) greater than or equal to 1 and a real number alpha is an element of (0, 1), we introduce a new, simple, explicit alpha-level consistent testing procedure of the null hypothesis {H-0 : k* = k(0)} versus the alternative {H-1 : k* not equal k(0)}. Our method is inspired by the combinatorial tools developed in Devroye and Lugosi [1] and it includes a wide range of density models, such as mixture models, neural networks, or exponential families.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

hypothesis testing
mixture densities
nonparametric estimation
penalization
vapnik-chervonenkis dimension


Classroom logistics: Integrating digital and non-digital resources This response to Dillenbourg's postulations on Orchestration analyses the relationship between classroom logistics and learning. It is necessary to detail the precise actions that the teacher must perform in order to apply the proposed strategies for the integration of digital and non-digital resources. It is not about teacher training; it is about giving teachers the tools to structure their classes and empower them beyond the training process. Every aspect of the class should be specified, leaving what finally will be performed to the teacher. We conclude that an adequate orchestration helps to guide the teacher through the work to be performed in the classroom, allowing a shift from an instructor-centered arrangement, in which the teacher radiates knowledge before a passive class of students, to one where the students actively participate, with the teacher acting as a mediator. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

B I O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

classroom learning
digital and non-digital resources


Exploring real world points of interest: Design and evaluation of object-centric exploration techniques for augmented reality Augmented reality (AR) enables users to retrieve additional information about real world objects and locations. Exploring such location-based information in AR requires physical movement to different viewpoints, which may be tiring and even infeasible when viewpoints are out of reach. In this paper, we present object-centric exploration techniques for handheld AR that allow users to access information freely using a virtual copy metaphor. We focus on the design of techniques that allows the exploration of large real world objects. We evaluated our interfaces in a series of studies in controlled conditions and compared them to a 3D map interface, which is a more common method for accessing location-based information. Based on our findings, we put forward design recommendations that should be considered by future generations of location-based AR browsers, 3D tourist guides or situated urban planning.

O O O O O O O O B O O O O O B I B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

mobile tourism
user interfaces
urban exploration


trajectory simplification method for location-based social networking services The increasing availabilities of GPS-enabled devices have given rise to the location-based social networking services (LBSN), in which users can record their travel experiences with GPS trajectories and share these trajectories among each other on Web communities. Usually, GPS-enabled devices record far denser points than necessary in the scenarios of GPS-trajectory-sharing. Meanwhile, these redundant points will decrease the performance of LBSN systems and even cause the Web browser crashed. Existing line simplification algorithms only focus on maintaining the shape information of a GPS trajectory while ignoring the corresponding semantic meanings a trajectory implies. In the LBSN, people want to obtain reference knowledge from other users' travel routes and try to follow a specific travel route that interests them. Therefore, the places where a user stayed, took photos, or changed moving direction greatly, etc, would be more significant than other points in presenting semantic meanings of a trajectory. In this paper, we propose a trajectory simplification algorithm (TS), which considers both the shape skeleton and the semantic meanings of a GPS trajectory. The heading change degree of a GPS point and the distance between this point and its adjacent neighbors are used to weight the importance of the point. We evaluated our approach using a new metric called normalized perpendicular distance. As a result, our method outperforms the DP (Douglas-Peuker) algorithm, which is regarded as the best one for line simplification so far.

B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

trajectory simplification
gps trajectory


The dynamic fundamental solution and BEM formulation for laminated anisotropic Kirchhoff plates The dynamic fundamental solution for fully anisotropic Kirchhoff?s plates is derived here. The solution is obtained using a key proposition for quasi-hyperbolic operators and a known Laplace transform. The final expression is given as an one-dimensional integral over a combination of a rational function and square powers of the two Fresnel Integrals. Additionally, two new integral identities are derived here as a consequence of the uniqueness of the fundamental solution. The solution has been numerically evaluated for three different examples. The numerical results showed agreement with examples of known solutions for the special cases of isotropic and orthotropic media. A fully anisotropic, multi-layer ply composite plate has been analysed using the new solution. Moreover, the dynamic BEM formulation for Kirchhoff?s plates is presented here as well, along with the asymptotic behaviour of the time-space singularities of the isotropic solution. Finally, the numerical treatment of a time-space singular integral over a constant boundary element is presented herein.

O O B I O B O O O O O B O O B I O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

anisotropy
laminated composites
dynamic problems
aluminium
oak
graphite-peek


cedar fortran and other vector and parallel fortran dialects The introduction of vector processors and multiprocessors punctuate the most dramatic changes in Fortran and its dialects. The emerging generation of supercomputers utilize both vector processing and multiprocessing simultaneously. The challenge is to provide language constructs and software tools that will allow the programmer to easily exploit the capabilities of the machine. This paper will outline the development of vector and multiprocessor language constructs in Fortran. The significant architectures, their languages, and optimizers will be described. The paper concludes with a description of Cedar Fortran, the language for the Cedar Multiprocessor under development at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Cedar is a hierarchical, shared-memory, vector multiprocessor. As such, its language, Cedar Fortran, contains many of the language features that will be described for vector processors and multiprocessors.

O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O B I O O O O B O O B O B O O O O B O O O O O O O B B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O

challenge
generation
capabilities
exploit
parallel
language
software tools
paper
multiprocessor
programmer

processor
shared memory
hierarchic
vectorization
developer
architecture
supercomputer
process
feature
change


Improving memory traffic by assembly-level exploitation of reuses for vector registers In this paper, we propose a compilation scheme to analyze and exploit the implicit reuses of vector register data. According to the reuse analysis, we present a translation strategy that translates the vectorized loops into assembly vector codes with exploitation of vector reuses. Experimental results show that our compilation technique can improve the execution time and traffic between shared memory and vector registers. Techniques discussed here are simple, systematic, and easy to be implemented in the conventional vector compilers or translators to enhance the data locality of vector registers.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O

data dependence
partial reuse
reuse distance
vectorization
supercomputer


A META-TOOL TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING METHODOLOGIES AND PROJECTS Knowledge-based systems (KBSs) or expert systems (ESs) are able to solve problems generally through the application of knowledge representing a domain and a set of inference rules. In knowledge engineering (KE), the use of KBSs in the real world, three principal disadvantages have been encountered. First, the knowledge acquisition process has a very high cost in terms of money and time. Second, processing information provided by experts is often difficult and tedious. Third, the establishment of mark times associated with each project phase is difficult due to the complexity described in the previous two points. In response to these obstacles, many methodologies have been developed, most of which include a tool to support the application of the given methodology. Nevertheless, there are advantages and disadvantages inherent in KE methodologies, as well. For instance, particular phases or components of certain methodologies seem to be better equipped than others to respond to a given problem. However, since KE tools currently available support just one methodology the joint use of these phases or components from different methodologies for the solution of a particular problem is hindered. This paper presents KEManager, a generic meta-tool that facilitates the definition and combined application of phases or components from different methodologies. Although other methodologies could be defined and combined in the KEManager, this paper focuses on the combination of two well-known KE methodologies, CommonKADS and IDEAL, together with the most commonly-applied knowledge acquisition methods. The result is an example of the ad hoc creation of a new methodology from pre-existing methodologies, allowing for the adaptation of the KE process to an organization or domain-specific characteristics. The tool was evaluated by students at Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain).

