48,650 research outputs found
Intelligent and adaptive tutoring for active learning and training environments
Active learning facilitated through interactive and adaptive learning environments differs substantially from traditional instructor-oriented, classroom-based teaching. We present a Web-based e-learning environment that integrates knowledge learning and skills training. How these tools are used most effectively is still an open question. We propose knowledge-level interaction and adaptive feedback and guidance as central features. We discuss these features and evaluate the effectiveness of this Web-based environment, focusing on different aspects of learning behaviour and tool usage. Motivation, acceptance of the approach, learning organisation and actual tool usage are aspects of behaviour that require different evaluation techniques to be used
NOSS Altimeter Detailed Algorithm specifications
The details of the algorithms and data sets required for satellite radar altimeter data processing are documented in a form suitable for (1) development of the benchmark software and (2) coding the operational software. The algorithms reported in detail are those established for altimeter processing. The algorithms which required some additional development before documenting for production were only scoped. The algorithms are divided into two levels of processing. The first level converts the data to engineering units and applies corrections for instrument variations. The second level provides geophysical measurements derived from altimeter parameters for oceanographic users
Correction and simplification to "The order of a stabilizing regulator is sufficient a priori information for adaptive stabilization
This note corrects a mistake in a paper by Mårtensson (1986). The main conclusion there (as reflected in the title) remains unchanged, only the construction of the `universal controller¿ has to be carried out slightly differently
Status report: Data management program algorithm evaluation activity at Marshall Space Flight Center
An algorithm evaluation activity was initiated to study the problems associated with image processing by assessing the independent and interdependent effects of registration, compression, and classification techniques on LANDSAT data for several discipline applications. The objective of the activity was to make recommendations on selected applicable image processing algorithms in terms of accuracy, cost, and timeliness or to propose alternative ways of processing the data. As a means of accomplishing this objective, an Image Coding Panel was established. The conduct of the algorithm evaluation is described
SLOPE - Adaptive variable selection via convex optimization
We introduce a new estimator for the vector of coefficients in the
linear model , where has dimensions with
possibly larger than . SLOPE, short for Sorted L-One Penalized Estimation,
is the solution to where
and are the
decreasing absolute values of the entries of . This is a convex program and
we demonstrate a solution algorithm whose computational complexity is roughly
comparable to that of classical procedures such as the Lasso. Here,
the regularizer is a sorted norm, which penalizes the regression
coefficients according to their rank: the higher the rank - that is, stronger
the signal - the larger the penalty. This is similar to the Benjamini and
Hochberg [J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser. B 57 (1995) 289-300] procedure (BH) which
compares more significant -values with more stringent thresholds. One
notable choice of the sequence is given by the BH critical
values , where and
is the quantile of a standard normal distribution. SLOPE aims to
provide finite sample guarantees on the selected model; of special interest is
the false discovery rate (FDR), defined as the expected proportion of
irrelevant regressors among all selected predictors. Under orthogonal designs,
SLOPE with provably controls FDR at level .
Moreover, it also appears to have appreciable inferential properties under more
general designs while having substantial power, as demonstrated in a series
of experiments running on both simulated and real data.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/15-AOAS842 in the Annals of
Applied Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aoas/) by the Institute of
Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org
Adaptive Optics Imaging of QSOs with Double-Peaked Narrow Lines: Are they Dual AGNs?
Active galaxies hosting two accreting and merging super-massive black holes
(SMBHs) -- dual Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) -- are predicted by many current
and popular models of black hole-galaxy co-evolution. We present here the
results of a program that has identified a set of probable dual AGN candidates
based on near Infra-red (NIR) Laser Guide-Star Adaptive Optics (LGS AO) imaging
with the Keck II telescope. These candidates are selected from a complete
sample of radio-quiet Quasi-stellar Objects (QSOs) drawn from the Sloan Digital
Sky Survey (SDSS), which show double-peaked narrow AGN emission lines. Of the
twelve AGNs imaged, we find six with double galaxy structure, of which four are
in galaxy mergers. We measure the ionization of the two velocity components in
the narrow AGN lines to test the hypothesis that both velocity components come
from an active nucleus. The combination of a well-defined parent sample and
high-quality imaging allows us to place constraints on the fraction of SDSS
QSOs that host dual accreting black holes separated on kiloparsec (kpc) scales:
~0.3%-0.65%. We derive from this fraction the time spent in a QSO phase during
a typical merger and find a value that is much lower than estimates that arise
from QSO space densities and galaxy merger statistics. We discuss possible
reasons for this difference. Finally, we compare the SMBH mass distributions of
single and dual AGN and find little difference between the two within the
limited statistics of our program, hinting that most SMBH growth happens in the
later stages of a merger process.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, 1 table; accepted to the Astrophysical Journa
Software maintenance in scientific and engineering environments: An introduction and guide
The purpose of software maintenance techniques is addressed. The aims of perfective, adaptive and corrective software maintenance are defined and discussed, especially in the NASA research environment. Areas requiring maintenance, and tools available for this, and suggestions for their use are made. Stress is placed on the organizational aspect of maintenance at both the individual and group level. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of various forms of documentation as the basis around which to organize. Finally, suggestions are given on how to proceed in the partial or complete absence of such documentation
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