Direct aperture optimization: A turnkey solution for step-and-shoot IMRT

Abstract: IMRT treatment plans for step-and-shoot delivery have traditionally been produced through the optimization of intensity distributions (or maps) for each beam angle. The optimization step is followed by the application of a leaf-sequencing algorithm that translates each intensity map into a set of deliverable aperture shapes. In this article, we introduce an automated planning system in which we bypass the traditional intensity optimization, and instead directly optimize the shapes and the weights of the apertures. We call this approach "direct aperture optimization." This technique allows the user to specify the maximum number of apertures per beam direction, and hence provides significant control over the complexity of the treatment delivery. This is possible because the machine dependent delivery constraints imposed by the MLC are enforced within the aperture optimization algorithm rather than in a separate leaf-sequencing step. The leaf settings and the aperture intensities are optimized simultaneously using a simulated annealing algorithm. We have tested direct aperture optimization on a variety of patient cases using the EGS4/BEAM Monte Carlo package for our dose calculation engine. The results demonstrate that direct aperture optimization can produce highly conformal step-and-shoot treatment plans using only three to five apertures per beam direction. As compared with traditional optimization strategies, our studies demonstrate that direct aperture optimization can result in a significant reduction in both the number of beam segments and the number of monitor units. Direct aperture optimization therefore produces highly efficient treatment deliveries that maintain the full dosimetric benefits of IMRT


An interlingua-based Chinese-English MT system

Abstract: Chinese-English machine translation is a significant and challenging problem in information processing. The paper presents an interlingua-based Chinese-English natural language translation system (ICENT). It introduces the realization mechanism of Chinese language analysis, which contains syntactic parsing and semantic analyzing and gives the design of interlingua in details. Experimental results and system evaluation are given. The result is satisfying

interlingua-based Chinese-English machine translation system


The development of virtual reality therapy (VRT) system for the treatment of acrophobia and therapeutic case

Abstract: Virtual reality therapy (VRT), based on this sophisticated technology, has been used in the treatment of subjects diagnosed with acrophobia, a disorder that is characterized by marked anxiety upon exposure to heights and avoidance of heights. Conventional VR systems for the treatment of acrophobia have limitations, over-costly devices or somewhat unrealistic graphic scenes. The goal of this study was to develop an inexpensive and more realistic virtual environment (VE) in which to perform exposure therapy for acrophobia. It is based on a personal computer, and a virtual scene of a bunge-jump tower in the middle of a large city. The virtual scenario includes an open lift surrounded by props beside a tower, which allows the patient to feel a sense of heights. The effectiveness of the VE was evaluated through the clinical treatment of a subject who was suffering from the fear of heights. As a result, it was proved that this VR environment was effective and realistic at overcoming acrophobia according not only to the comparison results of a variety of questionnaires before and after treatment but also to the subject's comments that the VE seemed to evoke more fearful feelings than the real situation

virtual reality therapy system
acrophobia treatment
therapeutic case
patient anxiety
patient treatment
realistic virtual environment
exposure therapy
personal computer
virtual scene
clinical treatment
psychotherapy
heights phobia


Design and implementation of a flexible manufacturing control system using neural network

Abstract: Design and implementation of a sequential controller based on the concept of artificial neural networks for a flexible manufacturing system are presented. The recurrent neural network (RNN) type is used for such a purpose. Contrary to the programmable controller, an RNN-based sequential controller is based on a definite mathematical model rather than depending on the experience and trial and error techniques. The proposed controller is also more flexible because it is not limited by the restrictions of the finite state automata theory. Adequate guidelines of how to construct an RNN-based sequential controller are presented. These guidelines are applied to different case studies. The proposed controller is tested by simulations and real-time experiments. These tests prove the successfulness of the proposed controller performances. Theoretical as well as experimental results are presented and discussed indicating that the proposed design procedure using Elman's RNN can be effective in designing a sequential controller for event-based type manufacturing systems. In addition, the simulation results assure the effectiveness of the proposed controller to overcome the effect of noisy inputs

Elman network
finite state automata
flexible manufacturing systems
ladder language
noisy inputs
pneumatic system
programmable controller
recurrent neural network
sequential control
learning
FMS


Controlled projective synchronization in nonpartially-linear chaotic systems

Abstract: Projective synchronization (PS), in which the state vectors synchronize up to a scaling factor, is usually observable only in partially linear systems. We show that PS could, by means of control, be extended to general classes of chaotic systems with nonpartial linearity. Performance of PS may also be manipulated by controlling the scaling factor to any desired value. In numerical experiments, we illustrate the applications to a Rossler system and a Chua's circuit. The feasibility of the control for high dimensional systems is demonstrated in a hyperchaotic system

projective synchronization
nonpartially-linear chaotic systems
scaling factor
Rossler system
Chua's circuit
control
hyperchaotic system


An agent-oriented and service-oriented environment for deploying dynamic distributed systems

Abstract: This paper presents JASE, a Java-based Agent-oriented and Service-oriented Environment for deploying dynamic distributed systems. JASE utilizes two important concepts in the field of distributed computing: the concept of services and remote programming with mobile agents. In JASE, mobile agents are used to support applications, and service interface agents are used to wrap services. Service inter-face agents can dynamically register their services in Service Server. Mobile agent locates a specific service interface agent by submitting requests to the Service Server with descriptions of required services. JASE uses XML to describe both service descriptions and the mobile agent's queries. JASE supports two kinds of communication facility: tuple space and asynchronous messages. In this paper, the design and implementation of JASE are described. An application shows the suitability and the effectiveness of the JASE and performance evaluation is also made. Finally, related work and some conclusions are given

Java-based agent-oriented and service-oriented environment


A knowledge-based approach for managing urban infrastructures

Abstract: This paper presents a knowledge e-based approach dedicated to the efficient management, regulation, interactive and dynamic monitoring of urban infrastructures. This approach identifies the data and related treatments common to several municipal activities and defines the requirements and functionalities of the computer tools developed to improve the delivery and coordination of municipal services to the population. The resulting cooperative system called SIGIU is composed of a set of integrated operating systems (SYDEX) and the global planning and coordination system (SYGEC). The objective is to integrate the set of SYDEX and the SYGEC into a single coherent system for all the SIGIU's users according to their tasks, their roles, and their responsibilities within the municipal administration. SIGIU is provided by different measurement and monitoring instruments installed on some system's elements to be supervised. In this context, the information can be presented in different forms: video, pictures, data and alarms. One of SIGIU's objectives is the real-time management of urban infrastructures' control mechanisms. To carry out this process, the alarm control agent creates a mobile agent associated with the alarm, which is sent to a mobile station and warns an operator. Preliminary implementation results show that SIGIU supports effectively and efficiently the decision making process related to managing urban infrastructures

knowledge-based approach
urban infrastructure management
regulation
dynamic monitoring
municipal activities
cooperative system
SIGIU
integrated operating systems
SYDEX
global planning system
coordination system
SYGEC
video
real-time management
alarm control agent
mobile agent
intelligent decision support system
urban planning
multi-agent systems


Reconstruction of MR images from data acquired on an arbitrary k-space trajectory using the same-image weight

Abstract: A sampling density compensation function denoted "same-image (SI) weight" is proposed to reconstruct MR images from the data acquired on an arbitrary k-space trajectory. An equation for the SI weight is established on the SI criterion and an iterative scheme is developed to find the weight. The SI weight is then used to reconstruct images from the data calculated on a random trajectory in a numerical phantom case and from the data acquired on interleaved spirals in an in vivo experiment, respectively. In addition, Pipe and Menon's weight (MRM 1999;41:179-186) is also used in the reconstructions to make a comparison. The images obtained with the SI weight were found to be slightly more accurate than those obtained with Pipe's weight

sampling density compensation
MRI image reconstruction
arbitrary k-space trajectory
spiral trajectory
same-image weight
random trajectory
convolution function
numerical phantom
Nyquist sampling conditions
iterative algorithm
weighting function


A building block approach to automated engineering

Abstract: Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC, Mt. Crawford, Virginia, US) recognized the need to automate engineering functions and create an interactive model of its distribution system in the early 1990s. It had used Milsoft's DA software for more than 10 years to make engineering studies, and had a Landis and Gyr SCADA system and a hybrid load management system for controlling water heater switches. With the development of GIS and facilities management (FM) applications, SVEC decided this should be the basis for an information system that would model its physical plant and interface with its accounting and billing systems. It could add applications such as outage management, staking, line design and metering to use this information and interface with these databases. However, based on SVEC's size it was not feasible to implement a sophisticated and expensive GIS/FM system. Over the past nine years, SVEC has had success with a building block approach, and its customers and employees are realizing the benefits of the automated applications. This building block approach is discussed in this article including the GIS, outage management system, MapViewer and a staking package. The lessons learned and future expansion are discussed

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
engineering functions automation
interactive model
distribution system
building block approach
billing systems
outage management
staking
line design
metering
databases
MapViewer
GIS