O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

knowledge engineering
expert systems
ideal
commonkads


Effect of aspect ratio on convection in a porous enclosure with partially active thermal walls The aim of the present numerical investigation is to understand the effect of aspect ratio and partially thermally active zones on convective flow and heat transfer in a rectangular porous enclosure. Five different heating and cooling zones are considered along the vertical walls while the remaining portions of the sidewalls and top and bottom of the enclosure are adiabatic. The BrinkmanForchheimer extended Darcy model is used in the study. The governing equations are solved by the finite volume method with the SIMPLE algorithm. The computations are carried out for a wide range of parameters and the results are presented graphically. The results reveal that the location of heating and cooling zones has a significant influence on the flow pattern and the corresponding heat transfer in the enclosure. The rate of heat transfer approaches to a constant value for very low values of the Darcy number. The heat transfer rate is decreased on increasing the aspect ratio.

O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I

natural convection
porous medium
partial heating


Constructing invariants for hybrid systems We present a new method for generating algebraic invariants of hybrid systems. The method reduces the invariant generation problem to a constraint solving problem using techniques from the theory of ideals over polynomial rings. Starting with a template invariant-a polynomial equality over the system variables with unknown coefficients-constraints are generated on the coefficients guaranteeing that the solutions are inductive invariants. To control the complexity of the constraint solving, several stronger conditions that imply inductiveness are proposed, thus allowing a trade-off between the complexity of the invariant generation process and the strength of the resulting invariants.

O B O B I O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B

analysis
verification
polynomials
algebraic geometry
groebner bases
grobner bases


MODULARITY OF CONVERGENCE AND STRONG CONVERGENCE IN INFINITARY REWRITING Properties of Term Rewriting Systems are called modular iff they are preserved under (and reflected by) disjoint union, i.e. when combining two Term Rewriting Systems with disjoint signatures. Convergence is the property of Infinitary Term Rewriting Systems that all reduction sequences converge to a limit. Strong Convergence requires in addition that redex positions in a reduction sequence move arbitrarily deep. In this paper it is shown that both Convergence and Strong Convergence are modular properties of non-collapsing Infinitary Term Rewriting Systems, provided (for convergence) that the term metrics are granular. This generalises known modularity results beyond metric d infinity.

B O B O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O

infinitary rewriting
convergence
modularity


Are Rapists Differentially Aroused by Coercive Sex in Phallometric Assessments? In this chapter we examine whether rapists are sexually aroused by coercive, nonconsensual sex. This question is theoretically important because it speaks to a potential sexual motivation underlying rape. It is also clinically important in that it may reveal an important assessment and treatment target. We first revisit and update quantitative reviews of studies that examined the phallometric responses of rapists and other men. We then present new data on the discriminative and diagnostic validity of a phallometric test for rapists. Finally, we discuss methodological and conceptual issues in phallometric assessment and the nature of rapists' sexual interests.

O O O O O B I O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Beyond being there? Evaluating augmented digital records Technological advances have made possible a new generation of digital prosthetic memory devices (or memory aids). Yet we currently know little about when, how and why these devices might be useful. We evaluated two novel prosthetic memory devices in naturalistic and controlled learning settings. Both devices provide controlled access to annotated digital records of lectures, potentially freeing students from taking detailed notes, allowing them to re-access lecture recordings whenever they choose. Digital records had benefits over traditional learning aids (e.g. handouts/personal notes): Students were more accurate in answering class quizzes using digital records, and spontaneous digital records usage outside lectures showed strategic access during important aspects of the course. Native speakers who used digital records performed better on coursework, and non-native language speakers used digital records extensively. Despite being a verbatim record, digital records did not substitute for attendance: students who had attended lectures performed better on quizzes and final coursework and few students listened to lectures from beginning to end. Digital records are thus a highly promising teaching tool, but prosthetic memory devices are best understood as working in synergy with current tools to aid human memory, rather than replacing it. We conclude by discussing potential theory and design implications.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O

prosthetic memory
digital record
speech browsing
speech retrieval
digital notes
digital pictures
empirical evaluation
quantitative methods


Interactive 3D visualization for wireless sensor networks Wireless sensor networks open up a new realm of ubiquitous computing applications based on distributed large-scale data collection by embedded sensor nodes that are wirelessly connected and seamlessly integrated within the environment. 3D visualization of sensory data is a challenging issue, however, due to the large number of sensors used in typical deployments, continuous data streams, and constantly varying network topology. This paper describes a practical approach for interactive 3D visualization of wireless sensor network data. A regular 3D grid is reconstructed using scattered sensor data points and used to generate view-dependent 2D slices that are consequently rendered with commodity graphics hardware leading to smooth visualization over space and time. Furthermore, the use of efficient space partitioning data structures and the independent processing of sensor data points facilitates interactive rendering for large number of sensors while accommodating constantly changing network topology. The practical value of the proposed method is demonstrated and results obtained for visualizing time-varying temperature distributions in an urban area are presented.

O O O O B I I B I I O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

wireless sensor networks
ubiquitous computing

three-dimensional computer graphics
interactive visualization


The intellectual characteristics of the information field: Heritage and substance As the information field (IField) becomes more recognized by different constituencies for education and research, the need to better understand its intellectual characteristics becomes more compelling. Although there are various conceptualizations of the IField, to date, in-depth studies based on empirical evidence are scarce. This article reports a study that fills this gap. We focus on the first five ISchools in the ICaucus as a proxy to represent the IField. The intellectual characteristics are depicted by two independent sets of data on tenure track faculty as knowledge contributors: their intellectual heritages and the intellectual substance in their journal publications. We use a critical analysis method to examine doctoral training areas and 3 years of journal publications. Our results indicate that (a) the IField can be better conceptualized with empirical support by a four-component model that includes People, Information, Technology, and Management, as predicted by the I-Model (Zhang & Benjamin, 2007); (b) the ISchools' faculty members are diverse, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary as shown by their intellectual heritages, by their research foci, by journals in which they publish, by the contexts within which they conduct research, and by the levels of analysis in research investigations; (c) the five ISchools share similarities while evincing differences in both faculty heritages and intellectual substances; (d) ISchool tenure track faculty members do not collaborate much with each other within or across schools although there is great potential; and (e) intellectual heritages are not good predictors of scholars' intellectual substance. We conclude by discussing the implications of the findings on IField identity, IField development, new ISchool formation and existing ISchool evolution, faculty career development, and collaboration within the IField.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


A case for adapting channel width in wireless networks We study a fundamental yet under-explored facet in wireless communication - the width of the spectrum over which transmitters spread their signals, or the channel width. Through detailed measurements in controlled and live environments, and using only commodity 802.11 hardware, we first quantify the impact of channel width on throughput, range, and power consumption. Taken together, our findings make a strong case for wireless systems that adapt channel width. Such adaptation brings unique benefits. For instance, when the throughput required is low, moving to a narrower channel increases range and reduces power consumption; in fixed-width systems, these two quantities are always in conflict. We then present SampleWidth, a channel width adaptation algorithm for the base case of two communicating nodes. This algorithm is based on a simple search process that builds on top of existing techniques for adapting modulation. Per specified policy, it can maximize throughput or minimize power consumption. Evaluation using a prototype implementation shows that SampleWidth correctly identities the optimal width under a range of scenarios. In our experiments with mobility, it increases throughput by more than 60% compared to the best fixed-width configuration.

