3,975 research outputs found
Reformulating the rj-McMC Algorithm for 3D Inversion of Passive Seismic Data for Near-Surface Characterization
No full textGeophysical subsurface characterization techniques could, due to their non-invasive nature, play a crucial role in the design and subsequent construction of infrastructure in urban & industrial environ- ments. Geo-data specialist company Fugro sees potential in upgrading their current ambient-seismic- noise-tomography workflow, to make use of state-of-the-art inversion schemes with the main goal of increasing the quality and accuracy of the initial-site characterization delivered to clients. In this thesis I explore the feasibility of utilizing the reverse-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (rj-McMC) algorithm for the inversion of ambient seismic noise for characterization in urban & industrial environments. Specif- ically, testing the potential of scaling down this inversion algorithm to fit in a small scale, near-surface framework. To achieve this, I first carried out analyses to evaluate the appropriate Rayleigh wave frequency range, after which realistic noise hyperparameters, suited for this reduced scale problem, were obtained. Because of the potential exploitation of in-situ borehole measurements, I reformulated the Bayesian prior within the rj-McMC algorithm to implement these constraining shear wave velocity values appropriately. I conducted extensive synthetic experiments to gain insight into the behavior of this adapted algorithm, from which it was concluded that the inherent dynamic discretization partially prevents these constraints from being implemented to their full extent. Nevertheless, promising results lead me to conclude that the use of the rj-McMC algorithm for application in near-surface urban & industrial environments is feasible.Applied Geophysics | IDEA Leagu
The Cell Cycle Regulator Phosphorylated Retinoblastoma Protein Is Associated With Tau Pathology in Several Tauopathies
No full textThe aetiology and epidemiology of Perthes’ disease of the hip
No full textIntroduction: Perthes’ disease is an idiopathic osteonecrosis of a juvenile hip that frequently precipitates premature osteoarthritis. The year 2010 marked a century since Perthes’ disease was first described, but the aetiology and mechanism remain unknown. The incidence of Perthes’ disease varies widely, and it has been suggested that differential exposure to adverse socioeconomic circumstances may be a key precipitant. This work seeks to further the understanding of the distribution and determinants of Perthes’ disease, by exploring temporal and geographic patterns using a case register from Merseyside, discharge data from Scotland and the world’s largest community disease register. Analytical studies are then used to test hypotheses and investigate a disease mechanism.
Methods: The descriptive studies were based on data from the Merseyside Perthes’ Disease Register (1976 – 2008), the General Practice Research Database (1990 – 2008) and hospital discharge data for Scotland (2000 – 2009). A systematic review of the published literature was used to explore international variations in incidence.
Two case-control studies were used to test hypotheses. The first used a community population derived from the General Practice Research Database to investigate comorbid disease associations. The second used a hospital population to examine tobacco smoke exposure, anthropometric markers of prenatal androgenisation, hyperactivity and impaired endothelial function as a possible disease mechanism.
Results: There was a graduated North-South divide in the UK incidence of Perthes’ disease, with rates in Scotland more than twice those in London. All three descriptive studies demonstrated a sustained fall in disease frequency across the study periods. There was a marked association with area deprivation, which was independent of the urban environment. Internationally a North-South divide persisted with equatorial regions being relatively unaffected by disease, and Northern Europe having the highest disease incidence. The international disease distribution was primarily a function of race, although latitude remained an independent predictor of incidence.
Analytic studies revealed an association with congenital genitourinary tract anomalies and an association with asthma. There was no clinically apparent hyperactive tendency, though a more subtle abnormality in behavioural profiles was apparent.
Exposure to tobacco smoke was a notable risk factor for Perthes’ disease, which was independent of individual or area deprivation measures. Arterial caliber was reduced amongst cases with a corresponding generalised reduction in arterial flow, though endothelial function appeared normal.
