ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Providing social navigation within annotated examples
Authors: Michael Yudelson, Natalya Goreva
Venue: Proceedings of the nineteenth ACM conference on Hypertext and hypermedia (2008)

Social navigation is a promising way to guide users in hypermedia environments. In this paper we present Social WebEx, a system that provides social navigation to line-by-line annotated code examples. Social WebEx is a version of "plain" WebEx that only provides access to annotations of lines of code. In social WebEx users are able to see their own code browsing traffic of examples as well as the traffic of their peers. The social version of the system has been used for over a year as an optional learning tool in both graduate and undergraduate programming coursers in a number of schools.
A new 3D finite element model of the spherical mandrelling process
Authors: Jordan T. Maximov, Galya V. Duncheva
Venue: Finite Elements in Analysis and Design (2008)

A new 3D finite element (FE) model of the cold hole expansion process by means of spherical mandrelling (SM) has been developed. The model has the following characteristics: the spherical motion of the tool has been defined by means of decomposition along static axes; interactions (normal and tangential contact with friction) defined in the tool-workpiece-supports system; nonlinear kinematic hardening of the workpiece material, defined on the basis of symmetric test with strain-controlled deformation to achieve a stabilized cycle. The actual spherical motion of the tool and the optimal value of the angle of nutation have been found through numerical minimization of the lost available work functional, which is equivalent to the minimum generated entropy. The FE model authenticity has been proved by means of comparison of the results for axial force variation with those obtained by experiment. The optimized FE model has been used for investigation of the residual displacements and stresses around cold expanded holes by means of SM. The FE results obtained have been compared with those obtained from other FE models.
Robust Estimation of Timing Yield with Partial Statistical Information on Process Variations
Authors: Lin Xie, Azadeh Davoodi
Venue: Proceedings of the 9th international symposium on Quality Electronic Design (2008)

This paper illustrates the application of distributional robustness theory to compute the worst-case timing yield of a circuit. Our assumption is that the probability distribution of process variables are unknown and only the intervals of the process variables and their class of distributions are available. We consider two practical classes to group potential distributions. We then derive conditions that allow applying the results of the distributional robustness theory to efficiently and accurately estimate the worst-case timing yield for each class. Compared to other recent works, our approach can model correlations among process variables and does not require knowledge of exact function form of the joint distribution function of process variables. While our emphasis is on robust timing yield estimation, our approach is also applicable to other types of parametric yield.
Topologically-based animation for describing geological evolution
Authors: P.-F. Léon, X. Skapin, P. Meseure
Venue: Machine Graphics Vision International Journal (2006)

This paper presents a topologically-based animation system which aims at representing the topological evolution of structured objects over time. Its robustness and versatility both relie on the n-dimensional generalised map formalism. The animation is modelled as a series of maps ordered in time and represents each topological modification of the structure. We define several dedicated topological operations, which are translated into a script defining the animation. We finally show the usefulness of the approach by means of a specific application in geology, namely representation of a subsoil evolution in 2D.
Vector median filter for removal of impulse noise from color images
Authors: Kh. Manglem Singh, Prabin K. Bora, S. Birendra Singh
Venue: Proceedings of the 2nd WSEAS International Conference on Electronics, Control and Signal Processing (2003)

This paper presents a vector median filter that incorporates mechanism for the detection of impulses from color images. The vector pixels in a specified window is ranked on the basis of sum of the distances to other vector pixels in the window. The center vector pixel is declared as corrupted if its rank is bigger than a predefined rank and its distance from a nearby healthy vector pixel is bigger than a pre-defined threshold. The corrupted vector pixel is replaced by the vector median. The experimental results show the better performance of the proposed method than a number of existing schemes for color images corrupted by high percentage of fixed-valued and random-valued impulse noises.
Will they stay or will they go?
Authors: J. McGrath Cohoon, Zhen Wu, Luo Luo
Venue: ACM SIGCSE Bulletin (2008)

The research reported here confirms and deepens our understanding of factors that affect women's confidence in their ability to complete a computer science or computer engineering (CSE) doctoral degree. Analysis of data from a longitudinal study of women participating in the Computing Research Association's Graduate Cohort for Women identifies the conditions or experiences that women perceive as influential. More importantly, we found that women who are not confident in their ability to complete their programs are about four times more likely to think about leaving CSE than those who begin confidently.
Importance and Use of Information Technology in Small and Medium-Sized Companies
Authors: Petra Schubert, Uwe Leimstoll
Venue: Electronic Markets (2007)

