ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Maximization of Mutual Information for Offline Thai Handwriting Recognition
Authors: Roongroj Nopsuwanchai, Alain Biem, William F. Clocksin
Venue: IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (2006)

This paper aims to improve the performance of an HMM-based offline Thai handwriting recognition system through discriminative training and the use of fine-tuned feature extraction methods. The discriminative training is implemented by maximizing the mutual information between the data and their classes. The feature extraction is based on our proposed block-based PCA and composite images, shown to be better at discriminating Thai confusable characters. We demonstrate significant improvements in recognition accuracies compared to the classifiers that are not discriminatively optimized.
Designing Small World Simulations: Experiences and Developments
Authors: Albert A. Angehrn
Venue: Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (2006)

Managing an important change process within an organization or community. Introducing innovations in an educational institution. Helping a group of diverse and distributed professionals to collaborate effectively. These are a few examples of complex challenges that managers and decision makers are increasingly faced with, and for which an in-depth understanding of the underlying psychological, cognitive and social dynamics of collaboration is required. SmallWorld Simulations (SWS) represent a promising approach to address such challenges through advanced learning technologies that support immersive, simulation-based collaborative learning experiences. This paper offers an overview of the key design principles underlying SWS, and of current research and developments in this area.
Transport and magnetic properties of magnetic planar nanobridge
Authors: A. V. Khvalkovskii, K. A. Zvezdin, A. K. Zvezdin
Venue: Microelectronic Engineering (2005)

We present the results of the study of transport and magnetic properties of magnetic planar nanobridges. A nanobridge (NB) is a single-layer ferromagnetic film structure composed of two wide platforms connected by a narrow channel. Investigation of the magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of the device shows that NB may be useful for spintronic applications. Except the NBs based on conventional ferromagnetics, semiconductor NB is of great interest as combining both spintronic effects and semiconductor technology; besides, quantum ballistic transport effects may appear in it. Magnetic structure of semiconductor NB is also studied.
Analysis and interface for instructional video
Authors: A. Haubold, J. R. Kender
Venue: Proceedings of the 2003 International Conference on Multimedia and Expo - Volume 1 (2003)

We present a new method for segmenting, and a new user interface for indexing and visualizing, the semantic content of extended instructional videos. Using various visual filters, key frames are first assigned a media type (board, class, computer, illustration, podium, and sheet). Key frames of media type board and sheet are then clustered based on contents via an algorithm with near-linear cost. A novel user interface, the result of two user studies, displays related topics using icons linked topologically, allowing users to quickly locate semantically related portions of the video. We analyze the accuracy of the segmentation tool on 17 instructional videos, each of which is from 75 to 150 minutes in duration (a total of 40 hours); it exceeds 96%.
Fault-Tolerance Verification of the Fluids and Combustion Facility of the International Space Station
Authors: Raquel S. Whittlesey-Harris, Mikhail Nesterenko
Venue: Proceedings of the 26th IEEE International ConferenceWorkshops on Distributed Computing Systems (2006)

This article describes our experience with faulttolerance verification of the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) of the International Space Station (ISS). The FCF will be a permanent installation for scientific microgravity experiments in the U.S. Laboratory Module aboard the ISS. The ability to withstand faults is vital for all ISS installations. Currently, the FCF safety specification requires one-component faulttolerance. In future versions, even greater robustness may be required. Faults encountered by ISS modules vary in nature and extent. Self-stabilization is an adequate approach to tolerance design of the FCF. However, for systems as complex as the FCF, analytical tolerance verification is not feasible. We use automated model-checking. We model the FCF in SPIN and specify stabilization predicates to which the FCF must conform. Our model of the FCF allows us to inject component faults as well as hazardous conditions. We use SPIN to automatically verify the convergence of the FCF model to legitimate states.
Extended Protection against Stack Smashing Attacks without Performance Loss
Authors: Yves Younan, Davide Pozza, Frank Piessens, Wouter Joosen
Venue: Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Computer Security Applications Conference (2006)

In this paper we present an efficient countermeasure against stack smashing attacks. Our countermeasure does not rely on secret values (such as canaries) and protects against attacks that are not addressed by state-of-the-art countermeasures. Our technique splits the standard stack into multiple stacks. The allocation of data types to one of the stacks is based on the chances that a specific data element is either a target of attacks and/or an attack vector. We have implemented our solution in a C-compiler for Linux. The evaluation shows that the overhead of using our counter-measure is negligible.
Associating Expertized Information to Alleviate Sparsity Problem in Personalization
Authors: Ming-Yu Lee, Chiung-Wei Huang, Hahn-Ming Lee
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on e-Business Engineering (2006)

