Linear Tabulated Resolution Based on Prolog Control Strategy

Infinite loops and redundant computations are long recognized open problems in Prolog. Two ways have been explored to resolve these problems: loop checking and tabling. Loop checking can cut infinite loops, but it cannot be both sound and complete even for function-free logic programs. Tabling seems to be an effective way to resolve infinite loops and redundant computations. However, existing tabulated resolutions, such as OLDT-resolution, SLG- resolution, and Tabulated SLS-resolution, are non-linear because they rely on the solution-lookup mode in formulating tabling. The principal disadvantage of non-linear resolutions is that they cannot be implemented using a simple stack-based memory structure like that in Prolog. Moreover, some strictly sequential operators such as cuts may not be handled as easily as in Prolog. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method to resolve infinite loops and redundant computations. We combine the ideas of loop checking and tabling to establish a linear tabulated resolution called TP-resolution. TP-resolution has two distinctive features: (1) It makes linear tabulated derivations in the same way as Prolog except that infinite loops are broken and redundant computations are reduced. It handles cuts as effectively as Prolog. (2) It is sound and complete for positive logic programs with the bounded-term-size property. The underlying algorithm can be implemented by an extension to any existing Prolog abstract machines such as WAM or ATOAM.Comment: To appear as the first accepted paper in Theory and Practice of Logic Programming (http://www.cwi.nl/projects/alp/TPLP

Differential evolution with an evolution path: a DEEP evolutionary algorithm

Utilizing cumulative correlation information already existing in an evolutionary process, this paper proposes a predictive approach to the reproduction mechanism of new individuals for differential evolution (DE) algorithms. DE uses a distributed model (DM) to generate new individuals, which is relatively explorative, whilst evolution strategy (ES) uses a centralized model (CM) to generate offspring, which through adaptation retains a convergence momentum. This paper adopts a key feature in the CM of a covariance matrix adaptation ES, the cumulatively learned evolution path (EP), to formulate a new evolutionary algorithm (EA) framework, termed DEEP, standing for DE with an EP. Without mechanistically combining two CM and DM based algorithms together, the DEEP framework offers advantages of both a DM and a CM and hence substantially enhances performance. Under this architecture, a self-adaptation mechanism can be built inherently in a DEEP algorithm, easing the task of predetermining algorithm control parameters. Two DEEP variants are developed and illustrated in the paper. Experiments on the CEC'13 test suites and two practical problems demonstrate that the DEEP algorithms offer promising results, compared with the original DEs and other relevant state-of-the-art EAs

Interval Estimation for the Difference in Paired Areas under the ROC Curves in the Absence of a Gold Standard Test

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves can be used to assess the accuracy of tests measured on ordinal or continuous scales. The most commonly used measure for the overall diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic tests is the area under the ROC curve (AUC). A gold standard test on the true disease status is required to estimate the AUC. However, a gold standard test may sometimes be too expensive or infeasible. Therefore, in many medical research studies, the true disease status of the subjects may remain unknown. Under the normality assumption on test results from each disease group of subjects, using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm in conjunction with a bootstrap method, we propose a maximum likelihood based procedure for construction of confidence intervals for the difference in paired areas under ROC curves in the absence of a gold standard test. Simulation results show that the proposed interval estimation procedure yields satisfactory coverage probabilities and interval lengths. The proposed method is illustrated with two examples

Formation stage and controlling factors of the paleo-uplifts in the Tarim Basin: A further discussion

AbstractVarious types of paleo-uplifts with different characteristics are developed in the Tarim Basin. Previously, there were multiple opinions on the pale-uplifts origins and structural evolution, so the oil and gas exploration ideas and deployment in the Tarim Basin were not developed smoothly. In this paper, regional seismic interpretation and structural analysis were carried out on the deep marine carbonate rocks in this basin based on the new seismic and drilling data. Then combined with the structural denudation results, the paleo-structural frameworks were reconstructed. And finally, the formation stage and main controlling factors of paleo-uplifts were discussed. It is shown that the Middle Ordovician is the key period when regional extension was converted to compression in this basin, so stratigraphic, sedimentary and structural differences occurred. Before the deposition of Yijianfang Fm in late Middle Ordovician, three carbonate paleo-uplifts (i.e., the Northern, Central and SW Tarim paleo-uplifts) begun to appear, and they were all broad-folded paleo-uplifts of nearly E–W striking and were formed at the same stage. The distribution and development of the Phanerozoic uplifts in this basin are restricted by the Northern and Southern Tarim basement pale-uplifts of nearly E–W striking which were developed during the Precambrian. It is indicated that all the three paleo-uplifts are compressional paleo-uplifts originated from the convergence of the southern plate margin based on the basement paleo-uplifts and they are all characterized by similar structural characteristics and inherited formation and evolution. The current differences of paleo-uplifts are controlled by multi-stage intense structural reformation since the Silurian. It is concluded that the oil and gas exploration potential is immense in the carbonate reservoirs of well-preserved deep paleo-structural zones in a larger area

Special Issue in Honor of Prof. Ting-Peng Liang’s Lifetime Contribution to the Service Innovation Discipline

This special issue is dedicated to the reminiscences of TP for his significant contributions to the global IS discipline. This PAJAIS special issue solicits research submissions that are related to the Service Innovation discipline, one of TP’s key areas of research. Since service-oriented economy is evolving into experience economy, the research topics regarding how to design products, services, information systems, and mobile services to increase users’ experience value are becoming more and more important. From a service logic perspective, innovative service design focus on how they change customer thinking, participation, and capabilities to co-create value rather than new features in order to enhance user experience. Hence, this special issue focuses on issues related to service innovation, service quality & user experience (UX)