A New Class of Depth-Size Optimal Parallel Prefix Circuits

Given n values x₁, x₂, ... ,x_n and an associative binary operation o, the prefix problem is to compute x₁ox₂o··· ox_i, 1in. Many combinational circuits for solving the prefix problem, called prefix circuits, have been designed. It has been proved that the size s(D(n)) and the depth d(D(n)) of an n-input prefix circuit D(n) satisfy the inequality d(D(n))+s(D(n))2n–2; thus, a prefix circuit is depth-size optimal if d(D(n))+s(D(n))=2n–2. In this paper, we construct a new depth-size optimal prefix circuit SL(n). In addition, we can build depth-size optimal prefix circuits whose depth can be any integer between d(SL(n)) and n–1. SL(n) has the same maximum fan-out lgn+1 as Snir's SN(n), but the depth of SL(n) is smaller; thus, SL(n) is faster. Compared with another optimal prefix circuit LYD(n), d(LYD(n))+2d(SL(n))d(LYD(n)). However, LYD(n) may have a fan-out of at most 2 lgn–2, and the fan-out of LYD(n) is greater than that of SL(n) for almost all n12. Because an operation node with greater fan-out occupies more chip area and is slower in VLSI implementation, in most cases, SL(n) needs less area and may be faster than LYD(n). Moreover, it is much easier to design SL(n) than LYD(n).     

Formalized structural synthesis of a pipeline processor for measurement data

The tensor language of system engineering is applied for formalized structural synthesis of a pipeline processor for measurement data. The formalized synthesis procedure has produced efficient data processing block pipeline and data processing block pipeline assembly structures.Translated from Kibernetika i Sistemnyi Analiz, No. 6, pp. 29–45, November–December, 1991.     

Representation of Algebraic Functions As Power and Fractional Power Series of Special Type

A Maple procedure is described by means of which an algebraic function given by an equation f(x y) = 0 can be expanded into a fractional power series (Puiseux series)

Quantum Algorithms for Highly Structured Search Problems

We consider the problem of identifying a base k string given an oracle which returns information about the number of correct components in a query, specifically, the Hamming distance between the query and the solution, modulo r = max{2, 6 – k}. Classically this problem requires (nlog _r k) queries. For k {2, 3, 4}, we construct quantum algorithms requiring only a single quantum query. For k > 4, we show that O(k) quantum queries suffice. In both cases the quantum algorithms are optimal. PACS: 03.67.Lx     

Proof Reflection in Coq

We formalize natural deduction for first-order logic in the proof assistant Coq, using de Bruijn indices for variable binding. The main judgment we model is of the form d[:], stating that d is a proof term of formula under hypotheses it can be viewed as a typing relation by the Curry–Howard isomorphism. This relation is proved sound with respect to Coq's native logic and is amenable to the manipulation of formulas and of derivations. As an illustration, we define a reduction relation on proof terms with permutative conversions and prove the property of subject reduction.     

Nonrobustness Property of the Individual Ergodic Theorem

Main laws of probability theory, when applied to individual sequences, have a robustness property under small violations of randomness. For example, the law of large numbers for the symmetric Bernoulli scheme holds for a sequence where the randomness deficiency of its initial fragment of length n grows as o(n). The law of iterated logarithm holds if the randomness deficiency grows as o(loglogn). We prove that Birkhoff's individual ergodic theorem is nonrobust in this sense. If the randomness deficiency grows arbitrarily slowly on initial fragments of an infinite sequence, this theorem can be violated. An analogous nonrobustness property holds for the Shannon–McMillan–Breiman theorem.     

