ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Vision-based control of multi-agent systems
Authors: Rafael Fierro
Venue:  (2007)

Scope and methodology of study. Creating systems with multiple autonomous vehicles places severe demands on the design of decision-making supervisors, cooperative control schemes, and communication strategies. In last years, several approaches have been developed in the literature. Most of them solve the vehicle coordination problem assuming some kind of communications between team members. However, communications make the group sensitive to failure and restrict the applicability of the controllers to teams of friendly robots. This dissertation deals with the problem of designing decentralized controllers that use just local sensor information to achieve some group goals. Findings and conclusions. This dissertation presents a decentralized architecture for vision-based stabilization of unmanned vehicles moving in formation. The architecture consists of two main components: (i) a vision system, and (ii) vision-based control algorithms . The vision system is capable of recognizing and localizing robots. It is a model-based scheme composed of three main components: image acquisition and processing, robot identification, and pose estimation. Using vision information, we address the problem of stabilizing a groups of mobile robots in leader- or two leader-follower formations. The strategies use relative pose between a robot and its designated leader or leaders to achieve formation objectives. Several leader-follower formation control algorithms, which ensure asymptotic coordinated motion, are described and compared. Lyapunov's stability theory-based analysis and numerical simulations in a realistic tridimensional environment show the stability properties of the control approaches.
A Case for Software Engineering
Authors: Thomas B. Hilburn, Massood Towhidnejad
Venue: Proceedings of the 20th Conference on Software Engineering Education & Training (2007)

The paper argues for the use of the "case study" approach to educating and training software engineers. After discussing problems in software engineering education and introducing the fundamentals of case study teaching, the paper describes a project to develop a comprehensive and complete case study, called the DigitalHome (DH) system, which involves the development of "smart house" technology by a national retail chain serving the needs of home owners. Thus far the following has been developed: marketing documents, project launch material, a project plan, an SRS, and a set of scene-setting and problemsolving scenarios. The case study will eventually consist of a complete set of life-cycle artifacts, a realistic description of the people and events that are part of the DH development, and a set of exercises that are designed to involve students in the solutions of software engineering problems associated with the DH development.
The packet vault: secure storage of network data
Authors: C. J. Antonelli, M. Undy, P. Honeyman
Venue: Proceedings of the 1st conference on Workshop on Intrusion Detection and Network Monitoring - Volume 1 (1999)

This paper describes the packet vault, a cryptographically secured archiver of network packet data. The vault captures network packets, encrypts them, and writes them to long-term CD-ROM storage for later analysis and for evidentiary purposes. The cryptographic organization of the vault permits selected traffic to be made available without exposing other traffic.
Enhanced MAC Protocol for Voice Communication in IEEE 802.11 WLAN
Authors: Yang Lu, Shengqing Zhu, Xiaokang Lin
Venue: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Digital Telecommunications (2007)

Nowadays Wireless LAN (WLAN) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) become more and more pervasive. The combination of these two technologies, i.e. VoIP over WLAN attracted more and more attentions. However, voice capacity in current WLAN is quite low. This paper proposes an enhancement for legacy 802.11 MAC protocol which mitigates access point (AP) bottleneck effect and improves the VoIP transmission capacity. Simulations in various scenarios well verify the improvement achieved with increased voice capacity and decreased access delay.
Blind equalization and channel estimation for multiple-input multiple-output communications systems
Authors: J. K. Tugnait
Venue: Proceedings of the Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 1996. on Conference Proceedings., 1996 IEEE International Conference - Volume 05 (1996)

Equalization and estimation of the matrix impulse response function of MIMO digital communications channels in the absence of any training sequences is considered. An iterative, Godard (1980) cost based approach is considered for spatio-temporal equalization and MIMO impulse response estimation. Stationary points of the cost function are investigated and it is shown that all stable local minima correspond to desirable minima when doubly infinite equalizers are used. The inputs are extracted and cancelled one-by-one. The matrix impulse response is then obtained by cross-correlating the extracted inputs with the observed outputs. Identifiability conditions are analyzed. Computer simulation examples are presented to illustrate the proposed approach.
Handheld computing and the effects of the one-to-one ratio on learning: parental perceptions and student attitudes
Authors: Vivian H. Wright
Venue:  (2006)

