No / This chapter discusses a linguistically orientated model of a conversational software agent (CSA) (Panesar 2017) framework sensitive to natural language processing (NLP) concepts and the levels of adequacy of a functional linguistic theory (LT). We discuss the relationship between NLP and knowledge representation (KR), and connect this with the goals of a linguistic theory (Van Valin and LaPolla 1997), in particular Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) (Van Valin Jr 2005). We debate the advantages of RRG and consider its fitness and computational adequacy. We present a design of a computational model of the linking algorithm that utilises a speech act construction as a grammatical object (Nolan 2014a, Nolan 2014b) and the sub-model of belief, desire and intentions (BDI) (Rao and Georgeff 1995). This model has been successfully implemented in software, using the resource description framework (RDF), and we highlight some implementation issues that arose at the interface between language and knowledge representation (Panesar 2017). / The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 27 Sep 2024.

Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Bert. et Curt) Rost. is the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM). It is the most damaging cucumber pathogen on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and eastern parts of the United States. Pseudoperonospora cubensis is an obligate oomycete pathogen, infecting crops within the Cucurbitaceae family. The disease is characterized by angular chlorotic lesions and a downy or felt-like appearance on the abaxial side of the leaf. Control of this pathogen includes use of resistant cucumber cultivars and costly fungicide programs. Continuous use has led to resistance to commonly used fungicides. This has become a major concern and in response, seed companies have developed cucumber cultivars which claim downy mildew resistance.  This study evaluates different cucumber cultivars and assesses their level of resistance to CDM. The results indicate that an integrated management approach of reduced fungicide application and the use of resistant cultivars can suppress levels of CDM and yield a cucumber crop. Additionally, a molecular study was conducted, comparing the relative expression of genes encoding a basic PR-1 protein, a cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase protein and three resistance (R) gene proteins, in nineteen cultivars. All of the selected genes were analyzed using real-time PCR. The relative expression levels of the R-genes varied between cultivars. The basic PR-1 protein decreased expression in the majority of the cultivars, suggesting no involvement in the first twenty-four hours. Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase relative expression levels suggest an increase in susceptible cultivars and a decrease in tolerant cultivars. / Master of Science

