Advances in communications technologies entail demands for higher data rates. One of the popular solutions to fulfill this requirement was to allocate additional bandwidth, which unfortunately is not anymore viable due to spectrum scarcity. In addition, spectrum measurements around the globe have revealed the fact that the available spectrum is under-utilized. One of the most remarkable solutions to cope with the under-utilization of radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is the concept of cognitive radio (CR) with spectrum sharing features, also referred to as spectrum sharing systems. In CR systems, the main implementation issue is spectrum sensing because of the uncertainties in propagation channel, hidden primary user (PU) problem, sensing duration and security issues. Hence, the accuracy and reliability of the spectrum sensing information may inherently be suspicious and questionable. Due to the imprecise spectrum sensing information, this dissertation investigates the performance of an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)-based CR spectrum sharing communication system that assumes random allocation and absence of the PU's channel occupation information, i.e., no spectrum sensing is employed to acquire information about the availability of unused subcarriers or the PU's activity. In addition, no cooperation occurs between the transmitters of the PUs and secondary users (SUs). The main benefit of random subcarrier utilization is to uniformly distribute the amount of SUs' interference among the PUs' subcarriers, which can be termed as interference spreading. The analysis and performance of such a communication set-up provides useful insights and can be utilized as a valid benchmark for performance comparison studies in CR spectrum sharing systems that assume the availability of spectrum sensing information. In the first part this dissertation, due to the lack of information about PUs' activities, the SU randomly allocates the subcarriers of the primary network and collide with the PUs' subcarriers with a certain probability. The average capacity of SU with subcarrier collisions is employed as performance measure to investigate the proposed random allocation scheme for both general and Rayleigh channel fading models. In the presence of multiple SUs, the multiuser diversity gain of SUs is also investigated. To avoid the subcarrier collisions at the SUs due to the random allocation scheme and to obtain the maximum sum rate for SUs based on the available subcarriers, an efficient centralized sequential algorithm based on the opportunistic scheduling and random allocation (utilization) methods is proposed to ensure the orthogonality of assigned subcarriers. In the second part of this dissertation, in addition to the collisions between the SUs and PUs, the inter-cell collisions among the subcarriers of SUs (belonging to different cells) are assumed to occur due to the inherent nature of random access scheme. A stochastic analysis of the number of subcarrier collisions between the SUs' and PU's subcarriers assuming fixed and random number of subcarriers requirements for each user is conducted. The performance of the random scheme in terms of capacity and capacity (rate) loss caused by the subcarrier collisions is investigated by assuming an interference power constraint at PU to protect its operation. Lastly, a theoretical channel fading model, termed hyper fading channel model, that is suitable to the dynamic nature of CR channel is proposed and analyzed. To perform a general analysis, the achievable average capacity of CR spectrum sharing systems over the proposed dynamic fading environments is studied.

The hyper redundant manipulators (HRMs) have excessively large degrees of freedom. As a special but practicable subset, the binary HRMs use binary (on-off) actuators with only two stable states such as pneumatic cylinders and solenoids. Such actuators are simple, cheap, and easy to control. Therefore, a binary HRM has been studied in this thesis. The thesis work covers the conceptual design of a spatial binary HRM together with its controlled motion simulations. The manipulator consists of many modules, each of which has the same constructive characteristics and consists of three submodules which are two cascaded variable geometry truss structures working in mutually orthogonal planes and a discrete twister. The manipulator is assumed to be powered with pneumatic on-off actuators. Because of the discrete nature of the binary actuators, a small but continuously actuated manipulator with six degrees of freedom is installed as the last module of the HRM in order to compensate the discretization errors. To solve the inverse kinematics problem of the HRM, three methods have been presented. These are the spline fitting, the extended spline fitting, and the workspace filling methods. The spline fitting method is based on forcing the spine (i.e. the center line) of the manipulator to approximate a spatial reference spline which is specified as a desired curve. In the extended spline fitting method, the result found in the first method is improved by using a genetic algorithm. In the work space filling method, the workspace of the manipulator is filled randomly with a sufficiently large finite number of discrete configurational samples. If it is desired to have concentration on a particular region of the work space, then that region is filled by using a genetic algorithm. After the filling stage, the sample closest to the desired configuration is determined by a suitable search algorithm. Finally, in order to simulate the motion of the HRM between two successive configurational steps, the equations of motions of the HRM are obtained in terms of the pressure forces generated by the binary pneumatic actuators. Then, the necessary simulations are carried out to demonstrate the performance of the HRM in some typical applications.