The following paper presents results from a longitudinal study about the importance and use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Swiss small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). In an empirical survey, 989 questionnaires were collected and analysed (return rate 17%). The results were weighted according to company size and industry sector and are representative for Switzerland. The findings show that Swiss SMEs-in their self-assessment-manage to gain (competitive) advantages from the deployment of information and communication technology. ICT is universally used (even) in (small and medium-sized) companies. There is a high degree of inter-organizational ICT use. ICT know-how and awareness are strongly rooted in management. The general conclusion is that IT matters for Swiss SMEs.
A Quantum Algorithm for Finding the Modal Value
Authors: Mark W. Coffey, Zachary Prezkuta
Venue: Quantum Information Processing (2008)

We present a quantum algorithm for finding the most often occurring (or modal) value of a data set. We thereby supplement other algorithms that can determine the mean value or similar quantities. Our algorithm requires the combined use of quantum counting and extended quantum search.
A Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Optimal Result Set for Haplotyping a Single Individual
Authors: Jingli Wu, Jianxin Wang, Jian'er Chen
Venue: Proceedings of the 2008 International Conference on BioMedical Engineering and Informatics - Volume 01 (2008)

In this paper, a practical algorithm PS-MEC is presented based on the idea of generating a small set of optimal results to reduce the probability of losing the best result. We design a kind of short particle code for the algorithm by taking advantage of the low heterozygous frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Experimental results indicate PS-MEC can get a set containing no more than four results in general, and which contains at least a pair of haplotypes that has higher reconstruction rate than those generated by previous algorithms solving the model. Moreover, PS-MEC is still efficient even for solving large size problems.
Assessing network service profitability: modeling from market science perspective
Authors: Jin Xiao, Raouf Boutaba
Venue: IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (TON) (2007)

Network service providers regularly conduct network planning and upgrade processes to keep their businesses profitable. The effectiveness of a network upgrade/planning decision is intrinsically tied to the ability of a provider to retain and grow its customer population. This paper examines the crucial linkage between network performance, customer satisfaction and profitability of network service, and presents an analytical modeling approach from market science perspective. We derive a generalized forecasting model that projects service profitability from the underlying network service infrastructure and the subscriber population. Through simulation studies and analysis, we show how such approach captures key factors and trends influencing service profitability and howit can significantly improve current network planning and upgrade processes.
ATTRACTORS, STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONS, AND THE WATER CYCLE
Authors: Pasqual Francesc Esteve-Calvo, Miguel Lloret-Clement
Venue: Cybernetics and Systems (2007)

Unlike studies that we have performed in previous articles, with the objective of clarifying which variables determine the general behavior of system-linkage from the viewpoint of the origin or beginning of orbits, this article will study the attractor, a very interesting object in systems theory. This set is found precisely at the end of the variables' orbits, which is where we will focus all our interest. For this purpose, we will utilize the structural functions associated with them, as well as concepts such as invariant sets and coverage, given that they have been the subject of study in our previous publications. We will give a series of definitions of objects that are already known in the field of systems theory, adapting them to the particular characteristics of system-linkages and associated structural functions. The composition of an attractor has been demonstrated, determining what type of objects form attractors. Furthermore, we have looked at the nature of the basins of attraction associated with each attractor, and how they are formed. Finally, we have presented a real example of an ecological network in which attractors exist: the water cycle. This article, in short, has proven the point of interest existing at the end (assuming that this is part of set M) of the orbits of variables making up the system-linkage; this, together with the study we have conducted on bases and coverage (Esteve and Lloret 2006c), provides us with a complete understanding of the behavior of this type of system as far as what we could call its "beginning" and its "end" (assuming, as above, that this is part of set M).
Looking Forward: New Ideas, New Opportunities
Authors: Sethuraman Panchanathan
Venue: IEEE MultiMedia (2008)

The editor in chief discusses upcoming special issues, topic trends in multimedia, article submissions in 2007, and our volunteers' efforts.
Coin-flipping games immune against linear-sized coalitions
Authors: N. Alon, M. Naor
Venue: Proceedings of the 31st Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (1990)

It is proved that for every c
Towards Self-Tuning of Dynamic Resources for Workloads
Authors: Fu Duan, Yongjie Han, Qiuyong Zhao, Keming Xie
Venue: Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (2008)

In self-tuning of database performance research area, the optimization of dynamic resources is important. This paper focused on the self-tuning of dynamic resources on the base of feedback mechanism, designed and achieved a simple model combined with Oracle database. This model gave an evaluating principle of system performance, and could adjust system parameters automatically to achieve the goal of system performance. And an evaluation model was designed to evaluate the performance state of the running system. The result after the self-tuning of some parameters was illustrated by simulating various workloads.
The global and superlinear convergence of a new nonmonotone MBFGS algorithm on convex objective functions
Authors: Liying Liu, Shengwei Yao, Zengxin Wei
Venue: Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics (2008)

