22,382 research outputs found
Non-Cooperative Scheduling of Multiple Bag-of-Task Applications
Multiple applications that execute concurrently on heterogeneous platforms
compete for CPU and network resources. In this paper we analyze the behavior of
non-cooperative schedulers using the optimal strategy that maximize their
efficiency while fairness is ensured at a system level ignoring applications
characteristics. We limit our study to simple single-level master-worker
platforms and to the case where each scheduler is in charge of a single
application consisting of a large number of independent tasks. The tasks of a
given application all have the same computation and communication requirements,
but these requirements can vary from one application to another. In this
context, we assume that each scheduler aims at maximizing its throughput. We
give closed-form formula of the equilibrium reached by such a system and study
its performance. We characterize the situations where this Nash equilibrium is
optimal (in the Pareto sense) and show that even though no catastrophic
situation (Braess-like paradox) can occur, such an equilibrium can be
arbitrarily bad for any classical performance measure
How brains make decisions
This chapter, dedicated to the memory of Mino Freund, summarizes the Quantum
Decision Theory (QDT) that we have developed in a series of publications since
2008. We formulate a general mathematical scheme of how decisions are taken,
using the point of view of psychological and cognitive sciences, without
touching physiological aspects. The basic principles of how intelligence acts
are discussed. The human brain processes involved in decisions are argued to be
principally different from straightforward computer operations. The difference
lies in the conscious-subconscious duality of the decision making process and
the role of emotions that compete with utility optimization. The most general
approach for characterizing the process of decision making, taking into account
the conscious-subconscious duality, uses the framework of functional analysis
in Hilbert spaces, similarly to that used in the quantum theory of
measurements. This does not imply that the brain is a quantum system, but just
allows for the simplest and most general extension of classical decision
theory. The resulting theory of quantum decision making, based on the rules of
quantum measurements, solves all paradoxes of classical decision making,
allowing for quantitative predictions that are in excellent agreement with
experiments. Finally, we provide a novel application by comparing the
predictions of QDT with experiments on the prisoner dilemma game. The developed
theory can serve as a guide for creating artificial intelligence acting by
quantum rules.Comment: Latex file, 20 pages, 3 figure
Critical Language Study and Translation: The Case of Academic Discourse
This chapter uses Critical Discourse Analysis to show the very different ideologies encoded into Portuguese and English academic discourse,arguing that translation from one to the other is virtually impossible within the genre of the academic article
Elaboration of the New Paradigm of Interdisciplinary Investigations
In the article, the problem of construction a meta-theory for approaching the complex phenomena of Reality is discussed. The integrated information system is formulated. Such postulate is a suggested basis for creation of a unified methodology of cognition (investigation) which makes it possible to elaborate a new paradigm of interdisciplinary investigations as a separate scientific discipline which has its own methods and special objects. The article will be of interest to philosophers and methodologists of scienc
Paradoxes and Primitive Ontology in Collapse Theories of Quantum Mechanics
Collapse theories are versions of quantum mechanics according to which the
collapse of the wave function is a real physical process. They propose precise
mathematical laws to govern this process and to replace the vague conventional
prescription that a collapse occurs whenever an "observer" makes a
"measurement." The "primitive ontology" of a theory (more or less what Bell
called the "local beables") are the variables in the theory that represent
matter in space-time. There is no consensus about whether collapse theories
need to introduce a primitive ontology as part of their definition. I make some
remarks on this question and point out that certain paradoxes about collapse
theories are absent if a primitive ontology is introduced.Comment: 21 pages LaTeX, no figures; v2 major extension and revisio
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