Typological/Placement possibilities and limitations of ductile behavior of bridges in seismic areas

Consideraciones sobre la ductilidad en zonas sísmicas. This paper analyses the ductile behavior of a highway overpass located in a seismic zone. The paper presents the results of a pushover analysis that enables the design engineer to estimate the behavior of the bridge’s columns in two directions in an independent manner. The differences with the theoretical bilinear behavior are described and explained. Indications are given on the need and possibilities of taking advantage of ductility in different seismic events scenarios.

High speed railroad bridges. Conception, bases of design, typological possibilities and construction methods

Diseño conceptual de puentes de alta velocidad ferroviarios. Railroad bridges, in general, and those for high speed railways, in particular, demand very special conditions. The traffic loads are much higher than for road bridges. Loads due to braking and acceleration determine, due to their magnitude, the structural layout. Because of the speed of the vehicles there are specific dynamic effects which need to be considered. In order to ensure passenger comfort, compatible with speeds of up to 350 km/h, it is necessary to meet very demanding conditions with respect to stiffness, displacements and dynamic behavior. In this paper these conditions are briefly described and different typological possibilities to satisfy them are presented as well as the main construction methods applicable to this kind of bridges.

Modeling sub-threshold slope and DIBL mismatch of sub-22nm FinFet

A great challenge for future information technologies is building reliable systems on top of unreliable components. Parameters of modern and future technology devices are affected by severe levels of process variability and devices will degrade and even fail during the normal lifeDme of the chip due to aging mechanisms. These extreme levels of variability are caused by the high device miniaturizaDon and the random placement of individual atoms. Variability is considered a "red brick" by the InternaDonal Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors. The session is devoted to this topic presenDng research experiences from the Spanish Network on Variability called VARIABLES. In this session a talk entlited "Modeling sub-threshold slope and DIBL mismatch of sub-22nm FinFet" was presented.

Analysis of quality of experience in 3D video systems

Esta tesis presenta un estudio exhaustivo sobre la evaluación de la calidad de experiencia (QoE, del inglés Quality of Experience) percibida por los usuarios de sistemas de vídeo 3D, analizando el impacto de los efectos introducidos por todos los elementos de la cadena de procesamiento de vídeo 3D. Por lo tanto, se presentan varias pruebas de evaluación subjetiva específicamente diseñadas para evaluar los sistemas considerados, teniendo en cuenta todos los factores perceptuales relacionados con la experiencia visual tridimensional, tales como la percepción de profundidad y la molestia visual. Concretamente, se describe un test subjetivo basado en la evaluación de degradaciones típicas que pueden aparecer en el proceso de creación de contenidos de vídeo 3D, por ejemplo debidas a calibraciones incorrectas de las cámaras o a algoritmos de procesamiento de la señal de vídeo (p. ej., conversión de 2D a 3D). Además, se presenta el proceso de generación de una base de datos de vídeos estereoscópicos de alta calidad, disponible gratuitamente para la comunidad investigadora y que ha sido utilizada ampliamente en diferentes trabajos relacionados con vídeo 3D. Asimismo, se presenta otro estudio subjetivo, realizado entre varios laboratorios, con el que se analiza el impacto de degradaciones causadas por la codificación de vídeo, así como diversos formatos de representación de vídeo 3D. Igualmente, se describen tres pruebas subjetivas centradas en el estudio de posibles efectos causados por la transmisión de vídeo 3D a través de redes de televisión sobre IP (IPTV, del inglés Internet Protocol Television) y de sistemas de streaming adaptativo de vídeo. Para estos casos, se ha propuesto una innovadora metodología de evaluación subjetiva de calidad vídeo, denominada Content-Immersive Evaluation of Transmission Impairments (CIETI), diseñada específicamente para evaluar eventos de transmisión simulando condiciones realistas de visualización de vídeo en ámbitos domésticos, con el fin de obtener conclusiones más representativas sobre la experiencia visual de los usuarios finales. Finalmente, se exponen dos experimentos subjetivos comparando varias tecnologías actuales de televisores 3D disponibles en el mercado de consumo y evaluando factores perceptuales de sistemas Super Multiview Video (SMV), previstos a ser la tecnología futura de televisores 3D de consumo, gracias a una prometedora visualización de contenido 3D sin necesidad de gafas específicas. El trabajo presentado en esta tesis ha permitido entender los factores perceptuales y técnicos relacionados con el procesamiento y visualización de contenidos de vídeo 3D, que pueden ser de utilidad en el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías y técnicas de evaluación de la QoE, tanto metodologías subjetivas como métricas objetivas. ABSTRACT This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the evaluation of the Quality of Experience (QoE) perceived by the users of 3D video systems, analyzing the impact of effects introduced by all the elements of the 3D video processing chain. Therefore, various subjective assessment tests are presented, particularly designed to evaluate the systems under consideration, and taking into account all the perceptual factors related to the 3D visual experience, such as depth perception and visual discomfort. In particular, a subjective test is presented, based on evaluating typical degradations that may appear during the content creation, for instance due to incorrect camera calibration or video processing algorithms (e.g., 2D to 3D conversion). Moreover, the process of generation of a high-quality dataset of 3D stereoscopic videos is described, which is freely available for the research community, and has been already widely used in different works related with 3D video. In addition, another inter-laboratory subjective study is presented analyzing the impact of coding impairments and representation formats of stereoscopic video. Also, three subjective tests are presented studying the effects of transmission events that take place in Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) networks and adaptive streaming scenarios for 3D video. For these cases, a novel subjective evaluation methodology, called Content-Immersive Evaluation of Transmission Impairments (CIETI), was proposed, which was especially designed to evaluate transmission events simulating realistic home-viewing conditions, to obtain more representative conclusions about the visual experience of the end users. Finally, two subjective experiments are exposed comparing various current 3D displays available in the consumer market, and evaluating perceptual factors of Super Multiview Video (SMV) systems, expected to be the future technology for consumer 3D displays thanks to a promising visualization of 3D content without specific glasses. The work presented in this thesis has allowed to understand perceptual and technical factors related to the processing and visualization of 3D video content, which may be useful in the development of new technologies and approaches for QoE evaluation, both subjective methodologies and objective metrics.