Recently, the resistance switching random access memory (ReRAM) in several MIM systems has been studied extensively for applications to the next generation non-volatile memory (NVM) devices and memristors since the scaling of conventional memories based on floating gate MOSFETs is getting increasingly difficult. ReRAM is being considered one of the most promising candidates for next generation non-volatile memory due to its relatively high switching speed, superior scalability, low power consumption, good retention and simple fabrication method. Cu/TaOX/Pt resistive switching device is a very good candidate due to its well performance and well characterization. However, since platinum (Pt) acting as the inert electrode is not economical efficient for industrial production, a compatible replacement of Pt is highly desirable. The device property of Co based resistive switching devices has been explored in this work. Compared with Pt devices, electric characterization of the fabricated Cu/TaOX/Co devices exhibits very similar FORM, SET and RESET voltages for Cu conductive filaments. However, for the oxygen vacancy (VO) filament the Co device has a significant smaller FORM, SET and RESET voltages of VO filament, which can be partly attributed to the work function difference between Pt and Co of 1.35 V and partly to the impaired integrity properties of Co vs Pt inert electrode. The limit of SET-RESET operations is mainly due to the geometrical shape of the Cu conductive filament is more cylindered rather than Cone-like shape as well as the high Joules heat dissipation. What’s more, ReRAM is also the most promising candidate for a flexible memory, as a variety of materials can be used both inorganics, organics and even hybrid nanocomposites. Besides inorganic ReRAM device, we also fabricated an organic ReRAM device with the structure Cu doped PANI-CSA/O-AA/Al. We have manufactured ReRAM based on Cu-doped PANI-CSA polymer electrode, O-AA as the polymer solid electrolyte and Al as the bottom electrode for the first time. This polymer device shows a significantly lower forming voltage than inorganic ReRAM devices such as Cu/TaOX/Pt. Our results also demonstrate that our organic ReRAM is a promising candidate for inexpensive candidate for inexpensive and environmentally friendly memory devices. We have demonstrated that the FORM operation of the polymer devices depends on the concentration of Cu+ ions as well as the thickness of the polymer electrode. / M.S. / Although the scaling of conventional memories such as volatile dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and non-volatile flash technology is becoming increasingly difficult, new types of non-volatile memories, such as resistive switching memories, have recently attracted the attention of both industry and academia. Resistive switching memory is considered as the next generation non-volatile memory because of its excellent scalability, high switching speed, simple structure and low power consumption. What’s more, ReRAM is also a promising candidate for a flexible memory, as a variety of materials can be used both inorganics, organics and even hybrid nanocomposites. ReRAM shows unique nanoionics based filamentary switching mechanism. Besides the nonvolatile memory applications, resistive switching devices implement the formation of a memristor, which is the fourth basic electrical component and can be used for neuromorphic computing. First, we report the device property of Co based resistive switching devices with a structure of Cu/TaOX/Co layers. The I-V characteristics of the manufactured Cu/TaOX/Co devices shows very similar FORM, SET and RESET voltages for Cu conductive filaments compared with Pt device. However, the Co device has a significant smaller FORM, SET and RESET voltages for oxygen vacancy (VO) filaments, which can be partly attributed to the work function difference between Pt and Co of 13.5 eV and partly to the impaired integrity properties of Co vs Pt inert electrode. The main reason for the limit of SET-RESET operations is that high Joules heat dissipation. With high Joules heat accumulation, the maximum switching cycles of Co devices is up to 8 times, while in the case of Pt cases, it is almost unlimited. Secondly, we fabricated an organic ReRAM device with the structure Cu-doped PANI-CSA/O-AA/Al. Cu-doped PANI-CSA polymer electrode has been introduced for the first time as the top polymer electrode of a ReRAM device. Compared to inorganic ReRAM device, this polymer device can be operated at a significantly lower forming voltage than inorganic devices such as Cu/TaOX/Pt. We have demonstrated that our organic ReRAM is a promising candidate for environmentally friendly and flexible memory devices. Our results demonstrate the FORM operation of the polymer devices depend on the concentration of Cu+ ions as well as the thickness of the polymer top layer.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-13T14:10:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tiago Gregorie Pinheiro.pdf: 2010463 bytes, checksum: 32296f9e847ae2f5096537b711998231 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-12 / The aim of this work is to analyze the internationalization of Brazilian companies in Angola. Despite the difficulties, there are numerous opportunities for Brazilian companies. This study was based on the theories of institutional gaps, specific advantages of the firm (FSA) and specific advantages of the country of origin (CSA), and the state's role in the internationalization of companies. The study sample consisted of interviews with 12 experts from Brazil-Angola relations. Research results indicate that the Brazilian companies to Angola to have well-defined competitive advantage and, in most cases, go to the African country aimed at exploring the local institutional gaps. However, the perception of the actors involved, Brazilian companies are going to explore institutional gaps, taking advantage of their competitive advantages, they are not supported efficiently by the Brazilian state. Thus, lack a state policy that prioritizes these companies. The findings also indicate that to succeed in business in Angola, it is essential to build partnerships with local actors such as entrepreneurs and especially the government. In this context, a strategic roadmap is suggested to assist Brazilian companies operating in the African country. / O objetivo desta dissertação consiste em analisar a internacionalização de empresas brasileiras para Angola. Apesar das dificuldades, há inúmeras oportunidades para as empresas brasileiras. Este estudo teve como base as teorias de vazios institucionais, vantagens específicas da firma (FSA) e vantagens específicas do país de origem (CSA), além do papel do Estado na internacionalização de empresas. A amostra do estudo foi composta de entrevistas com 12 especialistas das relações Brasil-Angola. Os resultados da investigação apontam que as empresas brasileiras que vão para Angola possuem vantagens competitivas bem definidas e, em sua maioria, vão para o país africano visando explorar os vazios institucionais locais. Porém, na percepção dos atores envolvidos, as empresas brasileiras que estão indo explorar vazios institucionais, se valendo das suas vantagens competitivas, não estão sendo apoiadas eficientemente pelo Estado brasileiro. Assim, falta uma política de Estado que priorize essas empresas. Os achados também indicam que, para ter sucesso nos negócios em Angola, é fundamental construir parcerias com agentes locais como empresários e, sobretudo, o governo. Nesse contexto, é sugerido um roteiro estratégico para auxiliar os empresários brasileiros a operar no país africano.

