Pseudo Stirling cycle 1970-01-01
The term "Pseudo Stirling cycle" does not refer to a widely recognized thermodynamic cycle like the Stirling cycle itself. It is possible that it may refer to variations or specific adaptations of the Stirling cycle that are used in thermal engines or refrigeration systems, but such names are not standard in the literature.
Computation in the limit 1970-01-01
Computation in the limit is a concept from theoretical computer science and formal language theory. It typically refers to processes or systems that are defined to converge to a result over time as they perform a computation. In the context of formal definitions, particularly in computability theory, computations can be framed in terms of sequences of steps that gradually approach a solution or a final outcome.
Computational semiotics 1970-01-01
Computational semiotics is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of semiotics—the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation—with computational methods and techniques. Essentially, it examines how meaning is generated, communicated, and understood through digital and computational systems. ### Key Aspects of Computational Semiotics: 1. **Semiotics Foundation**: At its core, semiotics involves understanding how signs (which can be words, images, sounds, etc.) convey meaning.
Halting problem 1970-01-01
The Halting problem is a fundamental concept in computability theory, introduced by British mathematician and logician Alan Turing in 1936. It is a decision problem that can be stated as follows: Given a description of a program (or Turing machine) and an input, determine whether the program finishes running (halts) or continues to run indefinitely. Turing proved that there is no general algorithm that can solve the Halting problem for all possible program-input pairs.
History of the Church–Turing thesis 1970-01-01
The Church-Turing Thesis is a fundamental concept in computer science and mathematical logic, describing the nature of computable functions and the limits of what can be computed. The thesis arises from the independent work of two logicians: Alonzo Church and Alan Turing in the 1930s. ### Background - **Alonzo Church**: In 1936, Church introduced the concept of lambda calculus as a formal system to investigate functions and computation.
Mortality (computability theory) 1970-01-01
In computability theory, mortality refers to a specific property of a computational process, particularly in the context of Turing machines. A Turing machine is said to be "mortal" if it eventually enters a halting state after a finite number of steps for every input. In simpler terms, a mortal Turing machine will always stop (halt) when run on any given input.
Nomogram 1970-01-01
A nomogram is a graphical calculating device, a two-dimensional diagram designed to allow the approximate graphical computation of a mathematical function. It consists of a series of scales that represent different variables. By aligning a ruler or a straight edge across the scales, users can visually calculate the values of various parameters, often in fields such as medicine, engineering, and statistics.
Nondeterministic algorithm 1970-01-01
A *nondeterministic algorithm* is a theoretical model of computation that allows multiple possibilities for each decision point in its execution. In other words, rather than following a single, predetermined path to reach a solution, a nondeterministic algorithm can explore many different paths simultaneously or choose among various possibilities at each step.
Numbering (computability theory) 1970-01-01
In computability theory, **numbering** refers to a method of representing or encoding mathematical objects, such as sets, functions, or sequences, using natural numbers. This concept is important because it allows for the study of quantifiable structures and their properties using the tools of arithmetic and formal logic. A numbering is a way to create a bijective correspondence between elements of a certain set and natural numbers.
Scale factor (computer science) 1970-01-01
In computer science, "scale factor" can refer to several concepts depending on the context in which it is used, but generally, it relates to the dimensionless ratio that indicates how much a system can be scaled or how the performance of a system changes based on changes in size or quantity. Here are some common applications of the term: 1. **Scaling in Databases**: In the context of databases, scale factor refers to the size of the dataset used for benchmarking.
Semiotic engineering 1970-01-01
Semiotic engineering is a theoretical framework that combines elements of semiotics (the study of signs and meaning) and engineering to explore how sign systems and communication processes can be designed in various fields, particularly in human-computer interaction (HCI) and interaction design. The concept was developed by Brazilian researcher and designer Lina J. K. S. Stal as part of her work on understanding the communication between designers and users.
Socialist millionaire problem 1970-01-01
The "socialist millionaire problem" is a thought experiment in the field of cryptography and secure multi-party computation. It addresses how two parties (often referred to as "millionaires") can learn which of them is richer without revealing their actual wealth to each other. The classic formulation involves two millionaires, Alice and Bob, who want to determine who has more money. They would prefer not to disclose their exact fortunes, only the information about who is wealthier.
Strong prime 1970-01-01
A strong prime is a concept in number theory related to the properties of prime numbers. Specifically, a prime number \( p \) is considered a strong prime if it is greater than the arithmetic mean of the nearest primes that are less than and greater than \( p \).
Universal composability 1970-01-01
Universal Composability (UC) is a strong security framework for evaluating cryptographic protocols. Proposed by Ran Canetti in the early 2000s, the UC framework provides a mathematical foundation for analyzing the security of protocols in a modular way, allowing them to be composed with other protocols. This approach addresses one of the main challenges in cryptography: ensuring that a system remains secure even when its components are combined in an arbitrary manner.
Zero-knowledge proof 1970-01-01
A zero-knowledge proof is a method used in cryptography that allows one party (the prover) to convince another party (the verifier) that they know a certain piece of information (often a secret, such as a password or cryptographic key) without revealing the actual information itself. The key characteristics of a zero-knowledge proof include: 1. **Completeness**: If the statement is true and both parties follow the protocol correctly, the verifier will be convinced of this fact.
Abstract and concrete 1970-01-01
The terms "abstract" and "concrete" can be understood in various contexts, including philosophy, art, language, and more. Here's a brief overview of each: ### In Philosophy: - **Abstract**: Refers to concepts or ideas that are not tied to specific instances or tangible objects. Examples include ideas like love, freedom, or justice. These are often theoretical or not easily defined by physical characteristics.
Action theory (philosophy) 1970-01-01
Action theory is a branch of philosophy that explores the nature of human action, the conditions under which actions occur, and the reasons for which they are performed. It overlaps with several areas of philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of mind, and it addresses questions related to free will, moral responsibility, intentionality, and the structure of human agency.
Affection Exchange Theory 1970-01-01
Affection Exchange Theory (AET) is a communication theory that suggests affection is a fundamental human need and plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. Developed primarily by Dr. Kory Floyd, the theory posits that the expression and receipt of affection can lead to various positive outcomes, such as improved mental and physical health, increased relational satisfaction, and enhanced emotional well-being.
Introspection illusion 1970-01-01
Introspection illusion refers to a cognitive bias wherein individuals tend to overestimate their ability to understand the reasons behind their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. People may feel confident that they have direct access to their internal mental states and can accurately assess their motivations and the processes that drive their actions, when in fact, they often lack this insight. This phenomenon can lead to a disparity between an individual's perceived understanding of their inner workings and the actual complexity of those processes.
Melioration theory 1970-01-01
Melioration theory is a psychological and economic concept that describes a process of improvement or enhancement in decision-making and behavior. The term is often associated with the idea of "melioration," which refers to the act of making things better or improving outcomes through various forms of intervention. In the context of behavioral psychology, melioration theory is often used to explain how individuals may shift their choices and actions to improve their satisfaction or utility over time.