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Musical reuse in the Notre Dame repertory: historiography and new computational directions
Get PDFOf the many questions that we may wish to ask of the repertory of twelfth- and thirteenth-century music commonly known as Notre Dame polyphony, issues surrounding musical reuse and borrowing suffuse nearly every aspect. Questions of chronologies, locations, composers, purposes, processes, orality, performance, transmission, as well as all manner of other unknowns in the repertory, can be well argued and evidenced by the presence (or not) of musical reuse and borrowing. The freedom with which fragments, and sometimes even entire settings of music, circulated throughout thirteenth-century musical culture appears to defy our typical notions of chronology, composition, and even deterministic process.
Musicological scholarship from the 19th century to the present day places the clausula at the centre of this whirlwind of borrowings and musical–textual allusions, the enigmatic form by which the contemporary music theorist Anonymous IV contended that the modernisation of the repertory had taken place. Modern study has identified many so-called substitute clausulae in the fragments of polyphonic settings transmitted in certain fascicles of the central manuscript sources, and it is largely by these substitute clausulae that the later genre of the motet was created. However, relating substitute clausulae back to their source organa and forward to motet has proven difficult, due to the music of the Notre Dame repertory refusing to yield in all cases to the simple and causal chronology that this implies.
More recent work in particular is considering how musical reuse in the Notre Dame repertory may be conceived beyond the static and one-to-one substitutions of clausulae. These are often thought of as different phenomena: processes such as indirect concordances and melodic formulae are considered entirely separate from clausula substitution. At the same time, musical reuse has been treated with a particularly restrictive historical focus, and the clausula has been given centre stage as the main vehicle for musical reuse, catalogued and analysed as tightly interwoven with motet, and minimising other forms of musical reuse in the process. However, when we try to uncover what authors actually mean when they are discussing aspects of musical reuse such as the clausula, we find their definitions inexact and conflicting.
This dissertation therefore tackles the issue of musical reuse in the Notre Dame repertory afresh, placing the notation of the manuscript sources at the centre of the study and considering how the broader issue of reuse can be studied holistically in the twenty-first century, beyond limiting categorical descriptors and arbitrary criteria. By creating new methodological tools around the complex and ambiguous notation of thirteenth century polyphony, I investigate how new digital methods can be harnessed to extract patterns of musical reuse further than via simple verbatim substitution. The operation and interpretation of thirteenth century notation poses new and unique challenges for representation in the computer which have not yet been satisfactorily solved. I therefore develop novel encoding, optical music recognition, and analysis methodologies to approach these problems from new angles, centred around a specially created online database for the browsing, editing, and analysis of thirteenth-century polyphony.
Using the novel tools that I present as part of this study, I extract new and previously undetected patterns of musical reuse within the repertory that fall outside of our typical perceptions of independent reuse phenomena, pointing the way towards a wider and more nuanced concept of musical reuse as a dispersed network of common musical culture in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This is a concept that does not necessarily rely on causality or linear process, and hence may resolve the underlying issues (chronology, composition, and deterministic process) that musical reuse represents
Sibling relationships: a systematic review of measures and the development and validation of a new measure
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Investigation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as a precision livestock farming tool in grazing sheep systems
Get PDFThe livestock industry has seen substantial growth in the development and availability of technologies and tools in recent decades. These precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies can be employed by farmers to monitor an array of behavioural, physiological, and environmental variables to assist in production and welfare management. Benefits of employing such tools have been demonstrated within intensive farming systems, such as pig and poultry, and for dairy cattle, where PLF tools have seen the greatest adoption. However, the uptake of tools for species considered to have a lower economic value, such as domestic sheep (Ovis aries), has been slower, especially in grazing systems where fewer technologies have been developed, validated, and made commercially available. The incorporation of PLF tools within grazing systems can be more complex given the potential scale of farms, flock sizes, and dispersion of animals over wide areas, which can create challenges in transmitting information. Given the fairly small physical size of sheep compared to cattle, there is also a requirement for devices to be robust, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is a rapidly growing technology which has expanded across multiple sectors in recent years, predominantly for location and proximity monitoring. As a low-cost, low-power device, with long-battery life, and suitable for use in outdoor conditions, it offers promising potential as PLF tool in sheep grazing systems. Whilst animals in extensive systems are generally considered to have more behavioural freedom than those in intensive systems, they are exposed to greater environmental challenges. The ability to monitor animal location, proximity and relationships over time could provide useful information for both production and welfare aspects of sheep management. However, the signal strength of BLE devices can be noisy, and further information is needed to understand the relationship between signal strength and distance within an outdoor environment to assess the ability of BLE to act as on-sheep monitoring tool.