Personalization is an important technique in E-Commerce. In this paper, we propose an approach to alleviate the sparsity and cold-start problems in the recommendation system for personalization. The expertized hierarchical classification information in Library Science is introduced and associated to enhance the similarity computation between books in our case. The enhanced similarities and preference ratings are used to estimate the missing values of preference rating table. Then by applying feature augmentation hybridization technique, the item-based collaborative filtering approach makes recommendations for users. To prove the performance, our evaluation is conducted offline on existing data set. From experimental results, the proposed recommendation system outperforms the classic item-based collaborative filtering approach in both recommendation quantities and qualities. Keywords: cold-start problem, collaborative filtering, recommendation systems, sparsity problem, personalization.
Simulating availability outlook for e-commerce business of personal computer sales
Authors: Young M. Lee
Venue: Proceedings of the 36th conference on Winter simulation (2004)

For newly designed or transformed business processes, accurately predicting business performances such as costs and customer services before actual deployment is very important. We have successfully developed and used a simulation model for the IBM's Personal Computer Division by modeling multiple, discrete events such as customer order arrival, replenishment planning and availability data refresh, and uncertainty of demand forecast, order size and customer preference of product feature. Using the model we were able to predict dynamics of availability, ship dates and accuracy of ship date, and identified other opportunities for improvement. We have also studied how different inventory policies, supply planning policies and sourcing policies affect business performance metrics such as inventory and customer services.
Saving Energy and Reducing Latency in MANET File Access
Authors: Gabriella Dodero, Vittoria Gianuzzi
Venue: Proceedings of the 26th IEEE International ConferenceWorkshops on Distributed Computing Systems (2006)

The paper illustrates the design of MobEYE, a cooperative cache system for file transfer overMANETs. Its implementation is based on the sniffing facilities provided by the BSD Packet Filter, to process in-transit messages at the application level. MobEYE has been simulated, deriving support for the claim of saving energy and reducing latency; further possible optimizations, based on the use of promiscuous transmission mode, are discussed as well.
The Hippocampal System Mediates Logical Reasoning about Familiar Spatial Environments
Authors: Vinod Goel, Milan Makale, Jordan Grafman
Venue: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (2004)

It has recently been shown that syllogistic reasoning engages two dissociable neural systems. Reasoning about familiar situations engages a frontal&ndash;temporal lobe system, whereas formally identical reasoning tasks involving unfamiliar situations recruit a frontal&ndash;parietal visuospatial network. These two systems may correspond to the ''heuristic'' and ''formal'' methods, respectively, postulated by cognitive theory. To determine if this dissociation generalizes to reasoning about transitive spatial relations, we studied 14 volunteers using event-related fMRI, as they reasoned about landmarks in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Our main finding is a task (reasoning and baseline) by spatial content (familiar and unfamiliar) interaction. Modulation of reasoning toward unfamiliar landmarks resulted in bilateral activation of superior and inferior parietal lobules (BA 7, 40), dorsal superior frontal cortex (BA 6), and right superior and middle frontal gyri (BA 8), regions widely implicated in visuospatial processing. By contrast, modulation of the reasoning task toward familiar landmarks, engaged the right inferior/orbital frontal gyrus (BA 11/47), bilateral occipital (BA 18, 19), and temporal lobes. The temporal lobe activation included the right inferior temporal gyrus (BA 37), posterior hippocampus, and parahippocampal gyrus, regions implicated in spatial memory and navigation tasks. These results provide support for the generalization of dual mechanism theory to transitive reasoning and highlight the importance of the hippocampal system in reasoning about familiar spatial environments.
Symbolic Negotiation in Linear Logic with Coalition Formation
Authors: Peep Kungas, Mihhail Matskin
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE/WIC/ACM international conference on Intelligent Agent Technology (2006)

In this paper we present a formalism for symbolic negotiation. We regard symbolic negotiation as cooperative problem solving (CPS), which is based on symbolic reasoning and is extended with negotiation-specific rules. The underlying CPS formalism based on linear logic was previously presented in [7]. Here we extend the formalism with symbolic negotiation and coalition formation rules. Moreover, we position symbolic negotiation regarding other distributed problem solving mechanisms. Although there exist currently several formalisms for symbolic negotiation, none of them seems to involve coalition formation.
Padé-Legendre Interpolants for Gibbs Reconstruction
Authors: J. S. Hesthaven, S. M. Kaber, L. Lurati
Venue: Journal of Scientific Computing (2006)

We discuss the use of Padé-Legendre interpolants as an approach for the postprocessing of data contaminated by Gibbs oscillations. A fast interpolation based reconstruction is proposed and its excellent performance illustrated on several problems. Almost non-oscillatory behavior is shown without knowledge of the position of discontinuities. Then we consider the performance for computational data obtained from nontrivial tests, revealing some sensitivity to noisy data. A domain decomposition approach is proposed as a partial resolution to this and illustrated with examples.
Has Computing Changed Physics Courses?
Authors: Norman Chonacky
Venue: Computing in Science and Engineering (2006)

