Phase transitions of extremal cuts for the configuration model

The $k$-section width and the Max-Cut for the configuration model are shown to exhibit phase transitions according to the values of certain parameters of the asymptotic degree distribution. These transitions mirror those observed on Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi random graphs, established by Luczak and McDiarmid (2001), and Coppersmith et al. (2004), respectively

Layout-level Circuit Sizing and Design-for-manufacturability Methods for Embedded RF Passive Circuits

The emergence of multi-band communications standards, and the fast pace of the consumer electronics markets for wireless/cellular applications emphasize the need for fast design closure. In addition, there is a need for electronic product designers to collaborate with manufacturers, gain essential knowledge regarding the manufacturing facilities and the processes, and apply this knowledge during the design process. In this dissertation, efficient layout-level circuit sizing techniques, and methodologies for design-for-manufacturability have been investigated. For cost-effective fabrication of RF modules on emerging technologies, there is a clear need for design cycle time reduction of passive and active RF modules. This is important since new technologies lack extensive design libraries and layout-level electromagnetic (EM) optimization of RF circuits become the major bottleneck for reduced design time. In addition, the design of multi-band RF circuits requires precise control of design specifications that are partially satisfied due to manufacturing variations, resulting in yield loss. In this work, a broadband modeling and a layout-level sizing technique for embedded inductors/capacitors in multilayer substrate has been presented. The methodology employs artificial neural networks to develop a neuro-model for the embedded passives. Secondly, a layout-level sizing technique for RF passive circuits with quasi-lumped embedded inductors and capacitors has been demonstrated. The sizing technique is based on the circuit augmentation technique and a linear optimization framework. In addition, this dissertation presents a layout-level, multi-domain DFM methodology and yield optimization technique for RF circuits for SOP-based wireless applications. The proposed statistical analysis framework is based on layout segmentation, lumped element modeling, sensitivity analysis, and extraction of probability density functions using convolution methods. The statistical analysis takes into account the effect of thermo-mechanical stress and process variations that are incurred in batch fabrication. Yield enhancement and optimization methods based on joint probability functions and constraint-based convex programming has also been presented. The results in this work have been demonstrated to show good correlation with measurement data.Ph.D.Committee Chair: Swaminathan, Madhavan; Committee Member: Fathianathan, Mervyn; Committee Member: Lim, Sung Kyu; Committee Member: Peterson, Andrew; Committee Member: Tentzeris, Mano

Videogames as “Minor Literature”: Reading Videogame Stories through Paratexts

Videogames have, since the beginning of game studies as a discipline, been placed at a problematic cusp between games and narratives. Stories are important in videogames, especially in those such as Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), Fallout 3 (2008), and other games with a pronounced narrative intention. However, the element of play and multiplicity of the narrative makes it difficult to analyze them with traditional critical tools: it is easy, therefore, to dismiss them from the narrative canon. Another problem that videogame research faces is that game-narratives are ephemeral and the textual artefact of the game is substantially contained in the player’s experience. However, an entire range of paratexts, such as walkthroughs and after-action reports, where players construct narratives while recording their in-game experiences, are available for analysis. This paper points towards the urgency of beginning to study ludic paratexts like walkthroughs and after-action reports to understand better the narrative process in videogames. In doing so, it will explore how a player has rewritten the history of Rome through Rome: Total War (2004) and how to do science fiction differently in Fallout 3. Simultaneously, it will identify similar characteristics in examples from established literary media, such as Julio Cortazar’s Hopscotch (1987) and Italo Calvino’s A Castle of Crossed Destinies (1977), to name only a couple

Video Game Development in India : A Cultural and Creative Industry Embracing Regional Cultural Heritage(s)

Game development and production practices are complex and highly reflected processes-worldwide. This explorative article discusses video game development as a cultural and creative industry in India, including the industry's history and introducing recent trends which indicate profound transformations-the use and implementation of Indian cultural heritage in game settings. In the rather short history of Indian game development as compared to other countries-a significant number of games made in India first were produced around 2010-the industry has already lived through big changes and challenges. This article aims at introducing Indian game development and argues that especially independent (so-called indie) game studios in their search for their own, region-specific game development and stand-alone characteristics for Indian games increasingly turn to what they perceive as their own cultural heritage, including, for example, elements from history, art (music, dance, dress styles, and others), and architecture.Peer reviewe