O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Study on the yarn compressive stresses at balloon control ring by signal processing Process monitoring and online control of each process in textile industry has received significant attention nowadays. Yarn tension plays an important role in ring spinning and there are a few methods for real-time measurement of yarn tension. To obtain machine efficient parameters, it is necessary to understand how operating variables determine yarn tension and balloon dynamic stability. In this study, compressive stresses that are acting on the yarn by balloon control ring are investigated by manipulating of signal processing. An experimental set up is devised for capturing and monitoring the signals through of a data acquisition interface. The results show that decreasing the balloon height or increasing the traveler mass will lead to a decrease in compressive forces acting on yarn at balloon control ring. Analysis of variance, Bonferroni test and linear regression methods were used to evaluate the results. The results have been analyzed in the frequency area as well. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

O O O B I I O B I I O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

signal processing
yarn compressive stresses
balloon control ring
balloon height
traveler mass


Entanglement entropy and quantum field theory: A non-technical introduction We give a pedagogical and non-technical introduction to the quantum field theory approach to entanglement entropy. Particular attention is devoted to the one space dimensional case, with a linear dispersion relation, that, at a quantum critical point, can be effectively described by a two-dimensional conformal field theory.

B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I

entanglement entropy
conformal field theory


Person recognition by fusing palmprint and palm vein images based on "Laplacianpalm" representation Unimodal analysis of palmprint and palm vein has been investigated for person recognition. One of the problems with unimodality is that the unimodal biometric is less accurate and vulnerable to spoofing, as the data can be imitated or forged. In this paper, we present a multimodal personal identification system using palmprint and palm vein images with their fusion applied at the image level. The palmprint and palm vein images are fused by a new edge-preserving and contrast-enhancing wavelet fusion method in which the modified multiscale edges of the palmprint and palm vein images are combined. We developed a fusion rule that enhances the discriminatory information in the images. Here, a novel palm representation, called "Laplacianpalm" feature, is extracted from the fused images by the locality preserving projections (LPP). Unlike the Eigenpalm approach, the "Laplacianpalm" finds an embedding that preserves local information and yields a palm space that best detects the essential manifold structure. We compare the proposed "Laplacianpalm" approach with the Fisherpalm and Eigenpalm methods on a large data set. Experimental results show that the proposed "Laplacianpalm" approach provides a better representation and achieves lower error rates in palm recognition. Furthermore, the proposed multimodal method outperforms any of its individual modality. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

O O O O B O B I O O O B O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

palmprint
palm vein
eigenpalm
fisherpalm
laplacianpalm


a systematic survey of cmm experience and results The capability maturity model (CMM) for software has become very influential as a basis for software process improvement (SPI). Most of the evidence to date showing the results of these efforts has consisted of case studies. We present a systematic survey of organizations that have undertaken CMM-based SPI to get more representative results. We found evidence that process maturity is in fact associated with better organizational performance, and that software process appraisals are viewed, in retrospect, as extremely valuable and accurate guides for the improvement effort. The path was not always smooth, however, and efforts generally took longer and cost more than expected. A number of factors that distinguished highly successful from unsuccessful efforts are identified. Most of these factors are under management control, suggesting that a number of specific management decisions are likely to have a major impact on the success of the effort.

O O B O O B O O O B I I O O B O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B O O O O O O O O B O O B B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B B O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

software process improvement
software
case studies
capability maturity model
survey
performance
process
experience
smooth
evidence
control
cost
management

organization
software processes
factor
association
software process appraisals
model


A survey of software and hardware use in artificial neural networks Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely used over the last three decades. During this period, many hardware and software solutions have been developed and today a new user entering the field can make a fast trial to this artificial intelligence solution with commercial software and hardware, instead of developing a solution from scratch thus saving a lot of time. This work aims at helping new and experienced users even further by sharing the ANNs experience in software and hardware collected. This was achieved through a survey questionnaire about present and past used solutions of software and hardware, as well as future prospects for the development of application areas. To further enlighten the reader, a logistic regression (LR) statistical analysis is performed on the obtained results to extract additional details about the answers obtained from the ANN community. The LR statistical analysis verifies whether the researchers with more than 25years of experience in ANNs use self-written code when compared to those with less years of experience in the area. The LR statistical analysis also verifies whether researchers with less than 25years of experience in ANNs use some platform to develop their hardware when compared to those who have more years of experience.

O O O O O O O O B I I B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

neural network hardware
neural network software


A fourth-order accurate local refinement method for Poisson's equation We present a block-structured local refinement method for computing solutions to Poisson's equation in two and three dimensions. It is based on a conservative, finite-volume formulation of the classical Mehrstellen methods. This is combined with finite volume local refinement discretizations to obtain a method that is fourth-order accurate in solution error, and with easily verifiable solvability conditions for Neumann and periodic boundary conditions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

poisson equation
mesh refinement
multigrid methods


Loops in Canonical RNA Pseudoknot Structures In this article, we compute the limit distributions of the numbers of hairpin-loops, interior-loops and bulges in k-noncrossing RNA structures. The latter are coarse-grained RNA structures allowing for cross-serial interactions, subject to the constraint that there are at most k - 1 mutually crossing arcs in the diagram representation of the molecule. We prove central limit theorems by means of studying the corresponding bivariate generating functions. These generating functions are obtained by symbolic inflation of lv(k)(5)-shapes introduced by Reidys and Wang (2009).

B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

k-noncrossing tau-canonical rna structure


emotion sharing via self-composed melodies on mobile phones In their role as personal communication devices, mobile phones are a natural choice for sharing and communicating emotions. However, their functionalities are currently very limited in power to express affective messages. In this paper, we describe the design of a system that allows users to easily compose melodies and share them via mobile phones. We show that by using these melodies information about the current emotional state of the sender can be expressed and recognized synchronously by the receiver in a simple, quick, and unobtrusive way. Further, we reveal that self-composed melodies have a stronger impact than pre-composed or downloaded messages, similar to crafted pieces of art offered to a beloved person. We then present findings from a user study that assesses the implementation of a functional prototype and the adequacy of the system for emotional communication.

