KIPSE1: A Knowledge-based Interactive Problem Solving Environment for data estimation and pattern classification

A knowledge-based interactive problem solving environment called KIPSE1 is presented. The KIPSE1 is a system built on a commercial expert system shell, the KEE system. This environment gives user capability to carry out exploratory data analysis and pattern classification tasks. A good solution often consists of a sequence of steps with a set of methods used at each step. In KIPSE1, solution is represented in the form of a decision tree and each node of the solution tree represents a partial solution to the problem. Many methodologies are provided at each node to the user such that the user can interactively select the method and data sets to test and subsequently examine the results. Otherwise, users are allowed to make decisions at various stages of problem solving to subdivide the problem into smaller subproblems such that a large problem can be handled and a better solution can be found

Distributed localization of a RF target in NLOS environments

We propose a novel distributed expectation maximization (EM) method for non-cooperative RF device localization using a wireless sensor network. We consider the scenario where few or no sensors receive line-of-sight signals from the target. In the case of non-line-of-sight signals, the signal path consists of a single reflection between the transmitter and receiver. Each sensor is able to measure the time difference of arrival of the target's signal with respect to a reference sensor, as well as the angle of arrival of the target's signal. We derive a distributed EM algorithm where each node makes use of its local information to compute summary statistics, and then shares these statistics with its neighbors to improve its estimate of the target localization. Since all the measurements need not be centralized at a single location, the spectrum usage can be significantly reduced. The distributed algorithm also allows for increased robustness of the sensor network in the case of node failures. We show that our distributed algorithm converges, and simulation results suggest that our method achieves an accuracy close to the centralized EM algorithm. We apply the distributed EM algorithm to a set of experimental measurements with a network of four nodes, which confirm that the algorithm is able to localize a RF target in a realistic non-line-of-sight scenario.Comment: 30 pages, 11 figure

Excitonic Instabilities and Insulating States in Bilayer Graphene

The competing ground states of bilayer graphene are studied by applying renormalization group techniques to a bilayer honeycomb lattice with nearest neighbor hopping. In the absence of interactions, the Fermi surface of this model at half-filling consists of two nodal points with momenta $\mathbf{K}$, $\mathbf{K}'$, where the conduction band and valence band touch each other, yielding a semi-metal. Since near these two points the energy dispersion is quadratic with perfect particle-hole symmetry, excitonic instabilities are inevitable if inter-band interactions are present. Using a perturbative renormalization group analysis up to the one-loop level, we find different competing ordered ground states, including ferromagnetism, superconductivity, spin and charge density wave states with ordering vector $\mathbf{Q}=\mathbf{K}-\mathbf{K}'$, and excitonic insulator states. In addition, two states with valley symmetry breaking are found in the excitonic insulating and ferromagnetic phases. This analysis strongly suggests that the ground state of bilayer graphene should be gapped, and with the exception of superconductivity, all other possible ground states are insulating.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures, 2 Tables, Added reference

A Christian theological response to human gene patenting

The publication of the draft of the complete human genome is likely to prove to be one of the most significant breakthroughs for the medical sciences in this millennium because of the potential information it will yield. Patenting of human genetic material is permissible if these are can be shown to meet the four standard criteria applicable to all patents, which are that they are novel, involve an inventive step, are non-obvious and possess an industrial application. This dissertation addresses the main theological issue concerning patents, which is property as well as the ownership and use of such. It is argued that in the Bible, though a well-defined scriptural doctrine of property is absent, the right to property is tenable provided that it is in principle subordinate to the obligation to care for the weaker members of society. Property, in that regard, is to be used in fulfilment of the common good. I show that patenting human DNA can lead to injustice and therefore does not serve the common good. As this is contrary to the Christian theological understanding of the objective of property, I advocate that the correct response is to reject the practice. As a second line of argument, I also argue that because of its bi-elemental non-dual nature, human DNA is a metonymy for the human person since both possess a material and an immaterial component. These components are nonetheless inseparable without altering the overall nature of the DNA or the person. In this sense, human DNA is symbolic of the human person and on this account also should not be subjects of patents

Validation of the English and Chinese versions of the Quick-FLIC quality of life questionnaire.

