Publications

Here are my publications, both peer-reviewed and others (indicated separately for each entry). Most have also a downloadable PDF together with citing help on the first page (BibTeX, apalike, ieeetr).

A framework of adaptation [2012]

2012_TaivoLints_AFrameworkOfAdaptation_IKTDK12.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2012). A framework of adaptation. In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK kuuenda aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik: 3.-5. oktoobril 2012 Laulasmaa, pages 35-38.

Abstract: This short report gives an overview of my research in progress about adaptation -- developing a conceptual framework of adaptation that gathers, analyzes, and develops further the knowledge and understanding of what adaptation and adaptivity are, and what properties and processes constitute, manifest, foster or hinder adaptation and adaptivity.

The essentials of defining adaptation [2012]

2012_TaivoLints_DefAdaptation_IEEE_AESM.pdf
peer-reviewed, journal
reprint of the conference paper "The Essentials of Defining Adaptation" [2010]

Lints, T. (2012). The essentials of defining adaptation. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 27(1):37-41.

Abstract: Understanding the adaptivity of systems is among the key concerns in many areas of research and engineering. However, although widely used, the concepts of adaptation and adaptivity are fairly vague. This paper identifies and discusses the main types of adaptation definitions, and integrates the ideas from different fields of research into concise supportive guidelines that can make the adaptivity-related discourses more rigorous and more constructive, and thus facilitate the understanding, management and design of adaptive systems.

Adaptation, and robust flexible reflexive bytecode [2011]

2011_TaivoLints_AdaptationAndBytecode_IKTDK11.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2011). Adaptation, and robust flexible reflexive bytecode. In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK viienda aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik: 25.-26. novembril 2011, Nelijärve.

Abstract: This short report gives an overview of my current research in progress about adaptation and adaptivity. It provides an update to my working definition of adaptation, and very briefly describes a fresh idea of a possible program code representation that might be good for certain software implementations of adaptive systems, particularly, but not limited to, in genetic programming.

Musikaalne lõhe [2011]

2011_TaivoLints_MusikaalneL6he_EPLOnline.pdf
newspaper

Lints, T. (2011). Musikaalne lõhe. EPL Online, July 12. Opinion article in newspaper, http://www.epl.ee/news/arvamus/musikaalne-lohe.d?id=51299798, in Estonian.

Abstract: The opinion article describes a "musical divide" (analogous to digital divide) in the modern society, where most people consider themselves unable to successfully engage in musical activities and avoid doing it, thus cutting off one great way of self-expression, relaxation, socialization, etc., and lists various ways to help people increase their courage and abilities with regard to musical self-expression.

The concept of adaptation [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_TheConceptOfAdaptation_IKTDK10.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2010). The concept of adaptation. In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK neljanda aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik: 26.-27. novembril 2010, Essu mõis, Eesti.

Abstract: This short report gives an overview of my PhD thesis in progress about the concepts of adaptation and adaptivity. It briefly explains why this topic is important, how to define adaptation, and what aspects of systems are particularly worthy of further study from the viewpoint of adaptivity if we are interested in understanding, managing and building highly adaptive systems. The report is, in large part, based on one of my recent publications [1].

How to facilitate variability [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_Variability_ALifeXII.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2010). How to facilitate variability. In Artificial Life XII, Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems, pages 569-576. The MIT Press.

Abstract: The concepts of life and intelligence almost require the system to be adaptive. And adaptivity, in turn, is usually strongly dependent on the continual generation of variations in the system. The paper discusses various ways of producing the required variations, and how to support these production processes.

The Essentials of Defining Adaptation [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_DefAdaptation_IEEESysCon.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2010). The essentials of defining adaptation. In 4th Annual IEEE Systems Conference, pages 113-116. IEEE.

Coordination Issues in Modular Systems [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_Coordination_IEEESysCon.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2010). Coordination issues in modular systems. In 4th Annual IEEE Systems Conference, pages 202-206. IEEE.

Abstract: In modular systems consisting of partially independent components the application of full central control is usually both undesirable and impossible. But this makes subunit coordination and overall system coherence maintenance difficult. The paper gives an overview of various potential approaches to alleviate that problem, based mostly on human / organizational research literature but encouraging the use of those ideas as inspiration for the design and management of systems of all kinds. The main covered issues are organizational structure, dealing with spontaneously emerged behavior, and supporting component cooperation (teamwork).

Diversity Issues in Adaptive Modular Systems [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_Diversity_IEEESysCon.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2010). Diversity issues in adaptive modular systems. In 4th Annual IEEE Systems Conference, pages 207-210. IEEE.

Abstract: The majority of modular systems are composed of nonidentical components and are thus internally diverse. The paper points out and briefly discusses some of the main issues related to this diversity, especially in the context of adaptive systems: keeping the diversity relevant to the problem, maintaining an appropriate level of it, and avoiding or solving the conflicts between different components.