Backtracking Problem in the Traversal of an Unknown Directed Graph by a Finite Robot

A covering path in a directed graph is a path passing through all vertices and arcs of the graph, with each arc being traversed only in the direction of its orientation. A covering path exists for any initial vertex only if the graph is strongly connected. The traversal of an unknown graph implies that the topology of the graph is not a priori known, and we learn it only in the course of traversing the graph. This is similar to the problem of traversing a maze by a robot in the case where the plan of the maze is not available. If the robot is a general-purpose computer without any limitations on the number of its states, then traversal algorithms with the estimate O(nm) are known, where n is the number of vertices and m is the number of arcs. If the number of states is finite, then this robot is a finite automaton. Such a robot is an analogue of the Turing machine, where the tape is replaced by a graph and the cells are assigned to the graph vertices and arcs. The selection of the arc that has not been traversed yet among those originating from the current vertex is determined by the order of the outgoing arcs, which is a priori specified for each vertex. The best known traversal algorithms for a finite robot are based on constructing the output directed spanning tree of the graph with the root at the initial vertex and traversing it with the aim to find all untraversed arcs. In doing so, we face the backtracking problem, which consists in searching for all vertices of the tree in the order inverse to their natural partial ordering, i.e., from the leaves to the root. Therefore, the upper estimate of the algorithms is different from the optimal estimate O(nm) by the number of steps required for the backtracking along the outgoing tree. The best known estimate O(nm + n ²loglogn) has been suggested by the author in the previous paper [1]. In this paper, a finite robot is suggested that performs a backtracking with the estimate O(n ²log*(n)). The function log* is defined as an integer solution of the inequality 1 log₂ ^log*(n) < 2, where log ^t = log º log º ... º log (the superposition º is applied t – 1 times) is the tth compositional degree of the logarithm. The estimate O(nm + n ²log*(n)) for the covering path length is valid for any strongly connected graph for a certain (unfortunately, not arbitrary) order of the outgoing arcs. Interestingly, such an order of the arcs can be marked by symbols of the finite robot traversing the graph. Hence, there exists a robot that traverses the graph twice: first traversal with the estimate O(nm + n ²loglogn) and the second traversal with the estimate O(nm + n ²log*(n)).     

A short note on simultaneous splitting

We show that for any alphabet there is a setL ^* such that ifC is any infinite co-infinite context-free language over , thenL splitsC (i.e., each ofL C,L , C, and is infinite).Preparation of this paper was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MCS77-11360.     

Complexity classes and theories of finite models

LetL ^* be accepted in timef(n) by a nondeterministic Turing machine. Then there is a monadic existential second-order sentence in the language of + such that for everyx^*,xL if and only if a certain structureU _x ^f of cardinalityf(|x|) satisfies . It follows that ifL is accepted in nondeterministic timen ^d, d a natural number, then there is a sentence whose relational symbols ared-ary or less, whose finite spectrum isL. This research was partially supported by NSF Grants MCS78-01832 and MCS-8002695.     

Barely Random Algorithms for Multiprocessor Scheduling

We consider randomized algorithms for on-line scheduling on identical machines. For two machines, a randomized algorithm achieving a competitive ratio of was found by Bartal et al. (1995). Seiden has presented a randomized algorithm which achieves competitive ratios of 1.55665, 1.65888, 1.73376, 1.78295, and 1.81681, for m=3,4,5,6,7, respectively (Seiden, 2000). A barely random algorithm is one which is a distribution over a constant number of deterministic strategies. The algorithms of Bartal et al. and Seiden are not barely random–in fact, these algorithms potentially make a random choice for each job scheduled. We present the first barely random on-line scheduling algorithms. In addition, our algorithms use less space and time than the previous algorithms, asymptotically.     

