19,844 research outputs found
Using a Logic Programming Framework to Control Database Query Dialogues in Natural Language
We present a natural language question/answering system to interface the University of Évora databases that uses clarification dialogs in order to clarify user questions. It was developed in an integrated logic programming framework, based on constraint logic programming using the GnuProlog(-cx) language [2,11] and the ISCO framework [1]. The use of this LP framework allows the integration of Prolog-like inference mechanisms with classes and inheritance, constraint solving algorithms and provides the connection with relational databases, such as PostgreSQL. This system focus on the questions’ pragmatic analysis, to handle ambiguity, and on an efficient dialogue mechanism, which is able to place relevant questions to clarify the user intentions in a straightforward manner. Proper Nouns resolution and the pp-attachment problem are also handled.
This paper briefly presents this innovative system focusing on its ability to correctly determine the user intention through its dialogue capability
Gauge Fluctuations in Superconducting Films
In this paper we consider a superconducting film modeled by the
Ginzburg-Landau model, confined between two parallel planes a distance
apart from one another. Our approach is based on the Gaussian effective
potential in the transverse unitarity gauge, which allows to treat gauge
contributions in a compact form. Using techniques from dimensional and
-function regularizations, modified by the confinement conditions, we
investigate the critical temperature as a function of the film thickness .
The contributions from the scalar self-interaction and from the gauge
fluctuations are clearly identified. The model suggests the existence of a
minimal critical thickness below which superconductivity is suppressed.Comment: 6 pages Revtex, no figure
Single spin-torque vortex oscillator using combined bottom-up approach and e-beam lithography
A combined bottom-up assembly of electrodeposited nanowires and electron beam
lithography technique has been developed to investigate the spin transfer
torque and microwave emission on specially designed nanowires containing a
single Co/Cu/Co pseudo spin valve. Microwave signals have been obtained even at
zero magnetic field. Interestingly, high frequency vs. magnetic field
tunability was demonstrated, in the range 0.4 - 2 MHz/Oe, depending on the
orientation of the applied magnetic field relative to the magnetic layers of
the pseudo spin valve. The frequency values and the emitted signal frequency as
a function of the external magnetic field are in good quantitative agreement
with the analytical vortex model as well as with micromagnetic simulations.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure
Bar pattern speed evolution over the last 7 Gyr
The tumbling pattern of a bar is the main parameter characterising its
dynamics. From numerical simulations, its evolution since bar formation is
tightly linked to the dark halo in which the bar is formed through dynamical
friction and angular momentum exchange. Observational measurements of the bar
pattern speed with redshift can restrict models of galaxy formation and bar
evolution. We aim to determine, for the first time, the bar pattern speed
evolution with redshift based on morphological measurements. We have selected a
sample of 44 low inclination ringed galaxies from the SDSS and COSMOS surveys
covering the redshift range 0 <z< 0.8 to investigate the evolution of the bar
pattern speed. We have derived morphological ratios between the deprojected
outer ring radius (R_{ring}) and the bar size (R_{bar}). This quantity is
related to the parameter {\cal R}=R_{CR}/R_{bar} used for classifiying bars in
slow and fast rotators, and allow us to investigate possible differences with
redshift. We obtain a similar distribution of at all redshifts. We do not
find any systematic effect that could be forcing this result. The results
obtained here are compatible with both, the bulk of the bar population (~70%)
being fast-rotators and no evolution of the pattern speed with redshift. We
argue that if bars are long-lasting structures, the results presented here
imply that there has not been a substantial angular momentum exchange between
the bar and halo, as predicted by numerical simulations. In consequence, this
might imply that the discs of these high surface-brightness galaxies are
maximal.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&
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