Organic Food Business in India: A Survey of Companies

In recent years, the Government of India has come up with policy initiatives to promote organic food for domestic market and exports. Such measures are expected to increase investment in organic food manufacturing and retailing, and create employment. Indian entrepreneurs have responded positively to these initiatives and a number of start-ups have come up in this sector. Many conventional food manufacturers, retailers, and exporters have diversified their businesses to include organic food products. India’s trade in organic food products has also increased. This paper, based on a primary survey of companies engaged in organic food business in India, analyses their reasons for entering the organic business, their business models and sourcing process, how they work with organic farmers, what opportunities and risks they perceive, and what they want from the Indian government in terms of policies and incentives. It also examines the companies’ perception about the growth of this sector, and makes policy recommendations on how organic food can attract investment across the food supply chain and continue on a high growth trajectory

A Simple Flood Forecasting Scheme Using Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper presents a forecasting model designed using WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks) to predict flood in rivers using simple and fast calculations to provide real-time results and save the lives of people who may be affected by the flood. Our prediction model uses multiple variable robust linear regression which is easy to understand and simple and cost effective in implementation, is speed efficient, but has low resource utilization and yet provides real time predictions with reliable accuracy, thus having features which are desirable in any real world algorithm. Our prediction model is independent of the number of parameters, i.e. any number of parameters may be added or removed based on the on-site requirements. When the water level rises, we represent it using a polynomial whose nature is used to determine if the water level may exceed the flood line in the near future. We compare our work with a contemporary algorithm to demonstrate our improvements over it. Then we present our simulation results for the predicted water level compared to the actual water level.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, published in International Journal Of Ad-Hoc, Sensor And Ubiquitous Computing, February 2012; V. seal et al, 'A Simple Flood Forecasting Scheme Using Wireless Sensor Networks', IJASUC, Feb.201

Three Dimensional Controlled-source Electromagnetic Edge-based Finite Element Modeling of Conductive and Permeable Heterogeneities

Presence of cultural refuse has long posed a serious challenge to meaningful geological interpretation of near surface controlled–source electromagnetic data (CSEM). Cultural refuse, such as buried pipes, underground storage tanks, unexploded ordnance, is often highly conductive and magnetically permeable. Interpretation of the CSEM response in the presence of cultural noise requires an understanding of electromagnetic field diffusion and the effects of anomalous highly conductive and permeable structures embedded in geologic media. While many numerical techniques have been used to evaluate the response of three dimensional subsurface conductivity distributions, there is a lack of approaches for modeling the EM response incorporating variations in both subsurface conductivity σ and relative permeability μr. In this dissertation, I present a new three dimensional edge–based finite element (FE) algorithm capable of modeling the CSEM response of buried conductive and permeable targets. A coupled potential formulation for variable μ using the vector magnetic potential A and scalar electric potential V gives rise to an ungauged curl–curl equation. Using reluctivity (v=1/mu ), a new term in geophysical applications instead of traditional magnetic susceptibility, facilitates a separation of primary and secondary potentials. The resulting differential equation is solved using the finite element method (FEM) on a tetrahedral mesh with local refinement capabilities. The secondary A and V potentials are expressed in terms of the vector edge basis vectors and the scalar nodal basis functions respectively. The finite element matrix is solved using a Jacobi preconditioned QMR solver. Post processing steps to interpolate the vector potentials on the nodes of the mesh are described. The algorithm is validated against a number of analytic and multi dimensional numeric solutions. The code has been deployed to estimate the influence of magnetic permeability on the mutual coupling between multiple geological and cultural targets. Some limitations of the code with regards to speed and performance at high frequency, conductivity and permeability values have been noted. Directions for further improvement and expanding the range of applicability have been proposed