ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Plenary lecture 9: advanced methods for text retrieval
Authors: Ioana Moisil
Venue: Proceedings of the 8th WSEAS international conference on Artificial intelligence, knowledge engineering and data bases (2009)

Information retrieval (IR) is one of the most challenging fields of study. Today we are defining information retrieval as the interdisciplinary science of searching for documents, for information within documents and for documents' metadata in databases and on the World Wide Web. For many decades IR was concerned with finding the needed information from large collections of text documents. The explosive growth of the use of digital multimedia, from image and graphics to audio and video files over the Internet and wireless communications, or stored on DVDs and CD-ROMs, has determined the development of a specific sub-field of IR, i.e. multimedia information retrieval. In this lecture I will focus only on text retrieval methods. The retrieving unit is the document and documents from a collection are extracted to form the text data base. The documents are Web pages, if we are searching the Web. The retrieving process is simple but not at all trivial: a user is issuing a query; the retrieving system is then finding a set of documents relevant to the user's query; the selected documents are ranked by relevance scores. The process can be tuned manually or automatically. The most wide used format for the query is a list of keywords, but other formats can be used: Boolean queries, phrase queries, proximity queries, full document, and natural language questions. There are several aspects that turn the retrieving process from an apparent simple process into a very complex and challenging one. First, the tremendous success of the Web has transformed it in the most important information source, shadowing traditional and digital libraries. That means we have to retrieve information from a countable but almost infinite collection of documents. For example, the number of pages in Google's index is growing at an amazing rate - while it started with 26 million pages in 1998, it had last year a trillion of pages. So the first challenge is to use retrieval methods that lead to a rapid response. The second challenge is linked to relevance, and the concern to reduce information overload. We will refer these aspects all along the presentation. In the first part of this lecture I will critically discuss the most used information retrieval models, from the ones based on set theory (standard and extended Boolean model, fuzzy retrieval model) to more recent ones: algebraic models (the vector space model - VSM and extensions: TVSM, latent semantic analysis, term discrimination, DSIR model). Some probabilistic models will be also presented. The second part of the lecture will discuss relevance feedback and performance measures. In the third part the ne?d of text and Web pages pre-processing will be emphasised. Instead of conclusions we will discuss the impact on text retrieval of two innovative technologies: semantic Web and Web services and of the Web 2.0 paradigm.
VALIDATION OF CA MODELS OF PEDESTRIAN DYNAMICS WITH FUNDAMENTAL DIAGRAMS
Authors: A. Schadschneider, A. Seyfried
Venue: Cybernetics and Systems (2009)

In recent years, several approaches for modelling pedestrian dynamics have been proposed. However, so far not much attention has been paid to their quantitative validation. Instead the focus has been on the reproduction of empirically observed collective phenomena like the dynamical formation of lanes. Although this gives an indication of the realism of the model, for practical applications as in safety analysis, reliable quantitative predictions are required. We discuss the experimental situation focusing on the fundamental diagram that is essential for calibration. Furthermore, we present a cellular automaton, the floor field model, which forms the basis for various multi-agent simulations. Apart from the properties of its fundamental diagram, we discuss the role of conflicts and friction effects and their influence on evacuation times.
Local conversations 2.0
Authors: Sameer Ahuja, Manuel A. Pérez-Quiñones, Andrea Kavanaugh
Venue: Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research: Social Networks: Making Connections between Citizens, Data and Government (2009)

In this paper, we describe Colloki, a web based local conversation system. Colloki aims to utilize a set of social and organizational features for a conversational environment that we believe is more effective than prevalent alternatives like forums and collaborative blogs.
Matrix: concept animation and algorithm simulation system
Authors: Ari Korhonen, Lauri Malmi
Venue: Proceedings of the working conference on Advanced visual interfaces (2002)

Data structures and algorithms include abstract concepts and processes, which people often find difficult to understand. Examples of these are complex data types and procedural encoding of algorithms. Software visualization can significantly help in solving the problem. In this paper we describe the platform independent Matrix system which combines algorithm animation with algorithm simulation, where the user interacts directly with data structures through a graphical user interface. The simulation process created by the user can be stored and played back in terms of algorithm animation. In addition, existing library routines can be used for creating illustrations of advanced abstract data types, or for animating and simulating user's own algorithms. Moreover, Matrix provides an extensive set of visual concepts for algorithm animation. These concepts include visualizations for primitive types, arrays, lists, trees, and graphs. This set can be extended further by using arbitrarily nested visualizations
On nonoscillation of mixed advanced-delay differential equations with positive and negative coefficients
Authors: Leonid Berezansky, Elena Braverman, Sandra Pinelas
Venue: Computers Mathematics with Applications (2009)