Applying genetic algorithms to solve the fuzzy optimal profit problem

Abstract: This study investigated the application of genetic algorithms in solving a fuzzy optimization problem that arises in business and economics. In this problem, a fuzzy price is determined using a linear or a quadratic fuzzy demand function as well as a linear cost function. The objective is to find the optimal fuzzy profit, which is derived from the fuzzy price and fuzzy cost. Traditional methods for solving this problem are (1) the extension principle, and (2) using interval arithmetic and alpha -cuts. However, we argue that traditional methods for solving this problem are too restrictive to produce an optimal solution, and that an alternative approach is possibly needed. We use genetic algorithms to obtain an approximate solution for this fuzzy optimal profit problem without using membership functions. We not only give empirical examples to show the effectiveness of this approach, but also give theoretical proofs to validate correctness of the algorithm. We conclude that genetic algorithms can produce good approximate solutions when applied to solve fuzzy optimization problems

genetic algorithms
fuzzy optimization problem
fuzzy optimal profit problem
economics
business
fuzzy price
quadratic fuzzy demand function
linear fuzzy demand function
linear cost function
approximate solution
theoretical proofs
algorithm correctness validation


Robust output feedback model predictive control using off-line linear matrix inequalities

Abstract: A fundamental question about model predictive control (MPC) is its robustness to model uncertainty. In this paper, we present a robust constrained output feedback MPC algorithm that can stabilize plants with both polytopic uncertainty and norm-bound uncertainty. The design procedure involves off-line design of a robust constrained state feedback MPC law and a state estimator using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Since we employ an off-line approach for the controller design which gives a sequence of explicit control laws, we are able to analyze the robust stabilizability of the combined control laws and estimator, and by adjusting the design parameters, guarantee robust stability of the closed-loop system in the presence of constraints. The algorithm is illustrated with two examples

robust output feedback model predictive control

asymptotically stable invariant ellipsoid


New water management system begins operation at US projects

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a new automated information system to support its water control management mission. The new system provides a variety of decision support tools, enabling water control managers to acquire, transform, verify, store, display, analyse, and disseminate data and information efficiently and around the clock

watershed modelling
water management system
US projects
US Army Corps of Engineers
automated information system
water control management mission
decision support tools
water control managers
data dissemination
data acquisition
data storage
data verification
data display
data analysis
data visualization
decision support system
Corps Water Management System


SPTL/BIALL academic law library survey 2000/2001

Abstract: The paper outlines the activities and funding of academic law libraries in the UK and Ireland in the academic year 2000/2001. The figures have been taken from the results of a postal questionnaire undertaken by information services staff at Cardiff University on behalf of BIALL

SPTL/BIALL
academic law libraries
funding
UK
Ireland
postal questionnaire
information services
Cardiff University
survey


Kontiki. Shortcuts for content's trip to the edge

Abstract: When electronic files get zapped from one location to another, you probably aren't thinking about the physical distance they must travel-or how that distance might affect the time it takes to get there. But if you work for CDN company Kontiki, this is just about all you think about. Championing a P2P-like "bandwidth harvesting" technology, Kontiki has figured out how to not only quickly distribute content to the "edge" but to utilize a combination of centralized servers and a network of enduser machines to collect, or "harvest," underutilized bandwidth and make redundant file requests more efficient

P2P-like bandwidth harvesting technology


Detection of flaws in composites from scattered elastic-wave field using an improved mu GA and a local optimizer

Abstract: An effective technique for flaw detection of composites is proposed. In this technique, the detection problem is formulated as an optimization problem minimizing the difference between the measured and calculated surface displacement response derived from scattered elastic-wave fields. A combined optimization technique using an improved mu GA and a local optimizer is developed to solve the optimization problem so as to obtain the flaw parameters defining flaw configurations. Guidelines for implementing the detection technique, including formulation of the objective function of the optimization problem using different error norms, improvement of mu GA convergence performance, switching from mu GA to local optimizer in the optimization process, and suppression of the effect of noise on detection results, are addressed in detail. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed detection technique

flaw detection
composites
scattered elastic-wave field
improved mu GA
local optimizer
optimization problem
surface displacement response
flaw configurations
objective function
error norms
convergence
noise effect suppression


Perspectives on academic vs. industry environments for women in computer science

Abstract: The authors were tenure track faculty members at the Colorado School of Mines and later moved into senior positions at software companies. Both are part of two-career couples as well, and both have two children. In this article, they discuss their impressions and share anecdotes regarding the differing experiences of women and families in these two environments

industry environment
academic environments
women
computer science
faculty members
software companies
career
children
gender gap


Packet promises past & present [IP switching]

Abstract: With the death of the competitive carrier market and the significant slashing of RBOC capex budgets, softswitch vendors have been forced to retrench. Now instead of focusing primarily on limited Internet off-load applications, packet-based softswitches are set to gel around real user needs for services such as voice over IP and IP Centrex

softswitch vendors
voice over IP
IP Centrex


The impact and implementation of XML on business-to-business commerce

Abstract: This paper discusses the impact analysis of the Extensible Markup Language (XML). Each business partner within a supply chain will be allowed to generate its own data exchange format by adopting an XML meta-data management system in the local side. Followed after a brief introduction of the information technology for Business to Customer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) Electronic Commerce (EC), the impact of XML on the tomorrow business world is discussed. A real case study for impact analysis on information exchange platform, Microsoft's BizTalk platform which is actually an XML schema builder and the implementation of XML commerce application will provide an interest insight for users' future implementation

Extensible Markup Language
XML
Business to Customer
BizTalk
XML schema builder
Business to Business
electronic commerce
Electronic Data Interchange
Enterprise Resources Planning


A knowledge-based approach for business process reengineering, SHAMASH

Abstract: We present an overview of SHAMASH, a process modelling tool for business process reengineering. The main features that differentiate it from most current related tools are its ability to define and use organisation standards, functional structure, and develop automatic model simulation and optimisation. SHAMASH is a knowledge-based system, and we include a discussion on how knowledge acquisition takes place. Furthermore, we introduce a high level description of the architecture, the conceptual model, and other important modules of the system

knowledge-based approach
business process reengineering
SHAMASH
process modelling tool
organisation standards
functional structure
automatic model simulation
optimisation
knowledge-based system
knowledge acquisition
conceptual model


Scribe: a large-scale and decentralized application-level multicast infrastructure

Abstract: This paper presents Scribe, a scalable application-level multicast infrastructure. Scribe supports large numbers of groups, with a potentially large number of members per group. Scribe is built on top of Pastry, a generic peer-to-peer object location and routing substrate overlayed on the Internet, and leverages Pastry's reliability, self-organization, and locality properties. Pastry is used to create and manage groups and to build efficient multicast trees for the dissemination of messages to each group. Scribe provides best-effort reliability guarantees, and we outline how an application can extend Scribe to provide stronger reliability. Simulation results, based on a realistic network topology model, show that Scribe scales across a wide range of groups and group sizes. Also, it balances the load on the nodes while achieving acceptable delay and link stress when compared with Internet protocol multicast


HEW selects network management software

Abstract: For more than 100 years, Hamburgische Electricitats-Werke AG (HEW) has provided a reliable electricity service to the city of Hamburg, Germany. Today, the company supplies electricity to some 1.7 million inhabitants via 285000 connections. During 1999, the year the energy market was started in Germany, HEW needed to operate and maintain a safe and reliable network cheaply. The development and implementation of a distribution management system (DMS) is key to the success of HEW. HEW's strategy was to obtain efficient new software for network management that also offered a good platform for future applications. Following a pilot and prequalification phase, HEW invited several companies to process the requirements catalog and to submit a detailed tender. The network information management system, Xpower, developed by Tekla Oyj, successfully passed HEW's test program and satisfied all the performance and system capacity requirements. The system met all HEW's conditions by presenting the reality of a network with the attributes of the operating resources. Xpower platform provides the ability to integrate future applications

Hamburgische Electricitats-Werke
Hamburg
Germany
distribution management system
network management software
Xpower
Tekla Oyj


A new result on the global convergence of Hopfield neural networks

Abstract: In this work, we discuss Hopfield neural networks, investigating their global stability. Some sufficient conditions for a class of Hopfield neural networks to be globally stable and globally exponentially stable are given

Hopfield neural networks
global stability
sufficient conditions
globally exponentially stable networks


A method for geometrical verification of dynamic intensity modulated radiotherapy using a scanning electronic portal imaging device

Abstract: In order to guarantee the safe delivery of dynamic intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), verification of the leaf trajectories during the treatment is necessary. Our aim in this study is to develop a method for on-line verification of leaf trajectories using an electronic portal imaging device with scanning read-out, independent of the multileaf collimator. Examples of such scanning imagers are electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) based on liquid-filled ionization chambers and those based on amorphous silicon. Portal images were acquired continuously with a liquid-filled ionization chamber EPID during the delivery, together with the signal of treatment progress that is generated by the accelerator. For each portal image, the prescribed leaf and diaphragm positions were computed from the dynamic prescription and the progress information. Motion distortion effects of the leaves are corrected based on the treatment progress that is recorded for each image row. The aperture formed by the prescribed leaves and diaphragms is used as the reference field edge, while the actual field edge is found using a maximum-gradient edge detector. The errors in leaf and diaphragm position are found from the deviations between the reference field edge and the detected field edge. Earlier measurements of the dynamic EPID response show that the accuracy of the detected field edge is better than 1 mm. To ensure that the verification is independent of inaccuracies in the acquired progress signal, the signal was checked with diode measurements beforehand. The method was tested on three different dynamic prescriptions. Using the described method, we correctly reproduced the distorted field edges. Verifying a single portal image took 0.1 s on an 866 MHz personal computer. Two flaws in the control system of our experimental dynamic multileaf collimator were correctly revealed with our method. First, the errors in leaf position increase with leaf speed, indicating a delay of approximately 0.8 s in the control system. Second, the accuracy of the leaves and diaphragms depends on the direction of motion. In conclusion, the described verification method is suitable for detailed verification of leaf trajectories during dynamic IMRT


