A* search algorithm

In computer science, A* (pronounced as "A star" ( listen)) is a computer algorithm that is widely used in pathfinding and graph traversal, the process of plotting an efficiently traversable path between multiple points, called nodes. Noted for its performance and accuracy, it enjoys widespread use. However, in practical travel-routing systems, it is generally outperformed by algorithms which can pre-process the graph to attain better performance, although other work has found A* to be superior to other approaches.

Peter Hart, Nils Nilsson and Bertram Raphael of Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International) first described the algorithm in 1968. It is an extension of Edsger Dijkstra's 1959 algorithm. A* achieves better performance by using heuristics to guide its search.

History

In 1968, AI researcher Nils Nilsson was trying to improve the path planning done by Shakey the Robot, a prototype robot that could navigate through a room containing obstacles. This path-finding algorithm, that Nilsson called A1, was a faster version of the then best known method, Dijkstra's algorithm, for finding shortest paths in graphs. Bertram Raphael suggested some significant improvements upon this algorithm, calling the revised version A2. Then Peter E. Hart introduced an argument that established A2, with only minor changes, to be the best possible algorithm for finding shortest paths. Hart, Nilsson and Raphael then jointly developed a proof that the revised A2 algorithm was optimal for finding shortest paths under certain well-defined conditions.

Suzuki Alto

The Suzuki Alto (スズキ・アルト) is a kei car built by Suzuki. Its selling points have long included a low price and good fuel economy. The model, currently in its eighth generation, was first introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide. The Alto badge has often been used on different cars in Japan and in export markets, where it is considered a city car.

First generation (1979–1984)

The first generation (SS30V/40V), introduced in May 1979, was a three-door cargo version of the Fronte passenger car, equipped with a folding rear seat. Front suspension comprised coils struts, with leaf springs at the back. The steering was of the recirculating ball type, and four-wheel drums were used. On introduction, the Alto received the T5B two-stroke 539 cc (32.9 cu in) (SS30) three-cylinder engine, producing 28 PS (21 kW) at 5,500 rpm. The Alto was a "micro sensation" when introduced, largely due to its rock bottom price of ¥470,000 (circa $1,900 in 1979, at a time when the cheapest Ford Pinto cost $4,999 in the US). This low price was made possible by a number of Japanese special concessions for commercial vehicles: most notably, the engine did not require twin catalysts. Two less doors provided another saving, as did the exemption from commodity tax. The Alto's success changed the kei-car market, and other producers such as Subaru (with the "Family Rex") quickly followed suit with cut-price "commercial" vehicles that were really intended for private use. The Alto helped Suzuki move into seventh place in Japanese production for cars and trucks.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (Abbreviation: A*STAR; Chinese: 新加坡科技研究局) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. The Agency was established in 1991 to foster scientific research and talent for a knowledge-based Singapore.

History

Established in 1991 as the former National Science and Technology Board (NSTB), A*STAR was established with the primary mission to raise the level of science and technology in Singapore.

Leadership

The current chairman of A*STAR is Mr. Lim Chuan Poh. He was formerly the Permanent Secretary (Education) and the Chief of Defence Force. Mr Lim took over the reins of A*STAR from Mr. Philip Yeo, who later became Chairman of SPRING Singapore, on 1 April 2007.

The scientific leadership includes Tan Chorh Chuan, George Radda, Sydney Brenner, David Lane, Charles Zukoski and used to include Prof Low Teck Seng. Prof Low Teck Seng left A*Star on 19 July 2012 to join the National Research Foundation of the Prime Minister's Office.

Make Me

"Make Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson included on her second greatest hits compilation Number Ones (2009). The song was written by Jackson, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Thomas Lumpkins, and Michaela Shiloh. Initially presented as an audio stream to those who joined her web site's official mailing list in September 2009, it was released via digital download later that month, on September 22, 2009, as the lead and only single from Number Ones by A&M Records.

"Make Me" features an up-tempo disco beat and lyrical hook reminiscent of her material from the 1980s. The song received critical praise, with music critics comparing the song favorably to her hit "All for You" (2001) and her brother Michael Jackson's 1979 number one single "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", both of which carry a distinct disco beat. It became her 19th number one hit single on the Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart, and made her the first artist to earn number one singles on the chart across four decades. The song's music video, directed by Robert Hales, was shot entirely in black and white, and it received positive critical reception for its vintage aesthetic.

Make Me (novel)

Make Me is the twentieth book in the Jack Reacher series written by Lee Child. It was initially published on 8 September 2015 by Delacorte Press.

Plot

Somewhere, a man named Keever is killed and buried in a sty. Reacher arrives at a small town named Mother's Rest, curious as to the story behind the name. He meets an Asian woman named Chang, who is apparently searching for a lost associate. Thinking that the town may have once been a young mother's delivery site or perhaps the final resting place of an old woman, Reacher wanders the town, asking the locals about the name, but does not learn anything. He decides to befriend Chang, who reveals she is an ex-FBI agent turned private investigator who is looking for her colleague, Keever. Reacher's suspicions are aroused by the aloofness of the locals and decides to stay in the town to help with Chang's investigations.

Chang explains that she was only recently called in by Keever, and does not know the identity of his client or any of the details of his case. Searching Keever's motel room, Reacher finds a crumpled up note with the name "Maloney" and a phone number. They call the number, finding it to belong to a journalist from Los Angeles named Westwood, who bills himself as a conspiracy theorist. Westwood however is of no help, having apparently never spoken to Keever. They then turn their search on Maloney, believing him to be Keever's contact and a resident of Mother's Rest. As they investigate the town, they are confronted by hostile locals and eventually chased out of Mother's Rest.

Dinah Nah

Malin Dinah Sundström (born 23 August 1980), better known by her stage name Dinah Nah is a Swedish singer.

Life and career

Early life and Caramell

Dinah Nah was born as Malin Dinah Sundström and grew up in the Sätra district of Stockholm, Sweden. She is a licensed skin therapist and nurse. From 1998-2002, she was a member of the pop group Caramell.

Solo career

Dinah Nah launched her solo career when Anders Bagge approached her to sing the song "Make Me (La La La)" in Melodifestivalen 2015. She participated in the fourth semi-final, placing fourth and qualifying to andra chansen. She qualified through to the final through andra chansen, and placed last out of twelve. She subsequently released the song "Taste Your Love".

Discography

Singles

References

Make Me a Star (The Square album)

Make Me A Star is the third album by Japanese jazz fusion band T-Square (which from its debut in 1976 to its 1988 New York Performance, called "The Square", changing their name to T-Square in 1989), recorded and released in 1979. This is also the first album in which Saxophonist Takeshi Itoh used the Lyricon.

Track listing

Sources

All music composed by Masahiro Andoh.

Personnel

References