Estimation for the number of components in a mixture model using stepwise split-and-merge EM algorithm

The main difficulty with EM algorithm for mixture model concerns the number of components, say g. This is the question of model selection, and the EM algorithm itself could not estimate g. On the contrary, the algorithm requires g to be specified before the remaining parameters can be estimated. To solve this problem, a new algorithm, which is called stepwise split-and-merge EM (SSMEM) algorithm, is proposed. The SSMEM algorithm alternately splits and merges components, estimating g and other parameters of components simultaneously. Also, two novel criteria are introduced to efficiently select the components for split or merge. Experimental results on simulated and real data demonstrate the effectivity of the proposed algorithm.     

Estimating and eliminating redundant data transfers over the web: a fragment based approach

Redundant data transfers over the Web, can be mainly attributed to the repeated transfers of unchanged data. Web caches and Web proxies are some of the solutions that have been proposed, to deal with the issue of redundant data transfers. In this paper we focus on the efficient estimation and reduction of redundant data transfers over the Web. We first prove that a vast amount of redundant data is transferred in Web pages that are considered to carry fresh data. We show this by following an approach based on Web page fragmentation and manipulation. Web pages are broken down to fragments, based on specific criteria. We then deal with these fragments as independent constructors of the Web page and study their change patterns independently and in the context of the whole Web page. After the fragmentation process, we propose solutions for dealing with redundant data transfers. This paper has been based on our previous work on ‘Web Components’ but also on related work by other researchers. It utilises a proxy based, client/server architecture, and imposes changes to the algorithms executed on the Proxy server and on clients. We show that our proposed solution can considerably reduce the amount of redundant data transferred on the Web. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prediction of spectral reflectance factor distribution of automotive paint finishes

It is necessary to determine the accurate reflectance of painted surfaces for the review of paint finishes by computer graphics (CG) before actual painting of the exterior color of automobiles, and for quality control during production and inspection processes. We have optimized a method for measuring reflectance by using a statistical technique. We have found that the reflectance of a painted surface is best measured at an incident angle of 60° and at five aspecular angles of 10°, 18°, 28°, 40°, and 90°. Our method makes it possible to accurately reproduce reflection characteristics of paint finishes containing special flake pigments, such as pearl mica. Also it was proved that our method can apply not only to solid and metallic coatings but to all painted surfaces. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 275–282, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20125     

An integrated modelling environment for the embodiment of mechanical systems

The efficient, economical and often elegant transformation from a design schema to an embodied design solution containing real components is essential for the commercial success of a product. More often the ability of the designer to explore an optimum solution is severely frustrated by the analytically intensive and time-consuming aspects of embodying a concept. This paper presents a computer based system-modelling tool that is to be used by designers during the transformation of a concept to an embodied solution particularly to deal with standard components. This environment provides for the representation of conceptual schemas and subsequent embodiment from computer based component selection modules. These selection modules encompass the full range of electronic representations for standard mechanical components. The strategy for representing a mechanical system, its included components and their associated representations is discussed. The process of constructing a system model, specifying the desired performance characteristics and system resolution are also described.     

片式阻容元件的现状和发展方向

在国外的片式元器件（ＳＭＤ）中，片式阻容元件发展最快，主要表现为片式化率迅速上升，尺寸越来越小，性能越来越好，包装形式多样化和生产管理不断改进。本文综述了国外阻容元件在这些方面的进展，指出了我国的差距，提出了我国如何发展的措施。     

Ubiquitous Information Services with JAIN Platform

To provide responsive information services in a ubiquitous computing environment, service software and system development are indispensable. A component-based ubiquitous information system with a JAIN (Java APIs for Integrated Networks) platform to achieve seamless transmissions and reach-everywhere communications was designed in our research. In this development, numerous ubiquitous service modules were identified: location management, roaming, mobile IP and WAP networking. These component-based network modules were constructed using a component composition language with component specification and interface definition, running on top of a distributed service architecture using a JAIN platform to distribute the ubiquitous information services to mobile users. Two applications, Wireless-Application-Protocol (WAP) Mail and Video-on-Demand (VoD) services, show that the JAIN-like platform with the developed networking components effectively fills the gap for application developers between mobile appliances and various kinds of ubiquitous information services.     

Use of ultrafiltration for preparing improved tomato pulp

The characteristics of high-quality tomato pulp (commercial def.: crushed or diced tomatoes with about 30% tomato juice as packing medium) canned with tomato juice pulp enriched by ultrafiltration as packing medium were compared with those covered with conventional vacuum-concentrated juice.
Both hot- and cold-break products were prepared and those containing 20% serum-reduced packing juice proved to be the best, showing no signs of syneresis on storage and with improvements in sensory properties, colour and non-enzymatic browning; some volatile components were reduced.     

Linguistic Knowledge, Processing Speed, and Metacognitive Knowledge in First- and Second-Language Reading Comprehension: A Componential Analysis.

The authors report results of a study into the role of components of first-language (L1; Dutch) and second-language (L2; English) reading comprehension. Differences in the contributions of components of L1 and L2 reading comprehension are analyzed, in particular processing speed in L1 and L2. Findings indicate that regression weights of the L1 and L2 components are different. Although correlations between most processing speed components and reading comprehension are substantial, there are no unique contributions to the explanation of either L1 or L2 reading comprehension when linguistic and metacognitive knowledge are accounted for. In addition, L1 reading comprehension is shown to have a large contribution to L2 reading comprehension, supporting theories of L1-L2 transfer of reading skills. Results are discussed from a developmental perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A complete VARMA modelling methodology based on scalar components

Abstract. This article proposes an extension to scalar component methodology for the identification and estimation of VARMA models. The complete methodology determines the exact positions of all free parameters in any VARMA model with a predetermined embedded scalar component structure. This leads to an exactly identified system of equations that is estimated using full information maximum likelihood.     

GC–MS characterization of oligomers in polyadipates used as plasticizers for PVC in food contact

Fourteen commercial polyadipates and a polysebacate were analysed for their components of a molecular mass below 1000 Da, primarily with the aim of generating the background data for measuring the migration of this type of polymeric additives from plasticized PVC (e.g. cling films and gaskets of lids) into foods or food simulants. Since the composition of the material <1000 Da varies between the polyadipates, the main components must be identified to enable a correct quantification. Polyadipates differ in the diol used as linker, their termination (acid or alcohol) and in the end‐capping (free alcohols, acetylation, acylation with fatty acids, esterification with octanol/decanol). Gas chromatography (GC) provides good separation, but the material remaining in the column up to high temperatures decomposes and forms a hump in the rear part of the chromatogram. Examples of mass spectra are shown, the most indicative fragments pointed out and spectra of 159 components listed. The polyadipates and the sebacate are characterized by their structure, the main components <1000 Da and the fraction of material <1000 Da. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.