B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Parallel implementation of 3D global MHD simulations for Earth's magnetosphere This paper presents a dynamic domain decomposition (D-3) technique for implementing the parallelization of the piecewise parabolic method (PPM) for solving the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations. The key point of D-3 is distributing the work dynamically among processes during the execution of the PPM algorithm. This parallel code utilizes D-3 with a message passing interface (MPI) in order to permit efficient implementation on clusters of distributed memory machines and may also simultaneously exploit threading for Multiprocessing shared address space architectures. 3D global MHD simulation results for the Earth's magnetosphere on the massively parallel Supercomputers Deepcomp 1800 and 6800 demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of our parallelization strategy. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

B O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Semi-Probabilistic Routing in Intermittently Connected Mobile Ad Hoc Networks ICMANs (Intermittently Connected Mobile Ad hoc Networks) are wireless networks where most of the time there does not exist a complete path from the source to the destination. In this paper, a novel routing approach, SPR (Semi-Probabilistic Routing), is proposed to address routing problem in ICMANs. SPR takes into account information about host mobility and connectivity changes to produce estimates enabling more accurate message forwarding. These include maintaining proactive routing zones for stable local topology to minimize blind message forwarding, and identifying potential carriers to maximize message delivery despite network partitions and intermittent connectivity. That information is also utilized to manage buffer space more efficiently. Under energy constrained circumstance, energy-aware delivery probability model is adopted to reserve the energy of nodes providing critical intermittently connected path. We compare the performance of our protocol against others, using a mobility model validated with real-world traces.

O O O O O B I I I O O O B I I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

delivery probability
mobile ad hoc networks
intermittent connectivity

semi-probabilistic routing
energy-aware delivery


Continuation method for nonlinear complementarity problems via normal maps In a recent paper by Chen and Mangasarian (C. Chen, O.L. Mangasarian, A class of smoothing functions for nonlinear and mixed complementarity problems, Computational Optimization and Applications 2 (1996), 97138) a class of parametric smoothing functions has been proposed to approximate the plus function present in many optimization and complementarity related problems. This paper uses these smoothing functions to approximate the normal map formulation of nonlinear complementarity problems (NCP). Properties of the smoothing function are investigated based on the density functions that defines the smooth approximations. A continuation method is then proposed to solve the NCPs arising from the approximations. Sufficient conditions are provided to guarantee the boundedness of the solution trajectory. Furthermore, the structure of the subproblems arising in the proposed continuation method is analyzed for different choices of smoothing functions. Computational results of the continuation method are reported.

B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O


Minimal role mining method for Web service composition Web service composition is a low cost and efficient way to leverage the existing resource and implementation. In current Web service composition implementations, the issue of how to define the role for a new composite Web service has been little addressed. Adjusting the access control policy for a new composite Web service always causes substantial administration overhead from the security administrator. Furthermore, the distributed nature of Web service based applications makes traditional role mining methods obsolete. In this paper, we analyze the minimal role mining problem for Web service composition, and prove that this problem is NP-complete. We propose a sub-optimal greedy algorithm based on the analysis of necessary role mapping for interoperation across multiple domains. Simulation shows the effectiveness of our algorithm, and compared to the existing methods, our algorithm has significant performance advantages. We also demonstrate the practical application of our method in a real agent based Web service system. The results show that our method could find the minimal role mapping efficiently.

O B I O O B I I B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O B I O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O

web service composition
role mining
access control policy
role mapping

role base access control (rbac)
web service security


Time-space label switching protocol (TSL-SP) - A new paradigm of network resource assignment In this paper we propose a new protocol called time-space label switching protocol (TSL-SP) in optical burst switching (OBS), and define the terms time-space label (TSL) and time-space routing (TSR). An important concept of response time is introduced in the time label mechanism. The TSL-SP is a new technology that can quickly and efficiently forward data with a label on the optical networks. A two-dimension label switched path (TD-LSP) can be set up, that is maintained and deleted by the TSL-SP. For clearly illuminating the operation principles of the TSL-SP, we propose a new approach of orthogonal time-space coordinates in which the vertical coordinate is the space label and the horizontal coordinate is the time label. The proposed TD-LSP can dramatically reduce the routing failure probability and greatly improve the link network efficiency compared with other signaling protocols. Moreover, we define the time-space label control plane that can achieve the higher efficiency. When the TSL-SP is applied to networks, switching performance can be improved by two orders compared to the switching performance with the conventional OBS signaling protocols. The fundamental goal of TSL-SP is to band the signaling and routing functions together closely. Also, the TSL-SP can reduce the complexity of the network, support automatic service offering, and provide traffic engineering.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

time-space label switching protocol (tsl-sp)

two-dimensional label switching path (td-lsp)


A memetic algorithm for graph coloring Given an undirected graph G=(V,E) G = ( V , E ) with a set V of vertices and a set E of edges, the graph coloring problem consists of partitioning all vertices into k independent sets and the number of used colors k is minimized. This paper presents a memetic algorithm (denoted by MACOL) for solving the problem of graph coloring. The proposed MACOL algorithm integrates several distinguished features such as an adaptive multi-parent crossover (AMPaX) operator and a distance-and-quality based replacement criterion for pool updating. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on the DIMACS challenge benchmarks and computational results show that the proposed MACOL algorithm achieves highly competitive results, compared with 11 state-of-the-art algorithms. The influence of some ingredients of MACOL on its performance is also analyzed.

O B I O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

graph coloring
memetic algorithm
pool updating


Multi-sensor data fusion methods for indoor activity recognition using temporal evidence theory Information fusion has been widely used in context aware applications to create situational awareness. In this paper, a multi sensor fusion methodology using temporal evidence theory is proposed for indoor activity recognition. The fusion method develops an incremental conflict resolution method within the DempsterShafer (DS) theory framework. This method has distinct advantages over the proportional conflict resolution technique of DS theory. The key contribution of this paper lies in introduction of temporal information into the fusion methodology in a multi-sensor environment. The proposed framework is used for activity detection in smart homes. Two smart home datasets are used in the experiments on activity recognition wherein the data is recorded through a series of passive sensors. The experimental results obtained for activity recognition are motivating enough to be useful in applications like assisted living.

O O O O O B I I O B I I B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

information fusion
indoor activity recognition
temporal evidence theory


The comparative efficacy of 2D- versus 3D-based media design for influencing spatial visualization skills This study explored the effects of 2D- versus 3D-based media representations on the influence of the spatial visualization ability of undergraduate science majors. A pre-test/post-test comparison-group experiment was conducted with 23 participants involved in the study. Participating students were randomly assigned either to the interactive 3D media representation group (n=13) or the conventional 2D media representation group (n=10); learning materials in both groups deliver the same information to students, but employ different media representations. All the activities were performed in a self-paced, web-based instructional system. The results of ANCOVA analysis showed statistically insignificant difference between groups in terms of students post-test scores on the spatial visualization ability test with the students pre-test scores as the covariate. However, a medium effect size was observed in favor of the 3D group in terms of practical significance. As a pilot study with a small sample size aiming to probe the research direction of this problem, the result of medium-sized effect magnitude is likely to implicate that the discrepancy of different representational design on students performance of spatial ability assessment is noteworthy. Future study of this nature appears to merit further replications and investigations.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Minimax and maximin formulations of cross-efficiency in DEA In the conventional cross-efficiency formulation, the efficiency score of a DMU under evaluation is maximized as the primary goal while the average cross-efficiency of peer DMUs is minimized (or maximized) as the secondary goal. The proposed models replace the secondary goal with the minimization (or maximization) of the best (or worst) cross-efficiency of peer DMUs. We demonstrate the appropriateness of the proposed formulations of cross-efficiency for certain efficiency evaluation contexts, and show how they help enhance the usefulness of cross-efficiency evaluation in DEA using a randomly generated sample data set. For a solution method for the proposed models of cross-efficiency, we develop a bisection algorithm whose computational complexity is polynomial. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

