Automatic Continuation Research Articles

Surveying More Than Two Decades of Music Information Retrieval Research on Playlists

In this article, we present an extensive survey of music information retrieval (MIR) research into music playlists. Our survey spans more than 20 years, and includes around 300 papers about playlists, with over 70 supporting sources. It is the first survey that is self-contained in the sense that it combines all the different MIR research into playlists. It embraces topics such as algorithms for automatic generation, for automatic continuation, for assisting with manual generation, for tagging and for captioning. It looks at manually constructed playlists, both those that are constructed for and by individuals and those constructed in collaboration with others. It covers ground-breaking research into enhancing playlists by cross-fading consecutive songs and by interleaving consecutive songs with speech, similar to what happens on a radio show. Most significantly, it is the first survey that can fully incorporate the paradigm shift that has taken place in the way people consume recorded music: the shift from physical media to music streaming. This has wrought profound changes in the size of music collections available to listeners and thus the algorithms that support the construction, curation and presentation of playlists and the methods adopted by users when they also construct, curate and listen to playlists.

Tierschutz erLeben. Devising a “Comic Automaton” to Innovate Learning

Abstract: The ongoing German R&D project Tierschutz erLeben aims to improve the animal welfare learning experience, primarily for agricultural students. The knowledge domain is shaped by many interrelated facts, often about informed decision-making under specific circumstances and the possible consequences. Unsatisfactory frontal teaching prevails in the current praxis. In contrast, the abstraction level and the complexity are less demanding. 
 An interactive simulation close to reality is not necessarily a solution as it can be inefficient and incomplete, failing to cover all necessary facts. We are working on an innovative gamified approach based on the concept of interactive comics, which shall be more efficient than realistic simulations potentially encompassing all necessary facts. 
 In our sense, an interactive comic is a form of a simulation with a comic’s feel and look. We call it a Comic Automaton. As with every comic, our system presents only relevant story events, thus promoting efficiency. Textual descriptions, diagrams, and other means that help attain completeness are easily incorporated. A Comic Automaton is highly interactive. The immediate goal of the learner is to interactively and iteratively create a story about management in animal husbandry, where every decision is correct and substantiated. Accomplishing a complete, correct comic is an indicator of learning success and shall be an experience of fun and satisfaction. Decisions of the learner, including mistakes and lacuna of knowledge, will trigger automatic continuation of the comic. For example, a comic frame where the user decides not to feed enough milk to a calf will trigger an automatic new frame where the calf becomes weak and possibly even dies. 
 Especially in the field of animal husbandry, virtual exercises that might also have a bad outcome for the animals are very important. Without real animals coming to harm, important lessons can be learned from these mistakes. The details of the Comic Automaton are ongoing work. Two user-centred workshops were held so far to unfold further and test the ideas.

Оценка риска радикализации в подростково-молодежной среде: потенциал социально-психологического знания

Problem. Terrorism is a long-standing phenomenon, it has existed for more than two millennia. It has been changing over time, acquiring the new features and characteristics of a particular era, but one feature has retained unchanged: terrorism still poses a serious threat to society. Purpose: the focus of our attention in this paper is to look into the potential of socio-psychological knowledge to assess the risk of radicalization in the adolescent and youth environment. This determines the purpose of the theoretical analysis presented here. Results: In the absence of risk assessment tools, M. Hogg’s theory of uncertainty-identity is an empirically proven theory adequate to explain the process of radicalisation (taking into account that a person is not radicalised alone, committing actions involving extreme violence is not an automatic continuation of extreme (or radical) ideas). The model explains why and how people join groups with extremist and radical beliefs, as well as why they pre-fer acts of violence, acting on behalf of these groups.

Selection and Optimization of the Parameters of the Robotized Packaging Process of One Type of Product.