For a mixed (advanced-delay) differential equation with variable delays and coefficients x@?(t)+/-a(t)x(g(t))@?b(t)x(h(t))=0,t>=t"0 where a(t)>=0,b(t)>=0,g(t)@?t,h(t)>=t explicit nonoscillation conditions are obtained.
A Novel Region Based Liveness Detection Approach for Fingerprint Scanners
Authors: Brian Decann, Bozhao Tan, Stephanie Schuckers
Venue: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Advances in Biometrics (2009)

Biometric scanners have become widely popular in providing security to information technology and entry to otherwise sensitive locations. However, these systems have been proven to be vulnerable to spoofing, or granting entry to an imposter using fake fingers. While matching algorithms are highly successful in identifying the unique fingerprint biometric of an individual, they lack the ability to determine if the source of the image is coming from a living individual, or a fake finger, comprised of PlayDoh, silicon, gelatin or other material. Detection of liveness patterns is one method in which physiological traits are identified in order to ensure that the image received by the scanner is coming from a living source. In this paper, a new algorithm for detection of perspiration is proposed. The method quantifies perspiration via region labeling methods, a simple computer vision technique. This method is capable of extracting observable trends in live and spoof images, generally relating to the differences found in the number and size of identifiable regions per contour along a ridge or valley segment. This approach was tested on a optical fingerprint scanner, Identix DFR2100. The dataset includes a total of 1526 live and 1588 spoof fingerprints, arising from over 150 unique individuals with multiple visits. Performance was evaluated through a neural network classifier, and the results are compared to previous studies using intensity based ridge and valley liveness detection. The results yield excellent classification, achieving overall classification rates greater than 95.5%. Implementation of this liveness detection method can greatly improve the security of fingerprint scanners.
Multibiometric People Identification: A Self-tuning Architecture
Authors: Maria Marsico, Michele Nappi, Daniel Riccio
Venue: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Advances in Biometrics (2009)

Multibiometric systems can solve a number of problems of unimodal approaches. One source for such problems can be found in the lack of dynamic update of parameters, which does not allow current systems to adapt to changes in the working settings. They are generally calibrated once and for all, so that they are tuned and optimized with respect to standard conditions. In this work we propose an architecture where, for each single-biometry subsystem, parameters are dynamically optimized according to the behaviour of all the others. This is achieved by an additional component, the supervisor module, which analyzes the responses from all subsystems and modifies the degree of reliability required from each of them to accept the respective responses. The paper explores two integration architectures with different interconnection degree, demonstrating that a tight component interaction increases system accuracy and allows identifying unstable subsystems.
Toward Semantic Mobile Web 2.0 through Multiagent Systems
Authors: Gonzalo A. Aranda-Corral, Joaquín Borrego-Díaz, Fernando Gómez-Marín
Venue: Proceedings of the Third KES International Symposium on Agent and Multi-Agent Systems: Technologies and Applications (2009)

In this paper, a solution for semantic annotation of Consumers Generated Content, based on the actions of a multiagent system, is presented. This solution is designed in the context of an spin-off which was born from Minerva project for mobile services. Our proposal aims to build a Mobile Web 2.0 platform for the dissemination of interesting events, captured by users through mobile phones. The multiagent system creates an agent for each event, which suggests and manages several semantic features linked to an Ontology related to events.
Automatic Textual Feedback for Guided Inquiry Learning
Authors: Steven Tanimoto, Susan Hubbard, William Winn
Venue: Proceeding of the 2005 conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education: Supporting Learning through Intelligent and Socially Informed Technology (2005)

We briefly introduce the online learning environment INFACT, and then we describe its textual feedback system. The system automatically provides written comments to students as they work through scripted activities related to image processing. The commenting takes place in the context of an online discussion group, to which students are posting answers to questions associated with the activities. Then we describe our experience using the system with a class of university freshmen and sophomores. Automatic feedback was compared with human feedback, and the results indicated that in spite of advantages in promptness and thoroughness of the automatically delivered comments, students preferred human feedback, because of its better match to their needs and the human's ability to suggest consulting another student who had just faced a similar problem.
Semiconductor Device Physics and Design, 1st edition
Authors: Umesh Mishra, Jasprit Singh
Venue:  (2007)

