14972044
Service-Oriented Adaptation in Ubiquitous Computing Environments
Ubiquitous computing environments may offer dynamically discoverable services that can be utilized by adaptive applications to improve their functionality and quality of service. We have developed a general software development framework for context-aware adaptive applications. In this paper we present our novel modeling concepts that extend an existing component-based modeling approach by service-oriented adaptation concepts. With our new extensions a dynamically discovered service may replace an application component if it increases the overall utility of the application. We discuss open questions and point to potential solution approaches.
209498655
Preface
The title of this book ‘One-Dimensional Finite Elements: An Introduction to the FE Method’ stands for content and focus. Nowadays, much literature regarding the topic of the finite element method exists. The different works reflect the multifaceted perceptions and application possibilities. The basic idea of this introduction into the finite element method relies on the concept of explaining the complex method with the help of one-dimensional elements. It is the goal to introduce the manifold aspects of the finite element method and to enable the reader to get a methodical understanding of important subject areas. The reader learns to understand the assumptions and derivations at different physical problems in structural mechanics. Furthermore, he/she learns to critically evaluate possibilities and limitations of the finite element method. Additional comprehensive mathematical descriptions, which solely result from advanced illustrations for twoor three-dimensional problems, are omitted. Hence, the mathematical description largely remains simple and clear. The focus on one-dimensional elements, however, is not just a pure limitation on a simpler and clearer formal illustration of the necessary equations. Within structural engineering, there are various structures— for example bridges or high transmission towers—which are usually modeled via one-dimensional elements. Therefore, this work also contains a ‘set of tools’, which can also be applied in practice. The concentration on one-dimensional elements is new for a textbook and allows the treatment of various basic and demanding physical questions of structural mechanics within one single textbook. This new concept, therefore, allows a methodical understanding of important subject areas (for example plasticity or composite materials), which occur to a prospective engineer during professional work, which however are seldom treated in this way at universities. Consequently, simple access is possible, also in supplementary areas of application of the finite element method. This book originates from a collection of lecture notes which were developed as written material for lectures and training documents for specialized courses on the finite element method. Especially, the calculated examples and the supplementary
8554783
Mapping visual notations to MOF compliant models with QVT relations
Model-centric methodologies rely on the definition of domain-specific modeling languages for being able to create domain-specific models. With MOF the OMG adopted a standard which provides the essential constructs for the definition of semantic language constructs (abstract syntax). However, there are no specifications on how to define the notations (concrete syntax) for abstract syntax elements. Usually, the concrete syntax of MOF compliant languages is described informally.
 We propose to define MOF-based metamodels for abstract syntax and concrete syntax and to connect them by model transformations specified with QVT Relations in a flexible, declarative way. Using a QVT based transformation engine one can easily implement a Model View Controller architecture by integrating modeling tools and metadata repositories
26946048
Exploiting Spatial and Temporal Locality of Accesses: A New Hardware-Based Monitoring Approach for DSM Systems
The performance of a parallel system with NUMA characteristics depends on the efficient use of local memory accesses. Programming and tool environments for such DSM systems should enable and exploit data locality.
34651476
User verification through pointing characteristics: an exploration examination
Abstract Previous research has highlighted that all data security systems rest on the assumption of accurate user verification. Although much research has focused on speech and keystroke characteristics, no study has examined the potential of indirect cursor control devices, such as mouse or pen, as a means of personal user verification. This paper presents the result of an exploratory examination of the measurement of individual users' behaviour elicited while using two indirect input devices (puck and pen). Ten subjects undertook two series of 500 trials using the puck and pen in a counterbalanced design. Each trial involved guiding the cursor to one of ten possible targets, projected upon one of five angles of projection and one of two distances. Data recorded comprised a series of ( x, y) coordinates and associated time stamps of each component of the movement. Five parameters for each full movement were extracted-total time to reach the target, maximum velocity of the movement, maximum acceleration for the movement, time to maximum velocity of movement, time to maximum acceleration of the movement. Results of a series of Multivariate Analyses of Variance indicated that for both the puck and the pen data, there were statistically significant differences between subjects for each of the five parameters. This set of discriminating parameters was then embedded in a verification paradigm. Results indicated that the average error rates varied between 39% (S.D.=2%) and 14% (S.D.=2%) for the puck and 38% (S.D.=2%) and 12% (S.D.=2%) for the pen. Error rates were dependent upon the number of samples used when making the verification decision. This research suggests that pointing device measurements using the current parameters are not a viable method of user verification by themselves. However, with average error rates as low as 12%, it may be reasonable to integrate them into a multi-modal security system. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed.
32953498
A geostatistical model for linear prediction analysis of speech
Abstract This paper presents a geostatistical model as a new approach to the linear prediction analysis of speech. The autocorrelation method of autoregressive modeling, which is widely applied in the linear predictive coding of speech, is used as a benchmark for comparison with the present algorithm. Before discussing the proposed model, we will briefly describe the concepts of linear prediction analysis of speech and how this is solved by the well-known method of autocorrelation. Following is the introduction of geostatistics including the ideas of regionalized variables, semi-variograms and kriging equations. We then propose a geostatistical model to the linear prediction modeling of speech signals. Examples on speech data are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the present algorithm in comparison with the autocorrelation method. Advantages offered by the proposed geostatistical algorithm over the autocorrelation method in the linear prediction analysis of speech are summarized as follows: (1) it is more effective due to the optimization of the kriging equations taking into account the biased condition; (2) it is more flexible by allowing different biased values for the fitting of the signal spectrum, and therefore may provide a means for adaptive LPC; (3) it can give a good estimate of the number of poles used in the LPC by means of the theoretical semi-variogram.
9635742
An augmented virtuality approach to 3D videoconferencing
This paper describes the concept, prototypical implementation, and usability evaluation of an augmented virtuality (AV) based videoconferencing (VC) system: "cAR/PE!". We present a first solution which allows three participants at different locations to communicate over a network in an environment simulating a traditional face-to-face meeting. Integrated into the AV environment are live video streams of the participants spatially arranged around a virtual table, a large virtual presentation screen for 2D display and application sharing, and 3D geometry (models) within the room and on top of the table.