A new algebraic modelling approach to distributed problem-solving in MAS

Abstract: This paper is devoted to a new algebraic modelling approach to distributed problem-solving in multi-agent systems (MAS), which is featured by a unified framework for describing and treating social behaviors, social dynamics and social intelligence. A conceptual architecture of algebraic modelling is presented. The algebraic modelling of typical social behaviors, social situation and social dynamics is discussed in the context of distributed problem-solving in MAS. The comparison and simulation on distributed task allocations and resource assignments in MAS show more advantages of the algebraic approach than other conventional methods

algebraic modelling approach
distributed problem-solving
multi-agent systems
unified framework
social behaviors
social dynamics
social intelligence
distributed task allocations
resource assignments


Virtual-reality-based multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image disturbances in binge eating disorders: a preliminary controlled study

Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of a virtual-reality (VR)-based multidimensional approach in the treatment of body image attitudes and related constructs. The female binge eating disorder (BED) patients (n=20), involved in a residential weight control treatment including low-calorie diet (1200 cal/day) and physical training, were randomly assigned either to the multidimensional VR treatment or to psychonutritional groups based on the cognitive-behavior approach. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomathology, attitudes toward food, body dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, motivation for change, level of assertiveness, and general psychiatric symptoms. In the short term, the VR treatment was more effective than the traditional cognitive-behavioral psychonutritional groups in improving the overall psychological state of the patients. In particular, the therapy was more effective in improving body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation for change. No significant differences were found in the reduction of the binge eating behavior. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a VR-based short-term therapy can be useful to improve the body satisfaction in traditional weight reduction programs. However, given the nature of this research that does not include a followup study, the obtained results are preliminary only

virtual reality
multidimensional therapy
body image disturbances
binge eating disorders
obesity
patient therapy
residential weight control treatment
psychonutritional groups
cognitive-behavior approach
anxiety
psychiatric symptoms


Flexible air-jet tooling for vibratory bowl feeder systems

Abstract: Vibratory bowl feeders (VBFs) are machines that feed various small parts in large volume automatic assembly systems. Their shortcomings, like inflexibility and the propensity to jam, stem from the use of mechanical orienting devices. Air jet based orienting devices can be implemented to overcome these limitations. Applications of passive and active air jet based orienting devices that replace conventional devices for the VBF are discussed. Passive devices, which reject incorrectly oriented parts, are discussed first. Active air jet based orienting devices are then introduced to further improve the flexibility of VBFs. Since active devices reorient parts into a desired orientation, the part motion under their influence is analyzed. A number of tests demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of these new orienting devices

vibratory bowl feeders
automatic assembly systems
passive air jet
active air jet
orienting devices
parts feeding


Positional control of pneumatic manipulators for construction tasks

Abstract: This paper describes solutions that can be applied to pneumatic manipulator problems in positioning, both for angle trajectories and for long linear trajectories, used in construction tasks. Optimal positioning of a pneumatic manipulator along angle trajectories with minimum control energy consumption is given. The implementation of the control system is presented. Control algorithms for a long linear trajectory manipulator based on two-phase and three-phase motion modes of the end-effector are investigated. Conventional and fuzzy logic controls of a pneumatic manipulator were applied and experimental testing was carried out. The obtained results allow widening the application range of pneumatic manipulators in construction, particularly in gantry type machines

pneumatic manipulators
construction tasks
positioning
positional control
angle trajectories
long linear trajectory manipulator
two-phase motion modes
three-phase motion modes
fuzzy logic controls
gantry type machines


Computing stationary Nash equilibria of undiscounted single-controller stochastic games

Abstract: Given a two-person, nonzero-sum stochastic game where the second player controls the transitions, we formulate a linear complementarity problem LCP(q, M) whose solution gives a Nash equilibrium pair of stationary strategies under the limiting average payoff criterion. The matrix M constructed is of the copositive class so that Lemke's algorithm will process it. We will also do the same for a special class of N-person stochastic games called polymatrix stochastic games


Perfusion quantification using Gaussian process deconvolution

Abstract: The quantification of perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) requires deconvolution to obtain the residual impulse response function (IRF). In this work, a method using the Gaussian process for deconvolution (GPD) is proposed. The fact that the IRF is smooth is incorporated as a constraint in the method. The GPD method, which automatically estimates the noise level in each voxel, has the advantage that model parameters are optimized automatically. The GPD is compared to singular value decomposition (SVD) using a common threshold for the singular values, and to SVD using a threshold optimized according to the noise level in each voxel. The comparison is carried out using artificial data as well as data from healthy volunteers. It is shown that GPD is comparable to SVD with a variable optimized threshold when determining the maximum of the IRF, which is directly related to the perfusion. GPD provides a better estimate of the entire IRF. As the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases or the time resolution of the measurements increases, GPD is shown to be superior to SVD. This is also found for large distribution volumes

perfusion quantification
Gaussian process deconvolution
dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI
residual impulse response function
optimized model parameters
singular value decomposition
noise level
capillary blood flow
mean transit time
optimized joint Gaussian distribution
correlation length
likelihood function


Information needs of the working journalists in Orissa: a study

Abstract: Provides an insight into the various information needs of working journalists in Orissa. Analyses data received from 226 working journalists representing 40 newspaper organisations. Also depicts the specialisation of working journalists, their frequency of information requirement, mode of dissemination preferred, information sources explored, mode of services opted, and their information privations. The study asserts that subjects primarily concerned with the professional work and image of the working journalists are rated utmost significant

information needs
working journalists
data analysis
newspaper organisations
information requirement
information dissemination
information sources
professional work


Making the MIS integration process work

Abstract: Focused, cross-functional teams that implement flexible and scalable information systems (IS) can deliver a smooth, lean manufacturing process. When integrating new technology into an existing facility, one should always consider three things: the hard infrastructure, the soft infrastructure, and information flow. Hard infrastructure includes client and server hardware and network infrastructure. Soft infrastructure includes operating systems, existing or legacy software, needed code customizations, and the human resources to run/support the system. Information flow includes how data in the new system interacts with legacy systems and what legacy data the new system will require, as well as who will want to receive/access the information that is held by the system

management information systems
scalable information systems
lean manufacturing process
client server hardware
network infrastructure
human resources
legacy software
information flow


Outsourced backup saves time

Abstract: To increase the efficiency of its data backup and to free staff to concentrate on core business, The Gadget Shop is relying on a secure, automated system hosted by a third party

data backup
The Gadget Shop
e-business
outsourced


Scalable secure group communication over IP multicast

Abstract: We introduce and analyze a scalable rekeying scheme for implementing secure group communications Internet protocol multicast. We show that our scheme incurs constant processing, message, and storage overhead for a rekey operation when a single member joins or leaves the group, and logarithmic overhead for bulk simultaneous changes to the group membership. These bounds hold even when group dynamics are not known a priori. Our rekeying algorithm requires a particular clustering of the members of the secure multicast group. We describe a protocol to achieve such clustering and show that it is feasible to efficiently cluster members over realistic Internet-like topologies. We evaluate the overhead of our own rekeying scheme and also of previously published schemes via simulation over an Internet topology map containing over 280 000 routers. Through analysis and detailed simulations, we show that this rekeying scheme performs better than previous schemes for a single change to group membership. Further, for bulk group changes, our algorithm outperforms all previously known schemes by several orders of magnitude in terms of actual bandwidth usage, processing costs, and storage requirements

scalable secure group communication
IP multicast
Internet protocol multicast
storage overhead
logarithmic overhead
cryptography
access control server
authentication
group membership
group dynamics
rekeying algorithm
secure multicast group
Internet-like topologies
overhead
simulation
Internet topology map
network routers
bandwidth usage
processing costs
storage requirements


Control of a coupled map lattice model for vortex shedding in the wake of a cylinder