As one who began using computers in physics instruction starting way back in 1970, I must confess that the excitement of that odd band of physics professors who were my fellow enthusiasts was somewhat misplaced. What then appeared to be wild dreams has become mundane practice, and the cutting edge of computer use, especially for numerical computations, has moved beyond the bounds that even our eager eyes had conceived as extreme.
An Autonomic Problem Determination and Remediation Agent for Ambiguous Situations Based on Singular Value Decomposition Technique
Authors: Hoi Chan, Thomas Kwok
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE/WIC/ACM international conference on Intelligent Agent Technology (2006)

The growing cost of managing computer systems leads to the development of autonomic systems. Problem determination and remediation (PDR) play an important role in an autonomic computer system, especially in ambiguous and unexpected error situations due to operating environment and requirement changes. A PDR agent system that can learn and adapt to changing environments, react to existing or new error situations and predict possible problems and take actions proactively is an integral part of an autonomic system. Traditional static problem determination and remediation system becomes insufficient. In this paper, we introduce a mathematical technique called "Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)" with a feedback system to enable a PDR agent to be responsive to ambiguous and undefined situations, predict possible problems and take actions proactively, and be able to adapt itself to the changing environment. This approach treats the situations-remediation actions relationship as a statistical problem. Using SVD technique, implicit higher order structure in situations and remediation actions association is modeled and extracted, coupled with a feedback system with human interactions, the agent is able to learn from new error situations and derive the corresponding remediation actions.
The Neural Substrate of Picture Naming
Authors: Susan Murtha, Howard Chertkow, Mario Beauregard, Alan Evans
Venue: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (1999)

A PET study of 10 normal males was carried out using the bolus H215O intravenous injection technique to examine the effects of picture naming and semantic judgment on blood flow. In a series of conditions, subjects (1) passively viewed flashing plus signs, (2) noted the occurrence of abstract patterns, (3) named animal pictures, or (4) carried out a semantic judgment on animal pictures. Anticipatory scans were carried out after the subjects were presented with the instructions but before they began the cognitive task, as they were passively viewing plus signs. Our results serve to clarify a number of current controversies regarding the neural substrate of picture naming. The results indicate that the fusiform gyrus is unlikely to be the region where low-level perceptual processing such as shape analysis is undertaken. In fact, our evidence suggests that activation of the fusiform gyrus is most likely related to visual perceptual semantic processing. In addition, the inferior/middle frontal lobe activity observed while performing the picture naming and semantic judgment tasks does not appear to be due to the effects of anticipation or preparation. Furthermore, there appears to be a set of regions (a semantic network) that becomes activated regardless of whether the subjects perform a picture naming or semantic judgment task. Finally, picture naming of animals did not activate either parietal regions or anterior inferior left temporal regions, regardless of what subtraction baseline was used.
How Not to Do Agile Testing
Authors: Michael Puleio
Venue: Proceedings of the conference on AGILE 2006 (2006)

When our team adopted Extreme Programming and Scrum, there were a number of challenges. Integrating an agile team in a "traditional" organization created friction and conflict within the team and with management. The team consisted of volunteers new to agile practices. We had difficulties with planning, estimation, task breakdown, managing requirements and working together in a collocated space. However, the biggest challenge the team encountered was not in any of these other areas, but in one that most of the team figured was simple: Testing. This paper describes how difficult it was to actually get the various testing practices in place and functioning properly. In particular, I discuss challenges we faced in coming to a common understanding of the practices, estimating testing effort, allocating the time required to do automated tests in a feature-driven culture, and getting a team of diverse individuals to understand how to apply principles that sound great but are challenging to implement.
A spectral heuristic for bisecting random graphs
Authors: Amin Coja-Oghlan
Venue: Random Structures Algorithms (2006)

