7,151 research outputs found
Strong Equivalence of Qualitative Optimization Problems
We introduce the framework of qualitative optimization problems (or, simply, optimization problems) to represent preference theories. The formalism uses separate modules to describe the space of outcomes to be compared (the generator) and the preferences on outcomes (the selector). We consider two types of optimization problems. They differ in the way the generator, which we model by a propositional theory, is interpreted: by the standard propositional logic semantics, and by the equilibrium-model (answer-set) semantics. Under the latter interpretation of generators, optimization problems directly generalize answer-set optimization programs proposed previously. We study strong equivalence of optimization problems, which guarantees their interchangeability within any larger context. We characterize several versions of strong equivalence obtained by restricting the class of optimization problems that can be used as extensions and establish the complexity of associated reasoning tasks. Understanding strong equivalence is essential for modular representation of optimization problems and rewriting techniques to simplify them without changing their inherent properties
FastJet user manual
FastJet is a C++ package that provides a broad range of jet finding and
analysis tools. It includes efficient native implementations of all widely used
2-to-1 sequential recombination jet algorithms for pp and e+e- collisions, as
well as access to 3rd party jet algorithms through a plugin mechanism,
including all currently used cone algorithms. FastJet also provides means to
facilitate the manipulation of jet substructure, including some common boosted
heavy-object taggers, as well as tools for estimation of pileup and
underlying-event noise levels, determination of jet areas and subtraction or
suppression of noise in jets.Comment: 69 pages. FastJet 3 is available from http://fastjet.fr
Sequential Specification Tests to Choose a Model: A Change-Point Approach
Researchers faced with a sequence of candidate model specifications must
often choose the best specification that does not violate a testable
identification assumption. One option in this scenario is sequential
specification tests: hypothesis tests of the identification assumption over the
sequence. Borrowing an idea from the change-point literature, this paper shows
how to use the distribution of p-values from sequential specification tests to
estimate the point in the sequence where the identification assumption ceases
to hold. Unlike current approaches, this method is robust to individual errant
p-values and does not require choosing a test level or tuning parameter. This
paper demonstrates the method's properties with a simulation study, and
illustrates it by application to the problems of choosing a bandwidth in a
regression discontinuity design while maintaining covariate balance and of
choosing a lag order for a time series model
Arenas of Expectations for Hydrogen Technologies
Technological options can be regarded as variations in an evolutionary development process. The variations are put forward by their respective technological communities and are selected by technology selectors. Building on the notion of quasi-evolutionary technology development we show how technological communities secure their position on R&D agendas through feeding and maintaining expectations in arenas of expectations. We examine this process by studying the expectations work of the community that tries to develop metal hydrides for the on-board storage of hydrogen for mobile applications. Metal hydrides are proposed as a promising alternative to gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage but are yet underdeveloped. Its proponents however, succeed in convincing their sponsors of the future potential of metal hydrides. In this paper we show how expectations of this technological option are raised and maintained by its developers and how this has kept them on hydrogen technology agendas for over 40 years.alternative fuel, energy storage, hydrogen, mobility, on-board
Together, yet still not equal? Sex integration in equestrian sport
Sex segregation is a core organising principle of most modern sports and is a key element in the marginalisation and subordination of girls and women in sport and beyond. In this article I explore the only Olympic-level sport which is not organised around sex segregation â equestrian sport â in order to consider the implications of sex integration for female participants. I draw on a study conducted on elite riders that found that although sex integration in equestrian sport does not lead to female participants being excluded from high-level competition, men continue to perform disproportionately well. This suggests that although sex integration may be an important step towards breaking down gender hierarchies in sport, without accompanying wider changes in gender norms and expectations, sex integration alone will not be enough to achieve greater gender equality in equestrian sport
Pointer Race Freedom
We propose a novel notion of pointer race for concurrent programs
manipulating a shared heap. A pointer race is an access to a memory address
which was freed, and it is out of the accessor's control whether or not the
cell has been re-allocated. We establish two results. (1) Under the assumption
of pointer race freedom, it is sound to verify a program running under explicit
memory management as if it was running with garbage collection. (2) Even the
requirement of pointer race freedom itself can be verified under the
garbage-collected semantics. We then prove analogues of the theorems for a
stronger notion of pointer race needed to cope with performance-critical code
purposely using racy comparisons and even racy dereferences of pointers. As a
practical contribution, we apply our results to optimize a thread-modular
analysis under explicit memory management. Our experiments confirm a speed-up
of up to two orders of magnitude
Power and Practice in Academic Library Materials Selection Paradigms
This article examines the theoretical and practical implications of three methods of materials acquisitions in an academic library. First, it evaluates how traditional collection development, electronic patron driven acquisitions (PDA) and other older forms of PDA affect materials storage, preservation, purchase speed and usage. Then this paper employs Foucaultâs theories about power to discuss the ramifications of these acquisitions methods for librarians and three major user groups: faculty, graduate students and undergraduates. The article concludes that each method presents different practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages
Uniform: The Form Validation Language
Digital forms are becoming increasingly more prevalent but the ease of creation is not. Web Forms are difficult to produce and validate. This design project seeks to simplify this process. This project is comprised of two parts: a logical programming language (Uniform) and a web application.
Uniform is a language that allows its users to define logical relationships between web elements and apply simple rules to individual inputs to both validate the form and manipulate its components depending on user input. Uniform provides an extra layer of abstraction to complex coding.
The web app implements Uniform to provide business-level programmers with an interface to build and manage forms. Users will create form templates, manage form instances, and cooperatively complete forms through the web app.
Uniformâs development is ongoing, it will receive continued support and is available as open-source. The web application is software owned and maintained by HP Inc. which will be developed further before going to market
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