GEMNET: a generalized, shuffle-exchange-based, regular, scalable,modular, multihop, WDM lightwave network

GEMNET is a generalization of shuffle-exchange networks and it can represent a family of network structures (including ShuffleNet and de Bruijn graph) for an arbitrary number of nodes. GEMNET employs a regular interconnection graph with highly desirable properties such as small nodal degree, simple routing, small diameter, and growth capability (viz. scalability). GEMNET can serve as a logical (virtual), packet-switched, multihop topology which can be employed for constructing the next generation of lightwave networks using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). Various properties of GEMNET are studied     

Thermodynamics of copper matte converting: Part III. Steady-state volatilization of Au,Ag, Pb,Zn, Ni,Se, Te,Bi, Sb,and As from slag,matte, and metallic copper

A comprehensive compilation of various thermodynamic data required for a complete analysis of copper matte converting reactions is presented. The data comprise estimated free energies of formation for such gases as SeO, SeS, TeO, TeS, BiO, BiS, SbO, SbS, AsO, and AsS, as well as activity coefficients in dilute copper alloys and vapor pressures of various elements and compounds. The volatilization of minor elements in steady-state reactors comprising gas and several condensed phases is mathematically formulated, and a parameter which governs the volatilization in such reactors is defined and named volatilization constant. The vapor pressures of various volatile species are calculated thermodynamically for the Noranda Process reactor by assuming equilibrium conditions. The volatilization constants of various minor elements are expressed explicitly as functions of oxygen and sulfur activities. Formerly Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT     

Novel planar, square-shaped, dielectric-waveguide, single-, and dual-mode filters

This paper presents a novel concept of a square-shaped dielectric-waveguide resonator, which can easily realize a dielectric-waveguide cross-coupled filter or a dielectric-waveguide dual-mode filter, using the conventional printed circuit board (PCB) process. This planar dielectric-waveguide resonator has a higher Q value than a microstrip resonator. The physical mechanisms of both single- and dual-mode filters are elucidated. Some new coupling structures are developed for undergoing the PCB process. Filter design procedures are detailed. Design curves for the coupling coefficients of internal- and external-coupling structures are determined by full-wave finite-element-method electromagnetic calculations. Measurement results are highly consistent with theory for all trial filters. This study offers an effective means of producing low-cost high-performance planar circuit filters.     

Bits, symbols, bauds, and bandwidth

The use of clear, concise, and unambiguous language in telecommunications engineering is vital to communicate a desired meaning and understanding. Terminology should be based on rigorous engineering principles and traceable to well known and dependable sources. This article deals with four everyday terms commonly encountered in the popular semi-technical press as well as in serious engineering periodicals. The misuse of these and other terms can lead to low-balled cost proposals, court litigation, and patent infringement cases. Imagine how an engineering student can be confused when she/he typically encounters bandwidth measured in bits per second     

Uncertainty, Value, Communication, and Problematic Integration

This essay discusses problematic integration (PI) theory, a general perspective on the nature of the dynamic relationship between communication and tensions among expectations and desires and considers the relevance and potential value of PI theory to questions foundational to the field of communication research. The paper begins with a discussion of the main propositions of PI theory, then considers the relationship between the theory and emerging analyses of uncertainty, attending in particular to the meanings of uncertainty and the tensions among uncertainties, wants, and wishes.     

PBX技术.市态.营销.选购

本文介绍了ＰＢＸ交换机的技术及市场需求态势。并提出ＰＢＸ产品的营销要素及其用户在选购时应遵循的原则。     

Dilemmas,uncertainty, risks,and board performance

This paper traces the origins of the words risk, uncertainty, governance and development and argues that a deeper understanding of each allows more effective decision taking in the boardroom. It argues that the role of the board of directors is to balance and rebalance continuously their irresolvable dilemma — ‘how do we drive our enterprise forward while keeping it under prudent control?’ It argues that it is the board’s role to focus on uncertainty, rather than risk, and this requires a different set of intellectual skills from board members to be able to cope with monitoring a range of diverse scenarios. This is crucial for a board to develop stronger ways of both leading their organisation and of ensuring the connectedness of the learning within and between the board and the operational unit’s risk taking. It advocates that to achieve this a board must develop new ways of learning — especially of thinking strategically and becoming more sensitised to the dynamics of their changing external environments. This will take them well beyond the comforts of their specialist managerial disciplines and into the true world of directing. The paper demonstrates the importance of continuous learning in reducing organisational uncertainty and risk. It uses the ‘Learning Board’ process and model as the central processor of both strategic and operational learning to create an annual rhythm for the board’s year.     

Evolution, neural networks, games, and intelligence

Mathematical games provide a framework for studying intelligent behavior in models of real-world settings or restricted domains. The obstacle comes in choosing the appropriate representation and learning algorithm. Neural networks and evolutionary algorithms provide useful means for addressing these issues. This paper describes efforts to hybridize neural and evolutionary computation to learn appropriate strategies in zero- and nonzero-sum games, including the iterated prisoner's dilemma, tic-tac-toe, and checkers. With respect to checkers, the evolutionary algorithm was able to discover a neural network that can be used to play at a near-expert level without injecting expert knowledge about how to play the game. The implications of evolutionary learning with respect to machine intelligence are also discussed. It is argued that evolution provides the framework for explaining naturally occurring intelligent entities and can be used to design machines that are also capable of intelligent behavior