ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Approximate inference for planning in stochastic relational worlds
Authors: Tobias Lang, Marc Toussaint
Venue: Proceedings of the 26th Annual International Conference on Machine Learning (2009)

Relational world models that can be learned from experience in stochastic domains have received significant attention recently. However, efficient planning using these models remains a major issue. We propose to convert learned noisy probabilistic relational rules into a structured dynamic Bayesian network representation. Predicting the effects of action sequences using approximate inference allows for planning in complex worlds. We evaluate the effectiveness of our approach for online planning in a 3D simulated blocksworld with an articulated manipulator and realistic physics. Empirical results show that our method can solve problems where existing methods fail.
Computer-aided diagnosis of pulmonary nodules on thoracic computed tomography
Authors: Heang-Ping Chan, Jeffrey A. Fessler
Venue:  (2008)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The five-year survival rate is only 15% because most patients present with advanced disease. If lung cancer is detected and treated at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate has been reported to be as high as 92%. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be more sensitive than chest radiography in detecting abnormal lung lesions (nodules), especially when they are small. However, each thin-slice thoracic CT scan can contain hundreds of images. Large amounts of image data, radiologist fatigue, and diagnostic uncertainty may lead to missed cancers or unnecessary biopsies. We address these issues by developing a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system that would serve as a second reader for radiologists by analyzing nodules and providing a malignancy estimate using computer vision and machine learning techniques. To segment the nodules, we extended the active contour (AC) model to 3D by adding new energy terms. The classification accuracy, quantified by the area ( Az) under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was used as the figure-of-merit to guide segmentation parameter optimization. The effect of CT acquisition parameters on 3DAC segmentation was systematically studied by imaging simulated nodules in chest phantoms. We conducted simulation studies to compare the relative performance of feature selection and classification methods and to examine the bias and variance introduced due to limited training sample sizes. We also designed new feature descriptors to describe the nodule surface, which were combined with texture and morphological features extracted from the nodule volume and the surrounding tissue to characterize the nodule. Stepwise feature selection was used to search for the subset of most effective features to be used in the linear discriminant analysis classifier. The CAD system achieved a test Az of 0.86&plusmn;0.02 in a leave-one-caseout resampling scheme for 256 nodules from 152 patients. We conducted an observer study with six thoracic radiologists and found that their average Az in assessing nodule malignancy increased significantly (p<0.05) from 0.83&plusmn;0.03 without CAD to 0.85&plusmn;0.04 with CAD. These results indicate the potential usefulness of the CAD system as a second reader for radiologists in characterizing lung nodules.
Time-domain solvers for complex-media electrodynamics and plasma physics
Authors: Fernando L. Teixeira
Venue:  (2008)

In this dissertation, several extensions for two popular electromagnetic simulation methods: finite-different time-domain (FDTD) and finite-element time-domain (FETD), are presented. These extensions aim to increase the geometrical flexibility and modeling capabilities in simulation of Maxwell&rsquo;s equations. Since straight-forward extensions to these methods produce numerical artifacts that pollute the results and reduce accuracy, alternative strategies have been sought. Various methodologies are explored here to address these issues: A E-B mixed-vector FETD implementation based on first order Maxwell equations is introduced. In this method a mix of electric and magnetic field variables are used, where an edge element expansion is used for the electric field and face element expansion is used for the magnetic field. Compared to the standard FETD methods, it can produce several advantages without any significant computational drawback: (i) it eliminates the spurious linear growth in time that may exist in the standard schemes; (ii) it produces energy-conserving schemes under appropriate time-discretization; (iii) it can be easily extended to frequency-dispersive media; (iv) it provides a natural path for hybridization with FDTD. Exploiting item (iii), E-B mixed-vector FETD is extended to inhomogeneous doubly-dispersive media. A conformal-PML implementation is also proposed for efficient simulation of open-domain boundaries by significantly reducing the buffer regions in the computational domain. Despite the advantages, finite-element simulations require solution of a linear system of equations which, in most practical problems, highly computationally intense. A hybrid FDTD-FETD method is introduced to alleviate this issue. The hybridization can result in significant optimization in computational cost by assigning detailed portion of the computational domain to FETD, while assigning the remaining to FDTD. Finally, a subgridding by domain-overriding (SGDO) methodology for full electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations is presented. Combined with relaxation methods, SGDO can produce significant improvements in PIC simulation accuracy.
A network model of systemic risk: stress testing the banking system1
Authors: Javier Márquez Diez Canedo, Serafín Martínez Jaramillo
Venue: International Journal of Intelligent Systems in Accounting and Finance Management (2009)