One-to-one computing is quickly becoming the coveted model for integrating technology into teaching and learning; however, the issue of funding these types of initiatives is ever-present. Handheld computers offer a less expensive way to put a computer in the hands of every child. The effects of handheld computing on learning using a one computer to one student model were researched. Parental perceptions and student attitudes of technology use, as a result of this study, were also investigated. A mixed methodology case study yielded interesting results about the effect of using handheld computers in a fifth grade spelling classroom. Although the statistical analysis did not yield a significant difference in student learning, the qualitative data told a different story. Students had different types of learning gains because of handheld computer use, not specifically related to score increases. In addition, a parental survey of feelings about their children's use of handheld computers indicated a discrepancy in the opinions of the students about handheld technology and parental perceptions of those feelings. Parents seemed to be largely unaware of the impact of teaching and learning with handheld computers and their children's views about the devices, in general.The findings of this study are similar to previous research on student attitudes toward one-to-one and handheld computing, but offer a different look at handheld computers as a learning tool. Previous research has pointed out some drawbacks of using handheld computers that were not found in this study. Furthermore, the effect of technical problems as a deterrent for the use of handheld technology is explored in greater detail.Further study is needed to determine the long-term effects of handheld computers on student achievement. It is reasonable to believe that the short-term gains that were found in this study could continue with the extension of such a program. Additionally, further research is also warranted in the area of parental perceptions regarding handheld computers and teacher attitudes about integrating the devices in their classrooms.
On cognitive properties of human factors in engineering
Authors: Yingxu Wang
Venue: Proceedings of the Fourth IEEE International Conference on Cognitive Informatics (2005)

Human traits and needs are the fundamental force underlying almost all phenomena in human task performances, engineering organizations, and societies. This paper explores the cognitive foundations of human traits and cognitive properties of human factors in engineering. The fundamental traits of human beings are identified, and the hierarchical model of basic human needs is formally describes. The characteristics of human factors and their influences in engineering organizations and socialization are explored. Based on the models of basic human traits, needs, and their influences, driving forces behind the human factors in engineering and society are revealed. A formal model of human errors in task performing is derived, and case studies of the error model in software engineering are presented.
An efficient voice retrieval system for very-large-vocabulary Chinese textual databases with a clustered language model
Authors: Sung-Chien Lin, Lee-Feng Chien, Keh-Jiann Chen, Lin-Shan Lee
Venue: Proceedings of the Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 1996. on Conference Proceedings., 1996 IEEE International Conference - Volume 01 (1996)

This paper presents an accurate and efficient voice retrieval system for very-large-vocabulary Chinese textual databases with a specially-designed clustered language model. To reduce the problems resulted from the complexity of unconstrained speech-input queries for retrieval, the system is completely syllable-based in both speech recognition and database retrieval by properly utilizing the mono-syllabic structure of Chinese language. In addition, it partitions the records in the database into clusters and trains the clustered language model using the clustering results. The proposed clustered language model with its augmented search algorithm are very useful to improve accuracy and speed of the speech retrieval system. In the preliminary tests using an experimental database with about 30,000 bibliographical records, it was found that the present system can accept unconstrained speech-input queries and achieve very good performance.
A holistic approach to secure sensor networks
Authors: Anupam Joshi
Venue:  (2005)

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) form a unique class of ad hoc networks consisting of heterogeneous but highly resource-constrained devices that can sense their environment and report sensed data to designated nodes in the network. We present a holistic approach to improve the performance of wireless sensor networks with respect to security, longevity and connectivity under changing environmental conditions. Our approach is two-fold: We have created a framework for adaptability that detects, classifies and responds to environmental variations affecting WSN performance. We have also designed security mechanisms in our framework, to demonstrate WSN adaptations. Our security mechanisms can be used as basic building blocks in WSN designs. The adaptability framework is generic and ensures that WSNs can respond to variety of changes in environmental conditions, such as variations related to security and network, topology, affecting their performance. We have designed a two-tier adaptability component, SWANS, using a principled, ontological approach to ensure both local and global responses to environmental variations. Local responses are generated by individual sensor nodes. At node level, SWANS monitors a set of twenty-one low-level parameters (including those associated with secure WSN establishment) and employs a local knowledge base to compute the node's logical state. It employs a set of rules determine the most appropriate response corresponding to a logical state. At network level SWANS combines sensor node state information with user-defined constraints and sensor data. It employs a network-level knowledge base to compute the network's logical state and generate a global response to the observed environmental variation. Experimental evaluations show that WSNs employing SWANS are more secure, live longer and have better connectivity than their non-adaptive counterparts. We also designed a set of three security protocol suites, SONETS, that secures a WSN against different classes of adversaries. P-SONETS is a centralized protocol suite that secures WSNs deployed to establish a perimeter around high value assets against adversaries who seek to breach the perimeter and attack the asset. C-SONETS is a scalable centralized protocol suite containing a novel topology discovery and key setup protocol to thwart adversaries with global presence in the area of interest capable of attacking the WSN before, during and after its formation. D-SONETS is a distributed protocol suite that ensures rapid establishment of a secure WSN for non-critical applications in which adversary presence is local. Experimental evaluations of P-SONETS, C-SONETS and D-SONETS show their feasibility to the associated application class and their ability to thwart adversaries corresponding to each class.
Radio Frequency Identification Applications in Smart Hospitals
Authors: Huzaifa Al Nahas, Jitender S. Deogun
Venue: Proceedings of the Twentieth IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems (2007)

