Remarks on Cyclotomic and Degenerate Cyclotomic BMW Algebras

We relate the structure of cyclotomic and degenerate cyclotomic BMW algebras, for arbitrary parameter values, to that for admissible parameter values. In particular, we show that these algebras are cellular. We characterize those parameter sets for affine BMW algebras over an algebraically closed field that permit the algebras to have non--trivial cyclotomic quotients.Comment: Rewrote introduction. Minor revisions and corrections. Published in Journal of Algebr

Global Thresholding and Multiple Pass Parsing

We present a variation on classic beam thresholding techniques that is up to an order of magnitude faster than the traditional method, at the same performance level. We also present a new thresholding technique, global thresholding, which, combined with the new beam thresholding, gives an additional factor of two improvement, and a novel technique, multiple pass parsing, that can be combined with the others to yield yet another 50% improvement. We use a new search algorithm to simultaneously optimize the thresholding parameters of the various algorithms.Comment: Fixed latex errors; fixed minor errors in published versio

Teaching the concept of convolution and correlation using Fourier transform

Convolution operation is indispensable in studying analog optical and digital signal processing. Equally important is the correlation operation. The time domain community often teaches convolution and correlation only with one dimensional time signals. That does not clearly demonstrate the effect of convolution and correlation between two signals. Instead if we consider two dimensional spatial signals, the convolution and correlation operations can be very clearly explained. In this paper, we propose a lecture demonstration of convolution and correlation between two spatial signals using the Fourier transform tool. Both simulation and optical experiments are possible using a variety of object transparencies. The demonstration experiments help to clearly explain the similarity and the difference between convolution and correlation operations. This method of teaching using simulation and hands-on experiments can stimulate the curiosity of the students. The feedback of the students, in my class teaching, has been quite encouraging.Comment: 6 pages, 10 figures, Proceedings Volume 10452, 14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017. Event: 14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics, ETOP 2017, 29-31 May 2017, Hangzhou, Chin

An Interview With Caspar Bowden

Caspar Bowden ([email protected]) is the author of a recent DLTR article, Closed Circuit Television for Inside Your Head: Blanket Traffic Data Retention and the EmergencyAnti-Terrorism Legislation. He is the Director of the Foundation for Information Policy Research (http://www.fipr.org), an independent non-profit think-tank that undertakes research on the interaction between information technology and society, technical developments with significant social impact, and public policy alternatives. He was formerly a consultant specializing in Internet security and e-commerce, senior researcher of an option-arbitrage trading firm, a financial strategist with Goldman Sachs, and chief algorithm designer for a virtual reality software house. We interviewed Mr. Bowden about combating terrorism in Europe and other issues related to European cyber-policy, such as the success of a European Internet and Information policy