The article presents the results of computer simulations related to the selection and optimization of the parameters of robotic packing process of one type of product. Taking the required performance of the robotic production line as a basis, we proposed its configuration using the RobotStudio environment for offline robot programming and virtual controller technology. Next, a methodology for the validation of the adopted assumptions was developed, based on a wide range of input data and a precise representation of the applicable conditions in the packaging process of one type of product. This methodology included test scenarios repeated an appropriate number of times in order to obtain the result data with the desired reliability and repeatability. The main element of the research was a computer simulation of the station based on the Picking PowerPac package. It was assumed that the products on the technological line are generated pseudo-randomly, thus reflecting the real working conditions. The result of the conducted works is the optimal operating speed of industrial robots and conveyors. The developed methodology allows for multifaceted analyses of the key parameters of the technological process (e.g., the number of active robots and their load, speed of conveyors, and station efficiency). We paid special attention to the occurrence of anomalies, i.e., emergency situations in the form of “halting” the operation of chosen robots and their impact on the obtained quality of the industrial process. As a result of the simulations, numerical values were obtained, maximum efficiency, with regard to maximum overflow of items of 5%, for LB algorithm was equal to 1188 completed containers per hour, with conveyors speeds of 270 mm/s and 165 mm/s. This efficiency was possible at robot speeds R1 = 6450 mm/s, R2 = 7500 mm/s, R3 = 6500 mm/s, R4 = 6375 mm/s, R5 = 5500 mm/s, R6 = 7200 mm/s. The ATC algorithm reached efficiency of 1332 containers per hour with less than 5% overflown items, with conveyor speeds of 310 mm/s and 185 mm/s. This efficiency was possible at robot speeds R1 = 7500 mm/s, R2 = 7500 mm/s, R3 = 7200 mm/s, R4 = 7000 mm/s, R5 = 6450 mm/s, R6 = 6300 mm/s. Tests carried out for emergency situations showed that the LB algorithm does not allow for automatic continuation of the process, while the ATC algorithm assured production efficiency of 94% to 98% of the maximum station efficiency.

Acceptability of Extended-Release Naltrexone by Heroin-Dependent Patients and Addiction Treatment Providers in the Netherlands

ABSTRACTBackground: Extended-release naltrexone (XRNT) was developed to overcome poor treatment compliance with oral naltrexone in alcohol and opioid-dependent patients. XRNT injections are registered in the United States and Russia, but not in The Netherlands. However, XRNT can be obtained for individual patients, but it is expensive and not reimbursed by the health insurance. Objectives: This study evaluates the support for abstinence oriented treatment among heroin-dependent patients and the acceptability of XRNT injections by heroin-dependent patients and treatment providers in The Netherlands. Methods: A sample of 261 patients in methadone maintenance treatment or heroin assisted treatment and a sample of 188 addiction treatment providers completed specially designed questionnaires. Results: The current study shows that many patients in opioid maintenance treatment (58%) report a desire to become abstinent from opioids and that 83% of the patients with a desire for abstinence are interested in XRNT. The majority of treatment providers (81%) are willing to support the prescription of XRNT injections in opioid-dependent patients to prevent relapse after detoxification. Conclusions: The current practice of automatic and indefinite continuation of opioid substitution should therefore be reconsidered. However, XRNT injections are very expensive and currently not reimbursed by the health insurance agencies in The Netherlands and thus not really available to most patients.

Computation of maximal local (un)stable manifold patches by the parameterization method

In this work we develop some automatic procedures for computing high order polynomial expansions of local (un)stable manifolds for equilibria of differential equations. Our method incorporates validated truncation error bounds, and maximizes the size of the image of the polynomial approximation relative to some specified constraints. More precisely we use that the manifold computations depend heavily on the scalings of the eigenvectors: indeed we study the precise effects of these scalings on the estimates which determine the validated error bounds. This relationship between the eigenvector scalings and the error estimates plays a central role in our automatic procedures. In order to illustrate the utility of these methods we present several applications, including visualization of invariant manifolds in the Lorenz and FitzHugh–Nagumo systems and an automatic continuation scheme for (un)stable manifolds in a suspension bridge problem. In the present work we treat explicitly the case where the eigenvalues satisfy a certain non-resonance condition.

Automatic penalty continuation in structural topology optimization

Structural topology optimization problems are often modelled using material interpolation schemes to produce almost solid-and-void designs. The problems become non convex due to the use of these techniques. Several articles introduce continuation approaches in the material penalization parameter to reduce the risks of ending in local minima. However, the numerical performance of continuation methods has not been studied in detail. The first purpose of this article is to benchmark existing continuation methods and the classical formulation with fixed penalty parameter in structural topology optimization. This is done using performance profiles on 225 minimum compliance and 150 compliant mechanism design problems. The results show that continuation methods generally find better designs. On the other hand, they typically require a larger number of iterations. In the second part of the article this issue is addressed. We propose an automatic continuation method, where the material penalization parameter is included as a new variable in the problem and a constraint guarantees that the requested penalty is eventually reached. The numerical results suggest that this approach is an appealing alternative to continuation methods. Automatic continuation also generally obtains better designs than the classical formulation using a reduced number of iterations.

