As the switching rates in electronic and optoelectronic devices are pushed to even higher frequencies, it is crucial to probe carrier dynamics in semiconductors on femtosecond timescales. Time resolved spectroscopy is an excellent tool to probe the relaxation dynamics of photoexcited carriers; where after the initial photoexcitation, the nonequilibrium population of electrons and holes relax by a series of scattering processes including carrier-carrier and carrier-phonon scattering. Probing carrier and spin relaxation dynamics in InAs and InSb based narrow-gap semiconductors is crucial to understand the different scattering mechanisms related to the systems. Similar studies in InSb quantum wells are also intriguing, especially for their scientifically unique features (such as small effective mass, large g-factor etc). Our time resolved techniques demonstrated tunability of carrier and spin dynamics which might be important for charge and spin based devices. The samples studied in this work were provided by the groups of Prof. Wessels (Northwestern University) and Prof. Santos (University of Oklahoma). Theoretical calculations were performed by the group of Prof. Stanton (University of Florida). The THz measurements were performed at Wright State University in collaboration with Prof. Jason Deibel. This work has been supported by the National Science Foundation through grants Career Award DMR-0846834, AFOSR Young Investigator Program 06NE231. A portion of this work was performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (in collaboration with Dr. Stephen McGill), which is supported by National Science Foundation Cooperative Agreement No. DMR-0654118, the State of Florida, and the U.S. Department of Energy. / Ph. D.

Diese Promotion befasst sich in drei unterschiedlichen Studien mit der Vorhersage schulischer Leistungen in der chinesischen Kultur. Die Arbeit befasst sich demzufolge sowohl mit Konstrukten der fluiden Intelligenz (Gf), den Persönlichkeitsdomänen (Big Five), schmaler gefassten Persönlichkeitskonstrukten (Glaube an sich Selbst, Lernstrategien) sowie dem komplexen Zusammenspiel dieser Konstrukte als Prädiktoren für schulische Leistungen. Nach einer generellen Einführung und der Herleitung des Big Five Narrow Trait (B5NT) Modells werden die drei Studien dargestellt. Studie 1 untersucht bei chinesischen Sekundarschülern figurale Verarbeitungsfähigkeit als Indikator für Gf und Persönlichkeitseigenschaften als Indikatoren für Schulnoten in den Fächern Mathematik, Chinesisch und Englisch sowie mögliche Interaktionen. Die zweite Studie integriert diese Ergebnisse in das B5NT Modell, das zudem mit anderen Modellen, wie etwa dem Double Mediation model (DM), verglichen wird. Der Glaube an sich selbst sowie Lernstrategien werden in den Analysen als wichtige Mediatoren betrachtet. Studie 3 überprüft die Ergebnisse in einem längsschnittlichen Design. Während bereits in Studie 2 starke Evidenz für das B5NT Modell gefunden werden konnte, kann dies auch in Studie 3 repliziert werden. Zudem können in einem Revisionsmodell reziproke Effekte von Performanz auf Persönlichkeitsdomänen angenommen werden. Die Promotion stellt daher ein theoretisches Modell zur Verfügung, das den Einfluss von den Big Five Domänen auf die schulischen Leistungen erklärt und durch querschnittliche sowie längsschnittliche Daten gestützt wird / This dissertation deals with the prediction of scholastic performance in Chinese culture. The thesis uses the constructs of fluid intelligence (Gf), broad personality traits (Big Five), narrow personality traits (i.e., self-beliefs and learning approaches), and their complex interplay as predictors of scholastic performance. Following a general introduction summarizing the theoretical foundations as well as outlining the derivation of the Big Five Narrow Trait (B5NT) Model, three papers are presented. In the context of Chinese secondary school students, Paper 1 examined the predictive power of figural reasoning as an indicator of Gf and personality traits on school grades in three subjects (i.e., Mathematics, Chinese, and English), and further investigated their potential interactions. Paper 2 integrated the findings of Paper 1 with the aforementioned B5NT. Within the study, the B5NT is empirically tested and compared to an alternative model proposed in earlier work, the Double Mediation model [DM]. Self-beliefs and learning approaches were considered as relevant mediators within those analyses. In this cross-sectional study, the B5NT model was strongly supported, whereas the DM model did not find strong empirical support. In order to empirically verify the underlying processes from a longitudinal perspective, Paper 3 expanded on the B5NT related findings in a three-wave longitudinal panel design. The findings supported the B5NT model and further warranted a revision model in which reciprocal effects from performance to big traits are suggested. Thus, the presented thesis provides a theoretical model explaining the influence of the Big Five on scholastic performance. Moreover, empirical support for the proposed model from cross-sectional and longitudinal data was found. Finally, integrating interactions with cognitive ability rounds off the perspective.

