ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
pyMDO: An Object-Oriented Framework for Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Authors: Joaquim R. R. A. Martins, Christopher Marriage, Nathan Tedford
Venue: ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software (TOMS) (2009)

We present pyMDO, an object-oriented framework that facilitates the usage and development of algorithms for multidisciplinary optimization (MDO). The resulting implementation of the MDO methods is efficient and portable. The main advantage of the proposed framework is that it is flexible, with a strong emphasis on object-oriented classes and operator overloading, and it is therefore useful for the rapid development and evaluation of new MDO methods. The top layer interface is programmed in Python and it allows for the layers below the interface to be programmed in C, C++, Fortran, and other languages. We describe an implementation of pyMDO and demonstrate that we can take advantage of object-oriented programming to obtain intuitive, easy-to-read, and easy-to-develop codes that are at the same time efficient. This allows developers to focus on the new algorithms they are developing and testing, rather than on implementation details. Examples demonstrate the user interface and the corresponding results show that the various MDO methods yield the correct solutions.
Auxiliary model based multi-innovation extended stochastic gradient parameter estimation with colored measurement noises
Authors: Feng Ding, Peter X. Liu, Guangjun Liu
Venue: Signal Processing (2009)

For pseudo-linear regression identification models corresponding output error systems with colored measurement noises, a difficulty of identification is that there exist unknown inner variables and unmeasurable noise terms in the information vector. This paper presents an auxiliary model based multi-innovation extended stochastic gradient algorithm by using the auxiliary model method and by expanding the scalar innovation to an innovation vector. Compared with single innovation extended stochastic gradient algorithm, the proposed approach can generate highly accurate parameter estimates. The simulation results confirm this conclusion.
Implementing e-government in Sri Lanka: Lessons from the UK
Authors: Vishanth Weerakkody, Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Asoka Kurunananda
Venue: Information Technology for Development (2009)

With the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), e-government has emerged as an effective means of delivering government services to citizens. In the recent past, e-government has become popular in many economically developing countries, yet there are numerous attempts to reinvent the wheel. This article argues that e-government initiatives in developing countries can be effectively implemented if experiences acquired by developed countries are shared proficiently. In this context, research was carried out to identify and compare issues pertaining to implementing e-government initiatives in a developed country (UK) and an economically developing country (Sri Lanka). This research identified a number of challenges common to the UK and Sri Lanka that can be classified into the broad themes of political, organizational, and technical contexts. Conversely, a number of e-government adoption challenges such as lack of ICT literacy, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and inability to access e-government services using local languages were also identified that were more specific for the Sri Lankan context. To address these e-government adoption challenges, ICT training coupled with multilingual e-services was recognized as the key enabler in a developing country context. &copy; 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syed Nasirin and Anastasia Papazafeiropoulou are the accepting Guest Editors for this article.
Scalable and effective clustering, scheduling and monitoring of self-organizing grids
Authors: Nael Abu-Ghazaleh
Venue:  (2008)

Self-Organizing Grid is a large-scale dynamic Grid, with low participating hurdle and human administrative costs. In the SOG model, participating resources self organize to provide effective support for applications that are submitted against them. Compared to traditional Grids, SOGs are more scalable and manageable, and easier to exploit idle resources available through the Internet. Our research tries to solve several challenges of SOGs, they are: (1) How to dynamically extract a set of resources to match the request according to different criteria. (2) How to efficiently monitor resources and schedule jobs in a distributed Grid environment. (3) Autonomous resource authorization with common rules and special rules. We propose a scalable solution that adopts a delay sensitive overlay structure, MDTree, to organize nodes based on their proximity to one another, with only a small number of delay experiments. This overlay provides a variable-size set of promising candidate nodes that can then be used as a cluster, or tested further to improve the selection. We design a structure for efficient resource discovery and monitoring. Resource information is stored distributedly on nodes and aggregated hierarchically. Queries are forwarded in a way that excluding nodes that do not satisfy criteria. Based on the MDTree overlay and resource aggregation, we propose a Group-Scheduling framework for SOG to allow scalable and effective scheduling of parallel jobs, each of which requires multiple resources, to available resources that can support each job most efficiently. We also propose a distributed authorization architecture for SOG environment. The major contributions of this research are: (1) Variable size automatic node clustering based on link delay. (2) Distributed hierarchical resource management with efficient updating and range query capability. (3) Efficient group-scheduling for parallel applications with inter-dependent tasks with communication costs taken into consideration. Less important contributions include: (1) Distributed resource authorization for SOGs. (2) A new simulation framework capable of accurate modeling and efficient simulation for P2P and SOG environment.
Overcoming Hard-To-Reach Toolboxes with On-Demand Menu Options for Cascading Electronic Whiteboards in Classrooms
Authors: Khaireel A. Mohamed, Thomas Ottmann
Venue: Proceeding of the 2005 conference on Towards Sustainable and Scalable Educational Innovations Informed by the Learning Sciences: Sharing Good Practices of Research, Experimentation and Innovation (2005)