Características de grãos e amido de diferentes cultivares de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Os grãos de quinoa possuem excelente balanço nutricional além das propriedades funcionais, comparativamente superior à dos cereais. A quinoa é cultivada em diversos países e, devido às suas características, têm aumentado o interesse de pesquisadores e consumidores. A quinoa contém pericarpo branco, no entanto, existem grãos com pericarpo vermelho e preto, e todos os tipos são utilizados como alimento em diferentes preparações. Com o objetivo de avaliar as características de grãos de quinoa, amostras de cor branca, preta e vermelha foram analisadas quanto às propriedades físico-químicas e funcionais dos grãos e do amido extraído das diferentes amostras. O amido, extraído pelo método alcalino, foi submetido as análises de teor de amilose, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), propriedades térmicas (por DSC-Differential Scanning Calorimeter) e propriedades de pasta (por RVA- Rapid Visco Analyser), além de suscetibilidade à hidrólise enzimática e cor. A composição físico-química dos grãos de quinoa apresentou como principais diferenças o teor de cinzas, fibras e amido. O teor de amilose variou de 13,6% a 21,3%, entre as amostras de amido; os padrões de cristalinidade dos amidos foram de tipo A, típico dos cereais; e, a cristalinidade relativa variou de 25,4 a 29,6 %; as micrografias obtidas por MEV apresentaram as formas poliédricas dos grânulos de amido. Os viscoamilogramas, obtidos para os diferentes amidos, mostraram um comportamento semelhante entre as amostras brancas e pretas. As propriedades térmicas de retrogradação das amostras de quinoa vermelha apresentaram uma menor taxa de retrogradação que variou de 7,5 a 8,5 %; as cultivares brancas apresentaram as maiores taxas de retrogradação de 19,0 a 25,4 %. A hidrólise enzimática dos grânulos de amido, analisada em equivalentes de maltose, variou de 7,2 a 8,7 mg/mL, com uma velocidade maior para a cultivar BSyB, em 60 minutos. O amido extraído das amostras brancas de quinoa apresentou valor de luminosidade de 99,0 e os amidos extraídos das amostras de cor vermelha e preta apresentaram em torno de 97,0. As análises realizadas neste estudo ampliam o conhecimento das características da quinoa de cor branca, vermelha e preta, além de mostrar que a cultivar brasileira (BSyB) apresenta características diferenciadas em vários parâmetros. Devido as suas propriedades todas as amostras analisadas possuem potencial para futuras aplicações tecnológicas.