Instrumentos financeiros híbridos e/ou compostos têm sido tema constante em matéria de regulação contábil. A literatura positiva apresenta uma hipótese que ajuda a compreender o porquê de algumas firmas recorrerem a ditos instrumentos para captar recursos: nível de endividamento no limite de quebra de covenants contratuais. No Brasil, firmas com registro na CVM, que se utilizaram desses instrumentos, classificando-os no patrimônio líquido, tiveram suas ITRs e/ou DFs reapresentadas e/ou republicadas por determinação da CVM. O ponto crítico de toda a discussão reside na distinção entre um item de passivo e um item de patrimônio líquido. Esse tema está disciplinado na IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) e presente no Discussion Paper - A review of the conceptual framework for financial reporting, emitido pelo IASB em julho de 2013, que apresenta duas abordagens que podem ser utilizadas, visando a simplificar a distinção entre um item de passivo e de patrimônio líquido: a narrow equity approach - NEA e a strict obligation approach - SOA. A adoção de cada uma dessas abordagens terá um impacto diferente nos níveis de endividamento/alavancagem e no potencial de diluição de participação dos acionistas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar abordagens para a classificação contábil das debêntures mandatoriamente conversíveis em ações, vis-à-vis a IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) e o Discussion Paper do IASB (NEA x SOA). A metodologia adotada é um estudo de caso de uma companhia aberta brasileira, que em 2010 emitiu debêntures mandatoriamente conversíveis e efetuou uma classificação desses instrumentos considerada inadequada pelo órgão regulador. Observa-se que a strict obligation approach é a abordagem que impacta menos no nível de endividamento, enquanto a narrow equity approach é a que apresenta maior alavancagem. As evidências sugerem os covenants contratuais como possíveis indutores de tal prática, fato que está em linha com o que a literatura da área documenta como fenômeno esperado. É bem verdade que no caso concreto, houve quebra contínua de covenants contratuais, corroborando a hipótese apresentada por SILVA (2008) de que o baixo custo de violação de covenants contribua para tal situação. Alternativamente, uma possível explicação para a escolha contábil da companhia reside na complexidade da IAS 32 (PT CPC 39) e desconhecimento de suas nuances. / Hybrid financial instruments and/or compounds has been a constant theme regarding accounting regulation. The positive literature presents a hypothesis that help to understand why some companies appeal to said instruments to raise funds: Indebtedness level on the breach limit of contractual covenants. In Brazil, companies with CVM register, that used these instruments, sorting them on the equity, had their quarterly statements and/or financial statements restated and/or republished by CVM resolution. The critical point of the whole discussion lies in the distinction between a liability item and an equity item. This subject is covered in the IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) and is present in "Discussion Paper - A review of the conceptual framework for financial reporting", issued by IASB in July 2013, having two approaches that can be used, order to simplify the distinction between an item of liabilities and equity: the narrow equity approach - NEA and the strict obligation approach - SOA. The adoption of each of these approaches have a different impact on levels of debt / leverage and the potential dilution of the shareholding. This work aims to investigate approaches to accounting classification of mandatorily convertible debentures, vis-à-vis the IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) and the Discussion Paper of the IASB (NEA x SOA).The methodology used is a case study of a Brazilian corporation, that in 2010 issued mandatorily convertible debentures and made a classification of these instruments deemed inappropriate by the regulator. It can be observed that the strict obligation approach is the approach that impacts least on the level of indebtedness, while the narrow equity approach is the one that have the most leverage. Evidence suggests the contractual covenants as potencial inducers of such practice, fact which is in accordance with the literature documenting the area as a phenomenon expected. It is true that in the case in, there was continuous breach of the contractual covenants, corroborating the hypothesis presented by SILVA (2008) that the low cost of violation of covenants contribute to such a situation. Alternatively, a possible explanation for the choice of the accounting company is the complexity of IAS 32 (PT CPC 39) and ignorance of its nuances.

