Semantic Control Research Articles

A New Semantic Cache Management Method in Mobile Databases

In mobile database systems, caching is a crucial way to improve the performance because a new query can be partially answered locally when the client is continuously moving around. Semantic caching has been paid much attention in traditional database systems. However, the methods of semantic cache management proposed in those systems are not suitable for mobile computing environment. Moreover, although many improved semantic caching strategies for mobile computing application have been proposed in recent years, few papers discussed semantic cache coherence control, which is very important in mobile computing environment. In this paper, we propose some new semantic cache model and management algorithms, which can significantly reduce the unnecessary uplink requests and downlink broadcasts compared to previous schemes. Simulation experiments are carried out to evaluate the proposed strategy.

*nackt werden: The combinatorial restrictions of the German copula werden and the notion of control

1 pursue the concept of a generative lexical device, which organizes the mapping between conceptual and linguistic representations. The design of the interface function between grammar and concepts upholds a modular conception of linguistic structure building even in environments where information from various computational levels have to be calculated. Against this background, I argue that the German copula werden ('become') imposes two core conditions on its adjectival complement: i.) the state that holds after the denoted transition has to represent a non-controlled property of the subject nominal and ii.) the planned construction must not be blocked by a higher frequent lexical form. Several conceptual and grammatical tests are applied and examined for their explanatory adequacy. As regards the CONTROL restriction, it is illustrated that a generic reading of the subject nominal converts a controlled into a non-controlled property thus saving the derivation of werden-complexes like kostenlos werden, which fails under a specific (i.e. non-generic) reading. Furthermore, the illegality of DATIVE nominals - tolerated by most unaccusative verbs - is motivated by means of structural rationales, which reflect the semantic CONTROL condition. The factor of BLOCKING is associated, first, with the compositionality of the (semantically identical) blocked form and, second, with the attestability of the blocked form, for which some empirical evidence is gathered. I maintain the position that werden does not impose any rigorous event structural condition on its complement: It realizes both achievement as well as accomplishment expressions to an equal extent.

Dynamic semantic control of a speech recognition system

Dynamic semantic control of a speech recognition system

Outcomes benchmarks: Changes in symptom and function outcome measures from year one to year two endpoints with continuous treatment for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder

This paper examines genitive subjects in relative constructions in Polynesian languages, with a focus on Niuean and Maori. In these languages, the subject of a relative clause may optionally be expressed as a genitive, appearing outside the relative clause, akin to English examples such as “his book to read”. The construction is compared to similar ones in Altaic languages, with a key difference being that in the Polynesian examples, genitive case clearly originates outside the relative clause. The question arises as to how the genitive nominal relates to its assumed theta position inside the relative clause. Arguments are presented against a raising and a control analysis. Instead, it is posited that the genitive nominal is externally merged outside the relative clause, forming a constituent with the entire relative construction, not with the relative clause, nor with the head of the relative clause. The genitive nominal receives its theta role in this external position through a process of semantic control directly of a theta feature within the lexical predicate in the relative clause. A remaining issue is that the relative clause does not appear to be reduced in Polynesian languages, as it more clearly is in similar constructions in Altaic languages.

Dissociating semantic and perceptual components of synaesthesia: behavioural and functional neuroanatomical investigations

Colour digit synaesthetes experience atypical dual perceptions wherein achromatic digits are perceived along with coloured photisms. Recent studies have employed Stroop or priming tasks and exhibited interference or facilitation in synaesthesia [Nature 410 (2001) 580–582; Perception 28 (1999) 651–664]. We compared a synaesthete to a semantic control with arbitrary colour–number associations and demonstrated that these tasks do not elicit effects unique to synaesthesia. In contrast, we present functional neuroimaging data that clearly differentiates between these two conditions.

Field Data Collection with Mobile GIS: Dependencies Between Semantics and Data Quality

Field work is needed in many scientific disciplines as well as practice, e.g., surveying or environmental monitoring. Despite the goal of making the data collection process more effective, mobile geocomputing tools are a means to control data quality during data collection. Such tools must consider the conceptual data models of real world features that are developed in specific spatial information communities. Mobile GIS tools can support data quality through functions that control simultaneously the data entered by field workers. Semantic integrity of the database can be achieved through semantic plausibility controls, i.e., rules implemented in a knowledge base that help avoid the occurrence of inconsistencies. Such knowledge based functions must take into account the dependencies that exist between data quality and data semantics. Exemplarily, such dependencies are described in this paper as well as the knowledge based functions that are integrated as Dynamic Link Libraries into a mobile GIS. The examples demonstrate the strong application dependency of data quality and raise the question of how to integrate information about specific quality requirements into data models, e.g., for the purpose of multiple data use. The use of data modeling languages to achieve comprehensive data quality descriptions that consider adequately the dependencies between data quality and semantics is proposed and some hints on potentially useful linkages with other techniques to describe data and their semantics are given.