data envelopment analysis
cross-efficiency


Manifold ranking based scoring system with its application to cardiac arrest prediction: A retrospective study in emergency department patients We develop a novel manifold ranking based risk scoring system. We apply the novel scoring system for the prediction of cardiac arrest in emergency department patients. The risk scoring system is designed to handle both balanced and imbalanced datasets.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

apache acute physiology and chronic health evaluation

mrspa manifold ranking-based scoring prediction algorithm


Design and validation of a relative trust model ? When considering intelligent agents that interact with humans, having an idea of the trust levels of the human, for example in other agents or services, can be of great importance. Most models of human trust that exist assume trust in one trustee is independent of trust in another trustee. The model introduced here addresses so-called relative trust. The idea of relative trust is that trust in a certain trustee not only depends on the experiences with that trustee, but also on trustees that are perceived competitors of that trustee. Such models for relative trust contain parameters to represent the specific dependency between trust for different trustees. In order to tailor the model towards a specific human, dedicated parameter estimation techniques are used. The validation shows that such a model for relative trust is able to predict human trust based behavior significantly better compared to a benchmark model.

O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

trust modeling
multi-agent system
parameter adaptation
verification and validation


Complexity analysis of job-shop scheduling with deteriorating jobs This paper addresses job-shop scheduling problems with deteriorating jobs, i.e. jobs whose processing times are an increasing function of their starting time. A simple linear deterioration is assumed and our objective is makespan minimization. We provide a complete analysis of the complexity of flow-shops, open-shops and job-shop problems. We introduce a polynomial-time algorithm for the two-machine flow-shop, and prove NP-hardness when an arbitrary number of machines (three and above) is assumed. Similarly, we introduce a polynomial-time algorithm for the two-machine open-shop, and prove NP-hardness when an arbitrary number of machines (three and above) is assumed. Finally, we prove NP-hardness of the job-shop problem even for two machines.

O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

deterministic scheduling
flow-shop
open-shop
job-shop


Breast cancer diagnosis using Genetically Optimized Neural Network model A Genetically Optimized Neural Network is proposed for Breast Cancer diagnosis. Mapping of GONN to its equivalent Feed Forward Neural Network are shown. GONN produces the highest classification accuracy among other classifiers.

O O O O B I I I O O B I I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

artificial neural network
genetic programming
modified crossover operator


Reversing the affordance effect: negative stimulusresponse compatibility observed with images of graspable objects Responses are faster when the task-irrelevant orientation of a graspable objects handle corresponds to the location of the response hand. Over the past decade, research has focused on dissociating between two competing accounts of this effect: One rooted in motoric object affordances and the other resting on attentional mechanisms (i.e., Simon effect). Following this avenue of inquiry, we conducted three experiments, in which subjects had to respond bimanually to grayscale photographs of frying pans and saucepans. In addition to horizontal orientation (control/leftward/rightward handles), Experiments 1 and 2 also manipulated the direction of exogenous attentional shifts (left/right) using laterally placed, colored markers within the objects. Both experiments yielded regular Simon effects based on the location of the colored markers. However, in stark contrast to previous research, a negative stimulusresponse compatibility effect was obtained with regard to the orientation of the graspable handles. This reversed affordance effect was also observed using the original, unedited grayscale photographs (Experiment 3), which suggested that its occurrence cannot be attributed to the use of colored markers. These unexpected findings appear to support the idea that Simon effects result from automatic and exogenous attentional orienting mechanisms, whereas affordances arise from controlled and endogenous attentional processes. Such a top-down attentional account of affordance can accommodate the observed reversal of the effect in the context of task characteristics.

O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

simon effect
negative stimulusresponse compatibility

inverse affordance
attention
spatial coding


On computing bodies Eco-grammar (EG) systems are proposed as a suitable formal framework for the study of some of the computationally relevant properties of the behavior of collections of embodied agents sharing a common environment and acting in it in simple ways. It is illustrated that the computational power of such systems goes - in certain situations - beyond the traditional limits of the Turing-computability.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

agent
eco-grammar system
embodiment
formal grammar
computation
computability


A neural network based clinical decision-support system for efficient diagnosis and fuzzy-based prescription of gynecological diseases using homoeopathic medicinal system As the analysis and diagnosis of gynecological diseases, especially using the homoeopathic system of medicine, gets more and more complicated, it becomes important for us to develop a decision-support system which can help a gynecologist analyze and prescribe medicines for such diseases with fewer errors. The prescription of a medicine for a gynecological disease, according to the homoeopathic system of medicine, is based on various modalities or symptoms of the disease. A medicine cannot be prescribed just by knowing the disease as is done in the case of the allopathic system of medicine or the general system of medicine. It becomes very difficult to take into account so many modalities while prescribing a medicine. A clinical decision-support system for gynecological diseases using the homoeopathic system of medicine for comprehensive diagnosis is extremely rare to find. The aim of this project is to develop a decision-support system, which will suggest a medicine for a gynecological disease based on the primary and secondary symptoms of the disease. The knowledge base of experts in this field has been utilized to develop this decision-support system. The decision-support system is based on the neural network concept. The rules for the decision-making are generated by combining a few neurons. The multi-layered weight-oriented feed forward neural network structure of the decision-support system makes it more robust, error-free and easy to program. This decision-support system, developed using Turbo prolog, will help a gynecologist to select the medicine of a particular gynecological disease quickly, easily and precisely. The primary symptoms help to evaluate a tentative medicine and the secondary symptoms confirm this tentative medicine. Fuzzy-type decision-making is used while analyzing the various symptoms.

O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O B I I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B I I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I I O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

homoeopathic system of medicine
diagnosis
prescription

gynecology
clinical decision-support system (cdss)
fuzzy systems
neural networks


departmental differences can point the way to improving female retention in computer science Departmental attrition data from one state show that the difference between male and female rates of undergraduate attrition from computer science varies by institution. This analysis suggests that departmental factors are important in attrition from CS. Some CS departments inhibit female persistence at the undergraduate level while other departments promote persistence. The observed variation encourages research that compares departmental characteristics such as structure and culture, and relates them to departmental outcomes. Shifting the research focus to departmental characteristics and outcomes will identify effective methods for retaining women.

O O O B O O O O O B O B I O B B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O B O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O B O O B O B O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O B

computer science
women
point
persistence
research
structure
analysis
variation
attrition
data
retention

method
cultural
factor
undergraduate education
gender
effect


a garbage-collecting typed assembly language Typed assembly languages usually support heap allocation safely, but often rely on an external garbage collector to deallocate objects from the heap and prevent unsafe dangling pointers. Even if the external garbage collector is provably correct, verifying the safety of the interaction between TAL programs and garbage collection is nontrivial. This paper introduces a typed assembly language whose type system is expressive enough to type-check a Cheney-queue copying garbage collector, so that ordinary programs and garbage collection can co-exist and interact inside a single typed language. The only built-in types for memory are linear types describing individual memory words, so that TAL programmers can define their own object layouts, method table layouts, heap layouts, and memory management techniques.

