Advanced optical modulation and format conversion

Over the years, the increased search and exchange of information lead to an increase of traffic intensity in todays optical communication networks. Coherent communications, using the amplitude and phase of the signal, reappears as one of the transmission techniques to increase the spectral efficiency and throughput of optical channels. In this context, this work present a study on format conversion of modulated signals using MZI-SOAs, based exclusively on all- optical techniques through wavelength conversion. This approach, when applied in interconnection nodes between optical networks with different bit rates and modulation formats, allow a better efficiency and scalability of the network. We start with an experimental characterization of the static and dynamic properties of the MZI-SOA. Then, we propose a semi-analytical model to describe the evolution of phase and amplitude at the output of the MZI-SOA. The model’s coefficients are obtained using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. We validate the model experimentally, by exploring the dependency of the optical signal with the operational parameters of the MZI-SOA. We also propose an all-optical technique for the conversion of amplitude modulation signals to a continuous phase modulation format. Finally, we study the potential of MZI-SOAs for the conversion of amplitude signals to QPSK and QAM signals. We show the dependency of the conversion process with the operational parameters deviation from the optimal values. The technique is experimentally validated for QPSK modulation.

Peers' evaluation of a reconfigurable IEEE1451.0-compliant and FPGA-based weblab

It is already more than 10 years that weblabs are seen as important resources to provide the experimental work required in engineering education. Several weblabs have been applied in engineering courses, but there are still unsolved problems related to the development of their infrastructures. For solving some of those problems, it was implemented a weblab with a reconfigurable infrastructure compliant with the IEEE1451.0 Std. and supported by Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. This paper presents the referred weblab, and provides and analyses a set of researchers' opinions about the implemented infrastructure, and the adopted methodology for the conduction of real experiments.

The evaluation of a predialysis class on client knowledge and attitude toward compliant behaviours

In this quasi-experimental study, the theory of reasoned action was used as a conceptual framework to assess the outcome effect of a predialysis class. A pretest, posttest design was used to determine changes in client knowledge about their condition and its treatment, and their intention, attitudes and social norm towards compliant behaviours. The related compliant behaviours were following a low-salt diet and taking medications as proscribed. Thirty-eight End Stage Renal Diseases (ESRD) clients were self-selected into the treatment or control groups. Both groups received the standard predialysis education from members of the multidisciplinary renal team. In addition, the treatment group also attended the predialysis class. Subjects' health locus of control, anxiety and demographic variables were measured as possible extraneous variables. Study subjects from both groups demonstrated a high internal and powerful others health locus of control and a normal range of anxiety. Although not statistically significant ill = .64), the experimental group demonstrated higher knowledge level and greater intention to follow a low salt diet UL= .73). They developed more significantly positive attitudes towards following a low salt diet and increased subjective norm influence after attending the predialysis class. Attending the predialysis class did not have an effect on subjects' intentions, attitudes or subjective norm towards taking medications as prescribed. Conclusion: The predialysis class was only marginally effective in increasing client knowledge, but influenced clients' attitudes towards following a low-salt diet. Based on the results, recommendations for improvements to the class have been suggested.

Comparaison du format papier-crayon et du format électronique de la Self-Report Psychopathy Scale de Levenson

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Le livrel et le format ePub

Il ne serait pas possible de tracer un panorama complet des enjeux de l’édition numérique sans parler des formats qui tentent de reproduire le mode typique de circulation des contenus papier — le livre — en l’adaptant au support numérique. C’est ce que l’on appelle « livre électronique » ou « livrel » (eBook en anglais). Il ne faut pas confondre le livre électronique avec la liseuse qui est le support de lecture. Le livre électronique est un fichier, formaté selon des standards déterminés. Bien évidemment, ces formats ne sont pas stables et changent très rapidement. Aujourd’hui, le standard ouvert de référence est l’ePub. Ce chapitre essaie d’en donner une description.