Multiview databases for building modelling

Database systems provide various facilities including modelling data, queries, semantic integrity control, concurrency control, recovery and authorisation. The transition from relational database technology to object technology is characterised by a richer data model to meet the requirements of new applications such as computer-aided design (CAD) systems. However, object technology still has several shortcomings. One of these shortcomings is that conventionally object model is not able to deal with data that can be described and queried according to different viewpoints. The building practice, for example, is characterised by the organisation of different participants that work towards the elaboration of the building; each one performs a specific role and has a specific view on the building project data. This paper proposes the CEDAR model, which specifies object-oriented multiview databases that can represent data and ensure their integrity according to different viewpoints. The approach is illustrated with an outline of a building project.

Operations research and semantic control: application to advanced traffic management

Operations Research (OR) is well known for the plethora of tools and techniques it offers to address complex and sometimes non-intuitive problems. In this paper we propose the use of the semantic control paradigm as a framework for the development of advanced traffic management systems (ATMS), and show how the tools afforded to us by OR can be applied within this framework to solve problems in traffic management. A brief overview is given of the scope of problems addressed by OR, and of the structure of a semantic control system. This is followed with an example showing the application of artificial neural networks and shortest path algorithms to the problem of estimating highway traffic volume and the subsequent allocation of traffic to maintain road capacity.

Operations research and semantic control: application to advanced traffic management

AbstractOperations Research (OR) is well known for the plethora of tools and techniques it offers to address complex and sometimes non‐intuitive problems. In this paper we propose the use of the semantic control paradigm as a framework for the development of advanced traffic management systems (ATMS), and show how the tools afforded to us by OR can be applied within this framework to solve problems in traffic management. A brief overview is given of the scope of problems addressed by OR, and of the structure of a semantic control system. This is followed with an example showing the application of artificial neural networks and shortest path algorithms to the problem of estimating highway traffic volume and the subsequent allocation of traffic to maintain road capacity.

Traffic Prediction and Management via RBF Neural Nets and Semantic Control

The objective of this work has been to develop layers of control and optimization modules for the purpose of urban traffic management. We utilize the semantic control paradigm to model both the macrolevel (traffic control) and the microlevel (vehicle path planning and steering control). A semantic controller consists of three modules for identification, goal selection, and adaptation, respectively. This hierarchical structure has been used successfully at the Center for Optimization and Semantic Control to solve complex, nonlinear, and time‐varying problems. In our previous work we have used a judicious combination of artificial intelligence, optimization, and control systems.The focus of this paper is the identifier module, which performs “system identification,” i.e., determines the road network congestion level. Traffic flow can be characterized as a nonlinear stochastic process where linear prediction models such as linear regression are not suitable. However, neural network techniques may provide an effective tool for data‐based modeling and system identification. The radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is an attractive tool for nonlinear time‐series modeling and traffic‐flow prediction. The goal selector module that finds the shortest path is also discussed in some detail.A model of the highway system, based on historical data provided by Missouri Highway and Transportation Department (MoHTD), has been developed. The prediction and planning system is evaluated using the traffic‐flow data from nine sensors located on the highway in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Deficits of semantic memory and executive control: Evidence for differing effects upon naming in dementia

Abstract We report an experimental investigation into the contrasting disorders of naming observed in two patients with dementia. A study of category wordfluency (i.e. naming to a given category label, e.g. animals) revealed severely reduced levels of naming in both patients. However, the names produced by one patient (E. P.) were drawn from the most common category members and repeated at every test, while the names produced by the other patient (M. C. R.) differed at each test, and included examples of both common and uncommon category members. The naming disorder of the first patient (E. P.) extended to confrontation naming, and a comparison between category word-fluency and confrontation naming revealed a marked agreement between the items named. In contrast, confrontation naming was normal in the second patient (M. C. R.). We suggest that E. P.'s naming disorder, which affected all naming tasks, resulted from a pathologically reduced semantic data base, while M.C. R.'s naming disorder, which was rest...

Semantic control systems

Definitions of “control” and their consequences are considered in the context of cybernetics and systems science, semiotics, Meta‐System Transition (MST) Theory, and the Powers school of control theory. First systems, meta‐systems, and their properties are defined in terms of cardinal and dimensional distinctions, variety, and constraint. Two senses of control are discussed and contrasted. A number of results are derived: that standard control results in the active maintenance of a subsystem in a stable, dynamic equilibrium; that this equilibrium is at a distinct hierarchical level; and that it is maintained in the face of disturbances from a variable environment. It is asserted that control requires semantic relations within the control system in the form of controller actions which are “appropriate” for the maintenance of “good control.” Semantic relations are discussed in relation to negative feedback, modeling functions, information, codes, meaning, and life. We conclude with a discussion of some cons...

