The k-simultaneous consensus problem

This paper introduces and investigates the k-simultaneous consensus task: each process participates at the same time in k independent consensus instances until it decides in any one of them. It is shown that the k-simultaneous consensus task is equivalent to the k-set agreement task in the wait-free read/write shared memory model, and furthermore k-simultaneous consensus possesses properties that k-set does not. In particular we show that the multivalued version and the binary version of the k-simultaneous consensus task are wait-free equivalent. These equivalences are independent of the number of processes. Interestingly, this provides us with a new characterization of the k-set agreement task that is based on the fundamental binary consensus problem.     

Appearance Harmonization for Single Image Shadow Removal

Shadow removal is a challenging problem and previous approaches often produce de‐shadowed regions that are visually inconsistent with the rest of the image. We propose an automatic shadow region harmonization approach that makes the appearance of a de‐shadowed region (produced using any previous technique) compatible with the rest of the image. We use a shadow‐guided patch‐based image synthesis approach that reconstructs the shadow region using patches sampled from non‐shadowed regions. This result is then refined based on the reconstruction confidence to handle unique textures. Qualitative comparisons over a wide range of images, and a quantitative evaluation on a benchmark dataset show that our technique significantly improves upon the state‐of‐the‐art.     

From Symbol to ‘Symbol’, to Abstract Symbol: Response to Copeland and Shagrir on Turing-Machine Realism Versus Turing-Machine Purism

In their recent paper “Do Accelerating Turing Machines Compute the Uncomputable?” Copeland and Shagrir (Minds Mach 21:221–239, 2011) draw a distinction between a purist conception of Turing machines, according to which these machines are purely abstract, and Turing machine realism according to which Turing machines are spatio-temporal and causal “notional" machines. In the present response to that paper we concede the realistic aspects of Turing’s own presentation of his machines, pointed out by Copeland and Shagrir, but argue that Turing's treatment of symbols in the course of that presentation opens the door for later purist conceptions. Also, we argue that a purist conception of Turing machines (as well as other computational models) plays an important role not only in the analysis of the computational properties of Turing machines, but also in the philosophical debates over the nature of their realization.     

Generational analysis of tension and entropy in data structures: impact on automatic data integration and on the semantic web

The move toward automatic data integration from autonomous and heterogeneous sources is viewed as a transition from a closed to an open system, which is in essence an adaptive information processing system. Data definition languages from various computing eras spanning almost 50 years to date are examined, assessing if they have moved from closed systems to open systems paradigm. The study proves that contemporary data definition languages are indistinguishable from older ones using measurements of Variety, Tension and Entropy, three characteristics of complex adaptive systems (CAS). The conclusion is that even contemporary data definition languages designed for such integration exhibit closed systems characteristics along with open systems aspirations only. Plenty of good will is insufficient to make them more suitable for automatic data integration than their oldest predecessors. A previous report and these new findings set the stage for the development and proposal of a mathematically sound data definition language based on CAS, thus potentially making it better suited for automatic data integration from autonomous heterogeneous sources.     

Adaptation of an automotive dialogue system to users’ expertise and evaluation of the system

Spoken dialogue systems (SDSs) can be used to operate devices, e.g. in the automotive environment. People using these systems usually have different levels of experience. However, most systems do not take this into account. In this paper, we present a method to build a dialogue system in an automotive environment that automatically adapts to the user’s experience with the system. We implemented the adaptation in a prototype and carried out exhaustive tests. Our usability tests show that adaptation increases both user performance and user satisfaction. We describe the tests that were performed, and the methods used to assess the test results. One of these methods is a modification of PARADISE, a framework for evaluating the performance of SDSs [Walker MA, Litman DJ, Kamm CA, Abella A (Comput Speech Lang 12(3):317–347, 1998)]. We discuss its drawbacks for the evaluation of SDSs like ours, the modifications we have carried out, and the test results.

Executive Self, Self-Esteem, and Negative Affectivity: Relations at the Phenotypic and Genotypic Level.

Complementary approaches examined the relations among executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity. A cross-sectional (N = 4,242) and a longitudinal (N = 158) study established that self-esteem mediated the relation between executive self and negative affectivity. A 3rd study (N = 878 twin pairs) replicated this pattern and examined genetic and environmental influences underlying all 3 phenotypes. Covariation among the 3 phenotypes reflected largely common genetic influences, although unique genetic effects explained variability in both executive self and negative affectivity. Executive self was influenced by shared environmental influences unique from those affecting self-esteem and negative affectivity. Nonshared environmental influences accounted for the majority of variance in each construct and were primarily unique to each. The unique genetic and nonshared environmental influences support the proposition that the executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity capture distinct and important differences between people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inverse Analysis of Impact Test Data: Experimental Study on Polymeric Materials Displaying Brittle Behaviour

This paper deals with the influence of the testing equipment on impact load measurements. A previously developed method of analysis and processing of the experimental data based on a refined analogical model of the impact event and inverse problem techniques is used. This method makes it possible to obtain the mechanical response of the material, notwithstanding the disturbance of the dynamic effects associated to the test. Results from tests carried out both on falling weight and swing pendulum instrumented testing machines are compared. It is shown that this method can give an accurate estimation of the actual bending force in impact testing independent of the testing equipment.     

Multifunctional Nanochemistry: Ambient,Electroless, Template-Based Synthesis and Characterization of Segmented Bimetallic Pd/Au and Pd/Pt Nanowires as High-Performance Electrocatalysts and Nanomotors

Segmented noble-metal nanowires (NWs) represent an exciting, multifunctional, one-dimensional, structural architecture with a variety of potential applications. However, the widespread use of electrodeposition in the preparation of these systems has limited their potential to be produced on a large scale, since this protocol is costly and requires complex processes and caustic reaction media. Given the inherent limitations of electrodeposition, we report, for the first time, an ambient, surfactantless, template-based approach that is not only sustainable but also efficient for the reliable production of Pd/Pt and Pd/Au segmented NWs, possessing two spatially separated, chemically distinctive, but elementally pure, axial subunits. Our simple two-step synthetic approach allows for direct and predictable control over the relative segment lengths in these nanomaterials. Moreover, thorough structural characterization of these as-prepared samples confirms that our segmented NWs maintain high-quality, crystalline, elementally pure subunits with a well-defined interface between the constituent metals. In the context of preparing segmented NWs as multifunctional nanostructures, we demonstrate that these as-prepared NWs achieve high levels of performance when employed as both electrocatalysts and nanomotors.