Self-Organization [2010]

2010_TaivoLints_SelfOrg_ProLab.pdf
lab annual report, chapter

Lints, T. (2010). Research Laboratory for Proactive Technologies, Department of Computer Control, Tallinn University of Technology, Annual Report 2009, chapter Self-Organization, pages 24-34.

Abstract: A short overview of the development of the concept self-organization, and a discussion about why, when and how to create self-organizing systems and how to get them do something useful for us.

Relation Learning with Bar Charts [2009]

2009_TaivoLints_BarCharts_IA09.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2009). Relation learning with bar charts. In IEEE Symposium on Intelligent Agents, 2009. IA'09, pages 77-83. IEEE.

Abstract: The paper reports on the work in progress on developing a machine learning method that is inspired on how a human operator might visually try to find relations between a large number of incoming data streams originating from sensors and controllable actuators. A large number of plot-like data structures of various dimensions are periodically generated for the combinations of given data streams and searched for regularities. Controllable variables are manipulated in some random or systematic way until the observed regularities allow for more intelligent behavior (if required). Information about interesting (as defined by the task at hand) relationships is extracted from the data structures, and human-readable control rules for the system are formed. For most nontrivial applications the method can be computationally very expensive, but the potential for parallelizability and for smart optimizations together with the continual increase of capabilities of the off-the-shelf computers suggest that the method will be feasible already in the nearest future.

Automatic Code Generation for Embedded Systems from High-Level Models [2009]

2009_RiidEA_CodeGen_EEE.pdf
peer-reviewed, journal

Riid, A., Preden, J., Pahtma, R., Serg, R., and Lints, T. (2009). Automatic code generation for embedded systems from high-level models. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 95(7):33-36.

Abstract: The article describes a case study of automatic code generation for embedded systems from high-level models using the Gene-Auto code generator developed within the scope of the ITEA Gene-Auto project (ITEA05018).

FlockHeadz: Virtual Flock in a Room Used as a Controller [2008]

2008_TaivoLints_FlockHeadz_SIS08.pdf
peer-reviewed, conference

Lints, T. (2008). FlockHeadz: Virtual flock in a room used as a controller. In IEEE Swarm Intelligence Symposium, 2008. SIS 2008. IEEE. 5 pages.

Abstract: The paper calls for further innovations in the field of Swarm Intelligence, and presents an idea of using virtual flock(s) in a virtual room as a controller. Then, to demonstrate the viability of the idea, a working prototype is constructed where the controller is used to guide a "creature" through a nontrivial corridor.

Let AI learn from Web 2.0.
Tag co-occurrence based text categorization as an example. [2008]

2008_TaivoLints_AIWeb20_ASC2008.pdf
conference

Warning: this event had many signs of a for-profit conference.

Lints, T. (2008). Let AI learn from Web 2.0. Tag co-occurrence based text categorization as an example. In Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing (ASC 2008). ACTA Press. 5 pages.

Abstract: The paper draws attention to the potentially high value of user-generated web content from the viewpoint of Artificial Intelligence. Web 2.0 sites can be used as a quickly growing base of knowledge to learn from automatically. To motivate researchers to make use of that data source, a demonstration is provided about the ease of obtaining and using tag co-occurrence data from a social bookmarking site. The described demo uses this derived info to categorize texts into predefined categories and, according to subjective evaluation, does so sensibly well. Though, being just a simple demo case for raising AI researchers' interest in Web 2.0 data usage, it is definitely not meant to be comparable to industry grade text categorizers in its current state.

What is adaptation? [2008]

2008_TaivoLints_Adaptation_IKTDK08.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2008). What is adaptation? In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK kolmanda aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik, Voore, Estonia, 2008, pages 133-135.

Abstract: This short paper reports on the progress of my PhD studies, and very concisely reviews some possible ways of defining adaptation.

Adaptivity [2007]

2007_TaivoLints_Adaptivity_IKTDK07.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2007). Adaptivity. In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK teise aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik, 11.-12. mai 2007, Viinistu kunstimuuseum, Estonia, pages 29-32.

Abstract: This short paper gives an overview of my PhD thesis plans and some observations on the topic. Goal of the project: to find out the properties and processes that make systems adaptive. Project status: information gathering phase (2nd year of my PhD studies).

Adaptivity [2006]

2006_TaivoLints_Adaptivity_IKTDK06.pdf
local conference

Lints, T. (2006). Adaptivity. In Info- ja kommunikatsioonitehnoloogia doktorikooli IKTDK esimese aastakonverentsi artiklite kogumik, 12.-13. mai 2006, Jäneda Mõis, Estonia, pages 137-138.

Abstract: This short paper gives an overview of my PhD thesis plans. Goal of the project: to find out the properties and processes that make systems adaptive. Project status: starting (1st year of my PhD studies).

Multiagent modelling of a bacterial cell, a DnaA titration model based agent model as an example [2005]

2005_TaivoLints_MultiagentBactCell_SPLST05.pdf
local/regional conference

Lints, T. (2005). Multiagent modelling of a bacterial cell, a DnaA titration model based agent model as an example. In Vene, V. and Meriste, M., editors, Proceedings of the Ninth Symposium on Programming Languages and Software Tools, Tartu, Estonia, pages 82-96.