Instrumentos financeiros híbridos e/ou compostos têm sido tema constante em matéria de regulação contábil. A literatura positiva apresenta uma hipótese que ajuda a compreender o porquê de algumas firmas recorrerem a ditos instrumentos para captar recursos: nível de endividamento no limite de quebra de covenants contratuais. No Brasil, firmas com registro na CVM, que se utilizaram desses instrumentos, classificando-os no patrimônio líquido, tiveram suas ITRs e/ou DFs reapresentadas e/ou republicadas por determinação da CVM. O ponto crítico de toda a discussão reside na distinção entre um item de passivo e um item de patrimônio líquido. Esse tema está disciplinado na IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) e presente no Discussion Paper - A review of the conceptual framework for financial reporting, emitido pelo IASB em julho de 2013, que apresenta duas abordagens que podem ser utilizadas, visando a simplificar a distinção entre um item de passivo e de patrimônio líquido: a narrow equity approach - NEA e a strict obligation approach - SOA. A adoção de cada uma dessas abordagens terá um impacto diferente nos níveis de endividamento/alavancagem e no potencial de diluição de participação dos acionistas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar abordagens para a classificação contábil das debêntures mandatoriamente conversíveis em ações, vis-à-vis a IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) e o Discussion Paper do IASB (NEA x SOA). A metodologia adotada é um estudo de caso de uma companhia aberta brasileira, que em 2010 emitiu debêntures mandatoriamente conversíveis e efetuou uma classificação desses instrumentos considerada inadequada pelo órgão regulador. Observa-se que a strict obligation approach é a abordagem que impacta menos no nível de endividamento, enquanto a narrow equity approach é a que apresenta maior alavancagem. As evidências sugerem os covenants contratuais como possíveis indutores de tal prática, fato que está em linha com o que a literatura da área documenta como fenômeno esperado. É bem verdade que no caso concreto, houve quebra contínua de covenants contratuais, corroborando a hipótese apresentada por SILVA (2008) de que o baixo custo de violação de covenants contribua para tal situação. Alternativamente, uma possível explicação para a escolha contábil da companhia reside na complexidade da IAS 32 (PT CPC 39) e desconhecimento de suas nuances. / Hybrid financial instruments and/or compounds has been a constant theme regarding accounting regulation. The positive literature presents a hypothesis that help to understand why some companies appeal to said instruments to raise funds: Indebtedness level on the breach limit of contractual covenants. In Brazil, companies with CVM register, that used these instruments, sorting them on the equity, had their quarterly statements and/or financial statements restated and/or republished by CVM resolution. The critical point of the whole discussion lies in the distinction between a liability item and an equity item. This subject is covered in the IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) and is present in "Discussion Paper - A review of the conceptual framework for financial reporting", issued by IASB in July 2013, having two approaches that can be used, order to simplify the distinction between an item of liabilities and equity: the narrow equity approach - NEA and the strict obligation approach - SOA. The adoption of each of these approaches have a different impact on levels of debt / leverage and the potential dilution of the shareholding. This work aims to investigate approaches to accounting classification of mandatorily convertible debentures, vis-à-vis the IAS 32 (PT CPC n. 39) and the Discussion Paper of the IASB (NEA x SOA).The methodology used is a case study of a Brazilian corporation, that in 2010 issued mandatorily convertible debentures and made a classification of these instruments deemed inappropriate by the regulator. It can be observed that the strict obligation approach is the approach that impacts least on the level of indebtedness, while the narrow equity approach is the one that have the most leverage. Evidence suggests the contractual covenants as potencial inducers of such practice, fact which is in accordance with the literature documenting the area as a phenomenon expected. It is true that in the case in, there was continuous breach of the contractual covenants, corroborating the hypothesis presented by SILVA (2008) that the low cost of violation of covenants contribute to such a situation. Alternatively, a possible explanation for the choice of the accounting company is the complexity of IAS 32 (PT CPC 39) and ignorance of its nuances.

