KL-Divergence Guided Two-Beam Viterbi Algorithm on Factorial HMMs

This thesis addresses the problem of the high computation complexity issue that arises when decoding hidden Markov models (HMMs) with a large number of states. A novel approach, the two-beam Viterbi, with an extra forward beam, for decoding HMMs is implemented on a system that uses factorial HMM to simultaneously recognize a pair of isolated digits on one audio channel. The two-beam Viterbi algorithm uses KL-divergence and hierarchical clustering to reduce the overall decoding complexity. This novel approach achieves 60% less computation compared to the baseline algorithm, the Viterbi beam search, while maintaining 82.5% recognition accuracy.Ope

The science and technology of condensed matter physics - from atomic imaging to space research

Various areas of our ongoing condensed matter physics research which involve both fundamental physics and advanced technology are described. The research topics include studies of the vortex dynamics and pairing symmetry of high-temperature superconductors; development of precision clocks using high-Q superconducting microwave cavities; state-of-the-art measurements of the density and critical phenomena of liquid helium near phase transitions and under microgravity; as well as the physics and device applications of various magnetoresistive perovskites. The experimental scope encompasses techniques from atomic imaging to space research, and the important interplay of fundamental science and frontier technology in our research is also addressed

The disjunctivities of ω-languages

An ω-language over a finite alphabet X is a set of infinite sequences of letters of X. Consider congruences IL and Pω, L on X* and a congruence OL on Xω introduced by an ω-language L. IL, Pω, L, and OL are called the infinitary syntactic-congruence, the principal congruence and the ω-syntactic congruence of L, respectively. If IL (Pω, L, OL) is the equality then L is called an I-disjunctive (P-disjunctive, O-disjunctive, respectively) ω- language. Properties concerning such ω-languages are explored and relations between these ω-languages are also studied

Recent Advances in High-Temperature Superconductivity

Recent experimental and theoretical developments in high-temperature superconductivity are reviewed, and the empirically asymmetric behavior between hole-doped and electron-doped cuprates is contrasted. A number of phenomena previously considered as essential for the formation of cuprate superconductivity, such as the pairing symmetry, pseudogap phenomenon, gapped incommensurate spin fluctuations and charged stripes, are found to be non-universal, and are likely the consequence of competing orders. It is suggested that the only ubiquitous properties among all cuprates are the strong electronic correlation and antiferromagnetic spin interaction in the CuO2 planes.Comment: 24 pages, 17 figures, 166 references. Review article, to appear in the Bulletin of Associations of Asia Pacific Physical Societies (AAPPS), Vol. 12. Contact author: Nai-Chang Yeh (e-mail: [email protected]

Identifying Chinese Secondary Teachers' Needs for Professional Development Abroad

China is at a crucial point for reforming its education system and seeks professional development abroad for selective secondary teachers. In this study, 13 experienced Chinese physics teachers undertook an intensive four-week professional development program in Australia. Early discussion with the participants and two surveys (i.e., mid-evaluation and end-evaluation surveys) aimed to gather qualitative responses for determining their needs for professional development. Data highlighted the essential nature of school visits for observing teaching practices, accurate translations, and the inclusion of physics-based excursions. Yet, apart from addressing personal and social needs, it was concluded future professional development must focus on delivering advanced content knowledge related specifically to the Chinese Curriculum Standards, and current pedagogical approaches and theories that branch beyond the transmission approach employed in China. The information in this study aims to assist other tertiary institutions conducting professional development programs for Chinese teachers