In this paper, a new nonmonotone MBFGS algorithm for unconstrained optimization will be proposed. Under some suitable assumptions, the global and superlinear convergence of the new nonmonotone MBFGS algorithm on convex objective functions will be established. Some numerical experiments show that this new nonmonotone MBFGS algorithm is competitive to the MBFGS algorithm and the nonmonotone BFGS algorithm.
Wanted: SIGWEB media manager
Authors: Simon Harper
Venue: ACM SIGWEB Newsletter (2008)

It's been a year now since starting and editing SIGWEB Quarterly and it is now time to pass on the mantle to another volunteer! Darren Lunn our current Media Manager has agreed to step up to the plate, and so now we need a volunteer to run the SIGWEB Website under the direction of Yeliz Yesilada, the SIGWEB Information Director. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Improving pedagogical feedback and objective grading
Authors: Tuukka Ahoniemi, Essi Lahtinen, Tommi Reinikainen
Venue: ACM SIGCSE Bulletin (2008)

It is important for learning that students receive enough of educational feedback of their work. To get the students to be seriously disposed to the feedback it has to be personal, objective and consistent. In large classes ensuring such feedback can be difficult. Grading rubrics are a solution to the objectivity and consistency. ALOHA is an online grading tool based on rubrics which all the graders have to use. Particularly, ALOHA provides features that make the grading process more convenient for the graders and the teacher. By facilitating the graders work ALOHA allows them to focus more on feedback writing. To test the effectiveness of ALOHA in objectivity and consistency we did a comparative statistical analysis on the distribution of grades. The results supported the assumptions showing improvement resulting in similar distribution of grades amongst different graders who used the tool.
Expanders might be practical: fast algorithms for routing around faults on multibutterflies
Authors: T. Leighton
Venue: Proceedings of the 30th Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (1989)

Simple deterministic O(log N)-step algorithms for routing packets on a multibutterfly are described. The algorithms are shown to be robust against faults, even in the worst case, and to be efficient from a practical point of view. As a consequence, the multibutterfly is shown to be an excellent candidate for a high-bandwidth, low-diameter switching network underlying a distributed-memory machine.
Performance Evaluation of TCP Variants under Mobility Based Anchor Point Node (APN) Hybrid Network
Authors: Abdul Razaque, Khurram Shahzad, M. Abdul Qadir
Venue: Proceedings of the Communication Networks and Services Research Conference (2008)

The priority of scientists and Researchers is to provide guaranteed communication everywhere. Different strategic methodologies and schemes have been introduced to connect the entire world. The substantial efforts have been made for optimized and fast data delivery so for. TCP plays pivotal role in information-oriented era. Various TCP flavors are proposed for fast and rapid communication. We simulate TCP Variants on our proposed Anchor Point node (APN) hybrid network. The simulated scenarios are purely mobility-based and meet the realistic situation; as Manet portion of network covers the rural area and wired-cum-wireless cover city and its suburbs. We use DSR protocol for route discovery in Manet portion. Our main focus is to investigate the fairness of TCP Variants on basis of mobility scenarios to evaluate the throughput, good put and end-to-end delay.
ReNoC: A Network-on-Chip Architecture with Reconfigurable Topology
Authors: Mikkel Bystrup Stensgaard, Jens Sparsø
Venue: Proceedings of the Second ACM/IEEE International Symposium on Networks-on-Chip (2008)

This paper presents a Network-on-Chip (NoC) architecture that enables the network topology to be reconfigured. The architecture thus enables a generalized System-on-Chip (SoC) platform in which the topology can be customized for the application that is currently running on the chip, including long links and direct links between IP-blocks. The configurability is inserted as a layer between routers and links, and the architecture can therefore be used in combination with existing NoC routers, making it a general architecture. The topology is configured using energy-efficient topology switches based on physical circuit-switching as found in FPGAs. The paper presents the ReNoC (ReconfigurableNoC) architecture and evaluates its potential. The evaluation design shows a 56% decrease in power consumption compared to a static 2D mesh topology
An intelligent e-learning system based on learner profiling and learning resources adaptation
Authors: Paraskevi Tzouveli, Phivos Mylonas, Stefanos Kollias
Venue: Computers Education (2008)

Taking advantage of the continuously improving, web-based learning systems plays an important role for self-learning, especially in the case of working people. Nevertheless, learning systems do not generally adapt to learners' profiles. Learners have to spend a lot of time before reaching the learning goal that is compatible with their knowledge background. To overcome such difficulties, an e-learning schema is introduced that adapts to the learners' ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) knowledge level. The IEEE Reference Model (WG 1) defined by the Learning Technology Standards Committee (LTSA) is extended and used for this purpose. The proposed approach is based on the usage of electronic questionnaires (e-questionnaires) designed by a group of experts. Through the automatic analysis of the learners' responses to the questionnaires, all learners are assigned to different learner profiles. According to these profiles they are served with learning material that best matches their educational needs. We have implemented our approach in five European countries and the overall case study illustrates very promising results.
Semantics-based grid resource management
Authors: Alexandre C. T. Vidal, Francisco José da Silva e Silva, Sergio Takeo Kofuji, Fabio Kon
Venue: Proceedings of the 5th international workshop on Middleware for grid computing: held at the ACM/IFIP/USENIX 8th International Middleware Conference (2007)