Recent advances in Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology are leading to promising means for significant enhancement of safety, quality and value of health care. In this paper, we give an overview of the state-of-art research in applications of RFID in hospitals. We outline the challenges in designing RFID based systems for hospitals, and point out open problems and future research directions.
Improving student information system design through evaluation and selection of an appropriate CASE tool
Authors: D. Scudder, J. A. Crow
Venue: Proceedings of the Frontiers in Education Conference on 1995. Proceedings., 1995 vol 1. - Volume 01 (1995)

Most undergraduate information Systems courses use some sort of Computer-Aided Systems and Software Engineering (CASE) tool to help the System Designers (cadets) graphically depict the proposed System under construction. Currently, at the United States Military Academy, we are in the process of identifying, evaluating and selecting an appropriate CASE tool for use by our Computer Science Engineering Sequence cadets. The cadets who will use the CASE tool are seniors completing a capstone design project with a local client. They have become system designers who must build an Information System to meet the needs of their client. The cadets only have 2 semesters to learn how to use a CASE tool and apply it to their system design using the six phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The current CASE tool available to them is very robust and non user-friendly. As a result, little value is currently gained from the use of this CASE tool. That is why it is vital that a new user friendly CASE tool is acquired. We have developed a ten step method that will evaluate and select the most user friendly and cost efficient CASE tool for the cadets, which will ultimately improve present and future information System Designs. This method can take up to ten months from developing a initial scoring criterion to the final selection and procurement of a meaningful CASE tool.
Distributed calculations and simulation of radar image-based navigation
Authors: A. V. Kostousov, V. B. Kostousov
Venue: Automation and Remote Control (2007)

Consideration was given to the simulation of navigation of a moving object by the terrain radar images. An algorithm to model the radar images was described, the problem of the radar image-based navigation was formulated, and the structure and implementation of the simulation software complex based on the distributed calculations in a network of Windows computers was discussed in detail.
Importance-driven texture encoding based on samples
Authors: Ying Tang, Hongxin Zhang, Qing Wang, Hujun Bao
Venue: Proceedings of the Computer Graphics International 2005 (2005)

In this paper, we present an importance-driven texture encoding algorithm based on samples. Our algorithm determines a set of samples from source texture based on combined criteria which include compression ratio, visual attention and parameterization distortion. The sample set is used to encode the majority parts of the texture. The remaining regions are then encoded by traditional compression algorithm such as vector quantization. Our method can preserve details of important areas and be extended to dynamic textures. The decoding procedure is performed entirely in programmable graphics hardware, yielding real-time frame rates. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and performance of our algorithm.
Optimizing Certification-Based Database Recovery
Authors: J. Pla-Civera, M. I. Ruiz-Fuertes, L. H. Garcia-Munoz, F. D. Munoz-Escoi
Venue: Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Parallel and Distributed Computing (2007)

Certification-based database replication protocols are a good basis to develop replica recovery when they provide the snapshot isolation level. For such isolation level, no readset needs to be transferred between replicas nor checked in the certification phase. Additionally, these protocols need to maintain a historic list of writesets that is used for certifying the transactions that arrive to the commit phase. Such historic list can be used to transfer the missed state of a recovering replica. We study the performance of the basic recovery approach --to transfer all missed writesets-- and a version-based optimization --to transfer the latest version of each missed item, compacting thus the writeset list--, and the results show that such optimization reduces a lot the recovery time.
Characteristics and traits of an effective professor
Authors: R. Martinazzi
Venue: Proceedings of the 30th Annual Frontiers in Education - Volume 02 (2000)

