Real-time dynamic articulations in the 2-D waveguide mesh vocal tract model

Time domain articulatory vocal tract modeling in one-dimensional (1-D) is well established. Previous studies into two-dimensional (2-D) simulation of wave propagation in the vocal tract have shown it to present accurate static vowel synthesis. However, little has been done to demonstrate how such a model might accommodate the dynamic tract shape changes necessary in modeling speech. Two methods of applying the area function to the 2-D digital waveguide mesh vocal tract model are presented here. First, a method based on mapping the cross-sectional area onto the number of waveguides across the mesh, termed a widthwise mapping approach is detailed. Discontinuity problems associated with the dynamic manipulation of the model are highlighted. Second, a new method is examined that uses a static-shaped rectangular mesh with the area function translated into an impedance map which is then applied to each waveguide. Two approaches for constructing such a map are demonstrated; one using a linear impedance increase to model a constriction to the tract and another using a raised cosine function. Recommendations are made towards the use of the cosine method as it allows for a wider central propagational channel. It is also shown that this impedance mapping approach allows for stable dynamic shape changes and also permits a reduction in sampling frequency leading to real-time interaction with the model

Increasing territorial capitalization by incorporation of small enterprises into clusters

Modernization of the Russian national economy depends on small businesses and their involvement in capitalization of the territorial potential. This article discusses methods, models, and mechanisms of territorial capitalization based on incorporation of small business enterprises into clusters along with medium- and large businesses. We propose an optimization model for assessing the efficiency of such clusters: our research has shown that this model can be applied for decision-making in regional strategic planning. Methodologically, this study relies on the theories of industrial development and economic growth, the industrial cluster theory, and the works of Russian and international researchers on mechanisms of management of territorial potential, their establishment and implementation. Capitalization of the region's resource potential manifests itself in the form of static and dynamic effects. We developed models of interaction between small and other businesses and structures within a cluster oriented towards territorial capitalization. We demonstrated that incorporation of a university into a cluster structure increases the innovative capacity of all cluster members. This research may be further expanded to study the mechanisms of involving small businesses operating in peripheral areas into clusters

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' THINKING AND SELF EFFICACY IN INQUIRY LEARNING

The problem of this research is the weakness of mathematical creative thinking ability, and students’ self efficacy which is the product of teacher–centered learning process. To overcome this problem, we have to utilities models of teaching which are based on new paradigm (student–centered). One of models that can be used is inquiry learning, as this model contains a dynamic process that requires students to explore, investigate, and construct a new understanding. The aim of this research is follows: 1) compared mathematical creative thinking ability students who get inquiry learning and student who get regular learning; 2) compared self efficacy students under inquiry learning and students under regular learning. This study is quasi-experiment, involving XI th grader Senior High School in Bengkulu. The data in this study were collected from July to October 2009. The instruments used are a test of prior knowledge of mathematics, mathematical ability tests of creative thinking, self efficacy scale of the students on mathematics, and guidelines of interview. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that: 1) in general, mathematical creative thinking ability of students received inquiry learning better than students who received regular learning; 2) self efficacy of students under inquiry learning are better than students under regular learning; 3) learning model, the level of schools and students’ prior knowledge of mathematics significantly affect students’ ability in mathematical creative thinking; 4) there is interaction between the level of schools and learning models towards students mathematical creative thinking ability; 5) there is interaction between the levels of schools and learning models towards students self efficacy; 6) there is interaction between students prior knowledge of mathematics and learning model toward mathematical creative thinking ability; and 7) there is interaction between students prior knowledge of mathematics and learning model toward students self efficacy

Senior High School Students’ Ability in Mathematical Creative Thinking and Self Efficacy in Inquiry Learning

The problem of this research is the weakness of mathematical creative thinking ability, and students’ self efficacy which is the product of teacher–centered learning process. To overcome this problem, we have to utilities models of teaching which are based on new paradigm (student–centered). One of models that can be used is inquiry learning, as this model contains a dynamic process that requires students to explore, investigate, and construct a new understanding. The aim of this research is follows: 1) compared mathematical creative thinking ability students who get inquiry learning and student who get regular learning; 2) compared self efficacy students under inquiry learning and students under regular learning. This study is quasi-experiment, involving XI th grader Senior High School in Bengkulu. The data in this study were collected from July to October 2009. The instruments used are a test of prior knowledge of mathematics, mathematical ability tests of creative thinking, self efficacy scale of the students on mathematics, and guidelines of interview. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that: 1) in general, mathematical creative thinking ability of students received inquiry learning better than students who received regular learning; 2) self efficacy of students under inquiry learning are better than students under regular learning; 3) learning model, the level of schools and students’ prior knowledge of mathematics significantly affect students’ ability in mathematical creative thinking; 4) there is interaction between the level of schools and learning models towards students mathematical creative thinking ability; 5) there is interaction between the levels of schools and learning models towards students self efficacy; 6) there is interaction between students prior knowledge of mathematics and learning model toward mathematical creative thinking ability; and 7) there is interaction between students prior knowledge of mathematics and learning model toward students self efficacy

Towards a dynamic assessment of raw materials criticality: linking agent-based demand--with material flow supply modelling approaches.

Emerging technologies such as information and communication-, photovoltaic- or battery technologies are expected to increase significantly the demand for scarce metals in the near future. The recently developed methods to evaluate the criticality of mineral raw materials typically provide a 'snapshot' of the criticality of a certain material at one point in time by using static indicators both for supply risk and for the impacts of supply restrictions. While allowing for insights into the mechanisms behind the criticality of raw materials, these methods cannot account for dynamic changes in products and/or activities over time. In this paper we propose a conceptual framework intended to overcome these limitations by including the dynamic interactions between different possible demand and supply configurations. The framework integrates an agent-based behaviour model, where demand emerges from individual agent decisions and interaction, into a dynamic material flow model, representing the materials' stocks and flows. Within the framework, the environmental implications of substitution decisions are evaluated by applying life-cycle assessment methodology. The approach makes a first step towards a dynamic criticality assessment and will enhance the understanding of industrial substitution decisions and environmental implications related to critical metals. We discuss the potential and limitation of such an approach in contrast to state-of-the-art methods and how it might lead to criticality assessments tailored to the specific circumstances of single industrial sectors or individual companies

Signifiers as a First-class Abstraction in Hypermedia Multi-Agent Systems

Hypermedia APIs enable the design of reusable hypermedia clients that discover and exploit affordances on the Web. However, the reusability of such clients remains limited since they cannot plan and reason about interaction. This paper provides a conceptual bridge between hypermedia-driven affordance exploitation on the Web and methods for representing and reasoning about actions that have been extensively explored for Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) and, more broadly, Artificial Intelligence. We build on concepts and methods from Affordance Theory and Human-Computer Interaction that support interaction efficiency in open and evolvable environments to introduce signifiers as a first-class abstraction in Web-based MAS: Signifiers are designed with respect to the agent-environment context of their usage and enable agents with heterogeneous abilities to act and to reason about action. We define a formal model for the contextual exposure of signifiers in hypermedia environments that aims to drive affordance exploitation. We demonstrate our approach with a prototypical Web-based MAS where two agents with different reasoning abilities proactively discover how to interact with their environment by perceiving only the signifiers that fit their abilities. We show that signifier exposure can be inherently managed based on the dynamic agent-environment context towards facilitating effective and efficient interactions on the Web