Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for University

Money and Monetary System

• Money: An asset that serves three functions: medium of exchange, store of value, and unit of account.
• Fiat Currency: Money issued by a government with no physical backing (e.g., euro, dollar).
• Fiduciary Currency: Money based on trust, not intrinsic value (e.g., Bitcoin, checks).
• Ledger: An accounting record showing debts and transactions.
• Unit of Account: Allows expressing the price of goods/services (e.g., a coffee costs €2).

Cryptography

• Hash: A mathematical function that converts data into a unique and irreversible digital fingerprint.
• Asymmetric Cryptography: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) to encrypt and decrypt messages.
• Digital Signature: Proves that a message was sent by a specific user and has not been modified.

Introduction to the ECHR

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is an international treaty adopted in 1950 under the framework of the Council of Europe. It entered into force in 1953 and currently applies to 46 member states. The ECHR establishes a catalog of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to life, prohibition of torture, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. It is based on key principles such as the rule of law, democracy, and the protection of human dignity.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), located in Strasbourg, is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the Convention, ensuring that states comply with their obligations. Through its case law, the ECtHR has developed crucial legal... Continue reading "Analyzing ECHR Violations: A Framework for Legal Cases" »

Leadership

• Secretary of NUAA: Zhen Liang
• President of NUAA: Jiang Bin

University Badge Symbolism

• Chinese Name: Calligraphy by the renowned writer Qi Gong (passed away 7 years ago).
• Tree: Represents the three largest colleges (Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Aviation).
• Design: The 3A logo is derived from a pine tree (the city tree of Nanjing).
• Shape: Formed like a plum blossom, the city flower of Nanjing, which is unique for blooming in winter.

Location and Campuses

NUAA is located in Nanjing, the ancient capital of 10 dynasties with a 2,500-year history. The university operates across three campuses in two cities, covering a total area of 500 acres.

1. Minggugong Campus

• Historical Context: Located on the site of the Ming Dynasty Forbidden City (Gu gong)

Phenols: Definitions and Structures

• Phenol: A compound consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Structure: C₆H₅OH, commonly known as carbolic acid.
• Cresol: A methyl group (-CH₃) attached to the phenol molecule. There are three isomers: ortho-cresol, meta-cresol, and para-cresol.
• Resorcinol: A compound where two hydroxyl groups are attached to the benzene ring in the meta position. Structure: C₆H₄(OH)₂.
• Naphthol: Hydroxylated naphthalene, existing in two forms: 1-naphthol or 2-naphthol, depending on the position of the -OH group on the naphthalene ring.

Reactions of Aromatic Compounds

• Aromatic Acids: Aromatic acids like benzoic acid undergo various reactions, such as electrophilic substitution and decarboxylation,

The Alhambra: Nasrid Architectural Masterpieces

Courtyard of the Lions

The Courtyard of the Lions features a criss-cross water channel system connecting the courtyard to the surrounding rooms, forming a cruciform compositional axis. The courtyard is surrounded by slender columns and porticos.

• Fountain of the Lions: Features 12 lion sculptures. The design evokes the image of an oasis, characterized by small, provisional-looking columns adorned with vegetation carvings.

Hall of the Two Sisters

This was the most important room, serving as the residence of the King and the main hall. It features its own fountain and represents the beginning of the complex's design philosophy.

• Architecture: Main hall with a dome, repetition of geometric patterns (geopatterns)

Renaissance Concepts and Classical Revival

• Renewed Interest in Antiquity: Manifested early in literature and poetry through figures like Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio.
• Classical Texts: Significant revival and rediscovery of ancient writings.
• Vitruvius's Treatise (1414): The rediscovery of De Architectura was profoundly influential for subsequent generations of architects.

The Rise of Architectural Patronage

The emergence of wealthy patrons promoted new forms of art and architecture. Key examples include:

• The Medici Family: Including Giovanni di Averardo, Cosimo de' Medici (il Vecchio), and Lorenzo de' Medici (il Magnifico).

Humanism and Anthropocentrism

• Humanism posits that the human being contains the perfect proportions of the universe, famously

Santa Maria degli Angeli (Florence)

(Demolished after 3 years)

• Blended integration and relation of elements.
• Centralized floorplan: Representing an aesthetic ideal and an expression of the order of the universe – absolute symmetry.
• Surrounded by a world of well-proportioned beauty.
• Relation with Villa Rotonda; centralized building as a key urban form.

Michelozzo: Palazzo Medici (Florence)

• An urban palace where the facade is an important aspect.
• The wall treatment softens and smooths in the upper levels, representing the wealth of the Medici family.
• Exterior conveys solemnity, giving higher status to the city as well.
• Features a very heavy cornice at the top.

Leon Battista Alberti: Theory and Practice

• Had extensive contact with Florentine Humanists; friend

Performance Metrics

• Elapsed Time: Represents overall system performance. It is the total time taken to complete a task.
• User CPU Time: Indicates CPU performance. It is the time the task actively runs on the CPU, excluding idle time.
• CPU Time: The time the CPU spends executing instructions, either from the task or the operating system, excluding idle time.
• Clock Speed: 1 MHz equals 1 million clock cycles per second. 1 GHz equals 1 billion clock cycles per second.
• Response Time: Equivalent to execution time.
• Throughput: Equivalent to bandwidth.
• Performance Comparison: (PerfA) / (PerfB) = (ExecTimeB) / (ExecTimeA) = n

Impact of Processor Upgrades

• Replacing a processor with a faster one decreases response time and increases throughput.
• Adding an additional