Although there are many definitions of systemic risk, most agree that it manifests itself by an initial shock that results in the failure of one or more banks and then spreads out to the entire system by a contagion mechanism which can result in the failure of more banks in the system. Assuming that bank failures in the initial shock are randomly dependent on the failure probabilities of the individual banks and that the ensuing contagion process is deterministic, depending on interbank exposures, in this paper we propose a network model to analyse systemic risk in the banking system that, in contrast to other proposed models, seeks to obtain the probability distribution of losses for the financial system resulting from the shock-contagion process. Thus, calculating the probabilities of joint failures by simulation and assuming that the matrix of bilateral interbank exposures is known, we represent systemic risk in the financial system by means of a graph and use discrete modelling techniques to characterize the dynamics of contagion and corresponding losses within the network. The probability distribution of losses, risk profile for the Mexican banking system, is obtained through an efficient, complete enumeration procedure of all possible bank default events in the system. This, in turn, allows the use of the wide variety of well-established risk measures to describe the fragility of the financial system. Additionally, the model allows us to perform stress tests along both the bank default probabilities and the interbank exposures and is used to assess the risk of the Mexican banking system. Copyright &copy; 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an Abstraction Ontology
Authors: Mauri Leppänen
Venue: Proceeding of the 2007 conference on Information Modelling and Knowledge Bases XVIII (2007)

Abstraction is commonly recognized as ubiquitous mechanism in human action. Conceptions about principles, concepts and constructs of abstraction are, however, quite vague and divergent in the literature. This paper proposes an ontology for abstraction, composed of two inter-related parts. The first-order abstraction defines concept things, called primary things, and their abstraction-based relationships. The second-order abstraction, also known as predicate abstraction, involves predicates that characterize primary things. The ontology covers four basic abstraction principles: classification, generalization, composition, and grouping. For each of them, key concepts and structural rules are defined and predicate derivation is discussed. The ontology is also described in meta models in a UML-based ontology representation language. We believe that the abstraction ontology can promote the achievement of a shared understanding of abstraction principles and constructs. Predicate abstraction can also be used as a foundation on which more sound systems of perspectives and viewpoints for database design and information systems development can be built.
Algebraic visual analysis: the Catalano phone call data set case study
Authors: Anna A. Shaverdian, Hao Zhou, George Michailidis, H. V. Jagadish
Venue: Proceedings of the ACM SIGKDD Workshop on Visual Analytics and Knowledge Discovery: Integrating Automated Analysis with Interactive Exploration (2009)

While many clever techniques have been proposed for visual analysis, most of these are "one of" and it is not easy to see how to combine multiple techniques. We propose an algebraic model capable of representing a large class of visual analysis operations on graph data. We demonstrate the value of this model by showing how it can simulate the analyses performed by several groups on the Catalano family cell phone call record data set as part of the VAST 2008 challenge.
The effect of inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction utilized in combination with web-based, computer-assisted math instruction on 4th-grade students' outcomes
Authors: John W. Hill
Venue:  (2008)

Results indicated that 4th-grade students (n = 19) participating in the inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction used in combination with web-based, computer-assisted math instruction group and 4th-grade students ( n = 19) participating in the inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction alone group did not significantly improve their pretest-posttest Problem Solving/Data Analysis, Concepts/Estimation, Math Total, and Math Computation norm-referenced normal curve equivalent achievement test score results. However, 4th-grade students participating in the inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction alone group posttest-posttest scores were statistically significantly greater than students who participated in the combination instruction group across all four subtests. Moreover, all posttest norm-referenced, Normal Curve Equivalent subtest scores for both groups were measured within the average range. On the criterion-referenced math test score posttest-posttest comparison, 53% of the 4th-grade students participating in the inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction used in combination with web-based, computer-assisted math instruction group compared to 37% of the 4th-grade students participating in the inquiry-based, hands-on math instruction alone group improved their posttest score results. Finally, no statistically significant differences between the two instructional groups were found for student absences, tardies, discipline referrals, and perceptions of math ability scores. Implications for improving math instruction are discussed.
Google on the Go: Using an Android-Powered Mobile Phone, 1st edition
Authors: John Eddy, Patricia DiGiacomo Eddy
Venue:  (2009)