Fixpoint iteration with subsumption in deductive databases

Declarative languages for deductive and object-oriented databases require some high-level mechanism for specifying semantic control knowledge. This paper proposes user-supplied subsumption information as a paradigm to specify desired, prefered or useful deductions at the meta level. For this purpose we augment logic programming by subsumption relations and succeed to extend the classical theorems for least models, fixpoints and bottom-up evaluation accordingly. Moreover, we provide a differential fixpoint operator for efficient query evaluation in deductive databases. This operator discards subsumed tuples on the fly. We also exemplify the ease of use of this programming methodology. In particular, we demonstrate how heuristic AI search procedures can be integrated into deductive databases in this way.

Semantic control of open hypertext systems by typed objects

The C(K)onstance Hypertext system (KHS) is an elaborated example of an open hypertext system. Open hypertext systems combine heterogeneous resources and different hypertext applications such as e-mail, text and image hypertexts with access to online databases or other information resources. These hypertexts, to which heterogeneous users have access, grow steadily in size. This paper takes an object-oriented approach and proposes a rigorous typing of hypertext objects to overcome the problems of open hypertext. The advantage of this typing is shown on an e-mail hypertext as a special application of the KHS system. KHS is written in Smalltalk and is being developed on UNIX-machines.

Application of semantic control to a class of pursuer-evader problems

In this article, we describe our work in developing a comprehensive software system for tactical decision aiding for an evader faced with multiple pursuers. The objective is to provide the evader with defensive maneuver decisions that maximize its chances of survival. We have developed a hierarchical semantic controller consisting of a System Identifier, a Goal Selector and an Adapter. This system is implemented on a 386DX personal computer via object-oriented programming, knowledge-based systems, Analytical Hierarchy Process, optimal control, and differential game methodologies. The viability of our Semantic Control approach to the evasive action selection problem has been shown and its operation has been tested against pursuers which follow either pure pursuit or proportional guidance strategies. The user is included in the decision process via approval of setpoints. Displays of the engagement and effect of coverage by countermeasures provide a visual reinforcement of the recommendation made. Use of semantic controllers as TDA support systems for man-in-the-loop, pursuer-evader problems on a PC with current software and hardware technology is feasible. The ability to deploy the system on a portable PC permits the use of the technology in a wide variety of applications.

Flight and fire control with logic programming

This paper describes the use of logic programming to facilitate in decisions of task assignment in air combat. Our approach to the air combat problem is through semantic control. We analyze knowledge requirements for reasoning and decision making for this task, and show that a goal selector for this problem can be constructed via logic programming. The assignment problem of aircraft to targets is treated as an extension of the classical multiple knapsack problem. A possible temporal tree for solving this problem is described. The model used can also be utilized in other applications where cooperation in a time-varying environment is required; for instance control of robots in a time-varying environment.

Object-oriented information management

Current computer-based information systems offer very little in terms of semantic control of information processing because only very little of the application semantics can be mapped to descriptive information to be utilized during the processing. As recent results in several areas of computer science demonstrate, object orientation is a highly promising approach to remedy the situation. The paper introduces the notion of object orientation, surveys some of the recent directions and results in several areas of computer science, explores where a corresponding approach could profitably be applied to information system design and what benefits and problems could arise, and then demonstrates that object orientation in information system design and operation would find excellent support by the latest developments in information base management and information design environments.

A computation model for semantic control

Application of classical control theoretical methods depends on the availability of well defined models of the plants. In large-scale control problems due to the comple.xity, heterogeneity and time-dependent behavior of the system to be controlled, classical control theory has only limited use. New research directions in intelligent control pursue a different approach and introduce an extended interpretation of the most fundamental concepts of control theory. A conceptual framework for these efforts is formalized in the semantic control theory [l]. Key elements of this theory are the following concepts:

Collision-free path-planning in a dynamic environment: semantic control approach

There are many large scale control problems in which classical control methods are no longer applicable. In this paper we explore as an example the problem of collision-free path-planning in a dynamic environment. Our new semantic control paradigm, pro posed in this paper, is shown to be able to handle problems that cannot otherwise be handled by classical methods.

Semantic control of selective attention.

It is argued that at least three modes of information processing should be distinguished: (1) sensory preprocessing; (2) activation and inhibition of knowledge structures, which run parallel and are unlimited in terms of capacity; (3) activated knowledge structures are used to make behavioral decisions. Decision processes are assumed to be sequentially organized because at any moment only one “unit” of the activated knowledge can be taken into account. Selective attention mainly refers to the third mode of processing. In this paper, potential rules are investigated that may determine what part of the activated knowledge influences making decisions about behavior. An intuitively plausible speculation about a rule of this kind is that activated knowledge is taken into account in the order of its activation level. Certain phenomena in selective attention are related to the operation of the rule, and some data are presented that seem to favor the validity of the rule's operation in the processing of multi-element visual displays.