Scheduling parallel and distributed applications efficiently onto grid environments is a difficult task and a great variety of scheduling heuristics have been developed aiming to address this issue. A successful grid resource allocation depends, among other things, on the quality of the available information about software artifacts and grid resources. In this paper, we propose a semantic approach to integrate selection of equivalent resources and selection of equivalent software artifacts in order to improve the schedule of resources suitable for a given set of application execution requirements. We also describe a prototype implementation of our approach based on the Integrade grid middleware and experimental results that indicate its benefits.
Automatic colour-texture image segmentation using active contours
Authors: Mohand Said Allili, Djemel Ziou
Venue: International Journal of Computer Mathematics (2007)

In this paper we propose a fully automatic segmentation method for colour/texture images. By fully automatic, we mean that the steps of region initialization and calculation of the number of regions are performed automatically by the method. The region information is formulated using a mixture of pdfs for the combination of colour and texture features. The segmentation is obtained by minimizing an energy functional combining boundary and region information, which evolves the initial region contours towards the real region boundaries and adapts the mixture parameters to the region data. The method is implemented using the level sets that permit automatic handling of topology changes and stable numerical schemes. We validate the approach using examples of synthetic and natural colour-texture image segmentation.
Electric propulsion plume simulations using parallel computer
Authors: Joseph Wang, Yong Cao, Raed Kafafy, Viktor Decyk
Venue: Scientific Programming (2007)

A parallel, three-dimensional electrostatic PIC code is developed for large-scale electric propulsion simulations using parallel supercomputers. This code uses a newly developed immersed-finite-element particle-in-cell (IFE-PIC) algorithm designed to handle complex boundary conditions accurately while maintaining the computational speed of the standard PIC code. Domain decomposition is used in both field solve and particle push to divide the computation among processors. Two simulations studies are presented to demonstrate the capability of the code. The first is a full particle simulation of near-thruster plume using real ion to electron mass ratio. The second is a high-resolution simulation of multiple ion thruster plume interactions for a realistic spacecraft using a domain enclosing the entire solar array panel. Performance benchmarks show that the IFE-PIC achieves a high parallel efficiency of ges;90%
Effect of using neural networks in GA-based school timetabling
Authors: Janis Zuters
Venue: Proceedings of the 5th WSEAS International Conference on Computational Intelligence, Man-Machine Systems and Cybernetics (2006)

The school timetabling problem is a specific kind of timetabling problems. It is characterized by similar sets of subjects used among schools in different years, and by great extent of human factor involved. This particularity lets us to hope existing timetables to be useful information for actual timetabling process, and neural networks to be a suitable technique to assist it. This paper describes experiments on using neural networks as part of the fitness function of a GA-based school timetabling system, the model of what has been proposed by the author earlier. The experimental results show ability of neural networks to be applied for timetable evaluation, as well as reveal various side effects of using neural networks within GA-based school timetabling.
Optimizing Design for Variability Using Traceability Links
Authors: Matthias Riebisch, Robert Brcina
Venue: Proceedings of the 15th Annual IEEE International Conference and Workshop on the Engineering of Computer Based Systems (2008)

Software systems have to provide flexibility by implementing variability. Existing design methodologies do not support means for optimizing the design for variability and for measuring the overhead effort. Therefore, the solutions cannot be optimized regarding a minimal overhead for variability. Other methods are lacking of a traceability for variability mechanisms, or do not provide means for measuring and optimizing solutions. The paper introduces traceability links for variability with a special emphasis on support for implementation, build and deployment, and presents guidelines for optimizing the design with indicators for evaluating the results. The feasibility of the approach is shown by a case study from an industrial setting.
Reachability analysis of fragments of mobile ambients in AC term rewriting
Authors: Giorgio Delzanno, Roberto Montagna
Venue: Formal Aspects of Computing (2008)

In this paper, we investigate the connection between fragments of associative-commutative Term Rewriting and fragments of Mobile Ambients, a powerful model for mobile and distributed computations. The connection can be used to transfer decidability and undecidability results for important computational properties like reachability from one formalism to the other. Furthermore, it can be viewed as a vehicle to apply tools based on rewriting for the simulation and validation of specifications given in Mobile Ambients.