Abbildung von XML-Dokumenten auf SQL:2003-konforme Datentypen

Die Auszeichnungssprache XML dient zur Annotation von Dokumenten und hat sich als Standard-Datenaustauschformat durchgesetzt. Dabei entsteht der Bedarf, XML-Dokumente nicht nur als reine Textdateien zu speichern und zu transferieren, sondern sie auch persistent in besser strukturierter Form abzulegen. Dies kann unter anderem in speziellen XML- oder relationalen Datenbanken geschehen. Relationale Datenbanken setzen dazu bisher auf zwei grundsätzlich verschiedene Verfahren: Die XML-Dokumente werden entweder unverändert als binäre oder Zeichenkettenobjekte gespeichert oder aber aufgespalten, sodass sie in herkömmlichen relationalen Tabellen normalisiert abgelegt werden können (so genanntes „Flachklopfen“ oder „Schreddern“ der hierarchischen Struktur). Diese Dissertation verfolgt einen neuen Ansatz, der einen Mittelweg zwischen den bisherigen Lösungen darstellt und die Möglichkeiten des weiterentwickelten SQL-Standards aufgreift. SQL:2003 definiert komplexe Struktur- und Kollektionstypen (Tupel, Felder, Listen, Mengen, Multimengen), die es erlauben, XML-Dokumente derart auf relationale Strukturen abzubilden, dass der hierarchische Aufbau erhalten bleibt. Dies bietet zwei Vorteile: Einerseits stehen bewährte Technologien, die aus dem Bereich der relationalen Datenbanken stammen, uneingeschränkt zur Verfügung. Andererseits lässt sich mit Hilfe der SQL:2003-Typen die inhärente Baumstruktur der XML-Dokumente bewahren, sodass es nicht erforderlich ist, diese im Bedarfsfall durch aufwendige Joins aus den meist normalisierten und auf mehrere Tabellen verteilten Tupeln zusammenzusetzen. In dieser Arbeit werden zunächst grundsätzliche Fragen zu passenden, effizienten Abbildungsformen von XML-Dokumenten auf SQL:2003-konforme Datentypen geklärt. Darauf aufbauend wird ein geeignetes, umkehrbares Umsetzungsverfahren entwickelt, das im Rahmen einer prototypischen Applikation implementiert und analysiert wird. Beim Entwurf des Abbildungsverfahrens wird besonderer Wert auf die Einsatzmöglichkeit in Verbindung mit einem existierenden, ausgereiften relationalen Datenbankmanagementsystem (DBMS) gelegt. Da die Unterstützung von SQL:2003 in den kommerziellen DBMS bisher nur unvollständig ist, muss untersucht werden, inwieweit sich die einzelnen Systeme für das zu implementierende Abbildungsverfahren eignen. Dabei stellt sich heraus, dass unter den betrachteten Produkten das DBMS IBM Informix die beste Unterstützung für komplexe Struktur- und Kollektionstypen bietet. Um die Leistungsfähigkeit des Verfahrens besser beurteilen zu können, nimmt die Arbeit Untersuchungen des nötigen Zeitbedarfs und des erforderlichen Arbeits- und Datenbankspeichers der Implementierung vor und bewertet die Ergebnisse.

Generating Compliant Motion of Objects with an Articulated Hand

The flexibility of the robot is the key to its success as a viable aid to production. Flexibility of a robot can be explained in two directions. The first is to increase the physical generality of the robot such that it can be easily reconfigured to handle a wide variety of tasks. The second direction is to increase the ability of the robot to interact with its environment such that tasks can still be successfully completed in the presence of uncertainties. The use of articulated hands are capable of adapting to a wide variety of grasp shapes, hence reducing the need for special tooling. The availability of low mass, high bandwidth points close to the manipulated object also offers significant improvements I the control of fine motions. This thesis provides a framework for using articulated hands to perform local manipulation of objects. N particular, it addresses the issues in effecting compliant motions of objects in Cartesian space. The Stanford/JPL hand is used as an example to illustrate a number of concepts. The examples provide a unified methodology for controlling articulated hands grasping with point contacts. We also present a high-level hand programming system based on the methodologies developed in this thesis. Compliant motion of grasped objects and dexterous manipulations can be easily described in the LISP-based hand programming language.

Implementation of training programs in self-regulated learning strategies in Moodle format : Results of a experience in higher education

Resumen tomado de la publicaci??n

Harvard Referencing Format

A LexDis guide to the Harvard Referencing style.

The value of using short-format podcasts to enhance learning and teaching

This paper presents the findings of a podcasting trial held in 2007-2008 within the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney, Australia. The trial investigates the value of using short-format podcasts to support assessment for postgraduate and undergraduate students. A multi-method approach is taken in investigating perceptions of the benefits of podcasting, incorporating surveys, focus groups and interviews. The results show that a majority of students believe they gained learning benefits from the podcasts and appreciated the flexibility of the medium to support their learning, and the lecturers felt the innovation helped diversify their pedagogical approach and support a diverse student population. Three primary conclusions are presented: (1) most students reject the mobile potential of podcasting in favour of their traditional study space at home; (2) what students and lecturers value about this podcasting design overlap; (3) the assessment-focussed, short-format podcast design may be considered a successful podcasting model. The paper finishes by identifying areas for future research on the effective use of podcasting in learning and teaching.

INFO2009 Cwk - Reference List - Word Format - by 'Legal Issues'

A list of references in word format

Un nou format per al treball de recerca a batxillerat : el documental. 'Un nuevo formato para el trabajo de investigación en bachillerato : el documental'.

Resumen basado en el del autor