Abstract: The flow behind a vibrating flexible cable at low Reynolds numbers can exhibit complex wake structures such as lace-like patterns, vortex dislocations and frequency cells. These structures have been observed in experiments and numerical simulations, and are predicted by a previously developed low-order coupled map lattice (CML). The discrete (in time and space) CML models consist of a series of diffusively coupled circle map oscillators along the cable span. Motivated by a desire to modify the complex wake patterns behind flexible vibrating cables, we have studied the addition of control terms into the highly efficient CML models and explored the resulting dynamics. Proportional, adaptive proportional and discontinuous non-linear (DNL) control methods were used to derive the control laws. The first method employed occasional proportional feedback. The adaptive method used spatio-temporal feedback control. The DNL method used a discontinuous feedback linearization procedure, and the controller was designed for the resulting linearized system using eigenvalue assignment. These techniques were applied to a modeled vortex dislocation structure in the wake of a vibrating cable in uniform freestream flow. Parallel shedding patterns were achieved for a range of forcing frequency-forcing amplitude combinations studied to validate the control theory. The adaptive proportional and DNL methods were found to be more effective than the proportional control method due to the incorporation of a spatially varying feedback gain across the cylinder span. The DNL method was found to be the most efficient controller of the low-order CML model. The required control level across the cable span was correlated to the 1/1 lock-on behavior of the temporal circle map

coupled map lattice
vortex shedding
wake
proportional feedback
coupled circle map oscillators
spatio-temporal feedback control
temporal circle map
vortex dislocation
1/1 lock-on
discontinuous nonlinear control
cylinder
low Reynolds numbers
vortex dislocations
vibrating flexible cable


Successive expansion method of network planning applying symbolic analysis method

Abstract: The conventional power system network successive expansion planning method is discussed in the context of the new paradigm of competitive electric power, energy and service market. In sequel, the paper presents an application of the conceptually new computer program, based on the symbolic analysis of load flows in power system networks. The network parameters and variables are defined as symbols. The symbolic analyzer, which models analytically the power system DC load flows, enables the sensitivity analysis of the power system to parameter and variable variations (costs, transfers, injections), a valuable tool for the expansion planning analysis. That virtue could not be found within the conventional approach, relying on compensation methods, precalculated distribution factors, and so on. This novel application sheds some light on the traditional power system network expansion planning method, as well as on its possible application within the system network expansion planning in the new environment assuming the competitive electric power market


Do you see what I see? [visual technology in law firms]

Abstract: Think of how well-done computer presentations can aid in the learning experience. They are, however, less common in client meetings, settlement conferences and the courtroom. And you have to wonder why, when the same benefits of attention focus and visual learning apply in those legal communication settings. The software and hardware components are easy to use, and they're increasingly affordable to boot. The next time you need to convey a point to an audience (be it one person or many), think of how you might benefit from the visual impact available through presentation software like PowerPoint. Anyone will understand you more easily when assisted by visual input, and it may make all the difference in reaching visual-focused learners

computer presentations
visual technology
law firms
PowerPoint


Non-optimal universal quantum deleting machine

Abstract: We verify the non-existence of some standard universal quantum deleting machine. Then a non-optimal universal quantum deleting machine is constructed and we emphasize the difficulty for improving its fidelity. In a way, our results complement the universal quantum cloning machine established by Buzek and Hillery (1996), and manifest some of their distinctions

nonoptimal universal quantum deleting machine


On the monotonicity conservation in numerical solutions of the heat equation

Abstract: It is important to choose such numerical methods in practice that mirror the characteristic properties of the described process beyond the stability and convergence. The investigated qualitative property in this paper is the conservation of the monotonicity in space of the initial heat distribution. We prove some statements about the monotonicity conservation and total monotonicity of one-step vector-iterations. Then, applying these results, we consider the numerical solutions of the one-dimensional heat equation. Our main theorem formulates the necessary and sufficient condition of the uniform monotonicity conservation. The sharpness of the conditions is demonstrated by numerical examples

monotonicity conservation
numerical solutions
heat equation
characteristic properties
qualitative property
one-step vector-iterations
necessary and sufficient condition


Banks pin their back-office hopes on successors to screen scrapers

Abstract: The big name in account aggregation has been Yodlee, based in Redwood Shores, CA. It pioneered the art of screen scraping, or pulling data off Web sites and aggregating it into a single statement. That data, however, is a snapshot and does not include a customer's investment history. Also, because Web sites update data at different times, scraping them can provide an inaccurate picture of a customer's financial situation, making it difficult for reps seeking to provide timely and accurate advice. The objective is to access both fresh and historical data across a client's financial spectrum, from investments to checking accounts and loans to insurance policies, a Complete Customer balance sheet. At least two technology vendors are progressing in that direction, each coming from different directions. One is Advent, based in San Francisco, another is Fincentric, out of Vancouver

account aggregation
Yodlee
screen scraping
investment
Web sites
checking
loans
insurance
Advent
Fincentric
bankers


An improved fuzzy MCDM model based on ideal and anti-ideal concepts

Abstract: Liang presented (1999) a fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method based on the concepts of ideal and anti-ideal points. Despite its merits, Liang method has the following limitations: (i) the objective criteria are converted into dimensionless indices and the subjective criteria are not converted, which may prevent compatibility for these criteria, (ii) the formulas for converting objective criteria are not reliable, and (iii) an unreliable ranking method, i.e. maximizing set and minimizing set, is applied to rank the fuzzy numbers. This paper applies the Hsu and Chen method and suggests a fuzzy number ranking method to propose an improved fuzzy MCDM model based on ideal and anti-ideal concepts to overcome the shortcomings of the Liang method. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed ranking method and the improved model, respectively

fuzzy MCDM model
ideal concepts
anti-ideal concepts
dimensionless indices
fuzzy number ranking
multicriterion decision-making


Arranging solid balls to represent a graph

Abstract: By solid balls, we mean a set of balls in R/sup 3/ no two of which can penetrate each other. Every finite graph G can be represented by arranging solid balls in the following way: Put red balls in R/sup 3/, one for each vertex of G, and connect two red balls by a chain when they correspond to a pair of adjacent vertices of G, where a chain means a finite sequence of blue solid balls in which each consecutive balls are tangent. (We may omit the chain if the two red balls are already tangent.) The ball number b(G) of G is the minimum number of balls (red and blue) necessary to represent G. If we put the balls and chains on a table so that all balls sit on the table, then the minimum number of balls for G is denoted by bT(G). Among other things, we prove that b(K/sub 6/) = 8, b(K/sub 7/) = 13 and b/sub T/(K/sub 5/) = 8,b/sub T/(K/sub 6/) = 14. We also prove that c/sub 1/n/sup 3/ < b(K/sub n/) < c/sub 2/n/sup 3/ log n, c/sub 3/n/sup 4//log n < b/sub T/(K/sub n/) < c/sub 4/n/sup 4/

solid balls
finite graph
adjacent vertices
finite sequence
graph representation


Integrated support based on task models for the design, evaluation, and documentation of interactive safety-critical systems: a case study in the air-traffic control domain

Abstract: This paper presents an approach to using task models in both the design and the evaluation phases of interactive safety-critical applications. We explain how it is possible to use information contained in task models to support the design and development of effective user interfaces. Moreover, we show how task models can also support a systematic inspection-based usability assessment by examining possible deviations that can occur while users interact with the system, an important issue especially when coping with the peculiar requirements of safety-critical applications. Such evaluation provides useful technical documentation to help users achieve an in-depth understanding of the system and its design rationale. Lastly, a description of the application of our approach to a real case study in the air-traffic control domain will illustrate the main features of the proposed method. In particular, we discuss examples taken from an application for air-traffic controllers in an aerodrome supported by graphical user interfaces for data-link communications with pilots

integrated support
user interfaces
inspection-based usability assessment
technical documentation
graphical user interfaces
data-link communications
task models
interactive safety-critical systems
air-traffic control domain


Documentum completes CM Trifecta

Abstract: Daily, people participating in clinical trials for drug companies fill out forms describing how they feel physically and emotionally. For some trials, there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of participants. The drug companies must compile all the forms and submit them electronically to the FDA. That's where Documentum comes in. "We've streamlined the whole process of managing clinical trial content for companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer," notes Documentum's president and CEO Dave De Walt. "And by the way, the FDA also is one of our customers, as well as the EPA and the FAA." And there are about 1,300 other organizations in various industries worldwide that rely on Documentum's technologies, consulting, and training services. The company's products are designed to manage digital content and facilitate online transactions, partner and supplier relationships, and ebusiness interactions

clinical trials
drug companies
FDA
Documentum
clinical trial content
training services
consulting services


Vibration control of the rotating flexible-shaft/multi-flexible-disk system with the eddy-current damper

Abstract: In this paper, the rotating flexible-Timoshenko-shaft/flexible-disk coupling system is formulated by applying the assumed-mode method into the kinetic and strain energies, and the virtual work done by the eddy-current damper. From Lagrange's equations, the resulting discretized equations of motion can be simplified as a bilinear system (BLS). Introducing the control laws, including the quadratic, nonlinear and optimal feedback control laws, into the BLS, it is found that the eddy-current damper can be used to suppress flexible and shear vibrations simultaneously, and the system is globally asymptotically stable. Numerical results are provided to validate the theoretical analysis


Dense coding in entangled states

Abstract: We consider the dense coding of entangled qubits shared between two parties, Alice and Bob. The efficiency of classical information gain through quantum entangled qubits is also considered for the case of pairwise entangled qubits and maximally entangled qubits. We conclude that using the pairwise entangled qubits can be more efficient when two parties communicate whereas using the maximally entangled qubits can be more efficient when the N parties communicate

dense coding
entangled states
pairwise entangled qubits
Alice
Bob
classical information gain efficiency
maximally entangled qubits
quantum information processing
quantum communication


Use of neural networks in the analysis of particle size distribution by laser diffraction: tests with different particle systems