Over the years, the role of the classroom professor has been defined using various descriptors. Some regard the professor as coach, trainer, mentor, facilitator, or presenter, along with a multitude of other titles all designed to indicate a master purveyor of knowledge. Regardless of the name chosen for the professor, certain fundamental characteristics and traits form the foundation of a truly effective professor, a professor that touches not only the intellect but the very heart and soul of the students. All faculty members, especially those with limited teaching experience, can gain valuable insights into improving their teaching effectiveness by simply emulating the styles of outstanding professors, master teachers. The question becomes one of identifying the defining features of these outstanding professors. The paper discusses the characteristics of an effective professor.
System Capacity of Filtered Multitone Modulation
Authors: Bingfeng Zhang, Weihong Zhu, Zhenming Gao
Venue: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Networking (2007)

In this paper, the capacity of the filtered multitone modulation system is analyzed. It is shown that characteristics of the prototype filter are the main factors which influence the system capacity. Design strategies of the prototype filter are presented. Simulation results show that the achievable bit rate of the system could get 10Mbps without channel coding over 802.11a wireless channel.
Sound and music at the University of Hartford
Authors: D. A. Hadad
Venue: Proceedings of the 28th Annual Frontiers in Education - Volume 03 (1998)

The University of Hartford, with separate colleges of engineering and technology, and an internationally known conservatory, the Hartt School of Music, determined that it enjoyed what appeared to be a unique situation in the United States. Accordingly the University has evolved three different curricula one based in each of the three schools, which take advantage of the physical, intellectual and human resources present therein, and each of which addresses a different niche in the job market. Acoustics and Music based in the College of Engineering, focuses upon the designing of sound systems, and leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Audio Engineering Technology, based in the Ward College of Technology stresses the installation, testing, repair and operation of sound systems, and leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science. Music Production and Technology, based in the Hartt School, is for the performer who needs to be able to deal with the technology beyond the realm of a black box, and leads to the degree of Bachelor of Music. All three programs have distinct admission requirements, yet retain the possibility of internal transfer should a student discover following matriculation that his/her talents and/or interests lie in one of the other programs. The curricula of the three-programs are presented along with the underlying educational philosophies of the programs and their evolution. 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
Broadband and e-Government Diffusion
Authors: Enrico Ferro, Daniele De Leonardis, Lucy Dadayan
Venue: Proceedings of the 40th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (2007)

This article focuses on the relationship between e- Government services and broadband connections. The importance of broadband availability for a sound economic development has been advocated by both the academic and political world; however little evidence has been provided as to its impact on e-Government. The paper consists of two main parts. The first part provides a brief literature review of broadband diffusion and impact. The second part provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of broadband on e-Government demand and supply in Italian region called Piedmont. The third and final part analyses the broadband diffusion process occurred in the last five years in Piedmont.
A Novel Face Hashing Method with Feature Fusion for Biometric Cryptosystems
Authors: Zhao Zeng, Paul A. Watters
Venue: Proceedings of the Fourth European Conference on Universal Multiservice Networks (2007)

We present a novel approach to generate cryptographic keys from biometric face data so that their privacy and biometric template can be protected by using Helper Data Schema (HDS). Our method includes three components: feature extraction, feature discretization and key generation. During feature extraction stage, the global features (PCA-transformed) and local features (Gabor wavelettransformed) of face images are used to produce newly fused feature sets as input feature vectors of generalized PCA in the unitary space so as to achieve superior performance. Then, in the feature discretization stage, a discretization process is introduced to generate a stable binary string from the fused feature vectors. Finally, the stable binary string is protected by Helper Data Schema (HDS) and used as the input parameter of cryptographic key generating algorithms to produce the renewable biometric crypto key.
Measurements for Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks in Motorway Environments
Authors: R. A. Santos, L. Villasenor, J. R. Gallardo, A. Edwards
Venue: Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems Workshops (2007)

This paper presents the measurements and analytical results made over important characteristics of wireless signals propagation for vehicular ad-hoc networks in motorway environments, including Doppler Effect, free space signal propagation, and system operating margin. In this work, we employ IEEE 802.11b wireless cards for inter-vehicular communication to analyze large and small-scale propagation models. Our results show that the Doppler Effect does not affect transmission between communication partners at high speeds in small-scale models. Finally, we realize an experiment to validate the former results in the worst case scenario, when the transmitter and receiver are travelling in opposing directions on a straightaway. Results show that at least 8 packets can be relayed when the transmitter and receiver antennas are mounted on automobile dashboards.