The computational unity of Merge and Move

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-180
Author(s):  
Thomas Graf
Keyword(s):  

Abstract Based on a formal analysis of the operations Merge and Move, I provide a computational answer to the question why Move might be an integral part of language. The answer is rooted in the framework of subregular complexity, which reveals that Merge is most succinctly analyzed in terms of the formal class TSL. Any cognitive device that can handle this level of complexity also possesses sufficient resources for Move. In fact, Merge and Move are remarkably similar instances of TSL. Consequently, Move has little computational or conceptual cost attached to it and comes essentially for free in any grammar that expresses Merge as compactly as possible.

Author(s):  
Pierre-Loïc Garoche

The verification of control system software is critical to a host of technologies and industries, from aeronautics and medical technology to the cars we drive. The failure of controller software can cost people their lives. This book provides control engineers and computer scientists with an introduction to the formal techniques for analyzing and verifying this important class of software. Too often, control engineers are unaware of the issues surrounding the verification of software, while computer scientists tend to be unfamiliar with the specificities of controller software. The book provides a unified approach that is geared to graduate students in both fields, covering formal verification methods as well as the design and verification of controllers. It presents a wealth of new verification techniques for performing exhaustive analysis of controller software. These include new means to compute nonlinear invariants, the use of convex optimization tools, and methods for dealing with numerical imprecisions such as floating point computations occurring in the analyzed software. As the autonomy of critical systems continues to increase—as evidenced by autonomous cars, drones, and satellites and landers—the numerical functions in these systems are growing ever more advanced. The techniques presented here are essential to support the formal analysis of the controller software being used in these new and emerging technologies.


Author(s):  
Steve Ferrier ◽  
Kevin D. Martin ◽  
Donald Schulte

Abstract Application of a formal Failure Analysis metaprocess to a stubborn yield loss problem provided a framework that ultimately facilitated a solution. Absence of results from conventional failure analysis techniques such as PEM (Photon Emission Microscopy) and liquid crystal microthermography frustrated early attempts to analyze this low-level supply leakage failure mode. Subsequently, a reorganized analysis team attacked the problem using a specific toplevel metaprocess.(1,a) Using the metaprocess, analysts generated a specific unique step-by-step analysis process in real time. Along the way, this approach encouraged the creative identification of secondary failure effects that provided repeated breakthroughs in the analysis flow. Analysis proceeded steadily toward the failure cause in spite of its character as a three-way interaction among factors in the IC design, mask generation, and wafer manufacturing processes. The metaprocess also provided the formal structure that, at the conclusion of the analysis, permitted a one-sheet summary of the failure's cause-effect relationships and the analysis flow leading to discovery of the anomaly. As with every application of this metaprocess, the resulting analysis flow simply represented an effective version of good failure analysis. The formal and flexible codification of the analysis decision-making process, however, provided several specific benefits, not least of which was the ability to proceed with high confidence that the problem could and would be solved. This paper describes the application of the metaprocess, and also the key measurements and causeeffect relationships in the analysis.


Author(s):  
Susana Fernández-Lores ◽  
Gema Martínez-Navarro ◽  
Diana Gavilán

The evolution of technology and the digital empowerment of society have led to the proliferation of Audiovisual Content Webs (ACWs) where users can share information and experiences, along with other commercial resources. ACWs have led to significant changes in the way users can select and access audiovisual content. The design of these websites combines various features, including a user community, streamed content, ticket sales, and recommendations, among others. Each ACW has a specific profile with respect to the mentioned variables. The aim of this study is to identify the critical success factors for a ACW, i.e., which features and the form they should take to attract followers, thus increasing the capacity to prescribe and broadcast content. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a formal analysis technique that allows the identification of combinations that produce a certain result, a sample of the 12 most representative cinema websites in Spain is analyzed. The results indicate that the incorporation of content recommendation systems and the connection with streaming platforms through which the content can be accessed are key factors in the success of these ACWs. This work contributes academically to the knowledge and explanation of audience behavior in the new audiovisual scenario. From a professional point of view, relevant design suggestions are offered to platform creators. Finally, the limitations of this work are described, and future lines of research are considered. Resumen La evolución de la tecnología y el empoderamiento digital de la sociedad ha dado lugar a la proliferación de webs de contenidos audiovisuales (WCA) donde los usuarios comparten información y experiencias, junto a otros recursos comerciales. Las WCA han provocado cambios significativos en la forma en la que los usuarios pueden seleccionar y acceder a los contenidos audiovisuales. En su diseño, estas webs combinan varias prestaciones: comunidad de usuarios, contenidos en streaming, venta de entradas o recomendaciones, entre otros. Cada WCA presenta un perfil específico respecto a las variables descritas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los factores críticos de éxito de una WCA, es decir las prestaciones y la forma que deben adoptar para captar seguidores, aumentando con ello capacidad de prescripción y difusión de contenidos. Mediante el análisis cualitativo comparado (QCA), técnica formal de análisis que permite la identificación de combinaciones que producen un determinado resultado, se analiza una muestra de las 12 webs de cine más representativas en España. Los resultados indican que la incorporación de sistemas de recomendación de contenidos y la conexión con plataformas en streaming desde las que poder acceder a los contenidos son factores claves del éxito. El trabajo contribuye académicamente al conocimiento y la explicación de la conducta de la audiencia en el nuevo escenario audiovisual. Desde el punto de vista profesional se ofrecen sugerencias relevantes de diseño para los creadores de plataformas. Por último, se describen las limitaciones del trabajo y se plantean futuras líneas de investigación.


2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 838-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng CHEN ◽  
Yi ZHANG ◽  
Jin-Shu SU ◽  
Wen-Bao HAN

Author(s):  
Timothy McGrew

The mid-20th century consensus regarding Hume’s critique of reported miracles has broken down dramatically in recent years thanks to the application of probabilistic analysis to the issue and the rediscovery of its history. Progress from this point forward is likely to be made along one or more of three fronts. There is wide room for interdisciplinary collaboration, work that will bring together scholars with expertise in religion, psychology, philosophy, and empirical science. There is a great deal of work still to be done in formal analysis, making use of the tools of modern probability theory to model questions about testimony and inference. And the recovery and study of earlier works on the subject—works that should never have been forgotten—can significantly enrich our understanding of the underlying issues.


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