Deterministic sequential functions

The simple rational partial functions accepted by generalized sequential machines are shown to coincide with the compositions _P ^–1 , where _P consists of the prefix codings. The rational functions accepted by generalized sequential machines are proved to coincide with the compositions _P ^–1 , where is the family of endmarkers and is the family of removals of endmarkers. (The compositions are read from left to right). We also show that _P ^–1 is the family of the subsequential functions.This work was partially supported by the Esprit Basic Research Action Working Group No. 3166 ASMICS, the CNRS and the Academy of Finland     

n-Dimensional Processor Arrays with Optical dBuses

dBus-array(k,n) is an n-dimensional processor array of kⁿ nodes connected via k^n–1 dBuses. A dBus is a unidirectional bus which receives signals from a set of k nodes (input set), and transmits signals to a different set of k nodes (output set). Two optical implementations of the dBus-array(k,n) are discussed. One implementation uses the wavelength division multiplexing as in the wavelength division multiple access channel hypercube WMCH [7]. WMCH(k,n) and dBus-array(k,n) have the same diameter and about the same average internode distance, while the dBus-array requires only one tunable transmitter/receiver per node, compared to n tunable transmitters/receivers per node for the WMCH. The other implementation uses one fixed-wavelength transmitter/receiver per node and the dilated slipped banyan switching network (DSB) [17] to combine time division and wavelength division multiplexing.     

A Note on Scheduling Tall/Small Multiprocessor Tasks with Unit Processing Time to Minimize Maximum Tardiness

We study the scheduling situation where n tasks, subjected to release dates and due dates, have to be scheduled on m parallel processors. We show that, when tasks have unit processing times and either require 1 or m processors simultaneously, the minimum maximal tardiness can be computed in polynomial time. Two algorithms are described. The first one is based on a linear programming formulation of the problem while the second one is a combinatorial algorithm. The complexity status of this tall/small task scheduling problem P|r _i ,p _i =1, size _i {1,m}|T _max was unknown before, even for two processors.     

Utilizing deontic operators in information systems specification

One major task in requirements specification is to capture the rules relevant to the problem at hand. Declarative, rule-based approaches have been suggested by many researchers in the field. However, when it comes to modeling large systems of rules, not only for the behavior of the computer system but also for the organizational environment surrounding it, current approaches have problems with limited expressiveness, flexibility, and poor comprehensibility. Hence, rule-based approaches may benefit from improvements in two directions: (1) improvement of the rule languages themselves and (2) better integration with other, complementary modeling approaches.In this article, both issues are addressed in an integrated manner. The proposal is presented in the context of the Tempora project on rule-based information systems development, but has also been integrated with PPP. Tempora has provided a rule language based on an executable temporal logic working on top of a temporal database. The rule language is integrated with static (ER-like) and dynamic (SA/RT-like) modeling approaches. In the current proposal, the integration with complementary modeling approaches is extended by including organization modeling (actors, roles), and the expressiveness of the rule language is increased by introducing deontic operators and rule hierarchies. The main contribution of the article is not seen as any one of the above-mentioned extensions, but as the resulting comprehensive modeling support. The approach is illustrated by examples taken from an industrial case study done in connection with Tempora.C. List of Symbols Subset of set - Not subset of set - Element of set - Not element of set - Equivalent to - Not equivalent to - ¬ Negation - Logical and - Logical or - Implication - Sometime in past - Sometime in future - Always in past - Always in future - Just before - Just after - u Until - s Since - Trigger - Condition - _s State condition - Consequence - _a Action - _s State - Role - Actor - ¬ - General deontic operator - O Obligatory - R Recommended - P Permitted - D Discouraged - F Forbidden - (/–) General rule - t _R Real time - t _M Model time     

Beating the Logarithmic Lower Bound: Randomized Preemptive Disjoint Paths and Call Control Algorithms

We consider the maximum disjoint paths problem and its generalization, the call control problem, in the on-line setting. In the maximum disjoint paths problem, we are given a sequence of connection requests for some communication network. Each request consists of a pair of nodes, that wish to communicate over a path in the network. The request has to be immediately connected or rejected, and the goal is to maximize the number of connected pairs, such that no two paths share an edge. In the call control problem, each request has an additional bandwidth specification, and the goal is to maximize the total bandwidth of the connected pairs (throughput), while satisfying the bandwidth constraints (assuming each edge has unit capacity). These classical problems are central in routing and admission control in high speed networks and in optical networks.We present the first known constant-competitive algorithms for both problems on the line. This settles an open problem of Garay et al. and of Leonardi. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, all previous algorithms for any of these problems, are (logn)-competitive, where n is the number of vertices in the network (and obviously noncompetitive for the continuous line). Our algorithms are randomized and preemptive. Our results should be contrasted with the (logn) lower bounds for deterministic preemptive algorithms of Garay et al. and the (logn) lower bounds for randomized non-preemptive algorithms of Lipton and Tomkins and Awerbuch et al. Interestingly, nonconstant lower bounds were proved by Canetti and Irani for randomized preemptive algorithms for related problems but not for these exact problems.     

