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Events for February 07, 2007
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PhD Defense: The Extraction and Complexity Limits of Graphical Models for Linear Codes
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
SPEAKER: Mr. Thomas HalfordAbstract: A decade ago, the introduction of turbo codes and iterative message passing algorithms revolutionized the theory and practice of coding. In the ensuing years, the coding theory community has become adept at designing codes from good graphical models - that is, models which imply low-complexity, near-optimal iterative message passing algorithms. Specifically, modern codes are constructed by connecting a large number of simple local codes together via a rich, random-like, cyclic interconnection network. A key observation from this work is that the introduction of cycles to graphical models can enable massive complexity reductions in model, and thus decoding, complexity.Whereas constructive graphical modeling problems (e.g. code design) have been widely addressed by the coding theory community, less is understood about the inverse problem of model extraction. Specifically, can good graphical models be obtained for existing algebraic codes, or more generally, for arbitrary systems? What tradeoffs exist between model complexity and cyclic topology for a given code? If good models can exist, how can they be obtained, or extracted?This dissertation presents a theoretical framework for the study of extractive graphical modeling problems. The limits of extraction are first considered and a number of new results are presented on the space of graphical models for a given (fixed) code. Most significantly, a new characterization of the tradeoff between cyclic topology and complexity in graphical models for linear codes is provided. Inasmuch as the cyclic topology of a graphical model is related to the performance of the decoding algorithms it implies, this tree-inducing cut-set bound provides insight into the fundamental limits of graphical model extraction. Extraction is then treated formally using the language of combinatorial optimization and a number of novel heuristics for both defining and solving this optimization problem.The results of a number of side problems that arose in the aforementioned study of graphical model extraction are also reported. Novel optimal soft-in soft-out (SISO) decoding algorithms are described for Reed-Solomon codes and for first-order Reed-Muller codes. A practically realizable - yet remarkably successful - suboptimal SISO decoding algorithm for arbitrary linear block codes based on massively redundant Tanner graphs is also developed. Finally, an efficient algorithm for counting short cycles in bipartite graphs is described.Bio: Thomas R. Halford received the B. A. Sc. degree in engineering physics from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada, in 2001. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, where his research focuses primarily on graphical models of codes. He spent the summer of 2005 visiting the Natural Language Processing Group at IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY.Advisor: Keith M. Chugg
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Mayumi Thrasher
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University Grad Fair
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Student Affairs
Student Activity
At the University Grad Fair, information will be available regarding graduation announcements, class rings, travel accommodations for guests, etc.Special Note: Graduating students will be able to rent regalia(cap and gown) from the University Bookstore in April. Regalia will not be available at the Graduation Fair. For additional information on Commencement, see the University Commencement website: http://www.usc.edu/dept/pubrel/specialevents/commencement/
Location: Outside the University Bookstore
Audiences: Graduating Students
Contact: Julie Phaneuf
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Juniors and Seniors: What Next
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Workshops & Infosessions
Are you a 3rd or 4th year undergraduate student and want to ensure you are preparing for your career path? Check out this workshop for a timeline that will surely keep you on the professional path for your career.
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 109
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services
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Introduction to Nanorobotics
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
SPEAKER:
Prof. Aristides Requicha, USC- Gordon Marshall Chair in Engineering and
Professor of Computer ScienceNanorobotics is an emerging field that encompasses: * Programmable assembly of nanoscale components (i) by manipulations with SPMs (or other robotic devices), (ii) by passive self-assembly on programmed templates, or (iii) by active self-assembly of robotic components.
* Design and fabrication of nanorobots with overall dimensions at or below the micrometer range and made of nanoscopic components.
* Programming and coordination of large numbers of such nanorobots. This talk begins with a brief introduction to nanotechnology and then assesses the state of the art and open issues in the three areas above.Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - rielian Hall, Room 203
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Walk-In Wednesdays: Career Services Advising
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Student Activity
Please feel free to come in during these walk-in hours! No appointment is necessary. Come in for resume reviews, internship information, or general engineering career advice.
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 218
Audiences: Current Engineering Students
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services
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BIODIESEL COMBUSTION AND EMISSIONS
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 AM
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
André Boehman Professor of Fuel ScienceDepartment of Energy and Geo-Environmental EngineeringPennsylvania State UniversityAbstractIn this work, we consider the behavior of biodiesel fuels during diesel combustion, including the injection process, pollutant formation and the characteristics of the pollutants. Topics covered include the unique features of the ignition process for biodiesel fuels, the anomalous "NOx Effect" that is observed in diesel engines running on biodiesel and impacts of biodiesel on the characteristics of diesel soot. Past and ongoing work seeks to relate the nanostructure and oxidative reactivity of soot. This work shows that the initial structure alone does not dictate the reactivity of diesel soot and rather the initial oxygen groups have a strong influence on the oxidation rate. A comparison of the complete oxidation behavior and burning mode was made to address the mechanism by which biodiesel soot enhances oxidation. Diesel soot derived from neat biodiesel (B100) is far more reactive during oxidation than soot from neat Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel (FT100). B100 soot undergoes a unique oxidation process leading to capsule-type oxidation and eventual formation of graphene ribbon structures. Incorporation of greater surface oxygen functionality in the B100 soot provides the means for more rapid oxidation and drastic structural transformation during the oxidation process. These characteristics of diesel soot have implications for the operation and regeneration of diesel particulate filters and, as a consequence of the coupling that can arise between particulate and NOx controls, for the operation of urea-selective catalytic reduction of NOx.
Location: Seaver Science Library, Rm 150
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: April Mundy
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Job Opportunities for ISE Graduates with USPS
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
University Calendar
Joint Meeting of the Institute of Industrial Engineering, IEEE Engineering Management Society Student ChaptersMr. Bradley Bashears of the United States Postal Service will make a presentation and discuss job opportunities for ISE graduates with USPS.Ever since Benjamin Franklin was named the first Postmaster General in 1775, the US postal system has been keeping America connected. Come learn about a dynamic, thriving organization with a sense of history, superb logistics, and a drive toward the future. Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 5:00 PM, GER 224For more information, contact Tahseena Khan at tahseenk@usc.edu or Albert Mangahas at amangaha@usc.edu
Location: Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center (GER) - 224
Audiences: Department Only
Contact: Georgia Lum
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Information Session
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Workshops & Infosessions
Join representatives of this company as they share general company information and available opportunities.
Location: Grace Ford Salvatori Hall Of Letters, Arts & Sciences (GFS) - 106
Audiences: Current Engineering Undergraduate/Graduate Students
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services
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KPMG Meeting / Information Session
Wed, Feb 07, 2007 @ 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
University Calendar
The Information Systems Association (ISA) will be hosting KPMG at our next meeting!WHAT: KPMG Meeting / Information SessionWHEN: Wednesday, February 7, 2007TIME: 6:30 PMWHERE: HOH 305You do not need to be a member to attend. This meeting is FREE and open to all USC students and majors. Don't forget: Free Catered Food!It's not too late to become a member! Come to this week's meeting for more information or visit the ISA website at www.uscisa.net. Please contact Ariel at saldin@usc.edu with any questions or for more information.Ariel Saldin, VP of Membership, Information Systems Association, http://www.uscisa.net
Location: H. Leslie Hoffman Hall Of Business Administration (HOH) - 305
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Georgia Lum
