A zero-cost, real-time, Windows signal laboratory

This paper introduces a Windows-based signal capture, display, and waveform synthesis package called “Win-eLab”. The software is able to run on a conventional desktop or laptop with no additional hardware, and can perform real-time Fourier analysis on audio-frequency signals. This paper is intended as an introduction to Win-eLab, aimed at motivating further use of it in both teaching and self-directed learning contexts. The use of the software to familiarize students with the concept of “laboratory” instrumentation is discussed, as well as the usefulness of a simultaneous time-domain/frequency-domain display for understanding signals, particularly in signal processing and communications systems courses. It is anticipated that applications may extend beyond electrical & electronic engineering – for example, as an aid to understanding mechanical vibrations, acoustics, and in other discipline areas

On the Impact of Memory Allocation on High-Performance Query Processing

Somewhat surprisingly, the behavior of analytical query engines is crucially affected by the dynamic memory allocator used. Memory allocators highly influence performance, scalability, memory efficiency and memory fairness to other processes. In this work, we provide the first comprehensive experimental analysis on the impact of memory allocation for high-performance query engines. We test five state-of-the-art dynamic memory allocators and discuss their strengths and weaknesses within our DBMS. The right allocator can increase the performance of TPC-DS (SF 100) by 2.7x on a 4-socket Intel Xeon server

Exit chart analysis of parallel data convolutional codes

We recently proposed a new class of turbo-like codes called parallel data convolutional codes (PDCCs). The distinct characteristics of PDCCs include parallel data input bits and a self-iterative soft-in/soft-out a posteriori probability(APP) decoder. In this paper, we analyse this turbolike code by means of the extrinsic information transfer chart (EXIT chart). Our results show that the threshold Eb/N0 point for a rate 1/2 8-state PDCC is 0.6 dB, which is the same as the threshold point for a punctured rate 1/2 16-state parallel concatenated convolutional code (turbo code)

Error resilience analysis of wireless image transmission using JPEG, JPEG 2000 and JPWL

The wireless extension of the JPEG 2000 standard formally known as JPWL is the newest international standard for still image compression. Different from all previous standards, this new standard was created specifically for wireless imaging applications. This paper examines the error resilience performance of the JPEG, JPEG 2000 and JPWL standards in combating multi-path and fading impairments in Rayleigh fading channels. Comprehensive objective and subjective results are presented in relation to the error resilience performance of these three standards under various conditions. The major findings in this paper reveal that a CRC approach is not a viable option for protecting wireless image data when not used in conjunction with an efficient retransmission strategy. In addition, the Reed-Solomon error correction codes in JPWL provide strong protection for wireless image transmission. However, any stronger protection beyond RS(64,32) yields diminishing returns

Uniqueness of Weak Solutions to a Prion Equation with Polymer Joining

We consider a model for prion proliferation that includes prion polymerization, polymer splitting, and polymer joining. The model consists of an ordinary differential equation for the prion monomers and a hyperbolic nonlinear differential equation with integral terms for the prion polymers and was shown to possess global weak solutions for unbounded reaction rates [11]. Here we prove the uniqueness of weak solutions

The Growth Mindset in the Bangladeshi EFL Context

In this paper, we report on the results of a questionnaire conducted with 160 teenage students in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the students’ beliefs in regards to the innateness of intelligence（i.e., their mindsets）, especially whether students believed becoming proficient in English depended on having an innate skill and luck or could be nurtured through hard work and discipline. The results of the study suggested students in Bangladesh tend to have growth mindsets in their English studies. When the sample was divided into two groups according to their courses of study, it was discovered that students studying science had significantly stronger growth mindsets for English than students studying humanities

How to combine a hydrophobic matrix and a hydrophilic filler without adding a compatibilizer – Co-grinding enhances use properties of renewable PLA-starch composites

In order to avoid the use of compatibilizers or plasticizers, co-grinding was performed to produce PLA – starch composite materials. Fragmentation and agglomeration phenomena were analysed to propose a production mechanism. Co-grinding enhances dispersion of the filler in the matrix and interactions between the materials. Consequently while blending the two materials has a negative effect on mechanical properties, co-grinding permits to improve them if optimized operating conditions are applied. Water uptake and diffusion are also controlled by co-grinding conditions. This treatment allows the production of composite materials offering good use properties without any use of a compatibilizer or a plasticizer

Electronic Texts and their Use in the Modern Language Classroom

　In this paper, the author discusses the use of an electronic textbook used with Japanese university students in an English speaking course. In this small-scale study, students were provided with tablet computers and required to give their opinions via a study diary regarding the use of a textbook available on the tablet computer every day of the 15-week course. Results indicated that students were satisfied with the electronic version of the textbook, especially being able to obtain immediate feedback on their answers to practice exercises completed outside of class time, and the convenience of having audiovisual materials embedded within the text

The beach zone of islands and cays in the Lizard Island area of the Great Barrier Reef: do they serve as nursery zones for fish larvae?

Report on pilot stud