Natural sound, such as conspecific vocalizations and human speech, represents an important part of the sensory signals animals and humans encounter in their daily lives. This dissertation investigates the neural mechanisms involved in creating response selectivity for complex features of natural acoustic signals and demonstrates that selectivity for spectral motion cues provides a neural mechanism to encode communication signals in the auditory midbrain. Spectral motion is defined as the movement of sound energy upward or downward in frequency at a certain velocity, and is believed to provide the auditory system with an important perceptual cue in the processing of human speech. Using the Mexican free-tailed bat, tadarida brasiliensis, as a model system, this research examined the role of selectivity for spectral motion cues, such as direction and velocity, in creating response selectivity for specific features of the social communication signals emitted by these animals. We show that auditory neurons in the midbrain nucleus of the inferior colliculus (IC) are specifically tuned for the frequency-modulated (FM) direction and velocities found in their conspecific vocalizations. This close agreement between neural tuning and features of natural conspecific signals shows that auditory neurons have evolved to specifically encode features of signals that are vital for the survival of the animal. Furthermore, we find that the neural computations resulting in selectivity for spectral motion are analogous to mechanisms observed in selectivity for visual motion, suggesting the evolution of similar neural mechanisms across sensory modalities. / text

The interfacial electronic structure of the organic material- tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) forming an interface with cobalt metal has been investigated in this research. The primary characterization method used in this research was near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy which probes the unoccupied molecular orbitals of a material. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also been employed to calculate the partial density of states (PDOS) of all constituent elements present in Alq3 molecule. The DFT calculations helped to determine the molecular orbital structure of Alq3 and to understand how the orbital structure is influenced by forming an interface with ferromagnetic Co layer. The experimental NEXAFS spectra measured in total fluorescence yield (TFY) showed that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and LUMO+1 states of Alq3 were not affected by the presence of Co when Co is deposited onto Alq3. On the other hand, a charge transfer between Co and Alq3 led the loss or reduction of LUMO+2 state for a Co(top)/Alq3 bilayer sample when compared to pristine Alq3 reference sample (without Co deposition). This selective effect of Co on the orbital configuration of Alq3 suggests that Co atoms diffuse into Alq3 and interact with preferred sites in Alq3. By comparing the spectral change in the experimental NEXAFS spectra to the calculated PDOS of Alq3, the preferred interaction sites between Co and Alq3 could be successfully determined. This work suggests that the spectroscopic approach using synchrotron-radiation X-ray spectroscopy can serve as a powerful means for studying the interfacial electronic structure between magnetic metals and organic semiconductors and can contribute to the research and development of high performance organic spintronics.

Community radio and participation - the case ofSiyaya FM illustrates that radio is a powerful tool when it comes to communication and empowerment for active listeners. However, it also shows that community members are not empowered to the same extent if they are not engaged. Participation is essential for development and empowerment as described by, among others, Chambers (1983). At the same time the thesis demonstrates that it is difficult to involve all parts of a community because of power structures and therefore the radio station might end up empowering people already in power. Siyaya FM has, however, a role to play in Cato Manor with its high unemployment rate by training people the tool of radio and also educating listeners and informing them of important issues that can improve their knowledge. In addition, the radio station can take part in building social cohesion among the different groups of community members. By strengthening community radio stations the national authorities have a potential to meet the goals of their development strategies, while at the same time fulfilling the constitutional promise of freedom of speech for all by creating access to the airwaves for everybody. However, funding shortages create obstacles for many South African community radio stations to fulfil their task as community developers. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006

Dissertation / This study investigates the role of radio in South African education, with Phalaphala FM as a case study. The aim was to investigate the extent to which Phalaphala FM's programmes include educational material and the extent to which the respondents listen to Phalaphala FM to satisfy their educational needs. Phalaphala FM as a regional radio station predominantly serves rural listeners, as they often do not have access to alternative forms of media. The theoretical point of departure is the uses and gratifications with its emphasis on the active audience concept. Content analysis of Phalaphala FM' s programme schedule was conducted to determine the amount of educational material. Focus group interviews and survey research were used to determine the respondents' media usage patterns. The results indicate that entertainment programmes are given more time on Phalaphala FM and that the respondents prefer entertainment programmes, to informational and educational programmes. / Educational Studies / M.A. (Communication)

abstract: The performance of the Alpha Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing system is perceived as not an economical option when compared to a 20-year modified bitumen roofing system. Today, the majority of roofs are being replaced, rather than newly installed. The coating manufacturer, Neogard, implemented the Alpha roofing program to identify the best contractors in the industry and to measure their roof performance. The Alpha roof system has shown consistent high performance on over 230 million square feet of surveyed roof. The author proposes to identify if the Alpha roof system is renewable, has proven performance that competes with the traditional modified roofing system, and is a more economical option by evaluating an Alpha roof system installation and the performance of a 29-year-old Alpha roof system. The Dallas Independent School District utilized the Alpha program for William Lipscomb Elementary School in 2016. Dallas Fort Worth Urethane installed the Alpha SPF roof system with high customer satisfaction ratings. This roofing installation showed the value of the Alpha roof system by saving over 20% on costs for the installation and will save approximately 69% of costs on the recoating of the roof in 20 years. The Casa View Elementary School roof system was installed with a Neogard Permathane roof system in 1987. This roof was hail tested with ten drops from 17 feet 9 inches of 1-3/4-inch steel ball (9 out of 10 passed) and four drops from 17 feet 9 inches with a 3-inch diameter steel ball (2 out of 4 passed). The analysis of the passing and failing core samples show that the thickness of the top and base Alpha SPF coating is one of the major differences in a roof passing or failing the FM-SH hail test. Over the 40-year service life, the main difference of purchasing a 61,000 square feet Alpha SPF roof versus modified bitumen roof are savings of approximately $1,067,500. Past hail tests on Alpha SPF roof systems show its cost effectiveness with high customer satisfaction (9.8 out of 10), an over 40-year service life after a $6.00/SF recoat and savings of over $1M for DISD. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Construction 2017