Algorithm 927

In this article we describe the code bvptwp.m, a MATLAB code for the solution of two point boundary value problems. This code is based on the well-known Fortran codes, twpbvp.f, twpbvpl.f and acdc.f, that employ a mesh selection strategy based on the estimation of the local error, and on revisions of these codes, called twpbvpc.f, twpbvplc.f and acdcc.f, that employ a mesh selection strategy based on the estimation of the local error and the estimation of two parameters which characterize the conditioning of the problem. The codes twpbvp.f/tpbvpc.f use a deferred correction scheme based on Mono-Implicit Runge-Kutta methods (MIRK); the other codes use a deferred correction scheme based on Lobatto formulas. The acdc.f/acdcc.f codes implement an automatic continuation strategy. The performance and features of the new solver are checked by performing some numerical tests to show that the new code is robust and able to solve very difficult singularly perturbed problems. The results obtained show that bvptwp.m is often able to solve problems requiring stringent accuracies and problems with very sharp changes in the solution. This code, coupled with the existing boundary value codes such as bvp4c.m, makes the MATLAB BVP section an extremely powerful one for a very wide range of problems.

Cost-driven autonomous mobility

Autonomous mobile programs (AMPs) offer a novel decentralised load management technology where periodic use is made of cost models to decide where to execute in a network. In this paper we demonstrate how sequential programs can be automatically converted into AMPs. The AMPs are generated by an automatic continuation cost analyser that replaces iterations with costed autonomous mobility skeletons (CAMS) that encapsulate autonomous mobility. The CAMS cost model uses an entirely novel continuation cost semantics to predict both the cost of the current iteration and the continuation cost of the remainder of the program. We show that CAMS convey significant performance advantages, e.g. reducing execution time by up to 53%; that the continuation cost models are consistent with the existing AMP cost models; and that the overheads of collecting and utilising the continuation costs are relatively small. We discuss example AMPs generated by the analyser and demonstrate that they have very similar performance to hand-costed CAMS programs.

Evidence for Practice

Patients have the right to make decisions regarding their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment or to issue do-not-resuscitate orders as part of an advance directive. Health care providers must comply with the patient's wishes regarding care. Automatic suspension or continuation of a do-not-resuscitate order for a patient undergoing surgery cannot be justified. Surgical team members should consult with the patient and, if necessary, with an ethics expert or committee to determine whether the do-not-resuscitate order is to be maintained or completely or partially suspended during anesthesia and surgery. All surgical departments should have a written policy and procedure concerning the treatment of patients with do-not-resuscitate orders.

An automatic continuation strategy for the solution of singularly perturbed nonlinear boundary value problems

In a recent paper, the present authors derived an automatic continuation algorithm for the solution of linear singular perturbation problems. The algorithm was incorporated into two general-purpose codes for solving boundary value problems, and it was shown to deal effectively with a large test set of linear problems. The present paper describes how the conintuation algorithm for linear problems can be extended to deal with the nonlinear case. The results of exstensive numerical testing on a set of nonlinear singular perturbation problems are given, and these clearly demonstrate the efficacy of continuation for solving such problems.

Do not resuscitate orders--managing the dilemma.

The status of DNR orders (or equivalent declarations) in patients undergoing surgery will continue to present considerable challenges for both healthcare providers and patients, or their alternate decision makers. It is essential that all parties understand the specifics of each DNR order, focusing not only on the actual content of the order or declaration but also on the context in terms of location, timing and circumstance. The principle of "respect for persons" should guide, inform and shape the approach followed with each patient. Meaningful dialogue and "negotiation" will be required. Make no assumptions! The "required reconsideration" of pre-existing DNR orders should be the basic approach followed. There is no single "solution" for all DNR-related issues in the peri-operative period. What may appear obvious to the anaesthetist may be viewed entirely differently by the patient, or even by other members of the care giving team. There is no justification for either the automatic suspension or the automatic continuation of DNR orders in patients undergoing surgery. A patient-specific and situation-specific approach and "solution" is required. Similar principles will apply in acute care settings other than the operating room. Full engagement by health care workers in the processes addressing these issues should be a personally enriching experience.

An Automatic Continuation Strategy for the Solution of Singularly Perturbed Linear Two-Point Boundary Value Problems

An automatic continuation alogorithm for the solution of linear singular perturbation problems is developed and incorporated into two codes which implement global methods for solving two-point boundary value problems. Specifically, the algorithm will be based upon error estimates formulated in the collocation code COLSYS and the deferred correction code HAGRON. The benefits of using continuation are clearly demonstrated for both codes for a large class of problems.