Google on the Go THE EASY, FUN, PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GOOGLE ANDROID PHONES! So youve got one of those hot new Android-powered phones? Awesome! Now, get the most out of it with Google on the Go! This friendly, easy book shows exactly how to use your phone to make your life more productive, more efficient, and more fun! Making calls? Playing MP3s? Sending Gmail? Taking pictures? Its all covered hereone step at a time, in plain English. Theres no faster way to master the great Google tools built into your new phone: calendar, messaging, web browsing, chat, Google Maps, YouTube, you name it! Want to customize your phone? Heres how. Need to troubleshoot a problem? No sweat: youll find easy, step-by-step directions. Whether youre using the T-Mobile G1 or another Android-powered smartphone, this book answers all your questions so you can harness the power of Google applications and tools in the palm of your hand. Set up your Google Android phone fast! Quickly master phone basics, from speakerphone to call waiting Transfer contacts from your computer or another phone Add new Calendar appointments and reminders Make the most of your free Gmail account Take photos, and send them instantly to your contacts Watch videos and upload them to YouTube Find practically anything with Google Search Use Google Talks handy chat features Get directions and traffic info with Google Maps... even use GPS! Install new software tools and even start writing your own Fix the most common problems with service and hardware John Eddy is a long-time gadget hobbyist who has spent most of his career helping everyday people use technology, in roles ranging from product support to moderation of online forums. Patricia DiGiacomo Eddy is an accomplished technology author and mobile phone geek whose books include Special Edition Using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, The Absolute Beginners Guide to OneNote, and Access 2003: VBA Programmers Reference. CATEGORY: Digital Media
Integrating Performance Analysis in the Uintah Software Development Cycle
Authors: J. Davison Germain, Alan Morris, Steven G. Parker, Allen D. Malony, Sameer Shende
Venue: Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on High Performance Computing (2009)

Technology for empirical performance evaluation of parallel programs is driven by the increasing complexity of high performance computing environments and programming methodologies. This paper describes the integration of the TAU and XPARE tools in the Uintah computational framework. Performance mapping techniques in TAU relate low-level performance data to higher levels of abstraction. XPARE is used for specifying regression testing benchmarks that are evaluated with each periodically scheduled testing trial. This provides a historical panorama of the evolution of application performance. The paper concludes with a scalability study that shows the benefits of integrating performance technology in the development of large-scale parallel applications.
Task Driven Coreference Resolution for Relation Extraction
Authors: Feiyu Xu, Hans Uszkoreit, Hong Li
Venue: Proceeding of the 2008 conference on ECAI 2008: 18th European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (2008)

This paper presents the extension of an existing mimimally supervised rule acquisition method for relation extraction by coreference resolution (CR). To this end, a novel approach to CR was designed and tested. In comparison to state-of-the-art methods for CR, our strategy is driven by the target semantic relation and utilizes domain-specific ontological and lexical knowledge in addition to the learned relation extraction rules. An empirical investigation reveals that newswire texts in our selected domains contain more coreferring noun phrases than prononimal coreferences. This means that existing methods for CR would not suffice and a semantic approach is needed. Our experiments show that the utilization of domain knowledge can boost CR. In our approach, the tasks of relation extraction and CR support each other. On the one hand, reference resolution is needed for the detection of arguments of the target relation. On the other hand, domain modelling for the IE task is used for semantic classification of the referring nouns. Moreover, the application of the learned relation extraction rules often narrows down the number of candidates for CR. With respect to the minimally supervised learning of relation extraction grammars, we design and evaluate two integration strategies: (i) resolution after the complete pattern acquisition process and (ii) resolution embedded in the iterations of the learning process. The evaluation helps us to gain and substantiate a relevant insight: CR effectively improves recall in both strategies but it can hurt the precision because of its error spreading potential.
An Overview of Modularity
Authors: Christine Parent, Stefano Spaccapietra
Venue: Modular Ontologies: Concepts, Theories and Techniques for Knowledge Modularization (2009)

Modularization is a familiar concept in IT, widely used in e.g. software development. It has been somehow neglected in knowledge management. Database research has only marginally addressed the topic, mainly for the development of cooperative database systems. Instead, research on ontologies, seen as the knowledge provider for the semantic web, has significantly invested on modularization techniques, seen as a key capability in the current efforts towards scalable solutions that will enable ontologies to grow to the huge size that we can foresee in real world future applications. Many different approaches exist to tackle ontology modularization, corresponding to different goals or building on different initial hypotheses. This chapter aims at clarifying the vision of the domain by providing a detailed yet generic characterization of the issues and solutions related to the various facets of modularization.
Active suspension system with linear electric motor
Authors: Katerina Hyniova, Antonin Stribrsky, Jaroslav Honcu, Ales Kruczek
Venue: WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on SYSTEMS (2009)