Interactivity designs that can understand where the user is working, where the user's focus of attention is, and what is going on within a focused environment are considered context-sensitive. Our combined methods of context-aware and ink-gesture recognition technique for large, high-resolution electronic whiteboards, tucks away hard-to-reach toolboxes ubiquitously in the background. These tools appear only (and whenever) they are in-demand, at the stroke of a recognised ink-gesture, and are an added advantage when these wall-mounted boards are cascaded in series next to each other. Consequently, the dynamism of the popup menus' behaviour shifts the attention of the users back towards content delivery (at full screens) in front of a live audience.
Semidiscretization methods in certain controllability measures of a parabolic PDE system
Authors: Jerzy Stefan Respondek
Venue: Proceedings of the 13th WSEAS international conference on Applied mathematics (2008)

The objective of the article is the numerical analysis of a certain controllability measure by the semidiscretization method. A parabolic type distributed papameters system with boundary control is considered. As a result we gave the formula for the controllability measure as well as simulated results for some particular system parameters values.
The signless Laplacian spectral radius of graphs with given degree sequences
Authors: Xiao-Dong Zhang
Venue: Discrete Applied Mathematics (2009)

In this paper, we investigate the properties of the largest signless Laplacian spectral radius in the set of all simple connected graphs with a given degree sequence. These results are used to characterize the unicyclic graphs that have the largest signless Laplacian spectral radius for a given unicyclic graphic degree sequence. Moreover, all extremal unicyclic graphs having the largest signless Laplacian spectral radius are obtained in the sets of all unicyclic graphs of order n with a specified number of leaves or maximum degree or independence number or matching number.
Kernel-based relation extraction from investigative data
Authors: Cristina Giannone, Roberto Basili, Chiara Del Vescovo, Paolo Naggar, Alessandro Moschitti
Venue: Proceedings of The Third Workshop on Analytics for Noisy Unstructured Text Data (2009)

In a specific process of business intelligence, i.e. investigation on organized crime, empirical language processing technologies can play a crucial role. In the data used on investigative activities, such as police interrogatory or electronic eavesdropping and wiretap, it is customary to find out expressions in non conventional languages as dialects, slangs or coded words. The recognition and storage of complex relations among subjects mentioned in these sources is a very difficult and time consuming task, ultimately based on pools of experts. We discuss here an inductive relation extraction platform that opens the way to much cheaper and consistent workflows. SVMs here are employed to produce a set of possible interpretations for domain relevant concepts. An ontology population process is here realized, where further reasoning can be applied to proof the overall consistency of the extracted information. The empirical investigation presented here shows that accurate results, comparable to the expert teams, can be achieved, and parametrization allows to fine tune the system behavior for fitting the specific domain requirements.
Windows Vista For Dummies, Special DVD Bundle: For Dummies Computers
Authors: Andy Rathbone
Venue:  (2007)

Included in this unique Dummies DVD bundle: A specially created FREE video DVD, a $9.98 value, that walks you through the screens and tasks youll confront in Vista. With clear narration and step-by-step instructions linked to actions on the screen, you will find its like having a computer expert right beside you, making everything clearer and a lot less intimidating. The accompanying book is the popular Windows Vista For Dummies bestseller, priced at $21.99, which has sold more than 13 million copies in all editions. Vistas interface and tools represent some significant changes from previous versions, and even longtime Windows users will need help finding their way. This convenient package is a guided tour that both computer newbies and those who are accustomed to earlier versions of Windows will appreciate. Covers the new task-based Windows interface, upgraded security tools, new DVD authoring capabilities, and the revamped file system The video DVD, bestselling book, and bargain price make this the perfect package for a new generation of Windows users and upgraders 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
Composed Segmentation of Tubular Structures by an Anisotropic PDE Model
Authors: Elena Franchini, Serena Morigi, Fiorella Sgallari
Venue: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Scale Space and Variational Methods in Computer Vision (2009)

