Reasoning about Action: An Argumentation - Theoretic Approach

We present a uniform non-monotonic solution to the problems of reasoning about action on the basis of an argumentation-theoretic approach. Our theory is provably correct relative to a sensible minimisation policy introduced on top of a temporal propositional logic. Sophisticated problem domains can be formalised in our framework. As much attention of researchers in the field has been paid to the traditional and basic problems in reasoning about actions such as the frame, the qualification and the ramification problems, approaches to these problems within our formalisation lie at heart of the expositions presented in this paper

Bayesian integration of audio and visual information for multi-target tracking using a CB-member filter

A new method is presented for integration of audio and visual information in multiple target tracking applications. The proposed approach uses a Bayesian filtering formulation and exploits multi-Bernoulli random finite set approximations. The work presented in this paper is the first principled Bayesian estimation approach to solve the sensor fusion problems that involve intermittent sensory data (e.g. audio data for a person who occasionally speaks.) We have examined our method with case studies from the SPEVI database. The results show nearly perfect tracking of people not only when they are silent but also when they are not visible to the camera (but speaking).Reza Hoseinnezhad, Ba-Ngu Vo, Ba-Tuong Vo, David Suterhttp://www.icassp2011.com/en/welcom

A component-based approach to automated web service composition

There is great promise in the idea of having Web services available on the Internet, that can be flexibly composed to achieve more complex services, which can themselves then also be used as components in other contexts. However it is challenging to realise this idea, without essentially programming the composition using some process language such as WS-BPEL or OWL-S process descriptions. This paper presents a mechanism for specifying the external interface to composite and component services, and then deriving an appropriate internal model to realise a functioning composition. We present a conversation specification language for defining interaction protocols and investigate the issue of synchronous and asynchronous communication between the composite service and the component service

Searching for joint gains in automated negotiations based on multi-criteria decision making theory

It is well established by conflict theorists and others that successful negotiation should incorporate "creating value" as well as "claiming value." Joint improvements that bring benefits to all parties can be realised by (i) identifying attributes that are not of direct conflict between the parties, (ii) tradeoffs on attributes that are valued differently by different parties, and (iii) searching for values within attributes that could bring more gains to one party while not incurring too much loss on the other party. In this paper we propose an approach for maximising joint gains in automated negotiations by formulating the negotiation problem as a multi-criteria decision making problem and taking advantage of several optimisation techniques introduced by operations researchers and conflict theorists. We use a mediator to protect the negotiating parties from unnecessary disclosure of information to their opponent, while also allowing an objective calculation of maximum joint gains. We separate out attributes that take a finite set of values (simple attributes) from those with continuous values, and we show that for simple attributes, the mediator can determine the Pareto-optimal values. In addition we show that if none of the simple attributes strongly dominates the other simple attributes, then truth telling is an equilibrium strategy for negotiators during the optimisation of simple attributes. We also describe an approach for improving joint gains on non-simple attributes, by moving the parties in a series of steps, towards the Pareto-optimal frontier

Molecular mechanisms underlying the fetal programming of adult disease

Adverse events in utero can be critical in determining quality of life and overall health. It is estimated that up to 50 % of metabolic syndrome diseases can be linked to an adverse fetal environment. However, the mechanisms linking impaired fetal development to these adult diseases remain elusive. This review uncovers some of the molecular mechanisms underlying how normal physiology may be impaired in fetal and postnatal life due to maternal insults in pregnancy. By understanding the mechanisms, which include epigenetic, transcriptional, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), we also highlight how intervention in fetal and neonatal life may be able to prevent these diseases long-term. © The International CCN Society 2012

Model-based learning for point pattern data

This article proposes a framework for model-based point pattern learning using point process theory. Likelihood functions for point pattern data derived from point process theory enable principled yet conceptually transparent extensions of learning tasks, such as classification, novelty detection and clustering, to point pattern data. Furthermore, tractable point pattern models as well as solutions for learning and decision making from point pattern data are developed

On the Stability and the Approximation of Branching Distribution Flows, with Applications to Nonlinear Multiple Target Filtering

We analyse the exponential stability properties of a class of measure-valued equations arising in nonlinear multi-target filtering problems. We also prove the uniform convergence properties w.r.t. the time parameter of a rather general class of stochastic filtering algorithms, including sequential Monte Carlo type models and mean eld particle interpretation models. We illustrate these results in the context of the Bernoulli and the Probability Hypothesis Density filter, yielding what seems to be the first results of this kind in this subject

Magnetism of cobalt nanoclusters on graphene on iridium

The structure and magnetic properties of Co clusters, comprising from 26 to 2700 atoms, self-organized or not on the graphene/Ir(111) moir\'e, were studied in situ with the help of scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. Surprisingly the small clusters have almost no magnetic anisotropy. We find indication for a magnetic coupling between the clusters. Experiments have to be performed carefully so as to avoid cluster damage by the soft X-rays

Modeling and parameter estimation in a PO3G Polyether process with time delay

A new model is developed to describe batch polycondensation of bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PO3G) to produce a polyether commercialized by DuPont as Cerenol® (see Figure 1). Cerenol® is valued for its biodegradability and low toxicity, as well as high end-group reactivity, low viscosity, low melting point and superior oxidative stability[1]. The proposed model provides an improved fit to the available data compared to the previous model of Cui et al. [2] The main reason for this improvement is that the revised model equations and parameter estimation methodologies that were used account for time delay and accumulation of evaporated water, monomer and linear oligomers in the overhead condenser system. To handle this time delay, existing parameter ranking, subset selection and estimation methods[3-5] were extended to treat the delay associated with the overhead piping as an additional unknown model parameter. Although, the resulting parameter estimates lead to better predictions on average compared to the model of Cui et al., there is still noticeable mismatch between the data and the model predictions. For example, Figure 2 shows dynamic model predictions and data for linear dimer and tetramer concentrations in the reactor obtained using a super-acid catalyst. Further parameter estimation studies are underway to determine whether current estimates correspond only to a local minimum for the optimization problem. In future, the model will be extended to account for formation and evaporation of cyclic oligomers. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract