Underdetermined Convolutive Blind Source Separation via Time–Frequency Masking

In this paper, we consider the problem of separation of unknown number of sources from their underdetermined convolutive mixtures via time-frequency (TF) masking. We propose two algorithms, one for the estimation of the masks which are to be applied to the mixture in the TF domain for the separation of signals in the frequency domain, and the other for solving the permutation problem. The algorithm for mask estimation is based on the concept of angles in complex vector space. Unlike the previously reported methods, the algorithm does not require any estimation of the mixing matrix or the source positions for mask estimation. The algorithm clusters the mixture samples in the TF domain based on the Hermitian angle between the sample vector and a reference vector using the well known k -means or fuzzy c -means clustering algorithms. The membership functions so obtained from the clustering algorithms are directly used as the masks. The algorithm for solving the permutation problem clusters the estimated masks by using k-means clustering of small groups of nearby masks with overlap. The effectiveness of the algorithm in separating the sources, including collinear sources, from their underdetermined convolutive mixtures obtained in a real room environment, is demonstrated.     

Individual,social, and organizational contexts for active knowledge sharing in communities of practice

Firms that have implemented knowledge management initiatives are now interested in nurturing voluntary knowledge sharing organizations, called communities of practice (CoPs). Adopting the Triandis model on attitude formation, we identified and validated a set of organizational factors that was anticipated to have effects on knowledge sharing by CoP members such as perceived consequences, affect, social factors and facilitating conditions. One hundred and seventy-nine members from 70 CoPs of a large multinational electronics firm participated in this survey. Based on the PLS analysis, perceived consequences, affect, social factors, and facilitating conditions were found to significantly affect knowledge sharing in CoPs.     

Leveraging online communities in fostering adaptive schools

There has long been a call for schools to prepare students for the twenty-first century where skills and dispositions differ significantly from much of what has historically characterized formal education. The knowledge based economy calls for policy and pedagogical efforts that would transform schools. Schools are to foster communities of learners. This paper suggests that para-communities may be points of leverage in the fostering of adaptive schools. A critical analysis is done on the differences between para-communities (such as online communities) and schools; and an argument is made that they each serve differing goals and should be left distinct because they achieve different societal and economic demands.     

Using online collaboration applications for group assignments: The interplay between design and human characteristics

In recent years, educators and students are increasingly employing online collaboration applications such as Google Docs™ and PBWorks™ for group projects and assignments. Yet, the effectiveness of these emerging technologies has not been rigorously examined. Anchoring upon and informed by the existing literature, two design characteristics – sociability and visibility, and two human characteristics – gender and age, are focused on, which are salient in online collaboration applications. A field experiment was conducted to examine the direct and moderating effects of design and human characteristics on learning outcomes. The research found that sociability improved process satisfaction and positive social environment while visibility enhanced academic performance and solution satisfaction of learners. Males had higher solution satisfaction while older learners had higher academic performance. Moderating effects were also found. Both theoretical and practical implications are drawn. In particular, a rubric for online collaboration application selection for academic performance is conceived. This study provides empirical support for online collaboration application effectiveness in education which will augur well for future adoption, use and evolution.     

Design and compensation of second-order sub-sampling digital frontend

The problem of designing a digital frontend (DFE) was considered which can dynamically access or sense dual bands in any radio frequency (RF) regions without requiring hardware changes. In particular, second-order bandpass sampling (BPS) as a technique that enables to realize the multiband reception function was discussed. In a second-order BPS system, digital reconstruction filters were utilized to eliminate the interferences generated while down converting arbitrarily positioned RF-band signals by using the direct digitization method. However, the inaccuracy in the phase shift or the amplitude mismatch between the two sample streams may cause insufficient rejection of interference. Practical problems were studied, such as performance degradation in signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) and compensation methods to overcome them. In order to demonstrate the second-order BPS as a flexible DFE suitable for software-defined radio (SDR) or cognitive radio (CR), a DFE testbed with a reconfigurable structure was implemented. Moreover, with a view to further demonstrate the proposed compensation algorithms, experimental results show that dual bands are received simultaneously.     

Material properties and growth control of undoped and Sn-doped In2O3 thin films prepared by using ion beam technologies

Undoped (IO) and Sn-doped In₂O₃ (ITO) films have been deposited on glass and polymer substrates by an advanced ion beam technologies including ion-assisted deposition (IAD), hybrid ion beam, ion beam sputter deposition (IBSD), and ion-assisted reaction (IAR). Physical and chemical properties of the oxide films and adhesion between films and substrates were improved significantly by these technologies. By using the IAD method, non-stoichiometry and microstructure of the films were controlled by changing assisted oxygen ion energy and arrival ratio of assisted oxygen ion to evaporated atoms. Relationships between structural and electrical properties in ITO films on glass substrates were intensively investigated by using the IBSD method with changing ion energy, reactive gas environment, and substrate temperature. Smooth-surface ITO films (R_rms ≤ 1 nm and R_p-v ≤ 10 nm) for organic light-emitting diodes were developed with a combination of deposition conditions with controlling microstructure of a seed layer on glass. IAR surface treatment enormously enhanced the adhesion of oxide films to polymer substrate. The different dependence of IO and ITO films' properties on the experimental parameters, such as ion energy and oxygen gas environment, will be intensively discussed.     

Impedance spectroscopy study and electrical behavior of PMN-PZT actuators joined by ceramic slurry

The solid solution of Pb(Mg,Nb)O₃-Pb(Zr,TiO) O₃ materials have high piezoelectric constant of 600 ∼650 pC/N and electromechanical coupling coefficient k _p of 0.65. Due to such high piezoelectric constant and electromechanical coupling coefficient, Pb(Mg,Nb)O₃-Pb(Zr,TiO)O₃ materials have been attracted attentions for the applications of multilayer ceramic actuators. Actuators can be produced by staking piezoelectric ceramic materials and inner electrodes, alternatively. However, it is difficult to fabricate huge ceramic actuators without any serious problems during the process conditions. Because ceramic are easily cracked during the sintering process, due to strikingly different shrinkage rate between the ceramic materials and metal electrodes. In this research, new jointing methods will be proposed for huge ceramic actuators, and then their electrical properties were investigated. Time dependent leakage current and impedance spectroscopy were employed to expect device performances.     

Advances in Vapor Pressure Modeling for Electronic Packaging

Two advanced techniques have been developed for modeling vapor pressure within the plastic IC packages during solder reflow. The first involves the extension of the "wetness" technique to delamination along multimaterial interface and during dynamic solder reflow. Despite its simplicity, this technique is capable of offering reliable and accurate prediction for packages with high flexural rigidity. For packages with low flexural rigidity, the new "decoupling" technique that integrates thermodynamics, moisture diffusion, and structural analysis into a unified procedure has been shown to be more useful. The rigorous technique has been validated on both leadframe-based as well as laminate-based packages. With high accuracy and computational efficiency, these dynamic modeling tools will be valuable for optimization of package construction, materials, and solder reflow profile against popcorn cracking for both SnPb and Pb-free solders     

Ultraflat indium tin oxide films prepared by ion beam sputtering

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films with a smooth surface (root-mean-square roughness; R_rms=0.40 nm) were made using a combination of the deposition conditions in the ion beam-sputtering method. Sheet resistance was 13.8 Ω/sq for a 150-nm-thick film grown at 150 °C. Oxygen was fed into the growth chamber during film growth up to 15 nm, after which, the oxygen was turned off throughout the rest of the deposition. The surface of the films became smooth with the addition of ambient oxygen but electrical resistance increased. In films grown at 150 °C with no oxygen present, a rough surface (R_rms=2.1 nm) and low sheet resistance (14.4 Ω/sq) were observed. A flat surface (R_rms=0.5 nm) with high sheet resistance (41 Ω/sq) was obtained in the films grown with ambient oxygen throughout the film growth. Surface morphology and microstructure of the films were determined by the deposition conditions at the beginning of the growth. Therefore, fabrication of ITO films with a smooth surface and high electrical conductivity was possible by combining experimental conditions.     

Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) loaded hybrid coating on porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

In this study, a silica xerogel-chitosan hybrid is utilized as a coating material to incorporate bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) on a porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold for bone tissue engineering. BMP-2 is known as a therapeutic agent for improving bone regeneration and repair. Silica xerogel-chitosan hybrids have been used for the delivery of a growth factor as well as osteoconductive coatings. The biological properties of the hybrid coating incorporated with BMP-2 were evaluated in terms of the BMP-2 release behavior, osteoblastic cellular responses and in vivo performance. BMP-2 was continuously released from the hybrid coating layer on the porous HA scaffold for up to 6 weeks. The hybrid coating containing BMP-2 showed significantly enhanced osteoblastic cell responses in comparison with the hybrid coating and HA substrate. Consequently, new bone formation was significantly increased within the hybrid coating containing BMP-2. These results reveal that the hybrid coating containing BMP-2 has the potential to be used as a bone implant, whose osteogenic properties are promoted by the release of BMP-2 in a controlled manner for a prolonged period of time.