In this work we introduce the composed segmentation (C-segmentation), that is a priori composition of sources to obtain a single one segmentation result according to specific logic combinations. The approach and the segmentation model are general but we apply the C-segmentation technique to the challenging problem of segmenting tubular-like structures. The reconstruction is obtained by continuously deforming an initial distance function following the Partial Differential Equation (PDE)-based diffusion model derived from a minimal volume-like variational formulation. The gradient flow for this functional leads to a nonlinear curvature motion model. An anisotropic variant is provided which includes a diffusion tensor aimed to follow the tube geometry. Numerical examples demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to produce high quality 2D/3D segmentations of complex and eventually incomplete synthetic and real data.
Evolution of robust data distribution among digital organisms
Authors: David B. Knoester, Andres J. Ramirez, Philip K. McKinley, Betty H.C. Cheng
Venue: Proceedings of the 11th Annual conference on Genetic and evolutionary computation (2009)

This paper describes a study of the evolution of robust communication, specifically the distribution of data among individuals in a population, using digital evolution. In digital evolution, a population of self-replicating computer programs exists in a user-defined computational environment and is subject to instruction-level mutations and natural selection. To encourage the evolution of this cooperative behavior, we make use of "digital germlines," a form of group-level selection similar to multicellularity in biology. The results of experiments using the Avida platform for digital evolution demonstrate that populations of digital organisms are capable of evolving to distribute data in a network, and that through the application of different selective pressures, these digital organisms can overcome communication obstacles such as message loss, limited bandwidth, and node failure.
Linear delay enumeration and monadic second-order logic
Authors: Bruno Courcelle
Venue: Discrete Applied Mathematics (2009)

The results of a query expressed by a monadic second-order formula on a tree, on a graph or on a relational structure of tree-width at most k, can be enumerated with a delay between two outputs proportional to the size of the next output. This is possible by using a preprocessing that takes time O(n@?log(n)), where n is the number of vertices or elements. One can also output directly the i-th element with respect to a fixed ordering, however, in more than linear time in its size. These results extend to graphs of bounded clique-width. We also consider the enumeration of finite parts of recognizable sets of terms specified by parameters such as size, height or Strahler number.
SurroundSense: mobile phone localization using ambient sound and light
Authors: Martin Azizyan, Romit Roy Choudhury
Venue: ACM SIGMOBILE Mobile Computing and Communications Review (2009)

Proliferating mobile phones provide a foundation for revolutionary innovations in peoplecentric computing. Numerous applications are on the rise, many of which exploit the phone's location as the primary indicator of context. We argue that existing physical localization schemes based on GPS/WiFi/GSM have limitations which make them impractical for use in such applications. Instead, in this poster we describe a means of localization where phones sense their surroundings, and use this ambient information to classify their location. Put differently, we postulate that different surroundings have photo-acoustic fingerprints, that can be sensed and used for localization. We demonstrate the feasibility using Tmote Invent motes that have light and sound sensors. Our ongoing work is extending SurroundSense to the mobile phone platform, and exploiting additional sensors (such as accelerometers and compasses) towards even better localization.
Computer-based instruction and remedial mathematics: a study of student retention at a florida community college
Authors: Jan M. Ignash
Venue:  (2008)

Computer-based instruction including distance learning is fast becoming an integral part of higher education. Much of the current research has found that computer-based instruction is as effective as lecture-based instruction. Despite the wealth of studies that purport that students enrolled in computer-based instruction perform equally well as compared to their lecture-based counterparts, there is a high dropout rate associated with computer-based instruction including distance learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in students&rsquo; withdrawal and completion rates in classes delivered via different instructional formats (distance learning, hybrid, or traditional) to determine if student learning style and/or student reasons for choosing an instructional format have an effect on the dropout rate in a remedial mathematics course. This non-experimental quantitative study employed logistic regression to estimate the probability of withdrawal from a Basic Algebra (MAT 0024) course based on student learning style, student reasons for selecting the instructional format, and CPT scores. Learning styles and their relationship to completion status within the three instructional delivery formats were examined. It was determined that those students who were enrolled in a hybrid or distance learning course had greater odds of withdrawing as compared to students enrolled in a lecture-based course. It was also determined that learning style did not impact the completion or withdrawal of students regardless of the delivery format. Student reasons for enrolling in a particular delivery method and the relationship to completion or withdrawal within the three instructional delivery formats was also examined. It was determined that those students who enrolled in the course based upon personal factors had greater odds of completing the course without distinction to a particular instructional delivery method. Those students who enrolled in the course because of their perceived learning needs had greater odds of withdrawing from the course without distinction to a particular instructional delivery method. CPT scores and their relationship to completion or withdrawal within the three learning styles were examined. Based on the data, there is no relationship between students&rsquo; CPT scores and their withdrawal or completion in a particular delivery format.
Engaging students in specification and reasoning: "hands-on" experimentation and evaluation
Authors: Murali Sitaraman, Jason O. Hallstrom, Jarred White, Svetlana Drachova-Strang, Heather K. Harton, Dana Leonard, Joan Krone, Rich Pak
Venue: Proceedings of the 14th annual ACM SIGCSE conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education (2009)