Abstract: The application of forward light scattering methods for estimating the particle size distribution (PSD) is usually limited by the occurrence of multiple scattering, which affects the angular distribution of light in highly concentrated suspensions, thus resulting in false calculations by the conventionally adopted algorithms. In this paper, a previously proposed neural network-based method is tested with different particle systems, in order to evaluate its applicability. In the first step of the study, experiments were carried out with solid-liquid suspensions having different characteristics of particle shape and size distribution, under varying solid concentrations. The experimental results, consisting of the angular distribution of light intensity, particle shape and suspension concentration, were used as input data in the fitting of neural network models (NN) that replaced the optical model to provide the PSD. The reference values of particle shape and PSD for the NN fitting were based on image analysis. Comparisons between the PSD values computed by the NN model and the reference values indicate that the method can be used in monitoring the PSD of particles with different shapes in highly concentrated suspensions, thus extending the range of application of forward laser diffraction to a number of systems with industrial interest

particle size distribution
laser diffraction
neural network modeling
forward light scattering
multiple scattering
angular distribution of light
solid-liquid suspensions
particle shape distribution
image analysis
pattern recognition
powdered materials
backpropagation algorithm
Fraunhofer optical model
fluidized catalytic cracking


VoIP: leveraging existing cable architecture

Abstract: As operators prepare to enter the voice-over-IP fray, they are searching for ways to leverage their existing two-way, interactive infrastructure. There are several approaches for supporting VoIP on top of the core IP transport network. The one garnering the most interest, especially in the United States, is based on the PacketCable 1.x architecture. This article discusses the PacketCable-based approach

cable architecture
VoIP
voice-over-IP
two-way interactive infrastructure
core IP transport network
United States
PacketCable 1.x architecture
PacketCable-based approach


On biorthogonal nonuniform filter banks and tree structures

Abstract: This paper concerns biorthogonal nonuniform filter banks. It is shown that a tree structured filter bank is biorthogonal if it is equivalent to a tree structured filter bank whose matching constituent levels on the analysis and synthesis sides are themselves biorthogonal pairs. We then show that a stronger statement can be made about dyadic filter banks in general: That a dyadic filter bank is biorthogonal if both the analysis and synthesis banks can be decomposed into dyadic trees. We further show that these decompositions are stability and FIR preserving. These results, derived for filter banks having filters with rational transfer functions, thus extend some of the earlier comparable results for orthonormal filter banks

biorthogonal nonuniform filter banks
tree structured filter bank
biorthogonal pairs
dyadic filter banks
dyadic trees
stability preserving
FIR preserving
rational transfer functions


Aggregators versus disintermediators: battling it out in the information superhighstreet

Abstract: Perhaps the future of large-scale content aggregators is now no longer in doubt but this was not the case 10 years ago, when many leading industry experts were much more pessimistic in their predictions. In the year that Dialog celebrates its thirtieth anniversary as the world's oldest and largest professional online information service, it is appropriate to look back at these changing perceptions, the reasons for these changes, and why the experts got it wrong. We also look at the present day; the value that large-scale content aggregators bring to the information supply chain; and we discuss why users would choose to use aggregators as opposed to going directly to the publishers

large-scale content aggregators
online information service
information supply chain
disintermediators


Geometric source separation: merging convolutive source separation with geometric beamforming

Abstract: Convolutive blind source separation and adaptive beamforming have a similar goal-extracting a source of interest (or multiple sources) while reducing undesired interferences. A benefit of source separation is that it overcomes the conventional cross-talk or leakage problem of adaptive beamforming. Beamforming on the other hand exploits geometric information which is often readily available but not utilized in blind algorithms. We propose to join these benefits by combining cross-power minimization of second-order source separation with geometric linear constraints used in adaptive beamforming. We find that the geometric constraints resolve some of the ambiguities inherent in the independence criterion such as frequency permutations and degrees of freedom provided by additional sensors. We demonstrate the new method in performance comparisons for actual room recordings of two and three simultaneous acoustic sources

geometric source separation
geometric beamforming
convolutive blind source separation
adaptive beamforming
cross-talk
leakage problem
blind algorithms
cross-power minimization
second-order source separation
geometric linear constraints
frequency permutations
degrees of freedom
sensors
room recordings
acoustic sources


Integration - no longer a barrier? [agile business]

Abstract: Web services will be a critical technology for enabling the 'agile business'

agile business
Web services
integration middleware
Iona
AMR Research


Benchmarking of the Dose Planning Method (DPM) Monte Carlo code using electron beams from a racetrack microtron

Abstract: A comprehensive set of measurements and calculations has been conducted to investigate the accuracy of the Dose Planning Method (DPM) Monte Carlo code for dose calculations from 10 and 50 MeV scanned electron beams produced from a racetrack microtron. Central axis depth dose measurements and a series of profile scans at various depths were acquired in a water phantom using a Scanditronix type RK ion chamber. Source spatial distributions for the Monte Carlo calculations were reconstructed from in-air ion chamber measurements carried out across the two-dimensional beam profile at 100 cm downstream from the source. The in-air spatial distributions were found to have full width at half maximum of 4.7 and 1.3 cm, at 100 cm from the source, for the 10 and 50 MeV beams, respectively. Energy spectra for the 10 and 50 MeV beams were determined by simulating the components of the microtron treatment head using the code MCNP4B. DPM calculations are on average within +or-2% agreement with measurement for all depth dose and profile comparisons conducted in this study. The accuracy of the DPM code illustrated in this work suggests that DPM may be used as a valuable tool for electron beam dose calculations

dose planning method Monte Carlo code
scanned electron beams
racetrack microtron
benchmarking
central axis depth dose measurements
profile scans
water phantom
ion chamber
source spatial distributions
two-dimensional beam profile
in-air spatial distributions
MCNP4B
electron beam dose calculations
radiotherapy treatment planning
electron transport
scoring parameters
10 MeV
50 MeV


OS porting and application development for SoC

Abstract: To deliver improved usability in high-end portable consumer products, the use of an appropriate consumer operating system (OS) is becoming far more widespread. Using a commercially supported OS also vastly increases the availability of supported applications. For the device developer, this trend adds major complexity to the problem of system implementation. Porting a complete operating system to a new hardware design adds significantly to the development burden, increasing both time-to-market and expense. Even for those familiar with the integration of a real-time OS, the porting, validation and support of a complex platform OS is a formidable task

OS porting
application development
consumer operating system
hardware design


Dementing disorders: volumetric measurement of cerebrospinal fluid to distinguish normal from pathologic finding - feasibility study

Abstract: We have demonstrated that automated methods to describe the severity and distribution of cerebral atrophy are capable of providing diagnostic information in the classification of neurodegenerative diseases

cerebrospinal fluid volumetric measurement


Robust self-tuning PID controller for nonlinear systems

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a robust self-tuning PID controller suitable for nonlinear systems. The control system employs a preload relay (P_Relay) in series with a PID controller. The P_Relay ensures a high gain to yield a robust performance. However, it also incurs a chattering phenomenon. In this paper, instead of viewing the chattering as an undesirable yet inevitable feature, we use it as a naturally occurring signal for tuning and re-tuning the PID controller as the operating regime digresses. No other explicit input signal is required. Once the PID controller is tuned for a particular operating point, the relay may be disabled and chattering ceases correspondingly. However, it is invoked when there is a change in setpoint to another operating regime. In this way, the approach is also applicable to time-varying systems as the PID tuning can be continuous, based on the latest set of chattering characteristics. Analysis is provided on the stability properties of the control scheme. Simulation results for the level control of fluid in a spherical tank using the scheme are also presented

nonlinear systems
robust self-tuning PID controller
preload relay
robust performance
chattering phenomenon
naturally occurring signal
controller tuning
controller re-tuning
relay disabling
operating regime
time-varying systems
continuous tuning
stability properties
simulation results
fluid level control
spherical tank


A re-examination of probability matching and rational choice

Abstract: In a typical probability learning task participants are presented with a repeated choice between two response alternatives, one of which has a higher payoff probability than the other. Rational choice theory requires that participants should eventually allocate all their responses to the high-payoff alternative, but previous research has found that people fail to maximize their payoffs. Instead, it is commonly observed that people match their response probabilities to the payoff probabilities. We report three experiments on this choice anomaly using a simple probability learning task in which participants were provided with (i) large financial incentives, (ii) meaningful and regular feedback, and (iii) extensive training. In each experiment large proportions of participants adopted the optimal response strategy and all three of the factors mentioned above contributed to this. The results are supportive of rational choice theory

probability learning task
rational choice theory
probability matching
payoff probability
response probabilities
choice anomaly
large financial incentives
meaningful regular feedback
extensive training
optimal response strategy
feedback
rationality


High dynamic control of a three-level voltage-source-converter drive for a main strip mill

