1,408 research outputs found

    Coalition Formation For Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems

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    This dissertation presents our research on coalition formation for Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (DCOP). In a DCOP, a problem is broken up into many disjoint sub-problems, each controlled by an autonomous agent and together the system of agents have a joint goal of maximizing a global utility function. In particular, we study the use of coalitions for solving distributed k-coloring problems using iterative approximate algorithms, which do not guarantee optimal results, but provide fast and economic solutions in resource constrained environments. The challenge in forming coalitions using iterative approximate algorithms is in identifying constraint dependencies between agents that allow for effective coalitions to form. We first present the Virtual Structure Reduction (VSR) Algorithm and its integration with a modified version of an iterative approximate solver. The VSR algorithm is the first distributed approach for finding structural relationships, called strict frozen pairs, between agents that allows for effective coalition formation. Using coalition structures allows for both more efficient search and higher overall utility in the solutions. Secondly, we relax the assumption of strict frozen pairs and allow coalitions to form under a probabilistic relationship. We identify probabilistic frozen pairs by calculating the propensity between two agents, or the joint probability of two agents in a k-coloring problem having the same value in all satisfiable instances. Using propensity, we form coalitions in sparse graphs where strict frozen pairs may not exist, but there is still benefit to forming coalitions. Lastly, we present a cooperative game theoretic approach where agents search for Nash stable coalitions under the conditions of additively separable and symmetric value functions

    Existential Isolation in Whisky (2004), reading Uruguayan cinema beyond the concept of small cinema

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    The Cinematography in Whisky (2004) is essential in the directors’ efforts to explore existential isolation. The incompleteness of knowledge, the uncrossable gaps between people, and the impossibility of communion among individuals are some of the themes explored in this film, directed by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll. These are mostly absent in the scholarship about the movie, which tends to focus on the concept of small cinema. The present text aims to build on these discussions to propose a reading of Whisky as a work of art that, although made within a very specific context of production, is not limited by it.Keywords: Cinematography. Uruguayan cinema. Small cinema

    O CAPITAL INTERNACIONAL DENTRO DO SISTEMA INTERNACIONAL: A INFLUÊNCIA DAS AGÊNCIAS DE RATING NAS POLÍTICAS ECONÔMICAS DO BRASIL

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    TCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro Sócio-Econômico. Relações Internacionais.As alterações provindas da globalização levaram a uma nova dinâmica do sistema internacional. No que diz respeito à nova ordem econômica que surge a partir da globalização, a desregulamentação e a liberalização são os elementos fundamentais do novo regime financeiro internacional. Esse novo regime financeiro permitiu a ascensão e consolidação dos investidores institucionais, do processo de securitização e do surgimento dos derivativos. Ademais, o sistema vigente torna-se muito especulativo e volátil com grande mobilidade de capitais. Portanto, neste contexto de incertezas e assimetria de informações ganham destaque as agências de rating. O estudo deste trabalho é baseado no grau de influência política que estas agências podem sofrer dos governos/empresas na classificação dos títulos; assim como, analisar a influência das agências de rating nas políticas domésticas. O objeto de análise é o Brasil, principalmente, a partir da estabilidade econômica de 1994, passando pela transição do governo Fernando Henrique Cardoso para o governo Lula, e os anos subsequentes até o momento atual

    Ruff/ Erbele Family Collection

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    Erbele and Ruff family genealogical material and twenty-four photographic images of the Erbele and Ruff families, circa 1895-2011.Erbele and Ruff family genealogical material and twenty-four photographic images of the Erbele and Ruff families, circa 1895-2011

    Chemical analysis of iron meteorites using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

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    We evaluate the performance of a hand-held XRF (HHXRF) spectrometer for the bulk analysis of iron meteorites. Analytical precision and accuracy were tested on metal alloy certified reference materials and iron meteorites of known chemical composition. With minimal sample preparation (i.e., flat or roughly polished surfaces) HHXRF allowed the precise and accurate determination of most elements heavier than Mg, with concentrations > 0.01% m/m in metal alloy CRMs, and of major elements Fe and Ni and minor elements Co, P and S (generally ranging from 0.1 to 1% m/m) in iron meteorites. In addition, multiple HHXRF spot analyses could be used to determine the bulk chemical composition of iron meteorites, which are often characterised by sulfide and phosphide accessory minerals. In particular, it was possible to estimate the P and S bulk contents, which are of critical importance for the petrogenesis and evolution of Fe-Ni-rich liquids and iron meteorites. This study thus validates HHXRF as a valuable tool for use in meteoritics, allowing the rapid, non-destructive (a) identification of the extraterrestrial origin of metallic objects (i.e., archaeological artefacts); (b) preliminary chemical classification of iron meteorites; (c) identification of mislabelled/unlabelled specimens in museums and private collections and (d) bulk analysis of iron meteorites

    Trace fossils on a trace fossil: A vertebrate-bitten vertebrate coprolite from the miocene of Italy

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    Despite their long history of discoveries and research, of all the vertebrate coprolites currently known worldwide, only a very few have been explicitly recognised as exhibiting bite marks by other vertebrates. These rare specimens represent “compound ichnofossils”, i.e., trace fossils (the lithifie faeces) on which other trace fossils (the tooth incisions) are present. Here we report on an unusual large-sized coprolite from the Miocene “Pietra leccese” formation of southern Italy that displays several superficia bite marks. This specimen is described, f gured, and chemically characterised by means of hand-held energy dispersive X-ray f uorescence – the firs application of this method to the analysis of a vertebrate coprolite. Based on its size, morphology, structure, and major-element composition, the Pietra leccese coprolite is here identifie as the fossilised excreta of a large carnivorous vertebrate, possibly a shark, whereas the tooth incisions are attributed to the biting action of indeterminate f sh, likely including both bony and cartilaginous fish Biting seemingly occurred prior to the eventual deposition of the scat at the seafl or (i.e., when it was still in the water column) and probably ref ects unintentional snagging or aborted exploratory coprophagy aimed at testing the palatability of the faeces. In conclusion, the highly idiosyncratic specimen described in this paper represents a significa t addition to the overly scanty record of vertebrate-bitten vertebrate coprolites and provides an unusual window on the ecological interactions between marine vertebrates in the Miocene central Mediterranean ecosystems witnessed by the remarkable fossil assemblage of the Pietra leccese

    Evaluation of Quality Services at PT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq

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    This study aims to determine the quality of services provided byPT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq to the congregation; to find out theobstacles faced in the implementation of Umrah plus Turkish worship,and to evaluate the services provided by the bureau to thepilgrims. Using qualitative research methods with descriptive analysistechniques. The main data were obtained through interviews withemployees and the study of related documents. It was concluded thatPT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq has done a good service to thecongregation from departure to return home. So that the results of theevaluation of the services of PT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq was verysatisfying for the congregation. Obstacles faced when carrying outUmrah and tours in Turkey, sick pilgrims, lost pilgrims and late pilgrimsand elderly pilgrims.

    Evaluation of Quality Services at PT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq

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    This study aims to determine the quality of services provided byPT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq to the congregation; to find out theobstacles faced in the implementation of Umrah plus Turkish worship,and to evaluate the services provided by the bureau to thepilgrims. Using qualitative research methods with descriptive analysistechniques. The main data were obtained through interviews withemployees and the study of related documents. It was concluded thatPT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq has done a good service to thecongregation from departure to return home. So that the results of theevaluation of the services of PT. Hajar Aswad Mubaroq was verysatisfying for the congregation. Obstacles faced when carrying outUmrah and tours in Turkey, sick pilgrims, lost pilgrims and late pilgrimsand elderly pilgrims.
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