11,160 research outputs found
Semi-supervised cross-entropy clustering with information bottleneck constraint
In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised clustering method, CEC-IB, that
models data with a set of Gaussian distributions and that retrieves clusters
based on a partial labeling provided by the user (partition-level side
information). By combining the ideas from cross-entropy clustering (CEC) with
those from the information bottleneck method (IB), our method trades between
three conflicting goals: the accuracy with which the data set is modeled, the
simplicity of the model, and the consistency of the clustering with side
information. Experiments demonstrate that CEC-IB has a performance comparable
to Gaussian mixture models (GMM) in a classical semi-supervised scenario, but
is faster, more robust to noisy labels, automatically determines the optimal
number of clusters, and performs well when not all classes are present in the
side information. Moreover, in contrast to other semi-supervised models, it can
be successfully applied in discovering natural subgroups if the partition-level
side information is derived from the top levels of a hierarchical clustering
Semi-supervised model-based clustering with controlled clusters leakage
In this paper, we focus on finding clusters in partially categorized data
sets. We propose a semi-supervised version of Gaussian mixture model, called
C3L, which retrieves natural subgroups of given categories. In contrast to
other semi-supervised models, C3L is parametrized by user-defined leakage
level, which controls maximal inconsistency between initial categorization and
resulting clustering. Our method can be implemented as a module in practical
expert systems to detect clusters, which combine expert knowledge with true
distribution of data. Moreover, it can be used for improving the results of
less flexible clustering techniques, such as projection pursuit clustering. The
paper presents extensive theoretical analysis of the model and fast algorithm
for its efficient optimization. Experimental results show that C3L finds high
quality clustering model, which can be applied in discovering meaningful groups
in partially classified data
Trust beyond reputation: A computational trust model based on stereotypes
Models of computational trust support users in taking decisions. They are
commonly used to guide users' judgements in online auction sites; or to
determine quality of contributions in Web 2.0 sites. However, most existing
systems require historical information about the past behavior of the specific
agent being judged. In contrast, in real life, to anticipate and to predict a
stranger's actions in absence of the knowledge of such behavioral history, we
often use our "instinct"- essentially stereotypes developed from our past
interactions with other "similar" persons. In this paper, we propose
StereoTrust, a computational trust model inspired by stereotypes as used in
real-life. A stereotype contains certain features of agents and an expected
outcome of the transaction. When facing a stranger, an agent derives its trust
by aggregating stereotypes matching the stranger's profile. Since stereotypes
are formed locally, recommendations stem from the trustor's own personal
experiences and perspective. Historical behavioral information, when available,
can be used to refine the analysis. According to our experiments using
Epinions.com dataset, StereoTrust compares favorably with existing trust models
that use different kinds of information and more complete historical
information
Impact of California's Transitional Kindergarten Program, 2013-14
Transitional kindergarten (TK)—the first year of a two-year kindergarten program for California children who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2—is intended to better prepare young five-year-olds for kindergarten and ensure a strong start to their educational career. To determine whether this goal is being achieved, American Institutes for Research (AIR) is conducting an evaluation of the impact of TK in California. The goal of this study is to measure the success of the program by determining the impact of TK on students' readiness for kindergarten in several areas. Using a rigorous regression discontinuity (RD) research design,1 we compared language, literacy, mathematics, executive function, and social-emotional skills at kindergarten entry for students who attended TK and for students who did not attend TK. Overall, we found that TK had a positive impact on students' kindergarten readiness in several domains, controlling for students' age differences. These effects are over and above the experiences children in the comparison group had the year before kindergarten, which for more than 80 percent was some type of preschool program
Agents for educational games and simulations
This book consists mainly of revised papers that were presented at the Agents for Educational Games and Simulation (AEGS) workshop held on May 2, 2011, as part of the Autonomous Agents and MultiAgent Systems (AAMAS) conference in Taipei, Taiwan. The 12 full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from various submissions. The papers are organized topical sections on middleware applications, dialogues and learning, adaption and convergence, and agent applications
Deformed matrix models, supersymmetric lattice twists and N=1/4 supersymmetry
A manifestly supersymmetric nonperturbative matrix regularization for a
twisted version of N=(8,8) theory on a curved background (a two-sphere) is
constructed. Both continuum and the matrix regularization respect four exact
scalar supersymmetries under a twisted version of the supersymmetry algebra. We
then discuss a succinct Q=1 deformed matrix model regularization of N=4 SYM in
d=4, which is equivalent to a non-commutative orbifold lattice
formulation. Motivated by recent progress in supersymmetric lattices, we also
propose a N=1/4 supersymmetry preserving deformation of N=4 SYM theory on
. In this class of N=1/4 theories, both the regularized and continuum
theory respect the same set of (scalar) supersymmetry. By using the equivalence
of the deformed matrix models with the lattice formulations, we give a very
simple physical argument on why the exact lattice supersymmetry must be a
subset of scalar subalgebra. This argument disagrees with the recent claims of
the link approach, for which we give a new interpretation.Comment: 47 pages, 3 figure
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