Adaptive Resonance Associative Map: A Hierarchical ART System for Fast Stable Associative Learning

This paper introduces a new class of predictive ART architectures, called Adaptive Resonance Associative Map (ARAM) which performs rapid, yet stable heteroassociative learning in real time environment. ARAM can be visualized as two ART modules sharing a single recognition code layer. The unit for recruiting a recognition code is a pattern pair. Code stabilization is ensured by restricting coding to states where resonances are reached in both modules. Simulation results have shown that ARAM is capable of self-stabilizing association of arbitrary pattern pairs of arbitrary complexity appearing in arbitrary sequence by fast learning in real time environment. Due to the symmetrical network structure, associative recall can be performed in both directions.Air Force Office of Scientific Research (90-0128

Is It Safe to Uplift This Patch? An Empirical Study on Mozilla Firefox

In rapid release development processes, patches that fix critical issues, or implement high-value features are often promoted directly from the development channel to a stabilization channel, potentially skipping one or more stabilization channels. This practice is called patch uplift. Patch uplift is risky, because patches that are rushed through the stabilization phase can end up introducing regressions in the code. This paper examines patch uplift operations at Mozilla, with the aim to identify the characteristics of uplifted patches that introduce regressions. Through statistical and manual analyses, we quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the reasons behind patch uplift decisions and the characteristics of uplifted patches that introduced regressions. Additionally, we interviewed three Mozilla release managers to understand organizational factors that affect patch uplift decisions and outcomes. Results show that most patches are uplifted because of a wrong functionality or a crash. Uplifted patches that lead to faults tend to have larger patch size, and most of the faults are due to semantic or memory errors in the patches. Also, release managers are more inclined to accept patch uplift requests that concern certain specific components, and-or that are submitted by certain specific developers.Comment: In proceedings of the 33rd International Conference on Software Maintenance and Evolution (ICSME 2017

Homeless People Count: Vacant Properties in Manhattan

We need significant changes in housing policy to develop real housing out of empty property. Our core demands include: Creation of a regular citywide census of vacant buildings and lots. Empowerment of NYC Department of Buildings to expand the Building Code concerning "nuisance" buildings, to declare unoccupied buildings "nuisances" on the grounds that they are "detrimental to the life or health" of the community at large, including homeless people. Empowerment of NYC HPD to levy an annually-increasing fine against non-compliant landlords in an amount equivalent to the current cost of bringing the building online. Development of a mechanism by which DHS-funded shelter residents can "opt out" of shelter and into housing, with a portion of the money currently being paid by the City to their shelter being used to rehabilitate empty buildings. Amendment of NYC Rent Stabilization guidelines to ensure that when these properties are brought back online, previously-rent-stabilized units, which typically lose their stabilization as a result of their vacancy, will revert to stabilized status

Parallel Splitting and Decomposition Method for Computations of Heat Distribution in Permafrost

A mathematical model, numerical algorithm and program code for simulation and long-term forecasting of changes in permafrost as a result of operation of a multiple well pad of northern oil and gas field are presented. In the model the most significant climatic and physical factors are taken into account such as solar radiation, determined by specific geographical location, heterogeneous structure of frozen soil, thermal stabilization of soil, possible insulation of the objects, seasonal fluctuations in air temperature, and freezing and thawing of the upper soil layer. A parallel algorithm of decomposition with splitting by spatial variables is presented