O O O O B O O O O B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O B I O O O B O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B O O O O O O B O

type system
interaction
method
language
types
object
support
paper
garbage collection
pointers
management
allocation

program
collect
express
layout
memorialized
assemblers
typed assembly language
programmer


A note on functional linear regression This work focuses on the linear regression model with functional covariate and scalar response. We compare the performance of two (parametric) linear regression estimators and a nonparametric (kernel) estimator via a Monte Carlo simulation study and the analysis of two real data sets. The first linear estimator expands the predictor and the regression weight function in terms of the trigonometric basis, while the second one uses functional principal components. The choice of the regularization degree in the linear estimators is addressed.

O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O B O O O O O O O

functional linear regression
regularization
functional principal components

covariance eigenfunction
fourier basis
cross-validation
roughness penalty


Environmental quality information processor (EQUIP) A post-processor of model output, EQUIP (Environmental QUality Information Processor), has been created and applied to effluent discharges to the Tees estuary in the north east of England. EQUIP is not a modelling system, but a statistical post-processor, which uses results from a compressed database of pre-run model scenarios. The system requires the results of a small number of model runs, which are selected using a statistical experimental design. A statistical response surface is used to summarise the model results for the PC database and to reconstruct plume predictions within EQUIP for user selected values of the tidal range and river inflow, or for annual average conditions. The method provides interpolation between model results assuming a smooth variation of the results with variations in the input parameters. The method is implemented on a PC and is much faster than running the full water quality model, producing spatial, temporal and vertical section plots for different states of the tide within a few minutes. In addition, maximum plume movement and tidal average concentrations are computed. Plumes from different outfalls are rapidly combined to give overall concentration fields within the estuary. The system is adaptable for outputs from different types of model, such as atmospheric dispersion models, groundwater models and other non-environmental applications. The methodology is also adaptable to simulate plume uncertainty, if input parameter variability is known.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


A human tissue and data resource: an overview of opportunities, challenges, and development of a provider/researcher partnership model As we continue to strive to apply the findings of in vitro and animal studies to human disease and transition from genomics to proteomics, we will experience an ever-increasing need for human tissues. A web based system that provides access to tissues repositories and associated data will best facilitate the access to these vital resources and the application of research information to human disease treatment. There are organizational and design requirements that must be addressed in the implementation of the infrastructures that are needed to implement such a system, with special attention paid to the protection of patient anonymity. This report describes the implementation of a prototype human tissue network in the hope of encouraging implementation of similar systems among other consortia of providers and researchers.

O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


A web application for aggregating conflicting reviewers preferences Drawing on social choice theory we derive a rationale in which each reviewer is asked to provide his or her second, third, and fourth choice in addition to his/her first choice recommendation regarding the acceptance/revision/rejection of a given manuscript. All reviewers hierarchies of alternatives are collected and combined such that an overall ranking can be computed. Consequently, conflicting recommendations are resolved not by asking a third adjudicating reviewer for his/her recommendation as is usual editorial praxis in many scientific journals, but rather by using more information from the available judges. After a brief introduction into social choice theory and a description and justification of the maximum likelihood rule for ranking alternatives, we describe and demonstrate a public available web application that provides easy-to-use tools to apply these methods for aggregating conflicting reviewers recommendations. This application might be accessed by editors to aid their decision process in case they receive conflicting recommendations by their reviewers.

O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O

conflicting recommendations
social choice theory

peer review
ranking rule
consensus ranking


Spectrum fragmentation issue in flexible optical networks: analysis and good practices Flexible grid optical networks allow an efficient utilization of spectrum resources using 12.5-GHz frequency slot multiples instead of a fixed spacing, introducing however spectrum fragmentation (SF). In the literature, SF is often assumed to be a serious problem specifically in a dynamic traffic context. It is mostly related to the bandwidth blocking ratio due to the lack of relevant comparison criteria and efficient metrics. Besides, in operator core network, traffic behavior is instead incremental and it is forecasted for short periods of time in addition to some operational constraints that make of it a specific context. In this work, we present an exhaustive analysis and an accurate evaluation for SF issue in flexible optical networks. We also propose new metric for fragmentation measurements and some approaches to address such a problem.

B I O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

spectrum fragmentation
flexible optical networks


Scaffolding Development and the Human Condition This paper addresses the concept of semiotic scaffolding by considering it in light of questions arising from the contemporary challenge to the humanities. This challenge comes from a mixture of scientistic demands, opportunism on the part of Western governments in thrall to neo-liberalism, along with crass economic utilitarianism. In this paper we attempt to outline what a theory of semiotic scaffolding may offer to an understanding of the humanities contemporary role, as well as what the humanities might offer to the elucidation of semiotic scaffolding. We argue that traditional humanist positions adopted in defence of the humanities fail to articulate the enhancement of humanity that semiotic scaffolding represents. At the same time, we note that the concept of scaffolding is sometimes in danger of taking on a functionalist perspective which understanding the humanities modus operandi is likely to dispel. Putting forward these arguments, we draw on the work of Peirce, Cassirer and Sebeok in elucidating the structural and future-orientated benefits of the scaffolding process as it suffuses the humanities.

O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O B O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B

semiotic scaffolding
humanities
cassirer
peirce
sebeok


Distributed norm management for multi-agent systems Norms explicitly represent prohibitions, permissions and obligations associated with software agents, changing as agents act and interact in pursuit of their goals. Norms provide means of regulating open and heterogeneous multi-agent systems; however, in order to truly reflect the nature of multi-agent systems, norms should be managed in a distributed fashion. A centralized account of norms creates a single point-of-failure and bottlenecks, and as a result fault-tolerance and scalability are jeopardized. The decentralized management of norms is, nevertheless, a challenging issue and we observe a lack of truly distributed computational realizations of normative models. To remedy this, we propose normative structures, which allow the propagation of changes in the norms associated with agents, as a result of their actions. Due to the dynamic nature of multi-agent systems and the potential concurrency of agents' actions, conflicts may arise, whereby an action is simultaneously prohibited and obliged (or prohibited and permitted). We thus present a run-time algorithm to detect and resolve conflicts during the enactment of a multi-agent system, and show how this algorithm can be put to use within a distributed setup. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Enabled dynamic tasks planning in Web-based virtual manufacturing environments Manufacturing tasks planning decides processes and sequences of product development. The task planning systems developed so far are not fully satisfactory in manufacturing because of islands of automation and uncertainty caused by disregarding resources in real manufacturing environments. This paper discusses dynamic tasks planning enabled by a virtual manufacturing environment (VE) which provides an effective three-dimensional visualization and user intensive interaction. Internet technology is used to provide a feasible tool for the data update and access timely. Manufacturing data can be retrieved through Internet by integrating tasks planning and the Web interface. Therefore, the manufacturing tasks planning in a Web-based VE can utilise technologies of the visualization and resources sharing. which enables a dynamic and efficient use of manufacturing resources. The proposed method provides a solution of cost-effective, platform independent, and sharing visualized information over the Internet for virtual manufacturing. Applications are presented including process planning for shop floor fabrication; assembly planning for product completion; and disassembly planning for the product end-life management. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

