The main objective of statistics of extremes is the prediction of rare events, and its primary problem has been the estimation of the extreme value index (EVI). Whenever we are interested in large values, such estimation is usually performed on the basis of the largest k + 1 order statistics in the sample or on the excesses over a high level u. The question that has been often addressed in practical applications of extreme value theory is the choice of either k or u, and an adaptive EVI-estimation. Such a choice can be either heuristic or based on sample paths stability or on the minimization of a mean squared error estimateas a function of k. Some of these procedures will be reviewed. Despite of thefact that the methods provided can be applied, with adequate modifications, to any real EVI and not only to the adaptive EVI-estimation but also to the adaptive estimation of other relevant right-tail parameters, we shall illustrate the methods essentially for the EVI and for heavy tails, i.e., for a positive EVI.The main objective of statistics of extremes is the prediction of rare events, and its primary problem has been the estimation of the extreme value index (EVI). Whenever we are interested in large values, such estimation is usually performed on the basis of the largest k + 1 order statistics in the sample or on the excesses over a high level u. The question that has been often addressed in practical applications of extreme value theory is the choice of either k or u, and an adaptive EVI-estimation. Such a choice can be either heuristic or based on sample paths stability or on the minimization of a mean squared error estimateas a function of k. Some of these procedures will be reviewed. Despite of thefact that the methods provided can be applied, with adequate modifications, to any real EVI and not only to the adaptive EVI-estimation but also to the adaptive estimation of other relevant right-tail parameters, we shall illustrate the methods essentially for the EVI and for heavy tails, i.e., for a positive EVI.

The complex data exchange between architectural design and building energy simulation constitutes the main challenge in the use of energy performance analyses in the early design stage. The enhancement of BIM model data with additional specific energy-related information and the subsequent mapping to the input of an energy analysis or simulation tool is yet an open issue. This paper examines three approaches for the data transfer from 3D CAD applications to building performance simulations using BIM as central data repository and points out their current and envisaged use in practice. The first approach addresses design scenarios. It focuses on the supporting tools needed to achieve interoperability given a 74 wide-spread commercial BIM model (Autodesk Revit) and a dedicated pre-processing tool (DesignBuilder) for EnergyPlus. The second approach is similar but addresses retrofitting scenarios. In both workflows gbXML is used as the transformation format. In the third approach a standard BIM model, IFC is used as basis for the transfer process for any relevant lifecycle phase.

This paper presents a magnetic field three dimensional mapping produced by a threephase prototype for wireless power transfer. The presented magnetic field mapping is a contribution to improve the design of electric vehicles battery chargers using the wireless power transfer. To collect the magnetic field data, a prototype was built, in order to support the tests. The prototype primary is an electrical three-phase system that allows to be connected electrically and geometrically in star or delta. The losses due to the magnetic field dispersion and the generated interferences in the surrounding equipment or in human body are discussed. The different standards organizations related to electric vehicles battery chargers are presented. Finally the magnetic field influence on the human body is addressed.

This study focus on the different representations provided by graphing calculators, intending to characterize how the teacher uses and integrates them on the process of teaching and learning functions at the secondary level. The methodology adopted is qualitative and interpretative, undertaking two case studies. The main conclusions point to different levels of flexibility in the use of the different representations depending on the teacher, but suggest a strong preference for the graphical and the algebraic representations, a use of the numerical representation based on the graph of the function and a total lack of use of the tabular representation.

This study focuses on teacher’s Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics with Technology (KTMT), paying a special attention to teacher’s representational fluency. It intends to characterize how the teacher uses and integrates the different representations provided by the graphing calculator on the process of teaching and learning functions at the high school level. Specifically, it intends to understand the balance established between the use of the different representations, and the way these representations are articulated. The study adopts a qualitative approach undertaking one teacher case study. Data were collected for two school years, at 10th and 11th grades, and included class observation, semi-structured interviews and documents gathering. Data analysis was mainly descriptive and interpretive in nature, considering the problem under study. The conclusions reached reveal an active use of the graphical and algebraic representations and a scarce use of the tabular representation. The lack of balance on the use of representations also includes the work within a representation. In this case the graphical representation is the only one that was explored. The conclusions also indicate a flexible articulation between the two representations usually used. It was possible to identify different patterns on the use of the representations and a frequent use of an interactive approach, marked by repeated alternations between representations. Globally, this study emphasizes teacher’s KTMT and raises questions about the impact of technology on teacher´s representational fluency and about the difference between a numerical and a tabular representation.

The goal of technology assessment (TA) is to lend support to society and policy making by promoting understanding of the problems related to the grand sociotechnical challenges of our time, as well as to assess the available options for managing them. Researchers from Japan and Europe reflected together in this book on country-specific developments to identify the conditions that must be present to anchor TA in science, politics, and society. This book helps us to learn about different cultures.

n/a

The degradation of thin-film transistors (TFTs) caused by the self-heating effect constitutes a problem to be solved for the next generation of displays. Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a viable alternative for gate dielectric of TFTs due to its good thermal conductivity, matching coefficient of thermal expansion to indium-gallium-zinc-oxide, and excellent stability at high temperatures. Here, AlN thin films of different thicknesses were fabricated by a low temperature reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering process, using a low cost, metallic Al target. Their electrical properties have been thoroughly assessed. Furthermore, the 200 nm and 500 nm thick AlN layers have been integrated as gate-dielectric in transparent TFTs with indium-gallium-zinc-oxide as channel semiconductor. Our study emphasizes the potential of AlN thin films for transparent electronics, whilst the functionality of the fabricated field-effect transistors is explored and discussed. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.