This study investigates the cross-linguistic encoding of bad and evil expressions. Using parallel data from the Bible corpus consisting of translations of the New Testament into 30 languages, probabilistic semantic maps have been created using Multi-Dimensional scaling. Special attention has been paid to the presence of morphological and syntactic negation withinthe domain. The results show that languages either have one broader expression that is used within the entire domain, or they have at least two expressions of which one is broader, i.e. expresses a bad state, action or character flaw, and the other one narrower, i.e. is restricted to themost evil actions or characters which require a moral agent. Languages with several expressions vary largely in how broad or restricted the expressions are within the domain. Therefore, a scalar view of the domain has been proposed, rather than dividing the domain into discrete semantic categories. In the languages where negation marking was present within the domain, it only occurred in the broader expressions. / I denna studie undersöks den tvärspråkliga kodningen av uttryck med dålig och ond. Probabilistiska semantiska kartor har skapats med hjälp av Multi-Dimensional scaling genom att använda parallel data från Bibelkorpusen som består av 30 översättningar av Nya Testamentet. Förekomsten av eventuell morfologisk och syntaktisk negation inom domänen har tillägnats särskild uppmärksamhet. Resultaten visar att de flesta språken antingen har ett bredare uttryck som används inom hela domänen, eller har minst två uttryck varav ett är bredare, dvs används för dåliga tillstånd, handlingar eller karaktärsdrag, och det andra är mer begränsad, dvs används endast för de mest onda handlingar och karaktärer som kräver en moralisk agent. Språk med flera uttryck varierar mycktet i hur breda eller begränsade uttrycken är. En representation av den semantiska domänen som en skala föreslås därför, snarare än att dela uppdomänen i diskreta semantiska kategorier. I de språken där negation förekom inom domänen fanns det endast i de bredare uttrycken.

在第一篇文章當中,我們論證了台灣選擇權市場的投資人交易行為符合Kahneman and Tversky (1981) 所提出來的框架效應. 更進一步, 我們發現投資人的專業程度, 交易複雜性, 與交易經驗能降低框架效應的行為偏誤. 在第二篇文章當中, 我們發現台灣選擇權市場投資人並無符合Thaler (1985) 所提出來的心理帳戶效應來編輯利得與損失. 但是對於混合利得與損失當中, 投資人仍有心理帳戶的現象來處理他們的選擇權部位. / In the first essay, we document support for the narrow framing effect proposed by Kahneman and Tversky (1981). Our findings that traders in an options market frame complicated investment decisions into the simpler ones support the narrow framing effect. Traders’ professionalism, sophistication and trading experience are negatively related with the degree of narrow framing, implying that these factors help to reduce investors’ behavioral bias. Our study bridges the gap between the psychological literature and financial literature in terms of the relationship between experience/sophistication and narrow framing. The results of this paper shed light on the decision-making process in an options market. In the second essay, complementary to Lim (2006)’s findings in regards to stocks market, we also claim that in a much more complex derivatives market, traders tend to frame gains and losses asymmetrically by editing or evaluating their outcomes into different accounts. Nevertheless, different from Thaler’s mental accounting theory (1985), we find investors are more susceptible to segregating losses and integrating gains when they liquidate their positions. Our empirical evidence shows that they also have asymmetry in the propensity to liquidate multiple options. The current study sheds a light on how investors perceive, categorize, evaluate and engage their outcomes in financial activities, in addition, under what circumstances investor integrate or separate their investment profits. The fact that investors’ responses to edit their outcomes vary across countries and securities markets highlights the complexity of human behavior and calls for further studies on a broader range of financial markets.

