45,203 research outputs found
Advancing Learner Autonomy in Tefl Via Collaborative Learning
Learner autonomy has been defined as \u27a capacity to control important aspects of one\u27s learning\u27(Benson, 2013, p. 852). In the teaching of additional languages, learner autonomy dates back at least to the 1970s. For instance, Trim, who was a leader in the teaching of additional languages in Europe, stated that a goal of language education was to:
make the process of language learning more democratic by providing the con- ceptual tools for the planning, construction and conduct of courses closely geared to the needs, motivations and characteristics of the learner and enabling him [sic] so far as possible to steer and control his own progress. (1978, p. 1
A second-order class-D audio amplifier
Class-D audio amplifiers are particularly efficient, and this efficiency has led to their ubiquity in a wide range of modern electronic appliances. Their output takes the form of a high-frequency square wave whose duty cycle (ratio of on-time to off-time) is modulated at low frequency according to the audio signal. A mathematical model is developed here for a second-order class-D amplifier design (i.e., containing one second-order integrator) with negative feedback. We derive exact expressions for the dominant distortion terms, corresponding to a general audio input signal, and confirm these predictions with simulations. We also show how the observed phenomenon of “pulse skipping” arises from an instability of the analytical solution upon which the distortion calculations are based, and we provide predictions of the circumstances under which pulse skipping will take place, based on a stability analysis. These predictions are confirmed by simulations
Mechanistic and pathological study of the genesis, growth, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Postprint (published version
On the symbolic manipulation and code generation for elasto-plastic material matrices
A computerized procedure for symbolic manipulations and FORTRAN code generation of an elasto-plastic material matrix for finite element applications is presented. Special emphasis is placed on expression simplifications during intermediate derivations, optimal code generation, and interface with the main program. A systematic procedure is outlined to avoid redundant algebraic manipulations. Symbolic expressions of the derived material stiffness matrix are automatically converted to RATFOR code which is then translated into FORTRAN statements through a preprocessor. To minimize the interface problem with the main program, a template file is prepared so that the translated FORTRAN statements can be merged into the file to form a subroutine (or a submodule). Three constitutive models; namely, von Mises plasticity, Drucker-Prager model, and a concrete plasticity model, are used as illustrative examples
Semi-classical States in Homogeneous Loop Quantum Cosmology
Semi-classical states in homogeneous loop quantum cosmology (LQC) are
constructed by two different ways. In the first approach, we firstly construct
an exponentiated annihilation operator. Then a kind of semi-classical
(coherent) state is obtained by solving the eigen-equation of that operator.
Moreover, we use these coherent states to analyze the semi-classical limit of
the quantum dynamics. It turns out that the Hamiltonian constraint operator
employed currently in homogeneous LQC has correct classical limit with respect
to the coherent states. In the second approach, the other kind of
semi-classical state is derived from the mathematical construction of coherent
states for compact Lie groups due to Hall.Comment: 13 pages, submitted to CQ
Underpriced Default Spread Exacerbates Market Crashes
In this paper, we develop a specific observable symptom of a banking system that underprices the default spread in non-recourse asset-backed lending. Using three different data sets for 18 countries and property types, we find that, following a negative demand shock, the “underpricing” economies experience far deeper asset market crashes than economies in which the put option is correctly priced. Furthermore, only one of the countries in our sample continues to exhibit the underpricing symptom following a market crash. This indicates that market crashes have a cleansing effect and eliminate underpricing at least for a period of time. This makes investing in such markets safer following a negative demand shock.real estate bubble, lender optimism, disaster myopia, Asian financial crisis
Highly Efficient Midinfrared On-Chip Electrical Generation of Graphene Plasmons by Inelastic Electron Tunneling Excitation
Inelastic electron tunneling provides a low-energy pathway for the excitation
of surface plasmons and light emission. We theoretically investigate tunnel
junctions based on metals and graphene. We show that graphene is potentially a
highly efficient material for tunneling excitation of plasmons because of its
narrow plasmon linewidths, strong emission, and large tunability in the
midinfrared wavelength regime. Compared to gold and silver, the enhancement can
be up to 10 times for similar wavelengths and up to 5 orders at their
respective plasmon operating wavelengths. Tunneling excitation of graphene
plasmons promises an efficient technology for on-chip electrical generation and
manipulation of plasmons for graphene-based optoelectronics and nanophotonic
integrated circuits.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figure
Single-electron effects in side-gated point contacts fabricated in low-temperature deposited nanocrystalline silicon films
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