A prototype BLE system was developed for the thesis, consisting of a purpose-built device with BLE reader, trialled alongside three types of commercially available BLE beacons. The main aims of the thesis were (1) to characterise the relationship between BLE signal strength and distance, and to assess the range of BLE in outdoor systems, (2) to assess the application of BLE for sheep localisation in grazing systems, and (3) to investigate the capability of BLE to be utilised as a monitoring tool to detect sheep contact patterns and relationships, and changes over time - which may indicate a potential welfare or management problem.
Calibration studies of the three beacon types were conducted within a field environment to explore how signal strength changed with distance and whether this was affected by device height and thus animal behaviour. From these calibrations, distance prediction equations based on signal strength were developed. The potential impact of sheep bodies on the signal strength and operating range was assessed for two of the beacon types by conducting calibrations under both a clear and blocked line-of-sight. Across all beacon types, signal strength declined with increasing beacon distance from a reader, with reduced ranges at lower reader and beacon heights. An on-sheep study, with corresponding observer data, demonstrated that animal behaviour, thus posture and height of the BLE device from the ground also impacted on both the beacon’s probability of being reported and its signal strength. This showed that operating ranges and translation of signal strength into a distance is then highly dependent upon the behaviours displayed by sheep during a recording interval.
BLE was also trialled as a means of localisation within a grazing system. A static multilateration approach was tested in a paddock (approximately 5 440 m2) using six BLE readers, followed by an on-sheep validation in the localisation of a weaned lamb, fitted with both a BLE beacon and separate global navigation satellite system (GNSS) device, within a larger paddock (1.4 ha), surrounded by nine BLE readers. In the static approach, the multilateration method produced a mean localisation error of 22.02 m, with the on-sheep validation producing similar mean localisation errors – 19.00 m using a midpoint method, and 23.77 m using the multilateration method. Whilst the studies demonstrated the technical feasibility of localising sheep in an outdoor system using BLE, it also highlighted that interpretation of signal strength into distance can be unpredictable, particularly in relation to animal behaviour and movement. Based on the range of BLE devices tested, a high number of static readers would also be required to adequately cover a grazing system. Substantial development in BLE range and accuracy would then be required for any viable commercial application of such a system.
Finally, an on-sheep study examined the use of the BLE system as a monitoring tool, conducted during the high activity period of lambing and early lactation. Lamb mortality and poor ewe-lamb relationships remain a top welfare and economic concern, with high numbers of lamb losses occurring between birth and weaning. Using the purpose-built device as an on animal device worn by ewes (also fitted with a BLE beacon) alongside BLE beacons on lambs, ewe-ewe and ewe-lamb relationships were assessed across pre- to post-lambing phases, and in relation to lamb age over a six-week period. The BLE system successfully detected and demonstrated expected patterns in ewe and lamb relationships. The numbers of ewe-ewe contacts reported within a 5-minute duty cycle was found to decline between pre-lambing to lambing, and lambing to post-lambing, suggestive of segregation at parturition. The pattern in the number of daily ewe-lamb contacts changed across increasing lamb ages. Whilst initially reporting a high number of contacts, this gradually declined until approximately 14 days old, a period during which lambs typically begin to spend more time within peer groups. The number of contacts was also assessed in relation to ewe lameness, with the BLE system
indicating a reduction in contacts with neighbouring ewes, and an increase in contacts with their own lambs. As lame ewes are more inactive, then it may be easier for lambs to remain in closer proximity.
To conclude, the investigations within this thesis trialled a BLE system for the purposes of animal monitoring within a sheep grazing system. Calibration studies identified challenges in the detection of BLE signals and translation into distance, which can be affected by device height, animal behaviour and orientation. The potential operating ranges and extent to which signal strength can provide useful information may then limit BLE application in some scenarios as this will be highly affected by animal behaviour. However, the BLE system did demonstrated potential in identifying contact patterns and relationships amongst ewes and lambs, which could be used to monitor and identify both positive ewe-lamb relationships, as well as potential issues if ewe-lamb contacts deviated from an expected range based on the lambs age and breed. Adding BLE to a suite of sensors and data streams could potentially enhance and complement findings from this thesis
The utility of multimodal imaging platforms to identify antiviral inhibitors to influenza A virus infection