Abstract: A high dynamic control system for the Alspa VDM 7000 medium-voltage drive was implemented, which provides fast torque response times of a few milliseconds despite the typically low switching frequency of gate-turn-off thyristors which is necessary to achieve high efficiency. The drive system consists of a three-level voltage-source converter with active front end and a synchronous motor. The drive has most recently been applied to a main strip mill. It provides a maximum of 8.3-MW mechanical power with a rated motor voltage of 3 kV. Besides motor torque as the main control objective, the control system has to comply with a number of additional objectives and constraints like DC-link voltage regulation and balancing, current and torque harmonics, motor flux, and excitation

medium-voltage drive
high dynamic control system
gate-turn-off thyristors
switching frequency
efficiency
three-level voltage-source converter
synchronous motor
strip mill
mechanical power
motor voltage
control objective
DC-link voltage regulation
DC-link voltage balancing
current harmonics
torque harmonics
motor flux
excitation
8.3 MW
3 kV


A virtual victory [virtual networks]

Abstract: Newly fashionable virtual network operators look all set to clean up in the corporate sector

virtual network operators
corporate sector


Blended implementation of block implicit methods for ODEs

Abstract: In this paper we further develop a new approach for naturally defining the nonlinear splittings needed for the implementation of block implicit methods for ODEs, which has been considered by Brugnano [J. Comput. Appl. Math. 116 (2000) 41] and by Brugnano and Trigiante [in: Recent Trends in Numerical Analysis, Nova Science, New York, 2000, pp. 81-105]. The basic idea is that of defining the numerical method as the combination (blending) of two suitable component methods. By carefully choosing such methods, it is shown that very efficient implementations can be obtained. Moreover, some of them, characterized by a diagonal splitting, are well suited for parallel computers. Numerical tests comparing the performances of the proposed implementation with existing ones are also presented, in order to make evident the potential of the approach

nonlinear splittings
block implicit methods
blended implementation
ODEs
numerical method
diagonal splitting
parallel computers
numerical tests


Design and analysis of optimal material distribution policies in flexible manufacturing systems using a single AGV

Abstract: Modern automated manufacturing processes employ automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for material handling, which serve several machine centres (MC) in a factory. Optimal scheduling of AGVs can significantly help to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process by minimizing the idle time of MCs waiting for the raw materials. We analyse the requirements for an optimal schedule and then provide a mathematical framework for an efficient schedule of material delivery by an AGV. A mathematical model is developed and then a strategy for optimal material distribution of the available raw material to the MCs is derived. With this model, the optimal number of MCs to be utilized is also determined. Finally, the material delivery schedule employing multiple journeys to the MCs by the AGV is carried out. Through rigorous analysis and simulation experiments, we show that such a delivery strategy will optimize the overall performance

optimal material distribution policies
flexible manufacturing systems
AGV
automated guided vehicle
material handling
machine centres
waiting time
manufacturing lead time
optimal scheduling
idle time minimization
material delivery


Development of a real-time monitoring system

Abstract: This paper describes a pattern recognition (PR) technique, which uses learning vector quantization (LVQ). This method is adapted for practical application to solve problems in the area of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis where a number of fault signatures are involved. In these situations, the aim is health monitoring, including identification of deterioration of the healthy condition and identification of causes of the failure in real-time. For this reason a fault database is developed which contains the collected information about various states of operation of the system in the form of pattern vectors. The task of the real-time monitoring system is to correlate patterns of unknown faults with the known fault signatures in the fault database. This will determine cause of failure and degree of deterioration of the system under test. The problem of fault diagnosis may involve a large number of patterns and large sampling time, which affects the learning stage of neural networks. The study here also aims to find a fast learning model of neural networks for instances when a high number of patterns and numerous processing elements are involved. It begins searching for an appropriate solution. The study is extended to the enforcement learning models and considers LVQ as a network emerged from the competitive learning model through enforcement training. Finally, tests show an accuracy of 92.3 per cent in the fault diagnostic capability of the technique

real-time monitoring system
LVQ
pattern recognition technique
learning vector quantization
condition monitoring
fault diagnosis
fault signatures
health monitoring
deterioration identification
real-time failure cause identification
fault database
pattern vectors
pattern correlation
large sampling time
fast learning model
neural networks
competitive learning model
enforcement training
fault diagnostic capability
CNC machine centre
coolant system


Adaptable dialog boxes for cross-platform programming

Abstract: The author presents a framework for building dialog boxes that adapt to the look and feel of their platform. This method also helps with a few related problems: specifying cross-platform resources and handling dialog size changes due to localization. He uses a combination of XML, automatic layout, and run-time dialog creation to give you most of the benefits of platform-specific resources, without the associated pain. Source code with an implementation of the layout engine for Mac OS 9.1 ("Carbon"), Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows can be downloaded from the CUJ website at <www.cuj.com/code>. You can use this code as is, or as a starting point for your own more complete implementation

dialog boxes
cross-platform resources
dialog size changes
localization
XML
automatic layout
run-time dialog creation
platform-specific resources
Mac OS 9.1
Mac OS X
Microsoft Windows
cross-platform programming
adaptable dialog boxes


Building an effective computer science student organization: the Carnegie Mellon Women@SCS action plan

Abstract: This paper aims to provide a practical guide for building a student organization and designing activities and events that can encourage and support a community of women in computer science. This guide is based on our experience in building Women@SCS, a community of women in the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon University. Rather than provide an abstract "to-do" or "must-do" list, we present a sampling of concrete activities and events in the hope that these might suggest possibilities for a likeminded student organization. However, since we have found it essential to have a core group of activist students at the helm, we provide a "to-do" list of features that we feel are essential for forming, supporting and sustaining creative and effective student leadership

computer science student organization
Women@SCS action plan
gender issues
women
computer science education
Carnegie Mellon University
student leadership


Summarization beyond sentence extraction: A probabilistic approach to sentence compression

Abstract: When humans produce summaries of documents, they do not simply extract sentences and concatenate them. Rather, they create new sentences that are grammatical, that cohere with one another, and that capture the most salient pieces of information in the original document. Given that large collections of text/abstract pairs are available online, it is now possible to envision algorithms that are trained to mimic this process. In this paper, we focus on sentence compression, a simpler version of this larger challenge. We aim to achieve two goals simultaneously: our compressions should be grammatical, and they should retain the most important pieces of information. These two goals can conflict. We devise both a noisy-channel and a decision-tree approach to the problem, and we evaluate results against manual compressions and a simple baseline

sentence compression
grammatical
noisy-channel
decision-tree
document summarization


Domesticating computers and the Internet

Abstract: The people who use computers and the ways they use them have changed substantially over the past 25 years. In the beginning highly educated people, mostly men, in technical professions used computers for work, but over time a much broader range of people are using computers for personal and domestic purposes. This trend is still continuing, and over a shorter time scale has been replicated with the use of the Internet. The paper uses data from four national surveys to document how personal computers and the Internet have become increasingly domesticated since 1995 and to explore the mechanisms for this shift. Now people log on more often from home than from places of employment and do so for pleasure and for personal purposes rather than for their jobs. Analyses comparing veteran Internet users to novices in 1998 and 2000 and analyses comparing the change in use within a single sample between 1995 and 1996 support two complementary explanations for how these technologies have become domesticated. Women, children, and less well-educated individuals are increasingly using computers and the Internet and have a more personal set of motives than well-educated men. In addition, the widespread diffusion of the PC and the Internet and the response of the computing industry to the diversity in consumers has led to a rich set of personal and domestic services

computer domestication
Internet
highly educated people
technical professions
domestic purposes
personal usage
national surveys
personal computers
veteran Internet users
novices
women
children
personal motives
PC diffusion
computing industry
domestic services
demographics
online behavior


Use of Bayesian Belief Networks when combining disparate sources of information in the safety assessment of software-based systems

Abstract: The paper discusses how disparate sources of information can be combined in the safety assessment of software-based systems. The emphasis is put on an emerging methodology, relevant for intelligent product-support systems, to combine information about disparate evidences systematically based on Bayesian Belief Networks. The objective is to show the link between basic information and the confidence one can have in a system. How one combines the Bayesian Belief Net (BBN) method with a software safety standard (RTCA/DO-178B,) for safety assessment of software-based systems is also discussed. Finally, the applicability of the BBN methodology and experiences from cooperative research work together with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Det Norske Veritas, and ongoing research with VTT Automation are presented

Bayesian belief networks
intelligent product-support systems
software safety standard
safety assessment
software-based systems


Subject access to government documents in an era of globalization: intellectual bundling of entities affected by the decisions of supranational organizations

Abstract: As a result of the growing influence of supranational organizations, there is a need for a new model for subject access to government information in academic libraries. Rulings made by supranational bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and rulings determined under the auspices of transnational economic agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) often supersede existing law, resulting in obligatory changes to national, provincial, state, and municipal legislation. Just as important is the relationship among private sector companies, third party actors such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governments. The interaction among the various entities affected by supranational rulings could potentially form the basis of a new model for subject access to government information

government documents
globalization
intellectual bundling
supranational organizations
academic libraries
World Trade Organization
transnational economic agreements
North American Free Trade Agreement
municipal legislation
national legislation
provincial legislation
state legislation


Where tech is cheap [servers]

Abstract: Talk, consultancy, support, not tech is the expensive part of network installations. It's a good job that small-scale servers can either be remotely managed, or require little actual management

small-scale servers
network installations
management


Quantum phase gate for photonic qubits using only beam splitters and postselection