Semiconductor Device Physics and Designprovides a fresh and unique teaching tool. Over the last decade device performances are driven by new materials, scaling, heterostructures and new device concepts. Semiconductor devices have mostly relied on Si but increasingly GaAs, InGaAs and heterostructures made from Si/SiGe, GaAs/AlGaAs etc have become important. Over the last few years one of the most exciting new entries has been the nitride based heterostructures. New physics based on polar charges and polar interfaces has become important as a result of the nitrides. Nitride based devices are now used for high power applications and in lighting and display applications. For students to be able to participate in this exciting arena, a lot of physics, device concepts, heterostructure concepts and materials properties need to be understood. It is important to have a textbook that teaches students and practicing engineers about all these areas in a coherent manner. Semiconductor Device Physics and Designstarts out with basic physics concepts including the physics behind polar heterostructures and strained heterostructures.Important devices ranging from p-n diodes to bipolar and field effect devices is then discussed. An important distinction users will find in this book is the discussion presented on device needs from the perspective of various technologies. For example, how much gain is needed in a transistor, how much power, what kind of device characteristics are needed. Not surprisingly the needs depend upon applications. The needs of an A/D or D/A converter will be different from that of an amplifier in a cell phone. Similarly the diodes used in a laptop will place different requirements on the device engineer than diodes used in a mixer circuit. By relating device design to device performance and then relating device needs to system use the student can see how device design works in real world. This book is comprehensive without being overwhelming.The focus was to make this a useful text book so that the information contained is cohesive without including all aspects of device physics. The lesson plans demonstrated how this book could be used in a 1 semester or 2 quarter sequence.
ACT! by Sage For Dummies: For Dummies Computer/Tech, 9th edition
Authors: Karen S. Fredricks
Venue:  (2007)

Are you ready to reap the benefits of the bestselling contact relationship manager (CRM) software on the market today? Well, thenget into the act with ACT! 2008 and find out how the latest version of this exciting software enables you to set up a database thats right for you so that you can focus on your business and career growth while also saving time and money. With this fun and friendly guide in hand, youll discover how ACT! organizes customer information in one place, safely shares customer info between workgroups, and provides you with forecast tools, reports, and a contact database. Whether youre new to the features of ACT! or you are familiar with the basics but have not yet put to use ACT!s more advanced abilities, this nuts-and-bolts reference has been updated and revised to make sure that you are up to speed on the most efficient way to organize your customer relationships and activities. Author and full-time ACT! Certified Consultant and ACT! Premier Trainer Karen Fredricks walks you through tasks such as: Setting up the contact database Adding multiple contacts to a group and adding contacts to a company Changing contact-level security access Scheduling activities Using the basic ACT! Reports Designing new reports Automating the backup process Integrating with Outlook Creating groups ACT! by Sage For Dummies, 9th Edition also boasts a companion Web site that includes all the updates for the 2008 version of ACT! Youll be amazed by just how quickly youll be able to set up a database and get it to act for you. The ACM Portal is published by the Association for Computing Machinery. Copyright © 2010 ACM, Inc. Terms of Usage Privacy Policy Code of Ethics Contact Us Useful downloads: Adobe Acrobat QuickTime Windows Media Player Real Player
Programming Silverlight 2
Authors: Jesse Liberty, Tim Heuer
Venue:  (2009)

Silverlight 2 is the most exciting Microsoft technology to come along since .NET, and this definitive tutorial is targeted straight at the programmer who wants to build rich, robust, real-world, client-side applications using managed code. Authors Jesse Liberty and Tim Heuer are Microsoft's Silverlight Community Program Managers, putting them in a unique position to tell the story of this technology. In Programming Silverlight 2, they present a guided tour through every aspect of Silverlight 2, diving deep into the techniques and best practices you'll need to create exciting and reliable cross-browser, cross-platform, Rich Internet Applications. This book: Helps you find the best paths through the thicket of information and detail Explains not just how but why and when Illustrates each concept with simple, yet meaningful (and reusable) examples Talks as a developer to a developer; a stimulating technical conversation in which difficult questions are anticipated and answered Meets the needs of developers who work with large teams, small teams and who work alone; in various industries, and with varying levels of experience Liberty and Heuer have not only written the single best book on Silverlight 2, they continue their commitment in their work on Silverlight.net, with ongoing writing, videos, webcasts world-wide presentations, and much more. Whether you're a .NET developer or come from a different platform, this book will get you up to speed quickly on this new and immensely important technology.
Robust synchronization in an array of fuzzy delayed cellular neural networks with stochastically hybrid coupling
Authors: Yang Tang, Jian-An Fang
Venue: Neurocomputing (2009)

In this paper, the robust synchronization control problem of an array of fuzzy cellular neural networks with uncertain stochastically coupling is investigated, which involves constant coupling, discrete time-varying delay coupling and distributed time-varying delay coupling. By using adaptive feedback control scheme and exploiting some stochastic analysis techniques, several sufficient conditions are developed to ensure the synchronization of stochastically hybrid coupled fuzzy neural networks with all admissible uncertainties in mean square. Finally, a numerical example illustrated by scale-free complex networks is provided to show the effectiveness and the applicability of the proposed method.
Control and filtering for discrete linear repetitive processes with $${\fancyscript{H}_{\infty}}$$ and l2---l∞ performance
Authors: Ligang Wu, James Lam, Wojciech Paszke, Krzysztof Gałkowski, Eric Rogers, Anton Kummert
Venue: Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing (2009)