Vår uppsats beskriver hur de tre aktörerna Försvarsmakten, Trafikverket och Green Cargo AB har påverkats av totalförsvarets nedläggning under 90-talet fram till idag, samt det återtagande och nyskapande som dessa tre aktörer står inför.  Empirin bygger på data som har framkommit under intervjuer med de tre aktörernas respondenter, med detta som underlag har vi sökt i propositioner, motioner, regeringsbeslut och litteratur. Som avslutning i vår uppsats påvisar vi de olika kategorierna och deras likheter och motsatser, samt de frågeställningar som lever kvar utifrån denna uppsats till vidare arbete eller forskning.

This thesis describes design of Simulator FM-CW range finders. It is choosing the optimal method of realization and inform about basic properties of continuous working radar. The work includes an analysis of errors in real rangefinder and a numerical estimate of the maximum error in real devices. Contains detailed block diagram of simulator FM-CW range-finder and computer simulation of function generator frequency modulated signal, demodulator. Further work includes the complete construction documents for the preparation and implementation of basic functional verification

Syfte: Studiens syfte är att undersöka hur användbart Augmented Reality (AR) är för fastighetsförvaltning. Målet är att ta fram en kravspecifikation av en AR-baserad mobilapplikation för fastighetsförvaltning som ska vara generell och kunna användas av många olika förvaltningsföretag. Kravspecifikationen är framtagen baserat på den empiri som har samlats in och sedan har blivit analyserad av författarna. Metod: Studien innefattar en fallstudie med litteraturstudie, observationer och intervjuer. Litteraturstudien valdes för att skapa en större förståelse och fördjupning av ämnet och för att bygga upp studiens teoretiska ramverk. Observationsstudie för att få ett bredare perspektiv på hur samarbetsföretaget Vätterhem jobbar idag i förvaltningen. Semistrukturerade intervjuer valdes även för att få ett mer ingående perspektiv på hur fastighetsförvaltningsföretag jobbar idag samt deras syn på AR-tekniken. Resultat: AR-teknik kan användas av fastighetsskötarna i fastighetsförvaltningsföretag för att ge möjlighet till tidseffektivisering. Tekniken kan även fungera som stöd för kvalitetssäkring. AR har visat sig vara lämpligt för att presentera instruerande- och objektrelaterad information för fastighetsskötarna. Detta bedöms vara lämpligt vid upplärning av nya fastighetsskötare eller då en fastighetsskötare ska utföra arbete i ett område som ej är fastighetsskötarens ordinarie område. Konsekvenser: Undersökningen visar att AR-teknik kan tidseffektivisera den utvändiga tillsynen och underhållet i fastighetsförvaltning. Vidare studier kan göras genom att utveckla en mobilapplikation med hjälp av den framtagna kravspecifikationen i denna studie, och använda den i ett experiment. Kostnader för implementering av AR-tekniken bedöms också vara ett lämpligt nästa steg. Begränsningar: Arbetet är avgränsat till att omfatta ronderingar av lekplatser, vilket är en del av fastighetsförvaltning. Ett bredare undersökningsområde skulle möjliggöra chans till att finna fler användningsområden för AR-teknik. / Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the usability of Augmented Reality (AR) for facility management tasks. The aim is to develop a specification of a mobile based AR application for facility management. The specification should be general, and it should be possible for many different facility management companies to use it. The specification is created based on the empirical evidence collected during the study. Method: The study includes a case study with literature study, observations and interviews. The literature study was conducted to create a broader and deeper understanding of the subject and to develop the study’s theoretical framework. Observations were conducted to gain a better understanding of the way the collaboration company Vätterhem is working today in their facility management department. Semi-structured interviews were chosen to gain a more in-depth understanding of how facility management companies work today, and their opinion of Augmented Reality. Findings: AR-technology can be used by the facility caretakers in facility management companies to increase time efficiency. The technology can also be used to support quality assurance. AR has proven to be useful for presenting instructions and object related information for the facility managers. This is believed to be useful when teaching new facility managers or when a facility manager will conduct work in a new area. Implications: The study shows that AR-technology can make outdoor inspections and maintenance tasks more time efficient. Further studies can be conducted by developing a mobile based application with the help of the specification presented in this report and use it for an experiment. The next step is also to estimate the costs related to implementing AR-technology. Limitations: The study is limited to playground inspections, which is a part of facility management. A broader investigation, covering other tasks included in the facility caretakers work, would make further findings possible.

Sound toys are game-like technologies that can be described as playful sonic interactions where the users are given unusual ways to creatively explore and transform synthetic sound. This study investigated the prototyping and evaluation of a new sound toy. The toy was designed to test new possibilities for playful music interactivity and sonic exploration. Inspired by prior sound toy research, the design utilized game data, such as user input and simulated physics, that were mapped to control FM synthesis parameters. As intended by the design, the means of controlling the sonic parameters were not obvious to the users, but the sound synthesis was controlled by the movement and collision of virtual objects. The sound toy was evaluated through User Experience (UX) testing which provided a detailed assessment of the interaction design. In general, respondents associated the toy with puzzle-like interactions found in games. Respondents reported that the interactions were fun, intriguing and accessible. Findings confirmed that the playfulness of the experience and the sense of being in control was not dependent on the users understanding the input mappings to the sonic parameters.

No description available.