The study is to summarize the characteristic, present situation and future trend of magnesium industry. Through the analysis of industrial structure, we can understand the growth level of magnesium die casting market in Asia is better than other regions in the world. Especially the 3C industries in Taiwan and Japan, are the most fast-developing ones of magnesium. By means of the analysis of ¡§five forces¡¨ and SWOT of domestic magnesium industry, and comparison with Japanese industry and many references, we can find the KSF (Key Successful Factors) of Taiwan magnesium industry. In the case study of Catcher's company, we can find out how it successfully apply its core resources and retain its competitive niche by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of competitive factors, and understanding how to use hyper-competition operation model. The industrial circumstances change rapidly, it is importance to fully grasp favorable terms of corporate competition, and to develop advantageous strategies by integrating the prospects of domestic and foreign industries. For the construction of a strongly competitive leader company of magnesium industries, it is essential to own the critical techniques of magnesium and establish the good relationship with customers. From the study, we find that Catcher Co., Ltd. can forecast the customers¡¦ future needs and operate in coordination with them to develop the product strategies. Because it can provide the new products earlier than other rivals, and keep good relationship with suppliers, Catcher can manufacture the products at many different production places and satisfy the most needs of customers and occupy higher market share. Reviewing the case in the analysis of management strategies, we can verify the KSF that can fit in with Taiwan magnesium industry. In conclusion, the study suggests five significant items for the Taiwan magnesium industry: 1. Fix on product scope 2. Promotion of research team ability 3. Process techniques and quality stability 4. Mass production capacity and cost down 5. The Cooperation of Magnesium companies

<p>Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which some people have extraordinary talents despite some serious mental or physical disability. It is a syndrome with remarkable features, standing in stark contrast to a person’s overall character. The term savant, or idiot savant, describes a person who, in spite of low intelligence, has a skill in some specific narrow area. Savants can have a specific talent in, for instance, music, art, calendar calculation or foreign language but whatever the specific talent is, it is always connected to extraordinary memory. Savant syndrome seems to be also connected to autism or autistic characteristics. In this paper I aim to give a clear description of the savant syndrome and explain its connection to autism. Further, I present how specific theories try to describe the causes of savant syndrome, and connect the theories to results of empirical research in order to give an overall view of the syndrome’s appearance. I will also compare the theories and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses with respect to the discoveries and progress that has been made within the area of savant syndrome research.</p>

The design of public transport system must take into account different dimensions to solve two main problems of optimization: the vehicles scheduling and driver scheduling. In our work, we focused on bus driver scheduling. Its objective is to minimize the number of drivers in accordance with social and environmental constraints. By its combinatorial nature, bus driver scheduling is considered a complex task in the design process of network transport. We have proposed an approach based on hyper-heuristics whose main advantage lies in their ability to adapt to different problems. We are particularly interested in a cooperative approach, which is able to take into account changes in the resolution process. We have extended the functionality and improved performance of the traditional framework of hyper- heuristics by proposing a pattern based on an organizational model. The proposed algorithm consists of a combination of several phases and several levels. The metaphor of the coalition is used to make cooperate several hyper-heuristics. The coalition is intended to favor diversified solutions and expand search capacity with decentralized control where each hyper-heuristic has certain autonomy. It is thus possible to consider different ways of cooperation between the hyper-heuristics: sharing solutions, learning by mimetism or carrying out different competitive search strategies. The experiment was carried out both on real-world instances and benchmarks. It gave good results on both quality of solution and execution time

Some of the theory of nonnegative matrices is first presented. The Perron-Frobenius theorem is highlighted. Some of the important linear algebraic methods of information retrieval are surveyed. Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI), which uses the singular value de-composition is discussed. The Hyper-Text Induced Topic Search (HITS) algorithm is next considered; here the power method for finding dominant eigenvectors is employed. Through the use of a theorem by Sinkohrn and Knopp, a modified HITS method is developed. Lastly, the PageRank algorithm is discussed. Numerical examples and MATLAB programs are also provided.

The study deals with J. Baudrillad’s conception of reality as hyper reality. J. Baudrillad’s conception of hyper reality and the lost of referential reality is presented through the analysis of numerous writings, articles as well as critical texts. First of all, the author’s conception of simulated and non-referential reality is compared with the classical understanding of reality, which contains dualistic tension, whereas the other is nuclear and the distinctions between object/subject, true/false, real/unreal are no longer possible. Then the author of the study also brings the theme of ‘produced reality’ and mass mediated life as it is represented in J. Baudrillad’s philosophical writings. The influence of hyper reality on the practical way of life is also analyzed. Finally, the themes of non-referential language, philosophical dialogue and possibility for classical philosophy are considered.

Ankara, being the capital, has been the most important city for the New Modern Turkish State on its way of establishing the modernity project of Turkey. The development of the urban planning projects proceeded on the basis of this aimed concept of the new society, carrying the privilege of being the symbol of the modern republic, prosperity and wealth. Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren is one of the main districts of Ankara. The main aim of this study is to analyze and describe the ideological departure of Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren from the concept of the &ldquo / modern&rdquo / Ankara, within the last ten years. Here the attitude of the municipality and its role as the agent of civil power leading the architectural and urban transformation of Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren from a district full of gecekondu to one full of &ldquo / decorated sheds&rdquo / will be discussed. Here, the term &ldquo / decorated shed&rdquo / , introduced by Robert Venturi, will be used for the explanation of the new architectural and urban elements Furthermore, the attitude of the society and the architects and contractors who are responsible for the actual case will be brought into argumentation. In this sense, other subsidiary terms will be used to explain the process of the case are / populism and politics, nationalism, the ideology of the Turkish nation (T&uuml / rkl&uuml / k), Turanism, Islamism and orientalism. Additionally, an important building in the district, the Estergon Castle, which has different characteristics from the other parts of the district, will be explained with the terms &ldquo / hyper-reality&rdquo / and &ldquo / kitsch&rdquo / by the explanations of Umberto Eco and Dorfles.