Repetitive processes are characterized by a~series of sweeps, termed passes, through a set of dynamics defined over a finite duration known as the pass length. On each pass an output, termed the pass profile, is produced which acts as a forcing function on, and hence contributes to, the dynamics of the next pass profile. This can lead to oscillations which increase in amplitude in the pass to pass direction and cannot be controlled by standard control laws. Here we give new results on the design of physically based control laws for the sub-class of so-called discrete linear repetitive processes which arise in applications areas such as iterative learning control. The main contribution is to show how control law design can be undertaken within the framework of a general robust filtering problem with guaranteed levels of performance. In particular, we develop algorithms for the design of an $${\fancyscript{H}_{\infty}}$$ and l2---l∞ dynamic output feedback controller and filter which guarantees that the resulting controlled (filtering error) process, respectively, is stable along the pass and has prescribed disturbance attenuation performance as measured by $${\fancyscript{H}_{\infty}}$$l2---l ∞ norms.
Adaptive Multi-Agent Programming in GTGolog
Authors: Alberto Finzi, Thomas Lukasiewicz
Venue: Proceeding of the 2006 conference on ECAI 2006: 17th European Conference on Artificial Intelligence August 29 -- September 1, 2006, Riva del Garda, Italy (2006)

We present a novel approach to adaptive multi-agent programming, which is based on an integration of the agent programming language GTGolog with adaptive dynamic programming techniques. GTGolog combines explicit agent programming in Golog with game-theoretic multi-agent planning in stochastic games. In GTGolog, the transition probabilities and reward values of the domain must be provided with the model. The adaptive generalization of GTGolog proposed here is directed towards letting the agents themselves explore and adapt these data. We use high-level programs for the generation of both abstract states and optimal policies.
A flexible approach to natural language generation for disabled children
Authors: Pradipta Biswas
Venue: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on computational Linguistics and 44th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics: Student Research Workshop (2006)

Natural Language Generation (NLG) is a way to automatically realize a correct expression in response to a communicative goal. This technology is mainly explored in the fields of machine translation, report generation, dialog system etc. In this paper we have explored the NLG technique for another novel application-assisting disabled children to take part in conversation. The limited physical ability and mental maturity of our intended users made the NLG approach different from others. We have taken a flexible approach where main emphasis is given on flexibility and usability of the system. The evaluation results show this technique can increase the communication rate of users during a conversation.
Language dynamics and capitalization using maximum entropy
Authors: Fernando Batista, Nuno Mamede, Isabel Trancoso
Venue: Proceedings of the 46th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics on Human Language Technologies: Short Papers (2008)

This paper studies the impact of written language variations and the way it affects the capitalization task over time. A discriminative approach, based on maximum entropy models, is proposed to perform capitalization, taking the language changes into consideration. The proposed method makes it possible to use large corpora for training. The evaluation is performed over newspaper corpora using different testing periods. The achieved results reveal a strong relation between the capitalization performance and the elapsed time between the training and testing data periods.
Multipath live streaming via TCP: Scheme, performance and benefits
Authors: Bing Wang, Wei Wei, Zheng Guo, Don Towsley
Venue: ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications (TOMCCAP) (2009)

Motivated by the wide use of TCP for multimedia streaming in practice and the increasing availability of multipath between end hosts, we study multipath live streaming via TCP in this article. We first design a simple and practical TCP-based multipath streaming scheme, named Dynamic MPath-streaming (DMP-streaming), which dynamically distributes packets over multiple paths by implicitly inferring the available bandwidths on these paths. To allow systematic performance study, we develop an analytical model for DMP-streaming and validate the model using extensive ns simulation and Internet experiments. We explore the parameter space of this model and find that DMP-streaming generally provides satisfactory performance when the aggregate achievable TCP throughput is 1.6 times the video bitrate, when allowing a few seconds of startup delay. Last, we comment on the benefits of using multipath versus single path for TCP-based streaming.
Plan-Based Configuration of a Group of Robots
Authors: Robert Lundh, Lars Karlsson, Alessandro Saffiotti
Venue: Proceeding of the 2006 conference on ECAI 2006: 17th European Conference on Artificial Intelligence August 29 -- September 1, 2006, Riva del Garda, Italy (2006)

We consider groups of autonomous robots in which robots can help each other by offering information-producing functionalities. A functional configuration is a way to allocate and connect functionalities among robots. In general, different configurations can be used to solve the same task, depending on the current situation. In this paper, we define the idea of functional configuration, and we propose a plan-based approach to automatically generate a preferred configuration for a given task, environment, and set of resources. To illustrate these ideas, we show a simple experiment in which two robots mutually help each-other to cross a door.