Get PDFGlobally, there are approximately one billion cases of influenza annually, including 3-5 million severe respiratory infections and over 290,000 fatalities. Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have historically caused multiple pandemics, and the continued spillover of highly pathogenic avian IAV into the human population poses a significant public health threat. The rapid development and deployment of effective therapeutics against IAV are crucial for pandemic preparedness. However, the emergence of drug-resistant IAV strains from the use of current antiviral inhibitors necessitates the development of new classes of inhibitors. Conventional in vitro antiviral screening assays predominantly rely on 2D immortalised cell lines, though they poorly reflect the microenvironment of the human lung and often demonstrate drug efficacy that does not translate well to complex animal models or clinical trials. Here, we employed primary human bronchial epithelial (HAEC-b) cells in both 2D and 3D culture systems to assess the efficacy of inhibitors against IAV using advanced imaging platforms. 2D antiviral screening assays revealed significant variability in inhibitor efficacy between immortalised canine kidney (MDCK) cells, immortalised primary human bronchial epithelial (HBEC3-KT) cells, and HAEC-b cells. Established IAV antivirals, favipiravir and oseltamivir, exhibited reduced efficacy in HBEC3-KT and HAEC-b cells relative to MDCK cells. Given that host directed antivirals are less likely to produce drug resistant mutants, we investigated the antiviral potential of epigenetic inhibitors. Two repurposed cancer drugs, CM272 and CM579, demonstrated inhibition of IAV replication across all cell types, achieving complete viral inhibition in HAEC-b cells at a concentration of 10 µM, whilst maintaining cell viability. Additionally, we established two 3D air-liquid interface (ALI) models by differentiating HAEC-b cells on novel bioprinted scaffolds and Transwell inserts. These models, combined with advanced imaging techniques, enabled us to visualise the spatial localisation of IAV replication within the native tissue architecture. Favipiravir was shown to inhibit IAV replication and alter the spatial distribution of viral populations, potentially in a donor-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of screening antiviral inhibitors in biologically relevant in vitro models and highlight the potential of repurposed epigenetic inhibitors as host-directed therapies against IAV
Identification of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, as a novel therapeutic agent in MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukaemia
No full textAbstract not currently available
Exploring the relationship between body composition, systemic inflammation, and outcomes in vascular surgical disease
Get PDFCardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, with a predicted increase in the future due to a range of demographic and social factors. Within this spectrum of illnesses, vascular surgical conditions are an important group of problems. The typical underlying pathophysiology is atherosclerosis, which has a well described risk factor profile. The disease entities which comprise the majority of vascular surgical practice are aortic aneurysm (AAA), chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive loss of skeletal mass and function (EWGSOP2 definition), has recently emerged as an important factor associated with a range of chronic illnesses. It has been evaluated as a potential prognostic factor, with the largest amount of evidence coming from patients with cancer. CT-derived body composition analysis (CT-BC) is a technique used to quantify sarcopenia through measurement of cross-sectional tissue areas, allowing muscle and fat indices to be derived and quantitatively analysed.
A key aetiological factor in the development of both cardiovascular disease and sarcopenia is the systemic inflammatory response (SIR). The SIR can be quantified using inflammation-based prognostic scoring systems, such as the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet:lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), both of which have been independently associated with inferior survival in patients with cancer.
In vascular surgical conditions, both sarcopenia as measured by CT-BC, and the SIR, are less widely reported than in other conditions. The aim of the present thesis was to describe the existing evidence base describing these factors, and evaluate their associations and potential prognostic value, in patients with AAA, CLTI, and CVD.
In chapter 2 the literature describing the potential prognostic role of CT-BC in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of AAA was reviewed, and on meta-analysis a clear association between low skeletal muscle mass and inferior survival outcomes was observed, however the existing studies had limited methodology.
In chapter 3, CT-BC parameters were evaluated in a multicentre cohort of patients undergoing EVAR for AAA. There was an independent association between low skeletal muscle index (SMI) and inferior survival outcomes in this cohort.
In chapter 4 the literature describing the association between elevated NLR and PLR and outcomes in patients undergoing intervention for AAA was reviewed. Elevated NLR and PLR were generally associated with inferior long-term survival., despite limitations in methodology observed.
In chapter 5 the NLR and mGPS were combined into the systemic inflammatory grade (SIG), which aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the SIR. There was an independent association between increasing SIG and inferior survival outcomes in patients undergoing intervention for AAA.
In chapter 6 Combining the factors of interest from chapters 3 and 5 in chapter 6 allowed for a description of the combined potential prognostic value of both CT-derived sarcopenia (as measured through CT-SS, a novel observation in this patient group) and the SIR (as measured through SIG). There was a marked observation of significantly inferior survival in patients with both low skeletal muscle mass/density and elevated SIG.
In chapter 7 a possible association between sarcopenia and inferior physiological fitness as assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPEX) was explored, with sarcopenia assessed using the CT-Sarcopenia Score (CT-SS), which combines muscle mass and density. There was no significant association between sarcopenia and CPEX parameters. compared to CPEX parameters, CT-SS demonstrated greater association with survival.
In chapter 8 patients undergoing intervention for AAA were compared to patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). The magnitude of the SIR and low skeletal muscle density (SMD) were more prevalent in patients with CRC, and there was an association between increasing age and decline in CT-BC parameters in both patient groups.