Αντικείμενο της παρούσης διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί ο υπολογισμός των ηλεκτρικών πολυπολικών ροπών (διπολική έως και δεκαεξαπολική) ακετυλενικών αλυσίδων οι οποίες υπάγονται στους γενικούς τύπους H-(C≡C)n-H, Χ-(C≡C)n-H και Χ-(C≡C)n-X, n=1–7, X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NC, η συστηματική μελέτη των (υπερ)πολωσιμοτήτων των μη υποκατεστημένων ακετυλενικών αλυσίδων Η-(C≡C)n- H, n=3–7 και τέλος ο υπολογισμός των ηλεκτρικών ιδιοτήτων αλληλεπίδρασης συστημάτων του τύπου Η-(C≡C)n-H…Ηe, n=1–7. Σε όλες τις περιπτώσεις χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι ab initio μέθοδοι SCF και MP2 καθώς και οι ευρέως χρησιμοποιούμενες DFT μέθοδοι B3LYP, B3PW91 και mPW1PW91. Στους υπολογισμούς των ηλεκτρικών πολυπολικών ροπών χρησιμοποιήθηκε η βάση ccpVDZ σε όλες τις περιπτώσεις και ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στον τρόπο μεταβολής των υπό μελέτη ιδιοτήτων με την μεταβολή του υποκαταστάτη στα άκρα της αλυσίδας. Στους υπολογισμούς των ηλεκτρικών (υπερ)πολωσιμοτήτων των μη υποκατεστημένων ακετυλενικών αλυσίδων Η-(C≡C)n-H χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ελάχιστα πολωμένα σύνολα βάσης και πραγματοποιήθηκε σύγκριση με τα αποτελέσματα που προέκυψαν από την χρήση μεγαλύτερων συνόλων βάσης. Για τον υπολογισμό των εν λόγω ιδιοτήτων χρησιμοποιήθηκε η μέθοδος του πεπερασμένου πεδίου. Τέλος πραγματοποιήθηκαν υπολογισμοί των ηλεκτρικών ιδιοτήτων αλληλεπίδρασης συστημάτων Η-(C≡C)n-H…Ηe για δυο συγκεκριμένες διαμορφώσεις ενώ για την αποφυγή του σφάλματος υπέρθεσης συνόλου βάσης χρησιμοποιήθηκε η υπερμοριακή προσέγγιση των Boys-Bernardi. / The purpose of the present doctoral dissertation is the calculation of the electric multipole moments (dipole up to hexadecapole) of acetylenic chains under the general formulas H-(C≡C)n-H, Χ-(C≡C)n-H and Χ-(C≡C)n-X, n=1–7, X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NC, the systematic study of the (hyper)polarizabilities of the non substituted acetylenic chains Η-(C≡C)n-H, n=3–7 and finally the calculation of interaction induced electric properties of systems of the general formula Η-(C≡C)n-H…Ηe, n=1– 7. In all cases considered the ab initio SCF and MP2 methods have been used along with the very popular DFT methods B3LYP, B3PW91 and mPW1PW91. For the electric multipole moment calculations the cc-pVDZ basis set has been used in all cases and special attention has been paid in the way the properties of interest change by changing the substituent at the ends of the acetylenic chains. For the electric (hyper)polarizability calculations on the non substituted acetylenic chains H-(C≡C)n- H minimally polarized basis sets have been used and comparison was made with the results obtained by using larger basis sets. In order to calculate the above mentioned properties the finite field method was applied. Finally, calculations were performed in order to calculate the interaction induced electric properties of the systems Η-(C≡C)n- H…Ηe for two particular configurations while in order to avoid the basis set superposition error the Boys-Bernardi counterpoise method has been applied.

abstract: The Civil Rights Project estimates that Black girls are among the least likely to graduate from high school. More specifically, only about half, or 56%, of freshman Black girls graduate with their class four years later. Beyond the statistics little is known about Black girls who drop out, why they leave school and what happens to them once they are gone. This study is a grounded theory analysis of the stories eight adult Black women told about dropping out of high school with a particular focus on how dropping out affected their lives as workers, mothers and returners to education. There is one conclusion about dropping out and another about Black female identity. First, the women in my study were adolescents during the 1980s, experienced life at the intersection of Blackness, womaness, and poverty and lived in the harsh conditions of a Black American hyperghetto. Using a synthesis between intersectionality and hyperghettoization I found that the women were so determined to improve their economic and personal conditions that they took on occupations that seemed to promise freedom, wealth and safety. Because they were so focused on their new lives, their school attendance suffered as a consequence. In the second conclusion I argued that Black women draw their insights about Black female identity from two competing sources. The two sources are their lived experience and popular controlling images of Black female identity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies 2011