O B I I O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

virtual manufacturing
dynamic tasks planning


Manipulating subjective realism and its impact on presence: Preliminary results on feasibility and neuroanatomical correlates The feeling of presence has been shown to be an important concept in several clinical applications of virtual reality. Among the factors influencing presence, realism factors have been examined extensively from the angle of objective realism. Objective realism has been manipulated by altering numerous technological characteristics such as pictorial quality, texture and shading, or by adding more sensory information (i.e., smell, touch). Much less studied is the subjective (or perceived) realism, the focus of the two pilot studies reported in this article. In Study 1, subjective realism was manipulated in order to assess the impact on the feeling of presence. Method: Presence was measured in 31 adults after two immersions in virtual reality. Participants were immersed in a neutral/irrelevant virtual environment and subsequently subjected to the experimental manipulation. Participants in the experimental condition were falsely led to believe that they were immersed live in real time in a "real" room with a "real" mouse in a cage. In the control condition, participants believed they were immersed in a replica of the nearby room. All participants were actually immersed in the exact same virtual environment. Results: A manipulation check revealed that 80% of the participants believed in the deception. A 2 Times by 2 Conditions repeated measure ANOVA revealed that leading people to believe they were seeing a real environment digitized live in virtual reality increased their feeling of presence compared to the control condition. In Study 2, the same experimental design was used but with simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in order to assess brain areas potentially related to the feeling of presence. fMRI data from five participants were subjected to a within subject fixed effect analysis to verify differences between the experimental immersion (higher presence) and the control immersion (lower presence). Results revealed a statistically significant difference in left and right parahippocampus areas. Conclusion: Results are discussed according to layers of presence and consciousness and the meaning given to experiences occurring in virtual reality. Some suggestions are formulated to target core presence and extended presence. (C) 2012 British Informatics Society Limited. All rights reserved.

O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B I I B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

feeling of presence
virtual reality
subjective realism
fmri
parahippocampus


Despeckling of ultrasound medical images using nonlinear adaptive anisotropic diffusion in nonsubsampled shearlet domain The paper presents an algorithm for speckle reduction in ultrasound images. The proposed method is based on non-linear adaptive diffusion model in nonsubsampled shearlet domain. The proposed method provides better noise suppression and edge preservation performance for ultrasound medical images as compared to others.

O O B O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B O O B O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O B O O O O O O

diffusion
edge preservation
ultrasound
speckle

denoising
nonsubsampled shearlet transform (nsst)


On free-hand TV control: experimental results on user-elicited gestures with Leap Motion We present insights from a gesture elicitation study conducted for TV control, during which 18 participants contributed gesture commands and rated the execution difficulty and recall likeliness of free-hand gestures for 21 television control tasks. Our study complements previous work on gesture interaction design for the TV set with the first exploration of fine-grained resolution 3-D finger movements and hand gestures. We report lower agreement rates than previous gesture studies (\({\mathcal {AR}}=.158\)) with 72.8% recall rate and 15.8% false positives, results that are explained by the complexity and variability of unconstrained finger and hand gestures. However, our observations also confirm previous findings, such as people preferring related gestures for dichotomous tasks and more disagreement occurring for abstract tasks, such as open browser or show the list of channels for our specific TV scenario. To reach a better understanding of our participants preferences for articulating finger and hand gestures, we defined five measures for Leap Motion gestures, such as gesture volume and finger-to-palm distance, which we employed to evaluate gestures performed by our participants. We also contribute a set of guidelines for practitioners interested in designing free-hand gestures for interactive TV scenarios involving similar gesture acquisition technology. We release our dataset consisting in 378 Leap Motion gestures described by fingertips position, direction, and velocity coordinates to foster further studies in the community. This first exploration of viewers preferences for fine-grained resolution free-hand gestures for TV control represents one more step toward designing low-effort gesture interfaces for lean-back interaction with the TV set.

O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O B I B O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O

gesture interfaces
interactive tv
leap motion
gestures
elicitation study
recall likeliness

gesture analysis
gesture measures
agreement rate
agreement analysis
home entertainment
user-defined gestures
free-hand gestures


EEG data classification using wavelet features selected by Wilcoxon statistics This paper introduces a method to classify EEG signals using features extracted by an integration of wavelet transform and the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. Orthogonal Haar wavelet coefficients are ranked based on the Wilcoxon tests statistics. The most prominent discriminant wavelets are assembled to form a feature set that serves as inputs to the nave Bayes classifier. Two benchmark datasets, named Ia and Ib, downloaded from the braincomputer interface (BCI) competition II are employed for the experiments. Classification performance is evaluated using accuracy, mutual information, Gini coefficient and F-measure. Widely used classifiers, including feedforward neural network, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbours, ensemble learning Adaboost and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, are also implemented for comparisons. The proposed combination of Haar wavelet features and nave Bayes classifier considerably dominates the competitive classification approaches and outperforms the best performance on the Ia and Ib datasets reported in the BCI competition II. Application of nave Bayes also provides a low computational cost approach that promotes the implementation of a potential real-time BCI system.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

wilcoxon test
bci competition ii
nave bayes classifier

wavelet transformation
eeg signal classification


Infrared and visible image fusion technology based on directionlets transform The article provides an infrared and visible image fusion algorithm based on directionlets transform. The registered original images were decomposed into the low-frequency and high-frequency coefficients by directionlets transform. Getting the mean of the low-frequency coefficients, applying the local variance maximum principle to the high-frequency coefficients, thereby the fusion coefficients of the fused image can be acquired. Finally, the fused image was obtained using inverse directionlets transform. The experiment indicates that the fusion algorithm can extract the original image features better. Compared with the traditional fusion algorithms, the fusion algorithm presented in this article provides better subjective visual effect, and the standard deviation and entropy value would be somewhat increased.

O O B I O O O O B I O O O O O O B I O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


happe honeywell associative parallel processing ensemble Many problems, inherent in air traffic control, weather analysis and prediction, nuclear reaction, missile tracking, and hydrodynamics have common processing characteristics that can most efficiently be solved using parallel non-conventional techniques. Because of high sensor data rates, these parallel problem solving techniques cannot be economically applied using the standard sequential computer. The application of special processing techniques such as parallel/associative processing are still resisted because it is a change from the norm. Past implementations utilized special hardware, custom circuits and complex designs. The Honeywell Associative Parallel Processing Ensemble (HAPPE) was built to demonstrate the basic simplicity of hardware concepts inherent in parallel associative processing. HAPPE is implemented with the same standard circuit building blocks (MSI's, ROM's, and RAM's) that are used in all conventional computers. By using standard building blocks a long time objection to associative memory systems, that of requiring special purpose (low usage) circuits is overcome. The parallel/associative processing element can be both powerful and versatile. The HAPPE architecture proves that one processor element can perform both correlation (associative) and arithmetic processing. The HAPPE demonstrator has become a valuable tool in training system designers and programmers to recognize that new thinking can be applied to advanced processing system implementations.