Expanding guitar production techniques: Building the Guitar Application Toolkit (GATK)

The purpose of this thesis was to build the Guitar Application ToolKit (GATK), a series of applications used to expand the sonic capabilities of the acoustic/electric stereo guitar. Furthermore, the goal of the GATK was to extend improvisational capabilities and the compositional techniques generated by this innovative instrument. ^ During the GATK creation process, the current production guitar techniques and overall sonic result were enhanced by planning and implementing a personalized electro-acoustic performance set up, designing custom-made performance interfaces, creating interactive compositional strategies, crafting non-standardized sounds, and controlling various music parameters in real-time using the Max/MSP programming environment. ^ This was the fast thesis project of its kind. It is expected that this thesis will be useful as a reference paper for electronic musicians and music technology students; as a product demonstration for companies that manufacture the relevant software; and as a personal portfolio for future technology related jobs. ^

Prospecção tecnológica de células fotovoltaicas para energia solar

Solar energy presents itself as an excellent alternative for the generation of clean, renewable energy. This work aims to identify technological trends of photovoltaic cells for solar energy. The research is characterized, in relation to nature, to be applied; regarding the approach is qualitative and quantitative; with respect to the objectives, it is exploratory and descriptive; concerning the methodological procedure is considered a bibliographic research with a case study in the case of solar photovoltaic sector. The development of this research began with a literature review on photovoltaic solar energy and technology foresight. Then it led to the technology mapping of photovoltaic solar cells through the analysis of articles and patents. It was later performed the technological prospecting of photovoltaic cells for solar energy through the Delphi method, as well as the construction of the current plan and future technology of photovoltaic cells for the current scenario, 2020 and 2025. The results of this research show that the considered mature technologies (silicon mono and multicrystalline) will continue to be commercially viable within the prospected period (2020-2025). Other technologies that are currently viable (amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium selenide / Copper indium gallium diselenide-), may not submit the same condition in 2025. Since the cells of silicon nanowires, dye-sensitized and based on carbon nanostructure, which nowadays are not commercially viable, may be part of the future map of photovoltaic technologies for solar energy.

Court-provided trial presentation technology : the way of the future?

The trial in Covecorp Constructions Pty Ltd v Indigo Projects Pty Ltd (File no BS 10157 of 2001; BS 2763 of 2002) commenced on 8 October 2007 before Fryberg J, but the matter settled on 6 November 2007 before the conclusion of the trial. This case was conducted as an “electronic trial” with the use of technology developed within the court. This was the first case in Queensland to employ this technology at trial level. The Court’s aim was to find a means to capture the key benefits which are offered by the more sophisticated trial presentation software of commercial service providers, in a way that was inexpensive for the parties and would facilitate the adoption of technology at trial much more broadly than has been the case to date.

Future Information Communication Technology and Applications : ICFICE 2013

Focuses on the various aspects of advances in future information communication technology and its applications Presents the latest issues and progress in the area of future information communication technology Applicable to both researchers and professionals These proceedings are based on the 2013 International Conference on Future Information & Communication Engineering (ICFICE 2013), which will be held at Shenyang in China from June 24-26, 2013. The conference is open to all over the world, and participation from Asia-Pacific region is particularly encouraged. The focus of this conference is on all technical aspects of electronics, information, and communications ICFICE-13 will provide an opportunity for academic and industry professionals to discuss the latest issues and progress in the area of FICE. In addition, the conference will publish high quality papers which are closely related to the various theories and practical applications in FICE. Furthermore, we expect that the conference and its publications will be a trigger for further related research and technology improvements in this important subject. "This work was supported by the NIPA (National IT Industry Promotion Agency) of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning)."

Technology, Natural Resources and Economic Growth: Improving the Environment for a Greener Future