Conclusions: Within the UK the incidence of Perthes’ disease is in decline. The geographic distribution suggests that variation in disease incidence is related principally to deprivation, though the underlying determinant(s) remain unclear. Latitude may hold an additional ‘risk’ in the disease aetiology, though the specific component(s) of latitude similarly remain unclear. Additional independent risk factors include sex, ethnicity, genitourinary disease and tobacco smoke exposure. Factors acting early in the development of the child appear to offer important insights into the disease aetiology, with particular interest on the influence of prenatal sex hormones. Reduced arterial caliber may have a role in the disease mechanism, and wider implications to vascular health. The aetiological factor in Perthes’ disease remains elusive, but it is likely that unraveling this enigma will unlock additional secrets relating to the fetal origins of diseases
Clowns, Fools, and Killers: An Exploration of Horror, Comedy, and Madness Through the Roles of Murderer 2 and Sir Richard Ratcliffe in William Shakespeare\u27s Richard III
No full textThis document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Musical Theatre. It is a detailed account of author RJ Magee’s artistic and scholarly process in creating the roles of Murderer 2 and Sir Richard Ratcliffe in William Shakespeare’s Richard III. The production was performed as part of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s mainstage season in October of 2022. In five chapters, this thesis chronicles the actor’s process: a preproduction analysis, a historical and critical perspective, a rehearsal and performance journal, a post-production analysis, and a process development analysis. Appendices and works cited are included
Commentary on Professor Sutton's paper
No full textThe author provides commentary on Professor Sutton's paper presented in the symposium on Family Property, Law and Policy found in this issue of the Victoria University of Wellington Law Review (RJ Sutton "Law Commission succession project: Communal family property?" (1995) 25 VUWLR 53). The commentary comes from discussions with a group of six practitioners drawn from both family law litigators and property lawyers interested in family property matters. The article first discusses how the concept of communal property can earn legitimacy. The author then agrees with Professor Sutton in that New Zealand does not have a dynastic approach to property, as well as noting the broader definition of "family" adopted in New Zealand. The author believes that, increasingly, there will be a trend that the larger part of the wealth of more substantial testators will not find its way into the probated estate of that testator. It is concluded that the concept of communal family property is a useful analytical technique in consideration of new succession law regimes, but would caution against a reform structure which is driven by desire for pure application of this philosophy
Radiation-induced root surface caries restored with glass-ionomer cement placed in conventional and ART cavity preparations: Results at two years
No full textThe document attached has been archived with permission from the Australian Dental Association (8th Jan 2008). An external link to the publisher’s copy is included.Background: There are no published studies comparing the clinical performances of more-viscous glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restorations when placed using conventional and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) cavity preparation methods to restore root surface caries. Methods: One dentist used encapsulated Fuji IX GP and Ketac-Molar to restore 72 conventional and 74 ART cavity preparations for 15 patients who had received cervicofacial radiation therapy. Two assessors evaluated the restorations at six, 12, and 24 months for retention, marginal defects and surface wear, and recurrent caries. Results: After two years, the cumulative restoration successes were 65.2 per cent for the conventional and 66.2 per cent for the ART cavity preparations, without statistical or clinical significance (P>0.50). Restoration dislodgement accounted for 82.8 per cent and marginal defects for 17.2 per cent of all failures. There were no instances of unsatisfactory restoration wear or recurrent caries observed. Teeth with three or more restored cervical surfaces accounted for 79.3 per cent of all failures (P<0.0001). Conclusions: For root surface caries restored with GIC, the use of hand instruments only with the ART method was an equally effective alternative to conventional rotary instrumentation for cavity preparation. Larger restorations had higher failures, usually from dislodgement.JY Hu, XC Chen, YQ Li, RJ Smales and KH Yi
Paediatric use of melatonin (Author reply to D. J. Kennaway).
No full textComment on
Paediatric use of melatonin. [Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2015]
Current role of melatonin in pediatric neurology: clinical recommendations. [Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2015
Códigos culturais e processos de recepção aplicados a campanhas comportamentais: um estudo de caso da comunicação do Detran RJ
No full textO impacto da publicidade sobre seu público depende dos códigos culturais e psicológicos de seus receptores. Os autores da Teoria da Recepção apontam para esse fato, evidenciando o caráter ativo e interpretativo das leituras das mensagens. As campanhas de incentivo às mudanças de comportamento visam mais do que alterar hábitos de consumo de bens e serviços ou gerar uma preferência de marca. Através delas os anunciantes propõem uma mudança nos hábitos e, em alguma medida, nos valores de seu público-alvo. Devido a isso, sua eficácia implica condições ainda mais complexas. O objetivo deste trabalho é, a partir das ideias de alguns dos principais autores que discutem os processos de recepção, como Paul Lazarsfeld, Robert Merton, Nestor Canclini, Umberto Eco, Gilberto Velho e Jesús Martín Barbero, realizar um estudo de caso da comunicação do Detran RJ utilizada entre maio de 2007 e o aumento sensível da fiscalização no trânsito, em junho de 2008. Essas campanhas, que alertavam para os riscos do trânsito, principalmente relacionados ao efeito do álcool, tinham como objetivo promover uma onda de reeducação de motoristas e conscientizar a população no sentido de evitar e diminuir o número de tragédias. No entanto, seu efeito não foi satisfatório e foi necessária a alteração na legislação, com a criação da chamada Lei Seca e uma fiscalização imensamente maior para que os cariocas alterassem o seu comportamento. Visado entender que fatores influem no sucesso ou insucesso de campanhas dessa natureza e discutir o poder de influência da publicidade, esse estudo analisa os dois polos da relação de comunicação. Em um primeiro momento, faz uma análise do processo de criação da campanha do Detran através de entrevistas com os responsáveis pela campanha e, posteriormente, investiga sua recepção junto a jovens cariocas de camadas médias
Perceived credibility and eyewitness testimony of children with intellectual disabilities
No full textBackground: Although children with intellectual disabilities (ID) often provide accurate witness testimony, jurors tend to perceive their witness statements to be inherently unreliable.
Method: The current study explored the free recall transcripts of child witnesses with ID who had watched a video clip, relative to those of typically developing (TD) age-matched children, and assessed how mock jurors perceived these transcripts in the absence of knowledge of group (ID or TD) membership. A further aim of this research was to determine whether perceptions of credibility were associated with levels of free recall and witness characteristics (anxiety and mental age).
Results: Mock jurors rated the testimony of children with ID as less credible than that of a TD age-matched comparison group. This was largely because of the transcripts of the children with ID containing fewer details than those of the TD children. Anxiety and mental age were found to have no effect on perceived levels of credibility.
Conclusions: It appears that even in the absence of knowledge of whether a child does or does not have ID, this factor still affects perceptions of credibility among mock jurors. Our findings suggest that fundamental differences in the quality of the witness transcripts lead to lower perceptions of credibility for children with ID
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