A useful measure of quality of life should be easy and quick to complete. Recently, we reported the development and validation of a shortened Chinese version of the Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC), which we called the Quick-FLIC. In the present study of 327 English-speaking and 221 Chinese-speaking cancer patients, we validated the English version of the Quick-FLIC and further assessed the Chinese version. The 11 Quick-FLIC items were administered alongside the 11 remaining items of the full FLIC, but there appeared to be little context effect. Validity of the English version of the Quick-FLIC was attested by its strong correlation with two other measures of quality of life, and its ability to detect differences between patients with different performance status and treatment status (each P<0.001). Its internal consistency (alpha=0.86) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation=0.76) were also satisfactory. The measure was responsive to changes in performance status (P<0.001). The Chinese version showed similar characteristics. The Quick-FLIC behaved in ways that are highly comparable with the FLIC, even though the Quick-FLIC comprised only 11 items whereas the FLIC comprised 22. Further research is required to see whether the use of shorter instruments can improve data quality and response rates, but the fact that shorter instruments place less burden on the patients is itself inherently important

An easy-to-use diagnostic system development shell

The Diagnostic System Development Shell (DSDS), an expert system development shell for diagnostic systems, is described. The major objective of building the DSDS is to create a very easy to use and friendly environment for knowledge engineers and end-users. The DSDS is written in OPS5 and CommonLisp. It runs on a VAX/VMS system. A set of domain independent, generalized rules is built in the DSDS, so the users need not be concerned about building the rules. The facts are explicitly represented in a unified format. A powerful check facility which helps the user to check the errors in the created knowledge bases is provided. A judgement facility and other useful facilities are also available. A diagnostic system based on the DSDS system is question driven and can call or be called by other knowledge based systems written in OPS5 and CommonLisp. A prototype diagnostic system for diagnosing a Philips constant potential X-ray system has been built using the DSDS

Particle swarm optimization for bi-level pricing problems in supply chains

With rapid technological innovation and strong competition in hi-tech industries such as computer and communication organizations, the upstream component price and the downstream product cost usually decline significantly with time. As a result, an effective pricing supply chain model is very important. This paper first establishes two bi-level pricing models for pricing problems with the buyer and the vendor in a supply chain designated as the leader and the follower, respectively. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) based algorithm is developed to solve problems defined by these bi-level pricing models. Experiments illustrate that this PSO based algorithm can achieve a profit increase for buyers or vendors if they are treated as the leaders under some situations, compared with the existing methods. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

Nanocalorimetric Evidence for Nematic Superconductivity in the Doped Topological Insulator Sr0.1_{0.1}Bi2_{2}Se3_{3}

Spontaneous rotational-symmetry breaking in the superconducting state of doped $\mathrm{Bi}_2\mathrm{Se}_3$ has attracted significant attention as an indicator for topological superconductivity. In this paper, high-resolution calorimetry of the single-crystal $\mathrm{Sr}_{0.1}\mathrm{Bi}_2\mathrm{Se}_3$ provides unequivocal evidence of a two-fold rotational symmetry in the superconducting gap by a \emph{bulk thermodynamic} probe, a fingerprint of nematic superconductivity. The extremely small specific heat anomaly resolved with our high-sensitivity technique is consistent with the material's low carrier concentration proving bulk superconductivity. The large basal-plane anisotropy of $H_{c2}$ is attributed to a nematic phase of a two-component topological gap structure $\vec{\eta} = (\eta_{1}, \eta_{2})$ and caused by a symmetry-breaking energy term $\delta (|\eta_{1}|^{2} - |\eta_{2}|^{2}) T_{c}$. A quantitative analysis of our data excludes more conventional sources of this two-fold anisotropy and provides the first estimate for the symmetry-breaking strength $\delta \approx 0.1$, a value that points to an onset transition of the second order parameter component below 2K

Travel information as an instrument to change cardrivers’ travel choices: a literature review

This paper aims to provide insights that help transport academics and policy makers appreciate the potentials and limitations of information provision as a means to changing car-drivers’ travel choices. The focus is on a modal shift from private car to public transport and changes in car-drivers’ choices for departure times and routes towards a more even distribution of traffic within the available road network. These insights are gained through a review of more than 15 years of literature concerning the use and effects of travel information among car-drivers. Based on the performed review, a number of generic, integrative insights are derived, including the following: it appears that our expectations with respect to the effects of information provision on travel choices in general may be mildly optimistic, particularly for behavioural changes not involving changes in mode-choice. In the longer term, the effects of information provision, when presented to travelers in suitable formats, are likely to be somewhat stronger than the short term effects, due to learning dynamics