Description Through a combination of global data analysis and focused country level analysis, this timely book provides answers to the most pertinent country and industry specific questions defining the current relationship between technology, natural resources and economic growth. Contents Contents: Preface Part I: Global Analysis 1. Economic Growth and the Environment 2. Energy Substitution and Carbon Dioxide Emissions 3. Pollution, Natural Resources, and Economic Growth 4. Trade Openness and Environmental Quality 5. Environmental Productivity 6. Energy Price-induced Technological Change 7. Trade-induced Technological Change 8. Regional Economic Integration Part II: Country-Level Analysis 9. Emissions Trading in the United States 10. Increasing Returns to Pollution Abatement in the United States 11. Policy-induced Competitiveness in the United States 12. Trade Liberalization, Technology, and the Environment 13. Policy Implementation and its Effectiveness in China 14. Clean Technological Inventions in Japan 15. Intervention of Economic Policy and its Nonlinear Effects in Japan 16. The Next Emerging Giants: India and Africa 17. Conclusion Index Further information Through a combination of global data analysis and focused country level analysis, this timely book provides answers to the most pertinent country and industry specific questions defining the current relationship between technology, natural resources and economic growth. Shunsuke Managi takes a distinctive approach by focusing on the design and implementation of environmental regulations that encourage technological progress and, in doing so, looks at ways to ensure productivity improvements in the face of increasingly stringent environmental regulations and natural resource depletion. The findings in this important book demonstrate how successful environmental policies can contribute to efficiency by encouraging, rather than inhibiting, technological innovation. Technology, Natural Resources and Economic Growth will provide a valuable resource for a wide readership including postgraduate students, researchers, academics and policy makers working in the fields of environmental and ecological economics.

Securing Australia's future: The role of science, research and technology in lifting Australian productivity

A three-year research program funded by the Australian Research Council and conducted by the four Learned Academies through the Australian Council of Learned Academies for PMSEIC, through the Office of the Chief Scientist. Securing Australia’s Future delivers research-based evidence and findings to support policy development in areas of importance to Australia’s future.

An archival analysis of green information technology: The current state and future directions

This thesis provides a review of 199 papers published on Green IT/IS between 2007−2014, in order to present taxonomy of segments in Green IT/IS publications, where the segments are later used for multiple analyses to facilitate future research and to provide a retrospective analysis of existing knowledge and gaps thereof. This research also attempts to make a unique contribution to our understanding of Green IT/IS, by consolidating papers it observes current patterns of literature through approach analysis and segmentation, as well as allocating studies to the technology, process, or outcome (TPO) stage. Highlighting the necessity of a consolidated approach, these classification systems have been combined into a TPO matrix so that the studies could be arranged according to which stage of the Green IT/IS cycle they were focused on. We believe that these analyses will provide a solid platform from which future Green IT/IS research can be launched.

Future learning landscapes for architectural education: Linking space, place, pedagogy, technology + context

Diversification and expansion of global higher education in the 21st century, has resulted in Learning Landscapes for architectural education that can no longer be sustained by the traditional model. Changes have resulted because of surging student numbers, extensions to traditional curricula, evolving competency standards and accreditation requirements, and modified geographical and pedagogical boundaries. The influx of available new technology has helped to democratise knowledge, transforming when, where and how learning takes place. Pressures on government funded higher education budgets highlight the need for a critical review of the current approach to the design and use of learning environments. Efficient design of physical space contributes significantly to savings in provision, management and use of facilities, while also potentially improving pedagogical quality. The purpose of this research is to identify emerging trends in the design of future Learning Landscapes for architectural education in Australasia; to understand where and how students of architecture are likely to learn, in the future context. It explores the important linkages between space, place, pedagogy, technology and context, using a multi methodological qualitative research approach. An Australasian context study will explore the Learning Landscapes of 23 Schools of Architecture across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The focus of this paper is on the methodology which is being employed to undertake dynamic data collection for the study. The research will be determined through mapping all forms of architectural learning environments, pedagogical approaches and contextual issues, to bridge the gap between academic theory, and architectural design practice. An initial understanding that pedagogy is an intrinsic component imbedded within the design of learning environments, will play an important role. Active learning environments which are exemplified by the architectural design studio, support dynamic project based and collaborative connected learning models. These have recently become a lot more common in disciplines outside of design and the arts. It is anticipated, therefore, that the implications for this research may well have a positive impact far beyond the confines of the architectural studio learning environment.

Future switching technology: bacterial protein-based programmable all-optical switch for integrated optics applications?

We report on the bacterial protein-based all-optical switches which operate at low laser power, high speed and fulfil most of the requirements to be an ideal all-optical switch without any moving parts involved. This consists of conventional optical waveguides coated with bacteriorhodopsin films at switching locations. The principle of operation of the switch is based on the light-induced refractive index change of bacteriorhodopsin. This approach opens the possibility of realizing proteinbased all-optical switches for communication network, integrated optics and optical computers.