Personalized Course Navigation Based on Grey Relational Analysis

Web personalization has quickly changed from a value-added facility to a service required in presenting large quantities of information because individual users of the Internet have various needs and preferences in seeking information. This paper presents a novel personalized recommendation system with online preference analysis in a distance learning environment called Coursebot. Users can both browse and search for course materials by using the interface of Coursebot. Moreover, the proposed system includes appropriate course materials ranked according to a users interests. In this work, an analysis measure is proposed to combine typical grey relational analysis and implicit rating, and thus a users interests are calculated from the content of documents and the users browsing behavior. This algorithms low computational complexity and ease of adding knowledge support online personalized analysis. In addition, the user profiles are dynamically revised to provide efficiently personalized information that reflects a users interests after each page is visited.     

Random sequences in Fréchet spaces

This article deals with the generation of arbitrarily distributed sequences of random variables in a Fréchet space, using sequences ofcanonical random variables (c.r.v.)-i.e., independently uniformly distributed random variables taking real values in the unit interval [0, 1)-orcanonical random digits (c.r.d.)-i.e., independently uniformly distributed random variables taking integer values in some finite interval [0,B–1]. Two main results are established. First, that the members of a sequence of real random variables in [0, 1) are c.r.v. if and only if all the digits of all thebase- B digital representations of the members of the sequence are c.r.d. Secondly, that, given any sequence of random variables in a Fréchet space, there is a sequence of functions _n( ₁, ₂, ..., _n), forn=1, 2, 3,... (where ₁, ₂,..., _n,... are c.r.v.) which is distributed identically to.     

The existence of solutions,stability, and linearization of volterra systems

LetB be a Banach space ofR _n valued continuous functions on [0, ) withfB. Consider the nonlinear Volterra integral equation (^*)x(t)+ _o ^t K(t,s,x(s))ds. We use the implicit function theorem to give sufficient conditions onB andK (t,s,x) for the existence of a unique solutionxB to (^*) for eachf B with f ^B sufficiently small. Moreover, there is a constantM>0 independent off with Mf^B.Part of this work was done while the author was visiting at Wright State University.     

Computer Algebra and Computing Special Functions

Examples of using symbolic transformations for computing special functions are given. These transformations considerably improve stability and efficiency of precise computation in a number of difficult problems. The first example deals with the computation of the Riemann zeta function (s). A technique for the elimination of false poles of this function on the critical line s = 1/2 + it is suggested. The second example concerns the computation of the generalized hypergeometric function _p F _{p – 1}. A method of analytic continuation to the neighborhood of the singular point z = 1 is developed.     

Sets with small generalized Kolmogorov complexity

Summary We study the class of sets with small generalized Kolmogorov complexity. The following results are established: 1. A set has small generalized Kolmogorov complexity if and only if it is semi-isomorphic to a tally set. 2. The class of sets with small generalized Kolmogorov complexity is properly included in the class of self-p-printable sets. 3. The class of self-p-printable sets is properly included in the class of sets with selfproducible circuits. 4. A set S has self-producible circuits if and only if there is a tally set T such that P(T)=P(S). 5. If a set S has self-producible circuits, then NP(S)=NP _B(S), where NP _B( ) is the restriction of NP( ) studied by Book, Long, and Selman [4]. 6. If a set S is such that NP(S) =NP _B(S), then NP(S) P(SSAT).