Abstract: In this paper it is proposed that two current trends -- agent-oriented programming in computer science and whole organism models in biology -- are likely to develop strong ties between each other. To back up this claim and to show the feasibility of using multiagent systems for modelling organisms, including the single-celled ones, a small multiagent model of a bacterial cell is developed and shown to give adequate results in simulations. The model is based on DnaA Titration Model from biology and deals with DNA replication and cell division.

Bakteri rakus toimuvate protsesside esitamine multiagentsüsteemina DnaA tiitrimise mudelil põhineva agentmudeli näitel [2005]

2005_TaivoLints_MultiagentBactCell_MScThesis.pdf
Master's thesis
(Using Multiagent Systems for Representing the Inner Processes of a Bacterial Cell, a DnaA Titration Model Based Agent Model as an Example)

Lints, T. (2005). Bakteri rakus toimuvate protsesside esitamine multiagentsüsteemina DnaA tiitrimise mudelil põhineva agentmudeli näitel. Master's thesis, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. In Estonian. 125 pages.

Abstract: In this thesis it is demonstrated that multiagent systems are a suitable tool for modelling and simulating the inner processes of a bacterial cell. The first half of the paper gives a broader overview of: 1) the essence of modelling in general; 2) the progress of computer science through different paradigms; 3) software agents; 4) modelling in biology. In the second half a DnaA Titration Model based multiagent model of DNA replication and cell division is given: 1) first the relevant earlier work is summarized; 2) then relevant biological processes are described according to the Cooper-Helmstetter-Donachie Model and the Initiator Titration Model; 3) used software tools are mentioned, most importantly JADE and Java SDK; 4) the created agent model is described, currently consisting of four types of agents: Environment, Bacterium, DNA and DnaA Factory; 5) the results from simulations are presented and their adequacy evaluated: a qualitative correspondence to real processes is noticed.

MyANN: An educational software package about artificial neural networks [2005]

2005_TaivoLints_MyANNOverview_Unpublished.pdf
unpublished

Lints, T. (2005). MyANN: An educational software package about artificial neural networks. 3 pages.

Abstract: This paper describes a small free open source software package developed by the author and called MyANN. The package is created to facilitate people's understanding of artificial neural networks (ANNs). It can be used as the first introduction to ANNs or, due to its distinctive network visualization capabilities, also as a debugging tool for ANN specialists.

Revitalizing the FMSD -- spoken language is not enough (where FMSD = Folk Music, Singing & Dancing) [2004]

2004_TaivoLints_FMSD_CSSS04.pdf
summer school project proceedings

Lints, T. (2004). Revitalizing the FMSD -- spoken language is not enough (where FMSD = Folk Music, Singing & Dancing). In Student Papers, Complex Systems Summer School, Santa Fe, New Mexico USA, June 6 - July 2, 2004. Santa Fe Institute. 10 pages.

Abstract: The paper draws attention to the decline of folk music (defined as all noncommercial music) in modern societies and suggests, based on the positive effects of active participation in musical behavior, to reverse this trend. It points out some causes of the decline and a few current inhibitors of FMSD, and then proposes some countermeasures.

ACE -- raamprogramm hajussüsteemide valmistamiseks [2004]

2004_TaivoLints_ACEoverview_AA.pdf
local journal

Lints, T. (2004). ACE -- raamprogramm hajussüsteemide valmistamiseks. A&A, (6): 14-25. In Estonian, published by TTÜ Kirjastus.

Abstract: A literature-based overview that looks at some possibilities for reducing the time and effort needed for developing distributed software: the essence of patterns, frameworks and middleware is briefly covered and an overview is given of an object oriented tool ACE.

Projekt MyANN, tehisnärvivõrkude õppetarkvara pakett [2003]

2003_TaivoLints_ProjektMyANN_BScThesis.pdf
Bachelor's thesis

Lints, T. (2003). Projekt MyANN, tehisnärvivõrkude õppetarkvara pakett. Bachelor's thesis, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. In Estonian. 136 pages.

Abstract: Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are computational models rooted in the studies of biological neural systems like brain. ANNs are widely used in various fields of technology because of their good function approximation capabilities. The most widely used class of ANNs is a multilayer feedforward network built of neurons with sigmoidal activation function.
In this thesis the problems of people wishing to get some elementary knowledge about ANNs are shortly discussed and then a new educational software package is presented. This package consists of three easy-to-use programs for getting acquainted with aforementioned multilayer feedforward networks. With these programs it is possible to create networks, visualize their inner workings and try out an interactive demonstration of their practical use. The whole package is open source and also contains a C++ library implementing these networks which can be used by people with C++ programming knowledge in their own projects.

Software: The software package itself can be found on the web page of MyANN. Note that there has been no further development of the project, the web page and software of MyANN are mostly the same as they were in 2003.