The minimum bisection problem is to partition the vertices of a graph into two classes of equal size so as to minimize the number of crossing edges. Computing a minimum bisection is NP-hard in the worst case. In this paper we study a spectral heuristic for bisecting random graphs Gn(p,p&prime;) with a planted bisection obtained as follows: partition n vertices into two classes of equal size randomly, and then insert edges inside the two classes with probability p&prime; and edges crossing the partition with probability p independently. If $n(p'-p)\geq c_0\sqrt{np'\ln(np')}$, where c0 is a suitable constant, then with probability 1 - o(1) the heuristic finds a minimum bisection of Gn(p,p&prime;) along with a certificate of optimality. Furthermore, we show that the structure of the set of all minimum bisections of Gn(p,p&prime;) undergoes a phase transition as $n(p'-p)=\Theta(\sqrt{np'\ln n})$. The spectral heuristic solves instances in the subcritical, the critical, and the supercritical phases of the phase transition optimally with probability 1 - o(1). These results extend previous work of Boppana [Proc. 28th FOCS (1987) 280&ndash;285]. &copy; 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006An extended abstract version of this paper appeared in Proc. 16th SODA (2005), pp. 850&ndash;859.
Early Life Cycle Yield Learning for Nanometer Devices Using Volume Yield Diagnostics Analysis
Authors: Sanae Seike, Ken Namura, Yukio Ohya, Anis Uzzaman, Shinichi Arima, Dale Meehl, Vivek Chickermane, Azumi Kobayashi, Satoshi Tanaka, Hiroyuki Adachi
Venue: Proceedings of the 15th Asian Test Symposium (2006)

As the industry fabricates devices with more on-chip circuitry using complex, advanced process technologies, the challenge to achieve satisfactory yield becomes more daunting [1]. Leading-edge nanometer designs can be sensitive to inherent irregularity in sub-wavelength photolithography and variability in parametric characteristics often found in nanometer manufacturing environments. These factors often result in devices being fabricated with intermittent electrical performance problems. These types of systemic interactions (process design) are the major factor in manufacturing yield loss in nanometer technology nodes. Failure diagnostics is being asked to identify these systemic defects, preferably during early product development, and provide enough information so that each defect is understood and can be addressed. This paper presents a case study, which empirically examines the challenges of achieving high yield during the early stage of wafer production with an examination of yield loss mechanisms. A proven methodology and model (Volume Yield Diagnostics) for an economic justification enabling the timely identification of yield loss is discussed along with quick process methodology and analysis results based on real manufacturing data.
Fostering generative reasoning about complex phenomena in genetics
Authors: Ravit Golan Duncan
Venue: Proceedings of the 7th international conference on Learning sciences (2006)

The notion of systems is an important idea in science and science education. Genetic phenomena, in particular the mechanisms that link genes to their observable effects, are examples of complicated multileveled systems that students find difficult to understand. Developing generative understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic phenomena is a critical aspect of scientific literacy in this domain. Here, I describe the design and evaluation of a high school genetics unit aimed at fostering such understandings.
A stochastic language for modelling opponent agents
Authors: Gerardo Simari, Amy Sliva, Dana Nau, V. S. Subrahmanian
Venue: Proceedings of the fifth international joint conference on Autonomous agents and multiagent systems (2006)

There are numerous cases where a reasoning agent needs to reason about the behavior of an opponent agent. In this paper, we propose a hybrid probabilistic logic language within which we can express what actions an opponent may take in a given situation. We present the syntaxis and semantics of the language, and the concept of a Maximally Probable Course of Action.
Testing Driver Skill for High-Speed Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Chris Urmson, William "Red" Whittaker, Sam Harbaugh, Michael Clark, Phillip Koon
Venue: Computer (2006)

Carnegie Mellon University's Red Team developed innovative tests that were effective tools for measuring the driving skill of autonomous ground vehicles competing in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge.
Defeasible Reasoning with e-Contracts
Authors: Georgios K. Giannikis, Aspassia Daskalopulu
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE/WIC/ACM international conference on Intelligent Agent Technology (2006)

We propose a mapping from a contract representation in Event Calculus to Default Logic. The resulting representation allows for defeasible reasoning with e-contracts, which is useful in order to determine the normative state of a business exchange in the presence of incomplete or inaccurate knowledge. More importantly, we may use this representation in Default Logic coupled with priorities, in order to manage normative conflicts dynamically.
Contextualisation of Management Overlays in Ambient Networks
Authors: Kerry Jean, Lawrence Cheng, Roel Ocampo, Alex Galis
Venue: Proceedings of the International Multi-Conference on Computing in the Global Information Technology (2006)

Next generation services requiring adaptability to network and environment changes can be created with the use of flexible, self and service adaptable management overlays. This paper presents such a management overlay, the Ambient Virtual Pipe (AVP) in Ambient Networks. Contextualisation of an AVP enables it to achieve service adaptation in response to changes in context information. Contextualisation is achieved through interactions with ContextWare, an infrastructure which collects, manages and disseminates context.. The contextualisation of the AVP and the architecture and components of ContextWare, are presented along with a proof of concept prototype.
New advances and applications for marrying simulation and optimization
Authors: Jay April, Marco Better, Fred Glover, James Kelly
Venue: Proceedings of the 36th conference on Winter simulation (2004)

This tutorial will focus on several new real-world applications that have been developed using an integrated set of methods, including Tabu Search, Scatter Search, Mixed Integer Programming, and Neural Networks, combined with simulation. Applications include project portfolio optimization and supply chain management.