Abstract: We show that a beam splitter of reflectivity one-third can be used to realize a quantum phase gate operation if only the outputs conserving the number of photons on each side are postselected

postselected photon number conserving outputs


Novel line conditioner with voltage up/down capability

Abstract: In this paper, a novel pulsewidth-modulated line conditioner with fast output voltage control is proposed. The line conditioner is made up of an AC chopper with reversible voltage control and a transformer for series voltage compensation. In the AC chopper, a proper switching operation is achieved without the commutation problem. To absorb energy stored in line stray inductance, a regenerative DC snubber can be utilized which has only one capacitor without discharging resistors or complicated regenerative circuit for snubber energy. Therefore, the proposed AC chopper gives high efficiency and reliability. The output voltage of the line conditioner is controlled using a fast sensing technique of the output voltage. It is also shown via some experimental results that the presented line conditioner gives good dynamic and steady-state performance for high quality of the output voltage

pulsewidth-modulated line conditioner
output voltage control
AC chopper
reversible voltage control
series voltage compensation transformer
switching operation
commutation
line stray inductance
regenerative DC snubber
dynamic performance
steady-state performance


Combining PC control and HMI

Abstract: Integrating PC-based control with human machine interface (HMI) technology can benefit a plant floor system. However, before one decides on PC-based control, there are many things one should consider, especially when using a soft programmable logic controller (PLC) to command the input/output. There are three strategies to integrate a PC-based control system with an HMI: treat the PC running the control application as if it were a PLC, integrate the system using standard PC interfaces; or using application programming interfaces

PC-based control system
application programming interfaces
PC interfaces
human machine interface
shop floor system
programmable logic controller


Prediction of tool and chip temperature in continuous and interrupted machining

Abstract: A numerical model based on the finite difference method is presented to predict tool and chip temperature fields in continuous machining and time varying milling processes. Continuous or steady state machining operations like orthogonal cutting are studied by modeling the heat transfer between the tool and chip at the tool-rake face contact zone. The shear energy created in the primary zone, the friction energy produced at the rake face-chip contact zone and the heat balance between the moving chip and stationary tool are considered. The temperature distribution is solved using the finite difference method. Later, the model is extended to milling where the cutting is interrupted and the chip thickness varies with time. The proposed model combines the steady-state temperature prediction in continuous machining with transient temperature evaluation in interrupted cutting operations where the chip and the process change in a discontinuous manner. The mathematical models and simulation results are in satisfactory agreement with experimental temperature measurements reported in the literature

tool temperature prediction
chip temperature prediction
continuous machining
interrupted machining
numerical model
finite difference method
time varying milling processes
orthogonal cutting
heat transfer
tool-rake face contact zone
shear energy
primary zone
friction energy
temperature distribution
first-order dynamic system
thermal properties


Node-capacitated ring routing

Abstract: We consider the node-capacitated routing problem in an undirected ring network along with its fractional relaxation, the node-capacitated multicommodity flow problem. For the feasibility problem, Farkas' lemma provides a characterization for general undirected graphs, asserting roughly that there exists such a flow if and only if the so-called distance inequality holds for every choice of distance functions arising from nonnegative node weights. For rings, this (straightforward) result will be improved in two ways. We prove that, independent of the integrality of node capacities, it suffices to require the distance inequality only for distances arising from (0-1-2)-valued node weights, a requirement that will be called the double-cut condition. Moreover, for integer-valued node capacities, the double-cut condition implies the existence of a half-integral multicommodity flow. In this case there is even an integer-valued multicommodity flow that violates each node capacity by at most one. Our approach gives rise to a combinatorial, strongly polynomial algorithm to compute either a violating double-cut or a node-capacitated multicommodity flow. A relation of the problem to its edge-capacitated counterpart will also be explained

combinatorial strongly polynomial algorithm


Control of thin film growth in chemical vapor deposition manufacturing systems: a feasibility study

Abstract: A study is carried out to design and optimize chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems for material fabrication. Design and optimization of the CVD process is necessary to satisfying strong global demand and ever increasing quality requirements for thin film production. Advantages of computer aided optimization include high design turnaround time, flexibility to explore a larger design space and the development and adaptation of automation techniques for design and optimization. A CVD reactor consisting of a vertical impinging jet at atmospheric pressure, for growing titanium nitride films, is studied for thin film deposition. Numerical modeling and simulation are used to determine the rate of deposition and film uniformity over a wide range of design variables and operating conditions. These results are used for system design and optimization. The optimization procedure employs an objective function characterizing film quality, productivity and operational costs based on reactor gas flow rate, susceptor temperature and precursor concentration. Parameter space mappings are used to determine the design space, while a minimization algorithm, such as the steepest descent method, is used to determine optimal operating conditions for the system. The main features of computer aided design and optimization using these techniques are discussed in detail

chemical vapor deposition
material fabrication
optimization
operational costs
film quality
titanium nitride films
thin film growth
reactor gas flow rate
susceptor temperature
precursor concentration
parameter space mappings
TiN


From FREE to FEE [online advertising market]

Abstract: As the online advertising market continues to struggle, many online content marketers are wrestling with the issue of how to add at least some level of paid subscription income to their revenue mix in order to reach or improve profitability. Since the business of selling content online is still in its infancy, and many consumers clearly still think of Web content as simply and rightfully free, few roadmaps are available to show the way to effective marketing strategies, but some guiding principles have emerged

online advertising market
paid subscription income
selling content online
marketing strategies


It's time to buy

Abstract: There is an upside to a down economy: over-zealous suppliers are willing to make deals that were unthinkable a few years ago. That's because vendors are experiencing the same money squeeze as manufacturers, which makes the year 2002 the perfect time to invest in new technology. The author states that when negotiating the deal, provisions for unexpected costs, an exit strategy, and even shared risk with the vendor should be on the table

negotiation
unexpected costs
exit strategy
shared risk
vendor
suppliers
money squeeze
buyers market
bargaining power


Bounded model checking for the universal fragment of CTL

Abstract: Bounded Model Checking (BMC) has been recently introduced as an efficient verification method for reactive systems. BMC based on SAT methods consists in searching for a counterexample of a particular length and generating a propositional formula that is satisfiable iff such a counterexample-exists. This new technique has been introduced by E. Clarke et al. for model checking of linear time temporal logic (LTL). Our paper shows how the concept of bounded model checking can be extended to ACTL (the universal fragment of CTL). The implementation of the algorithm for Elementary Net Systems is described together with the experimental results

bounded model checking
universal fragment
verification method
reactive systems
SAT methods
propositional formula
model checking
linear time temporal logic
elementary net systems
bounded semantics


Efficient parallel programming on scalable shared memory systems with High Performance Fortran

Abstract: OpenMP offers a high-level interface for parallel programming on scalable shared memory (SMP) architectures. It provides the user with simple work-sharing directives while it relies on the compiler to generate parallel programs based on thread parallelism. However, the lack of language features for exploiting data locality often results in poor performance since the non-uniform memory access times on scalable SMP machines cannot be neglected. High Performance Fortran (HPF), the de-facto standard for data parallel programming, offers a rich set of data distribution directives in order to exploit data locality, but it has been mainly targeted towards distributed memory machines. In this paper we describe an optimized execution model for HPF programs on SMP machines that avails itself with mechanisms provided by OpenMP for work sharing and thread parallelism, while exploiting data locality based on user-specified distribution directives. Data locality does not only ensure that most memory accesses are close to the executing threads and are therefore faster, but it also minimizes synchronization overheads, especially in the case of unstructured reductions. The proposed shared memory execution model for HPF relies on a small set of language extensions, which resemble the OpenMP work-sharing features. These extensions, together with an optimized shared memory parallelization and execution model, have been implemented in the ADAPTOR HPF compilation system and experimental results verify the efficiency of the chosen approach

parallel programming
scalable shared memory
High Performance Fortran
multiprocessor architectures
scalable hardware
shared memory multiprocessor


The agile revolution [business agility]

Abstract: There is a new business revolution in the air. The theory is there, the technology is evolving, fast. It is all about agility

business agility
software design
software deployment
organisational structures
supply chains


MPEG-4 video object-based rate allocation with variable temporal rates

Abstract: In object-based coding, bit allocation is performed at the object level and temporal rates of different objects may vary. The proposed algorithm deals with these two issues when coding multiple video objects (MVOs). The proposed algorithm is able to successfully achieve the target bit rate, effectively code arbitrarily shaped MVOs with different temporal rates, and maintain a stable buffer level

MPEG-4 video coding
bit allocation
multiple video objects
rate-distortion encoding
object-based rate allocation
variable temporal rates


Three-dimensional particle image tracking for dilute particle-liquid flows in a pipe