Suspension system is an important part of the car design, because it influences both the comfort and safety of the passengers. In this paper an active suspension using linear electric motor is designed. This article is also focused on experiments with active suspension - developing an appropriate input signal for the test bed and evaluation of the results. Second important aspect of the active suspension design is energy demand of the system. Modification of the standard controller which allows changing amount of energy required by the system has been designed. Performance of the modification was verified taking various experiments.
An API for measuring the relatedness of words in Wikipedia
Authors: Simone Paolo Ponzetto, Michael Strube
Venue: Proceedings of the 45th Annual Meeting of the ACL on Interactive Poster and Demonstration Sessions (2007)

We present an API for computing the semantic relatedness of words in Wikipedia.
Scaffolding Ill-Structured Problem Solving in Asynchronous Online Discussions
Authors: Connie S. L. Ng, Wing Sum Cheung, Khe Foon Hew
Venue: Proceeding of the 2007 conference on Supporting Learning Flow through Integrative Technologies (2007)

Solving ill-structured problems is an important learning outcome in education. An asynchronous online discussion, with extended time for reflection, is an appropriate learning environment to engage learners in solving ill-structured problems. However, scaffolds may be needed to support learners in the online discussions. This study explores the effect of online scaffolds in supporting a group of graduate students' ill-structured problem solving processes in an asynchronous online discussion. Results of this study showed that the use of the online scaffolds did not lead to a significant difference in the number of message units for ill-structured problem solving. Further analysis revealed that wrong selection of message labels and un-intended use of sentence openers affected the results of this study. Improvements for online scaffolds include having more precise message labels and sentence openers based on Socratic questioning approach.
On hypertext narrative
Authors: Mark Bernstein
Venue: Proceedings of the 20th ACM conference on Hypertext and hypermedia (2009)

Annals and chronicles may be the foundation of accounting, but writers of stories and histories have long known that they seldom render a satisfactory account of complex events. In place of a simple chronological list, narrative instead organizes our account in new sequences in order to illuminate the interplay of actors and events. We want hypertext narrative to do things we cannot achieve in print; though we may occasionally use links to introduce variation in presentation or in story; it is now clear that hypertext will most frequently prove useful in changing (or adapting) plot. After discussing the ways in which plot may be varied, I describe the use of stretchtext as a reaction against the perceived incoherence of classic hypertext narrative, demonstrate the limitations that conventional stretchtext necessarily imposes on hypertext narrative, and describe an implemented generalization of stretchtext that matches the expressive and formal capabilities of classical hypertext systems while appearing to be a mere stretchtext and while running within the confines of a Web browser.
Querying for Feature Extraction and Visualization in Climate Modeling
Authors: C. Ryan Johnson, Markus Glatter, Wesley Kendall, Jian Huang, Forrest Hoffman
Venue: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computational Science (2009)

The ultimate goal of data visualization is to clearly portray features relevant to the problem being studied. This goal can be realized only if users can effectively communicate to the visualization software what features are of interest. To this end, we describe in this paper two query languages used by scientists to locate and visually emphasize relevant data in both space and time. These languages offer descriptive feedback and interactive refinement of query parameters, which are essential in any framework supporting queries of arbitrary complexity. We apply these languages to extract features of interest from climate model results and describe how they support rapid feature extraction from large datasets.
Human-Centered Software Engineering: Software Engineering Models, Patterns and Architectures for HCI, 1st edition
Authors: Ahmed Seffah, Jean Vanderdonckt, Michel C. Desmarais
Venue: Human-Computer Interaction Series (2009)

This book aims at establishing a meaningful dialog between the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community and Software Engineering (SE) practitioners and researchers on the results (both good and bad), obstacles, and lessons learned associated with applying software development practices in the field of user interface. Human-Centered Software Engineering provides accounts of the application of software engineering practices (which may be principles, techniques, tools, methods, processes, etc.) to a specific domain or to the development of a significant interactive system. The book gathers experiences gained by various companies and research centers working in the field of user interface engineering over a significant amount of time.
RDTN: An Agile DTN Research Platform and Bundle Protocol Agent
Authors: Janico Greifenberg, Dirk Kutscher
Venue: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Wired/Wireless Internet Communications (2009)

This paper describes a new approach to developing and evaluating protocols and applications for Delay-Tolerant-Networking based on RDTN, a DTN bundle protocol agent (BPA) implementation written in Ruby. RDTN is light-weight and flexible so that it can be used in DTN application and protocol development as well as in research of DTN-related topics such as routing or convergence layers. RDTN provides a programming language-independent interface for client applications, an interactive environment for tests and a simulation mode for running multiple instances of the RDTN code in a simulated network environment. This paper describes the design of RDTN and its application to agile DTN protocol development.