We introduce a "hands-on" experimentation approach for teaching mathematical specification and reasoning principles in a software engineering course. The approach is made possible by computer-aided analysis and reasoning tools that help achieve three central software engineering learning outcomes: (i) Learning to read specifications by creating test points using only specifications; (ii) Learning to use formal specifications in team software development while developing participating components independently; and (iii) Learning the connections between software and mathematical analysis by proving verification conditions that establish correctness for software components. Experimentation and evaluation results from two institutions show that our approach has had a positive impact.
Perceptually augmented simulator design through decomposition
Authors: Timothy Edmunds, Dinesh K. Pai
Venue: Proceedings of the World Haptics 2009 - Third Joint EuroHaptics conference and Symposium on Haptic Interfaces for Virtual Environment and Teleoperator Systems (2009)

We approach the problem of determining a general method for augmenting haptic simulators to amplify the perceptually salient aspects of the interaction that induce effective skill transfer. Using such a method, we seek to simplify the design of haptic simulators that can improve training effectiveness without requiring expensive improvements in the capability of the rendering hardware. We present a decomposition approach to the automated design of perceptually augmented simulations, and we describe a user-study of the training effectiveness of a search-task simulator designed using our approach vs. an un-augmented simulator. The results indicate that our decomposition approach allows existing psychophysical findings to be leveraged in the design of haptic simulators that effectively impart skill by targeting perceptually significant aspects of the interaction.
Serial Port Complete: COM Ports, USB Virtual COM Ports, and Ports for Embedded Systems, 2nd edition
Authors: Jan Axelson
Venue: Complete Guides Series (2007)

PC COM ports, USB virtual COM ports, and ports in embedded systems are all addressed in this updated guide to programming, interfacing, and using serial ports. Topics include using .NETs SerialPort class for COM-port communications on PCs; upgrading existing RS-232 designs to USB or wireless networks; and creating serial networks of embedded systems and PCs. Example circuits and code provide a quick start to projects. Installation and maintenance staff will also find tips for ensuring reliable operation and problem tracking. 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
Improving API documentation usability with knowledge pushing
Authors: Uri Dekel, James D. Herbsleb
Venue: Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE 31st International Conference on Software Engineering (2009)

The documentation of API functions typically conveys detailed specifications for the benefit of interested readers. In some cases, however, it also contains usage directives, such as rules or caveats, of which authors of invoking code must be made aware to prevent errors and inefficiencies. There is a risk that these directives may be “lost” within the verbose text, or that the text would not be read because there are so many invoked functions. To address these concerns for Java, an Eclipse plug-in named eMoose decorates method invocations whose targets have associated directives. Our goal is to lead readers to investigate further, which we aid by highlighting the tagged directives in the JavaDoc hover. We present a lab study that demonstrates the directive awareness problem in traditional documentation use and the potential benefits of our approach.
CDC 2.0: using social media to improve public health
Authors: Janice Nall
Venue: Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research: Social Networks: Making Connections between Citizens, Data and Government (2009)

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actively employs new/social media to reach and engage users where they are -- in blogs, social networks, virtual worlds, mobile applications, other Web sites, and many other rapidly expanding venues that provide opportunities for interacting with users -- with the goal of improving the health, safety, and preparedness of people around the world. This session includes a review of social media being used at CDC, results achieved, lessons learned, and a view of what's in planning for eHealth at CDC.
Realization Aspects of Multi-Radio Management Based on IEEE 802.21
Authors: Christian M. Mueller, Harald Eckhardt, Rolf Sigle
Venue: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Wired/Wireless Internet Communications (2009)

In this article, we present a multi-radio management (MRM) architecture for intelligent access selection and load balancing over multiple radio access technologies. We discuss possible implementations of this MRM architecture and analyze to what extent the IEEE 802.21 `Media Independent Handover' framework can be applied here. Starting from the fundamental building blocks of the multi-radio management architecture, we find several issues with respect to the integration with and the interworking between today's 3GPP and non-3GPP networks. Because support of 802.21 can largely differ from one access technology to another, we propose ways to compensate for these differences and finally present an adapted MRM architecture.