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) particle image tracking technique was used to study the coarse spherical particle-liquid flows in a pipe. The flow images from both the front view and the normal side view, which was reflected into the front view by a mirror, were recorded with a CCD camera and digitized by a PC with an image grabber card. An image processing program was developed to enhance and segment the flow image, and then to identify the particles. Over 90% of all the particles can be identified and located from the partially overlapped particle images using the circular Hough transform. Then the 3D position of each detected particle was determined by matching its front view image to its side view image. The particle velocity was then obtained by pairing its images in successive video fields. The measurements for the spherical expanded polystyrene particle-oil flows show that the particles, like the spherical bubbles in laminar bubbly flows, tend to conglomerate near the pipe wall and to line up to form the particle clusters. As liquid velocity decreases, the particle clusters disperse and more particles are distributed in the pipe centre region

three-dimensional particle image tracking


Use of extra degrees of freedom in multilevel drives

Abstract: Multilevel converters with series connection of semiconductors allow power electronics to reach medium voltages (1-10 kV) with relatively standard components. The increase of the number of semiconductors provides extra degrees of freedom, which can be used to improve different characteristics. This paper is focused on variable-speed drives and it is shown that with the proposed multilevel direct torque control strategy (DiCoIF) the tradeoff between the performances of the drive (harmonic distortions, torque dynamics, voltage step gradients, etc.) and the switching frequency of the semiconductors is improved. Then, a slightly modified strategy reducing common-mode voltage and bearing currents is presented


The Malaysian model

Abstract: Japan's first third generation service, Foma, is unlikely to be truly attractive to consumers until 2005. That still falls well within the financial planning of its operator Docomo. But where does that leave European 3G operators looking for reassurance? Malaysia, says Simon Marshall

3G operators
Malaysia
Maxis Communications
Telekom Malaysia


Traffic engineering with traditional IP routing protocols

Abstract: Traffic engineering involves adapting the routing of traffic to network conditions, with the joint goals of good user performance and efficient use of network resources. We describe an approach to intradomain traffic engineering that works within the existing deployed base of interior gateway protocols, such as Open Shortest Path First and Intermediate System-Intermediate System. We explain how to adapt the configuration of link weights, based on a networkwide view of the traffic and topology within a domain. In addition, we summarize the results of several studies of techniques for optimizing OSPF/IS-IS weights to the prevailing traffic. The article argues that traditional shortest path routing protocols are surprisingly effective for engineering the flow of traffic in large IP networks

Intermediate System-Intermediate System protocol


Generalized mosaicing: wide field of view multispectral imaging

Abstract: We present an approach to significantly enhance the spectral resolution of imaging systems by generalizing image mosaicing. A filter transmitting spatially varying spectral bands is rigidly attached to a camera. As the system moves, it senses each scene point multiple times, each time in a different spectral band. This is an additional dimension of the generalized mosaic paradigm, which has demonstrated yielding high radiometric dynamic range images in a wide field of view, using a spatially varying density filter. The resulting mosaic represents the spectrum at each scene point. The image acquisition is as easy as in traditional image mosaics. We derive an efficient scene sampling rate, and use a registration method that accommodates the spatially varying properties of the filter. Using the data acquired by this method, we demonstrate scene rendering under different simulated illumination spectra. We are also able to infer information about the scene illumination. The approach was tested using a standard 8-bit black/white video camera and a fixed spatially varying spectral (interference) filter


Calculation of the probability of survival of an insurance company with allowance for the rate of return for a Poisson stream of premiums

Abstract: The probability of survival of an insurance company with the working capital is calculated for a Poisson stream of premiums

survival probability
insurance company
return rate
Poisson premium stream
probability density function


Modelling of complete robot dynamics based on a multi-dimensional, RBF-like neural architecture

Abstract: A neural network based identification approach of manipulator dynamics is presented. For a structured modelling, RBF-like static neural networks are used in order to represent and adapt all model parameters with their non-linear dependences on the joint positions. The neural architecture is hierarchically organised to reach optimal adjustment to structural a priori-knowledge about the identification problem. The model structure is substantially simplified by general system analysis independent of robot type. But also a lot of specific features of the utilised experimental robot are taken into account. A fixed, grid based neuron placement together with application of B-spline polynomial basis functions is utilised favourably for a very effective recursive implementation of the neural architecture. Thus, an online identification of a dynamic model is submitted for a complete 6 joint industrial robot

multi-dimensional RBF-like neural architecture


Faking it: simulating dependent types in Haskell

Abstract: Dependent types reflect the fact that validity of data is often a relative notion by allowing prior data to affect the types of subsequent data. Not only does this make for a precise type system, but also a highly generic one: both the type and the program for each instance of a family of operations can be computed from the data which codes for that instance. Recent experimental extensions to the Haskell type class mechanism give us strong tools to relativize types to other types. We may simulate some aspects of dependent typing by making counterfeit type-level copies of data, with type constructors simulating data constructors and type classes simulating datatypes. This paper gives examples of the technique and discusses its potential

dependent types
Haskell
data validity
precise type system
type class mechanism
dependent typing
counterfeit type-level copies
type constructors
data constructors
datatypes
functional programming


The existence condition of gamma -acyclic database schemes with MVDs constraints

Abstract: It is very important to use database technology for a large-scale system such as ERP and MIS. A good database design may improve the performance of the system. Some research shows that a gamma -acyclic database scheme has many good properties, e.g., each connected join expression is monotonous, which helps to improve query performance of the database system. Thus what conditions are needed to generate a gamma -acyclic database scheme for a given relational scheme? In this paper, the sufficient and necessary condition of the existence of gamma -acyclic, join-lossless and dependencies-preserved database schemes meeting 4NF is given

existence condition
database technology
large-scale system
connected join expression
query performance
sufficient and necessary condition
gamma -acyclic database schemes
MVDs constraints


Real-time estimations of multi-modal frequencies for smart structures

Abstract: In this paper, various methods for the real-time estimation of multi-modal frequencies are realized in real time and compared through numerical and experimental tests. These parameter-based frequency estimation methods can be applied to various engineering fields such as communications, radar and adaptive vibration and noise control. Well-known frequency estimation methods are introduced and explained. The Bairstow method is introduced to find the roots of a characteristic equation for estimations of multi-modal frequencies, and the computational efficiency of the Bairstow method is shown quantitatively. For a simple numerical test, we consider two sinusoids of the same amplitudes mixed with various amounts of white noise. The test results show that the auto regressive (AR) and auto regressive and moving average (ARMA) methods are unsuitable in noisy environments. The other methods apart from the AR method have fast tracking capability. From the point of view of computational efficiency, the results reveal that the ARMA method is inefficient, while the cascade notch filter method is very effective. The linearized adaptive notch filter and recursive maximum likelihood methods have average performances. Experimental tests are devised to confirm the feasibility of real-time computations and to impose the severe conditions of drastically different amplitudes and of considerable changes of natural frequencies. We have performed experiments to extract the natural frequencies from the vibration signal of wing-like composite plates in real time. The natural frequencies of the specimen are changed by added masses. Especially, the AR method exhibits a remarkable performance in spite of the severe conditions. This study will be helpful to anyone who needs a frequency estimation algorithm for real-time applications

auto regressive and moving average methods


Completion to involution and semidiscretisations

Abstract: We discuss the relation between the completion to involution of linear over-determined systems of partial differential equations with constant coefficients and the properties of differential algebraic equations obtained by their semidiscretisation. For a certain class of "weakly over-determined" systems, we show that the differential algebraic equations do not contain hidden constraints, if and only if the original partial differential system is involutive. We also demonstrate how the formal theory can be used to obtain an existence and uniqueness theorem for smooth solutions of strongly hyperbolic systems and to estimate the drift off the constraints, if an underlying equation is numerically solved. Finally, we show for general linear systems how the index of differential algebraic equations obtained by semidiscretisations can be predicted from the result of a completion of the partial differential system

completion
involution
linear over-determined systems
partial differential equations
matrices
semidiscretisations
constant coefficients
index
differential algebraic equations
uniqueness theorem
strongly hyperbolic systems


Hysteretic threshold logic and quasi-delay insensitive asynchronous design

Abstract: We introduce the class of hysteretic linear-threshold (HLT) logic functions as a novel extension of linear threshold logic, and prove their general applicability for constructing state-holding Boolean functions. We then demonstrate a fusion of HLT logic with the quasi-delay insensitive style of asynchronous circuit design, complete with logical design examples. Future research directions are also identified

hysteretic linear-threshold logic functions


A Virtual Test Facility for the simulation of dynamic response in materials

Abstract: The Center for Simulating Dynamic Response of Materials at the California Institute of Technology is constructing a virtual shock physics facility for studying the response of various target materials to very strong shocks. The Virtual Test Facility (VTF) is an end-to-end, fully three-dimensional simulation of the detonation of high explosives (HE), shock wave propagation, solid material response to pressure loading, and compressible turbulence. The VTF largely consists of a parallel fluid solver and a parallel solid mechanics package that are coupled together by the exchange of boundary data. The Eulerian fluid code and Lagrangian solid mechanics model interact via a novel approach based on level sets. The two main computational packages are integrated through the use of Pyre, a problem solving environment written in the Python scripting language. Pyre allows application developers to interchange various computational models and solver packages without recompiling code, and it provides standardized access to several data visualization engines and data input mechanisms. In this paper, we outline the main components of the VTF, discuss their integration via Pyre, and describe some recent accomplishments in large-scale simulation using the VTF

virtual shock physics facility
Virtual Test Facility
high explosives
shock wave propagation
solid material response
pressure loading
compressible turbulence
parallel fluid solver
parallel solid mechanics
shock physics simulation
data visualization
Pyre
problem solving environment
Python scripting language