Inom varje verksamhet förekommer det alltid någon form av projektplanering när man vill bedriva sin verksamhet på en ny marknad. Dessa typer av förberedelser görs på olika sätt och utmaningen för företagen blir att använda sig av rätt etableringsstrategi. För att lyckas med implementering av ett projekt, på respektive marknad som organisationer verkar på, är en utav framgångsfaktorerna att ha en tydlig och genomtänkt metod. Företaget Beta erbjuder molnbaserade tjänster inom tullhantering där man skapar lösningar som hjälper andra företag att hantera sina tullärenden. Aktören är etablerad på den svenska marknaden och vill prova att erbjuda sina IT-lösningar i Norge. Företaget har därför ett behov av att undersöka hur den norska marknaden ser ut, om det finns en möjlighet att bredda deras befintliga systemlösningar och i så fall hur de ska gå tillväga för att få ett fungerande system som kan kommunicera med norska tullverket. I rapporten föreslås en metod som kan användas som underlag vid utvidgning av en verksamhet till nya marknader. Utvecklingsprocessen som presenteras ska också kunna generaliseras, fungera som underlag och användas även av andra företag som ställs inför samma utmaning som Beta. Denna rapport innehåller även en analys av den norska marknaden. Det finns en jämförelse mellan delar av svenska och norska tullsystemet och en presentation av de ändringar som behöver göras utifrån skillnader som finns. Som resultat ger rapporten en tydlig bild av hur man möjligen kan gå tillväga för att ta sig an liknande problem. Författarna presenterar även ett resultat som beskriver en lösning till Betas problem. / Within each activity, there is always some kind of project planning when you want to do business in a new market. These types of preparation are done in different ways and the challenge for companies is to make use of the right establishment strategy. To succeed in implementing a project, on the respective market that organizations are working on, one of the success factors is to have a clear and thoughtful approach. The company Beta offers cloud-based customs management services, which provide solutions that help other companies handle their customs issues. Beta is established in the Swedish market and wants to try to offer their IT solutions in Norway. The company therefore has a need to investigate how the Norwegian market looks, if there is an opportunity to broaden their existing system solutions and, if so, how they should go about getting a working system that can communicate with the Norwegian customs office. The report proposes a method that can be used as a basis for expanding a business to new markets. The development process presented should also be generalized, serve as a basis, and used by other companies facing the same challenge as Beta. This report also contains an analysis of the Norwegian market. There is a comparison between parts of the Swedish and Norwegian customs system and a presentation of the changes that need to be made based on differences. As a result, the report provides a clear picture of how one might possibly be able to address similar problems. The project members also present a result describing a solution to Beta's problems.

Selon les codes de construction canadiens, dans les bâtiments susceptibles d'être soumis à des efforts sismiques, un système de reprise des forces sismiques (SRFS) doit être défini et il doit être en mesure de reprendre la totalité des efforts latéraux infligés par les tremblements de terre. Cette hypothèse permet de dimensionner le SRFS sécuritairement, mais soulève également une difficulté : déterminer les efforts sismiques dans les éléments n'en faisant pas partie, c'est-à-dire les éléments du système de reprise des charges de gravité (SRCG). Cette difficulté a même été mise en évidence lors de récents séismes à travers le monde. En effet, plusieurs bâtiments munis d'un SRFS bien défini se sont effondrés ou ont dû être démolis sans que le SRFS n'ait atteint sa pleine capacité. C'est plutôt parce que le SRCG n'a pas été en mesure de subir les déplacements latéraux. Selon les codes de construction canadiens en vigueur (CNBC 2010 et CSA A23.3-14), les efforts dans les éléments ne faisant pas partie du SRFS doivent être déterminés par analyse non linéaire ou par une méthode simplifiée si certains critères sont respectés. Ce mémoire de maîtrise présente une nouvelle méthode pour calculer les efforts dans les éléments ne faisant pas partie du SRFS basée sur l'analyse dynamique linéaire. Cette nouvelle méthode est basée sur l'hypothèse que si, dans le modèle d'éléments finis d'un bâtiment, la rigidité des éléments qui ne font pas partie du SRFS est réduite par un facteur assez élevé, les déplacements du modèle complet seront égaux à ceux du SRFS et les efforts peuvent être déterminés en les majorant par le facteur de réduction de la rigidité. La nouvelle méthode est démontrée par le calcul de la réponse sismique de bâtiments de 12 étages en béton armé symétrique et asymétrique. Aussi, ces résultats sont comparés à ceux obtenus à partir de l'application de la méthode d'analyse simplifié proposé dans la norme canadienne calcul des structures en béton (CSA A23.3-14, art. 21.11.2.2). Afin d'avoir des valeurs de comparaison cohérentes, des analyses non linéaires dans le temps sont également effectuées. Les résultats montrent que la nouvelle méthode peut prédire adéquatement le cisaillement et le moment de flexion en requérant moins de temps de modélisation que la méthode simplifiée de la norme A23.3-14. Par conséquent, cette nouvelle méthode est un bon substitut à l'analyse non linéaire pour prédire les forces sismiques dans les éléments ne sont pas considérés partie du SRFS.