O O O B I B O O O O B I I O B O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O B B O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O B B B O O O O O O B I B O O O O B O O O O B O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O B O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O B O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

sensor
parallel processing
analysis
correlation
tool
air traffic control
change
processor
training
systems
parallel
architecture
custom
data
demonstrate
tracking
hardware
ensemble
circuits

applications
association
memory system
computation
design
concept
standardization
building block
timing
predict
implementation
process
complexity
programmer


Scan-Cell Reordering for Minimizing Scan-Shift Power Based on Nonspecified Test Cubes This article presents several scan-cell reordering techniques to reduce the signal transitions during the test mode while preserving the don't-care bits in the test patterns for a later optimization. Combined with a pattern-filling technique, the proposed scan-cell reordering techniques can utilize both high response correlations and pattern correlations to simultaneously minimize scan-out and scan-in transitions. Those scan-shift transitions can be further reduced by selectively using the inverse connections between scan cells. In addition, the trade-off between routing overhead and power consumption can also be controlled by the proposed scan-cell reordering techniques. A series of experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of each of the proposed techniques individually.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

algorithms
design
scan testing
dft
low-power testing


Genomic Medicine Recent improvements in defining the molecular basis of disease have encouraged scientists worldwide to develop new therapeutic strategies based on engineered genes and cells. Genomic medicine has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and therapy of a variety of human diseases, including endocrine disorders. Hypertension is the presenting feature of some of these disorders, such as congenital adrenal diseases, and adrenal and pituitary tumors. Preclinical data indicate that gene transfer to both the adrenal gland and the pituitary is not only feasible but also quite efficient. Research in this field is only in its infancy, but with the ever-increasing advances in DNA technologies, genomic therapies for endocrine hypertension may become available within the next few decades.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O

gene therapy
adrenal cancer
adrenocortical carcinoma
pheochromocytoma
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
hyperaldosteronism
cushing's syndrome


Auto-adaptive robot-aided therapy using machine learning techniques This paper presents an application of a classification method to adaptively and dynamically modify the therapy and real-time displays of a virtual reality system in accordance with the specific state of each patient using his/her physiological reactions. First, a theoretical background about several machine learning techniques for classification is presented. Then, nine machine learning techniques are compared in order to select the best candidate in terms of accuracy. Finally, first experimental results are presented to show that the therapy can be modulated in function of the patient state using machine learning classification techniques.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

physiological state
multimodal interfaces
rehabilitation robotics
stroke rehabilitation


A new approach to estimate variable contributions to Hotelling's statistic Hotelling's statistic, also called T-2-statistic, is widely used in statistical process control as an extension of the univariate student's chart to reliably detect out of control status in multivariate processes. Although it is a very efficient tool for detection purposes, by itself, it offers no assistance about the origin of the declared faulty status. Several different approaches have been proposed to estimate the variable values' effect on the overall statistic's value. Some of these strategies work in the original measurement space, while others interpret the results coming from the analysis in latent variable spaces using for example Principal Component Analysis or Independent Component Analysis. With the same purpose, we present a novel approach, based on finding the nearest in-control neighbor of the observation point, in this work. The distance between both points is used to determine the contribution of each variable to the out of control state. Those variables whose distance measures exceed a certain threshold value are considered as suspicious. The results of the proposed strategy are compared with those obtained using other strategies that work both the original and latent variable spaces for case studies extracted from the literature. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

t-2-statistic
contribution plots
fault identification
process monitoring


A Fast HEVC Inter CU Selection Method Based on Pyramid Motion Divergence The newly developed HEVC video coding standard can achieve higher compression performance than the previous video coding standards, such as MPEG-4, H.263 and H.264/AVC. However, HEVC's high computational complexity raises concerns about the computational burden on real-time application. In this paper, a fast pyramid motion divergence (PMD) based CU selection algorithm is presented for HEVC inter prediction. The PMD features are calculated with estimated optical flow of the downsampled frames. Theoretical analysis shows that PMD can be used to help selecting CU size. A k nearest neighboring like method is used to determine the CU splittings. Experimental results show that the fast inter prediction method speeds up the inter coding significantly with negligible loss of the peak signal-to-noise ratio.

O O B O O O O O O O B I O O O B B I O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O B B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

hevc
inter prediction
motion divergence
video coding


Motion compensation in digital subtraction angiography using graphics hardware An inherent disadvantage of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is its sensitivity to patient motion which causes artifacts in the subtraction images. These artifacts could often reduce the diagnostic value of this technique. Automated, fast and accurate motion compensation is therefore required. To cope with this requirement, we first examine a method explicitly designed to detect local motions in DSA. Then, we implement a motion compensation algorithm by means of block matching on modern graphics hardware. Both methods search for maximal local similarity by evaluating a histogram-based measure. In this context, we are the first who have mapped an optimizing search strategy on graphics hardware while paralleling block matching. Moreover, we provide an innovative method for creating histograms on graphics hardware with vertex texturing and frame buffer blending. It turns out that both methods can effectively correct the artifacts in most case, as the hardware implementation of block matching performs much faster: the displacements of two 10241024 1024 1024 images can be calculated at 3?frames/s with integer precision or 2?frames/s with sub-pixel precision. Preliminary clinical evaluation indicates that the computation with integer precision could already be sufficient.

B I O B I I O B I O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O B I O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O B I O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

motion compensation
digital subtraction angiography
graphics hardware
block matching


Scheduling of gas turbine compressor washing This paper describes an estimation method for gas turbine compressor degradation and an economical optimisation model for determining the optimal compressor washing cycles. The optimisation model aims at minimising fuel consumption and emissions in combined-cycle power plants. The results presented are of significant importance for power plants operators that have the possibility of frequently connecting and disconnecting to the power grid. By optimising power generation periods and levels, downtimes and maintenance scheduling, the operators ensure that the plant operates at a high efficiency level in periods when fuel prices are high. High efficiency levels ensure low fuel consumption and emission levels. The work presented in this paper was implemented as a product prototype at ABB Utility Automation in 2003 and patented in 2005, [1].

O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O


Two structure-preserving-doubling like algorithms for obtaining the positive definite solution to a class of nonlinear matrix equation ? In this paper, we present two structure-preserving-doubling like algorithms for obtaining the positive definite solution of the nonlinear matrix equation X + A H X ? 1 A = Q , where X?Cnn X ? C n n is an unknown matrix and Q?Cnn Q ? C n n is a Hermitian positive definite matrix. We prove that the sequences generated by the algorithms converge to the positive definite solution of the considered matrix equation R-quadratically. In addition, we also present some numerical results to illustrate the behavior of the considered algorithm.

O O O O O O O B I I O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B I I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

nonlinear matrix equation
positive definite solution


a mini-plop at oopsla '07 There has been recognition that the writers' workshop process is beneficial for the production of high quality papers ever since the first patterns conference or PLoP was held in 1994. In this OOP-SLA workshop, attendees will participate in a writers' workshop of their paper as well as writers' workshops for papers of other attendees in their group. Participants who do not have a paper to workshop are also invited. Everyone will be expected to read all the papers in their groups in advance. The organizers of this workshop were all involved in PLoP '06 and would like to con-tinue a close association between this important patterns activity and OOPSLA. Our hope is that the relationship will benefit both OOPSLA, by attracting authors of papers that are works-in-progress, and PLoP, by allowing authors who might not be able to attend PLoP to participate in the writers' workshop process.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O B O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

architecture
documentation
design
writers' workshops
bootcamp