In chapter 9 the post-operative SIR was examined in relation to survival following both elective and emergency repair of AAA. Elevated day 3 CRP was associated with inferior survival outcomes in both the elective and emergency cohorts, though at different timepoints.
In chapter 10 the literature describing survival outcomes, disease severity, and technical success of intervention in patients with CLTI, in relation to NLR and PLR, was reviewed. Methodology was heterogenous in the 34 studies, however the majority of studies report an association between elevated NLR/PLR and the outcomes of interest.
In chapter 11 the effect of frailty (as measured by the clinical frailty score, CFS), CT-BC, and the SIR on survival in a cohort of patients with CLTI was described. CT-SS, mGPS, and CFS were independently associated inferior survival outcomes.
In chapter 12 the association between CT-BC, the SIR, and survival was described in a cohort of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid lesions. The SMD at C3 and elevated SIG were shown to be independently associated with inferior survival.
In chapter 13 the longitudinal change in CT-BC was investigated in patients undergoing intervention for AAA. A decline in both SMI and SMD was observed following intervention for AAA. The decline in SMD was of a greater magnitude than SMI. Statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of baseline low SMI.
In chapter 14 the cross sectional liver area was recorded in patients with AAA at baseline and at follow-up CT, and the association between survival and relationship to CT-BC parameters was tested. Low liver area was associated with inferior survival. There was a decline in liver area, but a preservation of liver density. CT-BC muscle parameters had a greater associated with survival than liver parameters.
The present thesis reports a multitude of novel observations which demonstrate an association between CT-BC, the SIR, and survival, as well as their associations, in patients with vascular surgical conditions. These results support the work performed in different conditions, and highlight the possible role of these factors in clinical risk prediction and patient selection
Gendered power dynamics and the development of Mammisi Temples in Ptolemaic Egypt: reading Cleopatra VII in context
No full textDespite the large body of research dedicated to the reign of Cleopatra VII in Egypt, little of it relies on evidence from Egypt during her reign as its primary source material. What little is referenced is often read out of context and used to prop up themes established by foreign authorship without consideration of potential conflict of interests held by the authors of these texts, or ethnocentric beliefs about Egypt and the Ptolemaic Period as a whole, which may alter both ancient and modern authors’ ability to interpret the information that is being discussed. For this study, I developed an intersectional approach to understanding gendered power dynamics as they developed in Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, their correlation with Cleopatra VII’s reign and method of rulership. This new approach focuses on establishing patterns in religious iconography sourced from Ptolemaic Mammisi Temples and utilizes new analytical tools to allow for a more dynamic discussion of themes of legitimacy, power, and gender which would in turn affect the politico-religious landscape during Cleopatra VII’s reign
Touching technologies: designing companion robots that feel real and provide comfort
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Mini/micro coil design and optimization for wearable and implantable magnetic stimulation
Get PDFThe first-generation magnetic stimulation technology, transcranial magnetic stimulation, has been successfully applied in various neurological disorders’ treatment. However, this technology’s limitation is enlarged with higher requirements of stimulation precision in nowadays and the next-generation invasive and nano-invasive magnetic stimulation technologies featuring precision and wearable/implantability are in urgent need of development. As new specialized coils are considered to be key factors for the future development of the next-generation magnetic stimulation methods. Novel coil design and efficient manufacturing will significantly accelerate the development of this field. For invasive magnetic stimulation, this project proposes a hypothesis to explain the questions remain in the selective stimulation mechanism and brings up three optimization routes which enhance the resolution and selectivity. Besides, innovative laser-assisted cleanroom manufacturing process is innovated, which reduced the fabrication period from weeks to days, and meanwhile enables biocompatible integration of traditional non-biocompatible metals (such as aluminum), thereby broadening material choices and reducing costs. For nano-invasive stimulation, this project first minimizes coil designs to cm scale with generating mT level magnetic field. There are two experimental designs explored here, planar coils, and slinky coils. Three planar coil fabrication methods, laser processing, ultra-thick lithography, and physical cutting are tested, optimized, and evaluated. Here, an alignment method of laser process is brought up, an optimized recipe of ultra-thick (over ninety micrometer) photoresist method is proposed, and a cheap fast cutting fabrication method is invented reducing the cost three to four orders of magnitude. On the other hand, the first successful miniaturization of slinky coils to the centimeter scale can achieve high-intensity magnetic fields and improved high-frequency performance with resonant circuit assistance. Overall, this thesis provides cutting-edge techniques for the development of non-invasive, invasive, and nano invasive magnetic stimulation technologies and explores the coils’ design and microfabrication methods for next-generation applications. Especially, the innovation in fabrication method brings much faster fabrication speed and much lower manufacturing cost, which builds a bridge between lab research and industry/clinical wide demand. The contributions will accelerate the development and application of next-generation magnetic stimulation technologies in daily life
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