No description available.

Ce travail a pour objectifs 1) d'examiner la part des facteurs morphologiques (surface de section musculaire) et nerveux (électromyographie de surface) responsables des différences de rapport de force du segment tête-cou entre hommes et femmes ainsi qu'entre pilotes de chasse sains et cervicalgiques, et 2) de mieux cerner l'influence des propriétés inertielles du casque et du genre sur les patrons de recrutement musculaire lors de vols simulés de sujets non-pilotes et également chez des pilotes sains et cervicalgiques en analysant le comportement cinématique 3D à 1G. L'étude I montre que les muscles fléchisseurs présentent une force spécifique et une efficience neuromusculaire supérieures chez les hommes ainsi qu'une coactivation des muscles stabilisateurs et antagonistes plus élevés chez les femmes. L'étude II rapporte une force spécifique des muscles participant à l'inclinaison plus élevée chez les pilotes sains et associée à des différences d'efficience neuromusculaire et/ou de surface de section des muscles splenius capitis notamment. L'impact des caractéristiques inertielles du casque sur les patrons de recrutement lors du maintien de postures spécifiques sous accélérations est plus marqué chez les femmes notamment lors du port du casque équipé de jumelles de vision nocturne. L'analyse cinématique 3D à 1G montre que les pilotes cervicalgiques présentent une limitation de l'amplitude des mouvements couplés ainsi qu'une altération du sens de repositionnement. En condition de vol réel modéré, le port d'un casque intégrant un viseur semble altérer la capacité de production de force de pilotes de chasse asymptomatiques. Ces résultats soulignent la prépondérance des risques encourus par le personnel naviguant féminin et/ou masculin ayant un segment tête-cou faible, et la nécessité d'un renforcement les muscles cervicaux.

<p>Multiplikatorer används ofta som ett byggblock vid konstruktion av kretsar som digitala filter, FFT-processorer och aritmetiska enheter. Olika trädstrukturer används i"höghastighet"applikationer för multiplikatorer. En typ av träd,"overturned-stairs"(OS) som är ett adderarträd av första ordningen har uppvisat lika optimal prestanda med avseende på hastighet som Wallace-träd, vid 18 eller färre ingångar. I moderna integrerade kretsar, ger ledningar och kopplingar upphov till fördröjningar och parasitiska laster. I en jämförelse mellan Wallace-träd, och OS1-träd har det sistnämda kortare och mindre komplicerad ledningsdragningar och är därför mer ändamålsenlig för VLSI implementationer.</p>

Multiplikatorer används ofta som ett byggblock vid konstruktion av kretsar som digitala filter, FFT-processorer och aritmetiska enheter. Olika trädstrukturer används i"höghastighet"applikationer för multiplikatorer. En typ av träd,"overturned-stairs"(OS) som är ett adderarträd av första ordningen har uppvisat lika optimal prestanda med avseende på hastighet som Wallace-träd, vid 18 eller färre ingångar. I moderna integrerade kretsar, ger ledningar och kopplingar upphov till fördröjningar och parasitiska laster. I en jämförelse mellan Wallace-träd, och OS1-träd har det sistnämda kortare och mindre komplicerad ledningsdragningar och är därför mer ändamålsenlig för VLSI implementationer.