The three-dimensional (3D) baroclinic response of Cayuga Lake to surface wind forcing was investigated using the fully nonhydrostatic MITgcm. The model was validated against observed temperature data using a hydrostatic 450 m (horizontal) grid and both qualitative and quantitative methods. The model correctly reproduces the basin-scale dynamics (e.g., seiche with horizontal mode-one period T1 = 80 h) with a basin-wide root-mean-square error of 1.9 C. Nonlinear internal surges were visualized to evolve due to (i) a wind-induced locally downwelled thermocline (wind duration Twind < T1/4), (ii) a basin-scale wind-induced upwelled thermocline (Twind > T1/4), (iii) internal hydraulic jumps (IHJs). Results from a 113 m grid and field observations were used to characterize the basin-scale internal wave field according to composite Froude number (G2), Wedderburn number (WN), and Lake number (LN). The typical Cayuga Lake response is a surge when ~ 1 < WN (LN) < ~ 2-12 and a surge with emergent nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) when WN or LN < ~ 2, in agreement with published laboratory studies. An observed shock front was simulated to be an IHJ, occurring at mid-basin during strong winds when WN < 0.8. This is the first simulation of a mid-basin seiche-induced IHJ due to super critical conditions (G2 > 1) in a lake. The topographic-induced IHJs were also shown to form when the surges interact with a sill-contraction topographic feature. Both high-resolution hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic models were used to investigate the evolution, propagation and shoaling of NLIWs at medium lake-scale. A nonhydrostatic 22 m grid with lepticity λ ~ 1 ensures minimal numerical relative to physical dispersion, qualitatively reproducing observed dispersive NLIWs using ~ 2.3E+8 grid cells. Solitary waves evolve with almost unchanged wavelengths upon grid refinement from 40 m (λ ~ 2) to 22 m; suggesting model convergence to the correct solution. Corresponding hydrostatic grids were shown to produce a packet of narrower spurious solitary-like motions with different wavelengths, representing a balance between nonlinear steepening and numerical dispersion. Local gyre-like patterns and secondary transverse NLIW packets were visualized to result from wave-topography interaction, suggesting that NLIW propagation in long narrow lakes, where the bottom topography has irregularities is fundamentally 3D. / Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-14 12:45:21.727

Due to the recent success, in terms of accuracy and precision, of a number of strontium optical lattice optical frequency standards, and the classification of the 5s² ¹S₀ to 5s5p ³P₀ transition in neutral strontium as a secondary definition of the SI unit of the second, many new strontium lattice clocks are under development. The strontium optical lattice clock (Sr OLC) at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is one such project. This thesis describes the design and build of the NPL Sr OLC, discussing the considerations behind the design. Details of the first cooling stage are given, which includes the characterisation of a novel permanent-magnet Zeeman slower by measurements of the longitudinal velocity distributions and loading of the MOT at 461 nm. Development of a narrow linewidth laser system at 689 nm is described, which is used for initial spectroscopy of the second-stage cooling transition. In particular, this work describes progress towards two independent ultra-narrow linewidth clock lasers. The new generation of strontium lattice clock experiments have focused on characterising the systematic frequency shifts and reducing their associated fractional frequency uncertainties, as well as reducing the fractional frequency instability of the measurement. One focus of the Sr OLC at NPL is to help characterise the frequency shift of the clock transition due to black-body radiation (BBR), which is currently the largest contributor to the uncertainty budget of the measured clock frequency. Our approach, discussed here, is to make a direct, differential measurement of the shift with the atoms housed alternately in environments of differing temperatures. Better characterisation and control of the BBR frequency shift of the strontium clock transition is crucial for the future of the Sr OLC as a leading frequency standard.

This thesis describes investigations into the optical and device design of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with the aim of exploring the factors controlling the spatial emission pattern of OLEDs and developing novel OLEDs with directional emission by applying wavelength-scale photonic microstructure. The development of directional OLEDs was broken down into two steps: the development of efficient narrow linewidth OLEDs and the integration of wavelength-scale photonic microstructures into narrow linewidth OLEDs. The narrow linewidth OLEDs were developed using europium (Eu) complexes. The electrical optimisation of solution-processed Eu-based OLEDs using commercially available materials was investigated. The optimised Eu-based OLEDs gave an external quantum efficiency of 4.3% at a display brightness of 100 cd/m². To our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency reported for solution-processed Eu-based OLED devices, and the efficiency roll-off has been reduced compared with other reported references. Photonic microstructures were applied to develop directional OLEDs using the efficient Eu-based OLEDs. Two contrasting strategies were used. One was to embed photonic microstructures into Eu-based OLEDs, the other was to couple photonic microstructures externally onto the devices. The microstructured devices developed by the former strategy boosted the emitted power in desired angles in both s- and p-polarisations and doubled the fraction of emission in an angle range of 4⁰. The devices developed by the external coupling strategy achieved even higher directionality and the out-coupled emission was a confined beam with easy control of beam steering. Around 90% of the emitted power was confined in an angular range of 20⁰ in the detection plane. The optical properties can be optimised independently without compromising the electrical properties of devices, which gives major advantages in terms of effectiveness and versatility. Optical models were also developed to investigate the out-coupling mechanism of various trapped modes and develop OLEDs with stronger directionality.

by Wong Chun Kau, Jolly. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-88). / ABSTRACT --- p.1 / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.3 / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1 --- Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Communications / Chapter 1.2 --- Paramilitary Communications Security / Chapter 1.3 --- Voice Scrambling Methods / Chapter 1.4 --- Digital Voice Encryption / Chapter 1.5 --- Digital Secure LMR / Chapter 2. --- DESIGN GOALS --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- System Concept and Configuration / Chapter 2.2 --- Operational Requirements / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Operating conditions / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Intelligibility and speech quality / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Field coverage and transmission delay / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Reliability and maintenance / Chapter 2.3 --- Functional Requirements / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Major system features / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Cryptographic features / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Phone patch facility / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Mobile data capability / Chapter 2.4 --- Bandwidth Requirements / Chapter 2.5 --- Bit Error Rate Requirements / Chapter 3. --- VOICE CODERS --- p.38 / Chapter 3.1 --- Digital Speech Coding Methods / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Waveform coding / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Linear predictive coding / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Sub-band coding / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Vocoders / Chapter 3.2 --- Performance Evaluation / Chapter 4. --- CRYPTOGRAPHIC CONCERNS --- p.52 / Chapter 4.1 --- Basic Concepts and Cryptoanalysis / Chapter 4.2 --- Digital Encryption Techniques / Chapter 4.3 --- Crypto Synchronization / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Auto synchronization / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Initial synchronization / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Continuous synchronization / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Hybrid synchronization / Chapter 5. --- DIGITAL MODULATION --- p.63 / Chapter 5.1 --- Narrowband Channel Requirements / Chapter 5.2 --- Narrowband Digital FM / Chapter 5.3 --- Performance Evaluation / Chapter 6. --- SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION --- p.71 / Chapter 6.1 --- Potential EMC Problems / Chapter 6.2 --- Frequency Planning / Chapter 6.3 --- Key Management / Chapter 6.4 --- Potential Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Problems / Chapter 7. --- CONCLUSION --- p.80 / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.81 / REFERENCES --- p.82 / APPENDICES --- p.89 / Chapter I. --- Path Propagation Loss(L) Vs Distance (d) / Chapter II. --- Speech Quality Assessment Tests performed / by Special Duties Unit (SDU)